05/30/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

Local lawmakers side with Trump’s offshore wind E.O.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) Two members of the Eastern Shore delegation are requesting the U.S. Department of the Interior take legal action to bring Maryland’s offshore wind energy project into compliance with the president’s executive order.

In a May 15 letter, Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) urged Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to file motions pertaining to the Town of Ocean City’s lawsuit, which challenges the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) process for approving the US Wind project.

The motions, they argue, will send the 114-turbine project back to BOEM and bring the project into compliance with President Donald Trump’s Jan. 21 executive order.

“By filing motions and proposal orders to the court that agree with the allegations and deficiencies presented in this lawsuit and requesting the court to refer the permit issuance back to BOEM, it would trigger required compliance with the President’s executive order and effectively halt the project,” a joint statement reads.

In October, the Town of Ocean City, alongside the Worcester County Commissioners, the Town of Fenwick Island and several other co-plaintiffs, filed suit in

U.S. District Court challenging BOEM’s process for approving the US Wind project, which involves the construction of 114, 938-foot-tall wind turbines located nearly 11 miles off the coast. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges the regulatory agency ignored the local economic and aesthetic damage a wind farm could cause.

Weeks later, BOEM announced it had granted US Wind a construction and operations permit. And, in January, Trump issued an executive order effectively withdrawing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from any new offshore wind leasing. The order also halts the issuance of any new or renewed permits, leases or loans for onshore and offshore wind projects, pending the completion of a federal review.

“Our constituents in Ocean City and other coastal communities along the Atlantic were grateful for this order; however, it did not change the status of Maryland’s Marwin project, which was hurriedly approved in the final months of 2024,” the statement reads. “Until the very end of his administration, President Biden did everything he could to accelerate the approval of offshore wind development. Ocean City’s lawsuit was filed on October 25, 2024, and on January 17, 2025 – just three days before the end of his term – the

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Local legislators file wind lawsuit

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Biden Interior Department filed a motion for partial dismissal of the lawsuit. US Wind, the Italian-owned developer of the Maryland Offshore Wind project and other similar projects, filed a similar motion for dismissal on January 29, 2025.”

The statement continues: “We firmly believe that you have the ability via this Ocean City-Worcester County, MD lawsuit to send this project back to BOEM to bring the project into compliance with the President’s executive order.”

The Eastern Shore representatives argue the offshore wind project would impact marine life, maritime navigation, national defense, and fishing. They also accused the prior administration of violating the principle of local consent set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act.

“Our constituents clearly believe – and indeed were – slighted by the previous administration throughout the Maryland Offshore Wind approval process,” Carozza and Hartman wrote. “It is clear that a local stakeholder engagement process was fasttracked, and ignored the many legitimate issues brought forward by the opposition.”

While the members of the Eastern Shore delegation are seeking the secretary’s consideration of their request, those at the state level continue to fight against the Trump administration’s executive order to halt wind energy development. On May 5, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined 18 states in filing suit over the president’s actions.

The move reaffirms the state’s support of wind farm development, with Gov. Wes Moore stating, “The president’s actions violate federal law and will make it harder for us to help Marylanders keep the money they make. One of the best strategies for driving down utility costs is ramping up clean energy production through wind power. At a moment when families are feeling the strain of high energy bills, we should focus on cutting red tape, not halting critical infrastructure projects. I thank Attorney General Brown for standing by our people, our economy, and the Constitution of the United States.”

OC police group hit in county’s funding vote

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) Ocean City may be denied more than $1 million in funding to offset the cost of replenishing its scaled-back summertime police force because Worcester County officials opted to offer only a minimal increase for its annual slate of municipal grant requests.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 at their May 28 budget hearing to offer $50,000 more in grant funding over last year for the municipalities of Berlin, Ocean City, Snow Hill, and Pocomoke City. Ocean Pines, which is a homeowners group and not a municipality, also would get the same increase.

The move represents a savings of about $2 million in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. The budget gets for-

mally adopted June 3.

However, it’s a decision that came a week after the commissioners already decided not to exceed last year’s grantsto-towns request and proceed with flat funding.

It was Commissioner Caryn Abbott who made a motion at an unscheduled budget hearing Wednesday that towns get a $50,000 bo0st instead of flat funding as previously decided. It represents an increase in budgeted spending by $250,000.

Her motion was wrapped into a bigpicture budget vote to increase employees’ cost-of-living adjustment from $2,000 to $2,500, to bump sheriff’s office pay grades starting July 1, and to lower the property tax by 2 cents.

County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic last week was critical of the commissioners’ vote to deny his Ocean City dis-

Source: Worcester County Government

trict its full funding request, which would go toward police staffing and providing take-home vehicles to officers.

“They are going to need that extra money to help fund their police department and keep Ocean City safe, which is, once again, the breadwinner for Worcester County,” he said at the May 20 meeting. “If something horrible were ever to happen there by chance, it could affect us, our financial numbers, deeply in the future. I think it’s irresponsible.”

stabilization. There's places for this money to go,” he said.

Mitrecic responded to Bunting by saying a $1 million grant toward its police department “would mean much more to the town of Ocean City than any tax credit.”

Planning for municipal grants is a part of every annual county budgeting process, where elected officials from the county’s four towns and the Ocean Pines Association present their funding needs and hope the commissioners agree.

At issue is how Ocean City, for the first time in 125 years, no longer will have a seasonal police officer program. Resort officials say it’s the result of not being able to comply with tougher state restrictions on provisional cop hiring.

It also means the city has to hire 10 new police officers at an estimated cost of $1.45 million. Furnishing them with take-home vehicles, Mayor Rick Meehan said, would cost another $829,850. Resort officials were asking the County Commissioners to agree to pay 50% of that cost.

“We believe it is only fair that some of those additional revenues be used to directly benefit the residents and property owners in Ocean City,” Meehan said in a Feb. 12 letter to the commissioners.

Mitrecic, himself a former Ocean City councilman, lambasted his colleagues on May 20 for denying the request. He said the county has Ocean City to thank for millions of dollars in new property tax revenue in the last two years – “and we can’t give them a onetime stipend for their police department of a million dollars?” he said.

Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville), who made the motion for the flat funding at last week’s meeting, told Mitrecic the budget surplus should be put toward other funding needs, like lowering tax rates.

“Well, if we have a surplus, this is the opportune time. Ocean City has been wanting to reduce taxes and, and we can reduce taxes,” Bunting said – eliciting an audible groan from Mitrecic.

Bunting said he’d prefer putting surplus dollars toward reduced property and income taxes, tightening the 3% homestead tax credit, and pension payments for Board of Education employees. “We could add to our budget

“It's the most disingenuous thing I've ever heard in my life about giving Ocean City money back, I'm telling you that now,” said Mitrecic, who was elected in 2014. “They haven't worried about giving Ocean City money back since I've been sitting here. If you want to give Ocean City money back, give 'em this money for their police department so that the police can show up to the homeowner's property in a certain amount of time.”

Mitrecic also took a shot at how the county provides money to Ocean Pines, which is not technically a municipality.

“We've given Ocean Pines $500,000 a year for their police department ever since I've been here. I don't know why. Matter of fact, I really don't know why we give Ocean Pines any grants at all. They're part of Berlin. It's a homeowners association. But, we do,” he said. It wasn’t just Ocean City affected by the commissioner’s budget decision. Other municipalities stand to lose out on funding for special projects:

• Berlin officials had asked for $150,000 to help pay for the cost of a new Flower Street community center.

• Snow Hill had asked for $171,185 toward its efforts to mitigate constant flooding problems at Byrd Park, as well as $66,518 toward new basketball courts.

• Pocomoke City officials sought $49,338 to help pay for security upgrades to municipal facilities.

• Ocean Pines asked for $725,000 towards its police force, up from $550,000 last year, as well as another $150,000 for road and bridge repairs.

It also was clarified at this meeting that the commissioners would still honor a request to provide a $1.24 million grant for EMS service to West Ocean City because it’s a different line item than grants to towns.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan called it “discouraging and disappointing” to get his grant denied for police officers.

“They basically flat-funded us for the second year in a row despite the increase in revenue that’s come from Ocean City,” Meehan said. “It’s much more difficult to play catch-up than it is to stay even and move ahead, and they’re putting us in a very difficult position moving forward.”

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County official speaks at Somerset meeting

cluding one plan to cut loose school librarians.

“can foster resentment rather than understanding.”

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott made an appearance last week across county lines at a school board meeting in Somerset County, where she offered support as a private citizen who opposes so-called DEI initiatives in public schools.

Abbott (District 1, Southern) spoke at a packed May 20 public hearing before the Somerset County Board of Education, where the public was allowed to offer comments and criticism of the board’s reported $1 million in proposed budget cuts, in-

“Thank you for your leadership and courage in addressing critical issues facing our schools,” she told the board. “I commend your efforts to refocus our classrooms on education, safety, and values that uplift every student.

“Your decision to remove divisive DEI frameworks is a step toward unity,” Abbott added – a comment that elicited groans and cries of “come on!” from the audience.

“Please!” called out board member William McInturff, holding his hands in the air. School board president Matthew Lankford banged his gavel for quiet.

Abbott continued, sharing her opinion that DEI programs are “often rooted in ideology over evidence” and

“By prioritizing equal opportunity and merit, you are ensuring all students are judged for their character and achievements, not their identity,” Abbott said, citing a 2023 study from the conservative-leaning Manhattan Institute that found 65% of parents prefer schools focus on core academics.

In her three minutes of commentary, Abbott also voiced support for the district’s scrutiny of library materials, applauding the board for what she called efforts to remove “what many would call obscene books” and align resources with community standards.

“Literature should inspire and educate, not expose young minds to explicit content that undermines their

well-being,” she said, adding that a rise in book challenges nationwide reflects parental concerns.

Her remarks, at times, sparked audible dissent from audience members.

As Abbott concluded, she told the board “know this: parents, teachers, students, and the community stand with you.” To that, the audience’s murmurs swelled to a brief roar, drowning out Abbott briefly with cries of “no!” and “no, they don’t!”

Not all speakers were supportive of the board’s direction. Brittany Tignor, the librarian at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, spoke in her capacity as treasurer for the Maryland Association of School Librarians.

She warned that eliminating library staff is both harmful and possibly illegal.

“Let us be clear: cutting school librarians is not a cost-saving measure. It undermines your students’ success and ignores your district’s legal obligations under (Maryland law) which requires certified library media personnel in schools,” Tignor said.

She also warned that content restrictions could violate Maryland’s 2023 Freedom to Read Act, which clearly states that library content

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Ocean City Beach Patrol will be fully staffed this summer

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) With the final tryout of the season scheduled for this weekend, Capt. Butch Arbin says he expects the Ocean City Beach Patrol to operate at full capacity this season.

On Saturday, May 31, the beach patrol will hold its final pre-employment physical skills evaluation. With 60 individuals pre-registered for the tryout, Arbin said he expects to be at “100% capacity” for the summer season.

“We are where we expect to be at this time,” Arbin said of staffing. “We still have returning staff checking in each day, and our teachers who are working weekends till school is out will be here full-time in mid June.”

In addition to returning lifeguards – also known as surf rescue technicians – the Ocean City Beach Patrol will welcome new recruits. Last week, for example, 24 rookies completed the first round of the beach patrol’s surf rescue training academy. Another 21 rookies have committed to the second round of training, sched-

uled to begin June 15.

Arbin added that the beach patrol needs only a few more surf rescue technicians to fully man its lifeguard stands this summer. He said peak operations occur between mid-June and mid-August, when 90 lifeguard stands will be stationed on the beach.

“We have less stands now and add each week till full 90,” he said. “Then once our staff starts leaving we reduce stands until we finish on Sept 21st.”

Last year, the Ocean City Beach Patrol had 214 employees, most of which were surf rescue technicians, Arbin said. To man the stands this summer, the beach patrol will need 144 full-time lifeguards.

“We also staff [Junior Beach Patrol] and other special events and camps,” he added.

Employment with the Ocean City Beach Patrol will come with additional pay for some this year, as city officials have approved several bonuses and stipends in an attempt to compete with surrounding municipalities. The agency reports new recruits could earn up to $16,000 during their first season.

County lines crossed by official

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“may not be excluded or removed from the catalogue of a school library media program because of partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval.”

Controversy has been stirred in Somerset County by two school board policy changes that passed in March: a revamped “whistleblower policy” that provides a 1-800 number for citizens to call in complaints, as well as revised guidelines for selecting and removing library materials.

The new guidelines bar materials with sexually explicit or discriminatory content and mandate school board approval for any new purchases of library materials.

The state librarian’s association in a March 25 letter to Somerset’s school board expressed deep concern that the policy changes – such as removing materials that reference sexuality, rebellion, or anti-religion –could amount to censorship and violate students’ First Amendment rights.

“By promoting the beliefs and values of a handful of people, you ignore the fact that you work for every student and every family in Somerset County,” the letter says.

When reached by phone May 27 for comment, Abbott clarified that she’s been speaking out on Somerset County education issues for years and never attend any meetings in her official elected capacity. Abbott was

elected to the Worcester County Board of Commissioners in 2022.

“Well, I didn't go as a commissioner. I went as a citizen,” she said Tuesday. “They forget that I'm still Caryn Abbott, the person, you know? But they think that because I'm a commissioner, that I can't go do anything outside my county, I guess. But I have been supportive of the Board of Ed over there, of the people that were trying to, you know, make things better for five years – so, long before I was a commissioner.”

Abbott voiced concern over low academic performance in Somerset County schools and said she attended the hearing to support board members she believes are working to reverse years of decline.

She also cited an Executive Order signed in April by President Donald Trump that targets the practice of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” efforts, or DEI, in public education.

Abbott equated DEI with “Marxist ideology” and said it unfairly divides students by physical characteristics. She wants to see schools “get back to the core subjects.”

“When I was in school, we didn't have all these political agendas in our schools – at least, I don't remember any of it – and we all succeeded,” she said. “You didn't have the safety issues; you didn't have the academic issues you have now. So, obviously it's not working.”

Property tax cut approved over school funding

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners declined to fully fund the Board of Education’s requested budget Wednesday, setting up school officials and the teachers union for a return to the bargaining table to renegotiate salaries and benefits.

At their final public hearing of the budget season, the commissioners pledged to decrease property taxes slightly but decided not to fund negotiated salary increases of $4,000 for certified teachers – part of a school board plan to meet a state-mandated teacher pay hike.

“Where they have the amount of money they have, it was time for them to share that with our employees, because our employees deserve that,” said Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor. “I'm just disappointed that they didn't see that because, ultimately, it affects our kids.”

The county’s fiscal year 2026 budget, meanwhile, is shaping up to benefit homeowners and taxpayers.

Commissioners decided Wednesday to shrink the property tax rate from $0.845 per $100 of assessed value to $0.825, and to offer all county employees a cost-of-living adjustment of $2,500, up from an earlier plan to offer a $2,000 COLA.

Budget plans also include lowering the 2.25% income tax rate down to 2%.

Commissioners also expressed an interest in dropping the county’s homestead property tax cap from 3% to zero, which requires an appeal to state officials.

Changes were approved in a 4-3 motion, with Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting, and Ted Elder voting in favor. Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) took an early victory lap Wednesday afternoon, posting on Facebook that “Taxpayers Win.”

Other budget tweaks include a move to increase grants to towns by $50,000, which reverses an earlier decision to flatfund municipal grants, as well as moving up a pay bump for sheriff’s deputies, to take effect in July instead of January.

Now, after updated spending directives, the Board of Education’s budget would be increased by $728,444, budgeted salaries for county staff increases by $390,000, and the “grants to towns” category goes up by a total of $250,000.

The estimated fiscal year 2026 surplus of $7.85 million dwindles to $980,000. Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to put that surplus toward debt payment for teachers’ post-retirement benefits.

The meeting began with an emotional appeal for full funding of the Board of Education budget from Tay-

lor, who warned that Worcester County is falling behind in teacher recruitment ahead of a state-mandated increase in starting salaries.

“I realize that it's not our money, but I also am here to tell you – I'm not an expert, but I think I know enough after 41 years – that our folks deserve a fair compensation package,” he said.

For the teachers and administrators who are asked to earn advanced graduate degrees in their profession, Taylor said their salaries should reflect those career achievements.

“To some, maybe degrees don’t mean anything,” he said. “But I know what it took for me to get a college degree … I believe when our employees and teachers earn that degree, they deserve to be compensated, too.”

Maryland’s public schools are obligated to offer new teachers a $60,000 starting salary by the start of the 2027 school year, which is mandated by education reform legislation called the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Worcester County’s entry-level teacher pay of $52,789 is the lowest in the state. To meet the Blueprint threshold, school officials planned to split an increase over the next two budget cycles, giving teachers a $4,000 raise for this fall, and again a year later.

Unions for both certified teachers

and support staff had agreed on the raises of $4,000 and $2,000 each for the upcoming school year.

However, the commissioners’ plan to offer teachers and support staff a raise of $2,500 is “not legal,” because under state law, only the school board can legally negotiate salaries, according to Dwayne Abt, the school system’s human resources director.

He said this legal framework ensures decisions about wages, benefits, and work conditions are made collaboratively and without interference from external entities like elected officials with power of the purse.

Maryland law “has specific statutes that say how do we do it,” Abt added, “so, in theory, whatever pot of money they just approved, we’re going to take that pot of money back. Everybody’s not going to get $2,500. We have to negotiate what the folks get.”

But because the negotiated agreements were not funded, both sides are obligated to go back and strike a new deal with support staff and the teachers union. This is laid out both in state law and as part of the school board’s contractual agreement with the teachers union, according to Abt.

“For us to be able to fund the current agreement, there’s no way we can do that with the money that was just approved. We’re either going to have to go

Commissioners debate tax decrease, budget reduction

back to the table, or the board’s going to have to adjust our budget,” he said.

School board President Todd Ferrante said Worcester’s education leaders were on a path to fulfill the Blueprint’s salary minimums, until the commissioners two years ago decided only to fund schools at the prior year level, otherwise known as maintenance of effort.

“Unfortunately, the year of maintenance of effort set us back,” he said. “We’re still behind. It makes it a bigger request next year, so you’re just kicking the can down the road. I don’t know why you’d want to do that when you have the ability to fund it, but that’s the decision of the commissioners we’ll have to live with.”

Ferrante also said some requests in the school board’s $115 million operating budget wouldn’t be back next year, like the cost of replacing student iPads.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, whose motion to adopt a fully funded budget failed in a 3-4 vote, criticized the decision to trim school and sheriff funding while accumulating large reserves.

“We have somewhere around 40 (teacher) retirements this year. Don't we want to attract the brightest and best teachers to replace them? If the (outcome) just doesn't go the way that the teacher's association wants it to, I en-

courage them to go to arbitration. You deserve it and you'll win. The county will lose. I can guarantee that,” Mitrecic said.

Between next year’s projected surplus and this year’s $14 million surplus, plus millions more held in a budget stabilization fund, Mitrecic estimated the county has nearly $37 million in unaccounted-for taxpayer money.

“Those of you that keep saying we don’t have the money to give raises, I don’t see what you see,” said Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City).

Elder noted that, despite its unpopular pay cuts, this budget offered something for everyone and represented a 7% increase over last year for the school system. “Nobody else in the state is getting this,” Elder said.

“I’ve been here 10 years and this is the most equitable one I’ve ever seen in my whole career here,” added Elder (District 4, Western). “For people to get angry because we’re doing something for everyone is just not correct, it’s not right. I can go home and sleep well at night because I’ve done the best I could for everyone.”

Wednesday’s meeting wasn’t originally on the budget calendar, but was a last-minute schedule addition to specifically deal with school board funding.

Notably, elected officials now reaching the end of a months-long

budget process – county law says the budget must be approved June 3 –publicly tested each other’s patience with goading and snide remarks.

Elder bristled when Mitrecic called the county’s budget reconciliation account a “slush fund.” Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) openly challenged his peers for being out-of-touch with constituents.

Fiori then grilled Abbott, who represents Pocomoke City, for failing to show at a public celebration Tuesday night for Pocomoke-area high school graduates.

“Oh, we’re gonna do the lawyer routine?” Abbott said with a chuckle.

“We are, we are,” Fiori replied. “You said you cared so much about the residents here. … The idea that

we’re (all) supporting this community is a pile of doo-doo.”

The commissioners also voted Wednesday to require the sheriff’s office to provide quarterly updates on overtime spending. Starting deputy pay in this budget cycle will increase from $55,037 to about $63,000, a top priority of Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.

While the sheriff’s budget request for $224,000 in overtime pay for his short-staffed department was rejected by the commissioners, he said he welcomes the opportunity to explain how his manpower is being accounted for.

“We want to do the best we can as we move forward, to find solutions to lower the payout of overtime. We can always do better,” the sheriff said.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor is pictured standing before the Worcester County Commissioners during Tuesday’s work session.

Existing properties reviewed amid new rules

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) City officials this week directed staff to find ways to address nonconforming properties in single-family neighborhoods.

On Tuesday, months after the Ocean City Council adopted three ordinances that set restrictions on short-term rentals in the single-family residential neighborhoods, officials agreed some solution was needed to address nonconforming, multifamily properties in those districts.

To that end, the council directed staff to develop a full list of nonconforming properties in the R-1 residential district and present options that will allow them to continue renting.

“The goal of the council is to try and address the multifamily properties that are in these areas and allow them to continue to rent as they have today as a mul-

tifamily status …,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “It’s just how to do it.”

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told council members this week the city’s zoning ordinance was established in 1948 and redeveloped in 1970. While the first zoning regulations included only one residential district that allowed all building types, the 1970 ordinance divided residential areas into R-1, R-2 and R-3.

“Typically, buildings that predate 1970 we consider generally as nonconforming,” he said.

Bendler said examples of those nonconforming buildings can be found at the southern end of town, near Shad Row and Herring Way, and in the Little Salisbury community.

“Staff’s determination, through our GIS database and using SDAT, we determine there's two properties that are non-

conforming in that neighborhood and that are multifamily,” he said.

Bendler added that a 1983 ordinance also rezoned areas uptown, including in Caine Woods, where certain blocks were downzoned from R-2 to R-1.

However, the city granted exceptions to some properties constructing multifamily units after the rezoning took effect. When looking at the city’s zoning map, Bendler said multifamily structures are “peppered throughout the Caine Woods area.”

“So when they did this comprehensive rezoning in Caine Woods, they came in and most of these properties were either permitted or had been approved through the planning commission or something to the effect, and they let them continue to have that right to build because they had permission to build prior to the adoption of the ordinance,” he said.

For his part, Bendler acknowledged that nonconforming, multifamily structures exist in the R-1 districts but go against the intent of R-1 zoning. He said it was up to the mayor and City Council to give staff direction on how to address the nonconformity.

Prior to Tuesday’s discussion, several owners of nonconforming properties came before the City Council to seek some sort of exception. They also sought relief from new short-term rental ordinances, which they said would apply to their multifamily properties.

“I was present at most of the council meetings where these ordinances were being discussed, and during these meetings I pretty much heard every council member state that the previously mentioned ordinances were not impacting condominiums and townhouses, even though they are,” said David Marciniak, the owner of a multifamily unit on Laurel Avenue. “Our property has been unfairly included in these ordinances, should not be included based on the type of property that we own, and provisions should be made.”

Ocean City resident Terry Miller said she did not support removing the nonconforming properties. She also pointed to a map, which highlighted 23 nonconforming properties in Little Salisbury alone.

When asked why the city’s data dif-

fered, Bendler said his information was gathered from GIS mapping and the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

“I have not gone physically door to door to look for other ones,” he said, “but from SDAT that's what we pulled.”

Councilwoman Carol Proctor, however, argued that the city’s list on nonconforming properties was incomplete, as it missed several multifamily structures in R-1 neighborhoods. She asked if those nonconforming properties were included in the three ordinances.

“They are, if they are in the R-1,” Bendler replied. “We didn’t base the ordinances on structure, it was based on the zoning district.”

Councilman Will Savage noted that one ordinance involving length-of-stay restrictions had been successfully petitioned. He questioned if it was really an issue if the electorate chose not to support the ordinance.

City Manager Terry McGean said it was, as two other ordinances – one regarding maximum occupancy and another involving a moratorium on short-term rental licenses – remain in effect.

“If you all wanted to do anything about those specific properties, the other two ordinances would still impact them,” he said.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said it would be illegal to “spot zone” the nonconforming properties. In order to rezone, she said the city would need to find there is a substantial change in the character of the neighborhood or that there was a zoning mistake.

For his part, McGean suggested that the council direct staff to come back with potential solutions. He said the city could find a way to rezone the properties where it is legal, or to exclude them from the shortterm rental ordinances currently in place.

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to have staff compile a complete list of nonconforming properties in single-family neighborhoods and to present potential solutions to the City Council.

“Many times we said, as a group, that this would not affect attached housing,” Proctor said of the short-term rental ordinances, “and I believe we should honor that.”

Council amends residency requirements for elections

Charter change to increase length of residency, prohibit rental licenses at domicile

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) City officials will move forward with a charter amendment to increase residency requirements for candidates.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council revisited the topic of residency requirements for those wishing to run in municipal elections.

Continuing where they left off in February, a council majority voted to bring forward a charter amendment that would increase the length of residency from four months to one year, require a candidate to maintain their residency throughout their term, and prohibit candidates from holding a rental license at their residence one calendar year prior to the election and throughout their tenure.

“If we’re going to be judges, I’d rather the rules be very clear,” Councilman John Gehrig said this week.

Last fall, weeks before the municipal election, the Ocean City Council voted to disqualify council candidate Leslie Smith, with a majority arguing she did not meet the city’s domicile requirements.

While Smith declared her Ocean City property to be her main residence, many argued she resided full time at her property in Bishopville.

That, in turn, kicked off a larger discussion about residency, as well as the need for charter amendments, which were presented for discussion in February, and again on Tuesday.

“This is a continued discussion we had back on February 25 of this year, talking about whether the council had any desire to amend the charter relative to residency requirements to run for office,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said this week.

Currently, the city’s charter requires a candidate to be a resident and “domiciled” in the town four months prior to the election. However, council members this week agreed that the length of residency should be extended to one year, a requirement consistent with other jurisdictions. They also agreed that candidates must continue to reside and maintain their domicile throughout the term to which they were elected.

“I don't think there was any fur-

ther concern or discussion about that,” Stansbury said.

The council this week also revisited the practice of accepting the list of qualified candidates in municipal elections. Currently, the charter gives that authority to the council, which could also have members running for election.

However, Stansbury told officials this week the practice was not uncommon in municipalities of similar size. She said the only other alternative was to hand that responsibility over to the Ocean City Board of Supervisors of Elections.

“It’s either going to be you or your board of supervisors of elections, at the moment,” she said.

With little debate, council members agreed to remain the judges of candidate certifications, so long as the residency rules remained clear. To that end, officials segued to a related topic – rental licenses.

In February, the council directed staff to expand the city’s residency requirements by prohibiting a candidate from holding a rental license for a property they declare to be their domicile. Back on the table for discussion this week, a council majority continued to support the restriction.

“They can have other rentals, but not for their domiciled property,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Council President Matt James opposed, to: set a oneyear residency requirement; require candidates to maintain their domicile for the term to which they were elected; have the council continue to be the judge of candidate certifications; and prohibit candidates from holding rental licenses on their domicile for at least one calendar year prior to the election, with that restriction continuing throughout the candidate’s term in office.

“I think there are a few examples where it could get problematic,” James said of the rental license restriction.

With a vote to move forward, Stansbury said a charter amendment will be brought before the council at a regular meeting. From there, the proposed amendment must be advertised. The amendment becomes effective 50 days after adoption of the resolution.

“Because it’s a charter amendment, it’s a longer process,” she said.

Restaurant Reviews in and around Ocean City. Coming Soon The Kings Revue Podcast & Website

Comments

and

your reviews are always welcome.

The opinions expressed on The Kings Revue do not reflect the opinions of OC Today-Dispatch

Memorial Day observed in resort

Keynote speaker and Army band ring in a celebratory tribute to armed services

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) City leaders kicked off Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of the summer season with a remembrance ceremony.

On Sunday, the Town of Ocean City held its annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor and remember the U.S. military members who died serving in the United States Armed Forces.

As the city kicks off its summer season and continues its 150th anniversary celebration, Mayor Rick Meehan called on community members to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“That should not be lost in the celebration, because that’s the celebration,” he said.

Sunday’s ceremony featured a performance by the 229th Maryland Army National Guard Band and a wreath-laying event. The observance also featured keynote speaker Major General Janeen Birckhead, a Snow Hill native. In her remarks, she welcomed the start of the summer season.

“It is a treasured freedom for all of

us here today – to get away from the tight schedules, and the clothing of business, and the harshness of the winter weather,” she said. “And I think you can agree with me, it is fitting that we begin summer with a heartfelt tribute to those who made our freedom possible.”

Birckhead noted the sacrifices of the country’s military men and women, and the contributions they have made to the country’s safety and security. The sentiments were echoed by Mike Detmer, community liaison for Rep. Andy Harris and member of the Maryland Veterans Commission.

“You are the best of us, and we’ll never forget you,” he said.

Detmer was also joined by Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who recognized the town for hosting its yearly Memorial Day ceremony at the Firefighter’s Memorial on the Boardwalk.

“I look around, and when you stand here and look out, you can’t help but be uplifted that we as Americans are doing what’s right today in recognizing the true meaning of Memorial Day,” she said, “and recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

The service concluded with a twoaircraft flyover of A-10 Warthogs by the Maryland Air National Guard.

Threat of violence leads to arrest at resort restaurant

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(May 30, 2025) A threat of mass violence at a local restaurant with over 30 people inside resulted in Ocean City police charging a Maryland man with multiple felonies.

Last Friday, May 23, around 1 p.m., Ocean City police responded to a Philadelphia Avenue restaurant after being alerted to a man making threats with a gun. Police arrived on the scene and immediately placed handcuffs on Kilee Rashad Frazier, 24, of Chestertown.

Police found a loaded 9mm Polymer 80 brand semi-automatic handgun in the man’s front right pants pocket.

Noted in the statement of probable cause was a police account of the weapon. The statement reported the pistol was built on an unfinished frame without “any manufacturer markings” and without a serial number. The loaded magazine contained two 9mm Luger cartridges with one in the chamber.

The restaurant’s manager who called 911 told police his first encounter with Frazier was before the restaurant opened around 11 a.m. Frazier asked and received permission to use an outdoor electrical outlet to charge his phone. Frazier left the area for about 30 minutes and when he returned his phone was missing, according to the police report.

Frazier then became agitated and asked to see surveillance footage, which only the owner has access to

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, a Snow Hill native, speaks at Sunday’s Memorial Day celebration and wreath-laying event in Ocean City.

The Ocean City fire and police departments responded to a three-vehicle crash on the Route 90 bridge just after 12 p.m. on Memorial Day. Travel lanes were shut down for roughly an hour while paramedics treated patients and firefighters cleaned up the debris. The Maryland State Highway Administration assisted with traffic control. Scenes from the accidents are pictured above.

Gun threat suspect in custody

Continued from Page 20

and was not working at the time.

The manager noticed a handgun in Frazier’s pocket. He said he called police “after customers told him that Frazier said he was ‘going to shoot this place up,’” according to the statement of charges.

The manager said he feared for his life and the families inside the restaurant if the increasingly aggressive Frazier fulfilled his threat. The manager said the restaurant was at capacity with people waiting for tables. He estimated with staff the restaurant had 35 people inside.

A server told police during an interview she observed Frazier pull the gun out of his pocket, stating Frazier was angry restaurant staff did not have access to surveillance video to clarify who stole his phone.

The server said she was “uncomfortable and scared” after Frazier said, “So you are telling me there’s no access to the cameras? If I shot up this place right now there’s no cameras?”

A customer was also interviewed by police and confirmed the threats

made by Frazier. He told police he was scared the man would carry out his threats due to his “erratic threatening behavior,” according to the police statement.

While being placed under arrest, Frazier’s backpack was searched, resulting in a clear plastic bag of cannabis being located. Police estimated the bag contained about half of a pound of cannabis.

Frazier is charged with three counts of first-degree assault, three counts of second-degree assault, handgun possession, loaded handgun possession, threat of mass violence, firearm use during a violent crime and possession of a controlled dangerous substance cannabis over civil citation. Frazier was being held without bond as of May 27 with a preliminary hearing planned for June 18.

Earlier in the day on Friday, May 23, around 3 a.m., Frazier was cited during a traffic stop at Routes 50 and 589 by Maryland State Police. A trooper pulled over the 2024 Nissan Sentra and Frazier was given a traffic citation for failure to display license to an uniformed officer on demand.

TRUCK TAKES OUT TREES

Northbound Coastal Highway was closed for hours last Friday morning after a collision occurred between three vehicles and a box truck. According to the Ocean City Police Department, no serious injuries were reported. Public works, a hazmat team and the fire department assisted with cleanup of a downed tree and spilled gas. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

3 Bedroom condo with breathtaking ocean and bay views from almost every room! Relax in front of the fireplace or on the 8x24 beach front balcony. The extra-large primary suite includes a 9 x 8 sitting area, large walk-in closet. Includes a sheltered parking space. The Capri offers one of the

possibility! Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings brighten the living area, leading to a tiled sunroom. Granite, stainless steel, a large breakfast bar, and a walk-in pantry highlight the kitchen. Primary suite w/walk-in closet and remodeled bath. One of the guest rooms has a 15x12 sitting room/office). The 13x5 laundry room has lots of cabinets, utility sink & counter space. $649,900

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YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED in Triple Crown Estates, the newest section of Ocean Pines! Surround yourself with luxury homes on an oversized corner lot that backs up to protected woodlands, offering extra privacy. Minimum 1800 sq ft plus 2 car garage for a one level home, or 2300 sq ft plus 2 car garage for a two level. Only 60 lots total in Triple Crown Estates. The award winning and amenity filled community of Ocean Pines is just minutes away from Ocean City’s famous boardwalk, shopping, dining, amusements and entertainment.

SCHOLARSHIP RECEIVED

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club provide an annual endowment to Wor-Wic Community College that supports many scholarship opportunities for young people to access in pursuit of a career that benefits our community. Above, Past President Charlie Smith is pictured with Stephen Decatur High School student Brennan McCabe who received $1,500 and Wor-Wic Donor Relations Representative Heather Trader.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Newest Berlin restaurant opens on Main St.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) Liquor board officials in Worcester County declined to greenlight a “liquor locker” concept for a downtown Berlin bar and restaurant but still approved its liquor license transfer to a new ownership group.

The bourbon and tequila joint Bour-Agavé is no more at 104 North Main Street. It reopened May 23 as CounterClox, a new restaurant with an industrial vibe, said Patrice Ottey, part-owner of the business.

“Berlin being a kind of ‘step back in time’ place, we felt like CounterClox really is a pause in time,” she told the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) at a May 21 hearing. “We feel Berlin is like that, and that’s how we kind of came up for the name for that. So, it’ll be a very industrial theme when you walk in, very casual, very comfortable atmosphere and inviting.”

The BLC considered the request to transfer Bour-Agavé’s liquor license to a new ownership group of Ottey, Meghan Newberger, and Fredric Leibowitz. Newberger had been the proprietor of Bour- Agavé and now shares 40% ownership with Ottey in CounterClox, while Leibowitz has a 20% interest, according to their BLC

application.

The board did unanimously approve the license transfer, pending the owners meeting the 70-seat minimum required of a Class “B” beer, wine, and liquor license.

However, at the hearing, a line of inquiry by board members injected some uncertainty to the outcome when CounterClox introduced the concept of a “liquor cabinet” ¬– where customers rent a space to hold liquor for a 12month period, not unlike a wine cabinet at other fine dining establishments.

Guests would have to purchase liquor from the restaurant, not from outside, and CounterClox would keep those bottles under lock and key. Diners could ask the bartender to pour from a bottle in their cabinet. Customers would never touch the bottle, and all liquor would stay on the premises.

While “liquor cabinets” would help the business with inventory management control – guest-held bottles are paid for, as opposed to sitting on a shelf generating no revenue ¬– the main reason is to just get people in the door with something unique, explained Kristina Witkowski, an attorney representing CounterClox.

“So, this is really to help your regulars kind of feel like VIPs,” she said at the hearing. “It’s not a club. It’s re-

ally a public but private offering. And it’s a quieter space.”

BLC chairman Billy Esham politely paused Witkowski’s testimony, and turned to ask board attorney Tom Coates: “Is this legal?”

Coates said, on first blush, the liquor cabinet seems to violate BLC rules.

Once upon a time, bars in Worcester County would lure customers by offering 3-for-1 or even 4-for-1 drinks. To combat this practice, the BLC adopted a regulation, Rule 8, which prohibits the sale of more than two drinks at one time, Coates explained.

“Since they’re selling the bottle to a customer,” Coates said, “that would violate Rule 8. There’s no locations in this county that has any type of service like that, and that’s because of this rule.”

Coates added that, if there are any other local bars now offering some

version of a liquor cabinet, then that also would be a Rule 8 violation.

“They didn’t ask permission of this board for that privilege,” he said.

Part-owner Leibowitz jumped in to say that the bartender is still the one regulating the pour.

“So they pre-purchased the inventory. That doesn’t mean they’re getting service,” he said. “We withhold that judgement, as the bartenders, to cut someone off – to say, you’ve had your two drinks. … We’re still controlling the distribution of what’s poured out of that bottle.”

Esham ultimately stated, almost apologetically, that the liquor cabinet concept isn’t permitted under BLC regulations ¬– for now. He didn’t rule out the possibility that the board could rethink the locker concept.

“I’m just telling you, I don’t think we’ll do it,” he said to the applicants.

Finance head awarded

(May 23, 2025) During its luncheon Monday, the Maryland Association of School Business Officials (MDASBO) recognized Worcester County Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert as its 2025 School Finance Official of the Year.

Tolbert has been Chief Finance Officer of Worcester County Public School for over 26 years. In this role, Tolbert oversees all aspects of the district’s financial operations, including budget preparation, financial reporting, procurement, payroll, and resource allocation. He is responsible for managing a budget of over $120 million, ensuring that federal, state, and local funding is utilized effectively to support the district’s strategic goals and priorities.

Tolbert plays a pivotal role in aligning financial strategies with the district’s mission and goals, including the implementation of Pillar 5 of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which emphasizes governance and accountability. He is instrumental in ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, leading the development of transparent financial reports, and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Under his leadership, Worcester County Public Schools has consis-

tently maintained a strong financial position, and fiscal responsibility. Tolbert’s approaches to resource management, including cost-saving initiatives and strategic investment in educational programs, have significantly enhanced the district’s ability to meet student needs.

In addition to this week’s recognition, both Tolbert and a member of his finance staff were provided complimentary attendance at MDASBO’s three-day spring conference, where they participated in valuable professional learning opportunities.

Students recognized

Two Salisbury University students from Berlin are among the recipients of this year’s University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Student Excellence Scholarships.

Julia Carlson, a sophomore urban and regional planning major, earned the award in the Innovation and Creative Activity category. Vicky Vazquez, a senior English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Spanish major, won in the Outreach and Engagement category.

The award is the highest honor bestowed to students by the Board of Regents, recognizing exemplary achievement. Carlson and Vazquez

will each receive $2,000 from the USM and USM Foundation to apply toward future tuition.

With an eye toward becoming an architect, Carlson chose SU’s Urban and Regional Planning Program on the advice of a family friend in the field.

She said, ‘This looks like a really good course, and it’s kind of unique. Maybe you should try it out,’” Carlson said. Meeting with the program’s director, Dr. Amal Ali, solidified her decision.

“I like it a lot so far,” she said.

After completing her SU degree, she hopes to pursue a position in planning or marketing (her minor), both of which she believes will provide her with the flexibility to travel and relocate throughout her career.

Vazquez hopes to use her scholarship to help pay for graduate school while pursuing a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) at the University of Maryland, College Park.

As a student enrolled in an ESOL program herself until middle school, she has a first-hand understanding of the challenges and rewards associated with such initiatives and would like to help future generations the same way her teachers helped her.

Interning in her final SU semester at Ocean City Elementary School, not far from where she grew up, she hopes not only to become a teacher, but to use her skills to better connect Delmarva’s Latino community — par-

ticularly in her native Worcester County — with necessary resources.

“It’s very slim for us,” she said. “There aren’t many resources here for our marginalized communities. I’d like to bring my experience from over the [Chesapeake Bay] bridge back here.”

Before that happens, however, Vazquez has one more adventure to look forward to: She has been selected a U.S. Fulbright Student, through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, to teach English for a semester in Thailand.

College announcements

The following is a collection of press releases from university about local students:

James Weber of Berlin, a sophomore majoring in engineering and management, was named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester at Clarkson University.

Susquehanna University has announced its graduates from the Class of 2025 including Berlin resident Hailey Bowden, who graduated magna cum laude from Susquehanna with a Bachelor of Science in finance.

Brynn Castellani of Berlin was named to Washington College’s Spring 2025 Dean’s List. In order to earn this academic honor, a student must achieve at least a 3.50 GPA for the semester.

First responders recognized at ceremony

proving emergency medical care for Maryland’s older adult population.

(May 30, 2025) The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) hosted last week this year’s EMS Stars of Life Awards Ceremony at Wor- Wic Community College’s Guerrieri Hall Auditorium, recognizing outstanding EMS professionals and programs across the state who have gone above and beyond in their service to Maryland’s emergency medical system.

Each year during EMS Week, MIEMSS presents the Stars of Life Awards to acknowledge the dedication, compassion, and innovation of EMS providers and programs that elevate the standard of emergency care statewide.

Among this year’s honored recipients:

Maryland EMS-Geriatric (EMS-G) Award: Firefighter/Paramedic Yvette “Yvie” Rode – Ocean City Fire Department. This award recognizes individuals or programs demonstrating an unwavering commitment to im-

“Yvie has a heart for service that shines in every patient encounter,” said Deputy Chief Derrick Simpson of the Ocean City Fire Department.

“Her compassionate focus on our senior patients ensures they are treated with dignity and respect. She reminds us that aging doesn’t mean invisibility—our elders deserve grace, attention, and advocacy.”

Late Battalion Chief of Training

Rick Koch was honored with two prestigious awards, the Leon W. Hayes Award for Lifetime Excellence in EMS and the Maryland EMS-Children Award.

The Leon W. Hayes Award honors an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional commitment to patient care, EMS education, and the continual advancement of Maryland’s EMS system.

The Maryland EMS-Children award recognizes significant contributions to the care of children and the promotion of Family-Centered Care within the EMS system.

Koch’s wife and daughter accepted both awards on his behalf, paying

tribute to his unmatched legacy in training, mentorship, and compassionate service.

“Chief Rick Koch shaped generations of EMS providers through his leadership and unwavering passion,” said Deputy Chief Derrick Simpson. “Even though he is no longer with us, his influence lives on in the people he mentored and the lives he touched. Rick embodied everything the EMS system stands for.”

Outstanding EMS Program Award: Salisbury Fire Department –SWIFT Program. Recognized for its innovative approach to reducing death and disability, the SWIFT Salisbury/Wicomico Integrated Firstcare Team has become a model for integrating public health and emergency services.

Through proactive outreach and

crisis intervention, the program has improved outcomes for vulnerable populations in the community.

EMS Clinician of the Year: Katelyn Killian – Talbot County EMS. Honored for exceptional contributions to EMS in the past year, Killian’s work in advancing programs and enhancing patient care standards exemplifies the excellence Maryland strives for in its EMS clinicians.

The Maryland EMS Stars of Life Awards celebrate not only the achievements of individuals and organizations but also the collective spirit of Maryland’s emergency medical services — dedicated to saving lives, advancing care, and standing ready 24/7.

For more information on MIEMSS or the EMS Stars of Life Awards, visit www.miemss.org.

Fire service tradition lives on

By Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(May 30, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Lieutenant Michael Knowles, whose deep roots in Ocean City and dedication to the fire service exemplify a lifetime commitment to serving his community.

Knowles' connection to firefighting began before he could even walk.

"For as long as I can remember, I knew when I grew up I wanted to be a fireman," he shares. "As a kid my dad would bring me on fire calls and I would sit there in awe. He would bring me up to Laurel Station 10 and to the station in OC ever since I was an infant. I was effectively born into the fire service."

After graduating high school at just 17 years old, Knowles immediately began working full-time as a professional firefighter/EMT, making firefighting not just his passion but his career. His journey with OCVFC began in October 2013 when he joined the cadet program at the earliest opportunity. "I couldn't wait to be old enough to join the cadet program, then four years later the fire company," he recalls.

The cadet program provided Knowles with formative experiences that shaped his approach to firefighting. "As a cadet, some of the most memorable experiences were both fun and

humbling. I was able to experience great camaraderie with my fellow cadets. The cadet program also helped me to mature and build a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge for my future."

Knowles progressed through the ranks systematically: becoming a Cadet/EMT in September 2016, advancing to Firefighter/EMT in August 2017, and earning his promotion to Lieutenant in April 2021, a position he currently holds. His dedication and excellence have been recognized through multiple awards, including the Cadet Cumulative Training Award in 2017, Firefighter of the Year in 2022, and several Lifesaving Commendations and Phoenix Awards.

His involvement with OCVFC extends beyond emergency response. Knowles currently assists with the rookie school for new members, serves on the 9/11 memorial committee, and is a member of the OCFD Water Rescue Team as a rescue swimmer. As an AHA CPR and Stop The Bleed instructor, he regularly teaches community members life-saving skills.

Community outreach holds special meaning for Knowles. "I have partici-

Michael Knowles

pated in the smoke detector canvas in west Ocean City, going door to door, to offer to check smoke detectors and hand out new ones. It is always a pleasure to be able to engage with the community while not in an emergency setting," he explains. He particularly enjoys fire prevention week at local schools, finding it "very rewarding seeing the excitement in their eyes of seeing the engines and firefighters in gear."

The fire service is truly a family affair for the Knowles family. His father is also a firefighter in the OCVFC and has been a volunteer firefighter for most of his life. Additionally, both his mother and grandmother are members of the ladies auxiliary. "Having the family connection makes it easier since my family understands when a shift runs long or a call comes out in the middle of a family gathering. I appreciate that my family all values service for others."

Knowles' connection to Ocean City runs deeper than just firefighting. "I grew up on the boardwalk of Ocean City, my family had numerous businesses throughout the years in town," he shares. His grandmother owned the Courtesy Shop on Talbot Street and Steve's Carryout, while his mother owned the newspaper Coconut Times and You're Invited on 28th Street. "Although my family lived in a house in Ocean Pines, Ocean City is my home and always will be. Joining the OCVFC was finally a way to give back to the town and community that gave me such a wonderful childhood."

Among his most cherished experiences was traveling and training at FDIC with Chief Jester and Senior Chauffeur Tony Villani. "With the knowledge I was able to gather from our time together, the training I received while there, and also the brotherhood that was cemented... both of these gentlemen watched me grow from a young boy to a firefighter in the OCVFC. The experience of traveling and training with them and being a part of the brotherhood is something I will always cherish."

Knowles credits the late Chief John Fisher III (RIP) as having a significant impact on his development.

"When I first was promoted to Lieutenant, he and I were at odds most of the time, however, after some time, we grew a very solid friendship and he taught me a lot about leadership and helped me grow as a firefighter, an officer and as a person."

What makes the experience most rewarding for Knowles is the commitment to continuous improvement: "The most rewarding part ... is the ability for us to train and consistently become better firefighters. Chief Jester over the years has made sure that I have been able to attend any training I would sign up for, and I am truly grateful for these opportunities."

We thank Lieutenant Knowles for his dedicated service to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and for carrying forward a family tradition. For membership information or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 6:00 - 8:00pm Waterman’s Seafood Company in West Ocean City, 2nd Floor Please join us. Light fare included, drinks available for purchase at happy hour prices. RSVP to neil@travelwithoasis.com admin@travelwithoasis.com or 410-213-9330

MEMORIAL SUNDAY SERVICE

The annual Memorial Sunday Service was held in the Town of Berlin last Sunday morning. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall presided over the event with the presentation of colors and raising of flags by the honor guards from the American Legion Posts #123 and #231; songs by Teola Brittingham, chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #231; placing of the memorial wreaths by legion post and auxiliary officials (pictured); a reading to remember the honored dead; and many other featured events.

Eight safety tips for ocean swims, general safety

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(May 30, 2025) There’s something about seeing lifeguards on duty that signals the start of the season. It’s a welcome reminder that beach days, ocean breezes, and laid-back vibes are here to stay — and we’re all more than ready to soak it in.

The beach is a place we all associate with fun, relaxation, and adventure. While you’re out making memories, we want to make sure you’re also staying safe. That’s why, in partnership with OC Today-Dispatch, we’re bringing you a weekly series on beach and ocean safety to help keep your summer both exciting and secure.

No matter where your beach plans take you, we’ve rounded up 8 essential safety tips to help you stay prepared and protected. Let’s make this summer unforgettable — and safe!

Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. We are dedicated to guarding and maintaining safety along Ocean City’s beaches seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With that being said, let me remind you of one of our most important messages; “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand!” In Ocean City, over 95% of all drownings that have occurred in the near 90 years of the Beach Patrol, have occurred when guards were not on duty.

Check in with the lifeguard. We also encourage you to say hello to the lifeguard each time you visit and ask about current conditions. Each day they write a beach or ocean tip on the back of their stand. Be aware that currents will naturally push you down the shore, so make a point to know where you started. Try remembering a stable landmark like the lifeguard’s stand or a particular condo or building on shore. Take time to notice which way the current is moving. Return to that spot in the water regularly so you’re never far from a lifeguard.

Watch for rip currents. Waves don’t always break evenly along the shore. And when they don’t — i.e., when they break more strongly in some areas than others — it can cause a circulation in the water that produces a rip current. They’re the number one hazard for beachgoers and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. If you do get pulled out, stay calm, save your energy (let the current carry you for a while), and keep breathing. Don’t try to swim against the current! Gain your composure and start swimming parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current. Then turn and swim diagonally towards the shore. If you can’t make it to the shore, wave your arms and make noise so someone can see or hear you and get help. The

Eastern Shore

best advice, again, is to check in with the lifeguard.

Be aware of strong waves. They’re much more powerful than you think. We have found that injuries resulting from strong waves can range from simple sprains, broken collarbones, and dislocated shoulders to more serious injuries including blunt organ trauma and spinal injuries (which can lead to paralysis). Another culprit to be aware of is shorebreak, or waves that break directly on shore (rather than breaking a few yards out and rolling in more slowly) — these waves in particular have the potential to cause serious neck and spinal injuries. Never put your back to the waves (letting large waves impact your back can result in the same type of injury as a rear end auto collision).

Avoid digging deep holes. People love to dig holes at the beach. But it can be dangerous because they can collapse on the people digging them. Once a person is buried in the sand it is very difficult to dig them out. Even a small hole can trap you. Just as a person can drown in a small amount of water, it doesn’t take a very deep hole to trap a child. The rule followed by the Beach Patrol is that holes may only be as deep as the knee of the smallest person in the group. Lifeguards enforce the knee-deep policy for your safety.

Stay sober at the beach. Alcohol doesn’t only affect judgment; it can also dehydrate you, increasing the likelihood of heat-related sicknesses. The beach may seem like a great place to relax and enjoy alcoholic beverages; however, it is both illegal (it is the alcohol that is illegal regardless of the container or cup you have it in) and unsafe to do so. The combination of alcohol’s effects on dehydration and disorientation resulting in impaired judgment creates the rationale on why Ocean City does not allow alcohol on its beaches.

Protect your skin and eyes. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chance for developing melanoma (skin cancer) later in life. Racking up more than five sunburns at any age also doubles the risk for melanoma. Keep the burns at bay by slathering on a high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 or higher (our guards are provided with Panama Jack for sun protection). Your eyes can also be damaged by exposure to the suns UV rays, so never forget to wear a pair of high quality sun glasses.

Pack smart and be prepared. Always bring any medications that you might need in an emergency (epi pen, appropriate snack for diabetics, heart medication, etc.). Also bring plenty of water because once you are thirsty you are already becoming dehydrated.

Ocean City’s Beach Patrol works hard every day to keep visitors safe, but safety is a shared responsibility. We’ll never know how many lives will be saved by the lifeguards’ vigilance. But you can help and do your part by reading our safety advice each week and sharing the information with others. Let the summer adventures begin in Ocean City.

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Saturday, May 31: Muskrat Lightning

Sundays: Local Party w/ DJ Deogee

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

CARIBBEAN POOL BAR

410-289-6181

In The Plim Plaza Hotel

109 N. Atlantic Ave.

Friday, May 30: Dust N Bones Duo

Saturday, May 31: Stephen O’Boyle & Nick Hundley

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, May 30: Darin Engh & Homeskool Dropouts

Saturday, May 31: Beach Bandits

Sunday, June 1: Moonstone & The Lauren Glick Band

Monday, June 2: Nate Clendenen & Fil Rhythm Duo

Tuesday, June 3: Bell Bottom Blues, My Dirty Little Secret & 5th Tipsy Turtle Tuesday!

Wednesday, June 4: Johnny Cardo & The Dunehounds

Thursday, June 5: Chris Diller Duo & Full Circle

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 30: Dueling Pianos

Saturday, May 31: Jim Long Party & Mercury Agenda

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Sunday, June 1: Uncle Ward

Wednesday, June 4: Endless Ember

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, May 30: Shredded Cheddar Saturday, May 31: Fuzzbox Piranha

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, May 30: Big Machine, Jexxa & DJ Groove

Saturday, May 31: Groovealicious, Dixon Hall & DJ RobCee

Monday, June 2: DJ Wax, The All Stars Band & DJ Vybe

Thursday, June 4: DJ Groove

FISH TAILS

410-289-0990

22nd St., & Bay

Sunday, June 1: Nate Clendenen

Tuesday, June 3: Bilge Rats

Wednesdays: DJ Wax

Thursday, June 5: Blake Haley

Best Beats On The Beach

FULL CIRCLE

Seacrets: Friday, May 30 & Wednesday, June 4 (Duo) Ocean Pines Yacht Club: Saturday, May 31 Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, June 5

FUZZBOX PIRANHA

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, May 31

May 31

BEACH BANDITS

Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, May 31

Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club: Thursday, June 5

ROGUE CITIZENS

Harborside: Saturday, May 31

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, June 1

Seacrets: Tuesday, June 3

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, May 31: TBA

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, May 31:

Rogue Citizens & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions & DJ Billy T

Wednesday, June 4: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

443-664-6147

98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium

Friday, May 30: Shortcut Sunny

Saturday, May 31:

Schizophrenic Boogiemend

Sunday, June 1: Big Deck Energy Party

Featuring On The Edge

Monday, June 2: First Class

Tuesday, June 3: Lost Figures

Wednesday, June 4:

Joe Mama & The Friends

Thursday, June 5: Beach Bandits

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Friday, May 30: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, May 31: Black Dog Alley

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Madame Dutchess

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, May 30 & 31: Tripwire

Saturday, May 31 (2pm): Fox & Travers

Sunday, June 1 (2pm): Sean Loomis

Wednesdays: Balkan Party w/ DJ Papi

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 30: DJ Connair, Full Circle, DJ Daive, DJ E-State, Radio Stranger, DJ C-Miller & Steal The Sky

Saturday, May 31: DJ Connair, DJ Flight, Dear Zoe, Radio Stranger, DJ Mary Jane & My Hero Zero

Sunday, June 1: DJ Davie, DJ E-State, DJ C-Miller, DJ Mary Jane, Pistol Whipped & No Filter

Monday, June 2: DJ Wax & Blake Haley

Tuesday, June 3: DJ C-Miller & Opposite Directions

Wednesday, June 4: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo & The Way Outs

Thursday, June 5: Carley Twigg, DJ Connair & Go Go Gadjet

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Saturday, May 31: Rukie Dize & Dark Gold Trio

Sunday, June 1: Jason Lee

Thursday, June 5: Joe Esham

MERCURY AGENDA Coins Pub: Saturday, May 31

BLACK DOG ALLEY Pickles Pub: Saturday,

DUST N BONES

Caribbean Pool Bar: Friday, May 30

Harborside: Thursdays

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

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

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

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

■ FISH TALES

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

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

■ HARBOR WATCH

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

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

Celebrating our 41st anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open Thursday through Monday. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

■ THE WEDGE BAR

806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel,

Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

UPTOWN

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

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

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-6646147, jollyjellyfishbeachclub.com

Oceanfront bar with casual island style outdoor dining with awesome ocean views focused on cool beach vibes. Open for lunch and dinner and suitable for the entire family. Diverse menu available for every type of diner and featuring a cocktail menu with six housemade kegged cocktails. Every Sunday all summer features a “big deck energy party.” Entertainment daily, 4-7 p.m. Located in the Plaza Condominium with plenty of free parking.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

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

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

full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

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

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

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

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL 9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com

$$ | Full bar

Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 16 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ OC DINER 12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-390-5112

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Salad bar and dinner are back. Local’s favorite, homemade meals. Breakfast served all day. Kids’ menu. Dine-in and carry-out. Open 7 days a week: Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m

Sweet, spicy pickles for summer

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

While the main components of a meal are important, one should also consider the condiments. Harmony and congruence blend for a whimsical occasion.

Hamburgers and hotdogs are as American as apple pie. The toppings are numerous and pickles and relish are in demand. In fact, pickles are experiencing a huge surge in popularity. According to Pickles Inspire Latest Food Trend, Grub Hub reports a staggering 89% increase in pickle usage in 2023.

The pickle flavor frenzy has become a staple in today’s culinary world. Part of this wave of success is the adventurous palette of contemporary consumers.

The bottom line, pickles are a fullblown sensation in the food industry, and will add a page to gastronomic history.

That being said, homemade pickles can be easy to make. Before we delve into pickle production, a few fun facts about pickles follow.

As soon as cucumbers are picked, they begin a long process of softening. This natural phenomenon is caused

by enzymes present in the cucumber, which gradually break down its structure, making it softer and softer.

The flowers and stems of cucumbers contain enzymes that speed up the softening process. To avoid this, remove the ends of the cucumbers before you start the canning procedure.

During transport and storage, cucumbers can lose some of their moisture. To rehydrate them, soak them in ice water for a couple of hours.

Use canning or pickling salt, not table salt. Pickling salt has no additives. Iodized salt makes the brine cloudy and may change the color and texture of the cucumbers.

Sterilize your empty jars and only use new jar lids for a tight seal.

Label and date your jars and store them in a clean, cool, dark place such as a pantry, cabinet, or basement.

Allow pickles to rest at least three weeks before using them.

Canning is the best way to preserve pickles but not everyone has the equipment or time for this. No worries, homemade pickles can be made very quickly and the following recipe is proof.

Sweet and Spicy Pickles

Ingredients

8 pickling cucumbers, ends removed and sliced

1 ½ medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 red and 1 orange bell pepper, seeded, stems removed, membranes removed, and thinly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill

3 tablespoons mustard seeds

1 rounded teaspoon ground ginger

2/3 teaspoon celery seeds

1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper seeds

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric

1 ¾ cup granulated sugar

1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1. Place sliced cucumbers in a

medium bowl of ice and water. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

2. Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive pan over medium-high heat. When it comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for twenty minutes, occasionally stirring.

3. Remove pan from heat and allow to rest for 2 hours.

4. Divide mixture into large or individual canning jars. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Secret Ingredient – Condiments

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.

Truman Capote

STEPHEN DECATUR GRADUATION PARADE

Decatur High School hosted its annual Boardwalk graduation parade last Thursday ahead of Friday’s anticipated graduation at the football stadium. The graduation parade was delayed one day by inclement weather, and this week the planned graduation was postponed on Wednesday to Friday evening with a reschedule date announced for Saturday morning if weather poses a problem. Pictured are scenes from last week’s parade, a tradition since 2020.

Stephen

PHOTOS COURTESY DONA JUNG

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Randomly bumping into a friend in an unexpected place

Warm peanuts

A night fog

Yard work with music

Cleaning off the beach stuff for summer

Addiction recovery stories

Little kids smiling during sports

Pizza and salad for dinner

An old photo with a date on it

Assateague Road

The morning after a night storm

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With BunK Mann

This postcard view from the 1960s looks west from 33rd Street and the oceanfront toward the bay and mainland. The building in the foreground was the Stardust Motel, which anchored the northern end of “Motel Row.” The Harrison Group’s Hilton Hotel occupies that block today.

The smaller hotels in the middle of the picture were the White Sands (later renamed the Charm Motel and now a parking lot for the Hilton) and the Yankee Clipper, which later renamed the Ocean Voyager. The Yankee Clipper/Ocean Voyager contained the locals bar The Pirate’s Den and was demolished this month. La Quinta Inn is planned for that site.

The area west of Philadelphia Avenue shows the Arnold Palmer Driving Range, the Seafarer Motel and the Beachcomber Lounge. All of that including the vacant land along the bay is now the location of the popular Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard courtesy Bill and Kitt Matthew

SKILLSUSA TEAM RECOGNIZED

Worcester Technical High School’s SkillsUSA participants were recognized by the Worcester County Board of Education last week for excelling in the SkillsUSA Maryland competition earlier this year. Eighty-nine percent of the school’s 79 participants placed in the Maryland competition’s top 10, 73% placed in the top five, and 57% placed in the top three. the local skills group boasted over 20 first-place winners. The team will now travel to Georgia this summer for the national competition. The team is seeking donations to cover the nearly $100,000 cost of attending the national championship. To donate, call the tech school at 410-632-5050 or email wths@worcesterk12.org for a donation link page.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, this week your dreams might be a tool for gaining insight on what you want to accomplish. Although dreams can’t predict the future, they may reveal some of your subconscious desires.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Follow your instincts this week, Taurus, even if you’re more prone to reason than whimsy. Let the chips fall where they may and go with the flow.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

This week can be all about feeding your mind, Gemini. Walk around a bookstore and pick up the first book that catches your eye, regardless of its subject matter.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Something may be worrying you lately, Cancer, but you can’t exactly put your finger on it. Talk about your feelings with others as another person may have a different perspective.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, seize an opportunity to pursue the things that you want most of all. Use this week to map out a plan and then get started on all of the steps before you reach your goal.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Check out ways that you can advance your career or education this week. The energy around you is favoring growth, so now is the time to take advantage and learn a new skill.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Others trust your opinions because your intuition tends to be spot on, Libra. When a friend comes to you this week asking for some advice, you will not hesitate.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Use your creativity to make things happen this week, Scorpio. This may not produce a finished product, but it could be about an innovative way to approach a task or problem.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Figure out some new ways to expand your horizons this week, Sagittarius. Identify means to personal growth, including educational opportunities.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, it is important to step out of your routine every so often to increase your knowledge and expand your horizons. This is one of those weeks to do so.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Are you satisfied with your career, Aquarius? If you have been mulling a career change, this could be the week to start moving your chess pieces around.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, don’t worry too much about the changes that lie ahead this week. You have a more adaptable nature than you might realize. As changes come your way, embrace them.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

The Flower Street community came together on Monday to celebrate an Old-Fashioned Memorial Day Parade, which began at Stephen Decatur Middle School and ended at Henry Park. Floats, bands and marching units competed for prizes as they passed by the judges’ stand in front of Duncan-Showell Post 231 of the American Legion. Music, food and craft vendors were set up along the parade route.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Calendar

Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., May 30

OCEAN CITY JEEP WEEK

Ocean City Inlet Beach, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Jeep parade daily, Jeep obstacle course on the beach, beach parking and automotive vendors at the Inlet Parking Lot. Free admission for spectators. Event schedule: https://ocmdjeepweek.com. 443-614-0141

3RD ANNUAL BATTLE FOR THE BUCKLE TOURNAMENT

Sunset Marina, 12933 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, 4-8 p.m. Ocean City’s first and only exclusive Saltwater Cowboy fishing tournament. Weigh-ins held from 4-8 p.m. Benefiting Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation. https://battleforthebuckle.com

OC MAHJONG CLUB

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

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY CELEBRATION

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 12-3 p.m. Celebrate survivors, inspire those recently diagnosed and provide support to families. Raffle prizes and lunch provided. RSVP: 410629-6888.

SURVIVIAL SPANISH: PRESENT TENSE PART 2

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Learn how to say some basic phrases in Spanish. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

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

Sat., May 31

OCEAN CITY JEEP WEEK

Ocean City Inlet Beach, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Jeep parade daily, Jeep obstacle course on the beach, beach parking and automotive vendors at the Inlet Parking Lot. Free admission for spectators. Event

schedule: https://ocmdjeepweek.com. 443-614-0141

3RD ANNUAL BATTLE FOR THE BUCKLE TOURNAMENT

Sunset Marina, 12933 Sunset Ave., Ocean City. Weigh-ins held from 4-7 p.m. Awards begin at 8 p.m. followed boy the Cowboy After Party. Benefiting Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation. https://battleforthebuckle.com

ALL-YOUR-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleyville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, Whaleyville, 7-10 a.m. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

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

BAY COLONY COMMUNITY YARD SALE

13 Duck Cove Circle, Ocean Pines, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Bay Colony Community Yard Sale.

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

Sun., June 1

OCEAN CITY JEEP WEEK

Ocean City Inlet Beach, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jeep parade daily, Jeep obstacle course on the beach, beach parking and automotive vendors at the Inlet Parking Lot. Free admission for spectators. Event schedule: https://ocmdjeepweek.com. 443-614-0141

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, May through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market featuring more than 50 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat and more. Also featuring a petting farm (9-11 a.m.), free kids art station and live music. The-

BerlinFarmersMarket.com

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., June 2

‘SUN AND SAND: 100 YEARS OF BATHING SUITS’ EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Showcasing a hundred years of bathing suits. Get an upclose look at both men and women’s swimwear from the late 1800s to the 1990s. Exhibit included with paid admission. www.ocmuseum.org, 410-2894991

STORY TIME: COLOR OUR WORLD

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

ESL CONVERSATION CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Come join other non-native English speakers for casual conversational practice and a short lesson prepared by an ESL instructor. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Safe place for families, partners and caregivers who share similar challenges and rewards of providing care for adults who have any type of serious illness.

Nicole.Fry@TidalHealth.org, 410-6412626

WARHAMMER

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Use the library’s armies or bring your own. Tutorials and demos will be available, so novice and veteran players alike are welcome. For ages 12-18 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIBER CRAFT MEET-UP

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4 p.m. Bring your work in progress for community and shared knowledge. Held in the meeting room or in the garden, weather permitting. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

POP ART DONUTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Celebrate National Donut Day. Join in for donuts and creative Andy Warholstyle art using donuts. For ages 6-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., June 3

BABY TIME

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

STORY TIME

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

STORY TIME: COLOR OUR WORLD

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring any

questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CODE SONGS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Code and spiritual songs were used as means of communication by those traveling the Underground Railroad. Join in for a live performance of some of the songs that led to freedom. 410-641-0650

TEEN PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB: COMPOSITION

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4 p.m. Bring your phone, tablet or any type of camera for a photography lesson on composition. A camera will be available to borrow for those without one. For teens ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818

SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. State mandated Recreational Safe Boating Course, June 3-5. The third night will be used to take the test online at your residence. Cost is $20. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan

of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., June 4

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Moana.” Free event. Bring blankets, chairs, snack, drinks and warm clothing. Weather permitting. www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the first and second Wednesday of each month. For non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CARD GAMES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for some fun card games including Blitz, Cheat, Texas Hold ‘Em, Palace, Gin Rummy and more. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Bring your gently uses puzzles to swap for a new-to-you puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. Puzzles must be in their original boxes. All ages welcome. 410-641-0650

CRAFT WITH PRIDE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3 p.m. Stop by any Wednesday in June to show your support by making a flag, button or sticker. All ages welcome. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. The group provides discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Patti Yocubik, 410-208-9761, Patti.Yocubik@TidalHealth.org

CLAY-A-PALOOZA

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. Celebrate the art of clay all month long in June at the Art League of Ocean City during Clay-a-palooza, a vibrant series of events showcasing pottery and ceramic arts.

www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-5249433

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., June 5

CPAP MASK FITTING

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

STORY TIME: BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY RAVE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Baby is ready to rave with this baby, toddler and preschool friendly neon party. Bring your tiny dancers. Lighting, decor and music provided. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess

every Thursday at the library. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CONCERT ON THE PATIO: JEREMIAH COYNE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Jeremiah Coyne writes and performs songs that are both personal and inspirational. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

CLAY-A-PALOOZA

Celebrate the art of clay, June 4 through July 6, at the Art League of Ocean City during Clay-a-palooza, a vibrant series of events showcasing pottery and ceramic arts. www.artleagueofoceancity.org

Crossword answers from page 48

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care. We want to help you keep that bright and beautiful smile every season!

ATLANTIC

DENTAL COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

PREVENTIVE CARE • INVISALIGN PERIODONTAL TREATMENT • FULL MOUTH RESTORATIONS • IMPLANT RESTORATIONS SMILE ENHANCEMENTS

EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR OUR CURRENT PATIENTS

52 OC Today-Dispatch

ADMIN ASSISTANT needed for WOC company with excellent organization, written, verbal, and marketing experience a plus. Full or part-time position considered. Send resume to: assistant@ harborhomesmd.com

MARKETPLACE

Small seasonal boutique

Oceanfront Hotel in Ocean City has the following jobs available:

• DESK CLERKS (3-11pm) Reservation computer program experience needed.

• LAUNDRY Apply online at info@ocbreakers.com or call 410-289-9165

Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

CLEANERS WANTED

Vacation rental cleaners needed for OC and The Pines. Exp. preferred, but not required. OC PURIFIERS. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email Karen@ocpurifiers.com

PARTS STORE ASSOCIATE

Carquest Auto Parts & Marine, now has an opening for a PARTS ASSOCIATE at our location in Ocean Pines. We will train the right person. Must be reliable and have great customer service experience. Call: 302-344-9769

POOL ATTENDANTS

SECURITY

Seasonal Positions

Apply in person or call Pyramid Condo 9500 Coastal Hwy., OC 410-524-4479

AMERICAN LEGION

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

THUNDERBIRD

• NIGHT AUDITOR (Midnight-8am) Roommaster exp. pref. Apply in person 32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Mon-.Fri., 9am-3pm

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Storefront Travel Agency Administrative Assistant with excellent organizational, computer, people, creative skills, and the ability to learn a variety of systems. Must be knowledgeable in creating spreadsheets & flyers. Position is Monday thru Friday with some weekends. Send resume to: info@travelwithoasis.com. No phone calls.

SPEEDWORLD

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

RENTALS

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

SUMMER BAYSIDE CONDO near Jolly Rogers. 2BR, 2BA, W/D, A/C, Wi-Fi, fully furnished. Sleeps 4-6. 2 units available. May-Sept. Call Mike at 410-603-6120.

www.mbjcproperties.com

WATERFRONT BAYSIDE

Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA Condo in North OC. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony for sunsets. Perfect for crabbing, fishing, kayaking. 10 min. walk to beach. Weekly summer rentals & long term seasonal Nov.-May. Contact Julie, 443-223-4623 House for Rent Year-Round Rental 3BR, 2BA House for Rent in downtown Berlin, MD. House is newly renovated with all new appliances, bathroom fixtures, HVAC, full-sized W/D and quartz countertops. Rent is $2800/month plus utilities. Contact Jessica @ 410-641-3333 for more information.

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Sunset Island TH Move-in ready. Many upgrades. Original owner. $961,000 Karen 240-780-6554 Bart 703-915-1530

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

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

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

MARYLAND

MISC. FOR SALE

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

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870

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

SERVICES

SERVICES LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

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

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

MISC./OTHER

As they rush past me, These days and nights, stepping stones, Just one at a time.

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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

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

SERVICES

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

www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

www.baysideoc.com ~ www.octodaydispatch.com

COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 300 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410-723-6000

MORTGAGE

ASSIGNEE’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

1547 COLONA ROAD

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

Tax ID# 01-012800

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Purchase Money Mortgage from Angela C. Revels, Trustee of the Ra’saan C. Revels Supplemental Needs Trust dated October 6, 2004 and Angela C. Revels, dated August 7, 2008 and recorded among the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. SVH 5140, folio 047, et seq., with an original principal balance of $220,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, W. Hank Fisher III, Esq., the undersigned Mortgage Assignee, will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder at the courthouse steps of the WORCESTER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, at the Courthouse Door, 1 W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

JUNE 12, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.

All that real property, together with any buildings or improvements thereon, located in Worcester County, Maryland, and more fully described in the aforesaid Purchase Money Mortgage.

The property will be sold in “AS IS” condition; subject to all covenants, conditions, liens, easements, rights of way, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, as well as governmental ordinances, rules and regulations and subject further to any matters which would be revealed by an accurate survey of the property. Neither the Mortgage Assignee nor his respective agents, successors or assigns make any representations or warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to the property, including without limitation, description, use, physical conditions or to the environmental conditions of the subject property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the above referenced property after the date of sale. Neither the Mortgage Assignee nor the auctioneer shall accept any responsibility for any municipal, state, or federal environmental violations.

TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of TEN THOUSAND Dollars ($10,000.00) cashier’s or certified check or any other method acceptable to the Mortgage Assignee shall be required at the time of sale, with balance payable within THIRTY (30) days after final ratification of the sale, the deferred payment to bear interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum from the day of sale. In the event the secured party is the successful bidder, the $10,000.00 deposit shall not be required. Adjustment of current year real property

taxes and other public and/or private charges or assessments, including water/sewer charges, will be made as of the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, including water/sewer charges, incurred after the sale, and all other costs incidental to settlement to paid by the purchaser. All title papers, recordation taxes, transfer taxes, and recording costs to be at the expense of the purchaser. Possession will be given upon full payment of the purchase price, or final ratification of sale by the Court, whichever shall last occur. Time is of the essence for the purchaser, and in the event the purchaser defaults in payment, then the property shall be resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser. If the sale is not ratified or the Mortgage Assignee is unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the applicable deposit to the purchaser. Upon refund of the deposit, this sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Mortgage Assignee. Case. No. C-23-CV-25-000034

W. HANK FISHER III, Mortgage Assignee OCD-5/22/3t

ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.

128 East Main Street Salisbury, Maryland 2l801

SECURED PARTY’S SALE OF MOBILE HOME

1996 Cedr Mobile Home Trailer

The Farmers Bank of Willards (“Secured Party”) will offer for sale at public auction a 1996 Cedr Mobile Home Trailer registered in the name of Brian Douglas Gifford located at Lot 18 Four Seasons Park, 12024 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, together with 115 shares of stock in Four Seasons Park, Inc., with proprietary lease appurtenant to stock ownership. [Note: Park rules prohibit the lease of any lot to a person who does not own stock in the corporation.] The auction will be held at the aforesaid location of the mobile home on

TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025 AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.

TERMS OF SALE. The property will be sold to the highest bidder, who will be required to tender on account of the purchase price at the time and place of sale cash, certified funds, or check acceptable to the undersigned, in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), with the balance of the purchase price to be paid on or before June 20, 2025. Buyer shall be entitled to possession upon payment of the purchase price in full, time being of the essence. Real Estate taxes for the current fiscal year re Lot 18 will be pro-rated to the date of closing.

Secured Party makes no representations or warranties, express or

implied, with respect to the mobile home. The successful bidder(s) will take the mobile home in its AS IS and WHERE IS, with all faults and defects, if any.

Take notice, the mobile home is situated within the Four Seasons Park and is therefore subject to the park’s rules. The successful bidder(s) may or may not be approved as tenants of the mobile home park. If the mobile home is to be placed in a mobile home park, the park may have rules and lease provisions that affect you and the mobile home. You should contact the park office to obtain and carefully review a copy of the lease and rules for the park before you enter into a contract to purchase a mobile home. Due to land restrictions in some areas in the State, a mobile home may be placed only on property that is within a mobile home park.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact Mary W. Dryden, AVP Special Assets for The Farmers Bank of Willards, at 410835-8906. For information regarding the lease and park rules, contact Charles Aldinger at 717-683-8807. Pete Richardson Auction Sales, Inc. 410-546-2425 OCD-5/15/3t

Webb, Wilber, Mathers, Illuminati & Lukas, LLP 115 Broad Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 742-3176

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

154 Channel Buoy Road, Ocean City, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Mortgage from DE MD, LLC dated September 9, 2022 and recorded in Liber 8467, Folio 370 et. seq., among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustee will sell at public auction at Circuit Court for Worcester County, Courthouse Door, Snow Hill, MD, on

Tuesday, June, 3 2025 at 11:00 a.m. o’clock

ALL that lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Tax Election District, Lot No. 39 in Section KK on the Plat of Caine Keys II, together with any buildings or improvements thereon and more fully described as ITEM ONE in the aforesaid Purchase Money Mortgage Deed of Trust, carrying Tax ID No. 10-107466.

The Property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, agreements, easements, covenants and rights of way of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

TERMS OF SALE. A bidder’s deposit of 10% of the sale price will be required at the time of sale in the form of cash, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustee de-

termines acceptable. No deposit shall be required of the noteholder where the noteholder bids in the property at auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, time being of the essence for the purchaser. In the event that settlement does not occur within the said ten days, the purchaser shall be in default. Upon such default the Trustee may file a Motion and Order to Resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, and purchaser(s) hereby consent to entry of such resale order without further notice, in which case the deposit shall be forfeited and all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustee may then readvertise and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser; or, without reselling the property, the Trustees may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser. Interest to be paid on the purchase money less the stated deposit called for herein, at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustee. There shall be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason, including but not limited to exceptions to sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, Court administration of the foreclosure or unknown title defects. All taxes, ground rent, water rent, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges/ assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if applicable, are to be adjusted to the date of auction and thereafter are to be assumed by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, agricultural transfer tax, if any and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of damage to the property from the date of auction forward. If the Substitute Trustee does not convey title for any reason, including but not limited to the Secured Party executing a forbearance agreement with the borrower(s) to execute their right to reinstate or payoff the subject loan, prior to sale, with or without the Substitute Trustee’s prior knowledge, or if the sale is not ratified for any reason including errors made by the Substitute Trustee, the foreclosure sale shall be null and void and of no effect, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy in law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. Further terms and particulars may be announced at time of

sale, and purchaser may be required to execute a Memorandum of Sale at the time of auction.

Erica Witz, Substitute Trustee

Willie Benton, Auctioneer Eastern Shore Auctions, Inc. 443-235-5717

OCD-5/15/3t

MAUREEN F.L. HOWARTH

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

NOTICE OF TAX SALE

OF PROPERTY IN THE TENTH ELECTION DISTRICT, SUBDISTRICTS 101-109, WORCESTER COUNTY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments under levies of the tax years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 & 2024/2025 on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid; and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon, Attorney and Advertising Fees of $258, and the costs of attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as the City Manager and Collector of municipal taxes in the Tenth Election District, Worcester County, Ocean City, Maryland as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland (Tax-Property Article Section 14-808 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland), the undersigned City Manager and Collector of Taxes, will sell at public auction, at City Hall, 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025 AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.

the below described properties: Item 3 10-258383 and 15457540150: Described as Trader’s Cove Condominium, Unit 3, Section B, 303 Seabay Lane, Assessed to Barrett Christian Grieb & Cassie Marie Chance, Assessed Value $393,100, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $2,124.72.

Item 4 10-297869 and 11244947066: Described as Hialeah Park Condominium, Unit 4, 502 142nd Street, Assessed to Krawczyk, LLC, Assessed Value $128,767, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $926.73.

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TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000026 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, 16 64th Street, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a

Condominium Master Deed and ByLaws, as amended, dated September 12, 2001, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 3122, Folio 573, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 171, Folio 28, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book: 8417, Page 180, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.

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JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ

AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20659 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONNA LOEWE RIPPLE

Notice is given that Joseph Roland Ripple, 4042 Jones Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2410, was on May 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donna Loewe Ripple who died on February 28, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of November, 2025.

Any person having a claim

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

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

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

Joseph Roland Ripple

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 15, 2025

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Tax Certificate Consultants, Inc. c/o James F. Truitt, Jr. 20 East Timonium Road, Suite 100 Timonium, Maryland 21093

Plaintiff v.

The Testate and Intestate Successors of Helen C. Mills

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture 4108 MARKET ST. and Worcester County, Maryland (for Maryland Annotated Code 141836(b )( 1 )(v) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 4108 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, 2nd (Second) Election District, described as follows: all that lot of land and imps. PARCEL NUMBER: 02011425 PROPERTY

DESCRIPTION: 100' X 286.05' X 85.84' X 258 SE SIDE R-394 S OF SNOW HILL IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY

Case Number: C-23-CV-25-000123

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 4108 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff In this pro-

ceeding: all that lot of land and imps. PARCEL NUMBER: 02011425 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: 100' X 286.05' X 85.84' X 258 SE SIDE R-394 S OF SNOW HILL

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It Is thereupon this 6th of May, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of July, 2025, and redeem the property 4108 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff’s title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-5/15/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO

CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JEFFREY C. CLAYPOOL AKA: JEFFERY C. CLAYPOOL Estate No. 20652 Notice is given that SAVANNAH MARIE CLAYPOOL whose address is 36411 DAVIS ST., WILLARDS, MD 21874-1106 was on MAY 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEFFREY C. CLAYPOOL who died on MARCH 23, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of NOVEMBER, 2025

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of

Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS BRITTON GOFF

AKA: THOMAS BRITTON GOFF

SR Estate No. 19835 Notice is given that TERESA GOFF whose address is 415 S CHURCH ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1208 was on MAY 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS BRITTON GOFF who died on AUGUST 20, 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 7th day of NOVEMBER, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/15/3t

JOSEPH E. MOORE ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PAULA H LYNCH Estate No. 20663 Notice is given that JENNIFER A LYNCH whose address is 100 ANN DR BERLIN, MD 218111008 was on MAY 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAULA H LYNCH who died on APRIL 25, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of NOVEMBER, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ. SHAFFER LAW OFFICE, LLC 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20668 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LOUISE M. STRANG

AKA: LOUISE MARIE STRANG

Notice is given that Joan M. Strang, 303 Piedmont Ct., Berlin, MD 21811-1691 was on May 16, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louise M. Strang who died on March 29, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of November, 2025.

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

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

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

claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Joan M. Strang

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 22, 2025

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING CARES ACT ADDITIONAL FUNDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

The County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland will conduct a Public Hearing to obtain the views of citizens on activities to be submitted to the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program for funds awarded through the federal CARES Act. The County was a recipient of previous funds and has the opportunity to apply for additional funds to be used for homeless and food programs and facilities. The hearing will be held on:

TUESDAY, June 3, 2025 AT 10:30 A.M. IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM ROOM 1101 – GOVERNMENT CENTER ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with 3 business days advance notice to Candace Savage, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at 410-632-1194.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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

IN THE ESTATE OF:

DOROTHY MARIE SHOCKLEY ESTATE NO. 20537

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Ernest C. Shockley, 28551 Crystal Lane, Milton, DE 19968-9681 for judicial pro-

bate of the will dated January 22, 2019 and for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on June 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

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

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

Phone: (410) 632-1529

Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Publication Date: May 22, 2025

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NOTICE

OF

PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing. The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live

6:30 p.m. Case No. 25-36, on the lands of Anthony and Janice Casazza, requesting a variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 22.39 feet (to encroach 7.61 feet) for a proposed deck with steps in the R2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 7 Links Lane, Tax Map 16, Parcel 105, Section 12, Lot 56, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 25-38, on the lands of Theresa Williams, on the application of Spencer Ayres Cropper, requesting a variance to the side lot line setback from 6 feet to 2.8 feet (to encroach 3.2 feet) for a proposed piling in the R-3 Multi-family Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(3), ZS 1207(d)(6), and ZS 1-335, and Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2-102(e)(2), located at 32 Seabreeze Lane, Tax Map 16, Parcel 38, Section 1, Lot 308, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 25-37, on the lands of Donald and Caren Crouthamel, on the application of Brian P. Cosby, requesting two variances to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 21.95 feet (to encroach 8.05 feet) and from 30 feet to 22.50 feet (to encroach 7.50 feet) for two proposed decks with steps in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2), 1-122(c)(1)

and ZS 1-305, located at 12624 Balte Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 8, Section A, Block 1, Lot 12, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 25-35, on the lands of Hofman Group Inc., requesting two (2) special exceptions for an agritourism facility and the accessory use of a principal agricultural structure or use of land for the commercial hosting of non-agricultural functions and events in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(9), ZS 1-201(c)(32) and ZS 1305, located at 10959 Worcester Highway, Tax Map 20, Parcel 344, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

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NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20664

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the court of PALM BEACH, FLORIDA appointed (1) MICHAEL SANDS whose address is 124 QUINCE MEADOW AVE., GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878-2386 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of EDWARD SANDS who died on APRIL 22, 2024 domiciled in FLORIDA, USA

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is N/A. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER

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

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

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

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

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20649

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THOMAS K. HOWARTH

Notice is given that Marsha R. Howarth, 605 S. Pacific Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842-5143, was on May 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thomas K. Howarth who died on April 26, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be ob-

tained 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 15th day of November, 2025.

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

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

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

Marsha R. Howarth

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 22, 2025

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THE TOWN OF WILLARDS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS

PUBLIC

NOTICE

NOTICE OF THE TOWN OF WILLARDS RUNOFF ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE ELECTORS OF THE TOWN OF WILLARDS, WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND, THAT THE TOWN RUNOFF ELECTION FOR THE TOWN OF WILLARDS SHALL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING ONE (1) TOWN COMMISSIONER FOR FOUR (4) YEAR TERMS. THE PLACE OF VOTING SHALL BE THE TOWN OF WILLARDS TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM, LOCATED AT 7344 MAIN STREET, WILLARDS, MARYLAND. THE POLLS SHALL BE OPEN FOR PURPOSES OF VOTING FROM 7:00 A.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M. ON ELECTION DAY. RUNOFF ELECTION: The Town of Willards held a regular election for three (3) Town Commissioner positions on May 13, 2025. During the regular election there was a tie between two candidates for the third Town Commissioner position. As such, The Town of Willards will hold a runoff election.

REGISTRATION TO VOTE: All

residents of The Town of Willards who are not registered voters of The Town of Willards and who qualify may register to vote with the Board of Elections for Wicomico County, 345 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, Maryland, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Anyone not able to go into the office may obtain a registration form by calling (410) 548-4830.

UNCONTESTED ELECTION:

If, prior to the runoff election, there remains only one candidate, then no run-off election shall be held on June 10, 2025 as provided for in Section 207 of Article II of the Charter and assume the office of commissioner thereafter.

THE TOWN OF WILLARDS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS

Sandra Simpson, Chairman OCD-5/22/3t

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, June 12, 2025 2:00 PM

PW 25-035 A request has been submitted to construct a new 5’ x 50’ pier and install one boatlift with associated pilings, maximum channelward extension 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 257 S OCEAN DR Parcel # 8020A-1593B-in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Bryan and Carolyn Biggins

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

PW 25-038 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with four associated pilings maximum channelward extension of 19’6” not to exceed past existing slip. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 608 OSPREY RD UNIT 2 Parcel # 5249 -2 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Stuart Schmidt

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

PW 25-039 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift on existing pilings not to exceed 36’6” channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 194 BEACHCOMBER LN Parcel # 8020A-1402B-in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Daniel Hudak

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

PW 25-040 A request has been submitted to replace an existing pier

with a new 6’ x 26’ pier and an 8’ x 25’ platform, maximum channelward extension of 29’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 111 58TH ST Parcel # 6729 -13 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Sunset Landing

Condominium

APPLICANT: Lane Engineering, LLC c/o Sarah Freund

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COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20669

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s court of Rockland County, New York appointed (1) Lisa Cavallo, 29 Rockford Dr., West Nyack, NY 10994-1126 as the Executor of the Estate of Barbara Damiani who died on December 22, 2022 domiciled in New York, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Raymond D. Coates, 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

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

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

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

(1) Lisa Cavallo Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: May 22, 2025

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SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20670 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BARBARA A. ROHLOFF

Notice is given that Dena A. Holloway, 4520 Red House Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863-3460, was on May

19, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Barbara A. Rohloff who died on May 10, 2025, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 29, 2025

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NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20661

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Marion County Commission court of Marion County, West Virginia appointed (1) Jennifer Lynn Pudder, 211 Thompson Dairy Rd., Farmington, WV 26571-7527 as the Executrix of the Estate of Emma Knight who died on September 25, 2024 domiciled in West Virginia, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) John David Kitzig, 10729 Saint Martins Neck Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1555

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

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

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

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

(1) Jennifer Lynn Pudder Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: May 29, 2025

OCD-5/29/3t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 16721 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BETTY J. CZEBOTAR

Notice is given that Deborah J. Frost, 3912 Bayside Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863, was on October 31, 2016 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Betty J. Czebotar who died on October 12, 2016, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Deborah J. Frost Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 22, 2025

OCD-5/29/1t

TOWN OF BERLIN

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # 2025-05

Stephen Decatur Park Comfort Station Project

Due Date: Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM EST

The Town of Berlin is seeking Proposals for the furnishing and installation of a block ± 225 SF comfort station building consisting of two restrooms, a maintenance room, and associated site work. Scope of work shall include plumbing, mechanical, electric, HVAC, doors, windows, sidewalk, asphalt parking lot transition, and all other work as described in the plans and specifications entitled Stephen Decatur Park Comfort Station, prepared by Davis, Bowen, & Friedel Inc, dated March 2025. This project is partially funded by Land and Water Conservation Fund and is subject to Davis-Bacon Wage Rates and Build America, Buy America requirements, including American Iron & Steel (AIS) requirements. There is a mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 12th, 2025, at 11:00 AM, EST.

Qualified contractors are encouraged to visit the Town of Berlin website at berlinmd.gov/government/requestfor-proposals/ or contact Director of Public Works Jimmy Charles at 410641-4001/jcharles@berlinmd.gov for the official RFP. EEO OCD-5/29/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20667

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT A. DITTLER

AKA: ROBERT ALAN DITTLER

Notice is given that Barbara Lally-Dittler, P.O. Box 4595, 4 140th Street, Unit 4, Ocean City, MD 21843-4595, was on May 15, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Robert A. Dittler who died on April 29, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of pub-

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

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 22, 2025

OCD-5/29/1t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, June 12, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Section 30-554(d)(3) to request an after-the-fact Critical Area variance to retain 77 square feet of existing unpermitted impervious deck constructed within the 15-foot Buffer Management Area (BMA). The property is described as Lot 10, Block 9, of the Caine Woods Section 5 Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of 141st Street and is locally known as 720 141st Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: TRACI E.

HOLLANDER (BZA 2717 #2509500001)

AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 110-94(3)(a), 110-94(3)(b), 110-94(3)(c), and 110-94(2)(b) to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 3.3 feet from the front property line; (2) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 3 feet from the rear property line; (3) a special yard exception for a proposed new dwelling to be 0.0 feet from the side lot line; and (4) a special parking exception to waive 1 out of 2 required off-street parking spaces. The property is described as Lot 146 of the Sundowner Mobile Home Park Plat. It is locally known as 120 Denny Lane in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOHN STANTON (BZA 2719 #25-09400005)

AT 6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Section 110-94(2)(b) to request a special parking exception to waive 2 off street-parking spaces for 2 existing storage sheds to remain in required parking. The property is described as Tax Map 118, Grid 23, Parcel 8273A and as the Ocean Time Condo Plat. It is further described as being located on the side of 136th Street, and is locally known as the Ocean Time Condominium at 13 136th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: FRED WETZELBERGER (BZA 2720 #2509400006)

AT 6:30 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Section 110-95(1)(a) to request a variance of 6 feet from the required 20-foot front yard setback requirement for a proposed enclosed porch to be 14 feet from the front property line. The property is described as Lot 15, Block 17, of Section 1D, of the Caine Woods Plat. It is further described as being located on the east side of Sailing Road and is locally known as 13804 Sailing Road, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: VANCE AND AMY ROW (BZA 2721 #25-09500002)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman

Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-5/29/2t

Mental health ctr. opens

Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral Health, has introduced the organization’s new Outpatient Mental Health Center in Salisbury. The new facility expands access to essential services, offering comprehensive therapy, medication management and personalized support to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

“The launch of our new Outpatient Center is the result of years of strategic planning and dedicated effort to address a critical and growing need in our community,” said Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Health. “This is a nat-

ural next step to complete our continuum of care — supporting individuals who no longer need inpatient treatment but still require guidance to maintain lasting recovery and independence.”

Hudson Behavioral Health provides a full spectrum of care, including detoxification and both high- and medium- intensity residential treatment at its inpatient campus in Salisbury, Maryland.

The organization also operates six low-intensity recovery houses in Maryland and two sober living homes in Georgetown, Delaware.

At the helm of the new Outpatient

Center is Erin Risser, PMHNP, who serves as the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for the organization. Erin holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and previously worked as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at TidalHealth.

“Erin brings a wealth of experience in behavioral health and a deep commitment to patient care,” said Susan Forrest, Director of Clinical Operations. “Her compassionate approach will be instrumental in helping patients feel supported and comfortable as they continue their mental health journey at our new facility.”

Legislation impacts housing supply concern

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(May 30, 2025) In 2025, the 447th Maryland General Assembly session convened on Jan. 8 and adjourned on April 7. Maryland REALTORS® issues a recap of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry. Below is the summary of the Housing Supply and Affordability related legislation that passed, as well as a sampling that did not pass.

R® SB 891/HB 1466 Land Use

and Real PropertyAccessory Dwelling Units PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025

Local governments will be required to enact ordinances allowing for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units on single-family detached residential properties by October 2026.

R® SB 46 Wrongful DetainerTime of Hearing and Service of

AL TERN MODEL on QUIET

CUL-DE-SA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm

gutter guards nance living, recently can enjoy the new flowering rear after the seller removed t. Driveway resealed in '24. hed.

Process PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025

This bill creates an expedited wrongful detainer process to assist with fraudulent possession of residential properties by squatters. Court hearings to return possession of properties to the owner must occur in no more than 10 days following the filing of the complaint.

HB 249/SB 125 Local Limits on Summoning Law Enforcement or Emergency Services PASSED –Effective July 1, 2025

Local jurisdictions are currently prohibited from enacting laws limiting calls to emergency services. This bill clarifies that they are also prohibited from enforcing such ordinances that were previously passed.

HB 489/SB 436 Study on Single-Staircase Building Code Requirements PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025

The Maryland Department of Labor to study building code requirements for single-staircase buildings and make other recommendations to increase affordable housing options.

HB 1193 Maryland Housing Data Transparency Act PASSED – Effective July 1, 2025

This bill requires counties with at

May 29 - June 5

least 150,000 residents to make quarterly reports to the Department of Planning outlining the number and type of residential building permits issued by that county, beginning on January 1, 2027. Smaller jurisdictions may submit this same information.

R® HB 503/SB 430 Housing Development Act DID NOT PASS Introduced as the Housing for Jobs Act, this bill would have provided additional regulatory certainty for housing developers and calculated the housing gaps which exist in each locality.

HB 38 School Construction and Housing - Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances DID NOT PASS

Local governments could not delay housing developments for more than four years under Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances for school capacity.

HB 80/SB 190 Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development DID NOT PASS

Approved transit-oriented developments would be exempted from certain local requirements, including parking, height restrictions or setbacks, and must allow mixed use development — Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 73 Richar

Saturrdday 1:30-3:30pm

Saturrdday 2-4pm 12505 City

Saturrdday 2-4pm 199 Pines Saturrdday 2-5pm 73 Richar

& Sun 11am-4pm

10am-Noon

Sites considered for OP cell tower

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 29, 2025) The possibility of a cell phone tower in Ocean Pines inches closer as a contractor scopes out potential sites for the build to alleviate abysmal and unsafe reception.

At a May 24 Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting, Tim Robinson, the neighborhood’s police chief, said his team is working with Milestone Towers to consider possible sites for a structure to address poor cell phone reception in the community. Based in Reston, Virginia, the company has built similar towers at three Wicomico County high schools.

“The point we’re at right now is we are looking at locations here that are Ocean Pines property,” Robinson said. “[Milestone Towers] is studying these locations. I am waiting for the official proposal that this is where we want to build, on this piece of property.”

The chief assured that the process would be transparent. He added that when a location is selected as the most viable, representatives from Milestone Towers will likely attend a public board meeting to answer any questions community members may have.

The cell phone tower project has been a hot topic among community

members. Robinson first brought up the initiative in September 2024, when he said at a board of directors meeting that cell phone reception is poor in the wooded neighborhood, particularly during congested holiday weekends. This issue is especially alarming if someone has to dial 911 in an emergency and is unable to reach a dispatcher. As such, the chief has spent the last several months investigating the possibility of constructing a tower to remedy the safety hazard.

Robinson indicated how the cell phone tower arrangement with a contractor would work in November. If a contract is signed, the chief said at the time, Milestone Towers would put up the structure at their expense, ensuring all required permits are secured.

“If it is all good, once we sign the contract, [Milestone Towers] will pay a one-time fee prior to building the tower, plus it will be a monthly 40% revenue share for Ocean Pines,” Robinson said last year.

The chief also maintained that, based on the company’s work with Wicomico County, the structure’s aesthetic appearance could be disguised, meaning it may not resemble a cell phone tower, and instead uphold the community’s natural look.

“I have stressed to [Milestone

Towers] that whatever we do, it stays in line with making sure Ocean Pines stays as beautiful as possible,” Robinson said.

The project has been met with some pushback from OPA residents. During public comments at a January board meeting, citizen Dave Tanner criticized the potential cell tower, calling the move unnecessary as the community is surrounded by coverage just outside its boundaries, including a tower near the Ocean Pines North Gate.

Tanner argued that reception issues are the responsibility of the consumer. Switching carriers, he said, is how customers should address dissatisfaction with service, rather than a community cell tower. The resident added that the structure would degrade property values.

Following Tanner’s remarks, the board intervened, stating that there was no concrete plan to build a tower. Robinson later said, in response to a clarification inquiry, that OPA was still in the discussion stage of what was possible for the community.

At the May 24 meeting, the police chief stated the community is working with Milestone Towers on the initiative and is in the preliminary phase of studying potential properties. Robinson’s team will provide updates to residents as they come.

County to lose sway on solar farm initiatives

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) A new law taking effect this summer lets the state seize authority over smaller solar projects from county governments and will impose more stringent aesthetic standards.

Signed into law last week by Gov. Wes Moore, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act (SB 931) sets new zoning standards for community solar projects that are more restrictive than what Worcester County has at the moment, according to Jennifer Keener, who runs the county’s office of Development Review and Permitting.

“For any utility-scale solar project, Worcester County doesn’t have landscaping, setback, fencing requirements – this bill gives us that control,” she told the County Commissioners on May 20.

New aesthetic standards for solar farms also now include buffering and separation distances, lighting, and height restrictions, Keener noted in a May 12 internal memo to county officials.

These standards apply to all Maryland jurisdictions, and any solar farm submitted for project approval in Worcester County after July 1 would be subject to the new restrictions. What’s also changing is the level of control the state has. For now, any

solar project over 2 MW – a utilityscale level of electricity generation that can power up to 1,000 homes –can be preempted by the state’s Public Service Commission, or PSC.

Projects this size require a state approval called a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which means a big solar project meets the state’s safety, environmental, and economic considerations.

However, the new law, which takes effect July 1, lowers the threshold by which the state can step in from 2 MW to 1 MW. Now, solar projects generating a minimum of 1 MW of electricity that also comply with the new siting standards cannot be denied by a local jurisdiction like Worcester County.

What counties can do instead is approve less stringent provisions through zoning for individual projects. Then, changes are forwarded to the PSC for approval. The state can’t override a county’s modification.

This doesn’t apply to energy storage systems for solar farms, where the Public Service Commission has final say on zoning waivers or modifications, Keener said. It also doesn’t apply to solar panels on rooftops or carports.

Smaller solar systems under 2 MW are subject to review by the county’s Planning Commission and won’t rise

to the level of the County Commissioners.

Commissioner Eric Fiori at the meeting wanted to know more about the rules for screening and vegetation, and how long they are meant to be in effect.

Keener told him the new landscaping provisions are strict, requiring fencing and 50 feet of vegetation for screening. She also said the county can visit a project site at any time to inspect plantings.

Commissioner Chip Bertino pushed the point further, asking what “hammer” The county had to enforce noncompliance of vegetation screening. Keener said the county has the authority to fine developers $100 day, though “we’ve never had a situation where we’d had to use that,” she said.

The new law also says a solar project needs to have an endgame in mind. Developers have to post a bond

that would cover the cost of decommissioning and salvage, one that would be reviewed every five years.

Fiori said he doesn’t want to see solar fields sitting on prime farmland abandoned.

“Is the property owner stuck with trying to get rid of hazardous materials on their own?” he said. “We really, really need to look at this to protect our property owners from these leases. They’re throwing out very large number to lease their properties. The county may end up going on them for a tax sale because it’s too expensive to clean them up.”

Also at this meeting, the commissioners denied a request for a new solar farm along Route 113 near Snow Hill, saying they were waiting to see whether Gov. Moore would sign the bill later that day. He did. The project from developer New Leaf Energy will come back at the commissioners’ June 3 meeting, Keener said.

Board of education releases future meeting schedule

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 29, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education adopted its 2025-2026 monthly meeting schedule last week, beginning this July and extending to June next summer.

The regularly held meetings, which occur each month on the third Tuesday, are planned for July 15, 2025, Aug. 19, 2025, Sept. 16, 2025, Oct. 21, 2025, Nov. 18, 2025, and Dec. 16, 2025. A public budget input meeting will be held on Dec. 2, 2025.

The 2026 meetings include Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, and June 16. A budget work session will occur on Feb. 3.

The board mixes in nighttime meetings each year to allow for greater public participation. Typically, the board gathers in open session during each assembly at 12:30

p.m. However, when scheduled for after regular work hours, the board of education invites community members to the open portion at 6 p.m.

The upcoming academic year’s nighttime meetings are scheduled for July 15, 2025, Nov. 18, 2025, and March 17, 2026. The public budget input session on Dec. 2, 2025, will also occur in the evening.

The board unanimously approved the meeting schedule at its last gathering on May 20. Also of note is that a new superintendent will step into the role when the upcoming academic year begins, starting with a July board of education meeting. Annette Wallace, current safety and academic officer for grades nine to 12, was selected to replace current position-holder Lou Taylor, who announced his retirement in January of this year.

Petito retires, Gaddis named new director

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) With Susan Petito retiring at the end of the week, city officials announced Kate Gaddis as the new director of recreation and parks for the Town of Ocean City.

On Tuesday, Mayor Rick Meehan and the Ocean City Council recognized Petito for her 39 years of service to the Town of Ocean City.

The recognition was capped off with a vote of the City Council to appoint Gaddis, the department’s recreation superintendent, as her replacement.

“We did a full nationwide search with Deputy Director Harmon and our HR director, Katie Callan,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week, “and as sometimes occurs, the answer was in our own backyard. So I’m very pleased to make the recommendation.”

At the start of Tuesday’s work session, the mayor and City Council acknowledged Petito’s long-lasting career with the city. While she received her start with the Ocean Pines Association, she was hired by the city in 1986 to fill the position of assistant director of recreation and parks.

Petito would hold that position for the next 28 years. And in 2014, she beat out nearly 100 applicants to replace Tom Shuster as the next recreation and parts director for Ocean City.

In the 11 years since, she has overseen various divisions under her department, as well as the completion of her passion project – the redevelopment of the Bayside Park at 3rd Street. In their acknowledgements this week, both Meehan and McGean said the park’s redevelopment would not have been possible without Petito’s leadership.

“That is a huge legacy,” McGean said. “We wouldn’t have that park without you.”

Meehan said Petito had been “instrumental” in every camp, program

and park upgrade. McGean also highlighted her ability “to get the job done.”

“A lot of people don’t know this, but without Susan’s contacts throughout the state, we don’t have 3rd Street Park,” he said. “I can’t think of a single capital project that Susan’s done since she’s become director that we didn’t get a lot of grant funding for.”

Councilman John Gehrig, chair of the city’s recreation and parks committee, also praised Petito’s work ethic and leadership. From the pickleball courts to the 3rd Street Park, he said her “fingerprints are all over Ocean City.”

“This is a bittersweet one, for sure,” he said of her retirement.

For her part, Petito recognized the city’s administration, the mayor and City Council, the recreation and parks committee and her family for their sup-

port over the years. She also recognized her colleagues within the department.

“The best thing to do is to say thank you,” she said. “This is the team out there who really makes it happen. I just get to take a little credit for it.”

McGean said a recreation and parks department without Petito was “like the Patriots without Tom Brady.” However, he said the department would be in good hands with the next director, Gaddis.

“You couldn’t have picked a better person,” Petito said.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Mayor Rick Meehan, second from right, is pictured presenting outgoing Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito, center, a proclamation recognizing her 39 years of service to the Town of Ocean City. Joining Petito were family members.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SCHOLARSHIPS PRESENTED

The Ocean City Berlin Optimist Club presented nine “Friends of Youth Scholarships” at the Stephen Decatur High School Senior Awards Ceremony on May 14 totaling $78,000. Pictured, from left, are Past President Charlie Smith; Kaolin Riser, $6,000; Sasha Mete, $6,000; Tirza Hill, $6,000; Arron August, $6,000; Jada Marshall, $6,000; Michaela Brown, $14,000; Brooke Berquist, $14,000; and Scholarship Chairman Kathy Cater. Not pictured are Owen Sperry, $10,000, and Carly Moyer, $10,000.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

CLEANUP VOLUNTEERS

Owners of 9400 are celebrating Ocean City’s 150 years with beach clean-ups, food donations to Worcester County and monetary donations to Worcester County Humane Society. Kick-off was Memorial weekend with 12 volunteers cleaning the beach, dunes and streets, collecting six bags of garbage. Approximately 35 pounds of food was donated to Worcester County and $165 for the Humane Society was collected.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PURNELL HONORED

Barbara Purnell was recognized as the 2025 “Bob and Kathy Fisher Award” recipient by the Worcester County Historical Society (WCHS) at their spring banquet. This award is given annually to one that has shown a dedication to the preservation of the history of Worcester County. Purnell was honored for her outstanding efforts in helping restore Berlin’s Germantown School. Purnell is pictured with Cara Downey, vice president of the WCHS.

SNOW HILL HIGH SCHOLARSHIPS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Worcester Country Historical Society announced its new officers and board members during their recent spring banquet in Pocomoke City. Pictured, front from left, are Secretary Erin Scott, President Jefferson Moak and Vice President Cara Downey; and, back Board members Jeff Bacon, Kimberly Jones, Karen Neville, Allison Blakeman, Alicia Gibson, Roxie Dennis, Bunk Mann and Barry Laws.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City-Berlin Optimists presented scholarships at the Snow Hill Senior Awards to, from left, Hope Cooper, $7,000; Heydein Flores, $7,000; Ernest Burch, $7,000; and Abigal Gaskill, $12,000.

OC church will celebrate organist’s 50th anniversary

Reception planned June 1 after mass at Atlantic Hotel to recognize Hailey service

(May 30, 2025) What began as a “temporary gig” one Memorial Day weekend in 1975 has become a treasured, decades-long legacy of music, ministry, and community. This year, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is thrilled to honor Shirley Hailey on her 50th anniversary as organist and music director.

A household name in Ocean City, Shirley Hailey, who lives in Berlin, has been delighting audiences with her piano playing since the spring of 1973. From beachside sing-alongs to the soaring hymns heard in the sanctuary each Sunday, her music has become the heartbeat of both the church and the broader community.

To celebrate this incredible milestone, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea invites friends, former choir members, parishioners, and music lovers to a special celebration in Shirley’s honor. The event will be held on Sunday,

June 1 with a special 10 a.m. mass at the church, followed by a reception at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin at 1 p.m.

For more information about ticket price and reservations, please call the church office at 410-289-3453. Space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

If you are unable to attend but would like to share in the celebration, the church welcomes letters and emails (office@stpaulsbythesea.org) recounting your favorite memory of Shirley—whether it’s from a piano sing-along at a local venue, singing under her direction in the choir, or simply being moved by her music during mass.

“Come be part of this joyful moment in our church and city’s history as we honor a woman who has never stopped inspiring,” a press release from the church says. “We are also requesting monetary gifts that will be given to Shirley at the reception. You can send checks to the church or on our website by clicking the GIVE button at the top right corner of the homepage.”

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by Steve Green

AThe Adventures of Fatherhood

student’s address at a previous Wor-Wic Community College graduation was brought to my attention recently.

Because she was aware of my youngest son being on the Autism spectrum, a reader emailed this week encouraging me to try and find the speech from the featured student speaker at the 2019 Wor-Wic Community College commencement. I later learned the speaker was Samantha Davis, who received her associate degree in hotel-motel-restaurant management with a concentration in culinary arts. With graduation season fully upon us, I thought I would share some of her comments here. Of course, these remarks especially resonate with me because I’m the parent to a special needs son and we face daily challenges overcoming his disabilities. With him now 15 years old, college has now begun creeping into the psyche. At this point, however, we worry more about the daily obstacles and concerns rather than long-term hopes. In her comments to fellow graduates, it was touching to read the personal experiences Davis shared.

“If my parents had listened to doctors and therapists 20 years ago, I would not be standing here in front of you today giving this speech. At that time, it was suggested that I be placed in a special school because I was diagnosed with Autism,” Davis said. “However, I had parents who believed in me. I had teachers and therapists who saw my abilities and not my disabilities. I was always held to a high standard and was expected to meet those standards. The results? Today, I am a graduate of Wor-Wic Community College.”

Davis said she was sharing her story “because we all have our own backstory that brings us here.” She encouraged her colleagues to, “Embrace yourself for who you are, speak up for yourself and fight for what you believe is right for you. Even though we are now leaving school and entering the real world, we still have a lot of challenges ahead.”

Davis, who aspires to open her own

bakery, concluded with one of her favorite quotes: “Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength.”

Thanks to Samantha, her family and her college for the inspiration.

am and I attended two graduations over the last week.

Most of the time I was thinking of what lies ahead one year from now when our son Beckett, 17, will be among the graduates. I noticed parents getting emotional throughout the ceremony. It’s understandable as they reflect on their child and the journey to this day.

A column, headlined “5 reasons parents cry at every single graduation, from grownandflown.com talked about the emotions that come with this big day. Some excerpts from the listing:

1. Because we remember the hollow, empty feeling that follows graduation. One minute you are a member of your school community, and the next, you are an alum, and the commencement speakers are saying things like, “Safe travels, come back and visit soon and often.” In a split second, the proverbial rug has been yanked.

You don’t really belong here anymore, they are saying from the podium, and although they are saying it in the nicest way possible, it’s impossible not to hear the message that in a stunning turn, you have been reassigned from member to former member. The gulf between current and former is vast, and if you’ve embraced your campus as home, you are now essentially “homeless.” We parents can tell you over and over that new experiences will replace the old and that a vast world awaits you, but in this moment we see the void in your eyes and there’s not a darn thing we can do to fill the emptiness.

2. Because we just can’t believe you’ve gotten from there to here. … There’s a powerful feeling of otherworldliness about it all because all the things — the millions and millions of things (and I’m not exaggerating) that got you to this point come flooding back. From infancy

through childhood to the more recent angst over college choices, drop-off, choice of major, tests missed, quizzes failed, friendships formed and lost, roommates loved or despised, bags packed and then forgotten at home. So many pixels have led to this exact moment, and when we see you in your cap and gown, we remember them all.

3. Because we see your friends and love them for loving you. Oh, how we love them for loving you and you for loving them. You’ve created something much more than simply a learning community here. You’ve established deeply loving, caring, meaningful relationships and that makes our hearts soar because we know that if you can be so loved and so loving, we have surely done something right.

But we also know that as surely as water washes away sand, those bonds that now seem impenetrable will loosen. Not all of them and not completely, but many of them, perhaps most.

4. Because we hope and pray that the work you choose will be satisfying, but school is school, and work is work. And we know that you will never again be as clearly a master of your fate as you are right now. Your time will no longer be completely your own. Your wings will be clipped, as you give yourself over to a career, or the institutions you will join, the partners you will commit to, or the families you will build.

5. And finally, we cry because we are so proud, so damn proud that it actually hurts.

… Mingled with joy, there is a certain sadness for what has been and will never be again. We know you feel it. We feel it too. Endings, new beginnings, and change are hard for all of us.

Just know that we love you, we believe in you and we will continue to be here with you every step of the way as a wide world awaits your unique and precious gifts.

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

Advisory council provides update to school board

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) An education advisory council (EAC) for Worcester County Public Schools bridges teacher and administration concerns to better student success and educator efficiency. Representatives presented their work from the current year at a board of education meeting last week.

Members of the education advisory council, Ocean City Elementary School teacher Melanie Coleman and Berlin Intermediate School teacher Michele Hundley, spoke of the EAC’s ongoings from this past academic year at a Worcester County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 20.

The EAC is comprised of three members appointed by the Worcester County Teachers Association and three named by the superintendent each year. This year, the body operated under the guidance of Dee Shorts, chief academic officer for grades preK through eight, Annette Wallace, chief safety and academic officer for grades nine to 12, and Beth Shockley Lynch, Snow Hill Middle School educator and teacher association president.

According to the presentation, EAC “provides teachers with an opportunity to evaluate the school system’s policies, procedures, and practices…and offers recommendations to enhance teacher effectiveness, increase efficiency, and promote student achievement.”

The EAC is comprised of various educators from across the district who meet once a month via Zoom to discuss issues brought to the council’s attention, such as the system’s cell phone policy and school safety. For instance, Hundley noted that the group has worked to ensure that all schools have door scanners to restrict access from unauthorized visitors.

Coleman said other concerns to be discussed are bus issues, particularly at the southern end of the county, internet outages at Stephen Decatur High School, paper shortages at the schools, and how to increase teacher attendance at professional development days. Following a series of snow days last winter, the council also addressed virtual learning days.

In February, OCES was placed on a lockdown due to an unverified threat, school officials said at the time. As a result of the incident, the EAC discussed emergency communication systems.

The board of education noted that the council connects teacher and administrative concerns and is a valuable asset to the school system.

“Historically, teachers did not question administrative authority, but there was always a need to know why things were done a certain way, because there is always a reason,” said William Buchanan, board vice president. “Teachers, a lot of times didn’t know why it was happening, but now there’s a way this can be discussed…This is a good thing.”

Juvenile gray seal released on Assateague

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) A rehabilitated gray seal, the youngest ever to be treated by the National Aquarium, was released off Assateague Island last week.

On May 22, staff with National Aquarium Animal Rescue gathered at Assateague Island State Park to release a female gray seal, named “Arcadia,” back into the wild.

The aquarium oversaw Arcadia’s recovery after she was found stranded in Ocean City earlier this year.

“Arcadia returned to the wild on Thursday,” a Facebook post from National Aquarium Stranding Response reads. “Thank you to the responders, rehabilitation team, and animal health team [that] contributed to her successful recovery!”

On March 13, Arcadia was rescued from the beach by the National Aquarium and taken to the aquarium’s Stranding Response Center in Ocean City. After initial triage, the seal was moved to the aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore for long-term treatment.

Arcadia was found emaciated with evidence of an infected puncture wound, an eye infection and oral trauma, according to the National Aquarium. The seal was just a few weeks old, an age still considered maternally dependent for the species.

While in the aquarium’s care, Arcadia was given her name, in keeping with this year’s theme of naming rescued animals after Baltimore City neighborhoods. Throughout her two months in Baltimore, she was treated for her injuries and learned how to swim and forage for fish independently.

Arcadia was also outfitted before her release with a non-invasive satellite tag, which will allow experts to track her movements and migration until the tag sheds with her next seasonal molt. The National Aquarium reports the collected data will give aquarium staff and others an opportunity to learn more about the habits and patterns of seal species along the East Coast.

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Before being released, all rescued seals rehabilitated by aquarium teams must reach a weight of at least 25 kilograms, be able to swim, forage and eat independently, and be cleared by stranding partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after a blood test demonstrating the animal is healthy and free of infection.

Currently, two other seals rescued this season – Evergreen and Remington – continue to rehabilitate in Baltimore. An additional two seals –Woodberry and Waverly – were successfully released in April.

Many of the seals to receive treatment at the National Aquarium were transported from the Stranding Response Center. The center opened in 2023 through a partnership with the Town of Ocean City.

The National Aquarium has reported an increase in seal rescue activity over the past several years, which it attributes to the natural establishment of a colony of harbor and gray seals off the coast of Cape Henlopen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Arcadia, the youngest gray seal ever to be treated by the National Aquarium, is pictured during last week’s release.

Composting program reaches 1M milestone

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 30, 2025) Leaders of a resort composting program gathered last week to recognize participants and volunteers for diverting one million pounds of food waste from the landfill.

Last Friday, Go Green OC announced its one millionth pound of food waste composted through the organization’s composting program.

Joined by local dignitaries at the Ocean City Convention Center, founder Josh Chamberlain recognized the program’s achievement, as well as the people who helped the organization reach its one-millionth milestone.

“That’s not just a number,” he said. “That’s a million pounds of scraps turned into healthy compost soil for our local gardens, farms and community. And we didn’t do this alone.”

In 2018, Go Green OC partnered with The Hobbit Restaurant owner Garvey Heiderman to launch a composting program that invites local businesses to divert food waste from the town’s waste stream. Each season, volunteers collect food waste from participating businesses and haul it to a farm in Bishopville, where it is turned into compost.

Since its inception, the program has grown, with new businesses joining and more waste collected. Today,

the program includes 20-plus participating restaurants across Ocean City.

“Eight years ago, in our first season, Garvey and I composted 1,980 pounds of food waste. That’s it. One restaurant, The Hobbit Restaurant, a few bins, and a lot of hope,” Chamberlain said. “Today, thanks to all of you — our volunteers, our business partners, our city leaders, our supporters — we’re celebrating the fact that Go Green OC has officially diverted one million pounds of food waste.”

Chamberlain said with their help, Ocean City’s composting program is now the largest of its kind on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He said the program also helped major events –including Oceans Calling, Country Calling and Boardwalk Rock – go zero-waste.

However, he said the city has a long way to go.

“The truth is this isn’t the finish line. It’s just the first mile marker,” he said. “Because in a town that hosts millions of visitors every summer, our work has only just begun. We want Ocean City to be the first zero-waste resort town in the United States. And we believe we can get there, because today proves it.”

Heiderman, founder of Ocean Compost, agreed.

“One million pounds sounds like a lot – and it is – but in the grand

scheme of things, a million pounds is not that much with all the waste that comes in across the world,” he said. “It symbolizes a ton of progress for us, and we should be very proud. But I also want everybody to know it’s a drop in the bucket. We have a lot of work to do.”

Chamberlain and Heiderman were joined last Friday by Mayor Rick Meehan, Senator Mary Beth Carozza and

Delegate Wayne Hartman, as well as numerous business owners, volunteers and supporters. The organization also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its one millionth pound of food waste composted.

“It’s quite an operation …,” Meehan said of the composting program. “It shows small groups can make a difference.”

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Go Green OC founder Josh Chamberlain is pictured during last Friday’s ceremony, during which he announced a major milestone for the organization’s composting program.

Berlin’s tax rate maintained despite staff, mayor worries

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 30, 2025) The Berlin Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget this week, revealing a stagnant property tax rate and additional interest income.

The Town of Berlin’s Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday, May 27. The document includes a balanced general fund budget of roughly $17.4 million and a balanced electric budget of about $8.8 million.

According to Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, the budget process begins with each department head submitting their team’s needs for the upcoming fiscal year. During this initial process, the budget came in with roughly a halfmillion-dollar deficit. The finance group worked with staff on items that could be eliminated to reach the balanced fund that was reviewed this week.

The approximately $500,000 reductions, the mayor said, “won’t come without any pain.”

“The departments don’t put in a lot of frills, and when they have to cut those things, it means something has to be moved to another fiscal year,” he said. “...I would say some of the [cuts] are probably critical, but it’s just a matter of when. Are we in jeopardy of the wheels falling off the tracks? No. Are we in jeopardy of [the utility director] not being able to get the things he needs to make sure the lights stay on? No. But, is it stuff you can defer for multiple years? No, it’s not.”

Tyndall continued, maintaining that while the budget cuts had “some real substance that needs to be chiseled away,” the removed items would

not have been eliminated if the town could not make it to the next fiscal year without them.

Also of note is the town’s decision to keep the real property tax rate flat at $0.8275 per $100 of assessed value, leading into FY26. Even with the unchanged rate, the town projects additional income of around $350,000, accounting for an increase in property tax revenue.

Two years ago, in 2023, Berlin increased its tax rate from .815 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to its current .8275.

Natalie Saleh, Berlin’s finance director, warned the governing group that a flat rate could damage the municipality’s financial situation in the long run.

“We are going through the same routine that we go year after year ... without an incremental increase,” she said. “Every three years, the property is reassessed. When the new reassessment hits, it will be higher, and for you to say, ‘now we’re going to do an incremental increase,’ plus the assessed value will go up, it will get harder. The more we wait, the harder it will get.”

Saleh added that the town relies on the real estate tax as revenue for the general fund, and an increase will eventually be required to ensure Berlin’s financial stability.

“We don’t have new forms of revenue we can bring in to fund the ongoing projects,” the finance director maintained.

Some council members resisted increasing the property tax rate, arguing that they must consider the escalating cost of living when making decisions that will affect constituents.

“Our job, I look at it as balancing what you just said, with what we’re

See BERLIN Page 74

Opinions

Commissioners insult teachers

One can only guess why the four-member majority of the Worcester County Commissioners chose to insult the county’s school teachers on Wednesday by all but declaring they weren’t worthy of the pay raise won in collective bargaining between their association and the board of education.

The majority offered no justifications for its rejection of the school board’s guaranteed increase of $4,000 other than it would be twice the raise that other school system and county employees would receive in the FY2026 budget.

Despite their advocacy of politically conservative principles and ideology in most other matters, the commissioners embraced the far left ideal of a classless society within the public school system by ignoring the educational attainments that separate teachers from other employees.

Or...

They don’t like teachers, or public education or the school board or the administration, or all the aforementioned. It’s either those things or they resent their lack of control over the schools in general.

The fact is the commissioners have no authority to set wages for any school system employees. Their job is to consider the schools budget overall, and to deliver a lump sum they believe meets the needs of the schools and the public.

Other less accusatory explanations might be reached were the county not flush with money. But because Worcester enjoys a $14 million surplus in the current budget year, and projects enough of a surplus in the year ahead to reduce the homestead tax credit to zero and lower the property and piggyback tax rates, Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Jim Bunting, Ted Elder and Chip Bertino could have covered the full raise for teachers easily had they so desired.

But they did not, and in the absence of well-articulated defense of their reasoning, the four commissioners’ decision was either caused by frustration over their lack of authority over the schools, or, more fundamentally, they made it personal.

No medical journals

Not to be disrespectful, but national health boss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s contemplation of prohibiting federal medical researchers from publishing in the nation’s top health journals is a little concerning.

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It would be one thing, for instance, if we were talking about banning publishing in radical rags like the New England Journal of Medicine, which is known for telling doctors to advise their patients that, no, even if your inner ear does itch, it is not OK to poke at it with a ballpoint pen.

Who says? We all know this is the kind of decision best left up to the individual, especially since it’s one thing to scratch that itch with a straight Bic, and another to dig in with a retractable pen, which may be adjusted for a more precise fit.

Also on the outside looking in, if RFK Jr. follows through, would be the American Journal of Medicine, Lancet, the Journal of Clinical Oncology and others that look down on everyman-style publications such as the highly revered, “Ted’s Top Ten Medical Procedures You Can Try at Home,” and its companion piece, “Better Luck Next Time.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing the secretary or anyone else here. After all, he does argue that some of these publishers are influenced by pharmaceutical companies, and since pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars a year to get us regular folks to tell our doctors what to prescribe instead of them telling us what we need, I can’t help but wonder if he doesn’t

have a point.

Judging from all the commercials on TV, for instance, I estimate there are at least 45 drugs available to treat diabetes.

Naturally, I don’t know one from the other, but if I had a touch of diabetes, I’d be directing my doctor to write me a prescription for the one that will also give me the ability to sing and dance like I’m on Broadway.

As far as I can tell, that’s the only way to tell one of these medicines from the other, and absent any information about which one is best, I’d have to say there’s nothing quite like being able to beat a disease AND take part in a chorus line ... on Medicare’s dime.

For my money, that’s a much better deal than all the medications we have to treat depression, the chief side effect of which appears to be the need to show how much better we feel by moving in slow motion ... with a smile.

As I understand it — and understanding anything these days is harder than it used to be — RFK Jr. proposes to have his departments launch their own publications, which will give research scientists the outlet they need.

I hope so, because despite the global focus on pharmaceuticals, medical research, and the scientific exploration of diseases, afflictions and conditions of the human body, I have yet to find one thing that’s been said or written about how to control, eliminate or otherwise address the scourge and the heartbreak of ... cooties.

I say, it’s time to muster our resources and eliminate this menace once and for all. Otherwise, it’s a national disgrace, about which much will be written.

PUBLIC EYE

By Stewart Dobson

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

“You just got screwed.”

The words from Commissioner Diana Purnell at this week’s meeting. Purnell says the least of all the elected officials at the county level, but when she waxes it’s usually with passion.

After four commissioners refused to fully fund the education budget request as well as all the sheriff’s office’s needs, Purnell addressed school administrators and board members, expressing her appreciation for their work while acknowledging the county is simply choosing not to fund education and public safety at the requested level for reasons not involving money.

“It’s so hard to comprehend what just happened to our schools. … we have a great school system and you just got screwed …,” said Purnell. “For those out here representing the county, I just don’t know where your heads might be right now because we have the funds to fund everything before us. We are doing a disservice to this county to stay on foot to what’s coming down the road but we need to be ready …”

Purnell was most likely referring to the state mandated Blueprint that requires the school system to increase starting teacher salaries to $60,000 by next year (about $53,000 currently). The commissioners seem to be letting their resentment for the state’s requirement and personal issues with the school system leadership cloud their judgment.

Over the last month, tensions over the budget have run hot at public meetings. On Wednesday, tempers flared. The group is divided, and the out-of-touch majority are hurting the county more than helping. The move to reduce income taxes by a quarter of a percent and lower the Homestead Tax Credit will have a positive impact for the county’s property owners. These moves will cut the county’s revenue surge, but it’s not a huge amount considering the county has a major surplus each year – like most governments – and has a tremendous gain in property tax revenue every year as well as healthy reserves.

The property tax rate decline was more about politics than anything else because it will have next to no impact on year-round property owners who are already shielded by huge assessment spikes. Decreasing the tax rate is just a chip to play in the face of criticism from education and public safety supporters questioning the majority’s decisions.

During this week’s meeting, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic asked his colleagues to explain their reasoning for not funding the school system and the entire budget at the requested level. No specific reasons were given except reminders the education budget was increased. Mitrecic’s frustration boiled over after his motion to fully fund the requested budget was denied in a 3-4 vote. He said, “We have done the biggest disservice to this county we could have possibly done and you all have to live with it. … The good thing is a majority of you all will be gone by the time we have to raise taxes two years from now.”

Perhaps the most agitated on the dais was Commissioner Eric Fiori, who acknowledged two years ago having concerns with how the school system presented its budget. After supporting Maintenance of Effort level funding two years ago, Fiori said the school system has improved its transparency and he is confident the needs presented deserve the county’s full consideration. “I don’t even know what to say right now but I will say if a majority of the commissioners were out in the community and spent time at schools, like the graduation at Pocomoke last night … you might understand what this community has to say. What they have to say is we want great education, we want a great Sheriff’s department, and we want a county with great county employees,” Fiori said. “That vote right there that shows you don’t give a darn … another thing that really burns me up is the three people voting for these increases … run active businesses with multiple employees in this county, look who voted for this. We understand what it’s like to have good employees working for us. We are going to strip all that away to put aside in some slush fund that we are going to spend later … this is absurd. … ridiculous. I am so angry I can’t even speak right now … I am in touch with the community and the community wants this stuff funded. These other commissioners they have to answer to the community.” In defense, Commissioner Caryn Abbott said, “We do have the pulse of our constituents and that includes teachers and support staff and deputies …” Commission President Ted Elder has criticized the school system for treating teachers different than support staff on pay raises, referring to the approach as a “have and have nots” scenario. This is ludicrous, as the pay raises negotiated were approved by the teachers and the support staff. It’s wrong to think they should be treated the same due to their responsibilities and education. Nonetheless, Elder said, “Everybody in the county is getting something out of this … This is the most equitable budget I have ever seen in my whole career here … I can go home and sleep well …”

for the mentally ill and people suffering with substance abuse. What will happen to them if they lose coverage?

Editor,

As I walked down Flower Street in the Berlin Memorial Day Parade, I wondered how many of the good folks watching rely on Medicaid for their health care. Wasn’t it just last month that President Trump again promised no cuts to our healthcare? Last week the House passed its bill to cut Medicaid spending by $700 billion and will not extend numerous provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA, better known as Obamacare). The bill passed the House by only one vote; our representative, Andy Harris, voted “present”. Medicaid is a Federal/State matching program that federally funds 68% of Medicaid costs to states. In August of 2024, 1,610,742 Maryland residents were enrolled in Medicaid. Worchester county reports 17.3% of our residents are on Medicaid. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office reports that If this bill becomes law, 13.7 million Americans could be kicked off their health insurance over the next 10 years by Medicaid cuts and not extending expiring provisions in the ACA.

Approximately 25% of Americans are covered by Medicaid. This included me when I needed it the most. It includes many of my musician friends, who entertain us all down here in Ocean City. And it includes my beloved adult daughter who has multiple disabilities and health issues. She enjoys her work and treasures her independence. What will happen to her if she becomes uninsured? What will happen to your friends and family members if they lose health coverage?

Half of all births and 40% of children are covered by Medicaid. The majority of Medicaid spending is for long term care for the elderly and folks with disabilities. Medicaid is the primary payer for approximately 63% of people residing in nursing homes. NPR reports Medicaid payments barely keep hospital mental health units afloat. Medicaid is the primary source of care

Josh Hawley (R-MO) wrote in the New York Times “But now a … wing of the party wants Republicans to build our big, beautiful bill around slashing health insurance for working poor. But that argument is both morally wrong and politically suicidal.” I so agree, as do 76% of Americans in a recent Kaiser Foundation poll.

I think most agree that we want to cut waste and support reforms where needed. However, the health of our nation will benefit by providing MORE funding to Medicare and Medicaid, not less. For example, as of 1/’25, Medicare no longer covers my 5% Lidocaine Patch and I couldn’t get into a rehab facility after hip replacement surgery two months ago.

We surely don’t need to give billionaires further tax breaks at the expense of middle-class and working poor people as well as the disabled and elderly. The Pew Research Center reports 58% of Americans want to raise taxes for households with incomes over $400,000. Perhaps it’s more important to make the billionaire class pay their fair share in taxes than it is to harm everyday folks like you and me and our loved ones by cutting programs like Medicaid.

So, what can we do? Call Andy Harris at 202-225-5311 when the Senate revises and sends the bill back to the House. Tell Dr. Harris that sitting on the fence and voting “present” isn’t acceptable. Peacefully protest at rallies. Attend Town Halls (Representative Harris has Zoom Town Halls). Talk with friends and family and get them to join you in this effort to protect health care. Increased activism can and does effect change.

Sources include Congressional Budget Office, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, PBS News Hour, Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.

Tish Michel Berlin

Berlin leaders concerned over reserve pulls

Continued from Page 71

hearing from people out on the streets, and that is that people are struggling,” said Councilman Steve Green in response to Saleh’s comments. “Families are struggling amid rising costs of everything … you’re the expert in the finance world. We must balance that with what we hear from people, and working families are struggling.”

Green said he recently fielded a call from a constituent asking for help because she could not pay her first tax bill. He suggested she call the county treasurer’s office, which agreed to work with the homeowner because many residents are currently challenged to meet their tax amounts.

Saleh conceded that people are feeling the rise in living expenses. However, she argued that these increases are also affecting the town and the

services it is required to provide.

“We have to look at the cost of equipment, how much trash pickup costs, how much the trash truck costs, and providing those services at the level that we’ve always been, that’s our goal,” she said. “And even better, we need to improve the services, but that unfortunately requires funding.”

Tyndall expects to see some movement in the property tax rate next year, even if it’s marginal. Green said he would prefer to “see what the surplus is” from the current fiscal year budget rather than talk about tax increases. The town typically ends its budget year with a surplus due to conservative budgeting.

Saleh also worries that the town is advancing too much money from reserves to fund certain projects, another reason she believes the real property

tax rate must be increased to produce additional revenue for the town.

In addition to capital expenses, such as $2.5 million for Town Hall renovations, $216,000 for restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park, and $2.8 million for a new public works facility at Heron Park, Saleh noted that there are some carry over initiatives from departments, particularly water resources, which has contributed to the decision to pull from reserves. Tyndall adds that the budget has a contingency of approximately $45,000, but believes it is likely not enough.

“Some carryforward projects from fiscal 2025 are not completed,” Saleh said. “The heavy lifter is water resources, they have major projects that they have been doing for several years and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been almost depleted… most of the biggest projects have been funded by ARPA, but also we have advanced some monies from capital reserves to continue and the prices of the project and the cost of equipment, supplies, and operations have been increasing recently.”

Tyndall said that the finance department has worked on building up the municipality’s reserves, which has resulted in a projected $285,000 in interest income. However, the mayor said that to maintain this strong financial position, continuing to pull from these reserves will have consequences.

“There is too much coming from reserves in this fiscal budget,” he said. “That is not a good thing when you’re trying to save and ensure we have the money we need moving forward. I want to ensure everyone knows that the finance director has been sounding the alarm about the significant pull on these funds from contributions from reserves. With that, it’s not sustainable. Sooner or later, that pot of money does dry up, and we’re sitting here talking about how we can see so much

more in interest income. That doesn’t happen if we continue to draw.”

The budget reviewed this week also includes an electric budget of around $8.8 million, which provides for water at $5.7 million, sewer at $7.2 million, and stormwater at around $1 million.

Through discussions during the budget presentation, the council elected to make changes to staff appreciation. Historically, around Thanksgiving each year, the Town of Berlin provides its employees with a $50 Food Lion gift card. Councilman Jack Orris initiated a discussion to do away with the line item and instead incorporate the $50 into the one-time payment.

Thus, town staff will no longer receive a Food Lion gift card. Instead, their one-time payment amount, also given out around the holiday season, will increase from $300 to $350.

Berlin officials and staff agreed to eliminate the gift card line item, maintaining that the result remains the same: $350 each year for employee appreciation.

“I like it,” Green said. “I think some people don’t like to shop at that particular grocery store, and I think it’s easier … I just can’t imagine it not being well-received.”

The Town of Berlin will welcome residents on Monday, June 9, at 6 p.m. at its regularly scheduled Mayor and Council meeting for a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget. The budget will be adopted at that time. The full document can be viewed on the municipality’s website.

The mayor closed the first reading by noting that he is confident in this year’s budget and the town’s financial position, but he believes some changes will likely need to be made next year, potentially to the real property tax rate.

“We’re in a good spot, but we also have to make some smart plays over the next 12 months,” he said.

Kamikazes, the war strategy for Pacific battles

By W. Newton Jackson, III Contributing Writer

After Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and its rapid conquest of many western Pacific Ocean islands, the U.S. high command regrouped, formulated a plan, and soon began to engage Japanese naval forces.

The fiercely-fought battles of Midway (June 1942), Savo Island (September 1942), Santa Cruz Islands (October 1942), Solomon Islands (August-November 1942), Gilbert and Marshall Islands (August 1942–February 1944), Philippine Sea (June 1944), and Mariana Islands (JuneAugust 1944), allowed the U.S. to push the enemy back to its homeland islands.

Being in possession of the Mariana Islands, land-based B-29 bombers flown by the U.S. Army could now bomb Japan’s industrial cities. Navy tankers filled them with gasoline, while cargo ships delivered the necessary bombs.

Still, naval planners did not expect Japan to surrender any time soon. An advance to the Philippine Islands and

ultimately an invasion of the Japanese homeland islands to the north would be necessary. The Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippines commenced in October 1944. It continues to this day to be the largest naval battle ever fought, involving almost 300 ships and 200,000 men and covering an area of more than 100,000 square miles.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Chiran high school girls wave farewell with cherry blossom branches to departing kamikaze pilot Toshio Anazawa in a Nakajima Ki-43-IIIa Hayabusa.

A year before the U.S. invasion of the Philippines, the Japanese emperor’s naval aide, Capt. Eiichiro Jo, had begun pushing suicide as an official war strategy, but until the summer of 1944 the emperor and the senior commanders had not required pilots to die intentionally.

By then, however, Japan had lost practically all its 1,500 trained aviators. Emperor Hirohito extolled the image of “gyokusai,” meaning “broken gem.” In other words, better to be a gem that is smashed to atoms than a tile that is whole — the gem being Japan’s then population of 70 million.

Much emphasis was placed on an old Japanese poem which reads, “The life of the warrior is as the cherry blossom which blooms for a few days in the spring and then falls to the ground.” There was also the ancient tradition of “bushido,” the way of the warrior who welcomed the chance to sacrifice himself for the emperor, whatever the cost. These notions imbued Japanese naval and military leaders and most Japanese citizens.

In October 1944, Vice Adm. Takijiro Onishi, commander of Japan’s First Air Fleet, unveiled a new weapon: Zero fighter planes with 550-pound bombs whose, pilots known as “kamikazes,” would intentionally crash into enemy naval vessels. The word means “divine wind,” a reference to the great storm that defeated the Mongol fleet attempting to invade Japan in the Thirteenth Century.

Inspired by Japanese religious and military traditions of self-sacrifice, many young men volunteered to be kamikaze pilots—far more than the number of planes available. Expert fliers were rejected because they were needed as instructors. Most volunteers were nonchalant about the prospect of dying.

Adm. Onishi told the first recruits, “You are already gods without earthly desires,” which is how they were treated. At a time when food was in short supply, ground crews gave up their meager rations to keep the fliers well-fed. They worked long hours to put the obsolete planes in the best condition possible. Before embarking on his death flight, a kamikaze would give his belongings to a friend, write a last letter home, and drink a final toast with his commander.

After the final briefing, he would go to his plane. perhaps taking with him a photograph of a loved one, a flag, or a magic charm. Some would wear a “hachimaki,” a headband worn by ancient samurai warriors to symbolize courage.

Despite the fanaticism inherent in the notion of a kamikaze pilot, the Japanese high command did not want to lose planes needlessly. Pilots were instructed to return to base if they could not find a suitable target.

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 77

Nonetheless, at least one pilot was executed after he had returned unharmed from his ninth mission.

Numerous kamikaze attacks would occur during the rest of the war. One struck the St. Lo, an escort aircraft carrier, on Oct. 25, 1944, setting off a series of devastating explosions resulting in the sinking of the ship. Another kamikaze struck the Essex, a larger aircraft carrier, on Nov. 25, 1944, resulting in light damage only.

On May 11, 1945, two kamikazes survived a barrage of anti-aircraft fire to crash into the carrier Bunker Hill, killing 402 men and wounding 264, but not sinking the ship. Soon after that, another kamikaze crashed into the flight deck of the Enterprise, another aircraft carrier, but the resulting fires were quickly extinguished, and the ship was saved.

Many smaller U.S. ships, however, were sunk by kamikaze attacks, including destroyers, ammunition ships, and LSTs (troop carriers). Needless to say, many U.S. officers and sailors died.

Kamikaze attacks would continue until the end of the war, but their effectiveness is still unclear. The Japanese claimed that these missions sank 81 U.S. ships and damaged 195 beyond repair. An Australian source put the number at 70 as sunk or dam-

aged. A U.S. source agreed with that number, but another U.S. source specified 45, and still another 34. As far as Japanese casualties are concerned, some 3,900 Japanese kamikaze pilots were killed.

In the meantime, in November 1944 from its base on Saipan, the U.S. began bombing Tokyo and later invaded the island of Iwo Jima in February 1945. On the night of March 9-10, B-29 bombers firebombed over 260,000 homes and killed over 100,000 people in Tokyo.

The subsequent U.S. invasion of Okinawa occurred on April 1 and lasted almost three months, costing 12,000 American lives and 16 times as many as Japanese lives. The loss of U.S. Navy personnel in that battle alone exceeded its total losses from all previous wars combined.

Finally, the U.S. dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima (Aug. 6) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9). On Aug. 8, the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan. On Aug. 15, Emperor Hirohito made a radio address to the Japanese people announcing his country’s surrender. Many Japanese officers soon committed suicide in the traditional way of hara-kari (literally, belly-cutting), including Adm. Onishi, the creator of the kamikazes.

Next week: Australian Invasion of Borneo

OBITUARIES

JOHN JOSEPH WELLS

Ocean Pines

John Joseph Wells, passed away on May 21, 2025, at the age of 81. He spent his final days as he lived them — surrounded by friends and family and singing until the very end.

Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, on October 29, 1943, John was the eldest of nine children. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961, and served 30 years between active duty and the Naval Reserves. John also had an electrical engineering degree from the University of Connecticut and worked for most of his career at Southern New England Telephone.

Music was a profound joy in John's life. It was through the New Haven Community Chorus that he met his wife Marion, to whom he was married for nearly 35 years. John and Marion retired to Ocean Pines in 2002, and John absolutely loved living here, close to the water and family, and building many new friendships. John continued to share his love of singing with the Pine Tones and the choir at Community Church of Ocean Pines. John is survived by his wife, Marion Wells; his children, Christine and Benjamin; his step-children Jessica and Michael and his wife Kim. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren.

A small graveside burial service will be held at Community Church of

Ocean Pines on Friday, May 30. A larger Celebration of Life will be held later this summer, where his friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate John, enjoy some apple pie - and of course, sing.

CHARLES CARROLL WAESCHE, SR., Ocean Pines

Charles Carroll Waesche, Sr., age 92, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Born in Pimlico, Maryland, he was the son of the late Albert Waesche and Rebecca (Huber) Waesche. Charles was a vibrant and fun-loving character, who was dedicated to his family. He loved to be loved, and to make others feel loved. Charles enjoyed golf, sports, horse racing, music and reading his bible. He loved his church of the last two years and all the parishioners who became a part of his family. He served in the Army as a young man then went on to work for McCormick Spice Co. He then bought and ran his own small business as a Pepperidge Farm Distributor. After he sold his business, he and Betty retired to Ocean Pines and fell in love with the community where he had the “best

C. Waesche, Sr.

OBITUARIES

neighbors in the world”. He enjoyed working as a starter for Ocean Pines Golf Club and a bus driver for Francis Scott Key Hotel.

He is survived by his son, Charles C. Waesche, Jr. (Kim), daughters, Kathy Sue Henninger (David), and DeeDee McCracken (Kevin), a brother, Robert Waesche (Merle), 10 grandchildren, Carly Johnson (Alex), Patrick McCarthy, Kelly Jones (Joshua), Annie Eaton Bautista (Carlos), Shane McCarthy (Jessica), Gary Eaton (Julia), Michele Waesche, Scott Eaton (Robyn), Lisa Waesche, and Lori Waesche.

In addition, 12 great-grandchildren, Aiden Johnson, Isaiah Johnson, Ezra Johnson, Uriel Johnson, Onyx Johnson, Zadok Johnson, Matthew Jones, Madilyn Jones, Esme Bautista, Waylon Eaton, Juniper Eaton, and Dylen Cadogan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 63 years Betty Jane Smith Waesche, a daughter, Karen Ann Eaton, two brothers, Albert Waesche Jr., and Billy Robertson, a sister, Doris Lessner and a beloved granddaughter, Katie McCarthy.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at noon at The River Church of the Nazarene in Berlin. A visitation took place prior. Interment took place on Wednesday, May 28 at The Broad Creek Cemetery

in Stevensville, Md. 21666. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The River Church of the Nazarene” in Berlin, Maryland or The Walter Hoving Home in Garrison, New York, both of which were near and dear to his heart.

TERRENCE ALBERT “TERRY” FLEMING

Pocomoke

Terrence Albert “Terry” Fleming, age 70, of Pocomoke, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Born on November 15, 1954, in Salisbury, Terry was the son of the late Elsey Lee Fleming and Frances Alberta Pierce Fleming. He was a proud Eastern

Shore native who carried a deep love for the water, the outdoors, and his family.

Terry was a man who wore many hats over the years, but he was best known for his passion for fishing and community involvement. He served as a past Vice President of the Ocean City Surf Anglers, a former Director of the Assateague Mobile Sportfishermen’s Association (AMSA), former Scoutmaster of Pocomoke’s Boy Scout troop and owned Harbor Tackle with wife, Beverly. Professionally, he also worked as the boating and heating fuel manager at OC Oil Company, where he earned a reputation for being dependable and a hard worker.

Though Terry fished all over Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, it was surf fishing that stole his heart in later years. The sand, the waves, and the quiet patience of the sport brought him peace and joy. He also had a deep affection for dogs, especially his cherished companion,

OBITUARY NOTICES

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Peanut, who preceded him in death.

Terry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly Townsend Fleming; his loving children, William Lee Fleming, Heather Leigh Fleming (and her partner, Edward Brittingham); and his two adored grandchildren, Taylor Layton Harford, husband Isaac Harford and Myers Lee Fleming.

He is also survived by his devoted siblings Tammie Fleming and Horace Lee Fleming (wife Lynn Fleming); nieces and nephews Brian Lee Fleming (wife Sherissa Fleming), Michelle Fleming (husband Dave Engroff), Jeffrey Ong (wife Christie Ong), and Joseph Barnette; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who brought him much pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loyal dog, Peanut.

A funeral service will be held at Fox Funeral Home in Chincoteague, Va. on Thursday, May 29, at 2 p.m., with a viewing beginning at 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at First Baptist Pocomoke Cemetery. A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date, where stories will be shared, and his memory honored by those who knew and loved him.

Terry’s legacy lives on in the laughter of his grandchildren, the crashing of the waves he loved so much, and the countless lives he touched with his generous spirit.

Terrence Fleming

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX

It’s great to be back on these pages for the summer season. Looking forward to letting you know who is catching what and where in our local waters. Above left, Luke Wrye fished the Route 50 Bridge and landed this big 34-inch bluefish on a crankbait. Above right, Faith Engh caught one of the first bluefin tuna of the season fishing on board Primary Search

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

with Captain Austin Ensor.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Landon Derbyshire caught one of the largest sea bass of our short season when he landed this big 21” knothead. Above middle, Scott Lenox, that’s me, caught a personal best striped bass of 48 inches on a sand flea/Fish bites combo in the Assateague Surf. Above right, Mike Ahlfeldt was flounder fishing with a Deadly Double and white Gulp when he was surprised by this 21” sheepshead which was the first of the season.

Below left, Rick Gorsuch caught the first flounder of the season on April 4 when this 18.25” keeper ate a pink Deadly Double with a white Gulp. Below middle, Eamon “Irish” Carey caught his personal best tautog of 17.5 pounds on May 14 just before the close of the season. Below right, this big 6.5-pound flounder ended up in the net of the Lucky Break with Captain Jason Mumford at the helm.

Sports & Recreation

Commanders coach speaks at alma mater’s graduation

Dan Quinn played football while attending Salisbury University in early 1990s

(May 30, 2025) Salisbury University’s 100th Spring Commencement was not the first time Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn ’94 and his wife, Stacey Quinn ’91, returned to their alma mater. It was, however, perhaps the most poignant.

As part of the ceremony, the Quinns accepted honorary Doctor of Public Service degrees from SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre in recognition of their philanthropic leadership and enduring support for SU Athletics and the broader university community.

“Dan and Stacey Quinn are proud alumni of Salisbury University whose remarkable careers and enduring generosity have made a lasting impact on and off campus,” she said. “Dan Quinn is among SU’s most accomplished student-athletes, having competed in both football and track and field. His leadership journey took him from our fields here in Salisbury to the highest level of professional sports. As the head coach of the Washington Commanders, Dan has earned respect for his integrity, resilience and unwavering commitment to mentoring others.

“Stacey Quinn began her career at

Salisbury University, where she served as a student athletic trainer. She went on to become the first female athletic trainer at Virginia Military Institute, who served in leadership roles at Norfolk State, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Stanford. Her work has shaped a generation of athletes and health professionals. Her service is defined by compassion and advocacy.

“Together, Dan and Stacey have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to giving back.”

The two have remained SU supporters over the years, creating three endowments benefiting Sea Gull Athletics. They also have given back to the community beyond SU. In 2005 — the same year Dan was inducted into the SU Athletics Hall of Fame — the couple established Quinn’s Corps, a foundation supporting the military community with care packages to soldiers stationed overseas and free NFL tickets for families of service members.

Addressing SU’s undergraduate Class of 2025 as the University’s first non-student Undergraduate Commencement speaker in nearly a quarter century, Dan encouraged graduates to figure out who they want to be and what their superpower is.

“How do you talk to yourself? How do you view yourself? We want you to find your superpower. Many of you don't even know yours yet, and

that’s where the fun begins.

“My superpower: I love to develop people and help them find theirs. That’s what lights me up. I don't think I fully knew mine when I was sitting where you are. But I do know my story began right here. My experiences at Salisbury helped shape those superpowers. You may not know what you want to do yet, but you can know who you want to be. And that is where your story begins.”

He also discussed the importance of loss and failure in becoming one’s best self:

“I want you to embrace failure. I mean it. Like, really go after it. Don't run from it. Run right to it. Because that's where the real lessons really live. I'd love to sit here and talk to you about winning a Super Bowl, but if I'm being honest, if I wanted to truly tell you what drives me and why I am the way that I am, I'd have to start by

telling you about the pain of losing one. I wear it like a scar.

“But I also know my growth comes from that scar. Where I teach from comes from there. And I've got to embrace all of it. The loss of a game or the loss of an opportunity or a relationship or the loss of belief, that is where the gold is. And sometimes that lesson is even better than the opportunity would have been.”

Appropriately, he offered that advice from inside Sea Gull Stadium, on the same field where he played in the 1990s. The ceremony marked first time an SU Commencement had been held there.

Quinn ended his speech to the Class of 2025 with four words he said he wished someone had told him during his own SU Commencement more than three decades prior, which have since gone viral on social media: “Let it F-ing rip.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SU Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Laurie Couch presents SU alumna Stacey Quinn ‘91 with an honorary Doctor of Public Service diploma, while alumnus Dan Quinn ‘94, accepts his honorary Doctor of Public Service diploma from SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre.