04/11/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch

APRIL 11, 2025

SLOWLY BUT SURELY

Fire Chief Bowers out indefinitely

Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers informed department and fire company personnel he will be out on medical leave for an undetermined amount of time. City officials have not elaborated. In the meantime, an internal change in leadership has taken place. — PAGE 3

School superintendent finalists named

With the early interviews over, the board of education has narrowed its search for a superintendent to Dr. Annette Wallace of the local school system and Baltimore County’s Dr. Monique Wheatley-Phillip. — PAGE 10

It isn’t just trash county workers have to clean up, even a boat has been left at the roadside. — PAGE 12

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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Fire chief takes leave due to health issues, status unsure

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) Ocean City Fire Department Chief Richie Bowers is out indefinitely due to medical issues, with no information given on his return.

The announcement came publicly during last Friday’s budget meeting, when City Manager Terry McGean told members of the City Council that Bowers was on medical leave and would not be presenting the fire department’s proposed spending plan for the coming year.

Bowers also shared the news in a message to career and volunteer firefighters, according to multiple sources, although he did not specify the nature of his situation or the timetable for his return.

On April 6, two days after the budget meeting, the fire chief listed his West Ocean City residence for sale, fueling speculation that he will not continue in his position.

When asked this week about the chief’s absence, McGean declined to elaborate. However, he said Fire Marshal Josh Bunting would serve as acting fire chief, with Joe Sexauer filling Bunting’s role as acting fire marshal.

“I have no other comments at this time,” he said.

In June of 2019, following the retirement of Chris Larmore earlier that year, the city selected Bowers as the department’s next fire chief. During the search, Bowers reportedly rose to the top of the candidate pool, which included more than 70 applicants.

Prior to his employment with the Town of Ocean City, Bowers served as fire chief in Fairfax County, Virginia. He had also been a longtime member of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, where he served in every career rank from firefighter/EMT to fire chief.

Last week’s news comes in the midst of reported turmoil between command staff and the city’s fire union, IAFF Local 4269.

In December of 2023, the union filed a grievance with Bowers, claiming the fire department failed to provide employees with the proper uniforms and safety equipment needed to do their jobs. In the months that followed, the complaint escalated to the city manager’s office and to the City Council, which questioned Bowers on the union’s complaints last fall. While Bowers ac-

knowledged that employees did not have everything they needed, he said efforts are underway to purchase and distribute the necessary gear.

The union also took to social media in February to share additional concerns related to building maintenance and ambulance equipment. McGean reported that officials were aware of the issues and were working to address them.

Bowers’ medical leave also comes two months after he announced he was restructuring the Ocean City Fire Department. As part of that effort, he told the City Council at the time that certain positions would be reclassified, while others would have new roles and responsibilities.

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Fire Chief Richie Bowers is pictured being sworn into his role by Mayor Rick Meehan.

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Maintenance initiatives planned for the city

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) Several maintenance projects will advance in Ocean City following a unanimous vote of the City Council.

On Tuesday, City Manager Terry McGean presented the Ocean City Council with the proposed capital improvement plan (CIP) for fiscal year 2026. As part of the plan, nine pay-asyou-go projects will be funded with reserves.

“As always, this is a planning document,” he told the council, “although at budget time, we do ask you to make some decisions with our pay-as-you-go projects. So that will be part of this presentation.”

While a full capital improvement plan update – complete with spreadsheets and project rankings – is sched-

uled to take place in fiscal year 2026, McGean told council members on Tuesday he was only presenting a partial update. Without a city engineer to spearhead the CIP process, he said staff decided to forego the extensive update this year.

“Our goal is to do a full [update] next year,” he said.

To that end, McGean this week provided a brief highlight of capital projects planned for the coming fiscal year, which starts July 1. Among those projects, he said, are nine maintenance projects to be funded with capital reserves.

“This year what we’re proposing –and this is the approval that we’ll ask for today – is the FY26 requested pay-as-

you-go projects,” he said. “Again, as I mentioned in our budget introduction, they are all really maintenance-related.”

Included in the list of pay-as-you-go projects, McGean said, is the demolition of the post office building on 5th Street. He said the area will be cleared to expand the 4th Street parking lot.

The list also includes funding for street paving, canal dredging, storm drain cleaning and Northside Park improvements. McGean also highlighted planned improvements to city hall and the Worcester Street comfort station.

“There’s $200,000 to renovate the second floor of the Worcester Street comfort station,” he explained, “to turn that into our, sort of, special events substation command center.”

In total, McGean said $2.2 million in pay-as-you-go projects would be funded through the city’s capital reserve account. After a brief discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the pay-as-you-go projects for fiscal year 2026 and to transfer money out of capital reserves to fund those projects.

McGean this week also presented the City Council with a list of bond-funded projects. The CIP includes $2.87 million for the construction of an airport hangar, $775,000 for the reconstruction of the Ocean City Racquet Center site, and $8.1 million for land acquisition related to the planned sports complex.

“Eight million dollars of that is the land acquisition for the sports complex, which actually we propose would be funded through the increase in room tax,” McGean said. “So the impact on the general fund budget is not quite as severe as what’s shown on here when we look at the existing tax rates.”

Two finalists chosen for superintendent role

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) Worcester County Public Schools is narrowing its superintendent search. Two finalists, one of whom would be an internal hire, were announced by the educational system this week.

The next Worcester County superintendent of schools has come down to two candidates: Annette Wallace, a current Worcester employee, and Monique Wheatley-Phillip of Baltimore County. According to a press release issued by the school system, the finalists will participate in a “Day in the District” later this month, where

they will meet with local officials, interview with panels of central office leaders, principals, teachers, support staff, business leaders, parents, and community leaders, have lunch with students, and eat dinner and talk with the board of education.

The release adds that the board hopes to choose the next superintendent this month. A vote to appoint the hiree will likely occur in May, and the new position holder would begin on July 1.

Wallace is a graduate of WCPS, a former principal of Pocomoke High School from 2012 to 2018, and currently serves as the chief safety officer and academic officer for grades nine through 12 in Worcester County.

According to the school system’s announcement, Wallace doubled AP (advanced placement) enrollment “while significantly improving student pass rates” as PHS principal and created Project 100 to improve access to post-secondary education. The educator was named chief operating officer in 2018.

“Since her appointment to chief operating officer, Wallace has demonstrated leadership in school construction, food services, technology, special education, all academic content areas, human resources, and student services,” the press release reads. “She holds degrees in mathematics, school leadership, and educational leadership, is actively involved in her community, and has presented as a thought leader at local, state, and national education conferences.”

Wheatley-Phillip has also been named a finalist for the WCPS superintendent job. She is a former Baltimore County Public Schools Division Chief of Research, Accountability, and Assessment, where she supervised the “development of the eight-year strategic plan, which identified annual goals and specific targets for the system.”

“A strategic thinker and planner who understands the importance of collaboration and gaining consensus, Wheatley-Phillip’s expertise in the use of evidence-based instructional practices and data analytics narrowed achievement gaps and increased performance across student groups,” the county’s announcement said.

Currently, the candidate works as a consulting administrator of school operations. In this role, Wheatley-Phillip supports schools by managing the utilization of $11 million of extracurricular and co-curricular activity funds. She also handles $7 million in Title II grant funds to support educator development.

Wheatley-Phillip’s educational experience spans over 30 years. During that time, she spent 17 years in Title I schools as a classroom and special education resource teacher. Additionally, the finalist holds degrees in education and certificates in leadership and reading.

In 2018, Wheatley-Phillip was named one of three finalists to replace the outgoing superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools. An article from

Cecil Whig at that time noted that the candidate’s experience included working as a Spanish teacher, a K-6 general educator, and a middle school English/ language arts teacher.

She also served as a principal for a decade in three different assignments in Harford County and as an assistant superintendent and executive director for Baltimore County Public Schools.

The candidate selected to take over as superintendent of WCPS will be announced later this spring.

“The search process to find a new educational leader in Worcester County has been a top priority for this board,” WCPS Board of Education President Todd Ferrante said in the press release. “We are pleased with our progress in the search so far, and we are excited to announce our two highly qualified finalists…We look forward to making a final decision soon and helping our new superintendent create a vision and plan for transitioning into this leadership role.”

The search for a new school system leader follows current position holder Lou Taylor’s retirement announcement in January. Taylor opted not to seek a renewed four-year term and instead ended his 41-year career in education. He remarked at the board of education meeting where he announced his retirement that his “entire life has been intertwined with [WCPS].”

Taylor grew up in the county, was a physical education teacher at Berlin Middle School, now known as Berlin Intermediate School, and was promoted to assistant principal before moving to Stephen Decatur High School as an assistant principal. He eventually took over as principal for SDHS. After 17 years leading the high school, Taylor served as a chief operating officer. He was named superintendent in 2016 and signed a new four-year contract in 2021 at an annual salary of $210,000.

Following Taylor’s retirement decision, which will be effective June 30, the board of education enlisted help from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) to conduct the new superintendent search process.

The press release notes that public input was gathered to aid the efforts in February. Participants were asked to describe the characteristics they sought in a new superintendent, which included being an ethical and decisive leader, an effective communicator, a consensus builder, and an experienced instructional and operational leader. The job posting listed a minimum salary of $195,000.

“The finalists will participate in extensive interviews on April 22 and 23 with various stakeholder groups,” the WCPS press release said. “These groups will provide input to the board as it prepares to choose a new super-

Annette Wallace Monique Wheatley-Phillip

Worcester reports spike in discarded roadside rubbish

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) Here’s a trashy new trend in Worcester County: officials say the amount of large-scale rubbish items found discarded on rural roads is suddenly and steeply on the rise.

“It’s not like we’re collecting a lot more trash bags or Walmart bags,” said Public Works Director Dallas Baker. “We’re picking up refrigerators, washing machines, tires that people dump down some of our back dirt roads. We’re just seeing the tonnage go up.”

In fiscal year 2023 (from July 1 to June 30), the public works roads division collected 40.5 tons of rubbish, according to Baker. For the 2024 fiscal year, trash collected leapt to 53.2 tons. As of March 17, crews already have collected that same amount, 53 tons, with more than three months still remaining in fiscal year 2025.

Clearing clutter and castoffs costs money. The public works department budgets $3,500 a year for the $80per-ton tipping fee at the county landfill. Baker said it was last November when his team realized they’d soon blow that budget and went to county leaders for another $1,500.

“So, we got the approval to overspend,” he said Tuesday, “but then, come last month, we’re looking at the budget again and we’re like – we’re gonna overspend even what we asked to overspend.”

As a result, the Worcester County Commissioners on April 1 agreed to waive tipping fees in perpetuity for the total roadside litter collected by the roads division. The department will still track how much litter is collected because any waste taken to the landfill still has to go across the scales. The landfill takes in about 700 to 800 tons a week in refuse.

It’s a fraction in savings for public works, which has a $5.8 million budget, but it will keep the depart-

ment from having to go back and continue asking the commissioners for budget increases, “because it’s really just the county charging itself at that point,” Baker said.

Where’s all this debris and detritus coming from? Baker said it’s possible that some of this is what he called “accidental littering” – when bagged garbage falls off the back of a pickup truck, or when the wind catches that McDonald’s bag in the back seat of your car and sends it out the window.

The county maintains about 550 miles of road, and 50 of those are dirt roads. Baker said the roads division doesn’t seek litter, but when found, crews make a note of its location and then send someone to retrieve it.

Overall, public works hasn’t seen any dumping hotspots in particular. Rather, drivers discard rubbish on lesstraveled backroads and wooded deadends, in areas typically unseen by the public. Only when other drivers call it in are crews notified for pickup.

“Residents, as they’re driving around, the citizens of Worcester County are our best eyes and ears,” Baker said.

One of those citizens is Andy Blizzard of Berlin, a co-founder of an environmental group called Restore the Shore, whose members occasionally meet to pick up litter on roads. He agreed that there’s an increase in debris discarded on local roads in the Berlin area, like Holly Grove Road and Sinepuxent Road.

“As far as the backroads, I don’t know what’s wrong with people,” he said. “It’s like they use it as a racetrack and landfill.”

In addition to entire bags of garbage, Blizzard said he’s found discarded furniture, mattresses, television sets, and more.

“Then, just like your regular everyday fast food,” he added. “They get the fast food, put everything in the bag, and then when they’re done,

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCHB

Used mattresses and a flat-screen television are pictured along Sinepuxent Road in Worcester County.

Officials warn of illegal dumping

Continued from Page 12

launch the entire bag out the window. When it hits the ground, everything flies out the bag.”

For drivers, Blizzard encourages people to keep their trash inside the car and wait until they find a trash receptacle at a gas station, fast food restaurant, or convenience store.

“I mean, trash cans are everywhere. It’s really unfortunate that people don’t use them,” he said. “How can you live with yourself knowing you’re just destroying your own community?”

When it comes to state roads, the State Highway Administration’s shop in Worcester County has picked up and removed 29 truckloads of garbage and debris from roadways since July. It’s a “significant increase” in trash pickup since SHA returned to regular operations after the COVID19 pandemic, but does not represent a year-over-year increase, according to SHA spokesman Danny Allman.

Baker surmised that when it comes to big-ticket items that get dumped on county roads – including an actual boat, which public works recently located abandoned on Sims

Road near the Delaware line – people likely don’t want to pay the landfill fees.

Dumping trash on the road is, of course, against the law. In Worcester County, littering is a civil infraction punishable of a fine up to $500.

County code also says if two or more items bearing a person’s name or other identifying factors are found among illegally dumped garbage, then police can consider it primary evidence of who’s responsible – and yes, Baker said his people will absolutely open trash bags to look for envelopes, mail, or other identifiers.

In the last three years, the sheriff’s office has issued 75 citations for littering, plus another six citations were issued this year.

It’s worth noting that state and county roads are also full of signage, reminding drivers not to litter. Baker said those have proven at this point to be not particularly effective.

“You know, if you’re willing to throw trash out your window, or do some type of illegal dumping, a message about ‘don’t be a litter bug’ – you know, I don’t know that that message resonates,” he said.

Route 90 to close for night road maintenance project

(April 11, 2025) The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will close a nearly 12-mile section of Route 90 between Route 50 and Coastal Highway for maintenance work starting Sunday, April 13.

Crews will work overnight until the expected completion on Thursday, April 17, weather permitting.

The work will begin on Sunday night and continue for four days from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. During the work periods, motorists will be directed to continue along Route 50 to down-

town Ocean City to Coastal Highway. Drivers should add approximately 30 minutes to their commute during the maintenance work.

The work includes guardrail repair, patching on all bridges, drainage inlet cleaning for improved highway drainage and debris removal.

In a statement, it was said, “The State Highway Administration works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits as well as other traffic pattern changes.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Public works crews in Worcester County recently located an abandoned boat on Sims Road, near the Maryland-Delaware line.

School system staff present $145M budget

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) Raising teacher salaries to meet a state legislative mandate is a key focus of the Worcester County Board of Education’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget, which was presented this week before county leaders.

The school board’s proposed operating budget of $145 million includes a county appropriation of about $116 million and aligns with the county’s expectation of receiving millions of dollars in new revenue from property and income taxes.

Speaking Tuesday before the Worcester County Commissioners, Superintendent Lou Taylor said the budget reflects a hard-won agreement between the Board of Education and the Worcester County Education Association. It fulfills both a $4,000 pay raise for teachers and makes progress toward implementing a state-mandated starting salary.

Salaries are the largest portion of this year’s budget, totaling roughly $57 million, or 40% of spending.

Other budget priorities included maintaining staffing levels, holding to smaller class sizes, offering cuttingedge technological tools, and making investments in special education and multi-lingual resources, Taylor said.

“Funding these mandates is the No. 1 priority within our budget request, and it has to be,” he said. “Our school system is not immune to the nationwide shortage of quality educators and support professionals. Our ability to provide a competitive compensation package is the key to being able to recruit, hire, and most importantly, retain the best of the best for our students.”

The school board is working toward compliance with the state’s landmark educational legislation,

known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. It says new teachers statewide must be paid a minimum $60,000 by the 2027-28 school year.

First-year teachers in Worcester County are now paid $52,789. Tolbert said this year’s budget puts the 202526 year starting salary at $56,789. That would increase by $4,000 in each of the next two years to be in compliance with the Blueprint’s minimums.

The school system will be turning over 43 certified teacher positions, whose replacements would mostly earn that new starting salary, according to Human Resources Director Dwayne Abt.

“And then next year, it’ll happen again, because we usually have about 40 or 50 certified teachers turning over,” Abt told the commissioners Tuesday. “The savings we find, hopefully, is when folks are retiring.”

Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert said the county’s $116 million

share of the school budget – an amount that represents about 44% of all county spending – comes in at $200,000 less than what had been requested in recent weeks, the result of the school system winning a grant to cover after school and summer school programs.

Proposed revenue includes $27.4 million in state funding, a $1.5 million increase over last year, as well as outof-district tuition ($130,000), interest ($200,000), and cell tower leases ($145,000).

Other revenue requests of the county include $43,000 toward new GPS software for school buses, $180,000 in school construction, and $930,000 in retirement expenses. Also included in the revenue projection is $567,011 carried over from the prior year’s budget.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) asked Tolbert about the possibility that federal government funding would be withheld

this year. Tolbert confirmed this, saying the school system was notified that last week it won’t receive $512,000 in federal funds – which might eat up the $567,011 expected to carry over from the prior year’s budget.

To this, Taylor spoke up, saying he learned in a conference call Monday with other state school superintendents that federal funding may not be gone after all.

“There’s things in place that –that’s not definite 100% for sure yet,” he said.

“Well, you know,” Mitrecic responded, “I’m a half empty type of guy, so I’m gonna tell ya, it’s not coming.”

Other major budget categories include fixed charges like medical care and payroll tax ($33.6 million), special education ($14.6 million), instructional support services ($10 million) as well as transportation ($8 million) and physical operations ($9.9 million).

Tolbert also said that there was some talk that, in the future, the state might shift the burden of the local share of teacher pensions onto counties, which he said could come from the Board of Education budget and not necessarily the county’s general fund. For Worcester, that amount would be approximately $672,000, Tolbert said.

Legal costs in this budget are $30,000 more than last year, which led Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) to ask why.

Tolbert replied that higher-thanexpected legal fees were incurred last year when schools consulted heavily with attorneys on matters of school safety, prompting a higher line item for this year. Attorneys also are consulted on an ongoing basis about policy changes coming down from the state and federal level, he said.

When presented with a $1.5 million line item for budgeted health services, Commissioner Caryn Abbott

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Superintendent Lou Taylor, left, and Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante are pictured before the Worcester County Commissioners during this week’s budget presentation.

Officials question spending plan

(District 1, Southern) wanted more detail.

“Under the medical, what are we buying that costs that much? I mean, are we talking school nurses?” asked Abbott, a nurse by trade. “Are you including, like, the trainer?”

Tolbert replied that medical costs may include nursing supplies or statemandated epinephrine pens, among others. Bandages, gauze, and athletic tape also may factor into medical costs, said Annette Wallace, chief safety officer, who noted that athletic supplies are not part of insurance billing.

Not only that, but sports teams busing to away games have to bring a full medical kit that also includes the opioid reversal drug Narcan, noted Abt, saying “our costs over time have really increased in those areas.”

Commissioners President Ted Elder (District 4, Western) wanted to know how WCPS was going to pay for GPS tracking software for school buses, under the brand name Zonar. Tolbert said the school system applied for a grant to cover all or part of the estimated $42,098 cost but hasn’t heard back. Abt said the software is a preferred product because it interfaces well with WCPS software.

Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) thanked school leaders for their diligent budget preparation.

“As someone that was really, really critical of the budget process over the last couple years, your changes, your improvements – it reflects. I can tell how much work that is, and I really appreciate it. Going through this year’s budget was tremendously easier. I had a lot less questions,” he said.

The budget presentation ended with a question by Commissioner Abbott, who asked school leaders what their plan was for complying with President Donald Trump’s executive order that pushes so-called DEI initiatives out of public education.

“I think that we can get results if we just get back to just teaching – get all the political agendas out of our schools,” said Abbott.

Wallace responded by saying any federal mandates would pass down to Worcester County through the Maryland State Department of Education, or MSDE.

“They will adjust what they need to adjust, and we follow state law. That will work its way through the levels of government and then we’ll follow what the law says,” she said.

Overall, the county’s $284.6 million operating budget comes in at $22.6 million more than last year, or a 9% increase. Higher statewide property tax assessments created about $18 million in expected new revenue for the county.

Worcester sheriff seeks starting salary increase

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) Worcester County’s top cop is telling elected officials at budget time that he needs to increase starting deputy pay so his office can stay regionally competitive with hiring.

“Our current salary does not expose our office to the best-qualified candidates,” Sheriff Matt Crisafulli told the Worcester County Commissioners at Tuesday’s departmental budget hearing. “When an agency has the ability to have a selection process that is highly competitive, due to a high volume of applicants, the best will rise to the top.”

According to Crisafulli, results of a recently conducted salary study among mid-Atlantic police agencies showed that the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office “ranked near the bottom” for rookies, 15year pay, and maximum pay. Those hiring competitors, he said, are “all buying from the same applicant pool.”

Starting deputy salaries should be competitive enough to retain current staff and attract qualified applicants – but not so low that he’d have to come back too quickly for another future fiscal year request, he said.

Crisafulli, who was elected in 2018, added that the cost to hire new deputy sheriffs will increase “tremendously” if the issue isn’t addressed during this fiscal year, and doing so likely would decrease staff turnover.

“Every day when my men and women pin the badge on their uniform, they carry an unimaginable weight, not because they have to – it’s because they were called to,” Crisafulli told the commissioners.

“Bravery is not a hashtag, and sacrifice is not a trend. Our men and women do this, not for the applause, but because that’s who they are. They love our community and I thank God that we still have men and women that want to be in this noble profession,” he added.

However, the sheriff on Wednesday declined to disclose the exact starting salary figure he’s seeking. He also said the commissioners are aware of the salary range he’s seeking but doesn’t want to make that public until the budget is finalized.

Several more budget sessions will be held between county departments and the County Commissioners. The fiscal year 2026 budget is scheduled to be adopted June 3.

Crisafulli’s remarks came during an opening round of budget review for the county’s fiscal year 2026. County budget documents show the sheriff is asking the county to provide $20.4 million for expenditures, a $3.4 million increase over last year.

One budget request includes adding two new positions, a lieutenant and a civilian forensic technician, as well as converting two part-time civilian roles into full-time ones.

The sheriff’s office currently staffs 123 people, including 85 full-time and 10 part-time sworn deputies, as well as a team of five animal control staffers.

Increased sheriff’s office revenue budgeted for FY 26 includes “paper service,” where the department is compensated for serving court papers which are paid for by the defendant. The budget calls for an estimated $35,000 in paper service revenue, a $10,000 increase over last year.

Another $115,000 in budgeted revenue includes “contractual services,” where the sheriff’s office collects revenue when deputies are available to work on private property. Clients of the agency’s contractual services include Walmart, Sun Outdoors, Corrigan Sports, and the Worcester County Board of Education.

Security services would yield budgeted revenue of approximately $17,250 for Ocean Downs Casino outside Ocean Pines, and $50,000 for Ocean City nightclub Seacrets, documents show.

Expected revenue from Seacrets will be down $40,000 this year, Crisafulli added, because the nightclub now employs a private company for overnight shifts. The sheriff said this began when his agency increased their hourly billing rate.

Another major revenue hit for the agency will be a drop of $50,000 in expected state and federal grants, a decrease of 35% over the prior year, the sheriff said.

Expenses for the sheriff’s office in-

clude $55,000 to partially fund the purchase of a forensic camera and a pneumatic breach tool, $12,000 to replace a fingerprinting machine, and a budgeted $52,000 increase in fuel costs.

Other expenses include $6,000 for K9 training to accommodate rising training and certification costs for five dogs, as well as $5,000 in educational training; the sheriff said his team has shown increased interest in professional development and educational training for both sworn and support staff.

Buying 10 new vehicles is also included in this budget. Seven are replacements for vehicles nearing the end of their useful life, including five Chevy Tahoe SUVs, a Chevy Impala, and a Ford F-150 for animal control. Vehicle purchases total approximately $586,000, according to publicly available county budget documents.

Some expenses are down in fiscal 2026, Crisafulli also said. This includes a savings of about $8,500 for books and publications that are now available online; a $6,000 drop in office supplies; and $15,000 less in vehicle repairs (to pair with a better-value car insurance policy, he noted).

Tech and IT costs also are down including a budget drop of $17,610 for computers and printers; $15,000 less for software licensing; and $5,000 less for software maintenance agreements.

Lower shore legislators reflect on session

Despite budgetary, energy bill concerns, lawmakers pleased with 2025 session

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) The Lower Shore’s two representatives in Annapolis reported a successful session for local districts while expressing concern overall about how state leaders handled Maryland’s budget woes.

For Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C, Worcester), one bill he introduced that garnered the most attention this session – perhaps, the most he’s ever had in seven years as a delegate – did not pass as written but ended up becoming law anyway: the much-heralded Orange Crush bill of 2025.

House Bill 1001 would have made

the Orange Crush the official Maryland state cocktail. It passed unanimously in the House of Delegates, but stalled in the Senate.

Meanwhile, in the opposite chamber, another senator pushed to pass a bill making chromite the state mineral, a cause championed for years by a Bethesda teenager who ended up with his own 15 minutes of media attention.

Because the bills were both about state symbols, Hartman in the very closing minutes of the legislative session was permitted to tack onto that bill an amendment which literally imported the contents of his bill.

With moments to go before the clock struck midnight, ending the session, the bill passed – and the Orange Crush still became the official state cocktail, effective July 1.

“As long as we got it done, that’s the important thing,” said Hartman. “There was a lot of enthusiasm when I stood to offer the amendment. People had an idea of where I was going with it. To summarize, I said, we’re not going to let the Senate ‘crush’ our enthusiasm. And everybody knew what I was doing.”

Beyond that, just one of the six bills sponsored this session by Hartman passed into law, an effort that allows out-of-state RV dealers to show but not sell at the OC RV Show.

Hartman also mentioned being alarmed by another package of legislation that came through in the final days of the session: a trio of energy bills that, in part, allow greater state control of where solar panels can be placed and weakens local oversight.

Eastern Shore delegation did together. We used our different committee assignments to do everything we could to protect the shore or to point out how proposed policy and budget would be especially damaging to the shore,” she said.

The legislature passed a balanced $67 billion budget by cutting millions in state spending and enacting new revenue streams, including a business tax on data and IT services that’s expected to generate $500 million, as well as new tax brackets for high earners.

Carozza also said she supported an alternative approach to budget cuts that would have included freezing state agency hiring, putting a hold on state employee pay raises, and considered 5% across-the-board reductions in all state agencies and departments.

The result, Hartman said, is that the Lower Eastern Shore’s flat, cheap, agricultural land may be the target of unwelcome solar farm development of solar, as the state pushes forward with a goal of 30,000 acres of solar statewide.

“I’m really concerned about disrupting grain. We need grain for our poultry business. We need to keep farming away on the Shore. The other side is it takes away local control. It’s just kind of egregious to me, but that’s what they did,” Hartman said.

Meanwhile, on the Senate side, Ocean City native Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38, Worcester) ended 2025 Legislative Session celebrating a few wins of her own. Out of 20 bills she put forth in the hopper this session, six passed into law.

Two of those are local to Somerset County (a pay raise for legislators and a new emergency services tax), one is a bat conservation bill, and another alters continuing education requirements for licensed real estate agents and brokers.

Carozza said going into the session, every lawmaker knew that the state’s budget crisis – a $3.3 billion revenue shortfall – would be the focus.

“I’m very proud of the work our

She was also critical of the state’s landmark education reform plan, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and sponsored an amendment that would have paused the Blueprint for the next two fiscal years – “the bottom line being,” she said, “we simply do not have the funding.”

Carozza’s been in the Senate seven years. Before that she served for a term in the House of Delegates; Hartman, a former Ocean City councilman, took her House seat when she was elected to the Senate. As a delegate, Carozza saw three bills passed in her first two years. In her final two years in the House, none of her 15 sponsored bills passed.

However, according to Carozza, sometimes a failed bill from one 90day session lays the groundwork for a win in the future. Policy work is nuanced.

“To me, I don’t care as long as it gets done,” she said.

“It’s a heavy lift to be on the Eastern Shore delegation and be so outnumbered,” Carozza added. “We have to use our relationships with different members of leadership to work together and protect our Shore priorities.”

Judge Kent stepping down from bench after 7 years

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) Judge Peggy Kent, Worcester County’s first and only woman to serve as a circuit court judge, has formally retired from service after seven years on the bench.

“It was a wonderful honor when the governor first appointed me and I was mindful that it was a milestone of sorts,” Kent said Tuesday. “Now we have Judge (Cathi) Coates on the District Court bench and there are women judges in Wicomico (County), too. But for Worcester, it was a wonderful step forward, in my opinion.”

Maryland judges are required to retire at age 70, a milestone Kent hit last month. However, she’ll continue to sit cases in Snow Hill as a substitute, and

setting her own schedule, until her replacement is named.

“I am gladly sitting as a senior judge, and am scheduled most days here in Worcester County. I’m trying to keep my retirement as low-key as possible, and truly, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to keep working,” she said.

Kent said she’s excited by the prospect of spending time with her grown daughters and her first grandchild in retirement.

“I keep thinking I’ll pick up a golf club again,” she said with a laugh. “We’ll see. I’m still feeling my way. The whole idea of retirement feels a little surreal, but it’s coming. The actual leaving part, leaving my office and cleaning out my office, that’ll be interesting. Probably a little emotional.”

“It’s been the best job in the world,” she added. “Very, very grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Gov. Larry Hogan promoted Kent to the bench in 2018. Before that, she served as a magistrate in family court for almost 22 years.

In Maryland’s court system, a magistrate is not a judge but is vested with the authority to conduct hearings, make findings of fact, and offer recommendations to a circuit court judge.

Kent said working family law cases as a magistrate, at the intersection of sociology and psychology and justice, meshed well with what she loved to do.

“I don’t think anybody can doubt that it’s a critical part of the law, dealing with families,” she said. “Families in crisis. Children who may be in need of the court’s assistance, children who may have committed crimes. Families who are divorcing and there’s questions as to custody, and invariably, a lot of emotion.”

Kent’s replacement can only be named by Maryland’s governor – but that could take months.

Gov. Wes Moore has not yet convened a judicial nominating committee. Those committees typically don’t convene, either, when the General Assembly is in session from January to early April, which just ended.

A judicial nominating committee first must accept applications and narrow down the candidates. Then, the committee holds one-on-one roundtable interviews, before eventually giving a shortlist to the governor for review. Applicants’ names are a matter of public record.

Kent’s retirement marks the second long-term judicial vacancy on the Eastern Shore. District Court Judge Gerald Purnell retired last summer after 18 years on the bench and has still not been replaced.

In fact, Maryland’s governor hasn’t appointed a new District Court judge for the Eastern Shore since 2022, when Hogan named Judge Coates to fill the opening created by the retirement of Judge Daniel Mumford. Coates is the first woman to ever serve on the District Court bench in Worcester County.

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Judge Peggy Kent, left, is set to retire at age 70, seven years after being sworn in as a circuit court judge in Worcester County.

Is another concert calling for OC?

Tourism team talks about a fourth music event from the same presenting promoter

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) Ocean City’s tourism and business development director hinted at a fourth C3 Presents music event during a budget review session last week.

During a budget work session held April 3, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo informed the Ocean City Council of a fourth potential C3 Presents concert. While details are still being worked out with the promoter, he said the added event could mean changes to the special events calendar in the years to come.

“We will be making some hard decisions and trying to move and shuffle things around, especially if it continues to grow,” he said.

C3 Presents is set to host three festivals in Ocean City this year –Oceans Calling, Country Calling and Boardwalk Rock.

However, Perlozzo told officials last week the fourth music event could be a one-day stadium event rather than a two- or three-day festival.

Perlozzo also expressed uncertainty surrounding the timeline for the event. He said it was likely that Boardwalk Rock would be expanded to a three-day festival before another event is introduced.

“I’m not even sure about 2026,” he said. “But they contractually could have the opportunity to have a fourth one, which will create some calendar changes.”

During last week’s budget presentation, Special Events Director Frank Miller also presented council members with new concepts for Sunfest and Springfest weekends. Noting that both events were “loss leaders” for the city, he proposed building up Halloween festivities at Sunfest and taking a new approach to Springfest.

“We are going to reimagine this,” he said. “We are going to look at it with fresh eyes.”

Perlozzo said one way to do that is to introduce a new event that could be held in conjunction with Springfest or as its own standalone event. He said one idea that could be

explored is a street painting and chalk art festival.

“We can do it on the city streets, we can do it on the concrete side of the Boardwalk, and it could still have the same elements as Springfest …,” he said. “It’s really different and we’re excited about it. We just don’t know all the particulars with that.”

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig encouraged tourism officials to view Sunfest and Springfest from a different perspective. He argued that both events brought in unrealized revenue to Ocean City each year.

“Springfest and Sunfest are not loss leaders,” he said. “They make money … I don’t know if we’ll ever get the real numbers.”

Tourism officials last week also reviewed plans for Winterfest, which will continue to have children’s rides and immersive activities this coming year. However, Miller said he wanted the city to reevaluate the event’s fee structure.

“We’re looking to make some changes there,” he said.

OC Council weighs major changes to outdoor displays

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) City officials will receive a more detailed look at how a new outdoor display ordinance will impact Boardwalk merchants ahead of its adoption.

With a favorable recommendation from the city’s planning commission, the Ocean City Council on Monday voted 6-1 to approve the first reading of a new outdoor display ordinance.

Councilman John Gehrig, the lone dissenter, said he wanted more information on what impact the new regulations would have on the number of displays that currently exist on the Boardwalk.

“My concern is we’re taking too much away …,” he said. “Are we reducing it by a little or by a lot?”

Last June, the council adopted an emergency ordinance that set stronger enforcement procedures for outdoor displays located on the Boardwalk. The change included a six-step enforcement procedure with increasing fines and penalties for Boardwalk merchants who violated the rules of their outdoor display permit.

However, staff last year made it clear that they would review the ordinance’s success at the end of the summer and come back to the council

with a more comprehensive rewrite of the outdoor display ordinance. Those revisions were introduced to the City Council in February, and reviewed by the Ocean City Planning Commission in March.

As proposed, the new code would eliminate the use of mannequins and include provisions that ensure a merchant’s outdoor displays do not encroach on neighboring stores, the Boardwalk, or on utility poles, benches and signs. The code would also prohibit open umbrellas and feather flags, mounted displays above a door frame, and the outdoor practice of henna tattoo and hair wrap services.

The revisions will also address outdoor displays facing the side streets, as well as incorporate a new formula for the number of freestanding and wall-mounted displays allowed outside of a merchant’s store.

Rather than use a percentage to calculate the allowable number of displays, merchants will be restricted to a certain number of items, such as racks or bins.

“It would take away how much mass is out there …,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told officials this week. “It declutters it.”

Gehrig, however, said he took issue with the new formula, as he had no way of visualizing what impact that would have on Boardwalk displays. Staff agreed to bring back ex-

Outdoor displays may be changed

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amples at the second and final reading of the display ordinance.

“I’m fine with the number,” he said. “I just need to know how it looks.”

After further discussion, the council this week voted 6-1 to approve the first reading of the outdoor display ordinance. Officials noted the new regulations simplify the application process and make it easier to enforce.

“What we’re doing is tearing this down and creating a new approach that can’t be muddled,” Bendler said.

The Ocean City Council this week also approved the second reading of an ordinance to restrict profane, obscene, sexually explicit and vulgar merchandise and materials found at front-facing businesses, including those fronting the Boardwalk, unless confined to an area of the business that cannot be viewed from outside. The ordinance also requires a merchant to include signage, notifying anyone entering an area where such materials are displayed.

“What we’re trying to do is walk this very fine line of honoring and respecting a business, a merchant’s right to run their business and exercise free speech, while protecting our most vulnerable residents and visitors, which are the children …,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said in February. “We’re trying to strike that balance, and what we’re proposing we think does strike that balance.”

Any violators would be subject to penalties, including a municipal infraction and $500 fine for the first violation, a municipal infraction and $1,000 fine for the second violation, and potential suspension or revocation of a business license for the third violation.

Crack, meth distribution charges

(April 11, 2025) Authorities have arrested two resort residents on multiple drug charges after a multiagency investigation.

During the month of February, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team, which consists of members from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, initiated a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) distribution investigation into Patrick Sabatino, 43, of Ocean City, who was reportedly selling crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine from his residence on Colonial Road in Ocean City.

Over the course of an extended investigation, Sabatino sold CDS to an undercover narcotics detective on multiple occasions. As a result, a

search and seizure warrant was issued for the residence.

On Thursday, April 3, at approximately 10 a.m., members of the Ocean City Police Department Quick Response Team, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team, and the Ocean City Police Department Special Enforcement Unit executed the search warrant.

During the operation, seven individuals were located inside the residence. A majority of them were known to law enforcement and had prior histories of drug use. A trace amount of CDS and paraphernalia, as well as U.S. currency and multiple cellular telephones, were seized from the scene.

As a result of this coordinated effort, two individuals were taken into custody,

Patrick Anthony Sabatino, 43, of Ocean City, was arrested and charged with seven counts of distribution of a

controlled dangerous substance. Sabatino was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and held without bond.

Rebecca Ann Bivans, 39, of Ocean City, was arrested on an outstanding Violation of Probation warrant issued by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. She was also held without bond after appearing before a Maryland District Court Commissioner.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the potential for additional CDSrelated charges is under review.

A press release from the OCPD said, “The Ocean City Police Department reminds residents that community tips play a critical role in law enforcement success. If you see something suspicious or have information regarding potential criminal activity in Ocean City, please contact us. Your tips could make a significant difference. ”

Patrick Sabatino

Rebecca Bivans

Berlin eyes planning dept. growth

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) The Berlin Planning Department budget is proposing a 102% increase in funding for fiscal year 2026, including two new employees, more professional services, an updated comprehensive plan, a vehicle and modern equipment.

At a Berlin budget workshop on April 7, the town’s acting planning director, Ryan Hardesty, went before the Mayor and Council to make her department’s general fund budget request for the upcoming fiscal year.

The ask, $859,728, is a 102% increase from fiscal year 2025’s $425,480.

A highlight is the salary allocation increase due to onboarding two additional employees, including the already-hired GIS (Geographic Information System) analyst,

Meghan Pfaller, who had been working in the wastewater department.

Furthermore, the town is accepting applications currently for a code enforcement officer, a position sought in Berlin for several years. The full-time salaries request for fiscal year 2026 to account for the positions jumps roughly 59% from $188,000 to $298,850.

The planning department has also requested a new vehicle, particularly for the GIS analyst, to fulfill her role’s responsibilities. There is already a vehicle in place for the new code enforcement officer.

“We are going to have two positions that are going to need to be out of the office,” Hardesty said. “We currently only have one vehicle right now. Our GIS person will need a car to get around to do her duties.”

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen added the vehicle will not be a “heavy-duty pickup truck” but will be enough to do the job.

The division's budget included an increase from last year’s $25,000 to a request of $50,000 for professional services, particularly legal consultancy specific to the planning department and planning commission meetings.

The planning department’s FY26 spending plan also increases contracted services by around $30,000. The director said this is partially due to new code enforcement software, which is akin to a tracking program that can handle permits, licensing, and planning in addition to code enforcement. The director added that she did a live software demonstration with a possible vendor.

“When I did the demo, it was pretty neat because they described it like when you order a pizza and how it says we received your order, preparing, baking, ready for pickup,” Hardesty said. “You could clearly watch it go through the process. We received your permit, reviewed it, and approved the permits. It shows it right down the line.”

Hardesty said that her department is looking at all potential options but will be looking to add the software over the summer.

The budget request allocates $100,000 for an updated comprehensive plan. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall noted that this figure is “light” because while in-house experts estimate $150,000 for the document’s much-needed upgrade, the town is facing budget constraints.

“We do a comp plan every 10-ish years,” Tyndall said. “Ours is outdated by several. We’ve not done one, so it's hard to go back and say how much it costs … We don't know where it will come in until we do an RFP (request for proposals), but we know this number is light because of the available funding within the FY26 budget.”

Funds are also being set aside for new equipment, including a plotter. According to Hardesty, a plotter allows officials to scan architectural plans when submitted as well as print large format.

“We are working with Becker Morgan to design our public works building,” Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said. “They can send a digital copy over to us. Instead of waiting until our next meeting … we can come to [Hardesty], she can print them out for us, and we would be ahead of the game.”

“[Architects] bring one set when they come, we go over it, and they walk out the door with the only set, and we have no record of the conversation to fall back on,” Bohlen added.

An operational plotter would give each party access to the plans, staff said.

Proposed budget balanced with flat property tax rate

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 11, 2025) The Berlin Mayor and Council plan to keep the property tax rate flat for fiscal year 2026 at $0.8275 per $100 of a property’s assessed value.

The council met for a general fund budget work session earlier this week. While stagnant, the property tax rate will generate additional revenue for the town in FY26 from rising property values, said Zack Tyndall, the municipality’s mayor.

“This budget keeps the tax rate the same, and that’s at $0.8275 per $100 assessed value,” Tyndall said. “Keeping the tax rate the same will generate about $359,000 in additional revenue for FY26, which comes out to about a 7% increase from FY25.”

The tax rate yielded $4,563,392 last fiscal year. This year, the tax is projected to generate $4,922,500 in revenue, an 8% increase.

Berlin Finance Director Natalie Saleh opposes the council’s decision to maintain the tax rate. She argued the increase in property values, which will bring in more revenue even with a flat rate, is still not enough to keep up with rising costs and needs.

“We are advancing a lot from reserves to fund capital projects,” Saleh said. “It's

not a good practice to advance money from reserves and fund future capital projects ...”

Saleh reiterated the council should consider increasing the tax rate to ensure the town's financial stability.

“We … pretty much rely on the real estate tax as revenue for the general fund,” she said. “I encourage you to rethink an incremental increase in the tax rate so that it will allow us to plan for a five- and 10-year capital plan in the future and be sustainable going forward.”

Still, the council remained committed to the same rate.

Tyndall says the budget draft is “balanced” at roughly $17.4 million. The mayor added that it is around a 22.45% increase from FY25.

“I know that seems like sticker shock,” Tyndall said. “But I want to draw your attention to some of the capital projects that caused that increase… there is $2.5 million for the town hall renovation…$216,000 for permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park, which is grant funded, and $2.8 million dollars which is bond funded for a new public works facility. When you adjust that out, it’s really not a 22% increase.”

The budget includes a step increase for employees as well as a 2% COLA, resulting in a 4.5% increase in annual pay.

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Never miss a sunrise! Enjoy ocean views from the balcony of this south-facing 1 bedroom condo located in North Ocean City, offering close proximity to the sand and the shimmering blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean! Interior of the home includes open eatin dining and living space, stacked washer/dryer, central heating and air conditioning, and full bathroom with tub off of the hallway. Desirable features include an assigned parking space, outdoor shower, and low condo fees. Nearby restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment, and Northside Park offer endless opportunities to enjoy the beach lifestyle. Just bring your flip-flops!

Tree of Life awardee

TidalHealth announce this week that Sofia Gordy, RRT, of TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, is its Tree of Life Award recipient for April 2025.

This award honors respiratory therapists who provide excellent care to patients, make a special connection, and are engaged with the care team to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

Gordy was nominated by a nurse from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional:

“Sofia is an amazing asset to the respiratory division. She comes to work with a positive attitude and cares so much for her patients. She’s always available to help the nurses and comes running immediately,” the nomination read.

“I’ve heard from other respiratory therapists that they’re always excited to know that Sofia is their lateral because she always offers to help and

ease the workload. As a nurse in the ICU, I’ve watched Sofia quickly grow as a respiratory therapist, and I could see her being an amazing resource for a long time.

“Sofia is a huge team player and is compassionate with her patients. Recently, a patient was alarming for low spO2 on the central monitor, and Sofia immediately ran into the room to assess the patient and see if she could help, knowing nothing about them.

Both nurses and respiratory therapists alike recognize what a gift Sofia is to this hospital.”

Playground ribbon cutting

Area residents are cordially invited to join the Worcester County Commissioners and the Heather Leigh and Christopher Robbin Hill Foundation as they cut the ribbon on the new STEMthemed playground equipment at the Newtown Park in Pocomoke on April 16 at 2 p.m.

Worcester County Recreation and Parks professionals worked closely with the Hill Foundation Members for inspiration and design of the STEMthemed playground. Worcester County contracted with Cunningham Recreation to install play structures across 5,400 square feet of play space. The playground is comprised of a main play area, an interactive MEMO game, and a memory garden. Inclusive com-

ponents are used in the play structures that allow children of all abilities to play and adults of varying ages and abilities to actively engage with their children. The park also includes six baseball/softball fields, two volleyball courts, pavilion, 10-acre fishing pond, and public parking.

Funding for the playground was made possible thanks to a generous $450,000 donation from the Hill Foundation.

Business Resource Day

Business owners, entrepreneurs and aspiring professionals are invited to join Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) professionals for Business Resource Day on Thursday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berlin Branch Library. This free event provides essential tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Gain access to expert advice on a variety of business topics to help you and your business be successful, and connect with representatives from SCORE, Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), U.S. Department of Agricultural Rural Development (USDA), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE), and the Maryland Department of Commerce. Those interested in attending should pre-register online at https://business-

Sofia Gordy of TidalHealth is pictured.

resource-day.eventbrite.com

“This event will allow attendees to speak directly with industry experts who can offer tailored insights and solutions,” WCTED Business Development and Retention Specialist Michele Burke said. “Learn about available loans, grants, and investment opportunities to grow your business. Discover local and state-level programs designed to help businesses thrive. Connect with likeminded entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. You will not want to miss this opportunity to ask questions and learn from these valuable partner organizations.”

Spring hydrant flushing

The Town of Ocean City’s Public Works Department will begin conducting the spring hydrant flushing of the water system beginning Sunday, April 20.  The hydrant flushing, which is done bi-annually, will progress from south to north, beginning on South 1st Street and covering several blocks per day.

Currently, public works personnel are scheduled to perform the hydrant flushing throughout the late evening hours and into the early morning hours; however, circumstances may require those times to change.   Residents and businesses are reminded that after flushing there may be a slight discoloration of the water.  This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time.  If you wish to clear your pipes, run cold water for several minutes until the water runs clear.

The completion of this project is expected to be done by the afternoon on Thursday, April 24.  For questions or concerns about the hydrant flushing in your area, please contact the Public Works Water Department at 410.524.8388.

OP restaurants to open

Touch of Italy will officially open operation of the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Clubhouse Grille on May 1, company officials announced.

All previously booked obligations in April will be honored as planned.  Beginning May 1, both restaurants will open with a full menu and full service under Touch of Italy’s management.

Known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality, Touch of Italy will offer a variety of foods and an elevated dining experience to Ocean Pines while maintaining the Yacht Club and Clubhouse Grille as premier destinations for lo-

Eastern Shore

Berlin parking lot moves on with BZA’s nod

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 10, 2025) A new public parking lot planned for the corner of West and Washington streets in Berlin will not be paved and will likely be grass in its first season with only modest improvements.

The Town of Berlin has struggled to increase its available parking supply for years. To remedy the issue, the Berlin Mayor and Council recently entered an arrangement with William Esham, Jr. to lease a vacant 2.13-acre lot on the west side of West Street. The space will provide over 100 spots.

The parking lot was before the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals last week. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall presented the parking lot plan, as the Mayor and Council are the official applicants of the proposal.

“It's no surprise that a small town that's 157 years old was not built for the car traffic we have today,” Tyndall said. “We hear that first and foremost with, whether it’s from our businesses, whether it’s from folks that live in town trying to go to the dentist or the eye doctor, parking is a challenge … It's something we are trying to alleviate. Will this lot do it on its own? Probably not, but it's part of a very integral puzzle in getting our parking lots up to where they need to be to hold the volume of traffic we are trying to bring in.”

The mayor added the lack of available parking spaces impacts the revenue businesses can bring in. If there isn’t room for all the visitors who want to enjoy Berlin, they won’t shop or dine at local establishments.

“What we found through the

SUBMITTED IMAGF/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

A schematic shows 100-plus parking spaces at the lot at the corner of West and Washington streets. Motorists would enter off West and exit on Washington Street toward Broad Street.

strategic planning process is a cap on what our businesses can really see in the form of revenue and folks visiting their shops,” Tyndall said. “We are trying to provide that additional service of parking and hoping it provides

some secondary economic benefits as well.”

The mayor went before the board to seek waivers for a few requirements currently outlined in the town code. To get the lot off the ground, Tyndall asked that the mandate that a lot be graded and surfaced with asphalt or other similar materials be abandoned for this particular project.

Esham, the property owner, has stipulated in the lease agreement between himself and the town that paving is prohibited. Had the requirement not been waived, the town would have had to terminate the contract and forgo the $60,000 already paid with ARPA funds. However, the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals ultimately agreed to allow the town to move forward with the initiative without the surfacing condition.

According to Tyndall, the Esham family requested the lot not be paved with blacktop because the contract was simply a lease arrangement. The town did not buy the property.

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“This is a trial to see if it will work,” Tyndall said. “The Eshams want to make sure that if it doesn't work, they can still turn it into something viable for the town and them. We want to try to do it in a way that if it is viable, we can do something other than a lease and maybe make those improvements at a future date.”

The mayor added the town's public works department will make improvements to the grass area to get the lot “up and running” for the upcoming season.

“Hopefully if it’s successful, next year we will move into some form of a solid surface,” Tyndall said.

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The mayor also requested that the current code requiring curbing or buffering and landscaping, such as including ornamental trees, be waived. The property owners have asked that a fence be installed instead.

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“The look [of the fence] we would be going for is basically the fence you would have in your front yard,” Tyndall said to BZA Chair Joe Moore. “... We want to keep with the aesthetic of downtown and the neighboring properties.”

The Board of Zoning Appeals granted the landscape variance request.

The town also requested some leeway to the code requirement that the parking area be located 20 feet from any street line and every residential lot line.

David Gaskill, attorney for the town, said the mandate is met under the current concept plan, but he and the town would like some breathing room if any changes were made to the proposal.

“The ordinance requires that every off-street parking area for more than five vehicles should be located at least 20 feet from any street line and from any residential lot,” Gaskill said. “If you look at the concept plan, it appears

Mayor: Lot will be grass at first

to be well over 20 feet right now, but … this is a concept plan, and it may not change, but if we do need that extra space, I would like to have the opportunity to have that provision waived.”

Gaskill noted if the mandate is waived, the town could commit to a minimum 15-foot setback. The attorney pointed out that other lots in town do not meet this requirement. However, the zoning board maintained the 20-foot provision should be upheld.

The parking lot discussion yielded comments from the public.

Berlin resident Carol Rose expressed concern that the parking lot could lower property values.

“If someone would need to unexpectedly sell their home, I think having this parking lot there would be a hindrance to getting a fair price,” she said.

Tyndall assured the town would do its best to ensure that the project had as little impact on property values as possible, reminding attendees the town’s primary revenue source if property tax revenue.

Rose also asked that more be done to beautify the area, such as landscaping with the help of the municipality’s horticulture group. Still, the zoning board maintained the suggestion and ones like it would be more fleshed out when the proposal came before the planning commission.

Resident Betsy Love expressed her concerns with potential traffic increases on Washington Street with the new lot. Jimmy Charles, Berlin’s public works director, hopes the parking spaces will alleviate some vehicle congestion. The new lot will allow visitors to head straight to the designated parking lot rather than searching along town streets as is the case currently.

“Traffic on Washington Street is high right now,” Charles said. “When people come to events, they are searching every street for an open spot. With this plan, we will have signage directing people, and … we hope to relieve the people driving around.”

The zoning board voted to grant the town’s request to waive the paving and landscaping requirements for the new lot planned for West and Washington streets. The group agreed to uphold the 20-foot setback minimum.

The lease extends for 10 years. Tyndall said that a fee to park will likely be implemented, but the amount and timing is unknown. The town is to pay the property owners $30,000 in rent for years one, two, and three and $35,000 for years four and five. The rent will increase 3% annually for years six through 10.

“We are exploring the use of ParkMobile because we need to break even on the lease for the lot,” Tyndall said. “We have used American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover year one and year two, but it’s a 10-year lease and we want to have a sustainable path forward. It's possible there would only be a fee during peak times.”

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Ocean Renaissance to host fantasy events

(April 11, 2025) Ocean Renaissance will celebrate its fifth anniversary with the theme “5 Years of Fantasy” this weekend, April 11-12, at the Carousel Resort.

“A weekend of enchantment with an exciting schedule of performances, workshops, and activities designed to immerse attendees in a world of fantasy and creativity,” said a press release promoting the event.

Highlights include:

Live performances: Enjoy mesmerizing acts on the Lilypad Stage and beyond, such as Glen Pearson’s juggling, Bone & String’s music, and the enchanting Fairy Court Coronation. Don’t miss wandering performers like Joffrey the Giant and Emerald the Aerialist.

Interactive activities: Dive into hands-on workshops like “Make Your

Own Hat Band,” “How to Paint Your Dragon,” and “The History of Tea.” Participate in the Walk the Plank Costume Contest or join the Mermaid Meetup at the pool.

Bizarre bazaar: Explore over 80 unique vendors offering handcrafted treasures inspired by Renaissance, steampunk, Viking, and faerie themes.

Family-friendly fun: Enjoy activities for all ages, including drum circles, sandcastle-building contests, and a Mermaid Lagoon Pool Swim. Special events include Kid’s Pirate Playtime and a Mermaid Beach Photoshoot.

For a detailed schedule of events across all three days—Friday’s Tempest Ball with DJ Funkbot, Saturday’s Parade into Fairy Court, Saturdays Tempest Ball with Natalie Lain, the Frequency Fairy and Sunday’s Fairy Court Closing Ceremony—visit the of-

ficial website at www.oceanrenaissancefoundation.org/info.

Ocean Renaissance is more than just an event, it’s a mission-driven initiative. Proceeds from ticket sales ben-

efit ocean conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations like the Ocean Conservancy and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Tickets can be purchased on site.

Guided walking tour will highlight downtown history

(April 11, 2025) The Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) and Ocean City Tourism announced the Ocean City 150th Anniversary Historic Walking Tour, a special event held in honor of Ocean City’s remarkable 150-year legacy in tourism, hospitality, and community building. The event will take place on May 8, in celebration of National Travel

and Tourism Week.

This guided walking tour will take participants on a journey through Ocean City’s vibrant past — beginning with the “Petticoat Regime” and spotlighting the pioneer women whose vision and resilience helped shape the town into the beloved resort destination it is today.

The tour will kick off at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, where Curator Christine Okerblom will introduce the Museum’s special exhibit: “A Feminine Touch: The Story of the Women Who Had a Hand in Shaping a Town.” Attendees will then be led by an experienced museum guide, who will provide captivating narration and historical insights as guests visit several key sites throughout downtown Ocean City.

“This walking tour is a unique opportunity to celebrate Ocean City’s rich history and the women and people who made it the cherished tourism destination it is today,” commented Ruth Toomey, Executive Director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition. “This event demonstrates how tourism drives our state and local economies and tells the stories of the people and places that make Maryland special.”

Additional stops along the walking tour will include:

Henry Hotel, where volunteer and Henry Hotel Foundation President Nancy Howard will share the building’s history, focusing on former owner Pearl Bonner;

Plim Plaza Hotel, where museum staff member Debbie DeFressine will share stories of Rosalie Tilghman Shreve, a driving force behind the construction of the original Plimhimmon.

Dolle’s, a nostalgic stop beloved by generations of visitors.

The new Museum of Ocean City, where museum staff will offer insight into its evolving role in preserving Ocean City’s cultural heritage.

“Ocean City’s 150th Anniversary is a milestone worth celebrating—not just for the town, but for the entire state,” commented Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo. “We are excited to partner with MTC, as we believe this event is a powerful way to honor the women who built the foundation for Ocean City’s future.”

This immersive and educational event is $35 for MTC Members and $50 for nonmembers. For more information about the Ocean City 150th Anniversary Historic Walking Tour, visit https://mdtourism.org.

Bushnell retiring after 25 years with OCPD

(April 11, 2025) The Ocean City Police Department has announced the retirement of Patrol Sergeant Joseph Bushnell, who officially concluded his distinguished 25-year career in law enforcement on April 1.

Hired in August 2000, Bushnell over the course of his career has worked in every division of the department, with a strong presence on patrol. He spent 16 years in that role, much of it focused on the south end of town and the Boardwalk, where he was a familiar and trusted figure on bike patrol.

Bushnell was also a long-time member and a current Quick Response Team (QRT) team leader, playing a key role in tactical operations and emergency response. Sgt. Bushnell also served as a narcotics detective, including two years as an undercover agent with the Maryland State Police task force.

Beyond patrol, he contributed significantly to officer training as a Law Enforcement Emergency Medical and Casualty Care instructor. He was a founding member of the department's Bike Maintenance and Instruction Unit and served for 20 years on the Executive Board of FOP Lodge 10, including time as its president. Bushnell's dedication and service have been recognized through numerous

commendations for Excellent Police Performance and Unit Citations.

Bushnell’s future includes spending quality time with family, enjoying weekends and holidays free from callouts, and pursuing passions like hunting, fishing, and crabbing. He also plans to work part-time as a hunting guide and handyman.

"I would like to thank my coworkers for 25 very memorable years. The patrol shifts I've been a part of are the backbone of the agency, and they are the finest officers on the shore," Bushnell shared. "I had some incredible bosses along the way. They helped shape me into the officer and eventually the supervisor that I am

today. My QRT teammates over the years have been some of my closest friends and mentors. They are who I would want showing up, if/when things got really bad."

Also, Bushnell would "like to thank the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to enjoy this fulfilling career in such a rewarding profession."

of Joe Bushnell after 25 years with the Ocean City Police Department.

New format for photo contest announced

(April 11, 2025) OceanCity.com has unveiled some changes for the Best of Ocean City® 2025 Photo Contest, inviting photography enthusiasts to submit their high-resolution photographs that capture the beauty and essence of Ocean City and the surrounding area. Participants can submit their entries at https://www.oceancity.com/oceancity-photo-contest-submission/.

This year’s contest introduces an exciting way to generate community support by sharing the submitted

Suicide prevention group seeking to expand outreach

(April 11, 2025) The Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, the area’s foremost nonprofit organization focusing on suicide prevention, is seeking volunteer leaders to help expand outreach to local communities.

“The demand for our suicide prevention work is expanding rapidly,” said JKMF President Kim Klump. “We hope to diversify our Board of Directors with those who have skills and life experience that will enable us to meet that demand and grow.”

The requirements to serve on a board or in a leadership role are straightforward: The desire to make a difference in a vital cause, to apply skills from other walks in life in a collegial environment, and a passion for creating avenues for those who are in crisis to find help. The board meets

quarterly in Worcester County. Board members are expected to serve on a committee and when possible to particiate in events planning.

“The addition of someone with accounting or bookkeeping skills would be enormous. Also, someone capable of steering us through technological issues to better reach those in need would be very helpful,” Klump said.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of a successful and necessary human services organization, call 410726-3090. The Jesse KlumpMemorial Fund has existed since 2009, and has built a reputation with solid financial backing as an important part of the public health community on the lower Eastern Shore. To learn more about the Fund and its mission and work, visit www.jessespaddle.org.

photos on OceanCity.com’s Facebook and Instagram pages. From these submissions, the top 20 photos will be selected to compete in a public voting poll on Facebook. The photo with the highest number of votes will be featured on the Best of Ocean City award plaques for 2025.

Participants are encouraged to showcase the spirit, scenery, and culture of Ocean City through their photography. Whether it’s the stunning coastline, lively boardwalk, vibrant community events, or breathtaking sunsets, we’re seeking images that represent the charm of this coastal jewel. All entries should be suitable for printing at 18” x 18”.

“We are eager to witness the cre-

ativity and talent of photographers as they capture the heart of Ocean City for the second year in a row,” said Ann Hillyer, CEO of OceanCity.com. “This contest not only celebrates our beautiful resort town, but it also offers photographers a chance to share their work with a broader audience.” By submitting photos, contestants agree their entries become the property of OceanCity.com. The top photos will be chosen for public voting, which begins on April 11. You must submit a high-resolution version of your photo to win. Voting will continue through May 17 with winners May 23 in the OC Today-Dispatch newspaper and on oceancity.com. Award plaques will be available June 1.

Sloane Michael and Isla Figiel from Laura Black's kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary are pictured enjoying some partner reading together.

Area SkillsUSA participants excel, plan trip to Georgia

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 10, 2025) After a successful run at their state competition, Worcester Technical High School’s SkillsUSA participants are gearing up for the national contest, where the students will display their real-world abilities as they compete against peers across the country.

This June, over 20 Worcester Tech students will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for the week-long SkillsUSA national competition in various categories, including TeamWorks and Opening and Closing.

SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization with chapters scattered in schools across the United States. The program allows students to master hands-on occupational skills and focus on career readiness. SkillsUSA prioritizes teamwork, communication, professionalism, and leadership to ensure success beyond high school.

“They are doing adult work and doing it a lot better than a lot of adults that I know,” WTHS Principal Tony Bevilacqua said of his school’s SkillsUSA students.

According to Worcester Tech SkillsUSA advisor Rick Stephens, 89% of the school’s 79 participants placed in

the Maryland competition’s top 10, 73% placed in the top five, and 57% placed in the top three.

Additionally, the local skills group boasted over 20 first-place winners across categories like Medical Math, Robotics and Automation Technology, TeamWorks, Opening and Closing, Technical Computer Application, Related Technical Math, Robotics Urban Search and Rescue, Pin Design, and Extemporaneous Speaking.

The first-place winners and WTHS’s two SkillsUSA Maryland State Officers will attend the countrywide competition from June 22 to 28.

As such, the tech school is looking to raise approximately $100,000 to cover hotel stays, flights, registration fees, and food, in addition to other necessary costs.

Stephens added that an additional mobile robotics silver medalist team would represent Maryland at nationals, as the gold medalists from another district cannot attend.

The national championship will allow local students to showcase their skills on the big stage.

The WTHS young learners heading to the summer contest will compete in several categories, including the collaborative program known as

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

Destin Duncan, Kathie Maldonado, Tyler Kulyk and Aidan Parks took gold in the Team Works competition. Students had to demonstrate precise carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry skills in a highly competitive match up.

March 28-30 in Westminster. The QR code provides a link to the current fundraising drive.

Friday, April 18th 10am-5pm Saturday, April 19th 10am-5pm

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Worcester Tech Skills USA program are pictured during the state competition

Tech school students advance

TeamWorks. TeamWorks consists of groups of four, each specializing as either a carpenter, a plumber, a mson, or an electrician, as they work together to produce a construction project.

Worcester Tech students Aidan Parks, Kathie Maldonado, Tyler Kilyk, and Destin Duncan placed first in last month’s Maryland championship. Now, the group is preparing to advance to the next level.

“[TeamWorks] is supposed to imitate building a house and all the parts of building a house,” said Duncan, the team’s plumber. “It’s called TeamWorks because you do work as a team … I can’t do my plumbing unless [the carpenter] has the wood up, and I have to help him with the wood, so I had to cross-train to assist him… It gives you real-world obstacles and teaches you how to overcome them.”

The student added that, as a member of Worcester Tech’s stateawarded TeamWorks group, the skills he gained will last a lifetime.

“The more you put in, the more you get out of it,” Duncan continued. “I will never forget how to plumb.”

The students emphasize that SkillsUSA is a beneficial program that prepares them for their careers beyond high school graduation.

Heydein Flores, among the students representing the Opening and

Closing category at the June championship, said that the skills learned will aid in occupational environments. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies evaluate a seven-member team on their ability to present professionally.

“The thing about [SkillsUSA] is that there are so many different competitions that for whatever pathway you do, whatever your skill is, there is a competition to match it,” Flores said. “As for our team, we are practicing professionalism … even in general competitions where you’re speaking, you’re learning how to prepare yourself for the workplace.”

Bevilacqua added that the Opening and Closing program will help the juveniles advance their careers and take on roles requiring them to conduct meetings, like a town’s planning and zoning commission.

“[SkillsUSA] is a student organization that when students join, they do stuff because they have to train, they have to compete,” the principal said. “Everybody here has learned something they can carry to the next level at college and beyond. This is the most real-world club that a student can join.”

Stephens sits on the SkillsUSA Maryland Board of Directors. The educator maintained that he sees programs throughout the state as part of this role. Yet, he said that nothing

compares to Worcester Tech.

“No other kids can match our kids,” he noted. “Our kids are just awesome. We are very lucky.”

The advisor added that the school’s support plays a part in the program’s success.

“Our staff here is amazing,” he said. “All the teachers and advisors help get [the SkillsUSA students] ready. They miss a lot of class time once in a while to get ready, especially

during states. [The teachers] help them keep their grades up and are very supportive of them.”

In an effort to ensure the championship run continues in Georgia, the team is seeking donations to cover the nearly $100,000 cost of attending the national championship. To donate, call the tech school at 410-6325050 or email wths@worcesterk12.org for a donation link page.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

A hybrid team of students from Nursing, Cosmology, Computer Science and Pre-Engineering took home the gold medal last month.

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Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, April 25: Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 11: Cup Of Joe Saturday, April 12: DJ Giddy Up & First Class

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, April 11: True Country Sunday, April 13: Shortcut Sunny Wednesday, April 16: Cup Of Joe

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, April 11: Shredded Cheddar Saturday, April 12: Fuzzbox Piranha

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, April 11: The Rockoholics & DJ RobCee Saturday, April 12:

Bad w/ Names & DJ Vybe Monday, April 14: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, April 11

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, April 14

SHORTCUT SUNNY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday April 13

PHIL PERDUE

Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Friday, April 11

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, April 12

VERTIGO RED

Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 11 & 12

BAD W/ NAMES

Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 12

CHERRY CRUSH BAND

Seacrets: Saturday, April 12

THE ROCKOHOLICS

Fager’s Island: Friday, April 11

ROGUE CITIZENS

Purple Moose: Saturday, April 12 • 2pm Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 12 • 9:30pm

FIRST CLASS Coins Pub: Saturday, April 12

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, April 13

PISTOL WHIPPED

Seacrets: Sunday, April 13

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, April 12:

Cecila’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, April 12:

Rogue Citizens

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Madame Dutchess

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, April 11 & 12: Vertigo Red Saturday, April 12:

Rogue Citizens Duo

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 11: Element K Duo, Stealing Savanah, DJ C-Miller & DJ Mary Jane Saturday, April 12: The Whiskeyhickon Boys, Cherry Crush Band, DJ Flight & DJ Connair

Sunday, April 13: Pistol Whipped & Bloody Mary Contest

Thursday, April 17: Full Circle Duo & DJ E-State

Purple

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

An aerial view of the area between 12th to 15th streets reveals the less developed Ocean City of the mid-1960s.

The beginning of Motel Row with the departed Sea Scape and Santa Maria motels can be seen in the upper left corner with two of the town’s iconic hotels – Harrison Hall and the original Commander (1930-1997) to the south on the Boardwalk. The Beach Plaza, the future site of the proposed Margaritaville development, is on the oceanfront at 13th Street. In the center of the picture The Royal Palm Townhouse complex covers an entire square block while below and to its right sits the ill-fated Beachcomber Apartments, the scene of a tragic fire in 1988.

The vacant land west of Philadelphia Avenue was dredged from the bay by the Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1940s. It is densely built up and developed today.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard image by F.W. Brueckmann

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Following the women’s hoops tournament, too

Simple ads with open space

People who stop me in the store saying they like this column

Starting the day with a smooth school drop

Funny driver’s license pictures

Early morning grocery shopping

Young people attending church

A surprising laugh from an intense person

Any meat cooked on a grill

A small crab that overachieves

Hearing rain from bed

County offering service area presentations

(April 11, 2025) This April, the Worcester County Commissioners will host a series of information sessions about proposed fiscal year 2026 (FY26) water and sewer rate changes.

At each meeting, administration and finance officials will deliver a brief presentation, along with a handout, regarding the 11 water and wastewater sanitary service areas (SSA) in the county. After the presentation, county staff will be available to answer questions.

Sessions will take place at diverse locations in Northern Worcester. Each meeting will focus on specific SSAs. Residents are welcome to attend any or all of the following sessions:

Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. in the Berlin Library Meeting Room: This informational meeting will focus on the Newark, River Run, Edgewater Acres, and Lighthouse Sound SSAs.

· Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at Stephen Decatur High School: This informational meeting will cover the West Ocean City, Mystic Harbour, Landings, Assateague Point, and Riddle Farm SSAs.

Wednesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist

Church on Flower St. in Berlin: This informational meeting will cover the Briddletown SSA.

· Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting will host a town hall meeting on this topic, with a focus on the Ocean Pines SSA, on Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. in the Ocean Pines Library Meeting Room.

These sessions will present accurate, detailed information that addresses proposed water and sewer rate changes.

Sessions will also cover the root causes of deficits within numerous water and sewer SSAs, some of which include aging infrastructure, increased chemicals and capital equip-

ment costs, and pumping and hauling charges affiliated with the Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) failure.

A public hearing on the requested FY26 Water and Wastewater Enterprise Fund Budget will take place May 6 at 6 p.m. in the Worcester County Government Center.

Job fair announced for April 23

(April 11, 2025) All job seekers are called to meet prospective employers from across Worcester County and choose from hundreds of seasonal and year-round jobs at the Worcester County Job Fair on Wednesday, April 23, at the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company from 3-6 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Spanish and Haitian Creole interpreters will be on-site to provide interpreter services. Come prepared, ready to network, and take the next step toward your professional goals. This upcoming Job Fair promises an array of exciting opportunities across various industries. Whether

you’re an experienced professional looking to advance your career, a recent graduate ready to embark on your first job, or seeking summer employment, this event caters to individuals at every stage of their career journey.

Additional community resources will be available, including representatives from the Department of Human Services, Wor-Wic Community College, the Department of Labor, the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance, and other organizations offering assistance.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Second Chance Month at this event,” said WCTED Workforce Development Specialist Nancy Schwendeman. “The Mary-

land Department of Labor will feature Reentry Navigator Tawanda Redding alongside a workforce development specialist to support individuals from diverse backgrounds in accessing essential services.”

This event is being hosted by Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) in partnership with the Worcester County Department of Social Services and Maryland Department of Labor. For more information, contact WCTED Workforce Development Specialist Nancy Schwendeman at nschwendeman@co.worcester.md.us or (410) 632-3112 x2120 or visit www.choosemarylandscoast.org.

by Steve Green

WThe Adventures of Fatherhood

ith parenting, I try with all my might to not take things personal.

This could be the first of a several part series because I have several examples to illustrate the point, most having to do with our 16-year-old Beckett.

Like most teens his age, he is super focused on his life and rarely asks what’s up with his brother, his parents or other members of his family. We keep him in the loop, whether he likes it or not, but sometimes our irrelevance is tough to stomach. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he’s facing major academic rigor amid a busy life.

parents are done, the “teen-itude” is clear and obvious. At this point, it’s personal to me to prove a point.

I may be adept at not letting it hurt my feelings, but it doesn’t mean there’s no spite on my end.

• I try not to take it personal … Beckett’s stop for dinner on the way home from a game does not include a request if anyone else in the house wants something. However, I do remind him later what the polite route would have been even if it was not thought of by my kid. He replies he does not have that kind of money.

emergency.

• I try not to take it personal … when you act like helping move something heavy is a huge ask.

All of this reminds me of a column I read recently on the Connective Parenting website.

Coastal region’s weather swings showing up again

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(April 11, 2025) In an effort to describe the atmospheric conditions a few quotes from a recent column/article might be in order.

Adventures of Fatherhood

Other thoughts include:

• I try not to take it personal … but it stings a bit when Pam and I have to get photos from Beckett’s recent trip to Spain and France from a friend he was communicating with rather than us.

Prior to his trip, we asked Beckett to please take a lot of pictures and to share them with us when he had a good connection. We were living vicariously through him on his adventure.

Evidently it was too much to ask, as we had to resort to chaperones sending us photos and an app created for the trip. I figured he was just busy and enjoying himself.

That was until we learned he had been sending dozens of pictures to a friend, who was kind of enough to share them with us.

• I try not to take it personal … when Beckett, 16, and Carson, 15, inhale their dinner at record speed in a clear attempt to get back to their rooms.

When questioned about it, they say they are just hungry. When they learn they will sit with us until their

• I try not to take it personal … that he takes his mom and I for granted. After all, in this case, he should be able to count us on being there for him. There are periods of time where it’s insulting, but the moments of sincere gratitude do occur from time to time.

3 x 9.5

• I try not to take it personal … when the teen driver in the house can afford to go out to eat with friends but asks for money for gas so he can go to and from.

• I do not take it personal … when told by others how polite and kind my son is but when we usually get the other aspects. In his defense, he says it’s because he is exhausted and just

• I try not to take it personal … … when you say “I’m good” or “I’m chilling” when you clearly are not. Time later confirms at that instance when you looked down and out you were. You were not being honest because you were not ready to talk. It’s patience that’s needed. The truth will be revealed eventually.

• I try not to take it personal … after a phone call that went sideways for no reason. I was there for a good old fashioned vent session whether I wanted it or not.

• I try not to take it personal … when you overreact to me needing to borrow your car due to a vehicle

“What happens to you when your child behaves less than perfectly? When he ignores you or she screams, “I don’t have to listen to you.” Some of you can respond effectively by changing your behavior and addressing whatever the situation is from a different or calmer place, with a different attitude, tone or posture. But probably many of you get your button pushed, think your child is out to get you and yell back behaving just the way you don’t want your child to behave.

The difference is the parent who takes it personally and the parent who doesn’t. So what makes the difference? …

“When you don’t take your children’s behavior personally, you can use each occurrence as a teachable moment. In fact, you will relish in the opportunity of the problem when you are more neutral because you can actually help with your validation. “I completely get that you don’t want to go to school today. We all have days when we just want to stay home cozy in pajamas. Let’s talk about what we will do after school today as you’re getting dressed. Maybe we could….”

Remember, you don’t have to have the correct answer in order to respond from a place of integrity and compassion. Stay present, put your fears aside for the moment, and think what your child needs to hear from you in order to be open to actually learn a lesson.”

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

April 11 & 12

This could be a bit repetitive but weather has a large effect for residents, visitors, and surfers. From the recent report, “April can often be as surprising as March and it can have a great bearing on the surfer. This is due to the fact that, among other features, the wind is a major one.”

As of this writing, one week ago, on this day, the air was 70 degrees with the wind coming off, or from, the land. Today it’s in the mid50’s, cloudy and foggy, with the wind off the ocean. It’s not too hard to describe even the novice surfer as an amateur meteorologist.

Spring time? Micro-climate? Latent winter? These terms can concisely describe this time of year at the coastal area. A quick walk to the beach just revealed heavy fog over the water. This indicted that the water was colder than the warmer air over the ocean water, with the water in the 40’s. Knee to waist high wave conditions could be viewed from the water’s edge. As far as what could be seen farther outside, that was about it, due to the aforementioned fog. Editor Steve Green weighed in with his “Things I like” column stating that he likes “the area’s absurd weather extremes.”

It’s too bad we can’t get a bit of that warmer inland atmosphere but the water temperature has other ideas. The fall season is another good example of our micro-climate and a sort of payback to our cooler spring when the water stays relatively warm well into the fall.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

April 17, 18 & 19

Open to the Public - 11am-4pm

Enter to Win a $500 Bouquet of Gift Certificates from the Quiet Resorts - Bethany Fenwick Chamber

1 x 3.06

FESTIVAL SUCCESS IN OCEAN CITY

The 13th Annual St. Joseph’s Day Festival, one of the most popular ethnic celebrations in the resort, was hosted on March 22 by the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy. The festival is the major fund-raiser for the Ocean City Sons and Daughters of Italy. The money that is raised is earmarked for dozens of charities that the lodge supports annually, and college scholarships awarded to high school graduates of Italian heritage. Above, Mary Ellen Arena was in charge of selling the baskets of cheer raffles. Left, Marti Quinn and Rosemary Gear display a box of St. Joseph’s cakes. Bottom, Armando Graziosi carries a large pot of tomato sauce to be ladled over ravioli, meatballs and sausages.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Dirty Harry’s

Family Restaurant

Voted Best Breakfast Place Down State By Delaware Today 2007 And 2011

DinnEr spEcials

Baked Virginia Ham Dinner, With 3 sides

$17.95 adults • $8.95 children stuffed pork loin

With 3 sides $18.95 adults

$8.95 children 6-12 Years Old Under 5 Free

Dessert included HOUrs: 2-6pm HappY HOUr all DaY anD nigHt BEEr anD rail Drinks

Delvecchio Will Be Baking Easter nd dvance

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR

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

There is more at District 24. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee at Jay’s Cafe. CRAFT Pizza, Beer & Cocktails at CRAFT Lounge. Fresh Seafood at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. Enjoy an elevated dining experience with great chophouse dishes and charcuterie boards, along with a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine Menu at Embers Rooftop Restaurant. There is something for everyone at District 24 like live music in the courtyard, mini golf, arcade play and axe throwing.

■ FISH TALES (Opening April 16)

2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com

Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday; Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $4 all beer, $8 crushes, $10 select apps, $6 glass of select wine. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL (Opening May 1)

3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com

A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

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

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

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

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

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

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

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

MANGA & ANIME SHOW HELD

Winners of the Art League of Ocean City’s annual Manga & Anime student art contest were awarded prizes, and all entries were on display on First Friday, April 4, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. The art show was open to all middle, high school, and college students, and homeschoolers regardless of residency. The cash prizes were sponsored by Art League Past President John Sisson and James Dufendach of Ocean City Comic Con awarded swag and merchandise to the winners. Above left, first-place winner Daisy Harris from Snow Hill High/Worcester Tech is pictured. Above right, ALOC volunteer John Sisson is pictured making origami with young attendees. Right, Snow Hill High Sierra Merrit is pictured with her honorable mention piece. Far right, Washington Academy eighth grade student Zamijae Murphy is shown. Below, Snow Hill High Olha Borodina is shown with her second place entry. SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Bank’s ATM renovation plan tabled by Berlin commission

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 10, 2025) Last week, the Berlin Historic District Commission voted to table Taylor Bank’s ATM renovation project to allow the applicant time to present a new outline more in keeping with the town’s historic charm.

A proposed renovation project would remove the ATM vestibule that currently sits at Taylor Bank in Berlin. The initiative’s plan, passed by the HDC in July 2023, was to install a new ATM that instead of walking through a door to access, would be sticking out through a wall. Last week, the applicant again came before the HDC to seek approval for a few adjustments.

The renderings proposed in July 2023 had the ATM facing towards the north side of the building. The change most recently proposed would place the machine in a more central location on the bank’s front and remove a door that provides direct access.

Applicants for the project said that removing the door would address security concerns caused by the ease of access to the executive office space. Even with the entrance’s elimination, there would still be three openings to access the bank.

“I think when this building was taken over, [the former bank president]

wanted to be right there where people could walk in and enter his office,” Robinson said. “Now there is a need for more security for higher-ups in the banks.”

However, while the applicant was simply seeking modifications to an already approved initiative, the discussion brought up issues some HDC members had with removing the ATM vestibule.

“I use the ATM, and I love it because it’s the most charming ATM I’ve ever seen,” commission member Laura Sterns said. “I feel safe … In inclement weather, it’s easier to hit the buttons when your fingers are not freezing. I put my purse on the windowsill. I love the ATM the way it is. If we take it away, it will be one less thing in this town that is so charming. The town has already made a lot of changes. Putting an ATM on the front of the most historic building … is a mistake.”

Ray Robinson of Taylor Bank argued the proposal is necessary to remain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. This includes making the ATM more visible, which the current placement does not.

The HDC voted unanimously to table the matter and reschedule another meeting to review alterations that prioritize the town’s historic culture.

CROSSWORD

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Taylor Bank’s Main Office in Berlin is pictured on Main Street. Inside the vestibule area is the site of an ATM today.

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This week you are going to take action on a project that has been on your mind for awhile, Aries. Trust your instincts, but make sure you are not moving too fast.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

This week brings an opportunity for intellectual pursuits, Taurus. You might think to enroll in a higher education class or a take a course on a specific hobby that has been on your mind.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Partnerships are key right now, Gemini. You might want to pursue new professional relationships. Embrace your ability and willingness to adapt and facilitate change.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You need to take care of your body and mind, Cancer. Now is as good a time as any to begin this pursuit. Even small adjustments can lead to longterm health benefits.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, this is your week to look into matters of self-expression and creativity. Pour your energy into anything that gets you excited. Your enthusiasm may draw others in as well.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, home life takes center stage this week, and you might feel a strong desire to nurture your space. Decluttering and organizing could bring more harmony to your home.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you are able to express your thoughts with clarity and charm, which is why personal relationships often come easy to you. This week you may use this superpower to make friends.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You may soon find yourself reevaluating how you spend your money or what you value most in life, Scorpio. This is a good time to check financial goals and adjust them.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

There is a sense of fresh energy surrounding you this week, Sagittarius. If you have been putting off something, now is the time to take the leap.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, focus on rest and relaxation in the days ahead. You have been putting in a lot of work lately and now is a time to focus on your inner self and recharge.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Collaborations with others could prove fruitful this week, Aquarius. Don’t hesitate to lean on your social network when you need to get something done.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You might be presented with a way to take your professional life to the next level, Pisces. Strategize about how to move forward in this regard, and think through all decisions.

PHOTO COURTESY TYLER LAYTON

OCEAN GLORY

It may have been a chilly swim, but this photographer was rewarded with a beautiful wave image with just the right natural light last month.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

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WORCESTER YOUTH DONATION

Worcester Youth & Family, a local non-profit whose mission is "Helping People Shine," had Program Support Coordinator Rachel Mitchell speak to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City where she also received a $2,500 donation from the club. She is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tom Southwell.

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WPS HABITAT FAIR

On Friday, March 28, Worcester Prep’s second grade students hosted a Habitat Fair for fellow lower school students, staff, and families. Attendees learned about the various places where animals make their homes, from the rainforest to the Arctic and all the habitats in between. Above, second grader Christian Williams shared his habitat project on the Desert with his grandfather, Jim Mathias; his parents, Lauren and Beau Williams; and his grandparents, Roland and Roxanne Williams.

PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

LIONS DONATE TO CEDAR CHAPEL

Gulyas,

of the

INSPECT EXPERTS FOR OCES

Students in Mrs. Lavin’s first grade class at Ocean City Elementary were entomologists for the day. The students used marshmallows and pretzels to recreate the three main body parts of an insect. Pictured from left to right are Abree Wallace, Eoin Gray, and Cailyn Guns.

CORPORATE SPONSORS RECOGNIZED

Ocean City Center for the Arts hosted its annual Corporate Partner Group

the Art

partners and

several

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Belinda

principal

Cedar Chapel Special School, recently accepted a donation from Ocean City Lions' President Scott Stark. Located in Snow Hill, Cedar Chapel serves students with disabilities. Pictured, from left, are Stark, Gulyas, and Lion J. D. Quillin.

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SHIRLEY HALL WPS WINNERS

Pictured, from left, are Worcester Prep senior Mikayla Towns, who received 1st place in this year’s Shirley Hall Youth Art Exhibit, alongside honorable mentions senior Jayden Scopp, senior Angeline Todorov, freshman Elena Gjoni and seventh grader Emery Hammonds. The Shirley Hall Youth Art Exhibit took place on March 7 at the Art League of Ocean City.

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The

Show, which honored

League's

produced

winners, including Laura Jednorski, Best in Show; John Kovach, first place; and Gordon Inyard, second place. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Bauer, Art League of Ocean City's Director of Development; Inyard; Kovach; and Jednorski.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Danielle Knaack of Baltimore was the $1,000 Grand Prize winner in the Art League of Ocean City's Global Travel Photo Contest, with prize money sponsored by the White Marlin Open. Entries into the contest are on display during April on monitors at the Ocean City Center for the Arts and will be displayed during the annual fishing tournament. Pictured, from left, are Crystal Collins, Art League Board President; winner Knaack; and Jim Motsko, White Marlin Open.

4STEPS SUPPORTED

4Steps' Executive Director Sandy Winters and Instructor Judy Dzimiera spoke to the OC Lions about their programs for children and adults with physical, emotional & behavioral health issues. Horses help riders feel better emotionally and physically and riding can improve mood and reduce anxiety. 'Operation Charlie Horse' was created to address the needs of active military, veterans, and 1st responders. Presenting a donation, from left, are are Ocean City Lions President Scott Stark, Winters, Dzimiera, and J. D. Quillin.

DIRECTOR COMMITS

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Music Director Michael Repper has signed a threeyear contract extension, securing his leadership through the 2027-2028 season. This agreement underscores Repper’s pivotal role in shaping the Orchestra’s future and maintaining its standard of musical excellence. He is pictured with Jeffrey Parker, chairman of the MSO Board of Directors.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WOR-WIC DONATION

The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Foundation recently contributed funds to WorWic Community College for its endowed scholarship, which annually supports Worcester, Wicomico or Somerset County students attending Wor-Wic. The chamber raises funds throughout the year at its Business After Hours events. Pictured, from left, are Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the Wor-Wic Community College Foundation and development; Karri B. Todd, co-chair of the SACC Foundation and member of the SACC executive committee; Stephanie Willey, co-chair of the SACC Foundation and member of the SACC voting council; Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of Wor-Wic; and Bill Chambers, president and CEO of the SACC.

The Art League of Ocean City honored their Corporate Partners on First Friday with the annual Corporate Partner Art Exhibition and also awarded them art prints to celebrate the partnership. Pictured, from left, are Gigi Lekites, PKS Investment Advisors; Ruth Waters, The Harrison Group; Tammy Patrick and Merrie McElrath, Montgomery Financial; Marge Steele, Cambria Hotel; Greg Poulos, Gregory Poulos Photography; and Judy Schoelkopf, Old Pro Golf.

LIONS

DONATE

Founded in 1939, the Lions' Leader Dog program trains and provides guide dogs for the blind at no cost. BJ Blahnik, a Leader Dog recipient, recently spoke to the OC Lions about the importance of guide dogs and the training process. Above, OC Lions President Scott Stark donated $1,000 to District Governor Bijoy Mahanti, Blahnik and guide dog Jackson 5.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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Beet carpaccio with vinaigrette

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(April 11, 2025) What is nature? And how does this delicate chain of miraculous wonders affect our daily lives?

Simplicity is the secret ingredient for comprehension. Nature encompasses all the animals, plants, and other things that are not made by man, and all the events and processes that are not brought about by people.

With that thought in mind, how much does one know about the composting process, it extraordinary benefits, and the long-term impacts?

First and foremost, what is composting? Composting is the process of recycling food and other organic waste into an amendment that can be used to enrich your garden and the environment.

More specifically, compost reduces the waste generated at home, promotes healthier plant growth, and combats climate change by cutting down on greenhouse gases. It can also conserve water due to its ability to retain and efficiently transfer water.

Composting can be done both indoors and outdoors and can be as complicated or as straightforward as you like. For time purposes, we will briefly discuss the more

popular at-home methods.

There are two main types of backyard composting: cold (also known as passive composting) and hot (also called active composting). Cold composting breaks down organic matter slowly, but it also takes the least amount of effort and maintenance. Cold composting is the best process if you have little waste and time is of the essence.

Hot composting is a faster, but more managed process. This method requires attention to keep carbon and nitrogen in the optimum ratio and the right balance of air and water to attract the organisms that thrive in an oxygen-rich environment.

The ideal compost location is in a dry and shady area. Using a bin is the simplest and cheapest method for smallscale, at home composting. Open and closed bins depend mainly on whether the container is accessible to animals.

Trench composting involves burying your organic waste directly in the soil. This type of composting can be easier than maintaining a compost pile. All you have to do is dig a hole, fill it with organic waste, and cover it with soil. Earthworms and other organisms do the rest of the work. This method is not practical if you want to compost materials on an ongoing basis.

What can you compost is the next log-

ical question. Anything that comes from the ground can be composted at home. Pet waste, animal products, diseased plants, and dairy should be kept away from at-home compost collections. The internet is a great source to search for a more detailed list of what is acceptable.

Industrial food waste disposal is another subject at hand. Your local government provides information concerning what, where, and how to drop off food scraps.

While one may not be able to partake in the practice of composting, awareness of waste supports and expedites the cause. For example, did you know the tops of beets are not only edible but delicious. By incorporating them into your dish, you are indirectly composting food.

Beet carpaccio with a beet top vinaigrette is a stunning appetizer and can be made with little notice. Crumbled goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, chopped hard boiled eggs, pickled red onions, fresh dill, and edible flowers are possible garnishes. There are no set rules and let your artistry and palette guide you.

Carpaccio is an Italian appetizer of thinly-sliced raw meat. However, the term now includes fish and vegetables. If you own a mandoline, now is the time to use it. The mandoline produces paper this slices which is perfect for carpaccio.

Fresh beets are a must. Make sure you

have plenty of water in the pot when steaming them. Also, steam with the skins on. Beets are very hard and the skins come off much easier when they have been cooked first.

Arrange the slices of beets according to personal preference on a plate. Have fun and garnish the beets with whatever tickles your fancy.

The easiest way to make the beet top vinaigrette is to add finely chopped raw beets tops to a (homemade or storebought) balsamic vinegar dressing. I chose a vinaigrette that is made with white balsamic vinegar so the color of the beet tops come to the forefront.

The dressing can be spooned directly on the beets, served in a ramekin, or artistically placed on the side. Choices are what distinguishes one cook from another.

In closing, every action influences the chain of destiny and therefore responsibility is shared by all. No effort is too small when it comes to ensuring the conservatory of our planet.

Secret Ingredient – Simplicity

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

-

Leonardi de Vinci

Calendar

Fri., April 11

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A great opportunity for babies (0-2 years) and their caregivers to socialize, play, read and explore in the library’s bright play space. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Join in for STREAM activities and socialize with other homeschool families. For ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Come see a movie you might have missed in the theaters. Light refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘THE HOME PLACE’ BY J. DREW LANHAM

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

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $14 for a one-crab-cake platter, $24 for a two-crab-cake platter and $10 for crab cake sandwich only. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Bake table available.

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994

Sat., April 12

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, assorted pastries, fruit and beverages. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for ages 4-10 years and free to those 3 years and younger. www.oceanpines.org, 410-6417052

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Speakers will be Claire Rush Blades EcoTourism & Aquaculture Sales Manager representing Baywater Landing Marina and Katie Goezinger, OPA Recreation Program Supervisor. All are welcome. 410-641-7662

LOCALS BLOOM MARKET

InnerBloom, 2908 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring 48 vendors including local small businesses, ice cream truck, farmers, makers and more. http://innerbloomfloral.com

KICKSTART KINDERGARTEN

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Sixsession series built to help preschoolers get ready for kindergarten. Preschoolers enjoy stories and activities exploring school readiness skills. Light snack provided. For ages 3-5. 410-957-0878

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., April 13

PALM SUNDAY

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin. Services held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

LOCALS BLOOM MARKET

InnerBloom, 2908 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring 48 vendors including local small businesses, ice cream truck, farmers, makers and more. http://innerbloomfloral.com

PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 10 a.m. Join in for praise and palms in preparation for Holy Week. 410-6412186, bethany21811@gmail.com

BEST BLOODY MARY ON THE SHORE CONTEST

Seacrets, Morley Hall, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 12-3 p.m. A $20 donation at the door allows you to vote in several categories. Benefiting the Ocean 98 Cash for College Fund.

https://ocean98.com/event/ocean-98sbest-bloody-mary-contest-1/2025-04-13

FICTION & FIBER ARTS

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 12-3 p.m. Stitch back in time with your fiber art of choice along to a live reading of “Oliver.”

BERLIN FLEA MARKET Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking

Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., April 14

STORY TIME: RAIN

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m.

Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to simulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3-6 p.m.

Come tour the local history collection. If you need help finding your roots, contact the local history librarian at history@worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TEEN CRAFT LAB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Paint or dye a terracotta pot that is uniquely yours. All supplies included. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CROCHETED RUGS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5-7 p.m.

Learn the basics of making a rectangular rug or table mat out of recycled materials. Check list for supplies to bring with you. Registration required: 410-6323495. 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

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., April 15

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research followed by a Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet, or papers containing family information, if you can. Registration requested: 410-2084014.

STORY TIME: COMMUNITY HELPERS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. This cooking demonstration will show you how to create a delicious and nutritious dish using ingredients that promote brain health. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY BAGS AND BOTTLES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Cre-

Continued on Page 56

CALENDAR

ate a sensory bag or bottle for calming your mind and stimulating your brain. For ages 6-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SURGICAL CLASSES

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6 p.m. Upcoming surgery? Attend to learn what to expect, information about your surgery and directions about postoperative care. Atlantic General Hospital’s Pre-Admission Testing Department, 410-641-9814

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.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., April 16

36TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8 a.m.-noon. Experts onsite providing health screenings, education and information about local healthcare resources. Free event. Alyce Marzola, 410-6419268, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP Online Zoom call held the third and

fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of Backgammon, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Swap your gently used puzzle for a new-to-you puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original boxes. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880

KICKSTART KINDERGARTEN

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30 p.m. Sixsession series built to help preschoolers get ready for kindergarten. Preschoolers enjoy stories and activities exploring school readiness skills. List snack provided. 410-641-0650

STORYTELLERS THEATER

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Theater activities like improv, memorization, public speaking and learning about theater. Best for ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., April 17

MAUNDY THURSDAY St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church

St., Berlin, 6 p.m. Light dinner then service.

MAUNDY THURSDAY MEAL IN UPPER ROOM

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, 5:30 p.m. A worship service recalling the events of the meal eaten by Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper including readings, hymns and prayers. Sign up: 410-641-2186 or Bethany 21811@gmail.com.

STORY TIME: EASTER

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a bunny tale. There will be songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CPAP MASK FITTING

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

NATURE LOVERS CRAFTING

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 1 p.m. Nature themed craft projects for adults. April: Pressed flower bookmarks. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TILE ART

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Color subway tiles and then spray them with alcohol to let the creativity flow. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK FOR THE MONTH CLUB: ‘THE TRUTH OF YOU’ BY IAIN S. THOMAS

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

EASTER EGG COCOA BOMB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Enjoy learning how to make an Easter Egg Cocoa Bomb. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

POP CUTURE BOOK CLUB: ‘WASTELAND’ BY OLIVER FRANKLIN-WALLIS

Game Theory Board Games & Coffee, 1822 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 5 p.m. Join the Ocean City Library with Game Theory Cafe for an afternoon of popular culture nonfiction. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

FREE IN-PERSON TAX PREPARATION

Takes place through April 15. By appointment only, call 443-584-5661 or online at the following sites.

• Mondays at the Ocean Pines library, www.tinyurl.com/t8km843p

• Tuesdays at the Berlin library, www.tinyurl.com/2rvvha2y

• Saturdays at the Ocean City library, www.tinyurl.com/3bt6ujx7. The program is open to taxpayers of all ages. AARP membership is not required. Find sites near you: aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK COMMUNI-TREE Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Ave., April 712. To celebrate the role the library plays in our community, stop by the Berlin Library to leave a note to populate the Communi-Tree, April 7-12. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK SCAVENGER HUNT

Snow Hill Library, 307 N. Washington St., April 7-12. Celebrate National Library Week with a fun scavenger hunt around the library and complete book themed riddles for a prize. For families. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LOUIS PARSONS III MEMORIAL PHOTO CONTEST OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

OC Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., April 1-Sept. 1. Entry fee is $5 per entry. Category winners will be announced on Nov. 1. https://www.gogophotocontest.com/oce ancitymuseumsociety, 410-289-4991, emma@ocmuseum.org

BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST

Held throughout all of Worcester County library braches, during April. Design a custom bookmark. Pick up an entry form and template at your local library branch. Submit your design by April 30 for a chance to be featured. Winners will be announced on May 12. For ages 6-18 years. 410-632-5622

APRIL INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during April. Art, photography or poetry challenge for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing. The theme is “Crystal Clear.” Due by April 30. 410-632-3495

Crossword answers from page 50

APRIL 11, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 57

MARKETPLACE

AMERICAN LEGION

2 Bartenders. Seasonal. Part-time. 2 Line Cooks, experience required. Part-time. Apply at Post, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue or call for information at 410-289-3166

SPEEDWORLD Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047

JOB

Small seasonal boutique

Oceanfront Hotel in Ocean City has the following jobs available: Desk Clerks with reservation computer program experience needed for both the 1st shift and 2nd shifts.

Daytime Housekeepers Apply online at info@ocbreakers.com or call 410-289-9165

Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Administrative Assistant with excellent organizational, computer, people, creative skills, and the ability to learn a variety of systems. Position is Monday thru Friday with some weekends. Good knowledge of current and world history, geography, and culture is important. This is a long-term position and can be challenging. Send resume to: classifieds@ oceancitytoday.net or ADMIN, 11934 Ocean Gateway, Ste. 6, Ocean City, MD 21842 HELP WANTED

Well established concrete company looking for YR FINISHERS & LABORERS. Experience preferred. Call 410-832-8251.

YEAR ROUND

1BR, 1BA

Fully furnished and remodeled. Full size kitchen appl’s. Central air, private parking, security. $1,450 per mo. Cable, WiFi & elec. included up to $100. Will negotiate long term lease. Avail now. 410-603-9453

YR RENTAL

1BR, BA, kitchen, W/D, unfurnished. 2 adults. $1500 per mo. + utils. & sec. dep. Call Jean 410-524-0990 before 2 p.m.

WATERFRONT BAYSIDE

Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA

Condo in North OC. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony for sunsets. Perfect for crabbing, fishing, kayaking. 10 min. walk to beach. Weekly summer rentals & long term seasonal Nov.-May. Contact Julie, 443-223-4623

SUMMER SEASONAL

Modern Condo 1BR/1BA Bayside, off 123rd St. 2 queen beds, furnished, full kitchen, washer/dryer, POOL, parking. Next to bars & restaurants. Near Northside Park (70 acres).

PROFESSIONALS ONLY max. 3 renters. NO pets or smokers. $11K + sec. dep. & utilities. 302-316-5075 Email: jimreeves99md@gmail.com

WEEKLY RENTAL

Seasonal Weekly Rental only, Single family home, Berlin. 4BR, 3BA. $725/night. Call 484-319-7188 for details.

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

House To Share In Ocean Pines. Fully furnished, all utilities & WiFi included. No pets, no smoking. Large Room, $800; Regular Room, $700. 443-880-2486

ROOMMATES

HOUSESHARE IN BERLIN

$600 per month. Nonsmoker, no pets. 443-513-0190

REAL ESTATE

Can’t sell your 1 bed, 1 bath VRBO? Upside down with condo fees, taxes and rental fees. I will rent if clean and good location. $1,500 per month, 3 months down Plus security deposit. 1 year lease. 1 person, non smoker, no pets. Adult, responsible, local OC government employee. I work 50 hours per week. 443-373-3865 Immediate occupancy.

COMMERCIAL

Commercial Space for Lease.

2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

SERVICES

TJK And Sons Exterior Cleaning And Painting

Residential Painting, Paver Sealing , Power Washing, Clean Outs and Junk Removal. Free Estimates. Call 443-256-3077. tjkandsonsexteriorcleaning. com

LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

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.

MISC./OTHER

Looking to the Cross, Clouds of sin obscure the view. So, now, must I go! Bubbling black pitch, Temptation puddles!

Run your business card in our SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

Satellite

+ Inter-

FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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

ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.

1966 Greenspring Drive, Suite LL2

Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland 21093 (410) 238-2840

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

10900 Coastal Hwy, Unit 1908, Ocean City, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Deed of Trust from John Gann and Denise Gann, dated March 15, 2005 and recorded in Liber 4426, Folio 406 among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $200,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Courthouse Door, on

Monday, May 5, 2025 AT 11:00 AM

ALL THAT FEE-SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND and the improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Purchase Money Deed of Trust. The real property is known as 10900 Coastal Hwy, Unit 1908, Ocean City, MD 21842 Tax ID #10-124662. Tax Map 0116, Grid 0019, Parcel 2956A.

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 $13,000.00 in the form of cash, cashier’s check, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustees determine acceptable, 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 rate of 6.5% per annum 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. 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 and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Purchaser will take title subject to any private utility water and sewer covenants, charges or front foot benefit payments associated therewith for the remaining duration of the same. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settle-

ment 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. Purchaser 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.

NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustee nor his agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.

Mark H. Wittstadt, and Cole Luthy, Substitute Trustees

Tidewater Auctions, LLC

305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 105

Towson, Maryland 21204

410-825-2900

www.tidewaterauctions.com

OCD-4/10/3t

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000

www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’

SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

10833 SAINT MARTINS NECK ROAD BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Stanley Johnson, Jr. dated October 29, 2004 and recorded in Liber 4301, folio 632 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on APRIL 15, 2025 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #05-006392.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $20,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, recaptured taxes (including but not

limited to agricultural taxes), and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale. If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, subject to order of the court, the entire deposit (including any amount received over the advertised deposit amount) shall be forfeited to the Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 22-000801-MD-F-1.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees

OCD-3/27/3t _________________________________

THOMAS K. COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20573 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD S. LUDLAM

Notice is given that Elizabeth B. Ludlam, 10206 Twilight Gun Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-2746, was on March 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard S. Ludlam who died on January 20, 2025, 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 18th day of Septem-

2025.

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.

Elizabeth B. Ludlam Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 27, 2025

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BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs.

WILLIAM E. SHOCKLEY (DECEASED)

MARY F. SHOCKLEY (DECEASED) 10116 McAllister Road Berlin, MD 21811

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

Case No. C-23-CV-24-000302

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 20th day of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 10116 McAllister Road, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of April, 2025, 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 14th day of April, 2025.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $169,000.00.

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

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/27/3t

REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20584 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANICE LYNN SCHMITT

Notice is given that Jacqueline Grace, 4538 Perkins Ct., Belcamp, MD 21017-1425, was on March 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice Lynn Schmitt who died on February 17, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of September, 2025.

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.

Jacqueline Grace Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 27, 2025

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA G. BAKER

Notice is given that Chad E. Baker, 1105 Crowfoot Ln., Silver Spring, MD 20904-1322, was on March 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia G. Baker who died on January 04, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of September, 2025.

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.

Chad E. Baker

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: March 27, 2025

OCD-3/27/3t

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

tative 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 18th day of September, 2025.

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.

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: March 28, 2025

OCD-3/27/3t _________________________________

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

OCD-3/27/3t

REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20542 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ELLSWORTH JOHNSON

Notice is given that Sharon Atherton, 7 Misty Shore Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-2714, was on March 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Ellsworth Johnson who died on January 13, 2025, 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 represen-

To all persons interested in the estate of NANCY ANNE ROCK Estate No. 20583 Notice is given that MARGARET ELLEN DOBUCKI whose address is 1919 NORMANDY DR., WOOSTER, OH 44691-1435 was on MARCH 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NANCY ANNE ROCK who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2025 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/27/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ELAINE M. SOBOTA AKA: ELAINE MARIE SOBOTA Estate No. 20578 Notice is given that JAMES ALLEN SOBOTA whose address is 37096 LONGMOOR FARM LN., HILLSBORO, VA 20132-2864 was on MARCH 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELAINE M. SOBOTA who died on MARCH 05, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN EDWARD FLEMING JR Estate No. 20580 Notice is given that ROGER C. FLEMING whose address is 33010 NASSAU LOOP, LEWES, DE 19958-3729 was on MARCH 20, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN EDWARD FLEMING JR who died on DECEMBER 20, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/27/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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 18th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/27/3t

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND

IN THE MATTER OF TPE MD WO73, LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 5.0 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

CASE NO. 9772

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing to consider TPE MD WO73, LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct a 5.0 MW solar electric generating facility approximately ½ mile northwest of the intersection of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street, Berlin, MD.

DATE: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

A recording will also be available via the Public Utility Law Judge’s (PULJ) YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/channel/UCYK5 mu0UMAUOqSQowRq2TIQ/. Written comments may be submitted electronically or by first-class mail. Comments submitted electronically must be submitted through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed at www.psc.md.us. Instructions are available at www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-publiccomment. Comments submitted by first-class mail must be addressed to Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore MD 21202. All comments must include a reference to Case No. 9772. OCD-4/3/4t

NOTICE

OF

APPLICATION

FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Aseel Hussein Mohsen, 12723 Whisper Trace Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: 14 Atlantic, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: BAI-TEE Bakery 1401 North Atlantic Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 16, 2025 @ 1:05 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

OCD-4/3/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #3 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Patrick Brady, 10702 Flower Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811; and Jaroslaw Struk, 199 Intrepid Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: UnCuffed, Inc.

Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511

To all persons interested in the estate of BRUCE WAYNE WARD SR Estate No. 20577 Notice is given that ANGELA L CASTILLO whose address is 7132 AYRES LN RD SNOW HILL, MD 21863-4116 was on MARCH 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BRUCE WAYNE WARD SR who died on FEBRUARY 19, 2025 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.

TIME: 7:00 p.m. EDT PLACE: Virtual Meeting

If you would like to speak at the hearing, please sign up through the Public Service Commission’s website www.psc.state.md.us/ by Monday, May 5, 2025. To sign up, under “Featured Topics” take the following steps: click on Public Comment Hearing Signup; click on Case No. 9772; click on May 6, 2025; select 7:00 p.m. and click “next” then enter your name and email address; click “Schedule Event.” You will receive a zoom link for the meeting once you have completed the sign-up process.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: PJ's Pizzeria 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 16, 2025 @ 1:10 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

OCD-4/3/2t

OF

NOTICE

APPLICATION

FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "A" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Shereen Ismail Ramadan, 12648 Whisper Trace Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: 1st Stop OC, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: 1st Stop 106 North Division Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 16, 2025 @ 1:15 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

OCD-4/3/2t

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: Edward Bennett Braude, 8627 Saddlecreek Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Alsa M. Calimova, 260 Mumfords Landing Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811; and Shavkat 0. Ismailov, 22261 Sims Terrace, Ashbarn, VA 20168.

For: Shavi CO, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Fat Daddy's 216 South Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Aus, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: April 16, 2025 @ 1:20 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

OCD-4/3/2t

NOTICE of Public Hearing

Worcester County Disposal of Surplus Real Estate

The County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland propose to quitclaim a 7,211 square foot parcel and a 2,437 square foot parcel of land located in the Town of Snow Hill on the northeasterly side of Bank Street and the southwesterly side of Bank Street, shown as a portions of Lot 61 and Lot 95, respectively, on a plan entitled “Subdivision of the Lands of the County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland” to the Town of Snow Hill for zero consideration.

The Public Hearing on this disposal of surplus real estate will be held

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 03/28/2025

All

AUTH: Michael Colbert

I-Chief of Police

on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:40 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Questions may be directed to Candace Savage, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, by calling 410632-1194, or by email at csavage@co.worcester.md.us.

OCD-4/3/3t

BRIAN M. SPERN, ESQ. 3701 OLD COURT ROAD SUITE 24

BALTIMORE, MD 21208

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM J. MCGRAW Estate No. 20531 Notice is given that BRIAN M. SPERN, ESQ. whose address is 3701 OLD COURT RD STE 24 BALTIMORE, MD 21208-3901 was on MARCH 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM J. MCGRAW who died on JANUARY 29, 2024 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

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

lier of the following dates:

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

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

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

OCD-4/3/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20581 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT J. SULLIVAN

Notice is given that Martin Sullivan, 6143 Taylor Landing Rd., Girdletree, MD 21829-2805, was on March 25, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert J. Sullivan who died on March 07, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of September, 2025.

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.

Martin Sullivan Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 03, 2025

OCD-4/3/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20590 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WALTER KEIR JR. Notice is given that Scott Keir, 12217 Bennett Rd., Herndon, VA 20171-1611, was on March 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter Keir Jr. who

died on March 01, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of September, 2025.

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

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

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

Scott Keir

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 03, 2025

OCD-4/3/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the Town of Snow Hill Section 45 notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Special Meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Operating and Water & Sewer Budgets. The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments and opinions on the draft budget. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the draft please contact the Town Manager’s

Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410-632-2080. OCD-4/3/2t

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20510

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania appointed Coy Womble Jr., 5742 Larchwood Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143-1912 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Sharon Milbourne who died on April 24, 2013 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Michelle D. Ray whose address is 124 Holland Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804-4461.

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

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

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

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

Coy Womble Jr.

Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: April 3, 2025

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DAVID C. BLITZER ESQ. MID ATLANTIC LEGAL GROUP LLC

WISE & BLITZER ATTORNEYS AT LAW

101 LOG CANOE CIRCLE, STE. M

STEVENSVILLE, MD 21666

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ESTATE NO. 20592

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS’ court of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed MORGAN DOBSON whose address is 423 INKWELL CT., OXFORD, PA 19363-1826 as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of KARLA MILBOURNE DOBSON who died on FEBRUARY 18, 2023 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DAVID C. BLITZER ESQ. whose address is 101 LOG CANOE CIR., STE. M,

STEVENSVILLE, MD 21666-2106. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN SCALES LAW GROUP 12417 OCEAN GTWY STE 11 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICK L MILLER Estate No. 20596 Notice is given that ROBERT L MILLER JR whose address is 834 THISTLE CT THE VILLAGES, FL 32163-4115 was on MARCH 31, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICK L MILLER who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2025 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 30th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

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

Town of Snow Hill Announces MAY ELECTION

Snow Hill, Maryland – The Town of Snow Hill will hold their general election in person on Tuesday May 6, 2025 at the Train Station, 200 Belt St. Snow Hill, MD 21863.

Up for election this year are the offices of Western District Council and Central District Council. Only one individual filed for candidacy for the office for Western District Council, that individual, Margaret A. Fletcher is considered to be the successful candidate for Western District Council. On the ballot for Central District Council are Madelyn Lampron and Aaron W. Lumpkins.

Those who wish to vote by absentee ballot can call Town Hall or email Kandice Ringenary at adminco@ snowhillmd.com to request an absentee ballot application. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot application is Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 4:30pm.

For more information contact Kandice Ringenary via email at adminco@snowhillmd.com or call at 410-632-2080.

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KHURRAM RIAZ

429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v.

RMB HOLDINGS LLC PO Box 485 Salisbury, MD 21803 Defendant, And

AMY L. MANDART TRUSTEE 7835 Rue Cache Court Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Defendant And

WORCESTER COUNTY

Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke, Tax Account# 01-020293, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-25-00004 l ORDER OF

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property

described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-02093, Property description 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 5033/568, Assessed to RMB HOLDINGS LLC, owned by RMH HOLDINGS LLC. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is, thereupon this 2nd of April, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 2nd of June, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plain ti ff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-4/10/3t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

LBHA - Recovery Support for Pregnant/Postpartum/Women with Children Project

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified providers to render Recovery Support for Pregnant/Postpartum women and women with children (RSPPW), Strengthening Families in Recovery - Recovery Support Pregnant/Postpartum Women and Women with Children (RSPPW) Enhancement and Children in Need of AssistanceCINA (SB512) services in Worcester County in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, via Google Meet, at 11:00am. Sealed

Proposal Documents are due no later than Monday, April 28, 2025, at 2:30pm and will be opened, and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Proposal Solicitation – LBHA - Recovery Support for Pregnant/Postpartum/Women with Children Project”, in the lower lefthand corner.

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

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer

Worcester County, Maryland Pre-Proposal Meeting Meeting ID: meet.google.com/hss-rzca-hvh Phone Number: 716-541-0950 PIN: 133 932 637#

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NICHOLAS B. PROY ESQ. PROY LAW FIRM

P.O. BOX 499 FINKSBURG, MD 21048-0499

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20476 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BRIAN L. MILLER

AKA: BRIAN L. MILLER SR. Notice is given that Amy L. Miller Gehrig, 10608 Point Lookout Rd., Ocean City, MD 21842-4819, was on March 31, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Brian L. Miller who died on November 27, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Amy L. Miller Gehrig

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 10, 2025

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20593 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES HAMILTON DOLBEY

JR.

Notice is given that Marisa Dolbey, 11843 Man O War Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-3361, was on March 28, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Charles Hamilton Dolbey Jr. who died on November 19, 2023, without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Marisa

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 10, 2025

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN L. SULLIVAN Estate No. 20595 Notice is given that DEBRA S. HARMAN whose address is 6 ACCORD CT., POTOMAC, MD 20854-4339 was on MARCH 31, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOHN L. SULLIVAN who died on MARCH 03, 2025 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/10/1t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL PLANNED COMMUNITY (RPC)

CREPE MYRTLE COURT RPC SOUTHERLY SIDE OF MD ROUTE 707 WEST OF GREENRIDGE LANE

TENTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

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Pursuant to Sections 1-114 and 1315 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, an application has been filed with the Worcester County Commissioners by Keith Iott on behalf of Kathleen Clark to establish a Residential Planned Community (RPC) on property located on the southerly side of MD Route 707 (Old Bridge Road), west of Greenridge

Lane. Located in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, the property is designated on Tax Map 26 as Parcel 157. The Worcester County Planning Commission has reviewed the Crepe Myrtle Court Residential Planned Community application at its meeting of February 6, 2025, and granted a favorable recommendation to the Worcester County Commissioners that the Residential Planned Community floating zone be established subject to certain conditions.

Pursuant to Sections 1-114 and 1315 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a PUBLIC HEARING

on TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025 AT 10:35 A.M. IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM

WORCETER COUNTY

GOVERNMENT CENTER –ROOM 1101 ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

At said public hearing the County Commissioners will consider the Residential Planned Community and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve, or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being developed, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of building, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

A map of the proposed area, the staff file on the Residential Planned Community application and the Planning Commission’s file, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are on file and available for inspection at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, Government CenterRoom 1201 (2nd Floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 between the hours of 8:00A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Interested parties may also call (410) 632-1200. THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE of Public Hearing

Worcester County Parking Restrictions Snug Harbor and Bayside Landings

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on parking restrictions in Snug Harbor and Bayside Landings on:

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center,

One West Market Street

Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

The County Commissioners of Worcester County Maryland will consider making modifications to current parking restrictions that were approved on November 19, 2024 and December 3, 2024 for the communities of Snug Harbor and Bayside Landings.

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WORCESTER COUNTY

MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE TREASURER GOVERNMENT CENTER 1 WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1105

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

TAX SALE

OF PROPERTIES LOCATED IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

State and County taxes for the 2023 tax levy (and prior years) by the County Commissioners of Worcester County and/or delinquent water, sewer, and assessment charges and/or delinquent nuisance abatements on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid, and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon and costs attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Treasurer, Finance Officer, and Collector of State and County taxes for Worcester County, Maryland, as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland, the undersigned Treasurer, Finance Officer and Collector, aforesaid, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the following properties. This public auction will be held with Real Auction.com. The link is https://worcester.marylandtaxsale.co m

STARTING WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025 @ 10:00 A.M. CLOSING FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 AT THE HOUR OF 1:00 P.M. LIST OF PROPERTIES

Acct#10126452 Assessed To Abdow Victor P Jr & Seborowski Nina M. Located At 11000 Coastal Hwy 0705 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 705 Beach Hwy Capri CM. Assessment $329,467. Total Due $9,736.43.

Acct#02010720 Assessed To Adorable Lucille Assistant Living Facility LLC. Located At 3917 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 2 .46 Ac NW Side R-394 SW Of Snow Hill. Assessment $117,967. Total Due $2,670.43.

Acct#01011871 Assessed To Allen Bessie For Life. Located At 1951 Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 150' X 300' N Side Colona Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $60,533. Total Due $1,508.76.

Acct#02021943 Assessed To Ames Maurice L Sr & Ames Brenda. Located At 106 Stevens St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 2 13802 Sq Ft Stevens Rd Subdiv Pl Of Oscar K & Viola F Blake. Assessment

$78,167. Total Due $3,255.54.

Acct#04007395 Assessed To Arentz Ashley L & Saltzgiver Patrick M. Located At 8266 Patey Woods Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As Lot 1 2.43 Acs Sw Side Patey Woods Road Min Sub J Kucinski Pl. Assessment $155,800. Total Due $3,466.48

Acct#08001219 Assessed To Baine David Lee. Located At 5806 Onley Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As 0.39 Acs S Side Onley Road Pl Survey Carl M Bondy. Assessment $95,867. Total Due $2,156.07.

Acct#10146976 Assessed To Baker Laura H. Located At 11700 Coastal Hwy 1006 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U T-1006 Beach Hwy Carousel Center CM. Assessment $416,467. Total Due $12,036.49.

Acct#02006936 Assessed To Ballard Artie H & Elizabeth W. Located At 4239 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 18 Blk 1 Sec 1 W/S Market St 35184 Sq Ft Pl Castle Hill Ests. Assessment $102,900. Total Due $2,414.44.

Acct#10715652 Assessed To Bandorick William III T/A Black Diamond Builders. Located At Sunset Ave 8 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U-12629-8 Ph 2 Sunset Ave Bayside Professional Ctr. Assessment $115,800. Total Due $2,498.73.

Acct#10272734 Assessed To Barron Brian & Barron Amy G. Located At 12210 Coastal Hwy 0207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 207 Btw 122nd & 123rd Sts Bonnie Belle CM. Assessment $102,200. Total Due $3,225.95.

Acct#10330939 Assessed To Basle George & Karyn. Located At 429 14th St 0001 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1 Z 14th St & Bay Harbour Island II CM. Assessment $550,733. Total Due $16,452.09.

Acct#03120147 Assessed To Bates Kenneth Cody. Located At 11242 Campbelltown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 2 1.84 Ac E S Campbelltown Rd Bndy Ln Adj Ld Davis/Goody. Assessment $104,200. Total Due $2,459.09.

Acct#10232988 Assessed To Becker Julia E. Located At 715 142nd St 04270 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 427 P 4 142nd St Light House Village CM. Assessment $131,900. Total Due $4,053.79.

Acct#10053986 Assessed To Behney Christopher. Located At 210 Trimper Ave 0004 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 4 Trimper Ave Sand & Foam CM. Assessment $121,600. Total Due $3,761.08.

Acct#01027581 Assessed To Belange Wislande. Located At Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 240' W Side Second St Pocomoke. Assessment $10,700.

Total Due $639.42.

Acct#02016680 Assessed To Benavides Investments LLC. Located At 102 W Green St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 20.2 X 52 102 W Green St Snow Hill. Assessment $178,867. Total Due $6,680.57.

Acct#10183162 Assessed To Berrett Rebecca Ann. Located At 607 Twin Tree Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 4 Blk 13 Sec 1D Twin Tree Road Pl Caine Woods. As-

sessment $306,100. Total Due $7,706.94.

Acct#02018802 Assessed To Bianchi Lorrie & Brown Grafton Lee III. Located At 121 Collins St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 55 X 120.40 121 N Collins St Snow Hill. Assessment $162,767. Total Due $6,553.27.

Acct#10256186 Assessed To Bitton Shlomo. Located At 104 120th St 000B2 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U B B 2 P 1 Edw L Taylor Rd Marlin Cove II CM. Assessment $255,000. Total Due $7,734.43.

Acct#05000254 Assessed To Blake Quincy & Irene For Life. Located At Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 60 X 259 75 N Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $35,100. Total Due $769.55.

Acct#05000262 Assessed To Blake Quincy & Irene For Life. Located At 9754 Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 60 X 259.75 S Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $94,600. Total Due $2,109.09.

Acct#10109361 Assessed To Bliznyuk Serge. Located At 163 Winter Harbor Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 32 Sec II Winter Harbor Dr Pl Caine Keys II. Assessment $433,867. Total Due $13,280.04.

Acct#03041751 Assessed To Bloum Donald L & Carol Lou. Located At 2 Waters Edge Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot C-04-200A Waters Edge Ct Prop Sur Lot 199A & 200A Oc Pines. Assessment $295,100. Total Due $2,165.74.

Acct#08006857 Assessed To Bottomer Rita Christine Shields. Located At 917 Greenbackville Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 2 Acs E Side Greenbackville Rd S Of Stockton. Assessment $110,300. Total Due $2,422.01.

Acct#01000462 Assessed To Bowen Linda M Johnson. Located At 2325 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 52 1/2' X 52 1/2' NW Side R-113 Willow Grove. Assessment $49,067. Total Due $1,232.53.

Acct#10352940 Assessed To Bowman Brady S. Located At 12542 Old Bridge Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Par A .716 Acs S Side Old Ocean City Rd Edward B Gray Sub. Assessment $189,400. Total Due $3,277.50.

Acct#01026410 Assessed To Boyd Crawford & Jessica Boyd. Located At 1403 Princess Anne Ln Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 6 Blk E 60 X 150 1403 Princess Anne Lane Pl Small Bull & Dryden. Assessment $120,967. Total Due $4,163.51.

Acct#10317878 Assessed To Breau Michelle D. Located At 12301 Jamaica Ave 0337K Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 337 B K P 1 123rd Street Hidden Harbour III CM. Assessment $156,633. Total Due $4,755.79.

Acct#03072592 Assessed To Briggs Elaine M & Briggs Frederick L. Located At 7 Ambleside Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-07-082 10971 Sq Ft Ambelside Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec 7. Assessment $68,600. Total Due $1,569.03. Acct#10768889 Assessed To Burke Edward A Trustee & Burke

Kathryn D Trustee & Others. Located At Baltimore Ave Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Parcel A 1704 Sf Baltimore Ave Resub Of Lts 6 & 7 Into. Assessment $93,700. Total Due $3,091.82.

Acct#03029379 Assessed To Burley Oak Holdings LLC. Located At 12 Broad St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 30' X 150' S Side Broad St Globe Theatre. Assessment $624,300. Total Due $17,787.90.

Acct#08003688 Assessed To Cane Miriam & Honiss W Cane III & Harris Steven & Valerie Lashley. Located At 5480 Stockton Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 3.35 Acs On Pocomoke Road Stockton. Assessment $195,867. Total Due $2,972.07.

Acct#10400554 Assessed To Carey Richard R For Life. Located At Harbor Winds CM #C C Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #C Edgewater Ave Harbor Winds CM. Assessment $30,000. Total Due $1,090.93

Acct#10304903 Assessed To Carey Richard R For Life. Located At 1203 Edgewater Ave 000C Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U C Edgewater Drive Harbor Winds CM. Assessment $301,000. Total Due $9,326.43.

Acct#01003143 Assessed To Carter Melinda. Located At 1523 Unionville Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 100' X 200' N Side Unionville Rd SW Of Pocomoke. Assessment $91,767. Total Due $2,150.09.

Acct#01017152 Assessed To Charles Waldo. Located At 609 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 75' X 150' Cor Laurel & 2nd Sts Pocomoke. Assessment $134,433. Total Due $5,709.16.

Acct#01029916 Assessed To Charles Waldo & Nicolas Mejynne. Located At 101 Adkins Pl Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 3 Blk B Adkins Place Pl Homewood Pocomoke. Assessment $162,200. Total Due $6,711.73.

Acct#07012241 Assessed To Chatham Daphne Ball & Chatham Grover Todd Jr. Located At 8204 Meadow Bridge Rd Eden, Md 21822. Described As Lot 1 2 Acs E/S Meadow Bridge Rd Subd Robert & E Hall Pl. Assessment $146,467. Total Due $3,270.47.

Acct#07000030 Assessed To Chatham Daphne Frances For Life Chatham Grover Todd Jr For Life. Located At 8138 Meadow Bridge Rd Salisbury, Md 21804. Described As 64 Acs Mt Pleasant Land E Side Meadow Bridge Rd. Assessment $21,200. Total Due $1,374.61.

Acct#07000057 Assessed To Chatham Daphne Frances For Life & Chatham Grover Todd Jr For Life. Located At 8208 Meadow Bridge Rd Eden, Md 21822. Described As 32.08 Acs Hitch Ld E/S Meadow Bridge Rd P/O 200073 Snow Hill. Assessment $315,333. Total Due $7,180.13.

Acct#10222079 Assessed To Colletti Ricardo V & Walker-Colletti

Stephanie B. Located At 3801 Atlantic Ave 0110 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 110 Btw 38th & 39th Sts Diamond Beach CM. Assessment $270,600. Total Due $8,295.18.

Acct#10222311 Assessed To Colletti Ricardo V & Walker-Colletti

Stephanie B. Located At 3801 Atlantic Ave 0216 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 216 Btw 38th & 39th Sts Diamond Beach CM. Assessment $290,567. Total Due $8,432.31.

Acct#03034321 Assessed To Collick Beatrice Pitts & Reginald T. Located At 114 Railroad Ave Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 69 3 X 591 36 N Side Railroad Avenue Berlin. Assessment $54,600. Total Due $2,350.06.

Acct#01019848 Assessed To Collins Claudia M. Located At 409 Dudley Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 60' X 150' N Side 409 Dudley Ave Pocomoke. Assessment $44,900. Total Due $1,885.25.

Acct#01012096 Assessed To Cooper James & Reynolds Edna. Located At 1973 Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 24,260 Sq Ft N Side Colona Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $106,633. Total Due $2,400.20.

Acct#03029123 Assessed To Corbin Leslie H. Located At 104 South Main St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot W Side 104 S Main X Washington Sts. Assessment $275,200. Total Due $8,364.35.

Acct#10318939 Assessed To Cropper John L & Barbara Annette Riley. Located At 10101 Waterview Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lots 29 30 31 32 33 Bay View Ave Pl C Lewis Farm. Assessment $228,500. Total Due $1,071.90.

Acct#07007876 Assessed To Culver Eric C Culver & Rebecca L. Located At 8080 Stevens Rd Salisbury, Md 21804. Described As Lot 1 2.109 Acs E Side Stevens Road Donald Culver Min Sub. Assessment $232,833. Total Due $5,166.71.

Acct#03163423 Assessed To Davis John R. Located At 395 Dueling Way Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 47 Ph 1S 23092 Sf Dueling Way Decatur Farms Pl. Assessment $409,200. Total Due $12,705.60.

Acct#10141966 Assessed To Defrancesco Properties LLC. Located At 11500 Coastal Hwy 1300 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1300 Beach Hwy Sea Watch CM. Assessment $805,300. Total Due $24,542.50.

Acct#02018705 Assessed To Demarr Derek. Located At 115 Collins St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 57.5 X 116.5 X 57.5 X 118.1 115 N Collins St Snow Hill. Assessment $134,567. Total Due $5,457.57.

Acct#02011204 Assessed To Dixon Teamer Jr & Dixon Elaine Evelyn. Located At 3944 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot SW/S Market St S Of Snow Hill. Assessment $147,633. Total Due $3,261.87.

Acct#03054896 Assessed To Doria Allison. Located At 2 White Sail Cir Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-01-694 7500 Sq Ft White Sail Cr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 1. Assessment $242,400. Total Due $4,588.79.

Acct#10051347 Assessed To Dougherty Edwin J. Located At 3010 Philadelphia Ave N301 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U N301 Btw 30th & 31st Sts Gr Three Cheers CM. Assessment $98,467. Total Due $2,905.64.

Acct#03003353 Assessed To Drew

Leonard Edward. Located At Campbelltown Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 104 1/2 X 104 1/2 W Side Campbelltown Rd NE Of Whaleyville. Assessment $47,500. Total Due $1,246.25.

Acct#07000278 Assessed To Dykes Judith A. Located At 445 Mcgrath Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 55 Acs Marcellus Brown Tract Mcgrath Road. Assessment $144,800. Total Due $3,591.30.

Acct#03050688 Assessed To Eline Janet B. Located At 48 Windjammer Rd Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-01-097 7700 Sq Ft Windjammer Rd Pl Ocean Pines Sec 1. Assessment $267,400. Total Due $5,818.35.

Acct#10020727 Assessed To Elliott Ralph H & Elliott Pauline J. Located At Snug Harbor Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 50 Sec A N Side Hastings Rd Pl Snug Harbor. Assessment $158,767. Total Due $3,462.92

Acct#08006644 Assessed To Ellis Edwin Lee & Ellis Rose Marie. Located At 5836 George Island Landing Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 96' X 330' 31799 Sq Ft Geo Island Lndg Rd S Of Stockton. Assessment $71,467. Total Due $1,656.97.

Acct#10115299 Assessed To English Towers LLC. Located At 10000 Coastal Hwy 1207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1207 Beach Hwy English Towers CM. Assessment $383,567. Total Due $11,415.18.

Acct#10076609 Assessed To Falanga Craig Falanga Cheryl. Located At 3 A 63rd St 18 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 18 63rd St Gr Lazy Whale CM. Assessment $140,567. Total Due $4,230.47.

Acct#03004848 Assessed To Fiedler George D. Located At 11104 Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 2.13 Acs E Side Worcester Hwy Bluewater Botanical. Assessment $237,200. Total Due $5,073.03.

Acct#01023071 Assessed To Fleming Tammie Sue. Located At 503 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 43' X 205.5' N Side 503 Market St Pocomoke. Assessment $136,800. Total Due $5,411.26.

Acct#10369649 Assessed To Flood Livia Robinson. Located At 200 59th St 0408 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 408 60th St Coconut Malorie Resort. Assessment $120,667. Total Due $3,762.22.

Acct#04005813 Assessed To Foreman Samuel Tyreel & Sean J B Foreman & Other. Located At 8629 Tindley Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As 5.07 Acs N S Labor Camp Rd Pl Minor Sub For S & H Foreman. Assessment $99,267. Total Due $2,281.41.

Acct#10208718 Assessed To Foster Richard T & Pamela F. Located At 9 52nd St 0001 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1 52nd St Pine Court CM. Assessment $199,267. Total Due $5,461.57.

Acct#10235936 Assessed To Freeman Peter S & Robin Anne Churc Norton Phyllis M & Gail L Guthrie. Located At 6 136th St 0102 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 102 136th St Silver Shell North CM. Assessment $237,867. Total Due

$7,385.98.

Acct#08004072 Assessed To Fry Jodi Marie. Located At 5545 Stockton Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 141.40 X 303.46 X 101.34 X 310.46 Pocomoke Rd Stockton. Assessment $134,533. Total Due $1,910.37.

Acct#08005184 Assessed To Grace Tabernacle Of Deliverance Church Inc. Located At 5496 Stockton Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As Lot/Church/Cemetery Pocomoke Rd Stockton. Assessment $43,700. Total Due $69,262.74.

Acct#03134563 Assessed To Gravenor Jerry S & Robin D Gravenor. Located At 8706 Whaleyville Rd Whaleyville, Md 21872. Described As Lot 4 2.439 Acs Whaleysville Road Horace Carey Min Sub. Assessment $120,500. Total Due $2,848.86.

Acct#02020203 Assessed To Green Felicia & Green James. Located At Ross St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 7 1.18 Acs W Side Ross St. H Williams Subdiv. Assessment $27,400. Total Due $1,313.56.

Acct#10258669 Assessed To Green Michael O. Located At 504 Yawl Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 339 3600 Sq Ft E S Yawl Dr Pl Montego Bay Sec 6 C. Assessment $188,400. Total Due $5,427.12.

Acct#05004446 Assessed To Greenridge Enterprises LLC. Located At 12531 Worcester Hwy Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 17.79 Acs W Side R-113 E Of Bishop. Assessment $1,152,133. Total Due $18,022.72.

Acct#10285291 Assessed To Halem Mitchell & Halem Marjorie Silverman Etal. Located At 9800 Coastal Hwy 1510 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1510 Beach Hwy Plaza CM. Assessment $430,800. Total Due $13,480.66.

Acct#01001418 Assessed To Hall Diane Susie Stevens & Randolph Debora Elizabeth Stevens. Located At 1813 Pit Circle Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 1.871 Acs W Side Pit Circle Rd SW Of Pocomoke. Assessment $28,867. Total Due $859.53.

Acct#03123898 Assessed To Hall William E & Hall Christina. Located At 11633 Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 W/S R-113 Pl Minor Sub Prop Of Mary Griffiths. Assessment $179,700. Total Due $2,360.15.

Acct#10208017 Assessed To Harmis Warren E Jr & Harmis Vickie L. Located At 6 51st St 3W Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 3W W B 51st St Worcester House CM. Assessment $265,800. Total Due $8,122.82.

Acct#10226821 Assessed To Harmon Barbara J. Located At 14 136th St 0301 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 301 136th St Sunspot CM. Assessment $270,067. Total Due $7,832.12.

Acct#10120071 Assessed To Harper Kevin. Located At 10300 Coastal Hwy 508 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 508 Coastal Hwy Atlantis CM. Assessment $280,100. Total Due $8,284.86.

Acct#03054055 Assessed To Hartman Robert K Hartman Patricia G.

Located At 795 Ocean Pky Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-261 7650 Sq Ft Ocean Parkway Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $216,600. Total Due $2,120.80.

Acct#03126013 Assessed To Haynie Mark W & Evelyn M. Located At Timberline Cir Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 397 Timberline Circle White Horse Park Phase 3. Assessment $102,300. Total Due $2,331.15.

Acct#01040707 Assessed To Heath Clarence. Located At 506 Young St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 1 3632 Sq Ft 506 Young St L V Layman Inc Subd Pl. Assessment $49,033. Total Due $2,222.20.

Acct#01020587 Assessed To Heath Clarence W & Heath Jesse J. Located At 504 Young St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 2 3102 Sq Ft 504 Young St L V Layman Inc Subd Pl. Assessment $46,633. Total Due $2,107.93.

Acct#10176034 Assessed To Heise

Michael Scott. Located At 14410 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lots 13 14 15 16 Blk 24 S Side Whaley Ave Pl 2 Fenwick. Assessment $2,998,467. Total Due $92,373.29.

Acct#10176042 Assessed To Heise

Michael Scott. Located At 9 145th St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 10 Blk 24 S Side 145th St Pl 2 Fenwick. Assessment $538,533. Total Due $16,144.97.

Acct#10715776 Assessed To Heise

Michael Scott & Heise Dina Danielle. Located At 12625 Sunset Ave 3 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U-12625-3 Ph 4 Sunset Ave Bayside Professional Ctr. Assessment $119,400. Total Due $2,572.47.

Acct#10715784 Assessed To Heise

Michael Scott & Heise Dina Danielle. Located At 12625 Sunset Ave 4 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U-12625-4 Ph 4 Sunset Ave Bayside Professional Ctr. Assessment $119,400. Total Due $2,572.47.

Acct#10715792 Assessed To Heise

Michael Scott & Heise Dina Danielle. Located At 12625 Sunset Ave 5 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U-12625-5 Ph 4 Sunset Ave Bayside Professional Ctr. Assessment $115,900. Total Due $2,500.88.

Acct#10238358 Assessed To Heise

Michael Scott & Dina Danielle Heise. Located At 1800 Philadelphia Ave 8 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 8 Philadelpia Ave Village Market CM. Assessment $215,200. Total Due $6,932.37.

Acct#02022079 Assessed To Hillman Emily Dawn. Located At 232 Washington St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 117' X 191' X 162' X 81' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $104,867. Total Due $4,338.93.

Acct#10343844 Assessed To Hinkle Gary & Marcia D & Alan E Bell. Located At 8343 South Longboat Way Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 366 3000 Sq Ft South Longboat Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 3. Assessment $169,267. Total Due $3,664.50.

Acct#01021400 Assessed To Holden Gregory T & Vera L. Located At 509 Cedar St Pocomoke, Md

21851. Described As 60' X 120.4' 509 Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $74,500. Total Due $2,431.52.

Acct#03150712 Assessed To Howarth Thomas K. Located At 5 Chatham Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot 311 5,712 Sq Ft Chatham Court Phase 4 Parke Ocean Pines Sec 16. Assessment $319,500. Total Due $6,715.91.

Acct#10047382 Assessed To Iski Paul. Located At 322 Sunset Dr 0006 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 6 Sunset Drive Sunset Six CM. Assessment $164,467. Total Due $4,877.60.

Acct#10230136 Assessed To James Paula & Nina Fernandez & Yurcisin Lindy & Kimberly Garrison. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0211 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 211 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. Assessment $147,967. Total Due $4,376.15.

Acct#01015923 Assessed To Jenkins Arnold. Located At 707 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 2 3267 Sq Ft 707 Clarke Ave Taylors Subdiv. Assessment $70,600. Total Due $2,982.53.

Acct#03040232 Assessed To Jerez Luis M. Located At 84 Crest Haven Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-09-553 9939 Sq Ft Crest Haven Drive Pl Ocean Pines Sec 9. Assessment $199,100. Total Due $2,752.80.

Acct#01004425 Assessed To Johnsen Christopher M. Located At 2843 Stockton Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 100' X 420' N Side Stockton Road SE Of Pocomoke. Assessment $142,267. Total Due $3,206.16.

Acct#03023214 Assessed To Johnson Francine Seryta, Located At 9008 Camelia Ln Berlin, Md 21811. Described As .14 Ac Camelia Lane SE Of Berlin. Assessment $32,500. Total Due $727.76.

Acct#01012177 Assessed To Johnson Jacqueline Wright Constance Etal. Located At Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 4.36 Acs N Side Colona Rd Bndry Sur Fannie Dennis. Assessment $27,200. Total Due $718.90.

Acct#10075009 Assessed To Johnson Stella Theo & Chubski Matthew T. Located At 105 59th St 01070 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 107 P 4 58th Street Oasis On The Bay CM. Assessment $257,200. Total Due $7,423.68.

Acct#03002985 Assessed To Jones Millard Edward F For Life. Located At 8336 Circle Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 1.136 Acs S Side Circle Rd SE Of Whaleyville. Assessment $185,000. Total Due $4,048.94.

Acct#03035700 Assessed To Joynes Joyce Bowen. Located At 408 Flower St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 66 65 X 510 7 E Side Flower St Berlin. Assessment $136,300. Total Due $5,426.41.

Acct#03141306 Assessed To Kappes Thomas P & Sandra L. Located At 11032 Nicholas Ln A102 Berlin, Md 21811. Described As U A102 P1 Manklin Creek Rd Ocean Pines Vlg Sq CM. Assessment $139,433. Total Due $2,988.71.

Acct#10303311 Assessed To Keen James Lawrence. Located At Harbor Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 95 N Side S Harbor Rd Pl

Ocean City. Assessment $51,000. Total Due $1,228.16.

Acct#10015723 Assessed To Keen James Lawrence. Located At 12814 Harbor Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1 Blk B 50 X 100 S Side South Harbor Rd Pl Ocean City. Assessment $319,100. Total Due $6,928.82.

Acct#01021664 Assessed To Keiffer James W. Located At Cedar St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 47' X 134' N Side Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $10,100. Total Due $864.40.

Acct#01021656 Assessed To Keiffer James W. Located At 610 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 155' E Side 610 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $101,000. Total Due $3,939.13.

Acct#10162467 Assessed To Kjps Properties LLC. Located At 13100 Coastal Hwy 12070 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1207 P 2 131st St Braemar Towers CM. Assessment $335,900. Total Due $9,996.06.

Acct#03008665 Assessed To Koltuk Mustafa. Located At 10507 Friendship Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 1 Ac W Side R-452 NE Of Berlin. Assessment $249,200. Total Due $5,413.80.

Acct#02017105 Assessed To Koltuk Mustafa. Located At 507 Dighton Ave Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 3 507 Dighton Ave Pl Harry W Ward. Assessment $20,700. Total Due $1,805.66.

Acct#03144488 Assessed To Kufchak Carl Vincent. Located At 11848 Peyton Ct Bishopville, Md 21862. Described As Lot 3 1 Ac Peyton Court Peyton Acres Pl. Assessment $549,500. Total Due $11,922.02.

Acct#10754828 Assessed To Kufchak Carleigh R. Located At 10900 Holystone Ln 105 Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Unit 105 Ph 5 Holystone Ln Marina Villas CM At Glenriddle. Assessment $352,600. Total Due $7,668.70.

Acct#03096920 Assessed To Launi Anthony C Launi Bridget C. Located At 4 Royal Oaks Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-010 14783 Sq Ft Birch Place Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $304,000. Total Due $6,512.80.

Acct#10210976 Assessed To Leblanc Aida L & Hitch John A & Dayna L Hitch. Located At 143 Jamestown Rd 0003 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 3 Jamestown Rd Jamestown Inlet CM. Assessment $245,867. Total Due $7,476.46.

Acct#02020815 Assessed To Lehmann Michelle. Located At 110 Ironshire St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 99' X 150' 110 Ironshire X Snow Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $239,167. Total Due $6,191.97.

Acct#03000508 Assessed To Lewis Karen Y. Located At Duncan Crossing Rd Whaleyville, Md 21872. Described As 6837.86 Sq Ft S Side Duncan Crossing Rd Plat Of Bobbie L Armstrong. Assessment $32,900. Total Due $984.68

Acct#07005180 Assessed To Lidinsky Nicolas J & Lidinsky Melissa J. Located At 4817 Scotty Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As App 2.023 Acs N Side Scotty Road W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $118,567.

Total Due $2,651.63.

Acct#01024833 Assessed To LMS Homes LLC. Located At 209 Tenth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 54' X 158' E Side 209 Tenth St Pocomoke. Assessment $24,300. Total Due $1,286.92.

Acct#01022725 Assessed To LMS Homes LLC. Located At 401 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 85' X 142' N Side 401 & 401 1/2 Market & Fourth Sts. Assessment $305,833. Total Due $12,450.76.

Acct#01019783 Assessed To LMS Homes LLC. Located At 408 Dudley Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 58' X 150' S Side 408 Dudley St Pocomoke. Assessment $98,967. Total Due $4,414.85.

Acct#01015915 Assessed To LMS Homes LLC. Located At 709 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 60' X 100' 709 Clarke Ave & 50' X 100' E/S 711 Clarke Ave. Assessment $102,033. Total Due $4,582.59.

Acct#10160782 Assessed To Loeb Family LLC. Located At 13110 Coastal Hwy 03130 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 313 P 1 Wight St Braemar Towers CM. Assessment $557,200. Total Due $12,835.65.

Acct#03002101 Assessed To Logan Edna Collins & Catherine Smith. Located At 11803 Campbelltown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 4.43 Acs W Side Campbelltown Rd Edna Logan Et Al Survey. Assessment $73,300. Total Due $1,862.74.

Acct#03073831 Assessed To Long Andrea Janette. Located At 77 Abbyshire Rd Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-06-391 9442 Sq Ft Garrett Dr Lot B-06-390 10893 Sq Ft. Assessment $290,600. Total Due $6,044.49.

Acct#10208610 Assessed To Makris Andrew & Makris Christina. Located At 9 52nd St 0009 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 9 52nd St Pine Court CM. Assessment $220,300. Total Due $6,750.01.

Acct#10369452 Assessed To Malkus Milton M IV For Life. Located At 200 59th St 0309 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 309 60th St Coconut Malorie Resort. Assessment $120,667. Total Due $3,762.22.

Acct#08000514 Assessed To Marshall Helen R. Located At 2691 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As .724 Acs W S Worcester Hwy Pl Frank F & Helen Marshall. Assessment $108,300. Total Due $2,375.37.

Acct#10119138 Assessed To Mccarthy Christopher S & Nugai Jennifer L. Located At 10700 Coastal Hwy 2103 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 2103 Beach Hwy Quay CM. Assessment $307,567. Total Due $8,948.70.

Acct#10135958 Assessed To Mccarthy Yvette H & Messaoudi Michele. Located At 11100 Coastal Hwy 0806 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 806 Coastal Hwy Irene CM. Assessment $412,100. Total Due $12,707.46.

Acct#10156610 Assessed To Mcdermott Philip Gregory. Located At 8 128th St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 4 N Side 128th St Pl Dune Village Townhse. Assessment $243,133. Total Due $7,603.95.

Acct#10161142 Assessed To MDR

Bachelors Hall 2 LLC. Located At 13110 Coastal Hwy 07130 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 713 P 1 Wight St Braemar Towers CM. Assessment $557,200. Total Due $16,950.86.

Acct#10161495 Assessed To MDR Bachelors Hall LLC. Located At 13110 Coastal Hwy 07140 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 714 P 1 Wight St Braemar Towers CM. Assessment $557,200. Total Due $16,950.86.

Acct#05005574 Assessed To Meehan Thomas Joseph & Elizabeth Ann Bertrand. Located At 9937 Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 148 X 467.85 X 432.90 N S County Rd Near Bishopville. Assessment $90,400. Total Due $1,702.39.

Acct#10323207 Assessed To Mollichelli Luigi A. Located At 12807 Kings Ct Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 55 King's Court Fox Chapel Subdiv. Assessment $518,367. Total Due $1,739.41.

Acct#03114732 Assessed To Morris Donald Hilton. Located At Georgetown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 2A 3.123 Acs NS Georgetown Rd Resub Plat Lot 2 Mag Briddell Prop. Assessment $70,200. Total Due $1,661.73.

Acct#10135400 Assessed To Murphy Brian R. Located At 11100 Coastal Hwy 0803 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 803 Coastal Hwy Irene CM. Assessment $377,867. Total Due $11,367.92.

Acct#10379059 Assessed To Naylor Cindy L. Located At 26 Harbour Island Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip 26 14th St & Bay Harbour Island CM. Assessment $40,000. Total Due $1,326.65.

Acct#10235154 Assessed To Naylor Cindy L. Located At 417 14th St 0060 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 60 14th St & Bay Harbour Island CM. Assessment $532,067. Total Due $16,070.28.

Acct#03051633 Assessed To Nickell Edwin L & Nickell Tammy L. Located At 155 Seafarer Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-06-612 9750 Sq Ft Seafarer Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $206,000. Total Due $4,353.65.

Acct#01016334 Assessed To Nicolas Mejynne. Located At 707 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 70' X 215' E Side 707 Second St Pocomoke. Assessment $68,200. Total Due $3,284.20.

Acct#10024684 Assessed To Orsted Wind Power North America Ll. Located At 12907 Harbor Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lots 58 Thru 60 Blk D N Side Harbor Rd Pl Ocean City Harbor Sub. Assessment $1,111,700. Total Due $1,195.76.

Acct#01017314 Assessed To Parsons Karen Annette. Located At 208 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 70.12' X 104.5' X 70 X 102' S Side 208 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $164,133. Total Due $6,222.42.

Acct#07002351 Assessed To Pennewill Benjamin C. Located At Meadow Bridge Rd Eden, Md 21822. Described As 63.14 Acs E Side Meadow Bridge Rd Bndy Sur Benjamin C Penn. Assessment $91,900. Total Due $2,135.23.

Acct#03003159 Assessed To Pep Maxwell LLC. Located At 11280 Hall Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 12.04 Acs E/S Hall Rd Alta/Acsm Ld Sur Lease Area Clearvie. Assessment $301,500. Total Due $6,758.86.

Acct#10311985 Assessed To Peretz Yehuda. Located At 37 Anchor Way Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 65 Blk A 6180 Sq Ft Anchor Way Mystic Harbour Sec 2. Assessment $249,100. Total Due $3,293.98.

Acct#10046750 Assessed To Peterson Irene J. Located At 310 Sunset Dr Ocean City, Md 21841. Described As Lot 80 N Side 310 Sunset Dr Pl Skyline Dev. Assessment $301,700. Total Due $9,162.91.

Acct#02005298 Assessed To Peterson Jon K & Peterson Linda A. Located At Disharoon Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot B 7.81 Acs E/S Disharoon Rd Amendment To Lot B Pl. Assessment $55,933. Total Due $1,153.85.

Acct#01015869 Assessed To Pierre Etzer Dorval & Marie Jocelyne Pierre. Located At 700 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 75' X 80' W Side 700 Second & Laurel Streets. Assessment $159,767. Total Due $6,050.51.

Acct#01028057 Assessed To Powell Alice Mae. Located At 709 Eighth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 40' X 100' S Side Eighth St Pocomoke. Assessment $58,167. Total Due $2,735.53.

Acct#03109178 Assessed To Prihoda Ronald P & Shorb Carol Ann. Located At 19 Fosse Grange Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-1253 10663 Sq Ft Fosse Grange Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $288,200. Total Due $6,172.27.

Acct#03015904 Assessed To Purnell Cynthia. Located At 10349 Assateague Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot North Side R 376 Berlin To Lewis Store. Assessment $101,900. Total Due $2,163.97.

Acct#01002783 Assessed To Purnell Herbert William. Located At Pit Circle Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot E Side Pit Circle Road SW Of Pocomoke. Assessment $14,500. Total Due $567.16.

Acct#02020106 Assessed To Purnell Norman R & Roberta H. Located At 110 Maple Ct Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 5 10045.60 Sq Ft N Side Maple St Pl Maple Meadows. Assessment $135,500. Total Due $4,928.01.

Acct#03022544 Assessed To Purnell Sharon Denise. Located At 10529 Harrison Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 59 X 260.5 X 70 X 231 W/S Harrison Road SE Of Berlin. Assessment $223,600. Total Due $4,843.36.

Acct#01037145 Assessed To Pusey Stephen W. Located At 1826 S Pocomoke Beltway Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Rev Par A 13.94 Acs S/S Pocomoke Beltway Con Chinh Myloan-Nguyen Pl. Assessment $421,933. Total Due $9,129.06.

Acct#07004052 Assessed To Pusey Stephen W. Located At 6641 Whitesburg Rd Snow Hil, Md 21863. Described As 28.22 Acs W Side Whitesburg Rd W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $284,400. Total Due $6,432.41.

Acct#07001061 Assessed To Pusey Stephen W. Located At 7918

Cardinal Ln Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 35 Acs St Lukes Road W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $125,967. Total Due $2,749.67.

Acct#07001053 Assessed To Pusey Stephen W. Located At 7922 Cardinal Ln Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 2 9.51 Acs St Lukes Rd Min Sub Theresa A Scott. Assessment $103,800. Total Due $2,710.54.

Acct#01010697 Assessed To Rebel Willie Jr. Located At Sheephouse Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 371' Triangular Shaped Lot S Side Sheephouse Rd. Assessment $17,100. Total Due $719.14.

Acct#05004942 Assessed To Revocable Trust Agreement Of Barbara Hudson Barbara Ann Trustee. Located At Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 148 1/4 Acs Near S Side Bishopville Rd W Of Bishopville. Assessment $38,900. Total Due $978.80.

Acct#10051169 Assessed To Rohler Darren. Located At 3010 Philadelphia Ave S101 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U S101 Btw 30th & 31st Sts Three Cheers CM. Assessment $98,467. Total Due $2,905.64.

Acct#03156613 Assessed To Roth James R & Bonita B Roth. Located At 12 Chatham Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot 377 5231 Sq Ft Chatham Court Phase 4 Parke Ocean Pines Sec 16. Assessment $321,400. Total Due $8,863.95.

Acct#10224853 Assessed To Russell John Russell Amy. Located At 2807 Plover Dr 0005 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 5 Plover Drive Decoy I Th CM. Assessment $259,500. Total Due $7,809.19.

Acct#03133648 Assessed To Sailors Mary E. Located At 15 The Point Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 132A 4900 Sq Ft Salt Grass Road Salt Grass Cove T H. Assessment $404,500. Total Due $3,045.80.

Acct#10263441 Assessed To Sauler Katherine A & Sauler Clifford W. Located At 9 37th St 0108 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 108 37th St Sovereign Sea CM. Assessment $312,133. Total Due $9,114.11.

Acct#01003259 Assessed To Schoolfield Roger & Ruth Ann Copes. Located At 2011 Cropper Ct Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 8 23647 Sq Ft Cropper Lane Pl Unionvle Hgts Annex. Assessment $66,167. Total Due $1,507.43.

Acct#01001876 Assessed To Schoolfield Roger L & Ruth A Copes. Located At 2003 Cropper Ct Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 10 24000 Sq Ft N Side Unionvle Rd Pl Unionvle Hts. Assessment $42,333. Total Due $1,133.22.

Acct#03025241 Assessed To Schrider Raymond Scot & Schrider Angela Margaret Clark. Located At 9125 Old Ocean City Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 5.08 Acs Old Ocean City Rd Div Of Lds R Hudson. Assessment $188,800. Total Due $4,329.61.

Acct#10057825 Assessed To Seewald William H & Seewald E Arlene. Located At 508 Bayshore Dr 7 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Apt 7 S 1 Bay Shore Drive Golden Gate CM. Assessment $162,667. Total Due $4,762.44.

Acct#03011445 Assessed To Shea William. Located At 11311 Gum Point Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 100 X 300 N Side Gum Point Road East Of Berlin. Assessment $317,700. Total Due $6,842.67.

Acct#03142434 Assessed To Sherman David Lawrence & Sherman Mary Dolores. Located At 19 Brittany Ln Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 11 15246 Sq Ft Brittany Lane Ph 1 Brittany Lane Sub Sec B. Assessment $329,100. Total Due $13,238.73.

Acct#03091570 Assessed To Snyder Claude & Snyder Deborah A. Located At 73 Boston Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11161 10343 Sq Ft Gloucester Rd Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $285,100. Total Due $6,042.87. Acct#10280168 Assessed To Solibakke Richard C & Janice. Located At 13908 Wight St 0207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 207 Z Btw 139th & 140th Sts Pelican Beach CM. Assessment $599,133. Total Due $18,343.82.

Acct#10367654 Assessed To Soper Shawn J & Patricia M Martin. Located At 9815 Stephen Decatur Hwy 00200 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 20 P 3 R-707 South Point Village CM. Assessment $198,967. Total Due $1,653.36

Acct#05021650 Assessed To Sovereign Edwin P III. Located At 12012 St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4-3.00 Acs S/S St Martins Neck Rd For Consv Pl G Marvin Steen. Assessment $155,200. Total Due $3,446.84.

Acct#02018691 Assessed To Spain Shane C II & Spain Shannon N. Located At 104 E Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 102.5' X 100' 104 E Market St Snow Hill. Assessment $197,133. Total Due $7,700.91.

Acct#10241847 Assessed To Spinnato Michael D & Kathleen F Spinnato. Located At 3701 Coastal Hwy 0315C Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 315 B C P 2 Coastal Hwy Bradley On The Bay CM. Assessment $250,567. Total Due $7,417.26.

Acct#01011065 Assessed To Spivey Lisa Wise & Barry Wise Tennell Tina & Ruth Leatherbury. Located At 1339 Buck Harbor Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As App 1 Ac Buck Harbor Rd S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $24,367. Total Due $656.68.

Acct#10129117 Assessed To Steifel Thomas R Jr. Located At 134 Captains Quarters Rd 0001 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1 Captains Quarters Rd Care Free Bay CM. Assessment $198,933. Total Due $5,474.68.

Acct#03108821 Assessed To Stipa John D Jr. Located At 12 Robin Hood Trl Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-1096 9000 Sq Ft Robin Hood Trail Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $234,700. Total Due $5,016.42.

Acct#10327563 Assessed To Stritzinger Sarah Jane. Located At 12626 Sunset Ave 0033E Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 33 B E R611 & Sunset Ave Sunset Village CM. Assessment $194,800. Total Due $1,332.70.

Acct#10168449 Assessed To Switek Jason & Switek Karen M. Located At 2 137th St 0103 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 103 137th & Wight Sts Ahoy CM. Assessment $170,267. Total Due $5,403.37.

Acct#01029320 Assessed To Tatterson Erle. Located At 2035 Bypass Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 75 1/2' X 150' W Side Md-359 Pocomoke. Assessment $78,767. Total Due $1,858.75.

Acct#08001367 Assessed To Taylor Jason & Taylor Jessica. Located At 5661 Dukes Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As 126' X 270' N Side Dukes Rd Girdletree. Assessment $73,900. Total Due $1,763.29.

Acct#01022970 Assessed To Taylor Kevin E. Located At 109 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 60 X 160 E Side 109 Fourth St Pocomoke. Assessment $62,433. Total Due $2,724.69.

Acct#01021311 Assessed To Taylor Lisa Bynum. Located At 506 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 66' X 148' S Side 506 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $97,267. Total Due $3,827.69.

Acct#03016676 Assessed To Thawley A Michelle. Located At 325 Main St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 14800 Sq Ft South Side R-818 East Side N Main St. Assessment $266,200. Total Due $6,883.23.

Acct#10176530 Assessed To Thoman Richard A Jr & Thoman Lori A Etal. Located At 2 144th St 0104 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 104 144th & 145th Sts 144 East Oceanside CM. Assessment $232,400. Total Due $7,205.22.

Acct#10224268 Assessed To Thomas D Lowther & Diane E Lowther Lowther Thomas D Trustee. Located At 10 140th St 0102 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 102 140th St Sea Bird Cm. Assessment $185,467. Total Due $5,782.00.

Acct#03030431 Assessed To Timmons James B. Located At 303 Bay St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 65 X 150 N Side 303 Bay Street Berlin. Assessment $212,200. Total Due $8,075.63.

Acct#04002636 Assessed To Tindley Fletcher. Located At 7719 Tindley Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As 30 5 Acs Dirickson Farm N Side Labor Camp Road. Assessment $100,833. Total Due $2,286.41.

Acct#05001250 Assessed To Tingle Norman B & Tingle George & Others. Located At 9506 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 21.07 Acs South Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $137,000. Total Due $3,178.15.

Acct#10003024 Assessed To Todd William Bryan Jr & Elizabeth Ann & William B Sr & Sarah F Todd. Located At 12528 Salisbury Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 7 & Pt Lot 8 Blk 20 Sec B N/S Salisbury Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $208,933. Total Due $5,002.36.

Acct#01021648 Assessed To Topping Ella D. Located At 607 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 68 X 32 N Side 605 Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $12,000. Total Due $1,392.88.

Acct#01023586 Assessed To Topping Shawntay D. Located At 413

Bank St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 63 X 92 X 54 X 119 N Side 413 Bank St Pocomoke. Assessment $33,167. Total Due $1,518.03.

Acct#05002273 Assessed To Travers Christine Helen & Warner Frederick Cornelius. Located At 13358 Selby Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 20.52 Acs E Side Selby Rd Bndy Ln Adj 235/28 &235/. Assessment $354,600. Total Due $7,721.17.

Acct#01011782 Assessed To Tull Kevin Lamont & Marcella Barnes Tull. Located At 3631 Brantley Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 198' X 330' N Side Brantley Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $60,267. Total Due $1,521.71.

Acct#08004668 Assessed To Ulrich Sandra. Located At 5641 George Island Landing Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As Lot Geo Island Landing Rd Stockton. Assessment $85,633. Total Due $21,128.08.

Acct#08005419 Assessed To Vaccaro John P & Pansy H. Located At 5554 Stockton Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 5.326 Acs S Side Pocomoke Road Stockton. Assessment $139,367. Total Due $2,815.99.

Acct#01018426 Assessed To Wan World Group LLC. Located At 211 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 201' N Side 211 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $114,633. Total Due $3,666.78.

Acct#10259983 Assessed To Ward Only Properties LLC. Located At 6401 Atlantic Ave 0407 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 407 Atlantic Ave Surfs Edge CM. Assessment $418,800. Total Due $12,353.71.

Acct#03010317 Assessed To Waters Edward William & Waters Jerdeane Smith. Located At 10311 Griffin Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 1 Ac N Side Griffin Rd Ne Of Berlin. Assessment $66,000. Total Due $1,785.49.

Acct#03007812 Assessed To Waters Jerdeane Krauskolph Smith. Located At 10339 Georgetown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 10,890 +/- Sq Ft S Side Georgetown Rd NE Of Berlin. Assessment $64,500. Total Due $1,752.78.

Acct#08002541 Assessed To Waters Ricky & Antoinette Harmon. Located At 2642 Snow Hill Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As Lot E Side R-12 Girdletree. Assessment $69,567. Total Due $1,498.34.

Acct#10264766 Assessed To Watson Roger C & Brenda L. Located At 107 Convention Center Dr 00620 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 62 P B Convention Center Drive Thunder Island CM. Assessment $332,033. Total Due $9,636.53.

Acct#02026716 Assessed To Whaley Raye Gillette. Located At 100 Washington St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 57' X 89.5' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $105,333. Total Due $4,285.00.

Acct#01015605 Assessed To Whitney Licurtis. Located At 108 Oak St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 70' X 140' S Side 108 Oak Street Pocomoke. Assessment $20,200. Total Due $1,077.84.

Acct#03056465 Assessed To Wienhold Jonathan Christian. Located At 78 Birdnest Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot

B-06-173 11672 Sq Ft Birdnest Dr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $306,500. Total Due $5,252.65.

Acct#05001471 Assessed To Willey James Douglas & Willey Tina Marie Reaves. Located At 10207 Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 11 Acs S Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $385,500. Total Due $8,165.37.

Acct#10002729 Assessed To William E Byrd III Revocable Trust Byrd William E III. Located At 12612 Sheffield Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 11 Blk 11 Sec A 60 X 125 Shiffield Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $393,633. Total Due $1,198.16.

Acct#10046114 Assessed To Williams Patricia M For Life. Located At 2608 Baltimore Ave 000B0 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U B-2 Btw 26th & 27th Sts Cabana CM. Assessment $225,400. Total Due $6,842.32.

Acct#10230268 Assessed To Yurcisin Paula E. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0311 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 311 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. Assessment $147,967. Total Due $4,376.15.

TERMS OF SALE

All bidders must register. Registration for the sale begins at 10:00 a.m. April 18th and ends promptly at 4:00 p.m. May 2rd. Proper identification for individuals and proof of existence for legal entities shall be required by RealAuction for all registrants. In order to bid, an individual or entity must be registered.

ACH will need to be tendered by 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 16th on the final date of sale. It shall be in the amount of taxes due including expenses of sale (attorney, auctioneer, advertising and miscellaneous). A receipt will then be issued by RealAuction. A tax sale certificate will be provided by mail to the tax sale purchaser within thirty days of the date of the sale.

These properties are offered for sale “AS IS”, at the risk of the purchasers and neither the undersigned nor any other party makes any warranties or representations whatsoever either expressed or implied, of any kind or character, with respect to the properties or the title thereto. In the event a tax sale certificate is issued and then voided by the Treasurer, through no fault of the buyer, only a refund of amounts actually paid on day of sale shall be made and shall be the Treasurer’s sole liability and limit thereon. Properties are listed and sold based upon information provided by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, which is in no way represented to be accurate or correct. The sale, the premises, and the properties are, to the extent provided by law, subject to any and all title defects, claims, liens, encumbrances, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, rights-of-way and matters of records. In the event of mistake, defective title, description or nonexistence of property, no refund shall be given.

Bidders should be well versed in the law regarding tax sales and should investigate the properties

and titles thereto prior to purchase or bid. Competent legal advice should be sought by prospective bidders prior to the sale. No legal advice shall be given by the County Attorney, Treasurer, or staff.

Bidders representing legal entities are limited to one bidder per property sold. Bidding shall be conducted in accordance with procedures determined by the Treasurer or his agent at the sale.

All costs in connection with the foreclosure of the right of redemption and all other title costs are at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. All taxes and fees and other impositions including, without limitation, the following: transfer tax, agricultural transfer tax, recordation tax, and recording costs required will likewise be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. Terms of sale shall be complied with as determined by the Treasurer, who shall be the sole judge of such.

These requirements are directory as to the Treasurer and not mandatory. They may be altered by the Treasurer at his sole discretion in the interests of justice, fairness, and efficiency or other good and valid reason.

PROPERTIES

LISTED HEREIN, ON WHICH TAXES ARE PAID PRIOR TO DATE OF SALE WILL NOT BE SOLD.

PHILLIP G. THOMPSON TREASURER AND FINANCE OFFICER FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND COLLECTOR OF STATE AND COUNTY TAXES FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND OCD-4/10/4t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20597 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LOUIE JOSEPH PAGLIERANI

Notice is given that Dino P. Paglierani, 9808 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Ste. 16, Ocean City, MD 218429383, was on April 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louie Joseph Paglierani who died on December 22, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of October, 2025.

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.

Dino P. Paglierani

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 10, 2025

Neil Eskin

OCD-4/10/3t

Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com

AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208

Plaintiff v.

Analytic Process Realty Group, Inc.

S/O Donald C. Holmes, R.A. 11O Mill Street P.O. Box 279 Greensboro, MD 21639 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and

All unknown owners of the property describedBelow; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as Salisbury Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, and described as Legal Description OUTLOT A 16996 SQ FT SALISBURY RD SUB PAR A MARY BIRCH RESID TRUST Being known as District 10 Account Number 356059 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000064

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as Salisbury Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same fonn as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description OUT LOT A 16996 SQ FT SALISBURY RD SUB PAR A MARY BIRCH RESID TRUST, District 10 Account Number 356059 Known as Salisbury Road, Ocean City, MD 21842.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 25th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 25th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all lie Beau H. Oglesby Judge

True Copy

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROLYN EVANS ENNIS Estate No. 20598 Notice is given that MICHELLE ENNIS TAYLOR whose address is 2943 JOHNSON RD., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218512952 was on APRIL 03, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROLYN EVANS ENNIS who died on FEBRUARY 01, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3RD day of OCTOBER, 2025

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-4/10/3t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2025-13

RE: Outdoor Display of Merchandise (Boardwalk)

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-13 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of April 7, 2025. Second reading is scheduled April 21, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the April 7, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance adds certain definitions related to the outdoor display of merchandise and adopts outdoor display of merchandise standards for properties fronting Atlantic Avenue (Boardwalk).

OCD-4/10/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20599 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SCOTT LAWRENCE WETZEL

Notice is given that Sherry Hoppes, 9167 Old Ocean City Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2229, was on April 03, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Scott Lawrence Wetzel who died on March 15, 2025, with a will.

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

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

of this Notice.

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

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

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

Sherry Hoppes Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 10, 2025

OCD-4/10/1t

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 24, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(1), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed to request an appeal of the zoning administrator’s determination dated March 13, 2025, that a proposed cannabis dispensary at 2100 Philadelphia Avenue does not meet the requirements of Section 110-887 of the Code. The property is described as Tax Map 111, Block 7, Lots 1 through 12, of the North Ocean City Realty Corporation Plat. It is further described as being located on the east side of Philadelphia Avenue and west side of Baltimore Avenue between 21st Street and 22nd Street and is locally known as 2100 Philadelphia Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JUSTIN TEPE, ESQUIRE FOR GURU VENTURES, INC. (BZA 2714 #25-09300001)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-4/10/2t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20600 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET ELIZABETH SHADE

Notice is given that Paul R. Burgett, 98 Pirate Cove Rd., Washington, NC 27889-8085, was on April 04, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Margaret Elizabeth Shade who died on March 14, 2025, with a will.

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

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

with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not

Put Your Business Card Where It Gets Noticed and Seen By Thousands of People Every

served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Paul R. Burgett

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 10, 2025

OCD-4/10/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20602 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROGER EVANS

Notice is given that Aimee Marie Reese, 27035 Gillette Dr., Crisfield, MD 21817-2609, was on April 04, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Roger Evans who died on March 21, 2021, without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 10, 2025

Rental assistance program open

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(April 11, 2025) The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced last week that applications are open for the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program. The new program, established during the 2024 Legislative Session and administered by the Department’s Division of Homeless Solutions, provides emergency rental assistance to eligible student households enrolled in Maryland community schools who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

“Every day, we work to reinforce the fact that homelessness is a housing status, not a population. Across Maryland, families and youth are

highly impacted by homelessness –they just tend to be hidden since they are less likely to be unsheltered,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day.

“Through the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program, we’re not only supporting families in crisis, but also fostering stronger communities where every child has the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.”

The Department anticipates awarding a total of $10 million in funding to grantees, which includes $5 million from Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations and an estimated $5 million for Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations. Final funding awarded through the competitive round is contingent on the program appropriation approved in the final Fiscal Year 2026 state budget.

Eligible uses of financial assistance

under the program include prospective rent (including security deposit), rental arrears, prospective utility assistance, utility arrears, relocation expenses, and fines or fees associated with rental or utility payments.

Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified organizations. Organizations must be a nonprofit, local government agency, or quasi public-private organization to be eligible to apply for program funds.

All completed applications for the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 1, 2025. For more information, visit the Division of Homeless Solutions website at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/HomelessSolutions/Pages/CommunitySchools.aspx.

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

Primary care addition

TidalHealth has welcomed Leah Fetzer, MSN, FNP-C, to TidalHealth Primary Care in Ocean Pines.

Fetzer received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salisbury University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She is a family nurse practitioner (FNP) certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Fetzer is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 12301 Jamaica A

Saturrdday 11am-3pm 5603 Atlantic A

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 9500 Coastal Hwy

Saturrdday 11am-2pm 9500 Coastal Hwy Saturrdday 11am-3pm

Honor Society. She is certified by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and the NIH Stroke Scale.

Fetzer has worked for TidalHealth since 2018, starting as a certified nursing assistant and then as a registered nurse in the cardiothoracic step-down unit. She is clinically trained as a FNP in the areas of adult and pediatric primary care, women’s health, and family medicine.

Promotions announced

Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola announced a pair of promotions to staff members effective May 1.

Viola said Linda Martin, currently the director of business administration , has been promoted to senior director of administration. Linda will continue to report to the general manager. In her new expanded role, she will have responsibility for Recreation & Parks, Public Relations & Marketing, CPI, and Strategic Planning.

Additionally, Justin Hartshorne, cur-

rently the director of golf maintenance, will be promoted to senior director of golf maintenance.  Reporting to the general manager, Justin’s responsibilities continue to be golf maintenance, and he has expanded his role in overseeing a major capital project (irrigation).

Both Martin and Hartshorne have made significant contributions to the Ocean Pines Association.

“I am very pleased to make this announcement. I wish both Linda and Justin continued success in their roles,” Viola said.

By investing in the professional growth and development of its staff, OPA aims to continue providing results and customer service to the community, as well as succession planning.

Additionally, Steve Phillips, senior director/controller of finance, announced the promotion of Ruth Ann Meyer to deputy director effective May 1.

In her new role, she will continue to be responsible for memberships and assessments, and has taken on the additional duties of racquet sports.

April 10 - 17

Terry Underkoffler, racquet sports pro, will now report directly to Meyer.

For more than 25 years, Meyer has held several positions with Ocean Pines.  “Ruth Ann has stepped up for us on a number of occasions, and she’s extremely knowledgeable about our organization,” Phillips said.

“Ruth Ann earned this and I am proud of her personal growth of taking on additional duties throughout the last few years,” Viola said.

Advisor recognized

Christine Selzer, wealth management advisor and senior vice president with Selzer & Associates at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, has recently been recognized as 2025 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State” list.

“As a financial advisor, I find it gratifying to take the time to understand what clients are really thinking about their unique financial situations. Communication and collaboration are the keys,” she said.

Selzer celebrates 25 years in the financial industry this year.

Leah Fetzer

Officials talk police salary, benefit increases

Police department budget proposes take-home car program, pay raises, more

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) Officials say the city could be paying $1.8 million more in salaries, benefits and other expenses related to ongoing police union negotiations.

During budget deliberations held April 4, interim Police Chief Michael Colbert presented the mayor and City Council with his department’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Officials noted the spending plan, totaling $29.6 million, also included the city’s offer to Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #10 as part of the collective bargaining process.

“Salaries and benefits are increasing by just a little bit over $1 million, and that is determined by the final contract resolution,” Colbert said. “I don’t think it’ll be lower than that. It could possibly be higher than that.”

Despite efforts to reach some middle ground in its triennial contract negotiations, Lodge #10 President Justin Hoban announced last month the police union would go to arbitration with the Town of Ocean City, as the two parties had reached a standstill.

Hoban declined to elaborate fur-

ther on the impasse at the time, but implied the dispute was over pay and benefits.

However, during last week’s budget introduction, Budget Director Jennie Knapp revealed what the city’s offer to

the police union included – a step increase, an 8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and a take-home vehicle for all active officers. While an agreement has not been reached between the two parties, she acknowl-

edged that the offer would require an additional $1.8 million in general fund expenditures for the coming year.

“The COLA plus the step is $950,000,” she said at the time.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Ocean City Police Commission convened this week in a monthly meeting to discuss police activity, recruitment efforts and a requested taxi rate increase.

Why do cop cars cost so much? Here’s why.

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(April 11, 2025) Spending almost $900,000 to buy 10 police cars, as Ocean City Police Department proposes to do in the next fiscal year, might have local budget skeptics wondering if these vehicles are worth the price.

As it turns out, they are, according to pricing averages from suppliers and police departments around the country.

The mayor and City Council apparently already know that, or they would have asked during their review of the Ocean City Police Department’s budget last Friday why police cars cost what they do.

The base price of the cars at $50,000 each isn’t surprising, given the new car market these days. But

then, even a stripped-down police car isn’t the same thing as the Chevy, Ford or Dodge that can be driven off the lot by its new owner.

Vehicles built for public safety are more rugged than the normal passenger car. They also come off the line with big engines, heavy-duty brakes and assorted protective features.

It’s the “upfitting” of these vehicles — turning the basic vehicle into a road-ready police car — that adds $34,500 to the base price.

That’s how interim Police Chief Michael Colbert and city Budget Director Jennie Knapp have budgeted the new car acquisition: $345,000 in upgrades for 10 cars.

It isn’t difficult to justify that number based on what other departments around the country have paid to upfit their new cars.

As Colbert pointed out last Friday, police radios, the Panasonic Toughbook computers that jut out from the dash and the specialized Cradlepoint Wi-Fi routers attached to them account for $92,000 ... as of today.

Toughbooks, which can cost $3,000 for a mid-range, no-frills model, are manufactured in Japan, which at the moment is looking at a 24% tariff on exports to the U.S.

Ericsson’s Cradlepoint routers that connect the Toughbooks to the internet run about $1,800 each with a three-year subscription to the company’s cloud service. These routers may be designed in the U.S. but they are manufactured in Taiwan, where a 34% tariff is being imposed ... for now.

The expenditure for radios, computers and routers leaves $253,000 for the rest of the upfitting, which includes emergency lighting, sirens, special bumpers, painting or striping, special console boxes, antenna kits and interior front and back partitions.

Although city government gets dis-

counts from the suppliers of this equipment, it still isn’t cheap. According to national averages, police lighting packages cost about $2,300$2,500, a siren controller is between $500-$1,000, a push bumper comes in at about $600, and the front seat console box will cost roughly $700.

The partitions that keep suspects from interfering with the driver carry a price tag of around $800. Further, if these vehicles need antenna kits for cell service, that will be another $1,600. Safety gear is required as well.

These prices, while substantial, aren’t extravagant as compared to what some departments have done. Case in point: The Irvine, California Police Department last fall spent $153,000 to buy and upfit a Tesla Cybertruck to show off at schools.

Still, the department said the price wasn’t all that bad, noting that its standard Ford Interceptor patrol vehicles cost $116,000 each. That’s $31,500 more than the $84,500 per car Ocean City proposes to spend in the year ahead.

Chief reviews upcoming budget

Continued from Page 75

“There’s equipment for the take-home vehicles, upfitting for the take-home vehicles, vehicle maintenance cost increases, and the purchase of the vehicles outright that make up that $1.8 million.”

Going into specifics during last week’s meeting with the police department, city staff said the $1.8 million increase included nearly $1 million in salaries and benefits and another $800,000 to $900,000 to implement the first year of a take-home car program.

“It’s almost $900,000 because you have the vehicles themselves at $500,000, we increased the allowance for fuel and maintenance by $28,000, there’s $253,000 in their budget for upfitting costs, and then there’s $92,000 for other equipment like

computers,” Colbert said.

Colbert added that the $92,000 included the purchase of radios, Toughbook laptops and Cradlepoint devices for the 10 new police cars. The $253,000, he added, would cover the cost of the lighting package, cages, striping and more.

“That total upfitting, including the radios, Toughbooks and Cradlepoints, is $345,000,” he said. “So that takes up a majority of the increase there for the 10 new cars. That, of course, doesn’t include the cost of the car because it’s taken out of the vehicle trust fund. And we do budget for the upfitting costs.”

In total, the proposed police department budget for the coming fiscal year increases $1.62 million. Of that, operating expenses increased by $586,000.

March’s police report sees drop in calls, arrests

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) An uptick in trespassing calls and a drop in arrests highlighted a police activity report for the month of March.

On Monday, interim Police Chief Michael Colbert presented the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for March of 2025. He noted that total calls for service decreased from 3,464 in March of 2024 to 3,146 last month.

In the top 25 calls for service, traffic stops increased from 838 to 871, assisting citizens and motorists increased from 193 to 198, and assisting fire and EMS decreased from 151 to 131.

However, Colbert noted that the police department noted a 56% increase in trespassing calls last month.

“There seems to be a certain number of repeat addresses,” he said. “Additionally, we have some homeless, or unhoused, subjects that are known to frequent different locations. We actually made some trespassing arrests for some of those people, so that did account for some of the increase.”

Colbert also noted that calls for parking complaints and violations had dropped from 80 to 21. He said last March the police department received a number of calls related to parking violations at the convention center.

“Apparently we allow some electric utility trucks to park there at the convention center, and there were some complaints by them, people taking those spots,” he explained. “Also, we had some problems with non-electric vehicles parking in the parking spots for the electric vehicles.”

Colbert also highlighted calls for city ordinance violations, which had increased from nine last March to 20 this March. He said he believed that uptick to be a result of warmer weather.

“For some reason in March, I guess because the weather started to turn, we started to find people sleeping on the beach, as well as more people sleeping in their vehicles than we’ve seen traditionally,” he said. “And then we also had more calls for homeless people sleeping on the beach as well. Keep in mind, it went from nine to 20, so we’re still talking about relatively low numbers for a town of our size during that time.”

Under March enforcement, Colbert said custodial arrests decreased from 92 in March 2024 to 65 in March 2025. More notable, he said, was that arrests had declined significantly from its peak of 158 arrests in 2021.

Colbert said the police department also recorded decreases in drug arrests and DUI arrests in the month of March.

“This is a good sign because our officers are out there, actively patrolling and looking for things, and they’re not finding them at the rate we have in the past for March,” he said.

MARLOWE MEMORIALIZED

A remembrance to Ocean City native Josh Marlowe, who passed away March 30, was posted at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park along St. Louis Avenue recently. Marlowe’s mom, Haystack, was a driving force behind the skate park being built in 1976.

Councilwoman questions advertising return

A proposed tourism budget looks to increase visitation to OC with hefty

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

investment

(April 11, 2025) Is the city seeing a return on its advertising investment?

That was a question Councilwoman Carol Proctor posed last week as tourism officials presented their proposed budget for fiscal year 2026.

On April 3, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters presented their department’s spending plan for the coming year. As part of their presentation, the duo delved deeper into tourism’s largest expenditure – advertising –which is budgeted at $9,725,472.

“The advertising budget is nimble,” Perlozzo said, pointing to the challenges facing the tourism industry in the coming year. “We have to have the ability to be ready to react … and that’s the way we’re approaching the media spend this year. But as trends change and things happen, we’re prepared to – and I’ll use another word from covid – pivot as we move forward into 2026.”

The advertising budget as proposed represents a $147,000 decrease from fiscal year 2025. Officials added that for every dollar spent on advertising Ocean City, the municipality saw a $260 return on investment, according to data provided by third-party vendor Smari.

“If we spend a buck, they are spending $260 here,” Perlozzo explained.

However, Proctor questioned if advertising put heads in beds and people in restaurant seats, as room and food tax revenues declined in fiscal year 2025.

“Every single month this past fiscal year, our room tax, our food tax is

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going down,” she said. “I’m trying to figure out where this comes from because we spend a tremendous amount on advertising.”

Perlozzo said he could not speak to Smari’s numbers, but argued that return on investment went beyond room tax and food tax revenues. Waters agreed.

“It’s an indicator, but not the only indicator,” she said.

Councilman John Gehrig called the city’s focus on room and food tax a “shortcoming.” While acknowledging that hotels and restaurants struggled last year, he said other businesses in town thrived.

“Last year, if you go into Food Lion and Acme and you ask them how they’re doing, it’s the best year of their lives …,” he said. “We don’t pick winners, Tom doesn’t pick winners,

the department doesn’t pick winners. People choose to come here and go to the grocery store instead of going to a restaurant. That’s really not our job. That’s the restaurant’s job. [The department’s] job is to get people to town, and then every restaurant, every hotel, and every realtor or property owner needs to fight for the business.”

After further discussion, Perlozzo agreed to have a Smari present its return on investment data.

City officials last week also reviewed the tourism department’s media strategy for the coming fiscal year, as well as the challenges facing the tourism industry. Perlozzo noted that tariffs, layoffs and economic uncertainty could affect visitation to Ocean City.

“The only thing I can tell you is we

are spending our money very carefully,” he said.

Mayor Rick Meehan added the state’s decision to cut its tourism marketing by $3 million would not help in the coming fiscal year.

“It’s the investment that makes money,” he said. “Why would we cut investment in one of the things that helps to make money? It’s a universal mistake, and it happens all the time.”

Meehan noted that in 2007 and 2008, when other jurisdictions cut advertising dollars, the resort continued to increase its advertising spend. That, he said, put the city ahead.

“It costs you a lot more to catch up than it is to maintain,” he said.

In total, the proposed budget for tourism increases $124,123 in fiscal year 2026. Perlozzo attributed $99,000 of that increase to salaries.

CRUST IN PEACE

Painters cover the last of the brickwork at the former Tony’s Pizza midday Tuesday. The landmark pizzeria at North Division Street and the Boardwalk is now closed. The space

will soon reopen as a new eatery from restaurateur Matt Ortt.

renovated

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) City officials this week approved a multi-sport event to take place on the downtown beach this July.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve a private event request from EnviroEvents representative Scott Westcoat to hold a Summer Sports Safari

Two-day athletic event planned for summer City council to consider a taxi rate increase

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 11, 2025) A request to increase a company’s taxi rates will advance to the Ocean City Council with the favorable recommendation of a resort commission.

On Monday, the Ocean City Police Commission voted to approve a request from Century Taxi owner Ken Hovance to implement a 30% increase in his current cab fare and a 2% increase every year thereafter. Hovance’s attorney, Paul Abu-Zaid, said his client was seeking a

on the beach between Talbot and North Division streets this July. The two-day event will feature multiple sports activities.

“This event would be a multiplesports event showcasing sand flag football, beach volleyball, beach lacrosse, footvolly and teqball with both casual dropping games as well as formal tournaments with pre-registration,” Private Events Coordinator Lisa Mitchell told the council this week.

“Tourism is in support of this event.”

Mitchell told officials on Monday that the city had approved a similar event to be held last August. However,

issues arose during the event’s planning stages.

“When the producer, Scott Westcoat, began to plan the event he learned very quickly that the timeframe he chose was not gonna work,” he said.

Back before the council this week, Mitchell said the promoter was now seeking to hold the Summer Sports Safari July 12-13, 2025. The two-day festival will also include a televised component and will be featured as one of the city’s 150th anniversary events.

“Tom Perazzo (tourism and busi-

ness development director) has been in touch and has talked with Scott as well as another vendor to potentially bring in additional assets to the event to make it an even bigger showcase for the town’s 150th anniversary celebration.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the special event request. As part of the approval, the promoter will be required to pay the city $2,220 in private event fees and $690 in asset and support fees.

“It will be a fun one,” Westcoat said this week.

fare increase to improve driver wages and better align with fares in other jurisdictions.

“We just ask that you allow us to increase our rates to keep up with inflation,” he said.

In 2010, Ocean City adopted a taxi medallion system to better regulate the taxicab industry. As part of that system, the city set regulations on fares, inspections and more.

However, Abu-Zaid told commission members this week that the taxicab landscape had changed since that sys-

tem was enacted more than a decade ago. He pointed to the introduction of rideshare apps and the ability for rideshare companies to set their prices based on demand.

“Unfortunately, the taxi cabs are stuck with the same rate whether it’s on Fourth of July, or whether it’s on September 15 or January 1,” he said.

Abu-Zaid said his client was seeking the city’s permission to raise fare rates.

Wages and vehicle maintenance have all increased, but rates have not.

“We’re just asking you to put things

in perspective,” he said.

After further discussion, the commission voted 4-0 to approve the rate increase and to forward the request to the Ocean City Council with a favorable recommendation. As part of the request, Century Taxi’s rate for minimum fare would increase to $4.16, while the maximum mile charge would increase to $2.86 and maximum wait time rate would increase to 43 cents per minute.

“It’s still going to be a good price for everybody,” Hovance said, “and we have discounts for locals.”

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo

WPS PRE-K EGG-CELLENT EXPERIMENTS

Last week, Worcester Preparatory School's (WPS) pre-kindergarten class conducted two experiments using eggs as the key ingredient. Both experiments led to a day of fun as students learned about the force of gravity.

In the "Inertia Egg Drop Experiment,” the Law of Inertia was tested. In this case, the egg remains at rest until the plate is moved, allowing gravity to take effect. This causes the egg to drop straight down into the cup, as there is no force to change its direction. Next, in the "Humpty Dumpty Egg Drop Challenge," students, with help from their parents, created parachutes from household supplies to protect a hardboiled egg during a fall and landing. The students dropped their parachutes from the top of the playground equipment to find out if the egg stayed intact.

WPS Pre-K student Izzy Hall (Selbyville, DEel. and teacher, Mrs. Kim Zaccagnini, eagerly watch as her homemade parachute prepares to land during the "Humpty Dumpty Egg Drop Challenge.”

WPS Pre-K student Manuel Escamilla Aliullov (Harbeson, Del.) celebrates as the egg falls into the cup of water during the Egg Inertia experiment.

WPS Pre-K teacher Mrs. Kim Zaccagnini and classmates give a drum roll as student Colton McCready (Salisbury) prepares to hit the pan during the Egg Inertia experiment.

WPS Pre-K student Ellis Hitchens (Dagsboro, Del.) is captured in action, hitting the pie pan as the Law of Inertia takes effect, causing the egg to fall into the cup of water.

WPS Pre-K student Bethany Iacangelo (Ocean View, Del.) drops her homemade parachute to test if Humpty Dumpty stays intact.

Ocean City budget includes $129K for local nonprofits

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor Diakonia, Cricket Center

earn lion’s share of resort’s funding committments

(April 11, 2025) City leaders have agreed to allocate $129,750 in grant funding to area nonprofits in the coming fiscal year.

The funding allocation, which the council finalized during Tuesday’s budget wrap-up meeting, will provide $60,000 to Diakonia, $9,000 to Worcester Youth & Family Counseling, $10,000 to Wor-Wic Community College and $750 to Stephen Decatur High School’s after prom. The council also agreed to contribute $50,000 to the Cricket Center, so long as Worcester County matched the allocation.

“While Ocean City does benefit from this, the county also greatly benefits from this,” Council President Matt James said this week. “So I would be comfortable if we were partners with the county, but I don't think we should be funding more than the county.”

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council concluded its budget review for fiscal year 2026. As part of that discussion, Budget Director Jennie Knapp presented officials with a list of funding requests from area nonprofits.

“This is a summary of the organizations that requested money, whether or not they provided the information that’s required in our policy, and also what the funding is in the current budget,” she explained.

In total, seven organizations submitted $149,750 in funding requests to the Town of Ocean City for the coming fiscal year. City Manager

Terry McGean noted the largest requested increase came from the Cricket Center.

“Last year they were funded at $35,000,” he explained. “They requested $50,000. Right now, we have it funded at $25,000.”

Knapp noted that the city traditionally funded the Cricket Center at $25,000. Last year, however, the organization submitted a request for $35,000, which the City Council agreed to fund so long as the county provided a match.

“We said we would match it at $35,000 if the county matched the $35,000,” she said. “The county did, so the match in FY25 was $35,000.”

This year, the Cricket Center is seeking $50,000 from the city to support its operations. Knapp told council members they could take a similar approach in fiscal year 2026 as it did in fiscal year 2025.

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to provide $50,000 to the Cricket Center, so long as the county provided an equal amount. If not, the council agreed to fund the nonprofit at $35,000.

Knapp also noted this week that two of the seven organizations – the Life Crisis Center and Worcester County GOLD – had submitted new funding requests for fiscal year 2026. While each requested a $10,000 allocation, the proposed budget included no funding for the two nonprofits.

“Life Crisis did not provide any of the required forms or backup,” she said. “Worcester County GOLD did provide all three.”

With no further discussion, the council agreed to keep funding for both organizations at the budgeted amount.

Opinions

School super choice will be first for county

Worcester County’s public school system is about to make history, locally at least, as the board of education is on the verge of naming its first female superintendent of schools.

With local candidate Annette Wallace and Baltimore County’s Monique Wheatley-Phillip the finalists in the school board’s selection process, leadership of the county’s public schools by a woman is guaranteed.

To many people, this wouldn’t seem to be a terribly significant event. Because the field of public education draws many more women to its ranks than men, the odds would seem to favor a woman ascending to the top administrative post in any school district. Yet, that isn’t how it has worked over the years.

Studies by various institutions show that women’s career advancements within the administrative ranks end at the school principal level more often than not.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 77% of teachers are women and 23% are men. Those percentages are almost reversed — 73% to 27% in favor of men — on the leadership end of the hierarchy, according to Education Week online. This is even though more women than men, 66% to 34%, reach the career steppingstone level of school principal.

Although it is unpopular these days to talk about inherent bias, it is obvious that something of that nature has been going on for generations in the nation’s public schools.

Most probably, the Worcester County Board of Education wasn’t thinking about that as it began its pursuit of someone to fill the job opening created by the retirement of current Superintendent Lou Taylor at the end of June.

To the local school board’s credit, members simply went after the best candidates, and that is what they have in Wallace and Wheatley-Phillip — two highly qualified people who, as it turns out, happen to be women.

PUBLIC EYE

Old Manhood arrives

It comes as a shock to male of the species when the day arrives that he realizes he has indisputably and irrevocably entered Old Manhood.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2025

By Stewart Dobson

Any number of things can bring about that realization, as in suddenly becoming aware that you enjoy hanging out in hardware stores because you like the vibe.

There are other indicators, of course, such as the cliched but nevertheless compelling “Get off my lawn!” exclamation.

And then, there are physical manifestations: looking up at the sky with your mouth open for no reason is one, and two, not hearing a loved one say, “Close your mouth!” because the words are being filtered out by the thicket of hair that in recent years has relocated from your head to your ears. Let’s also not forget that other sign of Old Manhoodity, which is the irresistible urge to activate your car’s turn signals at least a quarter-mile from wherever it is you plan to exit.

It’s my guess old men do that because signaling waaaaaaay in advance can irk the drivers immediately behind them, and irking people by “doing things the right way,” which is to say your way, seems to have more appeal with each passing day.

I, of course, don’t do any of those things, even though I’m the right age for it. No, my blast of reality occurred Thursday, when I was directed by healthcare professionals to take the six-minute treadmill walk test.

The purpose of this exercise, as far as I can

tell, is to generate money for others and to demonstrate to test administrators that you can walk and remember where you are at the same time.

Other than that, I see no point. It’s not as if traipsing along for a certain number of yards is going to fix anything. In fact, the only thing that is fixed is the amount your insurance company says you must cover yourself.

The interesting thing about Old Manhood is that doesn’t begin at a specific age. A man in 40s, for instance, who begins to spend an inordinate amount of time going through lawncare catalogues is just a step away from believing that wearing socks and sandals is a good look.

Not only does that suggest that he’s about to cross over, it also is a harbinger of the day when he can no longer resist the siren call of Home Depot and Lowe’s and the occasional drive-by of the lawnmower lineups out front.

This isn’t necessarily a sad situation. On the contrary, his venture into this ‘hood means his hell-raising days are on the wane and that the next time he’s out with the boys, he’ll be home for dinner, having said all he has to say about the wondrous benefits of Turf Builder.

As it happens, I don’t do any of that either, mostly because I do not have a lawn, per se, but have a patchy semi-arid area of ground where various kinds of vegetation might pop up in the spring between the dandelions.

This doesn’t mean I’m not a card-carrying member of the Old Manhood fraternity. I am, but I have my priorities such as wondering why anyone would spend six minutes walking on a treadmill when they could drive.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

It seems like a forgone conclusion the Worcester County Board of Education will tap internal candidate Annette Wallace to replace retiring Superintendent Lou Taylor. Even before Taylor announced his retirement officially, it was speculated Wallace, the school system’s chief operating officer since 2018, was being groomed to succeed Taylor. The outcome appears even more so this week when the two finalists were announced with neither having been superintendents of school systems.

With Wallace emerging as one of the two finalists, she is considered the favorite as the school board members know her through her administration work and previously as principal of Pocomoke High School for six years. The underdog challenger, Dr. Monique Wheatley-Phillip, is currently a consulting administrator of school operations for Baltimore County with 30 years of experience in education, with a focus on special education. Wheatley-Phillip is no stranger to this superintendent search process, having been named one of the three finalists in 2018 for superintendent of Cecil, her home county. Both candidates will have separate “Day in the District” meetings with current school system administrators, teachers, parents, media and more this month.

Though not intended as a direct knock on either finalist, who are each impressive in their own right, the hope here was a current superintendent elsewhere would apply to come to Worcester County with professional experience in the role but also a new perspective. Nonetheless, the school system’s press release announcing the two finalists said, “In March, the superintendent opening was posted widely so that qualified local, state, and national candidates could apply, with the first consideration of applications on March 26. The Board conducted interviews to select the finalists who will participate in the extensive interviews April 22-23, with various stakeholder groups. These groups will provide input to the Board as it prepares to choose a new superintendent.”

Renovations on the interior of the old 7-Eleven at North Division Street in Ocean City have been ongoing in recent weeks. The new establishment, to be called 1st Stop, will appear before the Board of License Commissioners in Snow Hill next Wednesday for a beer, wine and liquor license application. The former 7-Eleven sold beer and wine but the new owner now wants to add liquor, and there is opposition.

A change.org petition, “Stop the Beer, Wine & Liquor store at 106 N. Division Street,” reads in part, “We as a committed group prides ourselves and the Downtown area on a peaceful and family friendly atmosphere. However, plans for a NEW (former license relinquished and surrendered) B/W/L business to occupy the former 7-11 building is a tremendous concern to us all who are signing the petition … If approved the Board of license commissioners would be setting up the downtown area for failure to us ALL. It is paramount that we block the opening of this liquor store to protect the character, safety and tranquility of our beloved community. By signing this petition, we are taking decisive action to safeguard our quality of life in downtown Ocean City. Please sign the petition to keep our town safe, peaceful and family centered.” The petition had 34 signatures as of Thursday morning.

This will be an interesting discussion, and it will all center around whether there is a need for more liquor sales.

The Marlowe name is synonymous with the Ocean Bowl Skate Park in Ocean City. It was Dorothy “Haystack” Marlowe who assembled a committee to get the city to build the skate park in 1976 for her three teenage sons who each loved skateboarding. One of those sons was Josh Marlowe, who passed away two weeks ago and was the first professional skateboarder from the area. Marlowe was just 60 years old.

A nice spread about Marlowe was featured in Thrasher Magazine, a source of skate culture since 1981. A tribute from Paul Wisniewski was included with multiple photos of Marlowe in the publication.

The tribute read, “When I was a kid in Ocean City, I’d press my face so hard against the fence, watching the warriors charge various quarter pipes in the bowls at the skatepark. One guy always stood out to me. His inverts were always the tallest. At that age, with the chain-link pattern pressed into my face, it seemed like his inverts might have been taller than the actual quarter pipe he was destroying.

“Fast forward several years, and I was on the deck, shoulder to shoulder with those same warriors—and there he was, still towering above the ramp. His name was Josh Marlowe, and he was the ‘Bomb King.’ I became friends with Josh, skated countless sessions with him, drank beers, and even went on a road trip or two. And even after becoming his friend and peer on the ramp, I always looked up to Josh—literally and figuratively.

“This morning, when I learned that he had passed on, I pictured him towering above that ramp, larger than life—palm on the coping, arm straight, still towering. That’s how I will always remember him.

“Till we session again.”

Letters to the editor

Mayor, City Council should be applauded

Editor,

The Mayor and City Council recently passed an ordinance that, in my view, is both heroic and forwardthinking. This is exactly what leadership should do—identify emerging challenges, consider thoughtful solutions, and take decisive action to protect the character and quality of life in our community.

Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are relatively new tools that have changed how properties are marketed and rented. With these changes come responsibilities. City leaders must evaluate how such platforms affect neighborhoods—not

just economically, but socially and logistically as well. The new short-term rental (STR) ordinance addresses these concerns with important protections.

While the ordinance affects only a very small number of properties, its impact is meaningful. It aims to preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods by curbing business activity that disrupts the peace and fabric of residential life. Investors and realtors seem to see these properties as money-making opportunities, but the reality is that unfettered short-term rentals bring long-term consequences: noise disturbances, parking shortages, excessive trash, and a revolving door of strangers—not to mention the erosion of family-friendly

communities.

This problem has already been acknowledged and addressed in many resort towns across the country. The lessons are clear: residential communities must be protected from turning into unmanaged business zones. Yearround residents deserve to live in neighborhoods where they can raise families without enduring constant bachelor/bachelorette parties, weekend tourism chaos, lack of parking, and the many side effects of transient rentals.

It's deeply disappointing to see organized opposition from businesses and real estate companies who appear to be prioritizing profits over the wellbeing and protection of such a very small part of our community. Their scare tactics and misleading petitions don’t reflect the true intent or scope of

the ordinance. If it weren’t so profitable for them, would they be making this much noise?

Let’s be clear: this ordinance didn’t come out of nowhere. It has been the subject of thoughtful public discussion for years. Our leaders took the time to consider all sides, and they made a choice that puts neighborhoods and residents first.

If you’re asked to sign a petition opposing the ordinance, I urge you to look beyond the headlines and understand what’s really at stake. Don’t sign in haste—educate yourself as our City leaders have done. To the Mayor and City Council: THANK YOU. You’ve taken a bold step to ensure that our community remains a place where families can live, not just vacation.

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

Palmer Gillis Ocean City

A journey from high school cadet to firefighter, EMT

(April 11, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company member Ben Cropper, whose deep family ties to the department and dedication to public service span multiple generations and branches of emergency response.

Cropper's journey with the OCVFC is uniquely personal. "My grandfather, Leroy Cropper, died in the line of duty in April of 1995 while fighting a fire in Ocean City," he shares. "I basically grew up around the firehouse, visiting when I can and attending the cadets' spaghetti dinners. My inspiration for joining would definitely be my grandfather's legacy."

Following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps, Cropper officially joined the OCVFC Cadet Program in November 2011 at the age of 14, where he eventually served as a lieutenant. During his cadet years, he completed Fire 1/EMT training and interned with the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office. His early experiences with the cadets fostered valuable relationships and skills that would serve him throughout his career. "Memorable experiences would be the camaraderie with fellow cadets," he recalls.

After high school, Cropper enlisted in the Army as an infantryman, serving first with the 3rd Infantry Division and later with the 101st Airborne Division. Following active duty, he joined the Maryland Army National Guard as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, where he continues to serve today. His commitment to public safety extended to civilian life when he joined the Ocean City Fire Department as a part-time firefighter/EMT. For the past three years, he has worked as a deputy sheriff with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office while maintaining his

service in the National Guard.

Now serving as a firefighter/EMT and fire apparatus driver operator (FADO) with OCVFC, Cropper points to the Angler Restaurant fire in November 2021 as a particularly significant incident in his development.

"This fire instilled an enormous amount of confidence in me as a driver operator," he notes. "It made me more confident in my abilities to get to a scene quickly and support my peers to achieve our fireground objective."

For Cropper, the most rewarding aspects of his service are "interacting with the community and being a little bit of brightness on what is possibly someone's darkest day." He particularly enjoys participating in Fire Prevention Week at Ocean City Elementary School, "being able to teach kids about our job and what we do."

The bonds formed within OCVFC run deep for Cropper. "The OCVFC is my family, always has been and always will be. They're people that I can count on for anything, fire department related or not; they're always there." He cherishes "the late night summertime talks on the front ramp or talking around the kitchen table. Most of the world's problems could be solved there."

The legacy of service extends beyond Ben to other family members. Following his grandfather's passing, his grandmother Martha became a member of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and has "dedicated dozens of hours every year helping other survivors of fallen firefighters."

Among those who have influenced his development, Cropper particularly acknowledges several mentors.

Continued on Page 88

Ben Cropper

"John Fisher taught me a lot as a cadet and as a firefighter. When I was a cadet, he and his wife, Janet, would wait for me in the tower to ride my bike to HQ to go wherever we were needed. That will always stick with me." Additionally, Tony Villani and Jason Bloom were instrumental in developing his driving and pumping skills, helping him become the confident apparatus operator he is today.

For those considering joining the fire service, Cropper offers straightforward advice: "You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen to what the senior guys say and never stop training."

What makes Ocean City's volunteer fire service stand out to Cropper is its inclusivity and diversity of opportunities. "The fire department is always open, and there are dozens of opportunities to do many different roles. From being a rescue swimmer or diver to confined space and technical rescue."

We thank Ben for his dedicated service to our country, our county, and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, and for honoring his grandfather's legacy through his continued commitment to protecting our community.

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

Death of a president remembered

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

Tomorrow, 80 years ago, saw the death of one of America’s greatest presidents. As he was sitting for a portrait being painted by Elizabeth Shoumatoff, on April 12, 1945, in his vacation home in Warm Springs, Georgia, President Franklin D. Roo-

sevelt raised his hand to his head, exclaiming, “I have a terrific pain in the back of my head,” and slumped over.

It was 1 p.m. Within three hours, The Great Man was gone — dead of a cerebral hemorrhage. The artist rushed the president’s mistress, Lucy Mercer Rutherford, from his Warm Springs home to avoid Mrs. Roosevelt and negative publicity.

Doctors were summoned. One telephoned the First Lady and told her that the president had fainted. She said that she would leave Washington immediately after a planned speech. At 3:30 p.m., the doctors pronounced the president dead. He was 63. Mrs. Roosevelt delivered her remarks and was listening to a piano recital at the Thrift Club, near Dupont Circle, when she was summoned to the White House, where she was told what she already suspected. Her daughter, Anna, arrived and she cabled her four sons, who were all overseas, in the service.

Vice President Harry S. Truman was presiding over an uninteresting debate in the Senate. After the debate he went to House Speaker Sam Rayburn’s office for a drink. Before he arrived, Rayburn’s office received a call from the White House asking that the vice president call the White House as soon as he arrived. He arrived shortly at Rayburn’s office shortly thereafter, and made the call. He put down the telephone and raced to his car. He arrived at the White House at 5:30 p.m., at which time Mrs. Roosevelt calmly said, “Harry, the President is dead.”

Stunned, Truman asked if there was anything he could do for her, to which she replied, “Is there anything we can do for you? For you are the one in trouble now!” A few minutes later a public announcement was made. Truman was sworn in as president by Chief Justice Harlan Fiske Stone, less than two hours later.

Mrs. Roosevelt, and her daughter, Anna, flew to Warm Springs, after the investiture, arriving at midnight. The president’s cousin, Laura Delano, was one of those women who just had to tell things — no matter how they hurt someone — so she told the First Lady that Mrs. Rutherford had been there when the president was stricken. The hurt was compounded when she learned that Anna had arranged it.

SUBMITTED

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s funeral procession is pictured.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 88

The next morning, as the funeral cortege made its way from the president’s cottage to the train station, past the Marines lining its route, Graham Jackson played “Going Home” on his accordion, with tears running down his cheeks.

The president’s bronze coffin was lifted into the rear car of the train that would carry him home, as thousands gathered to quietly say their good-byes. The First Lady, and her husband, departed Warm Springs for the last time.

A sling had been prepared, so that the coffin would be visible in the windows to those outside. After dark, the lights in the president’s car remained illuminated, so that those before whom the train passed in the night could see The Great Man’s casket.

From Warm Springs, Georgia, the cortege traveled to Atlanta, where the engines were changed. From Atlanta it proceeded through: Gainesville, Georgia; Clemson, South Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina, where engines and crew were changed.

From Greenville, the train traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina and on to Salisbury, North Carolina, where the crew and engines were changed again. From Salisbury, it proceeded to Monroe, Virginia, where crew and engines were again changed.

All along the route, hundreds of

thousands gathered to say their goodbyes as the president’s train somberly passed. From Monroe, the presidential train proceeded to Washington, arriving at 10 a.m., on April 14.

Some half-million people watched as The Great Man’s casket was drawn from Union Station, down Constitution Avenue to 18th Street, turning onto Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House in a mile-long procession, as two military bands played and Army bombers rumbled overhead. President Truman would later write that he would never, “... forget the sight of so many people in grief.”

A funeral was held in the East Room of the White House, at 4 p.m.

Later that evening, The Great Man was taken to the Roosevelt family estate in Hyde Park, New York, on the Hudson River, in an 18-car train, which was followed by a second train with the B-listers and five truckloads of flowers.

Upon arrival, the next morning, the president’s coffin was taken from the train to his final resting place in a caisson drawn by six black-draped horses, followed by a hooded horse with an empty saddle, with its stirrups reversed.

After another service, The Great Man was buried. As his casket was lowered into the ground, West Point cadets fired a 21-gun salute. Two million people had lined the tracks from Warm Springs to Washington and from Washington to Hyde Park, at all hours of the day and night, as The

Great Man passed for the last time.

The reactions on the other side of the Atlantic were decidedly mixed. The German hierarchy was beside itself with glee, for FDR’s passing was interpreted as a positive sign that the war was not lost and that the miracle for which they had hoped, was upon them. It was the last time that anyone saw der Führer smile.

The ever-suspicious Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, expressed his concern that The Great Man had been poisoned, and requested an investigation. But he was so moved by the death of his wartime ally that he, uncharacteristically, had the news printed on the front page of all the nation’s newspapers.

The British Prime Minister Sir Winston S. Churchill, who had become a close friend of the president, broke down as he addressed the House of Commons the next day.

Undoubtedly, the loss of Roosevelt hastened the onset of the “Cold War,” as Truman did little, to nothing, to assuage Soviet paranoia, nor did he have Roosevelt’s “touch.”

Next week: Seelow Heights

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

OBITUARIES

CONNIE DYCHE MERRIMAN

Ocean Pines

Connie Dyche Merriman, age 87, passed away at her home in Ocean Pines on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Connie was born in Hagerstown, Maryland on Aug. 6, 1937 to William and Mary Dyche.

Connie was an excellent card player who loved the casino, her friends and family.

Survivors include her partner, Jerome Edwards of Baltimore; her sister, Mary Ann Pellicano of Ocean Pines; her son and his wife, Denton and Karen Merriman of Abbottstown, Pa.; her daughter and her husband, Lacey and Mike Peppler of Delmar; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Russell of Baltimore. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Bryan and Steven Merriman, Christopher, Michael, William and Grace Ellinghaus, and seven great grandchildren.

Connie was predeceased by her spouse of fifty-six years, Donald Merriman and her sister, Billie Lee Russell of Baltimore Maryland.

A private celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to Coastal Hospice at PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Continued on Page 90

C. Merriman

Continued from Page 89

BETTY A. THOMAS

Ocean City

Betty A. Thomas age, 75 of Ocean City, Maryland passed away on Sunday April 6, 2025. Born in Baltimore, Maryland she was the daughter of the late Henry Sparrow and Dorothy (Seidl) Sparrow. She was the loving wife of Frank Ruzek. She is survived by her daughter, Missie Thomas; son Mike Thomas and daughter-in-law Hope; grandchildren Trista Thomas, Ryan Buxenstein and Wife Ashely, Sami Poggi and husband Jim and Rhett Buxenstein; and step-children Chris Malloy and Wendy Malloy. She also leaves behind her beloved dog Precious. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles “Tommy” Thomas; brother, Johnny Sparrow; and sister Mary Sparrow.

Betty was a graduate of Patterson High School in Baltimore and worked for many years for the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Betty had a beautiful soul that touched everyone she met. Her kindness, warmth and infectious smile will be deeply missed, as will her unforgettable blue eyes. She found joy watching the Ravens and

Orioles play, often with her husband and friends by her side, playing keno. Above all, Betty’s love for the family was immense; she always put their needs first, wanting to protect and care for them. Her heart was equally big when it came to animals, as she opened her home to any dog in need of love and shelter.

Cremation followed Betty’s passing. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

JAMES D. YOUTZ

Berlin

James D. Youtz, age 77, of Berlin, died Sunday, March 30, 2025 at home. He was born in Columbia, Pa. and was the son of the late James Youtz and Miriam (Fisher) Youtz.

He was a retired truck driver for Yellow Freight Systems in Lancaster, PA. and a member of the Teamsters Union 771. He loved boating on the Susquehanna River before moving to Maryland. He loved to fish and golf and was a member of the Great Hopers Golf Group.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and his precious grandchildren, Stella and Zane.

James is survived by his wife Sharon L. Youtz; two sons, Michael Youtz of Berlin and Jamie Youtz and wife Regina of Summerfield, Fla..; one brother, Tom Youtz of East Petersburg, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Zane and Stella Youtz.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Shreiner.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

ROBERT PAUL VILASI

Ocean City

Robert Paul Vilasi, age 65, of Ocean City, died Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Christiana Hospital in New Castle, Del. He was born in Clifton, N.J. and was the son of the late Orlando Vilasi and Angelina (Facarazzo) Vilasi.

Bob was semi-retired, owner of Brinker Enterprises Inc and Preferred Transportation of Alpha, N.J. Part of his success was due to his honest and

hard-working approach to business. His customers and drivers loved being treated as family. Captain Bob, as many referred to him, loved boating, riding his Harley, fishing, traveling, collecting and building hobby trains, watching the Yankees and Giants, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren where he was referred to lovingly as Pop Pop. He loved his family deeply.

Bob was a man of endless talents. He could fix and build almost anything that he wanted and somehow had the knowledge to do so. What he didn't know, he had the desire to learn. He would drop just about anything to help friend or family in need. If you were counting on Bob to be there, he was there with a smile and his tools. As many people know, Bob had one of the warmest hugs imaginable and could light up a room with his smile and laughter.

At parties, he would somehow speak to everyone with purpose and meaning. If he met a person for the first time, they felt as if they had known him for years because of his genuine personality. He kept his dear friends close, even if they were miles apart and always made everyone feel better to have known him. He was also a member of Elks, American Legion and the NRA.

He is survived by his wife, Gail A. Vilasi; one son, Michael Vilasi and

Betty A. Thomas

James D. Youtz

Robert P. Vilasi

OBITUARIES

wife Amy of Phillipsburg, NJ; one daughter, Christine Tustin and husband Brian of Berlin, MD; two brothers, Rich Vilasi and Michael Vilasi both of Sun City Center, Fla.; two sisters, Angie Vilasi of Washington, N.J.. and Laura Akins of Sun City Center, Fla.; and five grandchildren, Kaia Vilasi, Indie Vilasi, Maeve Tustin, Stevie Tustin and Von Tustin.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main Street in Selbyville, Del. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon before the service.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on May 3, 2025 at Rupell Funeral Home LLC, 465 Memorial Parkway, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to City of Hope Cancer Center, 2520 Elisha Ave., Zion, Ill. 60099.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

HARVEY W. SHORT

Selbyville

Harvey W. Short, age 73, of Selbyville, DE died Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He was born in Lewes, DE and was the son of the late William Short and Myrtle Ruth (Wells) Hudson. He was a retired manager from Marty's Playland in Ocean City.

Harvey is survived by a son, Kirby Short and wife Jessica of Bishopville, MD; two brothers, Clinton Short of Oregon and Gary Short of North Carolina; three sisters, Judy Bennett of Laurel, DE, Carol Richardson of Laurel, DE and Barbara Hall of Selbyville, DE; two grandchildren, Kirby Short, Jr. and Kayla Short; two great-grandchildren, Nate Short and Payton Lewis.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

KAREN CHERIE PRYOR

Ocean Pines

Karen Cherie Pryor, 69, of Ocean Pines, departed this Earth on April 3, 2025, at 4:05 AM. Cherie was known for her bright smile, her kind heart, and her devotion to her family and garden.

Born August 1, 1955, in Baltimore City, she is proceeded in death by her parents, Katherine and Anthony Crisafulli. Family was very important to

her. She is survived by her husband, Jack, of 36 years, her brother, Anthony JR, her children; Eric Berkeridge, Nanette Berkeridge, Jack Pryor JR, Jason Pryor, Jordan Pryor and Josh Pryor and their spouses (respectively); Jeannie Berkeridge, Budd Faulkner, Jessica Murray, Stacy Daigle, and Camille Pryor. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye; Chelsea, Lance, TJ, Wynter, Great granddaughter, Isabella, Micheal, Jaya, Harper, Addison, Cora, Kaia, Roman, Casey and her children.

If Cherie wasn’t spending time with her family, you could find her in her garden or on her porch enjoying the sun! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Foundations (https://diabetes.org/ways-to-contribute?form= FUNYHSQXNZD).

Arrangements with Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

RAY H. SHEPHERD SR. Showell

Ray H. Shepherd Sr., age 80, of Showell, died peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2025 at home. He was born in Nyack, N.Y. and was the son of the late Roy Harris Shepherd and Agnes Emma (MacCheyne) Shepherd. Ray was a Navy Veteran who served two tours in Vietnam and was one of the survivors of the July 29, 1967 USS Forrestal disaster that took place in Subic Bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of the Philippines. He was a salesman with Action Business Center. His love of the outdoors took him to spend retirement working at Eagles Landing and River Run golf courses. A member of the American legion and a lifetime member of the Maryland Parents-Teachers Assoc. Ray is probably best remembered as “Santa” for Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park in Ocean City where he listened

OBITUARY NOTICES

to children and adults, alike make their Christmas wishes for more than 15 years.

Ray is survived by two daughters, Lisa Shepherd-Hall and husband Don of Dagsboro, Del, and Lori Calloway and husband Ed of Berlin; two sisters, Lynn Rich of Ithaca, N.Y. and Beth Redmond of Elmira, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Clara Shepherd, Hunter Hall, Evan Calloway and Jeorgia Calloway; and Joyce Croban his loving companion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patricia L. Shepherd; son, Ray H. Shepherd, Jr.; and his sister, Dorla Bell.

Ray’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 3, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. at Waterman’s Seafood Company 12505 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Burial will be at Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home of the Brave 6630 Sharps Road Milford, Del. 19963 or the American Kidney Foundation at give.kidneyfund.org.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Harvey W. Short

Karen C. Pryor

Ray Shepherd Sr.

Sports & Recreation

Seahawks stay hot at home against Delmar

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(April 11, 2025) Stephen Decatur

Lady Seahawks softball team entered the field last Friday night with a sixgame win streak after a tie to North Dorchester 1-1 last month.

So far Decatur has defeated Arcadia 8-1 a scrimmage, James M Bennett 14-2, Snow Hill 17-0, North Caroline 13-6, Wicomico 19-0, Parkside 10-0, Queen Anne’s 11-3 and Delmar last Friday, 4-3.

The Delmar High School game saw closely matched teams heading to the field with a lot of expectations. This was a redemption game. The first two

innings resulted in a show down of defense but in the third inning the Seahawk standouts Ava Snelsire and Bailey Griffin made field plays that kept Delmar off the scoreboard.

At the end of the third quarter, there was finally a score from Kirby Bounds and another from Ryleigh Smith.

Pitcher Emily Blume held back the Wild Cats until the top of the fifth when they scored two for the tie. Blume was awesome on the mound with four strikeouts.

Stephen Decatur dug in again with two more runs one at the end of the fifth by Griffin and another in the

by Madison McGinnis. Delmar continued to fight hard and scored another run in the seventh, but the score ended 4-3 with a win for the Seahawks.

“This was a redemption game. They played hard. The last time they played Bennett they lost. They’ve just came off several games in a row due to the rain outs. Even professionals have a hard time with this kind of a schedule. They’re tired. They played hard and it’s an awesome team,” said Coach Scott Kurtz. “They are showing they have what matters, no matter the situation, the location, they play for each other. I have a team that is sea-

soned, they play well together as a team. They play like close friends because they are friends on and off the field. I’ve coached them now for over three years for some and they play well together.”

After the game, Blume said, “It was good. We kept it together. We didn’t get down when things didn’t go our way. We kept going and we kept pushing through it. It was good. Pitching was good tonight. I have been pitching since I was ten, six years. We never got super down. We kept it to what we did and could control.”

On April 11, the Seahawks play Washington High School at home.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Members of the Stephen Decatur’s varsity girls softball team are pictured with their coaches after last week’s win over Delmar.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Pitcher Emily Blume was tough on the mound against Delmar last week, securing the win.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Bailey Griffin delivers the ball home for a key out against Delmar last Friday.

sixth

Decatur lax off to solid start behind four blowout wins

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 11, 2025) Last Friday, Stephen Decatur High School’s boys lacrosse team was able to empty bench and rest its starters. The Seahawks blanked Wicomico, 29-0.

Decatur is currently ranked second in the conference with a 4-1 record trailing Parkside, who is undefeated at 3-0. Decatur only loss was to Kent Island in a nail biter, 14-13.

Stephen Decatur’s other games were also blowouts, defeating North Caroline 22-1, North Dorchester 280 and Kent County 20-0.

Friday night’s lopsided game was an opportunity for the coaches to play most of their players. Junior attackman Ashton March and midfielder Frankie Buxbaum each scored four

each, while attackman John Fohner had three goals.

Scoring two goals apiece were Sam Willis, Parker Mason, Luke Pop and Brody Lynch. Adding single goals were Graham Geiser, Owen Sperry, Gio Gregg, Trey Strickler, Daniel Plumley, Gavin Geiser and Will Rayne.

After the game, Seahawk long stick midfielder senior Cyler Harvey made a bold prediction.

“I think we will end the year great as state champions,” he said. “Last year we won regionals lost in the quarter finals, we were Bayside South champions.”

Against the undermatched Wi-Hi, Stephen Decatur won most of the faceoffs, which set the tempo for the game.

Head Coach Hoffy Hoffman, who moved to the Eastern Shore from Annapolis nine years ago, has been coaching for seven years at Stephen Decatur. “We did well, it was our

fourth game, we are 3- 1. We lost a close one to Kent Island in the last second in the game.”

Decatur will play Bennett at home on Friday night.

Baseball team grows winning streak to five

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 11, 2025) Stephen Decatur’s boys varsity baseball team expanded its win streak to five Tuesday defeating Wi-Hi, 15-0.

On the season, the Seahawks stood at 6-1 on the season as of Wednesday.

Last Friday, the Seahawks played the Delmar Wildcats at home in a close and exciting game. Equally matched teams with stellar defenses and offenses battled it out to a narrow 4-3 win for the Seahawks.

A lot happened in the first four innings except a score. The tension mounted in the fifth and the Seahawks scored two runs. The Wildcats powered back in the sixth with three of their own pulling ahead. The game came down to the end with Stephen Decatur scoring two in the seventh for the win.

“We are working on being more efficient on offense. Cutting down on the swing and misses,” Coach Rich Ferro said.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Calen Shockley is pictured dodging a defender during the second half of last week’s shutout slaughter of Wi-Hi, 29-0.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Owen Phillips is pictured stealing third base during the game against Delmar.

Solid on the mound against Delmar in a close game was Nicky Soares.