Issuu

OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

MAY 8, 2020

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

THANK YOU

AGH STAFF RECOGNIZED

Employees celebrated during National Nurses Week and Healthcare Heroes Day – Page 10

FREE

Beach, Boardwalk reopening per two govt. declarations

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Although the Boardwalk was empty this week, come Saturday, May 9, the resort may see guests trickle in after Mayor Rick Meehan issued an emergency declaration reopening it on Monday, May 4. Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order is still in effect, and Meehan’s move does not supersede it.

Schools shut, education continues By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) The education will continue but students and educators in Worcester County will not return to school classrooms for the remaining academic year, as State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced the statewide closure on Wednesday during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan. The Maryland State Department of Education initially closed all the state’s from March 16-27 to limit the spread of covid-19, but on March 25, extended the closure by four weeks

800-641-0011

until April 24. On April 17, Salmon announced another extension to May 15. “After extensive discussions with the Maryland State Board of Education, the Maryland Health Department and additional health experts advising the governor, I am convinced this is the appropriate decision in order to continue protect the health and safety of our students, educators, staff, and all members of school communities throughout Maryland,” Salmon said. She said that online and distance learning would continue. In response, the state board of education, local

school superintendents and advisors drafted the Maryland Together Recovery Plan for Education. “This document lays the groundwork for the coming months as we maintain and improve online learning opportunities and identifies methods for recovering any lost instruction time that has occurred as a result of covid-19,” Salmon said. She added that the plan includes considerations on how to bring students and staff back to school in person safely. It does not include any mandates or requirements, but rather See CLASSROOMS Page 4

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday afternoon that citizens would be able to participate in a broader range of physical activities effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., including walking on the beach and Boardwalk. Additionally, elective surgeries and procedures at hospitals and medical facilities, including dental work, may also resume. “I know how anxious people are to go outside both for their physical and mental wellbeing, and we also know outside activity is safer than inside activity,” Hogan said. “After much discussion yesterday, all of our doctors and scientists are now in agreement that we are able to move forward with resuming some additional lower risk outdoor activities.” These activities are golf, tennis, boating, fishing and camping. The state will also reopen some closed functions at state parks, including all state beaches for walking See GOVERNOR Page 2

County sticking with continued virtual meetings By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) A motion to resume in-person meetings for the Worcester County Commissioners missed by one vote Tuesday, meaning that the meetings will be conducted via Zoom for the time being. County Commissioner Jim Bunting suggested resuming meetings with social distancing. “If the Senate can go back and work See COMMISSIONERS Page 3

C ousel Group Caro Be S Safe f - Be W Well! ll!

S yOCMD.com Sta

PAGE 2

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

JOSH KIM /OCEAN CITY TODAY MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

City Manager Doug Miller said the resort is “socially distancing” its benches in order to prepare for the reopening of the beach, Boardwalk and inlet parking lot.

In preparation for the beach and Boardwalk’s reopening this Saturday, the city has posted signs all over to remind people to social distance.

Governor, mayor reopen beach, Boardwalk Continued from Page 1 and exercise, and safe playgrounds at state parks. However, the governor’s stay-athome order remains in effect, Mike Ricci, Hogan’s communication director, told Ocean City Today. Local governments will have the power to take similar actions at their discretion. “It will remain critical that you continue to follow public health guidance, continue to practice physical distancing, and most of all that you continue to take actions to keep yourself, and your fellow Marylanders, safe,” Hogan said. Mayor Rick Meehan beat Hogan to the punch on Monday, by announcing the re-opening of the resort’s beach, Boardwalk and inlet parking lot to the public effective 9 a.m. on Saturday. “I think what we need to do is we need to take one step, that is certainly our decision, and I think it is a good way to progress further down the road and it’s really phase one,” Meehan said. “And I think the important thing for us to do, and the right thing for us to do at this point in time is to go ahead and to reopen the beach and Boardwalk. It’s been about 60 days, I’ve seen some changes out there, [and] I think we’re ready to do it.” “Sixty days ago, nobody even knew what social distancing was — they never talked about it,” Meehan

said. “…People never considered wearing masks in public or having it be a requirement in retail stores or in public transportation, and people never thought about keeping the size of groups that congregate under 10 people.” Now it’s different he said, and expressed how much people had learned to adapt — with people voluntarily wearing masks in public spaces and moving away from others. Meehan, echoing other city officials, said it was the city’s duty to identify high-risk individuals and provide for them, but also emphasized the importance of personal responsibility — a notion several council members have highlighted on multiple occasions. “Moving forward, we’re going to have to see who’s at high risk, who isn’t and what decisions personally each and every one of us needs to make, and we have to look at what’s best for us and what’s best for our families,” Meehan said. “If restaurants open tomorrow, not everybody is going to go to a restaurant, but that’s an individual decision.” In his phone call with Hogan last Friday, Meehan said he asked the governor to consider lifting the state’s stay-at-home order sooner rather than later. Based on the promising signs of people adhering to safety guidelines, he told Hogan the city was ready to

take a step forward and reopen its beach and Boardwalk. Meehan said Hogan asked the mayor whether he foresaw any problems. “I said ‘yes,’ because with anything that you do there will be some challenges. I believe that most people will adhere to social distancing or going out of their way to separate,” Meehan said. “Will there be that 2 percent like you have in any scenario that probably don’t? Probably, but you know what, we’re all going to have to work around them a little bit at the end, because this is what’s best for the majority.” With that said, Meehan read the declaration, and reopened the aforementioned fixtures to all. “What we do believe now is that by reopening the beach to the general public, not just Ocean City residents, will allow us to transition with crowds that are going to be much, much smaller today, than they might be a month from now or two months from now,” the mayor said, during a press conference on Tuesday. When asked whether the move would violate the governor’s stay-athome orders, Meehan said, “I don’t think it’s in violation of any of the general orders enacted by the governor, because we are not asking anyone to supersede the travel restrictions that have been put into place,” he said.

Ocean City Today asked the city for clarification. “This allows Worcester County residents, nonresident property owners, and others who are in Ocean City for essential reasons to access the beach and Boardwalk,” Communications Manager Jessica Waters said. Still, the resort will not check license plates or licenses, Meehan said Tuesday. Since the stay-at-home order was issued, local and state police have sought voluntary compliance, rather than strict enforcement. However, police will patrol the Boardwalk to enforce social distancing and gathering guidelines, and the city was working on additional safety measures, such as social distancing signs and barring benches on the Boardwalk. Hogan said crucial metrics, hospitalization rates and ICU stays, have dropped and leveled out the last five days, and if this continues the state could move into phase one of his recovery plan next week. Phase one involves the reopening of some businesses, and would allow for community, religious and quality of life improvements to take place — while maintaining social distancing and gathering guidelines. The first phase also would eliminate perhaps the biggest obstacle to recovery for the resort’s economy: the governor’s stay-at-home order.

US SHOPINE! ONL

Call 410-641-0333 or Message Us on our Facebook Page FREE SHIPPING or by Private Appointment 10-Noon Mon-Sat

Exclusively at the Treasure Chest

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 3

Ocean City Today

Commissioners split on meeting in person Continued from Page 1 in a room together with 100 people, I think on our level, we could certainly make that room work,” Bunting said. Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic said County Attorney Roscoe Leslie, Health Officer Rebecca Jones, Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins and Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Shannahan all advised against inperson meetings. “If for some reason, we had an outbreak among us and staff, it could cripple the county’s government,” Mitrecic said, adding that he would go along with whatever the commissioners wanted to do. Commissioner Ted Elder said the county’s meeting room had plenty of

room for people to spread out and that staff had been in the room earlier without wearing masks. He added that not meeting in person was detrimental and that virtual meetings don’t have the “full effect.” “It’s time for us to be leaders and not cower back in some crevice somewhere, afraid to take the lead,” Elder said. Commissioner Diana Purnell disagreed, pointing out that Sussex County has a high number of cases. “People aren’t taking this thing seriously,” Purnell said. “It’s deadly. Unless you’ve had someone in your family or someone that you know that had this virus or had to be quarantined, you don’t really understand the effect.”

Ocean City Today As members of the MarylandDelaware-D.C. Press Association, we subscribe to the following code of ethics: • Seek the truth and report it. • Minimize harm. Treat sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public with respect. • Act Independently. The primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. • Be Accountable and Transparent. Reporters must take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.

Classifieds ........................37 Commentary ....................32 Crossword Puzzle ..............30 Horoscope ........................28 Obituaries ........................30 Public notices ..................34 Service Directory ..............39

Commissioner Bud Church said the county government should lead by example. “I think it would be a mistake for us to start holding meetings,” Church said. “I think it would set the wrong example to the citizens of Worcester County. This is an inconvenience, but I think we should stick with this until the situation passes.” Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom agreed and said that he would defer to the expertise of the health department. Bunting then said that if the commissioners continue virtual meetings, the commissioners should not sign their names to the letter from the Ocean City Council to Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) requesting that Gov. Larry Hogan lift the stay-at-home order as soon as possible, but no later than May 15 or 22. He said it would be hypocritical to sign the letter while still conducting virtual meetings. Worcester County

Correction

Editor: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net News: editor@oceancitytoday.net Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net Classifieds: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net Phone: 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com and at Facebook/Ocean City Today Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842 P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Available by subscription at $150 a year.

Last week, in an article titled, “Ocean City Development Co. gives council annual update,” one of the corporation’s programs was misidentified. It is the business assistance program, which began in 2006 and has seen 32 projects completed to date, two underway and $2 million in private sector investments — not the development and assistance program. The latter was created this year, and provides grants to projects providing significant investment in new and the renovation of employee housing units. Ocean City Today apologizes for this error.

LEAH M. LECATES

DENISE A. MILKO

REALTOR®

REALTOR® VP

410-726-4901

410-430-7188

leah@leahlecates.com

410-524-7700

GLEN RIDDLE CUSTOM WATERFRONT HOME 11411 Maid At Arms Lane

Looking for the best? Look no more… you’ve found your waterfront dream home, located on a quiet dead-end street. This home boasts southern coastal charm. Becker Morgan architectural design, situated on Turville Creek, with approximately 100 feet of waterfront. Upon entering, your charmed by the homes mesmerizing views, open floor plan, and can't help but fall in love with the antique distressed French hardwood flooring. This home has it all, downstairs master bedroom suite, den, gathering room, formal dining room, and fabulous waterfront great room—a lovely kitchen boasting a large center island and a walk-in pantry. A screened porch off the kitchen overlooking the creek is another enjoyable living space. A second entrance foyer leads to the 2 ½ car garage; the large open garage may be used as a party room, it’s climate-controlled with a tiled floor. Upstairs are two sizeable well-appointed guest rooms with en suite baths and extra walk-in $1,199,000 storage. Call for your private showing.

gotmilko@holidayoc.com SPECTACULAR WEST OCEAN CITY ESTATE 10168 Waterview Drive • Ocean City

Offered by Holiday Real Estate Elite Milko-LeCates Group Five Properties Selling Ocean City & Berlin for over 30 years – We’d Love to be Your REALTORS®

LOT 15 - GRAYS CREEK DRIVE

Prime commercial space South Gate Ocean Pines. Established shopping center. Beautifully appointed fully furnished office space. Great signage. Commercial space that can be used for all commercial uses approved $259,000 by the county. MDWO104398

A beautiful lot in a quiet neighborhood minutes from Assateague Island National Seashore. Located partially on the pond, and inverted home floor plan will offer waterviews of the creek, OC and gorgeous sunrises. Build your $389,000 dream home! MDWO110748

3903 ATLANTIC AVE

419 14TH STREET #68 J & SLIP 69

Ocean City

2 S

3 & #50 #301

ch 00 Ea

,0 - $500

$999,999

COMMERCIAL SPACE

11022 Nicholas Lane #10 • Ocean Pines

OLD!

3202 sq. ft. home includes an extra contiguous wooded lot in the price. Enter down a winding, secluded lane to a private sanctuary, nestled on serene Herring Creek with panoramic waterfront views. Home faces the wide opening of the creek and is a nature lover’s paradise. The creek is simply breathtakingly beautiful with a shoreline sandy beach area. The property is alive with nature at its best. This is a rare one of a kind gem. If you are looking for that billion dollar sunset in a park retreat-like setting we’ve got it!

DIRECT OCEANFRONT

2 Bed, 2 Bath with high-end designer finishes featured in a magazine! Never rented, but can be high-end income producing. Masonry building with pool. This amazing unit is a must see – call for your tour today!

Ocean City

SOLD R

OLLA TOP D

Rare find in a once in a lifetime location, this townhome faces the open bay w/breathtaking views - best unit in the Harbour Island community. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets & panoramic bay views from wrap-around balconies. Large boat slip # 69 behind the unit conveys w/sale. Bayfront master BR & newly renovated master BR. Large garage level bonus room with full bath. A gated community offering a pool, tot lot, tennis courts, and a unique coastal lifestyle. MDWO107790

government administration said that releasing the recommendations it approved to send to Carozza to the public would be premature, as Carozza has not yet sent a letter to Hogan. Purnell said that it was not hypocritical because it didn’t mean that the county had to hold meetings in person. When Elder pointed out that Ocean City had opened the beach and Boardwalk, Purnell said that each municipality has its own mayor to make those types of decisions. Referring to Elder’s earlier statement, Mitrecic said he never considered himself to cower from anything. He also clarified that the letter to Carozza was to request that when the travel ban is lifted, that other issues be considered and that the travel ban not be lifted on Memorial Day Weekend so as to avoid flooding Worcester County with visitors. “I’m not happy with it [Zoom meetings],” Mitrecic said. “But there again, if I bring the disease down to the county and give it to Harold and he takes it home and gives it to his wife, and she passes away, I don’t know that I could ever live with that.” The motion to resume in-person meetings failed 4-3, with Nordstrom, Purnell, Church and Mitrecic in opposition and Bunting, Elder and Commissioner Chip Bertino in favor.

PAGE 4

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

Classrooms closed for rest of year Continued from Page 1 options and considerations, such as sample schedules and ideas. Phase one of reopening Maryland will not include a return to school. Salmon said that phase two of reopening Maryland could include staggering different groups of students in the school, as well as bringing in students with disabilities or those learning English as a second language. Students and teachers will not fully return until phase three, and even

then, transportation and meal distribution will have to be altered depending on public safety and the needs of the local school district. Graduation cereLou Taylor monies will be determined by local superintendents and school boards. Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools, said

that the school district was saddened it wouldn’t have the opportunity to welcome students back, but supported keeping students, families and the community healthy and safe. “We want to reassure our families that we will continue our efforts to support our students’ basic, social emotional, and instructional needs,” Taylor said. “We will stay the course with our feeding program, remote school counseling and continuity of learning.”

State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced that Maryland schools will not return for the academic year on Wednesday, May 6, during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan.

Lawmakers, businesses, pastors sue Hogan By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Gov. Larry Hogan has until today to respond to a lawsuit against him, claiming that his emergency orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic are unconstitutional. The lawsuit is led by three western shore delegates – Dan Cox (R-CarrollFrederick) Warren Miller (R-CarrollHoward) and Neil Parrott (R-Washington) as well as several businesses and pastors. To mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, Hogan shut down all

nonessential businesses, closed the school system for the remainder of the academic year, ordered a stay-at-home mandate, and required everyone to wear Larry Hogan masks in retail establishments and public transportation. Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38 C) said the three issues of the lawsuit appear to be the closure of churches, the break of interstate commerce and the constitutionality and statutory authority of the governor’s executive order.

Atlantic Dental hopes everyone is safe during this challenging time and we look forward to seeing everyone again very soon!

We are now available to treat current patients with dental emergencies including needing to save a tooth, stop tissue bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or treat an infection.

Introducing

DR. KRISTEN MAZZEI Now Accepting New Patients

Comfortable Dentistry in a Spa-Like Atmosphere

Family Dentistry & Smile Enhancements Invisalign® • Implant Restorations • Full Mouth Restoration

Kristen Mazzei, DMD

Many traditional insurances taken. Plus, third party financing available.

Emergency Services Available Lawrence Michnick, DDS

COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 410-213-7575

12308 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6 Ocean City, Maryland, 21842 DENTIST - Dr. Michnick

DENTIST - Dr. Takacs

www.atlanticdental.com

that he open Maryland. The state has not had more than four consecutive days of decreasing cases. The Salisbury metropolitan area has been listed as a national hot spot based on cases per capita. The rising cases are largely attributed to poultry processing plants, where employees are stationed close to each other, but must remain open due to a federal order. In response, Hartman said that there’s risk associated with both opening and staying shut down. He said that non-coronavirus medical issues are becoming more serious as people are delaying hospital visits. Increased testing should be taken at nursing homes and in the poultry industry, he added. “Government’s role is not to shut down and limit,” Hartman said. “To me, our role is to enable and allow people to decide what level they’re willing to take.” Although businesses such as large venues should not open, he argued that small retail stores should be able to open safely with guidelines. In response to the protests, Hogan said that people have the right to express their thoughts. “Sadly, we had far more people die yesterday in Maryland yesterday than we had protesters,” Hogan said. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan did not respond to requests for comment.

Realtors® to the Coolest Small Town in America

Accepting New Patients

ATLANTIC DENTAL

“Hopefully, the response will mean that the governor will allow people to practice their faith and relax some of the orders,” Hartman said. He reasoned that if Wayne Hartman it’s safe for stores such as Walmart to open, then churches could open with the proper safety protocols. “Just because something opens, doesn’t mean that people have to go,” Hartman said. “People need to start assessing the amount of risk they’re willing to take.” He claimed that some people are unaffected and living normally amidst the pandemic, while others are not. “A lot of people don’t understand the impact that this has taken financially, not only to our business owners, but the employees thereof that need that check each week to survive,” Hartman said. “Benefits are taking weeks to come out. For some people, this is very much changing their life.” He said he agreed with the lawsuit, but that he took a different approach, such as corresponding with Hogan through the Republican Caucus and Eastern Shore Delegation. Last weekend, a group called ReOpen Maryland drove across the state and ended in Salisbury to protest Hogan’s emergency orders and ask

WORCESTER COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE

Christopher Takacs, DMD

6978 MORRIS ROAD • PITTSVILLE 3BR/2BA on 1.43 acres in the country. 2022 +/- sq. ft. w/office, laundry room, living room, kitchen & dining area. Roomy kitchen w/bar seating on island, pantry & tile floors. Large open dining area flows to living room. Master BR w/2 walk-in closets. One is in the master bath and one in the bedroom. Master bath has a over-sized jetted tub w/separate shower & enclosed toilet area. Pull down stairs for extra storage. Attached 2 car garage, separate 2 car garage w/electric, water & heat, back upper deck, hot tub & lower deck. Come and see this nice home! $285,000

NEW LISTING!

Cam Bunting, Broker Bunting Realty, Inc. 24 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811 Office: 410-641-3313 • Cell: 410-713-2065 • www.buntingrealty.com

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 5

Ocean City Today

Flight Academy Make This The Year You

Learn To Fly.

ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Give An Ocean Aviation Discovery Flight Gift Certificate.

The Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has recorded nine resident coronavirus cases as of Thursday.

Wor. counts 96 cases, three deaths State reaches over 29,000 with covid-19; 10 in Ocean City, 45 in Berlin/OP area By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Worcester County has reached 96 cases and three deaths, according to the Maryland Health Department. This is an increase of 35 from last week. The first death was recorded last Tuesday as a woman in her 80s who was in hospice care at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center prior to infection. The second case was also a woman in her 80s. The third case was probable – the individual was never tested for coronavirus. There are 45 cases in the Berlin and Ocean Pines 21811 zip code, 10 cases in the Ocean City 21842 zip code, 10 in the Snow Hill 21863 zip code and 26 in the Pocomoke City 21851 zip code. A zip code must have at least eight cases to be listed. The Ocean Pines Association re-

ported a second positive case among staff, this time a public works employee. The employee was last at work on April 28 and passed through the administration building briefly on April 22. Staff who came into contact with the individual have been notified and advised to quarantine for 14 days, according to the association. Work areas will continue to be disinfected. Forty-seven people have been released from public monitoring. The Berlin nursing home has recorded 13 cases, four of which are staff members. About half the cases in Maryland have been in nursing homes. As of Thursday, Maryland had 29,374 cases, with 8,516 in Prince George’s County, 6,032 in Montgomery, 3,662 in Baltimore, 2,856 in Baltimore City, 2,194 in Anne Arundel, 1,151 in Frederick, 1,098 in Howard, 698 in Charles, 552 in Harford, 541 in Wicomico, 534 in Carroll, 260 in Washington, 208 in Cecil, 193 in St. Mary’s, 188 in Calvert, 143 in Allegany, 105 in Caroline, 98 in Kent,

Looking For A Great GRADUATION GIFT?

96 in Worcester, 85 in Dorchester, 68 in Queen Anne’s, 52 in Talbot, 40 in Somerset and four in Garrett. As of Wednesday, Sussex County had 2,764 cases. The Salisbury metropolitan area, which includes Worcester, is a rising hot spot because of poultry processing plants, where employees are often grouped closely. To treat patients, Atlantic General is asking for plasma donations from coronavirus survivors. This is for a Mayo Clinic study through the Blood See AGH Page 6

Your Discovery Flight is a chance to actually fly a Cessna aircraft under the guidance of an FAA certified flight instructor. A full hour flight lesson includes 35 minutes of hands on flying!

Great for Birthdays, Mother’s Day, & Holidays RESERVE YOUR DISCOVERY FLIGHT TODAY

JUST $199.95

www.flyoceanaviation.com Ocean City Municipal Airport Ocean City, MD • 410-213-8400 Must Be a US citizen - Must Have Passport or Birth Certificate at time of Flight Can not be used until Stay At Home Restrictions Lifted in Maryland. Customer must be willing to abide by Ocean Aviation guidelines and Ocean Aviation reserves the right to postpone flight due to any questionable symptom or behavior. Expiration Date will be waived for all certificates purchased in May, 2020.

Buy with Confidence Locally Owned and Operated for 15 Years

Home is wherre your

Stbetoegi ry

FREE SAME DAY DELIVERY 7 DAYS A WEEK

ns .. ns.

Kari Stor y

Cathell Rd • Ocean Pines Next to Walgreens

Cell: 443-614-6286 Direct: 443-664-2490 443 664 2490 kstor y@gofirsthome .com m www.KariStor y.com

434-996-5358 2014-2019

This is not a guarantee to extend consumer credit as defined by Section 1026.2 of Regulation Z. All loans are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. First Home Mortgage Corporation NMLS ID #71603 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Licensed in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Kari Story, NMLS#476369.

Stay Safe and Healthy

PAGE 6

Ocean City Today

AGH calls for plasma donations Continued from Page 5 Bank of Delmarva. The first patient transfusion took place on April 24. Donors must have tested positive for the virus and have been symptom-free for 28 days. Those who have been symptom-free for 14 days may also donate if they have tested negative. Atlantic General said that it has seven beds for covid-19 patients in

the intensive care unit. It has expanded capacity by opening a 16-bed medical surgical unit adjacent to the nursing home in Berlin. The entrance is separate from the nursing home. Sarah Yonker, director of marketing for Atlantic General, said that there are 10 patients in the intensive care unit, which represents 40 percent of the unit surge capacity. The hospital did not clarify how many of

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A sign is set up outside of Atlantic General Hospital acknowledging the hard work and dedication of nurses, doctors and other employees working in the facility.

Resort Real Estate, Inc. Resort Rentals, LLC

Call Tony Matrona for more info on these properties.

410-641-1671

Lot # 103

$139,000

Turn Key 2 Bedroom on an Oversize Shaded Lot. Screened Front Porch. Sleeps 8, Large Eat in Kitchen/Dining Area, Spacious Living Room, Laminate Floors, Washer/Dryer, 8 x 10 Shed. Best Buy in Assateague Pointe!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 107

$162,900 REDUCED $10,000!

$184,500 REDUCED $7,000!

$157,000 410-641-1671

Well Kept Turn Key 2 Bedroom on an Oversize Lot. New HVAC, Recently Replaced Roof & Water Heater. Berber Carpet, Extra Large Courtyard, 8 x 10 Shed. Rear Deck with Privacy! Motivated Seller! Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 157 Million Dollar View! Great Potential with this Fixer Upper Bayfront Home. Recently Replaced HVAC. 2 Bedrooms with Lots of Closet Space. Gas Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Disposal, Washer/Dryer & 8 x 10 Shed. No Reasonable Offer Refused! Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Lot # 58 Nice Turn Key 2 Bedroom. New Storm Door. Recently Replaced Stainless Steel Refrigerator & Bedding. Roof & Windows Replaced in 2009. Washer/Dryer, Courtyard & Shed. Make An Offer! Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

assateaguepointesales.com

the 10 patients had coronavirus in time for Ocean City Today’s deadline. Staff are also credentialing more physicians in primary care practice to work in the hospital. There are more options for telemedicine or phone call appointments to mitigate contact. The hospital has stated that it has enough ventilators, personal protective equipment and testing for now, but that could change if there is a surge. It has 17 total ventilators, with a request in for additional supplies. Matt Morris, vice president of patient care/chief nursing officer, spent several hours working with nurses in the intensive care unit and reported that staff “seemed upbeat and happy to be caring for their patients and our community.” Atlantic General and the Worcester County Health Department are streamlining tests to the 10th Street Atlantic Immediate Care. Specimen are taken there and sent to a lab for testing. Test results can take two to three days. Samples taken at the hospital are in collaboration with Peninsula Regional Medical Center or state labs, which can turn around tests faster. Atlantic General said anyone demonstrating covid-19 symptoms is first diagnosed for influenza, and then covid-19. Symptoms of coronavirus are fever, coughing, shortness of breath, chills, shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, and in more serious cases, pneumonia. It is spread through respiratory droplets, personal contact or surface contact with the virus on it. Those experiencing symptoms should call their primary care provider or the health department. Do not show up unannounced to a medical facility. When a case is confirmed positive, the health department conducts contact tracing to inform individuals and businesses that may have come into contact with the positive case. The Worcester County Health Department has opened a hotline Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to determine if a person should be tested. Call 410-632-1100 and select option eight. For general information on the coronavirus call the health department 24/7 at 410-632-4321 or visit worcesterhealth.org. View updates from Atlantic General at atlanticgeneral.org/patients-visitors/c ovid-19-updates/. To track Maryland cases, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov/. To donate plasma, go to delmarvablood.org/cpdonor or call 1-88-8256638.

www.oceancitytoday.com

MAY 8, 2020

CORONAVIRUS CASES IN WORCESTER COUNTY TIMELINE: March 19 – Worcester County confirms its first case of coronavirus, a man in his 30s. March 21 – A woman in her 20s tests positive. March 30 – A third positive case diagnosed out of state is confirmed. April 1 – A woman in her 20s tests positive. April 2 – A man in his 40s tests positive; health department releases three cases from public monitoring. April 4 – A man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s test positive. April 5 – A man in his 60s and a woman in her 30s test positive. April 6 – A man in his 40s tests for a total of 10 positive cases in Worcester; four total cases have been released from public monitoring. April 9 – Six more people test positive. April 13 – Five more people test positive. April 15 – An out-of-county resident tests positive. April 16 – Three more people test positive for a total of 25 cases; nine individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 20 – Worcester counts a total of 33 cases; 11 individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 21 – One more person tests positive; 13 individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 24 – Five more cases diagnosed; 18 cases have been released from monitoring. April 25 – Two cases are diagnosed. April 26 – Two cases are diagnosed for a total of 48. April 27 – Five people test positive. April 28 – One person tests positive; 23 cases have been released from monitoring; a woman in her 80s has died. April 29 – Worcester has 55 confirmed cases. April 30 – Six people test positive for a total of 61 cases; 26 cases have been released from monitoring; a second case dies. May 3 – Worcester counts 75 cases; 29 have been released from monitoring; a third death is probable. May 4 – Five more people are diagnosed. May 5 – One more person is diagnosed; 40 have been released from monitoring May 6 – Five more cases are confirmed; three more people are released from monitoring May 7 – Ten more people are diagnosed for 96 total; 47 total have been released from monitoring

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 7

T&G BUILDERS &REMODELING Specializing In Residential Remodeling & New Construction For Over 30 Years

Free design services

Serving CoaStal CommunitieS of maryland & delaware

Let us Make your dreaMs coMe true! 410-641-4076 | tg-builders.com 10776 grays corner rd. Berlin, Md Locally Owned and Operated â€¢ Licensed and Insured: MHBR #858 | MHIC #93351

PAGE 8

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

Coronavirus: local, state, nationwide updates Beaches, boardwalks and outdoor activities reopen, stay-at-home order ongoing By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Here are local, state and nationwide updates related to the coronavirus pandemic. Local May 4, 2020 — Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan issues an emergency declaration amending previous orders to reopen the beach, the Boardwalk and the inlet parking lot to the public. However, city officials say the move does not supersede Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home directive, and is not encouraging non-residents not to come. May 5, 2020 — Meehan holds a media-only press conference to clarify his order, and reiterates that the areas are open to the public, but once again the city was not encouraging non-residents to come and break the governor’s stay-at-home order. May 6, 2020 — As of Wednesday morning, Worcester County has 86 confirmed cases of covid-19, two deaths, one probable death and 43 patients released after recovery. State April 29, 2020 — Hogan an-

nounces additional measures to protect nursing home residents. Effective last Wednesday, all staff and residents were required to test for the coronavirus, symptomatic or not. Other measures include additional medical teams, priority testing, and access to patient information for family members, resident representatives and staff. Hogan also said epidemiologists were being sent to the state’s poultry processing facilities, and focus testing, contact tracing, occupational health, communications and outreach efforts in these locations. Additionally, a testing site will be opened at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury to test workers at the Perdue plant there, as well as workers at the Amick processing plant in Hurlock. May 2, 2020 — Reopen Maryland, a small group protesting the governor’s covid-19 measures, travel to Salisbury. U.S. Rep. Andy Harris attended the protest. May 3, 2020 — Hogan responds to comments Harris’ made during the Saturday protest, pointing out more people died that day, than people protested. May 6, 2020 — Hogan announces the reopening of low risk outdoor ac-

tivities, including golf, tennis, fishing, boating and camping effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m. Some state park functions will also open, including all state beaches for walking and exercise, and safe playgrounds. In addition to the outdoor activities, medical facilities and hospitals may resume elective surgeries and procedures, such as biopsies and CAT scans. Hogan said hospitalization rates and ICU stays have declined and leveled out the last five days, and if those metrics continue to do so the state could begin phase on of the governor’s reopening plan as early as next week. Dr. Karen Salmon, state superintendent, announces that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year, and courses will be conducted online. As of Wednesday morning, the state has 28,163 cases of covid-19, 1,338 deaths and 1,903 patients released from isolation. National April 30, 2020 — The Washington Post (The Post) reports 3.8 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits the week of April 20. In just six weeks, 30 million people have filed for unemployment — a number some experts say is a low ball, as some in the country struggle to apply for the benefits, and go uncounted. Despite several weeks of plummeting numbers, Wall Street sees one of its best months in decades, as the Standard & Poor’s 500 index sees its strongest returns since the late 1980s. The Post reports that the stellar performance on Wall Street is likely because of the federal government and central bank flooding Wall Street and Main Street with trillions of dollars in stimulus, and as investors optimistically looks toward a strong upswing in the latter half of the year. Financial experts were unsurprised by the jump, as Wall Street saw its worst month in March since the Great Depression. May 1, 2020 — The Post reports

that nearly 300 public companies — 43 of which have more than 500 workers and the rest prosperous enough to pay executives $2 million or more — got more than $1 billion in stimulus funds meant for struggling small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program defines small businesses as fewer than 500 workers. As of last Thursday, $125 million has been returned. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for covid-19. The drug, which has shown positive effect in diminishing covid-19 recovery time, will be administered to adults and children with severe symptoms. May 2, 2020 — The Post reports that an analysis shows that the U.S. saw more deaths than estimated during early days of the virus. In partnership with Yale School of Public health researchers, The Post estimated that 15,400 more people died between March 1 and April 4 than expected, both directly and indirectly because of covid-19. May 4, 2020 — J. Crew clothing retailer files for bankruptcy, marking it as the first national retail casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. The store was, however, struggling before the pandemic, failing to stay relevant against other clothing retailers. May 5, 2020 — Vice President Mike Pence says the White House is looking to disband its coronavirus task force some time near Memorial Day weekend or early June. May 6, 2020 — The Justice Department will investigate Blue Flame Medical after two states, Maryland and California, claim the company failed to provide masks and other medical equipment, per contract. The state of California reportedly spent almost half a billion dollars for the supplies. As of Wednesday morning, the United States has 1,193,813 cases of covid-19 and 70,802 deaths.

Today’s Reality Calls For Virtual Reality I love to see my clients in person; however, for the time being, if you prefer to do showings remotely, here are a few alternatives I can oﬀer: • Virtual showings and open houses using Zoom or Face-time • 3D virtual tours for every listing • Online document signing In-person showings are allowed with the agent and up to 2 clients in attendance. We practice social distancing and follow responsible professional guidelines such as masks, gloves and disinfecting surfaces we touch.

Lauren Bunting Cell: 410.422.9899 lwbunting@comcast.net www.LaurenBunting.com

7510 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 410-524-0919 Atlanticshores-sothebysrealty.com

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

Ocean City Today

MAY 8, 2020

PHOTO COURTESY ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL

Atlantic General Hospital lit up its campus with blue floodlights in recognition of Healthcare Heroes Day on Saturday, May 2.

Atlantic General celebrates nurses, healthcare heroes By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Amidst the coronavirus outbreak, Atlantic General Hospital took the time to thank its staff for National Nurses Week and Healthcare Heroes Day. Although the hospital had other activities planned for Nurses Week, it had to adjust for social distancing guidelines. Ocean City Pipes and Drums played a tribute to the nurses in the parking lot outside of the outpatient services entrance on Monday. Jon Andes, a member of the group and a regular hospital volunteer with the animal-assisted therapy program, led the group through the tribute piece. “We had a light turnout for the bagpipes – due to social distancing and staff responsibilities – but we did record it and live stream it on Facebook to share with as many of our nurses as possible,” said Sarah Yonker, director of marketing for At-

lantic General. “We got some great feedback from staff and community alike, so we know it was greatly appreciated.” In addition, Gov. Larry Hogan declared Saturday, May 2 “Healthcare Heroes Day” in Maryland and asked the state to light up blue to honor healthcare workers. On Saturday, Atlantic General lit up their campus with blue floodlights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. Michael Franklin, CEO and president of Atlantic General, said in a video to nurses that it seemed appropriate to celebrate Nurses Week during a surge of covid-19 cases throughout the country. “Through the years, we hear how nurses are the most trusted profession in the country and people will be more willing to place their lives in the hands of these caregivers,” Franklin said. He added that the nurses risk their See STAFF Page 11

PHOTO COURTESY ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL

Ocean City Pipes and Drums play a tribute to nurses in the parking lot of Atlantic General Hospital on Monday, May 4, to celebrate National Nurses Week.

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 11

Ocean City Today

Staff honored during pandemic Continued from Page 10 lives to care for those who are most vulnerable. “You are the heart of what makes Atlantic General Hospital the great place that it is,” Franklin said, addressing nurses. Matt Morris, vice president of patient care services/chief nursing officer, said this is also the Year of the Nurse as well as the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. “This year, I’ve really taken a step back and thought about what our val-

ues are and the values of AGH, of compassion, accountability, respect and error free,” Morris said. “I think I’d really like to add for our nursing team some informal values this year of persistence and courage.” He also thanked those who work in facilities, labs and housekeeping during the pandemic. “We honor you as caregivers, we honor you as nurses, we honor you for your persistence and for your courageousness,” Morris said. “I’m truly honored to be your chief nursing officer and to work for you.”

OC businesses preparing for safe reopening of economy By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Since March, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) has been working to prepare businesses for the resort’s eventual return, and has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety and protection of guests and employees from the novel coronavirus. However, as always, there’s still much more to do. “You cannot flip the switch and sudSusan Jones denly think all will be normal,” said Susan Jones, the association’s executive director. As it did to many industries, the coronavirus has devastated the travel industry. According to Tourism Economics, the hit on the travel industry will result in an estimated $1.2 trillion total economic loss, $519 billion of it in direct travel spending. Federal, state and local taxes will be decimated, as well, by an estimated $80 billion, and 8.4 percent of the United State’s unemployment rate will result from travel-related job losses alone. The travel industry’s losses alone could push the U.S. economy into a recession, the data claims. This is why local hoteliers and restaurateurs are getting their businesses ready to jump right back into business to survive the economic fallout the virus has created. “It will take time to sanitize the plumbing lines, the rooms and public areas and to implement the proper cleaning procedures for re-opening,” Jones said about hotels.

Additionally, staffing will be an issue, as many businesses have had to furlough or lay off staff because of forced closures. “Staff will need to be brought back or found, and those folks will also need to be trained on the new procedures — that doesn’t happen overnight either,” Jones said. The OCHMRA is circulating the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association’s reopening guidelines to businesses. These guidelines give thorough instructions on implementing social distancing posts, cleaning standards and safety measures. The association is also working with the Worcester County Health Department, which is providing feedback on the association’s initial guidelines. To seek employees, the association created the “OCHMRA Hospitality Job Board” Facebook page, which it has circulated to local colleges to push out to their students. Jones also stressed that business owners were doing everything they could to stock up on necessary protective equipment for their employees. “Most businesses I’ve spoken with are in the preparation stages now and are acquiring the gloves, masks and sanitizer,” Jones said. “They do not want to put their employees nor their livelihoods in jeopardy.” Nonetheless, even when the resort reopens, Jones said she does not expect too many guests. “Americans are not feeling 100 percent comfortable traveling yet, and therefore I do not believe we’ll see an onslaught of overnight guests immediately,” she said.

S U P P O R T Y O U R L O C A L R E S TA U R A N T S ! RESTAURANTS CARRYOUT, DELIVERY & CURBSIDE PICKUP WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM

M arketplace

OPEN 7 DAYS 12-8PM Celebrating Over 50 Years!

kes a C b a r C t Bes in Town!!!

Take Out

CRABS TO GO BY THE

BUSHEL & DOZEN Call Ahead 410-289-8380

STEAMED

LIVE

Call For Daily

Specials EVERYDAY EVERYDAY 29TH Street & Coastal Hwy (Ocean Side)

410-289-8380 • 410-289-4083

PAGE 12

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

Happy OVER $32.5 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE ! y a D s ’ er h t o M IN 2019 NANCY REITHER-SMITH

12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D Ocean City, MD 21842 410-524-1203

#1 Agent in Ocean City Offices

Realtor® • Licensed in MD & DE Office: 410-524-1203 Direct: 410-723-8574 / Cell: 410-603-5050 Email: nreither@cbmove.com

HERON HARBOUR ISLE

MID-TOWN LOCATION

DEEDED BOAT SLIP

HERON HARBOUR

DEEDED BOAT SLIP NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

220 N HERON DR #220-1 OCEAN CITY - $625,000

106 69TH STREET #13E OCEAN CITY- $339,900

13240 STONE HARBOR LN # 20P12 OCEAN CITY - $685,000

201 S HERON DR #10 H OCEAN CITY - $244,900

9400 COASTAL HWY UNIT 1303 - $329,000

11200 COASTAL HWY #1001 OCEAN CITY - $599.000

Luxurious direct waterfront living w/bay views. 3BR/2.5 BA,2 level direct Bayfront end unit townhouse.Overlooks bay. Bright & airy w/every upgrade imaginable. Family room w/custom gas fireplace for year round enjoyment. Upgraded kitchen w/new granite countertops,cabinets & deck off front. Extensive woodworking throughout & upgraded floors. 2nd level waterfront master BR w/upgraded master bath,beautiful tiled shower & private deck. Being sold fully furnished & never rented. Heron Harbour Isle is amenity rich w/2 outdoor pools, kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, 2 tennis courts & piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking & paddle boarding all out your back door. MLS MDWO112914

Beautiful 3 BR/2.5 BA 2450 sq ft townhome with den and garage hits the market! This beautiful townhome is located mid-town and just one block off the beach.You will love the large open floor plan and decks. The kitchen has granite countertops and plenty of storage. The large dining area is off the kitchen perfect for dining with family and friends. MLS MDWO111710

Direct Bayfront 4BR/3.5 bath townhome & garage. Open floor plan w/coastal flair. Remodeled kitchen w/granite countertops, glass tile backsplash. Dining area overlooks bay. Spacious master BR w/oversized closet & upgraded master BA w/custom shower. Finish level w/full bath could be in-law suite. Plenty of storage throughout. Oversized deck. Electric awning.Well maintained. Upgraded floors & lighting throughout. Community pool, boat ramp & marina. Sale includes Deeded Boat Slip #7. MLS MDWO112252

1st floor 2BR/2BA condo w/large covered deck. Corner end unit w/open beachy feel & being sold furnished. Plenty of room in kitchen w/breakfast bar opens to dining area. Spacious family room & large glass slider opens to deck. Master BR w/private BA. Very close to the beach & restaurants off of 120th street. Plenty of amenities in the community of Heron Harbour - tennis courts, large outdoor pools & indoor pool. MLS MDWO112206

2BR/2BA located in the ocean front 9400 buildingw/ocean & bay views. Large family room opens to kitchen & dining area. Master suite & bath on 1 side of the condo w/2nd BR on opposite side for privacy. In pristine condition & shows pride of ownership in every room. Being sold fully furnished. Balcony w/breathtaking ocean views. The 9400 building is very desirable & has air conditioned corridors. Oceanfront sundeck around the ocean front pool. Close to shopping, restaurants, Ocean City Art League, tennis courts & dog park. Would make a great 2nd home or rental investment property. MLS MDWO111230

Direct Ocean Front 3BR/3BA w/ocean front master BR suite. Tropical decor throughout. Dining room off kitchen. Living area off the dining room w/glass sliders to large direct ocean front deck w/full unobstructed view of the beach & ocean. Family room is spacious, 2nd & 3rd BRs are large as well, Conveniently located up-town & close to many local favorite restaurants & shopping venues.Pool. Come take a look today and make memories! MLS MDWO107176

CAINE WOODS

BUILD YOUR DREAM

RARE OPPORTUNITY

WATERFRONT LOT

LIGHTHOUSE SOUND

NEW PRICE

WATERFRONT LAND

GLEN RIDDLE LOT

NEW LISTING

14301 TUNNEL AVENUE #1A OCEAN CITY - $349,900

12301 OCEAN GATEWAY RD OCEAN CITY - $899,000

6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 BERLIN - $649,900

10006 SEAPLANE LN BERLIN - $499,900

0 SOUTHHAMPTON DR #LOT 17 BISHOPVILLE - $249,900

5BR/3BA totally remodeled condo. Kitchen has granite counters & stainless appliances. There are 2 separate living areas & multiple decks, and this first floor unit has plenty of room out back to walk the dog or just pull up a chair and relax. Low condo fees of $500 a quarter covers your master flood insurance and maintenance and repairs to the building exterior. Cose to the beach, Northside Park, restaurants and shops. MDWO110680

308 WHITE HERON COURT OCEAN CITY - $450,000 Lot 24 with endless views of magnificent sunsets. The lot size is 6,660 sq. ft. with 60 feet of water frontage. This lot will accommodate a large home. This home is in the amenity rich community of Heron Harbor. Community recreation amenities include an indoor pool, 3 outdoor pools, fitness center, and two clay tennis courts. MDWO108366

4.5 acre waterfront parcel on Rt50 in West Ocean City! Property is bulkheaded w/100 foot pier into Herring Creek. Build your dream home in this convenient location! It is perfect for boaters because the water is navigable all the way to the ocean from here. Property has many opportunities & potential including possible subdivision. It is zoned R2 & close to everything Ocean City has to offer. Come take a look today before it is SOLD! MLS MDWO105914

Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Well here it is, 5+ acres in a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this and two golf courses within two miles and Assateague Island is 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO100390

Stop! Come walk the lot & look at the water views!!! Build your dream house & enjoy the sandy beach, water views & the OC Skyline. This 28,113 sq. ft. lot will accommodate large home. Pick your builder, design, & build your showcase waterfront home! If you are not ready to build that dream home yet, buy the land & hold it. Once it's gone, it's gone... Lot is in amenity rich community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis, fitness center, marina & Ruth Chris restaurant! MLS MDWO112632

Build your dream home on lot 17 in Lighthouse Sound adjacent to hole number 2, one of the largest lots boasting 24,662 sq ft (.57 acres). Will accommodate a large home. Design, build and enjoy your showcase home for years to come! If you are not ready to build that dream home yet, buy the land & hold it. Once it's gone, it's gone. If you are looking for luxury lifestyle both on & off golf course, this community offers it all minutes from OC, restaurants & shopping. Come walk the lot today! MLS MDWO102900

INVESTORS ALERT!!!!

NEW LISTING

HERON HARBOUR

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING

WATERFRONT

RARE OPPORTUNITY

MOTIVATED SELLER

WATERFRONT

206-204-202 DORCHESTER ST OCEAN CITY - $1,549,000

104 85TH STREET UNIT 302 OCEAN CITY - $284,900

201 S HERON DRIVE B25 OCEAN CITY - $305,000

115 70TH ST UNIT 36 OCEAN CITY - $469,900

12334 COLLINS RD BISHOPVILLE - $399,900

All parcels being sold together. Prime downtown location. Currently has 4 houses Total. Lot sizes are 4927,4824, and 3381 Sq Ft each. This was a summer rental in 2018. Rare opportunity to purchase valuable downtown location! TAX ID 10-028493 Tax ID10028477 Tax ID 10-028485. MLS MDWO1001420

2BR/2BA condo in desirable mid-town location at Captiva Bay! Unit is being sold fully furnished. Large master BR w/master bath. Fireplace. Fabulous Bay & sunset views, & a short walk to the beach. Enjoy the rooftop pool & sundeck with panoramic views of the City & ocean. Private dock for kayaking, paddleboarding, crabbing and fishing. Would make a great 2nd home or investment property. (New HVAC roof unit 2019, New refrigerator 2019. Storage unit for beach toys and bikes). MLS MDWO111198

2BR/2.5BA condo directly on the water.Two master BR’s.Fully furnishedwell.Large deck overlooking the water and the Ocean City skyline.Heron Harbour is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking and paddle boarding all directly out your back door.

4BR/3.5BA corner end unit townhome with garage, boat slip and water views is in the desirable building complex of Broad Marsh off 70th street. The complex has a community pool and the unit is close to the beach -- the best of both worlds! Unit is being sold furnished for your immediate enjoyment. There is a first floor bedroom and full bath. On the second floor is the family room with slider to nice deck and gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and upgrades throughout, and there is a large breakfast bar. Off the kitchen is a dining area perfect for family meals and entertaining. On the third floor there are 3 additional bedrooms and 2 full baths. The townhome is being sold with deeded boat slip 19. There is a community pool on this street that you will enjoy after a day on the beach. Rarely are these townhomes available for sale. Close to restaurants and shopping. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDW0113514

51 BOATSWAIN OCEAN PINES • $849,900 5BR/3 Full BA/ 1 Half BA in Harbor Village. Lower & upper decks. Professionally landscaped. Dining room overlooks water. Chef's kitchen w/custom cabinets,granite counters & breakfast bar.Family room off dining area.Sunroom/four season room off the family room & waterfront deck off kitchen. Master suite w/walk-in closet, shower & Jacuzzi tub. Bonus room. 2 car garage. Upgrades: Bamboo wood floors throughout, 2 zone HVAC system, hot water heater, sun-room w/slider to deck. MLS 1001970224

Large 2.94 acre waterfront lot in Bishopville. Build your dream home here. Lot is surrounded by estate homes & perfect setting for peace & tranquility. Lot backs to the St. Martins River. Pier & dock for multiple boats.No HOA's here or mandatory fees. St Martins river has water access to the ocean. This location is close to 113. Come take a look today & make that dream of building your dream house a reality. MLS MDWO105638

WESTWOOD COMMERCE PARK

A RARE FIND

PRIME LOCATION

PRIME LOCATION!

PRIME LOCATION

NEW LISTING

NEW PRICE

REDUCED

1751 WESTWOOD DR SALISBURY - $2,390,000

WILLIAMSVILLE ROAD SELBYVILLE - $590,000 Location! Location! Location! A rare find so close to the beaches!!!! 20+ acres of mostly cleared land, close to the beach, restaurants, nightlife, golf, boating & concert venues. Over 350' of road frontage. Great development opportunity! Come take a look before it's SOLD!!!!! DESU152820

36054 ZION CHURCH ROAD FRANKFORD - $275,000

36054 ZION CHURCH ROAD FRANKFORD - $359,000

0 RACETRACK RD BERLIN, MD - $260,000

6.95 Acres with 640 feet of

31.84 acres close to DE and Ocean City MD beaches. Subdivision possibilities, or private sprawling estate. Property has been surveyed and is available in document's. Property runs on one side of Rt. 20, Zion Church Road with about 1468ft +/- on Deer Run Road. Sewer could be a possibility on Deer Run Road as sewer runs down that road but not to this property. It would need to be annexed into the sewer district and approved by County. MLS DESU132230

Zoned C1 across from the Casino on the west side of Rt 589. This is a heavy traffic area for cars to and from RT 50 and RT 90. This 1.01 acre lot has a survey already completed and a septic perk on file. This is a prime commercial location. Buy it before it's SOLD!!! MLS MDWO104326

An opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area located within 2-3 hours of Baltimore, DC & Philadelphia. Very modern warehouse/manufacturing/distribution facility on 2.3 acres conveniently located just off the Route 50 & Route 13 interchange in Westwood Commerce Park. Building was completely renovated in 2019. Warehouse is 25,291 +/- sq.ft.; Office Area 1300 +/- sq.ft.; the Covered Loading Dock 2500 +/- sq.ft.; Steel & Concrete Mezzanine Level 1760 +/- sq.ft. Clear Height is 25'. 5 Dock high positions all with levelers & one with 14'x12' drive in door. Building has a new roof deck with R41 insulation, sidewalls with R31 insulation, lighting, dry fire sprinkler system, floor drains, heavy duty power supply & electric service, and plenty of parking for 8 trucks and 30 cars. Property is located in a Maryland Enterprise zone location with tax incentives possible. Best use would be manufacturing and/or warehouse distribution and the professional office space is an added benefit. Previously a large commercial laundry. Bring manufacturing back to the Great USA. (Listing agent is related to seller) MLS MDWC107760

frontage on Zion Church Rd Rt. Prime location for building and development. MLS DESU132268

OCEANFRONT BLDG

RAINBOW REDUCED

GOLF AND BAY VIEWS!

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal veriﬁcation. Real estate 2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents afﬁliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 13

Ocean City Today

OVER $32.5 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2019

NANCY REITHER-SMITH

12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D Ocean City, MD 21842 410-524-1203

#1 Agent in Ocean City Offices

Realtor® • Licensed in MD & DE Office: 410-524-1203 Direct: 410-723-8574 / Cell: 410-603-5050 Email: nreither@cbmove.com

TRULY SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT ESTATE

5711 WATERSIDE DRIVE • BERLIN - $2,950,000 6BR/5.5BA on 6.39 acres overlooking the bay. Property consist of main home, in-ground pool, guest house, & oversized garage. 250ft of composite decking with boat lift & 2 jet ski lifts. Main house has 4BR/4.5BA, sitting room, grerat room, chefs kitchen, dinning area, 2 offices, laundry rm. Outdoor full BA. Guest house has 2 BR/1BA, sauna, family room, & fireplace. 8 person hot tub, Brazilian hardwood decks. 1/2 acre pond and a circular driveway. MLS MDWO112548

MAGNIFICENT SPRAWLING ESTATE

11402 NEWPORT BAY DRIVE • BERLIN - $1,399,900

You and your family will never want to leave! Spectacular family compound exclusive neighborhood of Indian Creek on 7.77 magnificent acres with private pond, beautiful oversize saltwater pool and luxurious pool house. This sensational 6332 sq ft estate is minutes from Assateague Island and Ocean City in one of the Eastern Shore's finest vacation destinations. Property features exceptional craftsmanship with astute attention to detail. Home is built for family living and a sophisticated buyer looking for custom finishes inside and private oasis outside. Home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 2 half baths. Outside is a huge in ground pool, beautifully landscaped custom paver patio, gazebo, and fully finished pool house with its own kitchenette, workout lounge, full bath and large office or guest suite on the 2nd floor. The back yard is fully fenced and offers views of the pond. Inside you will find a fabulous gourmet kitchen with eat in dining area, wet bar, wine cooler, center island and Corian countertops, all will surely delight the chef in your family. Off the kitchen is a spacious great room with wood burning fireplace for year-round enjoyment and perfect for entertaining family and friends. Not to be missed is the three-season sunroom with screened in porch off the kitchen which overlooks the pool and beautifully landscaped grounds. There is a formal living area and study with fireplace on the first floor as well. On the second level you will find the luxurious master suite complete with sitting area and master bath retreat. The additional bedrooms and bath are all large in size, making this the perfect home for your family. Additional features in this estate home include: 3 car garage, hardwood floors, custom tile floors, crown moldings, tray ceilings, built-ins, custom cabinetry, hardwood floors, custom window treatments and 4 zone high efficiency heat pump system. There is also custom lighting throughout the home, attic storage, and the list goes on and on. This estate home is approximately 1.5 miles from Ocean City Golf Course, 1.5 miles from the Public Boat Ramp, 2.4 miles from Rum Point Golf Course, 6 miles from Assateague Beach, 8.5 miles from Ocean City Airport, 9.4 miles from Sunset Marina and 10.5 miles from the Ocean City Boardwalk.Your family and friends are sure to make memories that last a lifetime here. Come see for yourself. Schedule your showing today and consider making this dream home yours!MLS MDWO102104

MODERN COASTAL DIRECT WATERFRONT!

CUSTOM WATERFRONT WITH OC SKYLINE VIEWS!

4 CLUBHOUSE DRIVE • OCEAN PINES - NOW $1,229,000 6BR/6.5BA 5000 sq. ft. with 150 feet of bulk head. 2 boat lifts & 2 Jetski lifts. Open floor plan, HW floors, cathedral ceilings. Kitchen W/center island, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, custom cabinets, walk in pantry and breakfast area. Off the great room is deck leading to patio. Double sided gas FP. 1st floor master W/FP, and sitting room master bath W/jacuzzi tub, rain shower and double vanities. Garage w/mud room and guest quarters. Office work space, loft area, & multiple waterfront balconies. MLS MDWO108920

EXQUISITE WATERFRONT CUSTOM ESTATE

12973 INLET ISLE LANE • OCEAN CITY - $1,399,000 5BR/4.5BA in the Estates of Inlet Isle. Deep water access with room for 42ft boat. Desiger decorated and being sold fully furnished, Professional kitchen w/stainless appliances, tile backsplash, quartz counters, & upgraded lighting and breakfast bar. Great room with fireplace and custom waterfall. Cocktail and wine cooler, waterfront deck overlooking OC skyline. Master BR/BA on main level. Additional In-law suite on main level. Multple decks and screened porch. Garage, sprinkler system, elevator, upgraded lighting & ceiling fans, & custom tile work. MLS MDW0111488

OVERLOOKS 15TH GREEN AT BAYSIDE

10621 SHIFTING SANDS DRIVE • OCEAN CITY - $1,069,000

30513 N MAGNOLIA CROSSING • SELBYVILLE - $1,079,000

Impressive 4BR/3.5BA direct waterfront home with 90 ft of water frontage, situated on 7600 sq. ft. lot and a half. Remodeled in 2018 home combines modern coastal architecture with a contemporary flair. Open floor plan and abundance of light, expansive bay views and endless sunsets. Dock, pier and bulkhead replaced in 2019. The chef in your family is sure to love the new professional kitchen, with granite countertops and plenty of cabinet space, and dining off the kitchen with endless water views. Great room with a wall of windows and sliders. First floor master bedroom and full bath. Relax year-round in front of the wood burning fireplace. 3 additional BRs and 2 additional BAs. Large deck overlooking the water, outside shower and large yard. Ideally located close to the beach, restaurants and shopping. Make memories that will last a lifetime one day at a time. MLS MDWO112752

4BR/3.5BA with elevator and lots of upgrades. Kitchen with quartz counters, breakfast bar, stainless appliances, walk in pantry, & custom cabinets. Dinning area off kitchen that overlooks golf course. Family room with gas FP and access to screened porch. Master BR with private access to deck, his & her closets, & upgraded BA. Upgraded HW flooring thoughout. 3 car garage & parking for up to 8 cars. Community pools, restraunts, fitness center, club house, dog park, kayak launch and much more! MLS DESU157530

UNIQUE AND INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY

DIRECT BAY FRONT ESTATE

12 90TH STREET UNIT 12A&B • OCEAN CITY - $1,599,000

6014 S POINT ROAD • BERLIN - $1,249,900

TWO Ocean Block TOWNHOMES steps from the beach. 2 4BR/3BA/2HB townhomes each with its own elevator that goes from the carport to the 3rd floor. Each town home is 3400+ sq feet. In total there are 8 bedrooms, 6 full and 4 half baths, 2 elevators, 2 full kitchens and covered parking for 6 cars. Each has 3 decks with views. Gourmet kitchens & top levels consist of hardwood floors. Both units are being sold fully furnished. MLS108902

4BR/3.5BA overlooking Assateague Island. Custom paver driveway and oversize garage. 1.9 acre property with 450ft lighted pier and two boat slips. Elevator & Wood burning fireplace perfect for year round enjoyment. Large custom gourmet kitchen with granite counterts and stainless steel. Master suite overlooking the Bay. Enjoy relaxing on one of the many decks, outdoor dining and outdoor crab feasts. It is minutes from Assateague Island and Ocean City and is in one of the Eastern shore's finest vacation destinations. MLS MDWO113272

PAGE 14

Ocean City Today

MAY 8, 2020

Council gives OK to first reading of budget Local economy hit hard by coronavirus means costs must be cut next fiscal year By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) After hashing out ways to save on expenditures, the Ocean City Council approved a first reading of the fiscal year 2021 budget that, like the conversation that preceded the vote, has been shaped by the covid-19 pandemic. Its approval sets up a second reading of the budget ordinance before next year’s $135.5 million financial plan becomes official. Councilman Tony DeLuca kicked off the discussion by laying out six adjustments he wanted to see discussed: the elimination of three-full time po-

Billy’s Pizzas & Sub Shops

WE ARE OPEN FOR CARRY OUT & FAST, FRIENDLY & SAFE DELIVERY

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

1/2 PRICE

PIZZA

EVERY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY IN OCEAN CITY & EVERY WEDNESDAY IN FENWICK CALL AHEAD 140TH ST • OC 410-250-1778 EVERYDAY • 11AM RT 54 • FENWICK 302-436-5661 WED - SUN • 11AM

BILLY’S SUBS DELIVERS • BILLY’S SUBS DELIVERS • BILLY’S SUBS DELIVERS • BILLY’S SUBS DELIVERS

• BILLY’S SUBS DELIVERS •

sitions included in the budget, a hiring freeze for full-time employees, reduction of overtime pay, moving all capital improvement projects (CIP) to FY21, 22, or 23, postponement of raises until January and another hiring freeze, but for part-time employees. The first concern was an absolute for DeLuca. “I support plan B budget completely, it’s a constant yield budget, but I won’t vote for it if it has three new full-time people in there, just for that reason only,” DeLuca said. However, Council Secretary Mary Knight pointed out that the positions were proposed to be funded beginning in January, which would allow the council to gauge its financial standing in the fall and amend the budget, if needed. “Yes, that’s true,” City Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said. Reassured, DeLuca said he would retract his earlier statement. As for DeLuca’s hiring freeze request, which focused on potential retirements and terminations, City Manager Doug Miller said unless the position is crucial, the city would not be putting out any advertisements to replace it. Although, Miller said the city was allowing the fire department to conduct rank successions. “We just lost two people, and we need those ranks filled for deployment purposes,” Miller said. Miller also addressed DeLuca’s part-time position stance, saying hiring had already been delayed, and that current staff had been shifted around to fill empty roles. DeLuca’s third and fourth requests, reducing overtime pay and moving capital improvement projects, generated the most debate among the council and city staff.

“I [previously] used the term no overtime, but Councilman Matt James talked me off the ledge when he gave the great example of you have a paramedic or EMT who calls in sick and you have to call someone in to fill that spot and it’s overtime, I understand that,” DeLuca said. Nonetheless, he said with almost $2 million budgeted for overtime, there was room for the city to reduce it by half or significantly. “Overtime often starts as an employer need, but what you find out is over time and over years it becomes an employee need, and I think we have an opportunity to manage that,” he said. In response, Knapp explained that 74 percent of overtime goes to the city’s public safety departments, while 14 percent goes to water and waste water management — both of which operate on a 24/7 basis. She then noted that, with a hiring freeze, positions might go unfilled, so an existing employee will have to fill that position and be paid overtime. “The rest of the overtime for the town is very small,” Knapp said. She also noted that the city has saved $112,000 in overtime in the last six weeks because of special event cancellations, postponements and the cancellation of the city’s spring cleanup. These savings would likely increase in May and June, as more events get pushed back or called off. With these savings, and over $200,000 of savings created by the delay in hiring part-time employees, there was no reason to reduce the proposed overtime pay. “We postponed the Downtown Recreation Complex design and we postponed the inlet [parking] lot repaving. What that leaves is street paving, canal dredging, storm drain cleaning and City Watch phase II,

The Ocean City Council approved the first reading of proposed budget plan B on Monday, May 4.

which I was asked to put back in the budget,” Knapp said. Miller added that street paving has two sources of funding, highway user funds and casino revenue. “We can’t use it for anything else. So we would imagine that when [Public Works Director] Hal Adkins gets $1.4 million in highway user money, well, that money has to be used for that purpose,” he said. In terms of fund balance projects, totaling $1.7 million, some had to be completed this year, or on an annual basis. “The transfer station tipping room floor and walls, that’s $352,000,” Knapp said. “We also have an agreement with Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), or a dedication to AGH, to do $100,000 a year — this would be the fourth year of that.” Knapp said if the council felt strongly about delaying some of the maintenance projects, such as street paving, canal dredging or the resort surveillance program, then she would — she just needed more direction from city leaders. Knight, however, said she opposed the idea. “We need to pave our streets, we need to continue to dredge the canals, phase II of the City Watch we discussed that in length with the additional cameras,” Knight said. “I don’t see how we can not maintain our infrastructure and still maintain ourselves as a premiere tourist attraction if our streets don’t look good.” However, Paddack and Gehrig voiced their support for DeLuca’s request. “I don’t think [Councilman] Tony DeLuca is saying anything unrealistic,” Gehrig said. “… All Tony is saying is give us some guidelines to make it clear to our team and to each other … let’s watch how we hire, let’s watch our

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

Expenditures must be cut, but which ones? overtime, let’s watch our raises.” James, however, reminded the council that in a previous meeting, department heads, specifically Adkins, warned that delaying these maintenance projects would actually cost the city more down the road. “That’s correct,” Knapp said. Addressing DeLuca’s employeeraise concern, Knapp said the only

employees who would see a raise in July would be those included in the city’s union contract with the local International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). All other raises would be held until January, she said, including raises from the new minimum wage law. Councilman Dennis Dare stressed that the council had no idea what its

revenue, or lack thereof, would be until after Labor Day weekend — he projected a 30 percent decrease in room tax, while James said it was more likely 50-70 percent. With this in mind, Dare said there was serious potential for the resort’s unassigned fund balance, which was $21 million as of June 30, 2019, to be depleted, so it was crucial that city

leaders cut out as many expenditures it could. The council voted to move the budget proposal to second reading. Mayor Rick Meehan added after the vote that each committee and commission should evaluate its respective department’s expenses, and come back with cost-saving suggestions for city staff.

410-289-1283

410-289-1283 oceancitytoday.net • baysideoc.com

Will help you find a

Local Business online

PAGE 16

Ocean City Today

MAY 8, 2020

Worcester County Commissioners listened to written and virtual comments regarding the real property tax and the proposed FY21 budget during the public hearing on Tuesday evening via Zoom. ELIZABETH BONIN/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Public comments on Wor. budget County adjusted revenues, expenditures to account for economic hit of covid-19 By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Members of the public had the opportunity to voice their opinions on Worcester County’s proposed FY21 operating budget on Tuesday, May 5, via Zoom. The version presented was changed from the original draft after the coronavirus pandemic arrived and took its toll on revenue estimates, as most tax-generating businesses were either shut down or extremely limited in what they could do. The original budget projected county revenue at $211 million, with budget requests exceeding that by $11 million. The county finance team, however, reduced the projected revenue by $4.2 million to $205 million, while county department heads whittled down their requests by nearly $15.3 million to reduce the above-revenue amount to $270,000. According to Harold Higgins, chief administrative officer, 70 percent of the revenue will come from property taxes. For expenditures, 53.2 percent will be spent on the Worcester County Board of Education and Wor-Wic Community College. Public safety is estimated at 17 percent. The county proposed to maintain the real property tax rate of $0.845 per $100 of assessment, which would increase the real property tax revenues by 2.1 percent. Higgins said this would cover the disparity between budget requests and revenues. The income tax is set to stay at 2.25 percent. The assessable tax base for FY21 has increased to $16.8 billion. Worcester would retain the lowest inPHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY

Departments in Worcester County government reduced their requested expenditures by about $15 million to accommodate for losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

come tax on the Eastern Shore and second lowest real property tax. Kirby Brewington, a Snow Hill resident, requested that the real property tax not increase since she fears not being able to afford her home. “The process to build a home in Worcester County is difficult, and after we get through the process, my property taxes were so much higher than anticipated,” Brewington said. “My mortgage increased almost $300 a month within the first year of living in the home.” The commissioners then moved on to public comment for budget requests. Jack Ferry, director of the Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark, asked the commissioners to fund the center at the same amount as last year, because it is the only program with a physical location to assist adults with disabilities. Several representatives from Furnace Town, the outdoor museum in Snow Hill, highlighted how the historic site benefits the county. Jessica Evans, director of the Furnace Town Foundation, said that previous funding has allowed the organization to offer high quality education programs

to students. Ron Geesey, former president of the board of directors for Furnace Town, requested the same $40,000 it received last year and pointed out that covid-19 had all but eliminated its spring revenue from school visits. “Survival is an issue for us,” Geesey said. “We know the county is not rich in cultural activities.” Next, Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools, assured the commissioners that the budget for education was much needed for the students and would be put to good use. He said that the school system has maintained a high graduation rate, a low drop-out rate, the state title for kindergarten readiness and status as one of the best communities in the nation for the arts. “We must continue to recruit, hire and retain great teachers, administrators and staff through competitive salaries and benefit packages, and we most certainly do that here in Worcester County,” Taylor said. “We must maintain small class sizes to provide personal learning for each child.” See WORCESTER Page 18

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Ocean City Today

MAY 8, 2020

Worcester income tax rate to remain same Continued from Page 16 He added that this year’s request includes two additional behavioral health workers and two more positions to accommodate the new Showell Elementary School, although the savings in health care costs could be used to cover those new positions.

For the recreation and culture category, Stacey Weisner, the director of the Delmarva Discovery Center, mentioned that the center would need $30,000 in funding, which is $10,000 more than the previous year because it would be taking over the Sturgis One Room School Museum in

Pocomoke City. Finally, J. Franklin Wright of Ocean City said he hopes the county will deduct the $1.143 million grant the Ocean Pines Association received from the paycheck protection program from its Worcester County grant. “The OPA is selfishly retaining

these funds to the detriment to many local businesses that have a far greater need,” Wright said. The county will hold budget work sessions on May 12 at 9 a.m., May 19 at 1 p.m. and May 26 at 9 a.m. It will adopt the budget and tax rate on June 2.

Council approves building code adoption By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) The Ocean City Council gave its final approval Monday to adopt the 2018 International Code Council building code, with local amendments. “I mentioned before, I guess 10 days ago, that there were a couple of contractors that had concerns. I reached out to them, I shared with them the entire code [and] they got back to me and both were very pleased and very content with everything that was there,” Council Secretary Mary Knight said.

The 2018 codes will help clarify gray areas of the existing code, and help streamline it with the city’s flood code and Fire Marshal’s office code, Chief Building Official Jake Doub previously told Ocean City Today. The resort has adopted the code council’s building directives since 2006, and follows the organization’s three-year revision cycle. While typically the new code does not enact major changes, this year’s version will include some big adjustments. “There is now an entire section of a chapter dedicated to deck construction,” Doub said previously. “Prior to

the 2018 version, a lot of the design was based off of best practices, and now we have methods that you can actually go into the code and figure out what size post you need and what size footing you need.” Builders may also choose alternatives to costly steel hardware, after a footnote with the requirement was slashed from the code. Perhaps the most important change, however, is how the code defines a substantial improvement, which could determine whether or not a builder must install a costly fire sprinkler system.

Currently, the city’s flood code and the Fire Marshal’s office code defines a substantial improvement as over 50 percent of the value of the structure, but the old building code defined it as an alteration of more than 50 percent of the structures area. In January, Mayor Rick Meehan had called the language inconsistency one of the biggest issues he and City Manager Doug Miller had to deal with. Following Monday’s decision, however, the building code will mirror the other two codes, and builders may move forward with clearer guidance.

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 19

State improves unemployment application Maryland residents report still having trouble with new BEACON One-Stop process By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) With 380 Worcester County residents filing for unemployment in the week ending on April 25, a total of 5,315 residents have sought relief since the week ending on March 7. In the week ending on April 18, 467 Worcester residents applied for unemployment. The coronavirus pandemic has caused hundreds of businesses across the nation to temporary or permanently close their doors, leading to a surge in unemployment. Before the pandemic, Worcester’s unemployment filings were only in the 30s at the beginning of March. Worcester County recorded 2,423 unemployed persons for March. For the entire state, 37,225 Marylanders filed for unemployment in the week ending on April 25, compared to 47,545 for the week ending on April 18. However, these numbers are amidst a statewide struggle to successfully file for unemployment. The Maryland Department of Labor Division of Unemployment Insurance launched the BEACON One-Stop unemployment application website for residents to apply for all claims and weekly certifications online 24/7. But the website was fraught with problems as thousands flooded the system. Some claimed they had to wait several hours to apply and then were kicked off the website. Others were told there were 100,000 people “in line” in front of them. The department issued an apology and said that it chose to work with an outside benefits administration vendor to create the application, rather than re programming the old system, to speed up the process. The application will now be taken down nightly from 1-3 a.m to mitigate crashes from the high volume of applicants. In addition, a virtual waiting line has been introduced so applicants can receive a constantly updated estimated waiting time. Applicants will also sign up to receive an email when the system is ready for them to log on. The department has implemented a gating system – on Sundays and Mondays, only customers who are filing weekly claim certifications will file and Tuesdays through Saturdays are for customers filing new claims and completing other activities. It also created a username and password handbook to ensure that new and existing claimants can access the one-stop shop application. Users can learn how to navigate the application through a series of tutorial videos on YouTube. On Friday, the department launched a virtual assistant to help answer frequently asked questions about unemployment insurance

benefits, as well as a Login Quick Start to help troubleshoot frequent access issues. Since it was implemented, more than 286,000 accounts have been activated, more than 142,000 new claims have been submitted and more than 360,000 weekly claim certifications have been filed. Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany P. Robinson signaled on Tuesday that the website improvements have helped. “At Gov. Hogan’s direction, we have taken every necessary step to improve the performance of the BEACON One-Stop unemployment insurance application in a matter of days,” Robinson said in a statement. “Claimants experienced zero to minimal wait times on the site on Sunday and Monday, despite the record vol-

ume of traffic.” On Sunday alone, 141,000 weekly claim certifications were successfully processed, according to Robinson, with an average of 5,800 certifications every hours. This is twice the amount of certifications from the week prior. “As a result of our efforts, Maryland is now the only state that has a comprehensive system to allow all eligible claimants to apply online in one place,” Robinson said. Despite this, comments on social media indicate that Marylanders are still having issues with answering the questions, receiving benefits on time and getting help with the application. Essential businesses in Ocean City have struggled to stay open, as the resort has seen far less visitor traffic than usual. The beach and Boardwalk

are closed until May 9. Under the federal CARES Act, unemployment benefits now include an additional $600 and 13 more weeks of benefits than Maryland’s typical 26 weeks. The benefit amounts are calculated based on the income received over the past 18 months. The search for work requirement has been temporarily waived. The deadline to enroll with the Maryland Health Benefits Exchange, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, was set to end mid-April, but has been extended until June 15 so those who have lost their employer-based insurance because of their employers’ own financial problems can apply for health insurance. Visit dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml to access the application.

PAGE 20

Ocean City Today

MAY 8, 2020

Celebrating 90 years of life: car parade for Jean Jones By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) When Ocean City resident Jean Jones saw rows of vehicles passing by her home on Friday, May 1, to celebrate her 90th birthday, she couldn’t help but shed a tear. “Happy birthday!” dozens of friends, family members, strangers and public safety employees shouted from their cars. Jones’ granddaughter, Barbara Merrill, who lives in Virginia, organized the parade after the original plan, a birthday cruise, got cancelled because of the pandemic and a gathering became too dangerous. “We can’t really be around her,” Merrill said. “My aunt, Hollie Scopa, is positive for the virus, she’s a baggage claim attendant at [Boston] Logan Airport, so she can’t come. “My mother, Pamela Walters, is a nurse in a veterans home in Southern Maryland and she’s exposed daily to positive patients,” Merrill continued. With limited options, Merrill turned to the Ocean City Cool Facebook page to seek help. “My grandmother is an Ocean City local and will be turning 90 on Friday! Our family isn’t able to visit with her because of the virus. “Can anyone suggest something local that could be delivered to her on this day to make her feel special? We already have an edible arrangement being sent,” the post said. Merrill said the post blew up — it currently has 545 likes/hearts, 467 comments and 16 shares — and soon complete strangers began to help her organize the parade for her grandmother. “I got an enormous response, I think it’s like 500 comments, from people just wanting to help, mail her cards and several people offered to do a car parade, and it turned into a massive event now,” Merrill recalled.

Merrill especially thanked Darlene Nash-Rhoads and Patty Bukowski, with whom she worked closely to organize the event. “I’m gonna cry,” Nash-Rhoads said, holding back tears as she recalled the event. “My own mom has been dead for the past 20 years, and she would’ve been 90 this year.” Not able to celebrate her mother’s 90th birthday, Nash-Rhoads said she felt incredibly moved by Merrill’s post, and reached out to spearhead the event. Scopa called the fire department and explained the situation, and Merrill said the department was more than happy to help, and got the local police department in on the celebration, too. The departments then worked with Nash-Rhoads, who set up a meeting spot at the Gold Coast Mall parking lot on 115th Street. Nash-Rhoads said as the caravan headed out, Bukowski stayed behind to direct stragglers to Jones’ street. “When I saw her [Jones] wiping her eyes, I can’t tell you how touched I was to bring joy to somebody,” Nash-Rhoads said. “I’m gonna be 59 year’s old, and it’s probably one of my the most touching things that I’ve done in my 59 years.” At 5 p.m. that day, Jones, sitting in a chair on her parking lot, watched as a police car, lights flashing and siren blaring, turned the corner of Coastal Highway to enter her street, followed by a string of people who took time out of their day to celebrate her big day. “She has the beginning stages of dementia so we try to create as many memories as we can with her,” Merrill said. “Her and Ocean City have always been a milestone in my life … She’s just an overall loving, awesome person,” she added.

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Local resident Jean Jones beams with joy after friends, strangers, family, firefighters and police officers banded together to throw her a 90th birthday parade on Friday, May 1.

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

oceancitytoday.com Will help baysideoc.com you find a

ne Local Business onli

Cars line up on Winter Harbor Drive to celebrate the 90th birthday of Ocean City resident Jean Jones on Friday, May 1.

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 21

Ocean City Today

More protective orders enacted After outbreaks at poultry processing facilities, Hogan takes additional measures By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Gov. Larry Hogan took more measures to protect Marylanders from the coronavirus last week, specifically nursing homes and poultry facilities. “We are no longer just playing defense—we are going on offense against this virus, attacking from every angle with everything we’ve got,” Hogan said last Wednesday. To Hogan, this meant doubling efforts and resources to virus clusters and hotspots, such as nursing homes, which have been battered by the virus. Hogan said of the state’s total cases and deaths, nursing homes accounted for 19 and 46 percent, respectively. Under Hogan’s orders, all residents and staff must be tested for the virus, symptomatic or not. Nursing homes will be prioritized based on imminent outbreak or a current rising threat risk, and any staff who tests positive will be discharged into isolation. Furthermore, residents must be evaluated daily by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or registered nurse, and nursing home

Survey: most Wor. residents unhappy with broadband By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) A partially completed broadband study confirmed what Worcester County Commissioners had suspected all along – Worcester County residents are generally unsatisfied with their internet connection. The partial results, from April 2-22, asked residents to run a broadband speed test from their homes. Brian Jones, IT director, told commissioners on Tuesday that the county received test results almost immediately. It received 50 results before the end of the first day and has received more than 300 total. “We saw what we expected to see, which was a lot of constituents in the county are very unhappy with what they have and what’s available to them,” Jones said. Jones’s survey presentation showed where the county has inadequate internet service, the service level and overall satisfaction. He said the study will run through June to account for peak foliage. The commissioners ramped up pursuing rural broadband earlier this year, when Joanne Hovis, president of Columbia Telecommunications, presented a rural broadband feasibility study to See IN-HOME Page 23

staff must develop an emergency surge staffing plan. To aid nursing home staff, Hogan said the state would supplement strike teams — previously created to handle the nursing home crisis — with bridge teams, which will provide emergency clinical staffing to nursing homes critically short on staff. These teams will be composed of a registered nurse and five to seven aides. Hogan also greatly increased transparency at nursing homes by requiring staff to frequently update residents, family members, resident representatives and staff on covid-19 infections. “It is heart-wrenching enough that families can’t visit their loved ones, but it’s even worse when they can’t get information about what is happening inside of these facilities,” Hogan said. Earlier last week, Hogan ordered the Maryland Department of Health to release coronavirus data at these facilities, overriding patient-client privacy regulations. The governor also expressed concern over a small group of nursing home facilities that were disobeying his directives, and announced a new oversight role and team. “We are increasingly concerned, and quite frankly outraged, that a few operators are not complying with directives from the state. So today we are appointing Col. Eric Allely, the state sur-

geon of the National Guard, to serve as an emergency safety and compliance officer for nursing homes,” Hogan said. Another major issue of concern for Hogan was meat, specifically poultry, facilities, which have become coronavirus hotspots nationwide. “Currently, we now have at least 262 lab confirmed cases of covid-19 associated with poultry workers in Maryland, which is one reason why the case rate per 100,000 in Wicomico County is now the fifth highest in the state, nearly equal to Baltimore City, and higher than Baltimore County,” Hogan said. The New York Times recently deemed the greater Salisbury area as an emerging hotspot. Hogan, as well as Wicomico County officials, said this was, in part, because many residents of neighboring Sussex County, Delaware, which has a relatively high infection rate, commute to the Salisbury area for work. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Maryland was the nation’s ninth-largest producer of broiler chickens, or chickens for consumption, in 2017, as per value of production. Delaware ranked eighth, and combined the two states ranked seventh in the country. With such economic stakes at risk, Hogan said the state would send epidemiologists to the affected areas to

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday, April 29, additional measure to protect Maryland nursing home facilities and poultry processing factories, both of which have been hotspots for the coronavirus.

focus on testing support, contact tracing, occupational health, communications and outreach. Additionally, a testing site will be opened at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, to test workers at the Perdue plant in Salisbury and the Amick processing plant in Hurlock. The state also deployed the Maryland Incident Management Team to support the operation, and a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) liaison and a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) team will be there for assistance.

DRIVE THRU OPEN

GREAT DEAL!

West Ocean City

$3.99

FREE 2 pc and Biscuit w/Purchase of 3 pc Combo (Spicy or Mild)

3 Pcs & Biscuits White or Dark Mixed, Mild or Spicy

$8.99 Plus Tax, Offer Good Only at 12533 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD Exp. 05/31/20 OCT Coupon

SEAFOOD FEAST

$6.99

1/4 lb. Popcorn Shrimp & 2 pc. Flounder w/Reg. Side & Biscuit

Plus Tax, Offer Good Only at 12533 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD. Exp. 05/31/20 OCT Coupon

Mild or Spicy with Purchase of 3 Piece Tender Combo

$7.99

Plus Tax, Offer Good Only at 12533 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD Exp. 05/31/20 OCT Coupon

May Special

2 Dinner Special

Treat Mom to Popeyes for Mother’s Day 12533 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842 (Rt. 50 1/4 Mile West of White Marlin Mall)

5PC, 2 Sides & 2 Biscuits

(443)664-2105

ONLY $8.99

Order Online & Get it Delivered

Mixed, Mild or Spicy

WWW.POPEYES.COM

Plus Tax, Offer Good Only at 12533 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD Exp. 05/31/20 OCT Coupon

FREE 3 Piece Tender

3 PIECE SPECIAL

6.49

w/Reg Side

FAMILY BUNDLES 14 PCS 20 PCS

2 Lg Sides 3 Lg Sides 7 Biscuits 10 Biscuits

27.99 $33.99

24 PCS

3 Lg Sides 12 Biscuits

36.99

Buy 11 Piece Mixed Chicken for $19.99 & Get 11 Piece Mixed Chicken Free

with 14, 20 & 24 pc Bundle

Plus Tax, Offer Good Only at 12533 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD Exp. 05/31/20 OCT Coupon

FREE Gallon of Tea

PAGE 22

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

Police officers help Gamble celebrate seventh birthday By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Caleb Gamble of Berlin, received a huge surprise this Sunday when six police vehicles arrived to celebrate his seventh birthday. His grandfather, Lee Slota, who owns the Ocean City Mini Storage, organized the surprise for Gamble since the young boy could not celebrate with his friends because of the coronavirus pandemic. “He couldn’t have a birthday party because of everything that’s going on,” Slota said. “We had some family here and we had a little birthday party for him, and when the state police came here ... that was the final part of his birthday party. “The only the only kind of social lifestyle that these children are having [right now] is called Zoom” he continued. “These poor children are being stuck at home. Just to put a smile on his face is a reward in itself.” Slota rents some of his storage facility to the Berlin Barracks of the Maryland State Police, which is how he was able to pull the surprise together for Gamble, who idolizes the police officers. “My grandson, he’s infatuated with being an officer, and like I told I told my daughter, if he doesn’t end up in law enforcement, he’ll end up in the military, he’s just infatuated with them,” Slota said. “He’s the kind of kid who will watch Live PD every Friday and Saturday night.” The troopers arrived with several gifts for Gamble, including stickers to put on his own mini quad (which has been designed to look like a police car) and a mini trooper badge. “[The troopers] all lined up at Food Lion and they came down Route 611 with their lights and sirens on, which was hysterical because a lot of customers that were driving by probably thought there was a murder here,” Slota said. “They had their lights and sirens on and the lieutenant spoke to him through a loudspeaker and then they all got out, wished him a happy birthday, handed him gifts and let him look in the car, and it was really neat.” Slota is grateful to the Maryland State Police for agreeing to help surprise his grandson. “I can’t thank the state police enough for what they’ve done,” he said. “During this lifestyle change … for them to take time off, take time away from their jobs or their personal life, to put a smile on a 7-year old’s face … it’s priceless.” Gamble, a student from Ocean City Elementary School, was left completely surprised and grateful for the experience when the police vehicles from the Berlin Barracks pulled up at the Ocean City Mini Storage facility, which is where the last part of his

PHOTO COURTESY LEE SLOTA

Caleb Gamble celebrates his seventh birthday with a surprise visit from six Maryland State Troopers on Sunday, May 3.

Wor. picks Pocomoke library option By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners will pursue building a new library/senior center on a vacant lot in downtown Pocomoke City. The building is proposed to be 17,000 square feet, with 4,000 of that for the senior center. County Library Director Jennifer Ranck said that the total estimate is $8,535,691, with the library accounting for $6,527,691 and the senior center accounting for $2,008,398. She presented this plan to the commissioners Tuesday meeting, along with the option of renovating and adding to the existing library on Market Street for an estimated cost of $5,213,698. After reviewing several options for the library during their meeting on April 14, commissioners asked Ranck to return in May with a cost estimate. Ranck said that after the commissioners accepted either proposal, she would return with a letter of intent for them to sign, saying that the county intends to match the state grant it receives. After County Commissioners Joshua Nordstrom and Diana Purnell moved to pursue the new combined building option, County Commissioner Jim Bunting said he could not support party was held. “It made me feel so good and very lucky,” Gamble said. “I [definitely] want to become a policeman when I grow up. Thank you.”

the motion for financial reasons. He said that since the phase one environmental test on the vacant lot recommended a phase two test, the county could spend millions. The second phase is needed due to previous property use. There are various leftover materials and chemicals that could cause exposure issues. The new building would also require the county to purchase the parking lot behind the Delmarva Discovery Center. “I think the prudent thing to do would be to put this thing on hold until we see where we are financially after this event [coronavirus pandemic] is over,” Bunting said. Nordstrom pointed out that this project would not begin until FY22. “We’re in uncertain times, I understand, but we’re talking about the following fiscal year, so I think we can move forward with this,” Nordstrom said. Commissioner Ted Elder said he was excited about the new building option until he noticed the potential environmental issues. “I think there’s five different businesses that’s been in there that’s had stuff leaching into properties,” Elder said. “Once you take over that property, you’re opening yourself up to liabilities down the road with neighboring properties.” Nordstrom confirmed with Ranck that the point of the study is to find out if there are any issues. “We would go through with a phase two study to see the extent we would

need to, if we would need to abate what was on the property now,” Ranck said. Elder said he didn’t think they should throw more money at the property and suggested to either move forward with the renovation option or wait another year. Nordstrom said the county may as well do the study now, rather than later. “If the property proves viable after the study, then we can move forward with it, but we have to have a plan to do the study before we can move forward with the construction, whether it’s this year or next year,” Nordstrom said. The motion to pursue the new library and senior center passed 4-3, with Commissioners Purnell, Nordstrom, Bud Church and Joseph Mitrecic in favor and Commissioners Bunting, Elder and Chip Bertino in opposition. According to Ranck, the library will apply for $1.9 million for a FY22 state grant and will apply for additional funding for FY23. The Commission on Aging can request up to $800,000 from the Maryland Department of Aging with a match from county funds. The library will also have to rescind the FY20 grant for design since it is going with a different option than originally planned. There is $500,000 set aside for the project in the assigned fund balance and over $300,000 of those are reallocated grant funds, according to Ranck. Construction is estimated to take 12-14 months.

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 23

Ocean City Today

In-home testing will have to wait for stay-at-home order

PHOTO COURTESY COLUMBIA TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The speeds by internet service provider and by city colored red are considered below standard.

Outlets Ocean City to host ‘Stuff the Truck’ food drive (May 8, 2020) Outlets Ocean City will host a “Stuff the Truck” drivethrough food drive benefitting the SonRise Church food campaigns, including Sharing the Harvest and the Backpack Program. These programs help feed families in Worcester County. The drives will take place Friday, May 8 and Friday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ocean City Outlets, 12741 Ocean Gateway, on Route 50 in

West Ocean City. Items needed include pasta, tomato sauce, rice, beans, canned vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, jelly and other non-perishable food items. The drive will take place in the parking lot of Outlets Ocean City and the food items will be loaded directly into the Sharing the Harvest truck. For more information, email alane.emerson@outletsoceancity.co m.

Continued from Page 21 commissioners at a January meeting. She said the best two ways to proceed were to continue working with Choptank Electric Cooperative to secure broadband and to conduct tests to determine the quality of service that Bloosurf, an existing wireless provider, is delivering to Worcester. According to Hovis, most of Bloosurf’s service areas are protected until next year by a 10year loan grant from Brian Jones the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant preempts any other entity from securing federal funding. If the county can prove that Bloosurf is delivering below its self-reported standards, it could challenge for funding. During a Feb. 18 meeting, the commissioners accepted a test proposal and several other recommendations from Columbia Telecommunications. In the survey Jones presented, Bloosurf is shown as having the second lowest speed of the internet service providers in the county. Salisbury, Willards, Stockton, Pittsville, Eden and Girdletree are all shown to have belowstandard download speed. When asked by Commissioner Jim Bunting, Jones said those who want to

be served by a private service such as Mediacom, should call the respective company. If they aren’t successful, they should fill out the media test for the county because it logs their address to determine affected areas. Jones also confirmed that Choptank will help some Delmarva Power customers if Choptank fiber runs across that path. He added another helpful point — just before the General Assembly adjourned in March, the Maryland House and Senate passed legislation to allow Choptank Electric Cooperative to deliver broadband to its members on the Eastern Shore. With a positive vote from members, it will become member-regulated and proceed with pursuing rural broadband. When asked by Nordstrom how Bloosurf would affect Choptank’s plans, Jones said that it could be an issue and that he had been in conversation with Bloosurf. “If we want to move forward with another opportunity with Choptank, they’re not willing to stand in our way to stop us,” Jones said. He added that overall, there would still be pockets where the county would have to use wireless, as fiber would not cover the entire county. The next step is to conduct in-home testing, which Jones said is pending the state stay-at-home mandate.

R e a c h Yo u r C u s t o m e r s O n l i n e O n O u r N e w

arketplace Carry-Out Resttaurants

Online e Shopping

R Real Estate

Home Improvement

H Health & Wellness

Classiffieds

w w w. o c ea n c i t y t o d a y. c o m Call Y Yo our Sales Representative T To oday to get your business listed – 410-723-6397

PAGE 24

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

Ocean Pines PW employee tests positive for virus (May 8, 2020) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors on Tuesday released a statement about a second employee who tested positive for covid-19. The association previously, on April 21, announced that a worker in the golf maintenance department tested positive. The association notified staff earlier of a second positive test, this time in Public Works. The Board’s statement follows: Symptoms of the covid-19 pandemic have once again been recognized here in Ocean Pines, as a member of our Public Works Department recently tested positive for covid-19. The employee was last at work on April 28 and also passed through the Administration Building for a brief period on April 22. Other OPA staff who may have been in contact with this individual have been contacted and advised to take the necessary precautions per the CDC guidelines, including the 14-day quarantine requirement. The cleaning and disinfecting of work areas has been in place and will continue for the foreseeable future. Again, we continue to emphasize sound hygiene and adherence to all state and federal guidelines for safety. Practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands often is of paramount importance, especially at this time. Let’s all step up and do our part in helping to prevent the spread of the virus to our family, friends and members of the Ocean Pines community.

Coronavirus aid slowly trickles in After weeks of waiting, OC business owners start to see relief money deposited By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) Federal coronavirus funding is beginning to trickle to Ocean City businesses — a small ray of hope for employers who have been waiting for the money for weeks. “I have been talking to several business and it does seem to be, on a good note, more of them are saying they have received their funding if they applied for it,” said Nancy Schwendeman, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce acting executive director. On March 27, Congress passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package, of which $349 billion was allocated to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which offers loan guarantees for small businesses through the Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration defines small businesses as having 500 or fewer employees. However, it quickly became clear that there were glaring problems with the program, such as the program’s first-come, first-serve basis. This put self-employed small business owners at a huge disadvantage, as they only were allowed to apply one week after the program launched. This submission disadvantage ties into another problem the program had, which was a loophole allowing major corporations to apply for the

TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Town of Berlin of Maryland proposes to increase real property taxes. 1. For the tax year beginning July 1, 2020, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 2%, from $447,513,345 to $456,764,633. 2. If the Town of Berlin maintains the current tax rate of $0.80 per $100 of assessment, real property tax revenues will increase by 2% resulting in $74,010 of new real property tax revenues. 3. In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to $0.7838, the constant yield tax rate. 4. The Town of Berlin is considering not reducing its real property tax rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments. The Town of Berlin proposes to adopt a real property tax rate of $0.80 per $100 of assessment. This tax rate is 2% higher than the constant yield tax rate and will generate $74,010 in additional property tax revenues. A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 7 pm on May 11th at Town of Berlin Town Hall. The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged. Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information.

loan, based on its individual franchise locations with 500 or fewer employees. For example, last month, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which has 150 restaurants and an estimated net worth of $42.2 million, obtained a $20 million PPP loan through the loophole. The company has since pledged to repay N. Schwendeman the money after facing backlash. According to a National Federation of Independent Business survey, of three-quarters of small businesses that had applied for the loan, only 20 percent or so received any money. Lawmakers replenished the funds last month with an additional $310 billion, and as of Sunday, the Trump administration announced that 2.2 million small business loans had been made in the most recent round of money distribution. To solve previous issues, the second round of funding set aside $30 billion to credit unions and lenders with assets less than $10 billion, to help smaller businesses, particularly minority and rural business owners, who typically do not have an existing relationship with a major bank. Additionally, an eight-hour window was saved last Wednesday, for the country’s smallest financial institutions to access the relief program, NPR reported. Nonetheless, the launch of the second round of PPP loans proved just as disastrous as the first, as E-TRAN,

the SBA’s loan processing system, crashed after being overloaded with loan applications, as reported by Inc. Inc. reported this was likely a result of the program’s new bulk uploads policy, which allows one-time bulk uploads of 15,000 loan applications or more per bank, which favors large banks with more customers, at the expense of smaller community banks and lenders. Furthermore, Congress did not make any changes to the eligibility requirements, leaving the franchise loophole intact and ready to be exploited. The money is expected to run dry soon again, and financial experts say the federal government will need to invest much more — up to $1.2 trillion more, according to Columbia economist Glenn Hubbard and American Enterprise Institute economist Michael Strain. Nonetheless, despite the obstacles, with funds slowly reaching the resort, Schwendeman said the business community is remaining cautiously hopeful and patient. “The general mood, I think everyone is cautiously optimistic. I know they are very eager to open, even the ones that are partially open doing carryout, delivery and things of that nature,” she said. “But overall, everyone is listening and trying to take into account what the town is saying, what the mayor and council is saying, what the governor has stated. There’s a lot of people who want to go back to normal as soon as possible, but they also understand it’s going to take some time.”

COUNTY BRIEFS By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) The following took place Monday, May 4, during the Ocean City Council meeting.

at 3:30 p.m. The agendas for each meeting can be accessed online at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/depar tments/cityclerk/standing-committees/

Meetings

Consent agenda

The following meetings will take place next week (all meetings will be conducted online via Zoom): Police Commission — Monday, May 11, at 9 a.m. Tourism Committee — Monday, May 11, at 3 p.m. Transportation Committee — Tuesday, May 12, at 9 a.m. Bike Team — Wednesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. Green Team — Wednesday, May 13,

The council voted to approved the consent agenda, which includes meeting minutes from meetings on April 16 and 20, a date change for the 21st annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets now scheduled for Nov. 7, a date change request for the Jellyfish Festival now scheduled for Sept. 12-13, and a date hold request for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association events scheduled for 2021 and 2022 — June 2224, and June 21-23, respectively.

S u p p o r t Yo u r L o c a l R e s t a u r a n t s !

RESTAURANTS C A R R Y O U T, D E L I V E R Y & C U R B S I D E P I C K U P M arketplace

W W W. O C E A N C I T Y T O D AY. C O M

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 25

Local police mourn loss of beloved Sgt. Charles Green, 47

Art League of OC hosting free happy hour online, Friday

(May 8, 2020) Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro announces with a heavy heart and great sadness that Sgt. Charles “Chip” Green, passed away on May 6, at the age of 47. Sgt. Green, of Salisbury, was originally from Hampstead, Maryland. He joined the Ocean City Police Department as a seasonal officer in 1994 and worked for four summers before being hired full time in 1998. He was promoted to the rank of police officer first class in 2003. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of corporal. On Jan. 1 of this year he earned the rank of sergeant. During his 22-year career, he has primarily been assigned to the Patrol Division. He was currently the supervisor and assistant coordinator of the Mounted Unit. Sgt. Green and his horse, Benson, have been an icon on the Boardwalk for the past 10 years. He was always going above and beyond for the unit and was constantly finding ways to make the horse and rider a better team. “His passion to the unit and dedication of being an instructor has expanded and evolved the unit to what it is today,” Chief Buzzuro said. Recently, Sgt. Green and PFC Jessica Johnson competed in the Horses Healing Maryland Military (HHMM) Mounted Police Competition held at the Maryland State Fair Grounds in Timonium, Maryland. Sgt. Green was extremely proud of how well the OCPD horses and riders did; they brought back several ribbons. Sgt. Green was always eager to showcase the horses and riders at community events such as Winterfest of Lights, Special Olympics Torch Run, Polar Bear Plunge, Cones with Cops, and the Mounted Open House. When Sgt. Green was not on patrol or tending to the horses, he was most likely traveling the world. He was always on an adventure where he could ski, scuba dive, or explore somewhere new. His passing is a tremendous loss to the Ocean City Police Department family. On behalf of the department: “Chip, we will miss your stories, jokes and your laugh. We thank you for everything you have done for us, and our community. The number of lives you and Benson have impacted on the Boardwalk over the years is immeasurable and will not be forgotten.”

(May 8, 2020) To continue to bring people together through art, the Art League of Ocean City is hosting a free virtual happy hour on Friday, May 8, from 5-6 p.m. The get-together is designed to bring Art League staff, members, artists, board of directors, volunteers and friends together to discuss art and mingle virtually. The happy hour will take place on Zoom, and the Zoom app is required to attend. Advance registration is required. The Art League will send participants a link to the meeting the day before. Zoom limits the number of participants to 100. Sgt. Charles “Chip” Green and his horse, Benson, have been an icon on the Boardwalk for the past “This is a chance for all of us who 10 years. Sgt. Green passed away on May 6, at the age of 47. are starved for the company of other art lovers to get together and celebrate that the arts are alive in Ocean City,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “The doors of our building may be closed temporarily, but art continues to flourish in our community. Artists are painting, adults and children are enjoying on(May 8, 2020) Thanks to a donation sponder,” Worcester Goes Purple line art classes [and] we’re using sofrom Mountaire Farms, Worcester Events Coordinator Debbie Smullen cial media to stay in touch. But this County Recreation and Parks, in part- said. “We appreciate all of our first re- happy hour is a more personal way to nership with Worcester Goes Purple, is sponders, and we are happy to give see each other’s faces, hear each giving away 500 free bags of boneless back.” other’s voices and discover what we chicken thighs to local first responders. WCRP staff, along with Worcester are all up to during this shutdown.” This giveaway will take place at the Goes Purple and other community Advance registrations are being Worcester County Recreation Center volunteers, are coming together to accepted at https://reg131.imin Snow Hill on Friday, May 8, from say, “thank you” and to give each first p e r i s o f t . c o m / A r t L e a g u e O f O 3-7 p.m. responder who registers a 10-pound ceanCity/ProgramDetail/353033303 First responders, including med- bag of chicken that includes approxi- 0/Registration.aspx. ical personnel, fire, EMS and police, mately 22 boneless thighs. The Art League of Ocean City is a are asked to register for a pick-up After the giveaway, a donation of nonprofit organization dedicated to time through an online form found 60 bags of chicken and other poten- bringing the visual arts to the comon the WCRP website at tial leftovers will be distributed to the munity through education, exhibits, www.worcesterrecandparks.org. Stevenson United Methodist Church scholarship, programs and commuTime options are separated by Spirit Kitchen in Berlin, The Samari- nity art projects. hour windows of either 3-4 p.m., 4-5 tan Shelter in Pocomoke, and the Financial support comes primarily p.m., 5-6 p.m., or 6-7 p.m. Chicken is Snow Hill Food Pantry. through membership dues from indinot guaranteed to those who do not For more information on Feed the viduals and corporate sponsors. register. Frontline, contact Allen Swiger at Funding for exhibits is also provided “Many of those in the Recovery 410-632-2144, ext. 2520 or by the Community Foundation of the Community owe their lives to a first re- aswiger@co.worcester.md.us. Eastern Shore, the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

FILL https://www.oceancitytoday.com/classifieds/

First responders can receive free bags of chicken, Friday

Crossword answers from page 30

KIWANIS CLUB Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City is supporting Student Leadership Program (SLP) clubs in the local schools. During the March 4, meeting, the Kiwanis Club advisors to these SLP clubs reported on activities and accomplishments of each SLP club. Pictured, from left, are Skip McComas (Berlin Intermediate School Builders Club), Wilma and Ralph Chinn (Buckingham Elementary K-Kids), Candy Foreman (Showell K-Kids) and Roy Foreman (Stephen Decatur High School Key Club).

PAGE 26

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

WORLD WAR II

Belgian Fort Eben Emael captured by German forces By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer (May 8, 2020) This week, 80 years ago, the Belgian fortress, Eben Emael, named after a nearby village, and considered impregnable, was captured by a handful of intrepid German soldiers. The fort was a product of World War I, when the Germans overran Belgium on their way to France. In the period between the two World Wars, both Belgium and France embarked on massive projects to fortify their frontiers with Germany. The French, in the mid-1930s, built the Maginot Line that stretched from the Belgian to the Swiss border, while the Belgians designed the most imaginative and formidable defensive network of forts the world had known. The network included one of the world’s wonders, the Albert Canal, an 80-mile long waterway and military barrier controlled by a set of locks capable of flooding or emptying the entire waterway in an hour. Located along the length of the canal was a series of forts with interlocking fields of fire. One of these forts was Fort Eben Emael. It was situated on a high cliff overlooking the Meuse River, providing a clear view over the river and the canal for miles. The fort was also located between the two Belgian cities of Maastricht to the north, and the large city of Liege to the south. It was constructed in 1931–1935 for a cost of 35 million francs - roughly $6.84 billion. The fort was composed of networks of machine gun bunkers, and large casements of steel-reinforced concrete which bristled with antitank guns, machine guns, and surrounded by a maze of barbed wire and triangular steel antitank obstacles.

The entire fort measured 3,300 feet long from north to south and 2,400 feet across. It contained underground ammunition storage facilities, repair shops, communication center, command post, and living quarters for a 1,200-man garrison. Above the ground there were distinctive looking dome-shaped cupolas made of foot-thick steel, which housed 75mm and 120mm guns with a range of 12 miles. After the conquest of Poland, Hitler ordered the Wehrmacht to plan an offensive in the west. Such a plan would only work if German panzer and motorized divisions could maneuver through the Ardennes Forest and move into Belgium. Belgium was a neutral country which would have to be invaded. If German forces were to break through the Ardennes, Fort Eben Emael would first have to be taken. The German High Command was divided on how to take the fort. Some plans called for a massive frontal assault to capture the fort with very heavy casualties on the German side, and others considered a more rapid attack with very heavy guns firing across the canal to neutralize the cupolas and the bunkers. Field Marshal Hermann Göring, commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe, had an alternative plan to use dive bombers with bombs of sufficient penetrating power to disable the fort. None of these plans were considered practical. They were too risky, very costly in terms of human lives expended to achieve the desired goal, or the fort was considered to be impregnable to any ordnance which could be delivered from the air or fired by any gun. To make matters even worse, the German intelligence about the fort was inadequate.

Fort Eben Emael

However, Fort Eben-Emael had one major weakness. It was vulnerable to an attack from the air. Hitler and the High Command knew that they had to capture, intact, the bridges over the Albert Canal if the blitzkrieg was to function. They also knew that a paratrooper attack – so devastating in Holland – would be unlikely to succeed at EbenEmael, as it would give the defenders too much time to react as the paratroopers descended. They therefore decided on a mode of attack which would surprise the defenders – the use of gliders carrying troops. The gliders would land at half-light inside the fort, thus negating its defenses. Such an attack would possess a high surprise factor which could not be achieved using paratroopers. The attack had to be carefully coordinated so that it took place just at the same time as the main German attack across the Belgian border. In this way, the Belgian army would be fully occupied and no units outside of the fort could come to its aid. The raid was full of risks. Takeoffs and landings were potential problems. When the gliders came within range of the fort’s anti-aircraft guns, they were at risk. To compensate for this, the attack was planned at half-light – making the task of the glider pilots even more difficult as visibility would be a key issue. The plan was to release the gliders 12 miles from the fort at a height of 6,500

feet. The pilots selected for the raid were considered to be the best and were given a target of landing their gliders within 65 feet of their chosen target. The attack was entrusted to the Koch Storm Detachment formed in November 1939. The main section of this unit consisted of paratroopers, including those trained in explosives. The actual attack on the fort itself was carried out by these sappers who were led by 1st Lt. Rudolf Witzig. Once landed on top of the fort, they would be able to use hollow charges to destroy or disable the gun cupolas. They also could use flamethrowers against machine guns. Witzig’s unit trained for six months for this attack. They were to use 11 gliders and the glider pilots were also expected to fight in the attack. Each glider was to fly seven or eight men, excluding the pilot. Each glider unit had two targets to attack. The sappers carried large quantities of explosives and such weapons as flame throwers. The attackers landed at 05:25 a.m., on May 10, 1940, five minutes before the main attack across the Belgian border. To confuse the Belgian military, around the area, the Germans also used dummy gliders that “landed” in areas around the canal but served no other purpose but to confuse the defenders. Nine of the eleven gliders got through to the fort – one glider being lost to anti-aircraft fire and one having to land just outside of Continued on Page 27

MAY 8, 2020

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 26 Cologne as its towrope had broken. The paratroopers landed on the “roof” of the fortress. There they were able to use the hollow charges to destroy or disable the gun cupolas. They also used flamethrowers against machine guns. The Belgians did destroy one of the key bridges, preventing it from being used by the Germans. The Koch Storm Detachment had given themselves just 60 minutes to create a base in the fort which they could defend. In this time, they destroyed many of the gun emplacements and captured a large section of the fort. Part of the complex remained in the hands of the Belgians, but by the next day, the fight was over, as the advancing German army arrived in force. Confronted with an enemy literally within, and surrounded by a massive army without, the defenders had no real choice but to surrender. The entire force used by the Germans numbered 76 paratroopers and nine glider pilots. They belonged to the German 7th Parachute Division. To land on the fortress, they used Type DFS 230 gliders, which were considered, at the time, the best military glider in the world. One day later, they were reinforced by the German 151st Infantry Regiment that came across the canal. Almost 1,200 Belgian soldiers were captured. The attack was a success for the Germans as the fort was taken and the vital

Ocean City Today

PAGE 27

Fight the Bite moves to virtual 5K By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 8, 2020) The fifth annual Fight the Bite Lyme Awareness 5K/Run Walk will shift to a virtual event this year to comply with state and federal guidelines regarding the coronavirus. Instead of running or walking a 5K on the Boardwalk during a specific event day, Fight the Bite Organizer Angela Burke said that participants can run or walk any day during the entire month of May, which is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. “You can walk it, you can run it, you can do it in your neighborhood, you can do it on your treadmill if you want, bridges captured intact. The Germans lost six men killed out of the 85 who set out on the attack with 15 wounded. The Belgians lost 23 men killed and 59 wounded. Luftwaffe Gen. Kurt Student, commander of Germany’s paratroop forces, described the assault by his paratroopers on Fort Eben Emael as, “the greatest military victory man has ever won.” After its capture, the fort was evaluated for use as an underground factory for the V-1 rocket, but production was never undertaken there. Next week: Rotterdam

any place that you would like to,” Burke said. “When you complete it, if you would like to take a selfie and send it in, we’ll put that on our gallery or on our wall and share it with others.” Participants can also post their photo to Instagram with the hashtag #fightthebiteoc. There is no registration fee, but people can still sign up and donate at fightthebiteoc.org. For every $10 that someone donates, they are entered into a virtual raffle, which will be drawn on June 1. There will be three different prizes from Panera, Burley Oak and Melaleuca, a wellness company. With the transition to a virtual event, Burke thinks that many people will still participate, since most are engaged in social media and spending more time indoors to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. She hopes to meet people via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. According to Burke, the goal is to get people connected with education materials about Lyme disease and updates from Fight the Bite. “All of the monies raised at the event that we have in the spring go to educational materials and advertisements reminding the community to take the proper steps to prevent tick bites,” Burke said. The organization typically adver-

tises on the Ocean City transit system and also has billboards in Maryland and Delaware. Lyme disease is spread through a tick bite. Symptoms include a fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash, according to the Center for Disease and Control. Untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart and nervous system. Disease prevention includes using insect repellent, checking clothing and the body after spending time outdoors, and maintaining the lawn and other outdoor areas. Burke said she was diagnosed with Lyme disease many years ago, and is still dealing with the effects today. “You can acquire tick-borne diseases in your own backyard, so that’s why I emphasize taking just a couple of preventive measures to keep yourself from getting the tick bite,” Burke said. Fight the Bite typically holds a bingo night in April at the Greene Turtle in West Ocean City and following the 5K, an after party at the Cork Bar in downtown Ocean City with speakers and an auction. Because of the coronavirus, these events cannot take place, but Burke said she hopes to return for next year. To learn more about Lyme disease and to participate in the 5K, visit fightthebiteoc.org.

PAGE 28

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Confusion may come into the equation this week, Aries. In an effort to make sense of the situation, you seek the advice of others. Don’t try to be in control; relax and let it run its course.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You are on call for the next several days, Taurus. You are ready to spring into action. Just use a little caution when choosing which projects to take on.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

FINAL APRIL SUNSET

It may be challenging to get to the heart of the matter between friends, Gemini. As hard as you try, solving this will take time. Be patient and consider any and all information.

After a rain storm last Thursday, the sun peeks through the clouds providing a picturesque scene to wrap up the month of April.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Real estate transactions continue By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (May 8, 2020) Despite the new reality and sobering impact of the virus, real estate transactions are still happening. However, with the uncertainty of when we will be able to return to our day-to-day lives, many buyers and sellers are on the fence. It’s important to respect each individual decision based on the risk of exposure, but a close look at the statistics of our local real estate market shows waiting might not be the best decision. Nationally, Zillow.com reported that pending home sales went up 6.2 percent in the week ending April 19. And, after falling for five weeks, the Mortgage Bankers Association re-

ported that mortgage applications rose 12 percent for the week ending April 24, compared with the previous week. Locally, our Bright MLS figures show that over the past seven days in Worcester County specifically, there were 33 new active listings and 21 back to active listings (contracts that didn’t work out, so the listing goes back to active status). There were 37 pending listings and 10 active under contract listings (listings that have ratified contracts but that have one or more contingencies that allows them to be put in the active under contract vs. pending status). These figures suggest that locally,

we are close to a 1:1 ratio for every listing that hits the market another one goes under contract (54 new or back to active listings vs. 47 pending or active under contract listings). There were also 46 properties that sold over the past seven days, with an average sale price of $302,239 and 96 days on market. This is in addition to the near record low interest rates over the past two months. Even though the rates have fluctuated, sometimes seemingly unexplainably, those who are in the market and serious about getting a mortgage have been able to lock in at some unbelievable 15- and 30-year fixed rates. – Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Recognition For the fourth consecutive year, Nancy Reither of Ocean City, a sales associate and representative with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, has earned membership in the company’s International President’s Premier. This award represents the top 1 percent of all sales associNancy Reither ates/representatives worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system qualified for this distinguished award. Reither has been an affiliate of the Coldwell Banker system for 14 years. Reither had 72 transaction sides with over $32.5 million in sales volume for 2019. She is licensed in Maryland and Delaware. Reither works out of Coldwell Banker

Cancer, enjoy a week in which you indulge in some of your favorite pastimes that have been on the back burner for awhile. Now is the perfect time to have a little fun and let loose.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 You may be concerned with some people in your immediate circle, Leo. If you suspect something is amiss, team up with a spiritual leader or another helper.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, this week is full of action and you may not be able to settle in to relax until later in the week. Take a step back and find some time to relax when a break arrives.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 You probably will have to roll with the punches at least one or two days this week, Libra. Don’t take things too seriously, even when the rumor mill is in full force.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Make sure your head is entirely in the game before you jump into action, Scorpio. Part of the problem is trying to juggle too many things at once and getting distracted.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 located at 12207 Coastal Highway Suite D, and can be reached at 410-603-5050. Each sales associate/representative is an independent contractor affiliated with a Coldwell Banker franchised office, including a Realogy Brokerage Group owned and operated office, and nothing herein shall be deemed to render any such sales associate/representative as an employee of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Joins staff Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates announces the addition of Ana Mata-Fink, MD, MS, as the first female Orthopaedic Surgeon to join the practice in its 68-year history. Dr. Mata-Fink will work alongside Dr. Thomas Brandon to provide the most advanced and comprehensive treatment for shoulder injuries/conditions in the region.

Dr. Mata-Fink completed her Bachelor of Science at Yale University and her Medical Doctorate at Harvard Medical School. She also completed a Master of Science in Health Dr. Mata-Fink Care Leadership from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice. Dr. Mata-Fink selected the DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center to complete her orthopaedic surgery residency and completed a shoulder/elbow fellowship at Yale University. Dr. Mata-Fink has contributed to several publications, including her most recent addition featured in the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery in 2018, titled, “Predictors of length of stay and discharge deposition after shoulder arthroplasty,” as well as “ReviContinued on Page 29

Sagittarius, the more information that comes your way this week, the more confusing things may seem. You can ask someone to help filter extraneous messages first.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, your fantasy world may mesh with your real world activities this week. You may experience some difficulty figuring out what is real and what isn’t, but enjoy.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, things may not feel like they are in place lately. You may be tempted to turn off your brain and retreat into a fantasy land. Don’t avoid the situation.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You may embrace physical vitality this week, and go with that, Pisces. Maybe switch up your workout to incorporate something new.

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Walker breaks down steps for smoked baby back ribs By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (May 8, 2020) Who would ever have thought that the whole world would come to a complete halt? Experts know how this pandemic started and we must learn from this experience to prevent future catastrophes. But there are those who feel a “higher power” has had a hand in this matter. For example, Venice’s waters are clean and fish are flourishing for the first time in decades. It does make one wonder if there is any validity to this train of thought. What is important through this difficult period is to understand the intrinsic effect that time has on our phycological and physical being. As the country waits to get back on tract, try to find the positive aspects of this situation. Enjoy the time with your family, take the opportunity to shed a few pounds, or for those who enjoy the art of cookery, experiment with new recipes. As one who has competed in national grilling competitions, I am taking the time to expand my repertoire and delve into the art of smokery. I am clueless when it comes to this style of cooking and have had to start my quest from the very beginning. If the subject of smoking meats and the thought of juicy, mouth-watering ribs tickles your taste buds, read on. A week’s worth of learning has been condensed for your convenience. Smoking is the extreme version of barbecuing; you are actually cooking food with smoke from hot coals, smoldering chips of flavored wood, or seasoned pellets. Smoking requires the longest time to cook and the most expertise. Practice is the only way one will gain confidence, but there are a few tips that can facilitate one to a state of proficiency. If you are planning to cook spare ribs, the 3-2-1 Method is the easiest approach for beginners. It takes its name from the way you cook the ribs. You begin smoking your ribs boneside down for a total of three hours. Then, apply a wet marinade, wrap in foil, and cook for another two hours boneside up. Then, remove the foil and cook the ribs bone-side down for one more hour. However, baby back ribs are smaller and one should follow the 2-2-1 Method. Always check the internal temperature before removing the ribs from the smoker. For succulent, tender ribs, you want the internal temperature to be around 195 to 200 degrees. But if one is competing in a barbecu-

ing contest, you will need to take a slightly different approach. Judges prefer the meat to have texture but do not want it literally falling off of the bone. In fact, the perfect bite consists of a bite mark without any extra meat tearing away from the rib. So, needless to say, serious barbecue competitors calculate to the very last detail for that “winning bite.” There is a membrane that covers the underside of the ribs. Some rib enthusiasts do not remove it because they feel it helps retain moisture during the cooking process. Others prefer to remove it because it improves the evenness of the cooking and is not pleasing to the eye. If you choose to remove it, simply take a sharp knife and make an incision along the top of the membrane. Pull down on the membrane and cut at the same time, making sure you do not remove any fat or meat. The next step is to season the ribs with a dry rub. Make sure you cover the entire surface with the rub. Salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, dry mustard and chili powder are standard rub ingredients. I added cayenne pepper and a coffee rub to enhance the flavor profile. It is recommended to marinate the ribs for at least four hours. I am a huge fan of marinating and brining and prefer to marinate them for eight to 12 hours. About an hour before you are ready to smoke your ribs, take them out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Additionally, if you are going to be using wood chips, now is the time to start thinking about soaking them in a hot liquid so they will not burn as quickly. The flavor of smoked meat comes from the flavored wood chips or pellets. There are many varieties to choose from. Maple, hickory, mesquite, apple and cherry are a sampling of the tasty varieties.

The wet rub that is applied during the second phase of smoking can consist of barbecue sauce you have purchased from your local supermarket. You can “doctor up” the sauce to incorporate your personal preference or make your own. Just remember, the sauce is meant to enhance the ribs and not overpower them. Ribs are full of collagen, and collagen dissolution is imperative. Time and temperature are key to breaking down the connective tissue. Cooking temperatures can range from 190 to 275 degrees. I found a temperature of 200 to 225 degrees produces the coveted tenderness that baby back ribs are notorious for. May is National Barbecue Month. A seasoned chef always looks forward to expanding their menu. If you relish the thought of grilling, you must give smoking a try. Enjoy! * Note – My deck looks like an advertisement for Weber grills, but I decided to go with a Traeger smoker and I am very happy I made that decision. Take your time when purchasing a smoker and consider its features and also your needs. * The following recipe is for 2 (2 ½- to 3-pound) slabs of baby back ribs

Smoked Baby Back Ribs Preparing the Ribs for Smoking ¼ cup kosher salt 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 3 tablespoons smoked hot paprika 1 tablespoon black pepper 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon cayenne powder 1 tablespoon allspice 1 tablespoon coffee rub 1. Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl to form a rub. Using a whisk, mix thoroughly. 2. Remove the membrane attached to the back of the slab of ribs (optional). 3. Rinse off ribs in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. 4. Lay out a sheet of tin foil and place one slab of ribs onto the foil. Generously apply rub to both sides. Wrap ribs in foil and finish with a layer of plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Cooking the Ribs 1. Place the seasoned ribs on the grates of the smoker, bone-side down. 2. Close the lid and smoke them for two hours. During this time, be sure to watch your charcoal, wood chips, or pellets. Make sure your smoker reaches the targeted temperature of 200 to 225 degrees. 3. Remove the ribs, season with a wet rub, and wrap the ribs in foil. Place pork back on the grill for another two hours, bone-side up. 4. Remove tin foil and smoke ribs for one more hour, bone-side down. 5. Remove ribs from the smoker and place on a chopping board. Allow ribs to rest for 10 minutes. Add a touch more of the wet sauce to the exterior of the ribs. The sweet, spicy sauce is a nice contrast to the smokiness of the meat. Cut racks into individual portions and serve immediately. – Secret Ingredient – Education. “Live as you were to die tomorrow. Learn as you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

BUSINESS BRIEFS Continued from Page 28 sion in strategies in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty,” featured in the Journal in Shoulder & Elbow Arthroplasty in 2017.

New practitioner Atlantic General Hospital announces local family practitioner John Whittaker, MD, has joined Atlantic General Health System and will provide primary care services to residents of Worcester County and the surrounding area. Whittaker has served the communities of the lower Eastern Shore for more than 20 years. Whittaker earned his medical degree

at State University of New York (SUNY) in Syracuse, and completed his residency at Family Medicine Center in Wilmington. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Whittaker will be treating patients and providing primary care services at two locaJohn Whittaker tions for the Atlantic General Health System. To schedule an appointment, call Atlantic General Primary Care in Ocean City at 410-289-6241 and Atlantic General Primary and Specialty Care in Pocomoke

at 410-957-6622.

Gold Award Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Ocean City region has been named a Gold Award winner by Cartus Broker Services for its outstanding performance during the past year. The Gold Award is the highest of three levels of the Excellence Awards presented to principal brokers. Excellence Award recognition is based on performance results related to a wide variety of metrics including customer service, cost management, and effective analysis and marketing of homes.

PAGE 30

Ocean City Today

OBITUARIES ANNE MASSEY LATCHUM LEWIS Bishopville Anne Massey Latchum Lewis, age 77, passed away on Friday April 17, 2020. Born in Berlin Maryland on May 18, 1942, she was the daughter of the late George and Myrtle Massey Latchum. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anne M. L. Lewis George Elmer Lewis, in 2016; sister, Sara Lee Ullrich; and brother, George Jeffrey Latchum. She is survived by her sons, George Bradley Lewis of Bishopville, Maryland, Charles Douglas Lewis and his wife, Jennifer, of Willards, Roland Krisman Lewis, of Salisbury, Maryland; and daughter, Tina Hudson of Bishopville, Maryland. There are four grandchildren, Kevin Wayne Hudson, Matthew Lewis, Hannah Lewis and Mason Lewis, and two great-grandchildren, Christine Hudson and Joseph Gravenor, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Anne graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, the class of 1960. She had worked as a cashier for many years at the A&P grocery store, and continued working for them after the name changed to Super Fresh. She loved gardening, being with her family, and visiting Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. A cremation followed her death and services were private for the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to: Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21802; and Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Maryland, 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. STEPHANIE JEANETTE FISHER Berlin Stephanie Jeanette Fisher, age 31, passed away after a long struggle with diabetes, depression and addiction. She was the daughter of Elizabeth “Beth” Quillin Fisher of Ocean City, and Donald Ross Fisher. Jr. of Berlin. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her paternal grandStephanie Fisher mother, Calvina Fisher, of Ocean City; stepmother, Rebecca Fisher; and half siblings, Hannah, Courtney and Ross Fisher, of Berlin. There are numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, John and Louisa Quillin; and paternal grandfather, Donald R. Fisher, Sr. Stephanie was a 2006 graduate of Ocean City Christian School. Multiple health issues, including a

MAY 8, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR traumatic brain injury suffered in 2007, prevented her from pursuing future career opportunities. She found solace in her many pets, which included dogs, cats, reptiles and birds, most of which were rescues. A graveside service will be held at a future date and will be private. A donation in her memory may be made to: 3 Palms Zoo, 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd., Townsend, Delaware, 19734. This is a rescue Zoo and education center, which was very dear to her heart. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. MARY JANE BROOKE JOHNSON Ocean City Mary Jane Brooke Johnson, age 70, died on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at the Stansell House in Ocean Pines. Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late John M. Requardt and Doris Mattingly Requardt. She is survived by her beloved husband and best friend, Leonard Johnson. Also surviving is a brother, John Requardt, III, of Baltimore; sister, Louisa Davis and her husband, Bruce, of Ocean City; and nephew, William Davis and his wife, Andrea, of Ocean City. Mary Jane Brooke Johnson was the former vice president of Mid Atlantic Realty. There are no formal services planned at this time. A celebration of life may be announced at a later date. A donation in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. DEBORAH KARACOULAKIS Ocean Pines Deborah “Debbie” Karacoulakis, nee Humin, age 71, of Ocean Pines, Maryland, passed away at the Macky & Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice at the Ocean on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Debbie was born in Sparrows Point, Maryland, on Dec. 24, 1948. She was a 1966 graduate of Sparrows Point Senior High D. Karacoulakis School and was the class Athlete of the Year, playing on the field hockey and fast pitch softball teams as the MVP. Debbie was the daughter of the late Teddius and Miriam Humin. She married her high school sweetheart, Tony Karacoulakis, and recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. In addition to her husband, Debbie is survived by her son, Tony Jr. and his wife, Karen; her grandchildren, Maria and John; brother, Ted and his wife, Mary Humin; sister, Carole Poist; sisters-inlaw, Barbara Harmon and Mary Wagner, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by her sister, Laura Ludwig. Continued on Page 31

Mayor’s decision not slow rollout

Editor, The Ocean City mayor has reached new heights in unilateral decision making, backpedaling, accepting pressures and being a scapegoat for the decisions that no one dares provides (no vote — no accountability). Opening the Boardwalk and beaches to everyone and anyone is not a slow rollout. Slow rollout? I live two minutes from the beach and could not park to view the ocean (inlet parking lot closed) or stroll the Boardwalk during this shutdown but neither could

CROSSWORD

anyone else living in Worcester County. Ostensibly, the beach has been closed for anyone not living on the “island” occupied by the “town.” Where’s our county elected officials to weigh in on this? And where are these people going to stay when they arrive? Flying by the politically expedient seat of the Ocean City officials’ lackluster decision making is ominous. Mary Knight stipulating that “Ocean City would welcome out-of-towners who wanted to spend the day walking the beach as long as they adhered to the social distance guidelines. Masks will not be mandatory.” See LETTERS Page 33 Answers on page 25

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 31

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 30 While living in Baltimore, Debbie worked at Sparrows Point High School as the cafeteria manager for 15 years. She and her family moved to beautiful Ocean Pines, Maryland, and owned The Wild Goose Sports Bar and Restaurant and Liquor Store for five years. After that, she was employed at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City for 18 years. She loved her job and the people who worked there, especially the visiting student workers who often called her “Mom,” and decorating the hotel for holidays and the summer season. Most of all, she loved the view. Special thanks to Michael James and Kevin Bresnahan from the Carousel Hotel, Carole Poist, Jerri Boland, Scott and Lisa Phillips, Mary Wagner, staff and physicians at the Richard A. Henson Cancer Center in Ocean Pines and the wonderful family at the Macky Stansell House. Your kindness and care during Debbie’s illness was extraordinary and will never be forgotten by her family. Donations in her memory may be made to: Coastal Hospice, C/O Macky & Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice at the Ocean, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21802. RICHARD J. DALTON Ocean Pines Richard J. Dalton, age 73, died Saturday, April 25, 2020, at Stansell House Hospice Center in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Born in New York, he was the son of the late Martin Dalton and Nora Keogh Dalton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maureen Malone, in 2019. He is survived by Lauren Grillo and Christopher Grillo, Kim Richard Dalton Golley, Liz Dalton Kelly and Caitlin Malone. Mr. Dalton was an Army veteran and had been a facilities manager with Paine Webber. A member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Ocean Pines, he was also very active in the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club. A naturalist even down to the food he ate, he loved to golf, kayak, fish and swim. Also a sports fan, he was a fan of the New York Mets, New York Giants, and the Shorebirds – Silver Sluggers. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery with his late wife, Maureen, will be scheduled at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Scholarship Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1403, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Arrangements are in care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. RALPH L. MASON, JR. Newark Ralph L. Mason, Jr., a life-long resident of Newark, Maryland, died unexpectedly on April 30, at the age of 89. Known to many as “Sonny,” Ralph is

survived by his wife of 68 years, Joanne (nee Dickerson); his sister-in-law, Deborah L. Dickerson; his son, “Russ” Ralph L. Mason III (a younger son, David A. Mason, passed in 1996); daughter-in-law, Abby Gordy Mason; granddaughter, Alison Taylor; granddaughter, Eliza MasonBurt and her husband, Thomas Burt; and greatgrandson, Mason Seth Ralph Mason Jr. Hetherington; as well as by the families of his late brother, Thomas G. Mason, and his late brother-in-law, James W. Dickerson. Ralph was born during the Great Depression on Nov. 26, 1930 in Newark, Maryland, the eldest son of Sen. Ralph L. Mason, Sr. and Dorothy G. Mason. He graduated from Snow Hill High School and Mercersburg Academy. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the U.S. Army in the Anti-aircraft and Guided-missiles Artillery Branch and was stationed in Texas and California. With his father and brother, Ralph operated the RLM, Inc., tomato cannery and timber operations. He also served as president of the Home Bank of Newark and was a life-long member and past president of the Newark Volunteer Fire Company. Ralph was a devoted husband and father, greatly loved by his family and by his many friends in the community. A man of varied interests, he traveled abroad on several occasions and was a private pilot, scuba diver, boater, and

motorcyclist. He was a staunch supporter of the Queponco Railway Station restoration project and volunteered as a curator of that museum of local history. He was an especially avid hunter and fisherman, having a life-long passion for the great outdoors and for the wonders of God’s creation. Ralph enjoyed sharing his many adventures with a number of dear friends. And nothing brought him more pleasure in his later years than shooting, fishing, or exploring the family farm with his granddaughters, Ali and Eliza, and his great-grandson, Mason. A man of few words who seldom spoke of spiritual things, Ralph had placed his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ in hope of the resurrection. He will be remembered for his integrity, faithfulness, loyalty, kindness and generosity and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A private graveside service will be held for close family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newark Volunteer Fire Company, 8338 Newark Road, Newark, Maryland 21841. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. ERIC T. LAMADE Ocean Pines Eric T. LaMade, 61, died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at his home in Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Eric is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret LaMade; his brother, Brian LaMade; and mother-inlaw, Myrna Cottle. Eric is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jennifer LaMade. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne LaMade; sisters, Rene’ Graney, Paula Nelms, Kelli LaMade-Meagher and Donna Everhart; and dear friends, Jude and Gary Beidenkapp. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. Eric was a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and subsequently executive chef at many prestigious restaurants in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Eric had a passion for music and especially enjoyed playing percussion instruments. He possessed a love for animals, particularly Abilene, Gracie and his white German Shepherds. Eric touched many lives with his infectious sense of humor, kind soul, big heart and strong hugs. There will be a celebration of life, which will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric’s name to World Central Kitchens at 202-844-6330 or donate.wck.org. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service a division of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Visit www.easternshorecremation. com to express condolences.

Commentary

Ocean City Today May 8, 2020

Page 32

What can we do? Hope for the best Good decision, bad decision — take your choice on the reopening of the beach and Boardwalk in Ocean City. In one respect, the semi-opening of two of the resort’s biggest attractions tells older people, somewhat callously, to stay out of the way if they don’t like the idea of mingling with visitors who might be bringing covid-19 with them. Conversely, people in the tourist and real estate industries know if there is no break in the clouds hanging over this summer season, the winter could mean economic ruin for them and many of the households they support through jobs, tax revenue and tourism-driven property values. As nice as it is to stare up at the stars on a night so quiet that the nocturnal cacophony is coming from crickets rather than cars, it’s more than probable that most residents could not afford that kind of solitude for long in the absence of Ocean City-style commerce. Quiet resort living is more expensive, assuming that a reasonable level of services is provided (see city-data.com for comparisons). This rarest of coins, however, has a third side: reopening Ocean City to hundreds of thousands of people from elsewhere could abet the spread of covid-19 among residents and visiting workers, and lead to even worse health and economic situations in the fall and winter. All this, however, is speculation, because nothing like this has happened before. There is no history to serve as the foundation of the decision-making process, no wise old survivors of previous scourges to call on for advice, and no way to know the correct call to make. Add to that the virus-like spread of disinformation about covid-19 on YouTube, Facebook and other favored outlets of fringe dwellers and conspiracy theorists, and if such a thing as the right answer existed, a sizable portion of the population still wouldn’t believe it. But there is no perfect answer. Sacrifices will be made regardless of the route taken, and all anyone can do, including the decision-makers themselves, is try to minimize the risk and hope for the best.

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

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Morgan Pilz, ...................................... Joshua Kim, Elizabeth Bonin ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS............................ Mary Cooper CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ................ Kelly Brown, Kyle Phillips PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2020

PUBLIC EYE

Dead to return checks

With so much going on lately, beaches opening and beaches sort of opening, not to mention a full bag of emails from the global community of cashews, the pistachio people and other nut-jobs telling me what to think — like they know me — I can’t possibly devote this entire space to one thing. Take, for instance, this headline: “IRS to Take Back Stimulus Checks Issued to Dead People.” My first question is how the IRS will alert these dead people of the mistake? Will it By send a notice to the dead letStewart ter office? I understand that I don’t Dobson know much about the extent of the law or the reach of the IRS, but it would seem to me that contacting the dead would be difficult under any circumstance. On the other hand, one opportunity could be the Day of the Dead observance in the fall, except that’s in Mexico and therefore beyond the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal agents. Of course, it could be that these stimulus checks were issued to the Living Dead, which would make collection even riskier, as everyone knows the Living Dead tend to eat your brains. I don’t know how this is supposed to work, except to say that the IRS is going to be out of luck if these dead people already cashed their checks, then challenged the IRS with, “What are you going to do? Kill me? Ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha!” or just decided to remain dead and become deadbeats ... Also in the news, Frontier Airlines caved after initially announcing that it was going to charge passengers $39 for a social distancing upgrade. The airline’s chief executive explained that it was never the company’s intention to make money by playing on the fears of passengers. Not at all. It was just a … well … oh, I don’t know, one way to make sure there were enough seats set aside for people who, curiously, didn’t want other people hacking on them all the way from Baltimore to San Diego. On the other hand, hey, I’ll take an empty seat next to me for $39 extra. I’ll even do the $78 if they get me the whole row. At the same time, though, when an industry gets $25 billion or something in federal (our) money to stay aloft, I want my two open seats set up as a prime rib buffet in-flight meal. Finally, as we all practice serious personal protection recommendations — as in healthcare, not weaponry, unless it’s a very, very small gun that can plink a virus on the wing before it lands on you — I just realized that the millions and millions of dollars spent on developing facial recognition software has gone kaput just like that because everyone these days is wearing a surgical mask. Then again, the race is on among advocates of this sort of thing, and they are probably busy at this very moment developing “top-of-the-head recognition software.”

Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 33

Ocean City Today

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 30 Who made that policy decision? How many police will be deployed to enforce social distancing, when standing online anyway you choose is now seen as a “right.” Take a look at how long the smoking ban took to make inroads – this might be a little more time-sensitive. Masks are not mandatory, but if you are in any of the covid-19 liability categories or live, care for and have contact with anyone in the categories – don’t go out without one. No, I take that back – don’t go out in this rollout. As people descend from highly contagious areas in Maryland as well as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania for a day (?) or maybe a holiday spectacular reunion (limited to 10 people?) we are the experimental population for the “right” to open any which way. Can we really expect people from out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days – and where? While walking the Boardwalk? Where are the policy makers planning a slow rollout and ensuring an understandable rollout is possible? Is there a task force with Worcester County? Does a slow rollout for restaurants/hotels mean moving tables, wearing masks in the kitchen, closing bars, mitigating restaurant crowding, limiting alcohol consumption, providing extensive disinfection of public areas, easy testing access or providing sick leave pay for their “employees” when ill? Or will a slow rollout just mean a lottery system for who gets to open first? Kind of doubtful a slow rollout in other categories will be thought through, especially reading how opening the

Boardwalk and beaches by a decree is considered a “slow” rollout. The Town of Ocean City has about 3,600 full-time households and about 2,300 are full-time senior residents. That’s about 30 percent of the overall full-time population (full-time population about 6,900). Oh, well. What a travesty. A slow rollout and thought out policies as promised? Unfortunately, not here … yet! Debra Heft West Ocean City

OP Board of Directors’ actions embarrassing Editor, We sincerely extend our apologies to any small businesses who have not had your PPP application for a loan/grant approved by the Small Business Administration because of insufficient available funds. We are embarrassed by the actions of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors and their across-the-bay legal advisors in applying for and accepting $1.1 million through the PPP Program. While obviously the Association was somehow allowed to apply and receive these monies through the stimulus program, that doesn’t mean that it should have been done. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do! Many private businesses throughout our county - particularly in the northern end - have been utterly devastated by the closure of all “non-essential” businesses and have no means of receiving any revenue during this national health crisis

which may last well into the summer. And even those businesses that have been allowed to remain open are having to operate with a reduced clientele and have had to think out of the box to find ways (and many have cleverly done so) to attract customers in order to stave off financial ruin. We have been residents of Ocean Pines for over 43 years and are familiar with the yearly budget process, and how the Association receives its revenue. The source of that revenue remains the same and is unlikely to be seriously impaired. The Association will continue to receive yearly assessments on its lots and revenue from its amenities (including fees for the use of its pools and golf courses, etc.) as it has done for decades. The Association had already mailed out its annual assessments (we have already paid ours) before the impact of the health crisis. This is just a way to grab easy money before truly distressed private businesses could get their funding approved. In a short term, it is spelled “greed.” If the Association couldn’t weather this “storm” with a “rainy-day” fund, shame on us. Ocean Pines has always wanted to be an integral part of the county, but by actions such as this, we are not showing that we care for the community and the businesses and citizens therein. Dale and Charlotte Cathell Ocean Pines

With kids at home we must Be SMART Editor, In response to the schools being closed in Maryland, countless children and teens are home for an indefinite amount of time.

As parents, we’re prioritizing keeping our kids safe from the effects and spread of covid-19, but we also must prioritize keeping them safe in our own homes. An estimated 4.6 million children in the U.S. live in a household with at least one gun that is stored loaded and unlocked. It’s up to us as adults to make sure guns are securely stored so that curious children and vulnerable teens cannot get a hold of them while home from school. And for those of us that do not own guns, we need to make sure our community is aware of the precautions we should take while kids are home, especially when it comes to securing guns. There’s a lot that parents have to juggle as we deal with school closures and increased precautions around covid-19 that affect us all. But we can’t wait for another completely preventable, unintentional shooting by a child or a teen dying by gun suicide to be a wake-up call—we all need to take action now. The “Be SMART” program was created to keep unsecured guns out of the hands of children and teens. We encourage parents and caretakers to “Be SMART” and take these simple steps to help prevent unintentional shootings: Secure all guns in homes and vehicles. Model responsible behavior. Ask about firearms in other homes your child visits. Recognize the role of guns in suicide. Tell your peers to Be SMART. Let's all do our part to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them, including our children’s, and Be SMART. Nanci Osborne Ocean Pines

OPEN HOUSES MAY 7 THRU MAY 14 DAY/TIME Sat. & Sun. 11-5

ADDRESS

BR/BA

9800 Mooring View Ln., West Harbor Village #32 3BR/2.5BA

STYLE

PRICE

AGENCY/AGENT

Duplex/TH

From Mid $300,000s

Kathleen Clark/Monogram Realty

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

PAGE 34

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

TOWN OF BERLIN

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE 2020-02 ADOPTING THE FY 2021 REAL PROPERTY TAX RATE Monday, May 11, 2020, 7:00 p.m. The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin will hold a Public Hearing regarding Ordinance 202002 setting the proposed real property tax rate at $.80 per $100 of assessed value. The Public Hearing will be held in the Berlin Town Hall Council Chambers, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811 on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. A copy of the proposed Ordinance will be available in the Mayor and Council Packet on the Town website, www.berlinmd.gov or can be emailed or mailed to you upon request, please call 410-641-2770 or email info@berlinmd.gov to request a copy for inspection. OCD-4/30/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18251 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MERVIN JAMES BYRD Notice is given that Thomas R. Byrd, 2711 Buford Rd. #379, Chesterfield, VA 23832, was on April 13, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mervin James Byrd who died on March 28, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of October, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other de-

livery 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. Thomas R. Byrd 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 23, 2020 OCD-4/23/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING GUM POINT ROAD AREA SEWER EXTENSION CREATION OF SERVICE AREA, CONSTRUCTION, AND PROVISION OF SERVICE FROM OCEAN PINES SERVICE AREA WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND In accordance with the provisions of Sections PW 5-305, PW 5-306 and PW 5-307 of the Public Works Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the Worcester County Commissioners will hold a combined public hearing to create the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area in which public sewer services will be provided by contract from the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area through sanitary facilities to be constructed by Worcester County. The public hearing on these matters will be held on TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 at 10:20 A.M. in the COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ROOM ROOM 1101 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, the meeting will be held remotely via video teleconference. If you would like to speak at this public hearing you must register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/re gister/WN_OZnNd_q5RqJ7NBZsAbrxw . Participants who join the video/audio conference will be enabled to speak by the meeting chair. Public comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@co.worcester.md.us or in writing received on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 18, 2020 in the County Commissioners Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area Creation - In accordance with the provisions of Section PW 5-305, staff investigated the proposed establishment of the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area and found that: the proposed

facilities are desirable for the comfort, convenience, health, safety and welfare of the people to be served; construction and operation of the facilities is feasible; the proposal is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County; the proposal will not be unduly detrimental to the environment; and the design and operation of the facility will be in accordance with all required permits and applicable standards. Provision of Services from Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area - In accordance with the provisions of Section PW 5-306, the County Commissioners propose that sanitary services to serve the newly created Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area will be provided by contract from the Ocean Pines Service Area by way of extension of the sewer infrastructure as envisioned in the Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan for Worcester County as amended by Resolution No. 05-9 adopted on April 5, 2011 which added the Greater Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area, a part of which includes the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area. Ratepayers within the Gum Point Road Sanitary Service Area will pay the equity contribution as established by the County Commissioners to the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area upon connection to the facilities and will thereafter pay user charges as established annually for the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area. Construction of Sanitary Facilities to Serve the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area - In accordance with the provisions of Section PW 5-307, the County Commissioners propose to construct the sewer facilities extending from the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area to the Gum Point Road Area Sanitary Service Area to serve a total of 97 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). Based upon recent estimates for this proposed construction project, the County Commissioners have established a budget of $268,000.00 (two hundred sixtyeight thousand and 00/100 dollars) for this project. Construction funding is proposed to be borrowed from the General Fund and repaid by the individual property owners served by the sewer facilities at an estimated cost of $16,886 (sixteen thousand eight hundred eighty-six and 00/100 dollars) per EDU which includes reimbursement of the County construction costs ($2,763 per EDU), the equity contribution cost to the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area ($11,785 per EDU), Future Capital Improvement (FCI) cost ($600 per EDU) and sewer service connection cost ($1,738 per EDU). The above estimates reflect FY21 costs which will vary in future years. In addition, each property owner will be responsible for purchasing and installing a grinder pump at an estimated cost of $5,000 and other hookup costs (electrical, plumbing) to connect to the system. Once County Government Offices are opened to the public, the case file for this proposed project may be reviewed at the Department of Environmental Programs, Room 1201

MAY 8, 2020 (2nd Floor) - Worcester County Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (except holidays). In the interim, the case file may be reviewed on the County website at www.co.worcester.md.us . Interested parties may also call 410-632-1220. All interested citizens are encouraged to virtually attend the hearing and express their views on this matter. Both written and oral testimony will be accepted. THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106, “Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. Thursday, May 14, 2020 2 P.M. Online Meeting Please join our meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/ 999173381 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 999-173-381 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/999173381 PW 20-06 A request has been submitted to install (1) boat lift with all associated poles and re-deck existing pier. Maximum channelward of 19’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 505 PENGUIN DR., SLIP 1, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OWNER: GEORGE YATES PW 20-013 (Continued from March) A request has been submitted to remove existing 6 x 18’ dock and install one (1) double PWC lift a maximum of 13’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1933 MARLIN DR Parcel # 3288 -105A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY BOAT LIFTS & MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: TAREK DAGSTANI

MAY 8, 2020 PW 20-018 (Continued from March) A request has been submitted to install two (2) 5’x 12.5’ PWC floats (125 sf) a maximum distance 35’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 717 RUSTY ANCHOR RD UNIT 4 Parcel # 9160 -4 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: J. STACEY HART & ASSOC. OWNER: TIMOTHY O’HARE PW 20-021 A request has been submitted to install one (1) boatlift with associated poles to an existing pier. Maximum channelward 32’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 617 BAYSHORE DR PARK F Parcel # 5347 -F in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OWNER: DAVID BRADLEY PW 20-022 A request has been submitted to replace 25’ of vinyl bulkhead in kind, construct a 3’ x 17’8” pier, install one boatlift with associated piling, maximum channelward 15’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 321 136TH ST UNIT B Parcel # 9846A- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: ANTHONY BISAZZA PW 20-023 A request has been submitted to install a 6’ x 33’ parallel platform with stairs and a 6’ x 24’ pier, maximum channelward extension of 30’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 13331 PEACH TREE RD Parcel # 8020A-1271B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. OWNER: LINDA WOLFE PW 20-024 A request has been submitted install one boat lift with associated piling, maximum channelward distance of 16’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 752 94TH ST UNIT B Parcel # 9666 -200B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: GEORGE RONCHI PW 20-026 A request has been submitted to construct a 5’ x 40’ parallel dock, a 6’ x 14’ perpendicular pier. Dredge a 10’ x 40’ area between bulkhead and parallel dock. Install one boat lift on the inside of the parallel dock with associated poles, maximum channelward 40’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1528 TEAL DR Parcel # 3429 -29 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY BOATLIFTS & MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: KENNETH STEIDING PW 20-027 A request has been submitted to construct a 10’ pier extension, install one boatlift with 4 poles channelward 19’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 201 S HERON DR UNIT 4G Parcel # 5311A-4 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today / Public Notices BOATLIFTS AND MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: CHARLES MAURER PW 20-028 A request has been submitted to construct a 5’ x 18’ pier, aligned w/existing piers. Install one boatlift w/poles maximum channelward 18’ of community walkway. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 11604 SHIPWRECK RD UNIT A Parcel # 3910A-64B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY BOAT LIFTS & MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: RICHARD GONZALEZ PW 20-029 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with four poles maximum channelward 56’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 205 SOMERSET ST UNIT 303 Parcel # 2501 -B303 - in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY BOAT LIFTS & MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: BRAD BRIZZI INVENSTMENTS, LLC. PW 20-030 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with poles and one 12’ x 13’ Titan Platform floating dock maximum channelward 30’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2205 PHILADELPHIA AVE UNIT 301A Parcel # 4236 -A301 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY BOAT LIFTS & MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: GARY HARTSOCK PW 20-031 A request has been submitted to install one elevator type boat lift with 4 poles and to construct a 4’ x 10’ deck, maximum channelward 16’ The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 700 RUSTY ANCHOR RD UNIT B Parcel # 2572 700B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN CITY BOAT LIFTS & MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: DENNIS NEWMAN JR. PW 20-032 A request has been submitted to remove and dispose of existing 5’ x 20’ perpendicular pier and install a new 5’ x 32’ perpendicular pier in same footprint. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 13001 ATLANTIC BLVD Parcel # 8020A-1354B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: OCEAN SERVICES OF DE. OWNER: VICTORIA SANDOR OCD-4/30/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "D" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: James Anthony DiBuo, 12004 Turtle Mill Road, Bishopville, Maryland 21813; Danelle Marlene Amos, 2 10th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For: Billwen Enterprises, LLC

For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Crawl Street Tavern 501 South Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: O'Donnell Brothers Holdings, LLC There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:00 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: John C. McIoota, 10050 Golf Course Road #37, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Matt Pfau, 500 Cascade Lane #513, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971. For: SIBAG, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Sunset Island Bar & Grille 1 Beachside Drive Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:30 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for Transfer of a Class "B" B/W/L 7 Day license from Route 50 Diner, Inc. to Ocean Taps, LLC and Request to Designate as Multiple License #3 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Avraham Sibony, 1566 Teal Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For: Ocean Taps, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Route 50 Taphouse 12806 Ocean Gateway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Route 50 Diner, Inc. There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:40 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Muhammad Usman Ali, 303 Belt Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Elsie Virginia Ahmad, 303 Belt Street, Snow Hill, Mayland 21863. For: 28 Snow Hill 2020, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Duck In II 5610 East Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Formerly: Prayosha, LLC There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 1:55 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "H" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Tauhid Islam, 9804 Winding Trail Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For: Ocean I Liquor, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Cambria Hotel 13 St. Louis Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:10 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing

PAGE 36

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Stephen William Kolarik, 11620 Back Creek Road, Bishopville, Maryland 21813; Linda Michelle Barragan, 11620 Back Creek Road, Bishopville, Maryland 21813. For: Cafe Con Pan, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Casita Linda 218 North Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:25 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Ross Andrew Bergey, 11428 Newport Bay Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811. For: 1106 Cavu, Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Annabelle’s BBQ & Company 6401 Coastal Highway #1 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:35 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County

website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class "B" B/W/L 7 Day and Request to Designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Michael John James, 12805 Kings Court, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Frederick Joseph Palloni, Jr., 13025 Marthas Choice, Bowie Maryland 20720; Matthew Michael James, 117 112Th Street Unit B, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For: Carousel F&B, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Fenwick Inn Hotel 13801 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 2:50 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class "B" B/W/L 7 Day and Request to Designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Nicole Lynn Brushmiller, 103 South Main Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811 For: Burley Café, Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Globe 12 Broad Street Berlin, Maryland 21811 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 3:05 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Jeff M. Thaler, 607 South Pacific Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Kenneth K. Martin, 128 East Side Drive, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971; Michael A. Meoli, 7 Johnson Branch Court, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971. For: DC 34, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Hilton Tru Hotel 3401 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 20, 2020 @ 3:15 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Due to the currect COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of public appearance, notice is hereby given that the public hearing will be held remotely by conference call with the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County. Directions for joining and participating in the hearing will be posted on the County website on May 13, 2020. OCD-5/7/2t _________________________________ HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ 9923 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE D2 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18268 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA LEE Notice is given that L. Monty Hawkins, 74 Bramblewood Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, was on May 04, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia Lee who died on March 19, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of November, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise

MAY 8, 2020 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. L. Monty Hawkins 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: May 07, 2020 OCD-5/7/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland held by teleconference via meeting link to be published on the Town’s website www.oceancitymd.gov. Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(3)(a) requesting a special front yard exception in a manner similar to the existing nonconformity of the deck and stairs, which currently provides an 11’ setback. The purpose is to rebuild code compliant steps to the deck on the 2nd floor, providing a minimum 7’ setback instead of 14’ required by Code. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 9, Block 39 of Section Two-A of the Caine Woods Plat; further described as located on the north side of N. Surf Road, and locally known as 730 N. Surf Road, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: ADAM H. CARSON (BZA 2552 #20-09400004) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Alfred Harrison, Chairman Ryan Bodley, Attorney OCD-4/30/2t _________________________________

MAY 8, 2020

37 Classifieds now appear in Ocean City Today & the Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com.

HELP WANTED

MAINTENANCE Immediate position available for year-round Restaurant Maintenance Personnel. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC & LPgas knowledge required. Prior experience with restaurant equipment necessary. Great opportunity with benefits. Send resume to: REST. MAINTENANCE, PO Box 160, Ocean City, MD 21843 or email romeara@harrisongp.com.

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

Renting Umbrellas and Chairs to Beachgoers • Over 65 Beach Attendant Positions Available • Make Lifelong Friends & Memories • Earn Valuable Sales & Customer Apply Online at Service Skills EightyFiveAndSunny.com/ • Competitive Wages Employment • Hourly + Commission + Tips

Maintenance Technician Competitive Salary: $17 - $20/hr. depending on experience. • Help build and maintain Delaware and Maryland's fastest growing restaurant group • Perform interior and exterior finish work, such as drywall, painting, paneling, ceiling and floor tile, plumbing repairs, heating and air conditioning system repairs • Perform routine and emergency repairs on restaurant equipment, including diagnostics on electrical and refrigeration components • On call on a rotating emergency schedule for weekends and holidays • Basic skill sets must include some Electric, Plumbing, Carpentry, Refrigeration Benefits: Health Insurance, 401K, Sick Leave Fax to 410-520-0199 For faster processing please apply online at www.joindunkin.com.

Town of Berlin

Seasonal General Laborer

You are applying for work with a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts, not Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Any application or information you submit will be provided solely to the franchisee. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who are solely responsible for their own employees and set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees.

• Housekeepers • Houseman • Laundry Attendants • Room Inspector • Front Desk Associates • Lifeguards • Concession Worker/ Bartender • Maintenance Worker • AM Breakfast Servers All positions are required to work weekends. Interested applicants can apply in person or submit resume to: info@fskfamily.com 12806 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842

CREATIVE T ADVERT V TISING

SALES POSITIION Account Manager Opening g

PGN Crabhouse 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Help Wanted •Delivery Drivers Please call 410-289-8380

Year Round, 3 BR, 2 Bath Home off Keyser Point Road in WOC. Heat pump. 2 sheds. Great neighborhood. Ideal for retired couple.No smoking, no pets. $1400/month + sec. dep. Taking applications. Call or text 410-422-2100.

NOW HIRING!! Production Crew

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

Come be a part of our family! HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

RENTALS

RAMBLER MOTEL

Hiring ALL Positions!!

Work on the Beach in Ocean City, MD

HELP WANTED

The Town of Berlin is in search of a seasonal general laborer. Duties include but are not limited to grass cutting and trash removal. The selected candidate must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Normal working hours will range from 20-40 hours per week to include alternating weekends. Applications may be downloaded from our website: http://www.berlinmd.gov Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources office located at 10 William St. Berlin, MD 21811 via our drop box. The Town of Berlin is an EEO employer.

for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

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

Become a Better You in 2020! To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www. ChristinesBeautyShop.com

Classifieds 410-723-6397

Worcester County Government

GET IT RENTED HERE! Advertise your summer rentals. 410-723-6397

Is currently hiring for the following full-time jobs: Correctional Officer Trainee ~ Transfer Station Attendant Roads Worker ~ Maintenance Mechanic Plant Operator ~ Building Maintenance Landfill Operator ~ Vehicle & Equipment Mechanic EOE/AA Job descriptions and application available: http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/hr/jobs. Excellent Benefits. Call 410-632-0090 or fax applications to 410-632-5614 e-mail to Ann Hankins- ahankins@co.worcester.md.us

www. oceancitytoday. com www. baysideoc. com

Applicants pp ca s should s ou d have ave experience e pe e ce in sales sa es or o face f -to-face customer service. Salaryy,, commission, health benefitss and 401K plan.

Send resumes to: ebrady@oceancitytod day.net or mail to: Ocean City T To oday 8200 Coastal Highway, y, Ocean Cityy,, MD. 21842

Run your business card in our

SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

Interviews will be conducted via Facetime, Facetime Skype or Google Hangoutts.... ts for the time being. being

ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord

Online

www.oceancitytoday.com

Convenient, quick, no waiting, no calls ~ Days, nights and weekends

PAGE 38

MAY 8, 2020

Ocean City Today

ROOM FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL

DONATIONS

Room For Rent. +55. North OC near 118th St. Furnished bedroom w/shared bath & laundry w/common area and deck overlooking canal. $675/mo. utilities incl. Avail. Immediately. 410-603-5110

BERLIN: From 225 sq. ft. to 700 sq. ft. office space. From $350 to $1100 per month. Includes utilities. 120 sq. ft. storage sheds each $95/mo. Call 410-726-5471.

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.

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

Classifieds 410-723-6397

SERVICES

Taking on New Listings. Need help selling your house?? Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555. We also handle year-round rentals.

BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL

1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

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

PRINT WEB oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RVs Lutheran Mission Society MARYLAND STATEWIDE of MD. Compassion Place ministries help local families CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING with food, clothing, counselNETWORK ing Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. BUSINESS SERVICES 410-636-0123 Place a business card ad in www.CompassionPlace.org the Regional Small Display 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network – Let MDDC help you grow your business! Call TODAY at 410-212-0616 to increase your customer base and get results.

SERVICESMISCELLANEOUS Increase your customer base and get great results by placing your ads in the MDDC – Classified Advertising network! Call today 410-2120616 Ask for Multi-Media Specialist -Wanda & watch your results grow.

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE NORTH OCEAN CITY

WAT E R F R O N T !

WOW, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU! This is the Lowest cost ownership in Ocean City. 4-bedroom, 1-bath, the home has an updated kitchen with granite counter all stainless appliances, built-in microwave oven, frost-free refrigerator with ice maker, electric radiant range, dishwasher, full-size clothes washer & dryer plus it is sold furnished. No condo fees or grounds rent. You are a shareholder with 1,500 shares of stock in the Co-Op community. The park fee is $105.00 month that pays for the real estate taxes, city water & sewer, city trash collection, grass cutting, maintenance & management fee, and use of the park swimming pool. Pets are allowed. Attorney fees and settlement is only $1,200. BETTER CALL NOW $128,500

WOW this WATERFRONT has 2-bedrooms 2-baths and is a first floor end unit with no steps to climb. It even has a boat slip for your boat. Now you can sit back and relax with a view of the water. Your dreams just came true. This unit is sold furnished and was not a rental, but you can use as a rental if you want to. This midtown location has it all, whether you are going to the beach, spending the day on the water or just want to go to the pool this is the one for you. The fully equipped kitchen has stainless steel appliances plus a large breakfast bar, and the unit has new carpeting throughout. Don't let this one get away, call NOW before it's gone. $274,500

107 DENNY LANE

NEW LISTING

8908 RUSTY ANCHOR ROAD UNIT 101

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

For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700

www.larryholdrenrealestate.com • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com

IN ISLE OF WIGHT PARK MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY

Well maintained fully furnished 2BR/1BA home is located in the Isle Of Wight Park in Ocean City and is situated steps away from Ocean City's famous boardwalk and beach, the city busline, amusements, many fine restaurants & bars. Home features a front kitchen/dining area floorplan, cathedral ceilings, breakfast bar, newer laminate flooring and a full size washer & dryer. Outside there is a large cement patio. The low ($90.91) monthly fees includes water, sewer and trash pick-up. $152,000

Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes

800-745-5988 • 410-250-3020 108 S. Ocean Drive • Ocean City, MD

211 25TH STREET LOT 4A

3BR/2BA fully furnished home in N. OC & in front of the community within easy walking distance to beach, busline, Montego Bay Shopping Center, many restaurants & bars, community pool/tennis complex & Northside Park. Open floorplan w/split bedrooms & baths - 2 guest BRs & guest BA in front & master BR & master BA in rear. Cathedral/vaulted ceilings in living/dining room, laundry room withfull size washer & dryer, breakfast bar, newer roof, central air, 3 ceiling fans & walk-in closet in master bedroom. Outside- storage shed & 2-car cement parking pad. Community w/3 pools, including a wading pool for the little ones, 2 tennis courts, shuffleboard court, 9-hole miniature golf course, bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing piers, canalfront fishing & crabbing area, an 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/pond, with 1/2 mile paved walking path, 5 acre open park & street lighting-lamppost at each residence. Additional amenities include city streets & sidewalks, city water & sewer and city trash collection. The HOA dues are just $299 a year. $220,000

Montego Bay Realty

Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes

Montegomike@verizon.net www.montegobayrealty.com

108 S. Ocean Drive • Ocean City, MD

800-745-5988 • 410-250-3020

13017 ATLANTIC BLVD

Montego Bay Realty Montegomike@verizon.net www.montegobayrealty.com

MAY 8, 2020

PAGE 39

Ocean City Today

BLINDS & SHADES

COSMETICS the company for women

ELECTRICAL/CONSTRUCTION

• cosmetics • skin care • body care • fragrances • gifts • & more!

CHRISTINE BROWN independent sales representative

443-234-5262

order online: www.christinesbeautyshop.com

ELECTRICIAN

Raymond O’Brocki Jr. Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text

FIREPLACES

emerGency service available

410-251-3153 residential & commercial service

additions • interior/exterior lighting Tanner: Owner/Operator lampRobert & light repair & serviceSince 1989 Wall outlets – microwaves • Generator installs

Call Turner Today 410-251-3153 BERLIN • OCEAN PINES • OCEAN CITY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

* SALES, SERVICE, AND INSTALLATION * * GAS, WOOD BURNING, AND PELLET * * CUSTOM MANTELS & ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS *

Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends

35 Years Experience

302.436.9250

No Job Too Small! Free Estimates! Residential/Commercial/Emergencies! MD Lic #2268 Worcester Co Lic #M1337

38205 DuPont Blvd. Selbyville

HOME IMPROVEMENT

BAYSIDE BUILDERS

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

• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors

Cell: 410-713-8599

ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS

PipeLine

Contracting, LLC Home Improvement Services Company

atminc4u@aol.com

PAINTING

We take care of your “To Do” list, so you don’t have to!

Home Improvement & Property Management Services • Drywall • Flooring • Tile • Room Remodeling • General Carpentry

• Painting • Painting Touchup • Drywall Repair • Lighting/Ceiling Fan Replacement

• Screen Repair • Plumbing Repair • Property Management • Residential

• Commercial US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

Servicing Delaware & Maryland Beaches

Call Us Today! (410) 982-8368 • (610) 209-7604 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 PAHIC#104744 • Insured & Licensed

ROOFING

FREE Written Estimates Over 31 Years of Roofing You!

• The BEST Warranties • Locally Owned & Operated • Over 20k Served • GAF Master Elite Certified • 5 Star Skylight Specialists • Financing g Ava.

Shingle Roofs • Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs

Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989

Family Owned & Operated

ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

FREE ESTIMATES 108 Moss Hill Ln., Salisbury, MD 410-831-3938 32295 Nassau Rd., Lewes, DE 302-200-7663

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946

ROOFING

TUTORING

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

Ed’s Math Tutoring in your home

Has your child been challenged learning math?

Edward Fowler

Experienced grade school math tutor.

302-864-7163

www.roofers www. ww roofer roof ro roofer offers rs.o .org .org g

410.204.2586 410 204 2586

YOUR BUSINESS

Your Business Card Here! Call Nancy 410-723-6397

TRIPLE

CROWN

PAGE 40

Ocean City Today

MAY 8, 2020