06/13/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC storms over wind permit

Mayor Meehan says state ‘will stop at no end to politically approve’ offshore wind farm after Maryland Department of the Environment issues permit-to-construct. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza chided the department for its ‘blatent disregard’ of local opposition. — PAGE 80

Armed robbers sentenced

After committing murder in Anne Arundel County, two teens came to Ocean City to prey on Senior Weekers. They are now serving time. — PAGE 22

AT&T seeks to improve cell phone service downtown by installing mini towers on light poles. Federal regulations don’t allow council to say ‘no.’ — PAGE 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMMY BARNES

A morning sunrise this week shines brightly behind the Town of Ocean City’s new photo opportunity along the Boardwalk. This is a new addition as part of the resort’s new branding effort.

A Crown Castle installation on the Boardwalk.

AT&T seeks city agreement to install small cells at inlet

Antennas to be placed at light poles in parking lot, at Boardwalk, officials report

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2025) In exchange for the placement of small cell towers at the inlet, officials are seeking AT&T’s agreement to install additional City Watch cameras.

On Tuesday, AT&T representative Diane Quigley came before the Ocean City Council with the company’s request to place small cell towers in the city’s right-of-way.

However, after a back-and-forth discussion, city officials agreed to table a proposed agreement. In exchange for the installation of the equipment, the council asked the company to consider installing additional surveillance cameras for the city’s use.

“I’m sure they would consider that,” Quigley said.

In an attempt to improve cell service during the C3 Presents music festivals, staff said carriers such as AT&T and Verizon are requesting to install additional small cell antennas in the downtown area. To do so, both

require a license from the city to place their equipment in the city right-ofway.

To that end, Quigley came before the council this week with a proposed license agreement to install small cell towers – five at the Inlet parking lot, one near the Ripley’s building, and another near a Boardwalk bathroom.

“As you all know, there's an issue with coverage when you have all these large concerts down at the inlet, and then all of us cell carriers scramble to get what we call COWs – cell on wheels, temporary towers – to use to support the capacity that we need,” she explained. “So AT&T is looking to put small cell antennas down in the inlet.”

Quigley said the company is seeking to place the antennas on light poles. She said the company Crown Castle had already placed small cell antennas downtown, but that it wasn’t enough to handle demand during large events.

“It’s not working for the carriers … ,” she explained. “It waters down the signal when they're all trying to hit the small cells owned by Crown Castle.”

If the agreement is approved,

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Officials propose exchange as part of licensing deal

Continued from Page 3

Quigley said the company’s infrastructure work would be completed before a repaving project begins at the inlet next spring. The proposed rent totals $344 per year, per antenna.

“I believe AT&T is waiting to hear from Ocean City as to what design do you want to go with,” she said.

However, Council President Matt James questioned what the agreement could mean for the future of Ocean City. He said “seven poles today is 50 poles in a few years.”

For her part, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury reminded the council of a 2022 ordinance, which prohibited small cell towers in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts. However, she said the city cannot go against federal law involving the placement of the communications equipment.

“The answer is we can regulate how it's done,” she said. “We can't stop it from being done.”

City officials this week acknowledged the need for cell service during the music festivals but shared concerns about the proliferation of small cell antennas throughout town.

Councilman John Gehrig questioned if AT&T was willing to install additional City Watch cameras in exchange for the placement of small cell antennas. He noted a similar agreement was reached between the city and Crown Castle.

“Can you negotiate that in?” he asked of the agreement.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to table the request, giving staff and AT&T additional time to consider the proposed addition.

Blue Angels, demo teams on tap for OC Air Show weekend

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor Event

(June 13, 2025) The OC Air Show will return to its traditional June date with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels set to headline this year’s performances.

For the first time since 2019, the Blue Angels will make an appearance at the OC Air Show, scheduled to take place off the Ocean City beach June 14-15.

The headline act will be accompanied by returning demonstration teams, including the F-16 Viper Demo Team, E/A-18 Navy Growler Team and more.

together and in opposite directions, closing in on each other as fast as 1,000 mph.

The Blue Angels will also be joined by the U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler Team, F-16 Viper Demo Team, and the T-38 Talons, to name a few. The OC Air Show will also feature a Navy Legacy Flight, Air Force Heritage Flight, and the West Point Parachute Team, which specializes in precision free-fall skydiving.

While the event is free and open to the public, community members can purchase VIP seating tickets at ocairshow.com.

This year’s event will be held June 14-15. The program kicks off at 11:30 a.m., with the aerial portion of the show running from noon to 3 p.m.

“Each year this show is unique in that we have the beautiful backdrop of the Ocean City beach and boardwalk,” said Chris Dirato, director of public relations for Air Dot Show Ocean City. “When the weather cooperates, one can’t ask for a better venue.”

In 2023, officials announced the 2024 OC Air Show would be moved from its typical mid-June date to August. However, they added the annual event would return to its normal schedule in 2025, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headline act.

“The big change, of course, is that we have returned to our typical midJune time slow,” Dirato said of this year’s event. “Last year’s August show was an exception to the rule given the schedules of various performers. Folks can expect a terrific show headlined by the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels.”

Flying the F-18 Super Hornet, the Blue Angels will perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers, according to the air show’s website. In a four-jet diamond formation, with wingtips as close as two feet apart, the aviators will perform loops, inverted rolls and turns. Two solo jets will also perform maneuvers

“Simply stated, it’s a great familyoriented event which overflows with patriotism,” Dirato said. “It’s also an educational opportunity for parents to show their children who is protecting their freedom every day.”

In advance of this year’s air show, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is advising residents and visitors of anticipated heavy traffic delays, limited parking, and street closures in the downtown area throughout the weekend.

“We strongly recommend arriving before 9:00 a.m. to avoid the heaviest traffic,” an OCPD news release reads. “Make a day of it by enjoying the Boardwalk and Air Show exhibits, which will be located along the Boardwalk between 12th and 20th Street.”

Setup for displays, ground exhibits, and reserved areas will begin Friday, June 13, 2025, from 12th Street to 20th Street, the OCPD reports. Portions of these streets will be closed and barricaded through Sunday, June 15th, with 15th Street and 17th Street remaining closed until approximately noon on Monday, June 16th.

The City Hall parking lot at 301 Baltimore Avenue will also be closed

STEWART DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels team is pictured above the Ocean City beach in 2019. The demonstration team will return to the resort this weekend for the first time in six years.

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to the public starting Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. Only authorized personnel and vehicles will be allowed entry.

Parking will be limited, particularly on Saturday, and many private lots may adjust pricing based on demand. As the OC Air Show is dedicated as a special event, rates and penalties for municipal parking spaces will also increase.

“The enhanced parking penalties focus on prohibited parking areas (like no parking signs, red curbs, fire hydrants, and sidewalks) to improve traffic flow, parking compliance, and enforcement during high-attendance periods,” the OCPD reports.

The OCPD also encouraged visitors to take the Ocean City Beach Bus along Coastal Highway, or the Ex-

press Shuttle Service, which runs between the West Ocean City Park and Ride and 17th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

Ocean City Transportation Manager Rob Shearman said his department will have additional bus deployments Saturday and Sunday. He also noted the convention center south parking lot will not be available for public parking during the air show. Attendees are encouraged to use the West Ocean City Park and Ride instead.

“That’s going to present an extra challenge for us,” he said.

For transit details and live bus maps, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/transportation/.

Candidate residency minimum at 2 years?

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2025) City officials will move forward with a resolution that changes residency requirements for elected officials.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted to move forward with a charter amendment relating to candidate qualifications.

A resolution to implement the changes will be brought before the council at a future Monday night meeting.

“We are following up on the discussion we had regarding the charter amendment …,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said. “I’ve done my best to capture all the changes that were discussed at the last work session.”

As proposed, the council is seeking to increase residency requirements

from four months to two years.

While a one-year residency requirement was initially proposed, Councilman Will Savage said a twoyear requirement fell in line with Worcester County’s candidate qualifications.

“I think living in Ocean City for two years would give a candidate a better idea of what they are dealing with,” he said, “and how to manage our government and the citizens who live here.”

The council also agreed to add language that a candidate’s primary domicile – or permanent residence –cannot have a rental license for two calendar years prior to the municipal election, unless that domicile is a multiple-family dwelling which maintains a rental license for the other units but not the candidate’s domicile.

Council President Matt James said

that caveat addressed concerns he initially had about rental license restrictions.

“That was my hesitation the last time we discussed this and why I didn’t vote for it, because you can have multiple units with the same address,” he said. “A small apartment building is a good example, where you have the owner of the apartment building living in one unit, and the other two units are occupied by renters, but the rental permit issued by the town is for the entire property. Then that person who has lived legitimately at that property, for years, would not be eligible to run.”

Lastly, the council agreed to add language that states a candidate must continue to reside in Ocean City throughout the length of their term in office. The candidate must also abstain from obtaining a rental license at

their domicile throughout their term.

“This is saying that a candidate, once elected to office, must continue to be a resident of a domicile within the corporate limits of Ocean City,” Stansbury explained. “So they could change their domicile, but they must maintain a domicile just as they would have done to run for election. And they must abstain from the rental license piece during the entire length of their term of office.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to make the charter amendments and move forward with the resolution.

City uses grant to enhance school bus safety efforts

(June 6, 2025) As a result of a federal grant, Ocean City has taken meaningful steps to ramp up school bus safety in the resort.

The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) received a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) grant earlier this year for $29,931.22 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help reduce illegal passing of stopped school buses and enhance student safety throughout our community. This grant is part of the Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses – High Visibility Enforcement Pilot Project. It supports proactive enforcement of Maryland school bus laws and a broader public education campaign aimed at preventing dangerous driving behavior.

While school buses provide safe transportation for many students, the greatest risk occurs when children get on or off the bus. Maryland's stop-arm laws are in place to protect children, but these laws only work when drivers obey them.

Thanks to this grant funding, OCPD has been able to take meaningful action. From January through May 26, according to the department, there have been 246 traffic stops, including 100 for school bus violations and 146 for other violations. There have been 250 total citations issused – 24 for school bus violations, 52 for failure to obey traffic control device, seven for failture to stop at a stop sign and 158 other violations. OCPD calculates approximately 331 overtime hours have been worked on the detail.

“With Worcester County Public Schools in session until Tuesday, June 17, 2025, and summer academy buses operating June 30 through July 31, enforcement efforts will continue,” an OCPD press release read. “We urge all drivers to remain alert and comply with

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OC hotel revenue soars for festival

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) Tourism tracking data shows Ocean City’s Boardwalk Rock festival supercharged revenue for resort hotels and vacation rentals in the month of May, sending yearover-year numbers soaring.

Nightly rates, revenue, occupancy, and revenue available per room –also known as “rev par,” a measurement of revenue generation compared to occupancy – were all up for May 2025 compared to a year ago, according to the data research firm Zartico. Revenue in particular was up by double digits.

“We did very, very, very, very well,” Zartico executive Bill Obreiter told the Ocean City Tourism Commission during its meeting Monday at the convention center. “We were really, really up for the weekend of Boardwalk Rock.”

However, to close out the month, bookings dropped slightly from Sunday through Friday of Memorial Day week. Obreiter blamed the “slippage” on weather because Memorial Day in 2024 had more sun, higher temperatures, and less wind.

Statistics also showed the average daily rate for hotels, or ADR, went up over last year by about 6%. Vacation rental per-night costs came in higher

than hotels, $298 a night on average compared to a $252 ADR for hotels.

Projected revenue for mid-to-late summer hotel bookings, which was down just a few weeks ago, is now on a pace to increase. Obreiter said vacation rentals, on the other hand, are still falling short – “but at an $511 ADR, that’s what you get,” he said, saying low demand will likely drive those rates back to more affordable levels.

Zartico’s end-of-summer projection sees revenue figures falling and flattening in September – but then roaring back for Oceans Calling at a rate nearly quadruple that of the prior weeks. The season’s highest anticipated ADR also falls during the Sept 26-28 festival.

The company projects healthy returns for hotels by Labor Day.

“Not double-digit growth, but there is growth,” Obreiter said. “Increase in revenue for available rooms. Little bit of a dip on ADR pacing versus a month ago, but we’re making up for that with occupancy.”

Vacation rentals are projected to peak around Fourth of July and then drop sharply in August. Anticipated hotel revenue is steadier with a pop around mid-August ahead of back-toschool season – a drop that could be offset, Obreiter noted, with the right

blend of advertising to singles, couples, and empty-nesters.

Notably, hospitality data shared with the tourism commission isn’t all-inclusive. Zartico reviews booking information from select chain hotels, not independent properties, as well as vacation rentals like Airbnb, according to Obreiter, the company’s vice president of US sales.

Zartico can also see where visitors are coming from. Based on seasonal projections, about half of all hotel bookings are, in equal measure, from both the Baltimore area and the Washington-Northern Virginia area. For vacation rentals, the Pittsburgh area is the leader, at a rate of twice to nearly three times more than other markets.

Another topic that was reviewed during Monday’s tourism commission meeting was Ocean City’s “Catch A Ride” program, where tourism staffers take their vintage Ocean Citybranded Volkswagen minibus and visit various regional destinations to promote OC tourism.

The “Something to Smile About” tour will make 14 stops this summer season, starting Memorial Day weekend through June 20. Destinations include baseball games in Philadelphia, D.C., and Baltimore, as well as a visit to the Baltimore Zoo.

Retired K-9 Smoke passes away

(June 13, 2025) The Ocean City Police Department announced the passing of retired K-9 Smoke, who died peacefully on Thursday, June 5, surrounded by his handler, PFC Erika Rhode, along with her family and close friends.

“K-9 Smoke served the Ocean City community with honor, loyalty, and distinction for seven years before retiring at the end of April. A dual-purpose patrol and narcotics detection Belgian Malinois, Smoke was not only a skilled working dog but also a cherished member of the department family,” a department press release said.

"Smoke was more than a K-9. He was a symbol of dedication, courage, and the special bond between handler and dog," said Chief Raymond Austin. "Throughout his career, Smoke proved time and again that he was an exceptional asset to public safety. Our community embraced him, our officers relied on him, and he will be deeply missed."

Originally born and trained in the Netherlands, K-9 Smoke joined the Ocean City Police Department in March 2018 after completing an intensive six-week handler course at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. From the outset, he and PFC Rhode demonstrated a remarkable partnership that quickly became a model for the department's K-9 Unit.

During his career, K-9 Smoke was deployed more than 370 times, including 278 vehicle scans, 49 building searches, 21 tactical deployments, 27 arrests, eight weapons seizures and $5,390 in seized U.S. currency

“His presence around the department matched Smoke's professionalism in the field. He was known for attending roll calls, patrolling the halls, and checking the kitchen for treats, always a steady and familiar presence for those who worked with him,” the press release read. “The department and the Ocean City community will remember K-9 Smoke's life and service with gratitude and admiration. Smoke's legacy of bravery and service lives on.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Former OCPD K-9 Smoke is pictured with his handler, PFC Erika Rhode. Smoke died on June 5, weeks after the department celebrated the K-9’s retirement from service.

Motorists hospitalized after Route 50 head-on collision

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) Two people were hospitalized Monday afternoon after a head-on car accident along Route 50.

It happened around 1:50 p.m. near the intersection of Old Bridge Road.

Maryland State Police said a Kia Soul going eastbound lost control and veered into oncoming traffic. The driver, 84-year-old Vivian Murphy of Ocean Pines, collided directly with a Volvo V60CC in the westbound lanes. Murphy reportedly sustained a health emergency while driving, according to witnesses.

Police said the driver of that Volvo sedan, Roberta Campanaro, 65, of Vero Beach, Florida, was taken by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional hospital in Salisbury. Murphy was flown by State Police mede-

vac to Shock Trauma in Baltimore for treatment of injuries, where she remains in critical condition.

A wide dirt rash and a toppled road sign on a hefty wood post were visible across the grassy median in the aftermath of the collision. One witness reported Murphy had been driving erratically before losing control of the vehicle. Her car ended up in the grass beyond the shoulder along westbound Route 50.

State Police responding to the accident closed Route 50 to traffic between the crash site and Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611) for about two hours. Outbound resort traffic, as well as vehicles leaving the West Ocean City outlets, were severely backed up along detour routes through West Ocean City.

Police said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Teen injured in late night collision with resort bus

(June 13, 2025) The Ocean City Police Department continues to investigate a pedestrian collision involving a city bus last weekend.

The incident occurred Saturday, June 7 around 1:10 a.m. near 92nd Street and Coastal Highway. The pedestrian, an 18-year-old male from Pennsylvania, was walking on the east sidewalk near 92nd Street when he reportedly stepped

into the bus lane.

The pedestrian was struck by a city bus traveling northbound in the bus lane. Lifesaving efforts were initiated on the scene, and the pedestrian was transported to Tidal Health in serious condition.

The Ocean City Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is currently handling the ongoing investigation.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The vehicle pictured was headed eastbound on Route 50 Monday afternoon when the motorist suffered a health emergency, resulting in the car crashing into a westbound car.

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Teens killed man, then used gun in OC robbery, assault

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) After robbing and murdering an acquaintance, a pair of teenagers from the Baltimore area drove to Ocean City to continue their crime spree. They targeted Senior Weekers near the Boardwalk using the same ghost gun they stole off the murder victim.

State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser.

While it may be a little unusual, when a suspect commits a crime spree across county lines, the Attorney General’s office can pick up the case. Heiser said state prosecutors ended up handling the case while her office coordinated and played a supporting role.

Now, three years later, those suspects have been sentenced to decades in prison, part of a bundled set of charges – including murder, armed robbery, assault, and weapons charges –brought forth in a 36-count indictment by the office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.

Jordan Moses, 19, of Glen Burnie, and Takala Robinson, 22, of Baltimore City, were primarily charged in the June 2022 shooting death of 17-yearold Anthony Johnson in Glen Burnie. Additional charges stemmed from other incidents in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, the District of Columbia, and Worcester County.

Led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, the investigation characterized the pair’s activity as being part of a larger criminal enterprise involving weapons and other violent acts to control their territory, according to the 22-page indictment filed June 2023 in Worcester County Circuit Court.

“This shocking and senseless string of serious crimes traumatized victims and claimed a young man’s life, sobering reminders of the devastating damage caused by violent criminal organizations armed with illegal guns,” Brown said in a statement released Monday.

It was the Attorney General’s choice to lump the charges together and put the suspects on trial in Worcester County, where prosecutors hoped to field a jury that would find in their favor, according to Worcester County

“When there are cross-jurisdictional cases like this we often meet with the AG’s office, and this was one of those,” Heiser told OC Today-Dispatch. “We looked at the numbers and tended to agree with them. Because they had more evidence against the defendants from the other counties, they’d be more successful in getting a better sentence.”

The case, however, ended up going to a plea deal, and a jury was never convened. The case was adjudicated by Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby.

On December 5, 2024, Robinson pleaded guilty Dec. 5 to participating in a criminal organization resulting in death, conspiracy to commit the murder of Anthony Johnson, and armed robbery. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Jan. 10

Moses pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to participating in a criminal organization resulting in death, the first-degree murder of Anthony Johnson, and armed robbery. He was sentenced May 28 to life in prison with all but 45 years suspended.

The murder occurred two weeks before the duo came out to Ocean City for a few days, where they committed three armed robberies. Moses was 16 at the time.

According to prosecutors, Moses had exchanged text communication with the murder victim, where Johnson asked Moses to acquire a firearm.

“Where the bips at need another one,” Johnson communicated on Instagram, the indictment states.

“Nobody is selling you know (expletive) getting crazy we going half to do out da city’s in start taking down (expletive),” Moses replied – meaning, the

Takala Robinson

Cross state felons sentenced

only way to get a handgun was to kill someone and take theirs, according to the indictment.

Moses and Robinson ended up meeting Johnson in Glen Burnie on June 1, 2022, along with other members of the criminal enterprise, prosecutors said. They used a handgun to rob from him and kill him. Police said he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Robinson took from the victim a tan colored handgun with no serial number, the indictment says. Police referred to it a “ghost gun.”

After the murder, the killers laid low and stayed away from their homes. Robinson used her cell phone to search for “fox new(s)” headlines around Glen Burnie, the indictment states.

By June 15, they decided to take a road trip out to Ocean City with at least

Cruise Island Smith

one other member of their crew. They ended up robbing three people between June 15-18, and robbed victims at gunpoint in the areas of 16th Street, 57th Street, and Fifth Street. Items stolen included cash, phones, and a Bluetooth speaker.

At least one Ocean City robbery victim was held at gunpoint using the same tan “ghost gun” taken from the murder victim Johnson, police said.

Those robbery calls were handled by the Ocean City Police Department, who used social media posts and pictures from the suspects’ devices, as well as municipal surveillance cameras, to prove their involvement.

Det. Sgt. Chris Wrench was one of the officers who handled the investigation at the time.

“They came down here and they were trolling for one-off Senior Weekers they could get into a secluded area,” Wrench told OC Today-Dispatch. “All three robberies, Senior Weekers walking. Once (the suspects) were able to peel them off, took them to a secluded area off the main strip into an alleyway, produced a firearm, and took their properties.”

A day after leaving the beach, the suspects ended up taken into custody in Baltimore County.

Police said both suspects were found with guns that were consistent with weapons used in the organization’s other crimes. They also had property on them taken from their Ocean City victims.

State’s Attorney Heiser said the fact that the Attorney General wanted to try the case in Worcester County “shows respect for our community.”

“In this particular instance, it made sense, and we were glad they had such a great outcome. We were really pleased they came through for our citizens. It is always nice when prosecutors put politics aside and strive for results and achieve results,” she said.

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Berlin parking lot to use cell phone app, charges fees

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 12, 2025) Berlin’s new parking lot, planned for the corner of West and Washington Streets, will be payto-park and utilize the smartphone app ParkMobile. Potential rates have yet to be finalized.

This week, the Berlin Town Council unanimously agreed to enter into a contract with ParkMobile. This appbased parking system will allow the municipality to set a fee structure for the new 2.13-acre lot on the west side of West Street. Customers will go onto their app and pay accordingly, said Councilman Jay Knerr, the point of contact with the parking business.

The fees for the parking site have yet to be decided, but Knerr said that a few scenarios have been discussed. For instance, the town may opt to make the lot free during the week, $1.50/hour on the weekend, and $4/hour during events. Visitors can see how much they are being charged directly on their ParkMobile app.

“The town has control of the rates and can change them on the fly,” Knerr said.

The agreement requires ParkMobile to receive $0.20 per transaction plus 3% of the total transaction. Furthermore, the customer will incur a $0.40 on-demand user fee per transaction.

The councilman added that the town’s cut of ParkMobile revenue will go to the parking lot fund, which would service the new lot and others in Berlin.

“It's profitable for [ParkMobile] and us,” Knerr said.

According to Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, while the parking system is app-based, there will be other ways to pay for a spot.

“There is the ability to call or text,” he said. “You don’t just have to have a smartphone.”

Furthermore, in the contract, ParkMobile gives the town the right to use its software, which tracks the amount of money coming in and lets police officers know who has paid and who has not.

The contract was approved by the Berlin Town Council this week.

Following the motion’s passage, Councilman Steve Green initiated a discussion concerning the status of the new lot.

According to Public Works Director Jimmy Charles, his team expects to be able to park around 80 cars in the grass lot for the annual bathtub races, scheduled for Friday, June 20. The crew is gearing up to install entrance and exit signs within the next week or two to “keep a general flow of in off of [West Street] and exiting to [Washington Street].”

Charles added that he is considering

Berlin’s parking rules to change

Continued from Page 27

placing extra cones and barricades along the street to control excessive on-street parking.

“We might limit a little bit of the onstreet parking to provide … a path on West Street so multiple vehicles can travel on West Street, not just the single lane, which could happen if too many people are on the street,” Charles said.

Green noted that when the new lot opens, he would like to see street parking on West Street from Board to Washington streets completely eliminated.

Tyndall agreed but prefers to wait for town staff to evaluate parking patterns. The mayor suggested the council engage in a discussion at its first meeting in July before making any final decisions on West Street parking.

“I don’t want us to blanket something without getting the full perspective,” Tyndall maintained.

Green responded that he understood that perspective, but he worries about vehicles being able to access the lot with cars lined up on West Street.

“I worry about people being able to get into the lot,” Green said. “I know I wouldn’t be able to make that turn in my truck to get into the lot if people are parking where they are parking now.”

The mayor amended that before the council can create a plan of action, the entry and egress points could be denoted as no parking to ensure a manageable distance for access into the lot.

“We'll aim for the first meeting in July to have a more comprehensive discussion about the narrow streets in that area,” Tyndall added.

Following those conversations, parking changes will likely be made in the Washington and West streets areas.

The new parking lot was conceived out of the Town of Berlin’s historic struggle to provide visitors and residents with enough parking, particularly during crowded events.

To address this challenge, the Berlin Mayor and Council entered into a 10year deal with William Esham, Jr., to lease a vacant 2.13-acre lot on the west side of West Street. The space will supply roughly 110 spots. The property’s grass surface will remain during the lot’s first year.

The lot’s concept plan came before the Berlin Planning Commission last month, where Knerr hinted at the eventual use of ParkMobile. At that time, the commission members expressed concern that if the space charges visitors a fee, it would exacerbate congestion issues, as people may scour neighborhoods for free spots. Knerr noted that West Street and the rear side of Washington could be designated as resident-only parking.

These decisions have yet to be cemented, but new parking patterns will likely be enforced later this

INNOVATIVE CREATION WITH HEART

Freshman Abby Bunting used her engineering and 3D printing skills to create a custom piece of equipment for a visually impaired student on the Mardela High School Unified Strength and Conditioning team. Her innovative design, a block that emits sound for the shuttle run event, was created to help the athlete participate more confidently and independently. The innovative and thoughtful contribution not only demonstrates her technical abilities, but also highlights the power of collaboration and inclusion across schools and school systems. Bunting is pictured above with Shannon Bone, a coach with Decatur’s Unified program as well as a teacher, and Michael Brittingham, a coach with Mardela’s Unifeid team and also a school teacher.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

35th Annual Bathtub Races return to Berlin next Friday

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Bragging

(June 13, 2025) The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host the 35th annual Berlin Bathtub Races, where participants will zoom their bathtub-inspired vehicles down Main Street for the chance to secure bragging rights.

This year, the creative and competitive tradition will be held on Friday, June 20, on Main Street in downtown Berlin. A parade of the homemade tubs will begin at 6 p.m., with races to follow, kicking off at around 6:15 p.m.

tribute to the late Jesse Turner, the former owner of the Main Street repair business, the Berlin Shoe Box. Turner helped get the races off the ground and actively participated in the tradition, coming up victorious on several occasions.

Community members are encouraged to crowd the sidelines and watch as the racers dart downtown. During the contest, food vendors will be available for attendees to pick up dinner and snacks. The chamber will also be selling event t-shirts and conducting its annual 50/50 raffle drawing.

Each year, the Berlin Bathtub Races provide local businesses with a fun advertising method, as they hitch up their modified, road-capable bathtub and compete against their neighbors in a series of heats. The winner receives bragging rights for their speed and style, and their name is added to the trophy, known as the Turner Cup.

The winning trophy winter is a

“The Bathtub Races are a one-ofa-kind, high-energy event that brings the community together for a night of fun and friendly competition,” the Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s website reads. “Participants race creatively designed, bathtub-inspired vehicles down Main Street, competing for speed, style, and bragging rights. Whether you’re a racer or a spectator, there’s plenty of excitement with themed races, team costumes, and laughter.”

For more information about the Berlin Bathtub Races, visit https://berlinchamber.org/event/bat htub-races/.

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Sheppard Realty team, led by Realtor Gussie Sholtis, is pictured participating in the parade of bathtubs that starts the annual event.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM FUNDRAISER

On Worcester Wednesday, May 28, students and faculty at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) came together to support TOPSocer, a community-based program for young athletes with disabilities through River Soccer Club. The effort raised approximately $1,700 for the cause. Each month, WPS students are invited to nominate charitable organizations for the school’s monthly Worcester Wednesday fundraiser. For May, junior Beckett Green submitted TOPSoccer, an organization close to his heart. As a dedicated TOPSoccer Buddy, Beckett, 17, volunteers his time working with players in the program, including his brother, Carson, 15, helping to foster their growth through the game of soccer. Above, Green receives a check from Head of School Dr. John McDonald.

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“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s award-winnning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 12 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, year-round destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!

Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

“Ocean City Chronicles” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” & Ghosts In The Surf’ then you will love Bunk Mann’s third book of photos and OC history.

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OCPD Lieutenant graduates from FBI Nat’l Academy

(June 13, 2025) The Ocean City Police Department has announced Lieutenant Andrew Yeager has graduated from the 294th session of the FBI National Academy, a prestigious professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. The graduation ceremony was held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on Thursday, June 5.

Yeager was among 239 law enforcement officers who completed the tenweek program, which is internationally known for its academic excellence in advanced communication, leadership, and physical fitness training. The 294th session included participants from 48 states, the District of Columbia, 14 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian agencies.

A member of the Ocean City Police Department for 20 years, Lt. Yeager currently serves in the Training and Recruiting Section, where he will be instrumental in preparing current and future generations of officers.

“Lt. Yeager’s commitment to personal and professional growth reflects the values we uphold at the Ocean City Police Department,” said Chief of Police Raymond Austin. “His experience at the FBI National Academy strengthens not only his leadership but also our department’s ability to train and inspire excellence in law enforcement.”

The FBI National Academy is held at the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts. Attendees are nominated by their agency heads and must demonstrate exemplary service and leadership. On average, graduates have 21 years of experience and typically go on to serve in executive-level positions.

or

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino delivered remarks during the graduation ceremony. Class spokesperson Brandt “BT” Carmical of the Camp Robinson Police Department in North Little Rock, Arkansas, represented the graduates. Since its founding in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated more than 56,000 law enforcement professionals. The University of Virginia accredits all Academy courses, allowing participants to

Ocean City Police Lt.

Federal, state grants eyed for local skate park dream

Berlin council votes to send letter of support for LWCF application due late June

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 12, 2025) The proposed skate park for Berlin’s Heron Park inches closer to becoming a reality, as the town will pursue federal and state grant funding to continue moving the project forward.

At the Berlin Town Council’s Monday, June 9 meeting, the body unanimously agreed to permit staff to submit applications for the fiscal year 2027 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal grant, and the Community Parks and Playground Program (CPP), a state grant, to support the development of a skate park in town. The skate park site’s proposed location is parcel 410 of Heron Park.

We Heart Berlin, a nonprofit promoting recreational activities within the municipality, is spearheading the skate park initiative. According to Berlin Special Projects Administrator Kate Daub, the town has partnered with the charitable group at this project stage. As such, the Town of Berlin

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will pursue the aforementioned grants to help We Heart Berlin’s stake park dream come to fruition.

“The primary objective now is to secure the necessary funding to keep the project moving forward,” Daub said.

The plan is to apply for the FY27 LWCF funding by June 25. The federal grant requires a 50% non-federal match. To meet this stipulation, the town will also apply for the statefunded CPP grant. Per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, the CPP application is due on Wednesday, August 20, in the afternoon.

“If all goes as planned, the plan is to hopefully use Community Parks and Playground funding as the match for the Land Water Conservation Fund,” the special project administrator said. “...Should we not receive CPP, We Heart Berlin is committed to meeting that match should we be fortunate enough to receive the LWCF.”

According to a staff report recommending proceeding with the grants, We Heart Berlin has invested over $75,000 in early-phase work, including conceptual design, community engagement, and planning.

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Weeg believes grants would lead to more private gifts

“Although this investment doesn’t count as a formal match, it shows strong local support and progress for the project,” the document reads.

The skate park’s total estimated cost is $975,000. This price tag includes final design, permitting, construction, and amenity installation.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that the most the town will likely receive from CPP is approximately $250,000, and as such, he and We Heart Berlin Executive Director Tony Weeg have discussed a phased approach to completing the initiative.

“We know that the first swath of around $250,000 is going to be land prep, demolition, getting the land correct and elevated with soil, impaction, and prep work,” Weeg said. “The bulk of the next $500,000 is concrete. So, we have site preparation first, then the rest after that.”

Tyndall said that he is confident that if a solid CPP application is submitted and CPP is committed to funding phase one, “the likelihood of them funding phase two to complete the project” increases.

Weeg added that more private contributions will likely come through if the skate park secures these grants.

“Once we get the ball rolling with

grants and funding, and investors around the area start seeing … I’ve been told, ‘Once we see that you’re real, we’re going to show you that we’re real,’” Weeg said. “[Investors] have all said, ‘once we see it’s real, it’s going to be real.’ We just have to get to a certain point with federal and state grant funding and/or some other private funding. Once we reach that point, others will jump on board quickly.”

Efforts to build a skatepark have been steady for some time. In April, We Heart Berlin members and Berlin Public Works went to Heron Park to mark the dimensions of where the proposed 16,000 to 17,000 square foot amenity will be located.

The site will feature a bowl, a street plaza with quarter pipes, and a pump track, which can help skaters learn to transition without losing momentum.

Town leaders are confident Berlin will soon have a skate park. Weeg noted in April that his team’s goal is to break ground in 2027, or earlier.

“This is the closest Berlin has ever been to a skate park,” Tyndall said this week.

“We’re going to get it,” Weeg added. “I can see it in my head. We’re going to have it.”

Teen to create library box for scout project

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) A new Little Free Library is soon coming to Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin. It will be available for parents and park goers to enjoy as their children play, in an effort to encourage reading and sharing stories.

The library box, to be placed near the fenced-in playground at Stephen Decatur Park, is an initiative spearheaded by Stephen Decatur High School sophomore Vincent Schicchi. The young student is a Life Scout in Berlin Troop 225, working toward his Eagle Scout Rank. The book collection site will act as his Eagle Scout project.

The Little Free Library will be small and decorated with waterproof, woodcolored paint to look natural. The Berlin Troop member plans to order a kit to build the box. The library will be

made of plywood with a metal roof and cedar posts to ensure it’s structurally sound, and visitors will be encouraged to take and return books during their stops at Stephen Decatur Park.

The box will contain an assortment of children's and adult books. Schicchi said he intends to ask the Berlin Library if they have any older novels to donate to get him started, in addition to contributions from friends, family, and community members.

Schicchi said that the box's idea is to encourage Berlin residents to turn to books rather than electronics during their visits to Stephen Decatur Park.

“Many parents who visit the park and take their kids might want to read some literature and need something to do,” he said. “There are a lot of benches at Stephen Decatur Park. It would be great for them to sit down

and read while their kids are playing. I think it’s very important to implement reading nowadays since many people are on their cell phones.”

The project is also reminiscent of the scout’s childhood before moving to the Berlin area.

“When I lived in New York, there was a park I would visit a lot, and I remember opening a box and reading books,” Schicchi said. “It brings back some nostalgia, and I just always thought it was very interesting.”

Schicchi said he would fundraise for the money needed to complete the Little Free Library initiative, estimated at around $850 for materials. Schicchi and his mother plan to volunteer their maintenance services, which will include rotating and replacing books as needed.

We Heart Berlin President Tony Weeg, who was in the audience of the

June 9 Berlin Mayor and Council meeting where the project was presented, suggested to Schicchi that the base of the library is “thick and heavy so it doesn't sway or fall forward,” particularly when the ground is wet, as the books will be heavy.

“It needs to be secure at the bottom,” he said.

Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles added that he and his team will be on site when the library box is installed to ensure its structural strength.

The library box will be officially registered with Little Free Library, a nonprofit group based in Minnesota whose mission is to expand access to books in communities throughout the nation. This goal is achieved through the small book lockers, which are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and incur no cost, “removing barriers to book access,” their website says.

This week, the Berlin Town Council unanimously approved the Little Free Library at Stephen Decatur Park.

“I think this is a wonderful project and I think it will be very well received by the residents of Berlin,” Councilman Jay Knerr, a fellow Eagle Scout himself, said.

OC’s food pantry needs donations

(June 13, 2025) Shepherd’s Crook Food Pantry at St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church is calling on the community to help meet a dramatic rise in food insecurity across Ocean City.

Each summer, Ocean City sees an influx of seasonal workers and visitors, swelling the town’s population and placing additional strain on local resources.

Shepherd’s Crook Food Pantry, located at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, is the primary food pantry serving the area. Operating four days a week, the pantry provides hot meals and grocery items to individuals and families in need.

A press release read, “We’re seeing more people than ever before, from working families to seniors and children, the need is growing. We’re asking our neighbors, business owners, and visitors to help us meet that need.”

Community members can support the pantry in the following ways: make a monetary donation to help provide nutritious meals and keep shelves stocked; donate non-perishable food items; and volunteer time to assist with food distribution.

Make donations payable to Outreach Ministries and mail them to St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Online donations can be made at www.stpaulsbythesea.org.

Officals pay tribute to area veteran with paver ceremony

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 12, 2025) A decorated World War II hero with connections to the Maryland Eastern Shore has been honored with a brick dedication at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Park at Ocean Pines, 81 years after the veteran’s valiant wartime actions.

On Friday, June 6, the late George Kerchner, who passed away on Feb. 17, 2012, just days before his 94th birthday, was recognized with a paver at the remembrance site for his heroic behavior on D-Day. Last week’s ceremony was intentionally held on the 81st anniversary of the infamous 1944 WWII operation.

Rick Farr, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors vice president, Veterans Memorial Foundation Board of Directors member, and retired United States Air Force member, emceed the brick dedication. According to Farr, Kerchner was a Baltimore native and joined the US Army in 1942 and the elite 2nd Ranger Battalion as a lieutenant the following year.

The veteran trained in England for six months, scaling seaside cliffs in preparation for a risky raid on Pointe du Hoc, a fortified German position towering above the English Channel. The task, often cited as the most challenging

mission of D-Day, required Kerchner and his fellow rangers commanded by Lt. Col. James E. Rudder, to climb a 100-foot cliff under heavy German fire. Kerchner assumed command of his task group, Company D, after all the senior officers were killed or seriously injured. His team scaled the 100-foot cliffs to discover that the 155-millimeter guns they were sent to destroy had been relocated. Yet, Kerchner and his men tracked down and disabled the firearms, then held their position against German counterattacks for approximately three days until reinforcements could arrive.

Around 100 of the 225 Rangers who stormed the Pointe du Hoc that day survived. Later, Kerchner was wounded near Saint-Lô. The veteran lived through the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.

In part, Farr said that Kerchner’s commendation read, “By his determined leadership and outstanding heroism, he led his company in a successful assault upon and captured 155millimeter enemy gun positions. While engaged in the operation, Kerchner and 15 members of his unit were cut off from the main body and surrounded for two and a half days. His tenacity courageously held his position until he was

Kerchner served in World War II

Continued from Page 39

relieved and was a constant inspiration and source of encouragement to his troops.”

After the war, Kerchner returned to Arundel Ice Cream Company, where he had been employed before WWII. He was eventually elected president of the business. Later, as the majority stockholder, he sold the company and retired to the Eastern Shore.

“As a child, [Kerchner] had once taken the train to Ocean City, decided he liked it, and had told his buddies, ‘I am going to retire to Ocean City before I am 55,’” Farr noted. “In 1970, he made good on that promise.”

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During his retirement, Farr said Kerchner “immersed himself in affairs” with St. Luke Catholic Church, the American Legion Post 166, and the Ocean City Motel Hotel Restaurant Association. Later, he moved to Ocean Pines and was a founding Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department member.

“[Kerchner] enjoyed boating, fishing, and everything about the slow pace of life here on the Maryland Eastern Shore,” Farr added.

At the June 6 brick dedication, OPVFD President Joe Enste placed the paver at the memorial site to honor Kerchner’s bravery in WWII and his work with Ocean Pines emergency services.

The ceremony included a formal recognition and a recount of Kerchner’s story and connections to northern Worcester County, as well as a presentation from Mike Detmer, a representative for Congressman Andy Harris.

Ocean Pines resident and former board of directors member Marty Clarke conceived the effort to include Kerchner at the veterans’ memorial. In March, when he began fundraising for the paver, Clarke said that he had read a book about D-Day around a year ago and had seen Kerchner’s name mentioned in connection with Ocean City, Maryland.

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“I had never heard of him,” Clarke said at the time. “He was in our local American Legion and lived in Ocean Pines, but there is nothing in the memorial, which I think is one of the most beautiful amenities built in recent history in Worcester County. There is not a peep about [Kerchner]. That began the efforts to raise money for the paver.”

The veterans’ memorial is accepting donations in Kerchner’s name. Checks may be sent to Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines, PO Box 1576, Berlin, Maryland 21811, with “George Kerchner” written on the check. The funds will bolster the remembrance site’s teaching program to area school children.

Every year, the Veterans Memorial Foundation invites every Worcester County fifth-grade class on a field trip to the park. Students participate in a tour and a three-part informational program featuring different aspects of the veteran area.

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste places the new paver at the memorial site. TARA FISCHER/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

FREE SATURDAY CRAFTS

The Art League of Ocean City hosted 29 children for free Saturday Kids Crafts on June 7, where they pressed plants into clay. The free walk-in program continues through the summer every Saturday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside. Pictured are Anna Kate Kullenberg, top left; Axel White, left second from top; Bretton Barbaro, bottom left; Delaney and Brody Jenkins, above left; Isabel Winterling, above middle; and Theo Rothermel and Hailey Fleming, above right.

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Worcester County GOLD to host Runaway Bride event

Second annual run/walk planned for July 26 through Berlin; wedding attire eyed

(June 13, 2025) Local nonprofit Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) and the Town of Berlin will host the Runaway Bride Fun Run/Walk to be held Saturday, July 26 at 8:30 a.m.

Celebrate the 26th anniversary of the release of “Runaway Bride” by running/walking through the small town where the movie was filmed.

Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite wedding attire like a wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, suit, tuxedo t-shirt, or all-white. Dressing up in a fun outfit and reliving the magic of “The Runaway Bride”, participants will raise money to support local families living in lowincome circumstances.

Registration is only $20 and sponsorship opportunities are available for what promises to be a highly visible and well attended event.

With a planned route only one mile long, participants don’t need to be in 5K shape to participate. Participants will meet on the lawn of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum to

check in. The event will begin on Main Street in front of The Sterling Tavern, head down Main Street passing iconic movie locations like The Atlantic Hotel and Raynes Reef, turn right on Washington Street, crossing Broad Street to Harrison Avenue and then turning right before finishing back at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.

Activities and celebrations will continue after the race with prizes awarded for first, second, third, best outfit, and best group outfit.

The unique event will not only celebrate the Town of Berlin’s history as the location for the filming of this iconic movie but also engage locals in an accessible and fun way while raising money for Worcester County residents with a verified emergency need.

Supporters can find more information by visiting GOLD’s website at www.WorcesterGOLD.org or by reaching out to contact@worcestergold.org or 443-235-6525.

Worcester County GOLD is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for Worcester County residents living in low-income circumstances by providing emergency financial assistance and items to meet basic needs.

WEST OCEAN CITY

Berlin approves budget with flat tax rate after hearing

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 12, 2025) The Town of Berlin’s fiscal year 2026 budget passed this week. The document includes a $17.4 million general fund, a $8.8 million utility fund, and a flat property tax rate.

The Berlin Town Council unanimously adopted the municipality’s FY26 budget on Monday, June 9. The spending plan consists of a balanced general fund budget of approximately $17.4 million and a balanced electric budget of about $8.8 million.

A few changes were made to the budget between its passage this week and its review on May 27. For instance, according to Berlin Finance Director Natalie Saleh, the $50 Food Lion gift card provided to employees each year around Thanksgiving was combined with the $300 one-time payment, also given during the holidays.

This move was discussed at last month’s budget review, during which the council agreed that combining employee appreciation line items made the most sense.

“I like it,” Councilman Steve Green said at the time. “I think some people don’t like shopping at that particular grocery store, and it’s easier…I just

can’t imagine it not being well-received.”

Additionally, Saleh said $50,000 had been added to the Worcester County Unrestricted Grant.

Councilman Jack Orris noted that the comprehensive plan update budgeted for FY26 is estimated to cost around $100,000 but worries its price tag could be north of that amount. Orris inquired if the additional $50,000 from the county could be used for the comp plan upgrade, if it requires more funding.

“In the planning for the comprehensive plan update, we have budgeted for $100,000,” Orris said. “I understand there is some concern from some of us that that is not enough…I’m not saying all of it, but some of the $50,000 grant from the county could get us to where we would like to be for the comp plan update. I’m just throwing that as an option to do at another time.”

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall agreed that $100,000 may not be enough.

“We think $100,000 may do it, but it could be upwards of $130,000 or $160,000,” he said.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen argued that “it’s hard to judge.” She noted that the City of Cambridge’s comprehensive plan cost around

Mayor calls budget result of ‘solid work’ by departments

$168,000, but that document covers a larger area

“I was thinking that after the Cambridge discussion, $120,000 or $130,000 might get us to where we want to be,” Orris said.

Tyndall reminded the council that the budget does carry about $44,000 in contingency, which could also help the town with additional comprehensive plan expenses if needed.

“If it comes in at $160,000, we might have to relook at the scope of the work … But I think having a little lever to pull in contingency … I feel comfortable with it,” he said. “It might come in north of $100,000, but if we had a contingency of $18,000 like last year, I would be more concerned.”

Also of note is the council’s decision to remain at a flat real property tax rate of $0.8275 per $100 of assessed value for FY26, despite staff concern that an incremental increase is needed to keep up with rising costs.

Accounting for an increase in property value, even with the unchanged rate, the town projects additional property tax revenue of around $350,000. Still, Saleh pushed for an incremental property tax rate increase throughout the budget process to no avail.

“We are going through the same routine that we go year after year after year...without an incremental increase,” she said last month. “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, it’s going to get harder.”

Tyndall did say that Berlin residents are likely to see some movement in the property tax rate next year, despite Green’s argument that the unchanged rate helps to relieve financial strain on struggling families.

“Our job, I look at it as balancing that with what we’re hearing from people out on the streets, and that is that people are struggling,” Green said in May. “Families are struggling … We must balance that with what we hear from people, and families, working families, are struggling.”

Furthermore, the FY26 budget includes 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, as well as some carryover initiatives from departments like water resources.

Saleh noted last month that these expenses have forced the town to pull from reserves, initiating a discussion that this practice cannot continue.

“There are some carry projects from fiscal 2025 that are not completed,” Saleh said in May. “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 added at the May meeting that the finance department has worked on building up the municipality’s reserves, resulting in a projected $285,000 in interest income. Still, the mayor agreed with the finance director and said that to maintain Berlin’s strong financial position, the town cannot continue to pull from reserves.

Despite the few concerns, town officials believe the adopted budget is monetarily sound.

“The budget has been a solid work of our departments…I think it’s solid,” Tyndall said this week. “We have kept the tax rate the same, we have invested in some significant projects for FY26, and I think it’s a pretty good package all around.”

The full, adopted spending plan can be viewed on the Town of Berlin’s website.

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Sat., June 14: Aaron Howell Duo

Sundays: Local Party w/ DJ Deogee

Wednesday: Karaoke w/ DJ Hundley

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.

Fri., June 13: Mercury Agenda & Lost Figures

Sat., June 14: Lime Green & GrooveJoose

Sun., June 15: Schizophrenic Boogiemen & Steve O’Boyle

Mon., June 16: DJ BK & John Cardo

Tues., June 17: Goofy Foot & Dust N Bones Duo

Wed., June 18: Chris Diller & Jason Lee

Thurs., June 19: Lost Figures & Mike Mead Duo

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Fri., June 13: Darin Engh & The Doug Kaetz Band

Sat., June 14: Union Road

& Sister Midnight

Sun., June 15: Rick & Regina & The Permilla Project

Mon., June 16: Nate Clendenen & Fil Rhythm Duo

Tues., June 17: Bell Bottom Blues

& Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama

Wed., June 18: No Hesitations & Coastal Groove

Thurs., June 19: Jack Bannon & True Country

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Fri., June 13: Dust N Bones

Sat., June 14: Jim Long Party & Tear The Roof Off

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Sun., June 15: Uncle Ward

Wed., June 18: Dawn Williams

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Fri., June 13: Joe Cardo

Sat., June 14: The Lucky Shoes

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Fri., June 13: Great Train Robbery, Kittyback & DJ RobCee

Sat., June 14: The 8-Trax, DJ Stinson & Smoke Signals

Mon., June 16: DJ Wax, Teenage Rust, Animal House & DJ Yummy

Tues., June 17: DJ Hector

Thurs., June 19: DJ Groove

Best Beats On The Beach

THE WAY OUTS

Seacrets: Friday, Saturday & Wednesday, June 13, 14 & 18

AARON HOWELL DUO

Dry Dock 28: Saturday, June 14

MONKEE PAW

Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club: Friday, June 13

THE LUCKY SHOES

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, June 14

SMOKE SIGNALS

Fager’s Island: Saturday, June 14

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN

Caribbean Pool Bar: Sunday, June 15

ROGUE CITIZENS

Harborside: Saturday, June 14 • 1pm Pickles Pub: Saturday, June 14 • 9pm

FULL CIRCLE

Seacrets: Friday, June 13 & Wednesday, June 18 (Duo)

FIRST CLASS

Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club: Monday, June 16

June 17

Who’s Where When

FISH TAILS

410-289-0990

22nd St., & Bay

Sun., June 15: Pipes & Drums

Tues., June 17: Bilage Rats

Wednesdays: DJ Wax

Thurs., June 19: Blake Haley

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC Fri., June 13: AJ Fox & Charlie Travers

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Fri.,: DJ Billy T Sat., June 14: Rogue Citizens & DJ Harvey Cinco

Sundays: Oppostie Directions & Lost Figures

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Blake Haley

JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

443-664-6147

98th Street Coastal Hwy.,

Plaza Condominium

Fri., June 13: Monkee Paw Sat., June 14: Dueling Pianos

Sun., June 15: Big Deck Energy Party

Featuring On The Edge

Mondays: First Class

Tuesdays: Lost Figures

Wednesdays: Joe Mama & The Friends

Thursdays: Beach Bandits

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Sat., June 14: Rogue Citizens

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Fri. & Sat., June 13 & 14: It’s All Good Sat., June 14 (2pm): Wayne Blake Sun., June 15 (2pm): Fox & Travers

Wednesdays: Balkan Party w/ DJ Papi

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Fri, June 13: 4 DJs, Full Circle, The Way Outs & Lost In Paris

Sat., June 14: 5 DJs, The Whiskey Hickon Boys, Dueling Pianos, The Way Outs & Kono Nation Sun., June 15: 2 DJs, Pistol Whipped & No Filter

Mon., June 16: DJ Davie & Blake Haley

Tues., June 17: DJ C-Miller & Opposite Directions

Wed., June 18: DJ E-State, Full Circle Duo, The Way Outs & Pepper (Ticket Event)

Thurs., June 19: Faith Noel, DJ Mary Jane & Lost In Paris

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Sun., June 15: Jason Lee

Thurs., June 19: Joe Esham

JOE MAMA & DAVE HAWKINS

Coconuts Beach Bar: Tuesday,

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY

Fager’s Island: Friday, June 13

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

don’t have my thoughts together this week with the end of the school year here. I will do better next week but in the meantime here’s a look back at an old column when my boys, who will wrap up 9th and 11th grades this week, were much younger. The same mixed emotions exist today, however, Reprint from June 14, 2019: For parents with kids in school, this was a big week.

It’s the transition from school to summer. Like most years, my boys, who are finishing fifth and third grades, respectively, were eager to throw their bookbags in the corner one last time. Carson even took his book bag up to his room, and it hasn’t been seen since. I’m guessing it’s under his bed because that’s his spot for all things when he’s done with them.

Each school year with my kids is full of highlights and lowlights. There are success stories and failures (or more like when they did not meet expectations). Overall, there have been far more positives, and each has a list of proud achievements.

The end of school for Beckett this year marked a significant moment in his life. He’s officially finished lower school and becoming a middle schooler. That means he’s been at Worcester Prep for seven years now. It’s incredibly hard to believe he’s reached the halfway point of his education journey at the school. I am proud of his hard work because if he hadn’t put in the time and effort he never would have succeeded.

For Carson, this week marked the end of his sixth year at Ocean City Elementary School, as he started school when he was 3 years old in the early intervention program. Who teaches and works with Carson at school is a constant concern for us. By virtue of his disabilities, including an Autism diagnosis and an inability to speak, we rely on his education team heavily to communicate with us. Like most years at his school, his teachers have been excellent at letting us know about Carson’s

day. Positives or negatives, we need to know so we can praise and build him up or give a consequence and explain the need to do better the next day.

During the last week of school, a wonderful tradition my wife started when both kids started school was having their teachers place a message and sign a copy of the Dr. Seuss book “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.” It’s truly one of my favorite books and on the last week of school Pam sends the books in with the kids. I enjoy reading the comments made by each kid’s teachers over the years. It reminds me annually how fortunate our kids have been to be touched by amazing educators who care on a profound level about making a difference in the lives of their students. We never take that for granted because not all families can say their children are taught by caring, involved and dedicated educators.

While reading the teachers’ individual comments, some of which are touching and heartfelt, it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by memories of years gone by. One teacher told Carson this year, “I’m a better teacher and person from knowing you.” That’s an amazing thing to say about our kid who by nature of his disabilities made her life a living hell at points throughout the last nine months. We are grateful for her and her impact on our kid and us.

The same can be said for all my kids’ teachers over the past year.

The text of the book is always meaningful as well. If you’ve never read it, I recommend it. Excerpts of the text are below but the illustrations make it special too.

‘Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself Any direction you choose.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.

About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, You're too smart to go down any notso-good street. And you may not find any You'll want to go down. In that case, of course, You'll head straight out of town. It's opener there In the wide open air. Out there things can happen And frequently do To people as brainy And footsy as you. And when things start to happen, Don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too.

OH!

THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers Who soar to high heights. You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don' t Because, sometimes, you won't. You'll get mixed up, of course, As you already know. You'll get mixed up

With many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact And remember that Life's A Great Balancing Act.

You're off to Great Places! Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting. So …. get on your way!’

(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.)

Surf events set for Ocean City on June 13, 21-22

Movie screening planned for Friday night at Seacrets

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(June 13, 2025) Coming up on the surfer’s calendar are a couple of significant dates.

The first coincides with the same date as this newspaper. On the evening of Friday, June 13, a premiere showing of the movie “Surfing Through Time” will be held at Seacrets, 49th Street, Ocean City.

Admission is $10 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show time is 7 p.m. Featured will be interviews with renowned surfers and board builders serving as an historic chronicle of surfing and surfboards.

Next up will be held the following weekend starting on Friday evening, June 20. Sponsored by the Ocean City Surf Club (OCSC) a “legends” party will take place at Barn 34 restaurant, featuring legends nominations and scholarship awards. Food and drink will be available. Barn 34 restaurant is located on the corner of 34th Street and Coastal Highway.

The following day, Saturday June 21, a team centered contest will be held. Located on the beach in front of the Castle in the Sand Motel, between 36th and 37th streets, the emphasis is on fun as opposed to pure competition. Anything goes, any surf craft can be used. The format is unique and rare among more typical surfing contests and competitions.

The next day, Sunday June 22, will show a “surf swap” held again in the same location as yesterday’s contest. This is an opportunity to trade for or sell off surf gear that is no longer wanted or needed. It’s an initial, first time OCSC event. It remains to be seen how successful or unsuccessful this event will turn out to be, especially with it being a first-time thing.

So there you have it. Surf movie or surf festival weekend? Try to show up at one or both. Either way it’s bound to be fun and beneficial for the surfing community and a good way for that same community to come together.

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

Ocean Pines Association celebrates local volunteers

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 12, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association leaders recognized the community’s volunteers, organizations, and emergency service groups last week at its annual appreciation dinner, which officials noted was the largest one yet, hosted at the neighborhood’s Yacht Club.

On Thursday, June 5, the OPA Board of Directors’ Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at the Yacht Club, with food catered by the facility’s new restaurant group, Touch of Italy. The event welcomed committee leaders, emergency personnel, organization members, the neighborhood operations team, and others in the Eastern Shore community. OPA Board of Directors President Stuart Lakernick noted that this year’s event yielded a turnout of roughly 187 attendees, a third more than last year.

“We expanded out who we invited,” he said. “...We decided to not only honor our committees, but we are also honoring all of the different service groups that spend their time here in Ocean Pines.”

Before dinner, OPA Board of Directors Vice President Rick Farr led the room in a prayer, recognizing all the OPA members who give back to the community.

“Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, thankful for the dedication of these volunteers and all those who contribute to the Ocean Pines community,” he prayed. “Their selfless service, kindness, and compassion make Ocean Pines a better place for all who live and visit here…May their acts of service inspire others and may they always remember the importance of community, care, and charity.”

Following Farr’s prayer, Lakernick acknowledged the dinner attendees with a speech.

“It’s an absolute honor to stand here before you tonight in this room filled with people who make Ocean Pines not just a place to live but a community worth calling home,” he said. “You’re the volunteers, the problem solvers, the steady hands and open hearts that keep everything moving. Whether you’re organizing events, picking up trash, or just offering your time, with no fanfare, you make his community thrive.”

The president recognized the OPA Board of Directors, including himself, Farr, Director Steve Jacobs, Director Elaine Brady, Director Jeff Heavner, Director and Secretary John Latham, and Director and Treasurer Monica Rakowski.

OPA General Manager John Viola, Linda Martin, senior director of administration, and Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson were acknowledged for their attendance, as were elected officials State Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Delegate Wayne Hartman, County Commissioner Chip Bertino, and

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.

Lakernick moved on to recognize the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation Board, the Ocean Pines Women’s Club, the Ocean Pines Pine’eer Craft Club, the Ocean Pines Association Neighborhood Watch Program, and the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines and Ocean City.

The community’s committee chairs, the leaders of the volunteer groups in Ocean Pines that work as advisory bodies, and OPA’s public safety teams, such as the police and police departments, were also honored.

“To everyone in this room, whether you’re a chair, a committee member, serve on the board, run an organization, protect our community, report the

“You’re the

said

the

news, or simply just step up when you’re asked, everyone in this room

makes Ocean Pines a special place,” Lakernick concluded.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

volunteers,

problem solvers, the steady hands and open hearts that keep everything moving,”

OPA Board President Stuart Lakernick.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

The Ocean City Symphonic Band was composed of talented local musicians who gave free concerts on Sunday evenings and occasionally marched in Boardwalk parades. They were led by conductor Frank Sacca who owned the Adelphia Restaurant on Dorchester Street and had once studied with famous American composer John Phillip Sousa.

The band played a variety of music from popular songs to jazz and blues and of course, military marches by Sousa. Hundreds of people would crowd the Boardwalk at Somerset Street to enjoy listening to music by the oceanfront. The concerts were particularly popular during the late Depression years, WWII, and into the early 1950s.

The image above shows Frank Sacca leading the band down the Boardwalk circa 1950.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Courtesy Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Road trips without traffic

When grants make a difference

Sports talk radio during a long ride

Smelling the ocean before seeing it

Young athletes celebrating together

Getting lucky in a checkout line

A fresh grass cut before a weekend

Waking up to rain at night

Simple ads with open space

Young people getting confirmed in church

A storm approaching over water

Hospitality training

(June 13, 2025) On June 3, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA), in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hospitality Training Fund (formerly EDC fund), launched the Miles of Smiles Hospitality Training — an educational workshop designed to elevate the guest experience and foster a culture of kindness throughout our hospitality industry.

Led by nationally recognized speaker John Kennedy, the training provided both managers and front-line staff with practical tools to consistently deliver exceptional service at every stage of the guest visit.

The training included a deep dive into the five key components of the Miles of Smiles Service Promise, covering important topics such as cultivating positive team attitudes, enhancing customer experience strategies, and the shift toward experience-based customer service. The training concluded with an overview of how these components help improve service consistency and encourage repeat visits.

To wrap up the training, the partners introduced the Smile Spotlight, a recognition program honoring the hospitality heroes who go the extra mile to make Ocean City a place guests want to visit again and again.

Managers can nominate team members who go above and beyond with a kind gesture, warm welcome, or provide outstanding service by sharing their name and a brief description of how they went the extra mile. They could be featured on the OCHMRA Facebook page as the weekly Smile Spotlight and entered to win a $500 cash prize at the end of the summer.

The Miles of Smiles Service Promise has also been translated into Spanish to assist with onboarding new employees.

Student achievements

The following press releases were distributed to the newspaper for publication.

- Myra Cropper and Maeve Donahue, both of Berlin, were named to the Dean’s List at the College of William & Mary for the spring semes-

ter.

- Taylor Barrett of Ocean City graduated with a degree(s) in Elementary Education - BS from James Madison University during commencement exercises in May.

- Ocean City resident Charley Corey has been named to the Dean’s List at James Madison University for the spring 2025 semester. Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899. Corey is majoring in Finance - BBA.

- Silas Giulian Cascio of Berlin was among more than 700 students honored during Oberlin College and Conservatory’s 2025 commencement exercises, held under postcard-perfect Memorial Day skies in the community’s tree-lined Tappan Square. Cascio graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Chemistry.

- Casey Mull of Ocean City graduated from Georgia State University during the Spring 2025 semester with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media, with a minor in the Georgia Film Academy program.

- McDaniel College announces its spring 2025 dean’s list, recognizing full-time undergraduate students for outstanding academic achievement, including Noah Honick of Snow Hill, who has been recognized with Highest Honors, and Jacob Hicks of Ocean City, who has been recognized with Honors.

OWN A CONDO at the HOME of the WHITE MARLIN OPEN!

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

MAYOR’S CHOICE AWARD

Arie Klapholz is pictured with Mayor Rick Meehan in front of City Hall with the trophy he was awarded as winner of the Mayor’s choice award at the May Cruisin weekend.  The car is a 1966 Plymouth Silver Satellite convertible with red interior.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GRADUATES SCORE SCHOLARSHIPS

Two graduating seniors from Stephen Decatur High School and one from Delmar High School have been selected to each receive $3,000 college scholarships from the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy (SDOI). The organization each year awards scholarships to graduating seniors of Italian heritage. This year’s winners were Stephen Decatur students Ava Marie Snelsire of Berlin and Brooke Christine Berquist of Bishopville. Delmar resident Joseph Michael Anthony Morelli was the third recipient. Above, Snelsire and Berquist receive their scholarship awards from SDOI Scholarship Committee member Judy DeLucco.

LIONS CLUB DONATION

The Ocean City Lions Club presented $1,000 to the Ocean City Fire Department Therapy Dog Program. These specially trained dogs provide support for the Fire Department, Public Safety, town employees, schools and the community. Pictured (l-r) are Firefighter and EMS provider Eric Olson with Rowan, Ocean City Lion Jeff Facello and Firefighter and EMS provider Ryan Whittington with Max.

WINNER, WINNER

Vickie Wendt was the winner of the raffle basket filled with treasures from the Art League of Ocean City on June 6, and Development Director Jessica Bauer cheered her winnings. The $5-per-chance raffle is held monthly during the Art League’s free First Friday celebrations.

LEO CLUB RECOGNIZED

The Stephen Decatur High School Leo Club is sponsored by the Ocean City Lions Club. This year’s projects have included the SDHS Trunk or Treat for the community, Adopt A Highway, donations to Childhood Cancer through Alex’s Lemonade Stand, donations to Hope4Recovery and a donation drive for the Worcester County Humane Society. Pictured are faculty advisor Alison Sanders and Lions President Scott Stark.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

ANNUAL ALUMNI PANEL

On Wednesday, May 28, Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) hosted its Annual College Alumni Luncheon and Panel, a collaborative effort between the College Counseling Department and the WPS Alumni Association. The event offered current juniors an opportunity to connect with recent graduates and gain valuable insight into the college application process, selecting the right school, and adjusting to college life. This year’s panel welcomed back four WPS alumni: Sarah Butler (Class of 2021, University of Richmond), Arusa Islam (Class of 2021, American University), Claire Williams (Class of 2021, University of Maryland), and Brooke Phillips (Class of 2022, Penn State University). The alumni shared candid reflections about their college experiences and praised WPS for preparing them with essential skills such as time management, writing, and communication.

During the panel, alumni encouraged juniors to make well-informed decisions when selecting colleges, emphasizing the importance of research, campus visits, and self-reflection. They also advised students to lean on the resources available through the WPS College Counseling Office and to utilize connections within the school and alumni networks.

The junior class is pictured with, from left seated, Williams, Butler, Islam and Phillips.

TODAY-DISPATCH

WORCESTER COUNTY GARDEN CLUB FIELD TRIP

Worcester County Garden Club recently took a field trip to Furnace Town Historic Site in Snow Hill. Members and their guests enjoyed a guided tour of the wood shop, blacksmith shop, weave house and iron furnace along with exploring the grounds and garden. The Worcester County Garden Club is a member of Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to provide support, leadership and education for garden clubs and the public about best practices for horticulture, conservation, and landscape design. Individuals interested in learning more about the Worcester County Garden Club can contact the membership chair at WorCtyGardenClub@gmail.com. Photo l-r: Jean Scanlon, Terri Packard, Sandy Buchanan, Jackie Davies, Libby Hahn, Jackie Dubin, Joan LaHayne, Pat Arata, Martha Bennett, Deb Young, Jan King, Pat Bell

TECH SCHOOL DONATION

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

BANK APPRECIATED

Local NAACP Chapter President Ivory Smith presented Earl Conley of the Bank of Ocean City with the NAACP Community Service Recognition Awards for their contributions and support to The William Judy Johnson Negro League Baseball Celebration, which will be held June 15 at 2:05 p.m. at the Shorebird stadium to celebrate the Negro League.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

Guacamole hummus with olive oil

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(June 13, 2025) What do you think is the most popular appetizer? There are many dishes to choose from, and chips and dip would certainly be at the top.

Hummus falls under this category and is always a crowd pleaser. Plain, spicy black bean, and roasted red pepper are just a few of the tasty teasers.

Believe it or not but hummus is being served as a dessert. Snickerdoodle, brownie batter, and chocolate mint are examples that are redefining the term hummus.

Homemade hummus gives one the opportunity to personalize the creamy starter to coincide with a particular menu. It also allows one to present more interesting choices which ultimately makes for a more memorable occasion. Whether you are preparing hummus as an appetizer or dessert, you will be surprised how easy it is to prepare. Following are a few tips to facilitate the making of yummy hummus and understand the science behind this Middle Eastern dish. There is a misconception that brining is just for meats; dried beans will also

benefit from this process. Dried beans that have not been brined have a tendency to lose their skins when subjected to heat for a significant period of time. This is not very attractive and affects the texture of the overall dish.

In addition, dried beans that have not been brined have a tendency to cook unevenly and take longer to achieve the desired stage of tenderness.

According to Cook’s Illustrated, “As the beans soak, the sodium ions replace some of the calcium and magnesium ions in the skins. Because sodium ions are more weakly charged than calcium and magnesium ions, they allow more water to penetrate into the skins leading to a softer texture.”

The brining formula for dried beans is two tablespoons of table salt per pound of beans. Cover beans with cold water and add salt and beans accordingly.

While we are on the subject of chemistry, add a touch of baking soda to your brining and cooking formulas. The baking soda will raise the pH of the water which will help the cells in the outermost part of the bean to soften. Who would have thought such intricacies could make such a difference in the world of dried beans.

Hummus perfectionists insist on peeling the skins after the chickpeas have been cooked. This is a tedious and time-con-

suming step that most cooks simply do not have the time or patience for. Pulverizing unpeeled chickpeas before adding the wet ingredients will yield a smoother texture. For extra-smooth hummus, press it through a fine-mesh strainer.

Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame. It is a key ingredient for hummus and can be found in your local grocery store in the international or salad dressing section. It is pricy but you do not need much when making hummus.

Tahini typically comes in a jar and has a tendency to separate. Therefore, it is imperative to mix the tahini paste and olive oil before using.

Hummus is known for its creamy, velvety texture and an immersion blender achieves this consistency in a matter of seconds.

Summer is here and company is understood. Guacamole and hummus are pop-

See TAHINI Page 57

Tahini a key ingredient for dish

Continued from Page 56

ular appetizers, so why not combine them?

Using canned chickpeas cuts down on the preparation time considerably.

The avocado hummus is topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and garnished with finely chopped red onions, jalapenos, cucumbers, tomatoes, and cilantro. Tortilla or toasted pita chips are the foundation for this mouthwatering bite. This creative spin will definetley impress your guests and have them asking for more. Enjoy!

Avocado Hummus

1(15-ounce) can cooked chickpeas

2 ripe avocados

1 to 2 tablespoons tahini paste

½ teaspoon table salt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish

Extra virgin olive oil

Two rounded tablespoons red onion, finely chopped.

One large jalapeno, stem and seeds re-

moved, finely chopped.

Two rounded tablespoons cucumber, skin on, finely chopped.

Two rounded tablespoons Roma tomatoes, seeded, and finely chopped. Freshly chopped cilantro, kosher salt, and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

1. Puree all of the ingredients in a medium bowl with an immersion blender. If you do not have an immersion blender, place ingredients in a food processer and puree until smooth. If you want a more flawless look, push the hummus through a mesh strainer.

2. Create a mound of hummus in the center of a serving plate, and using the back of a large spoon, make a well in the center of the hummus.

3. Drizzle some olive oil in the center.

4. Top with chopped onion, jalapeno, cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, and a dusting of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Secret Ingredient – Uniqueness Time is much too short to be living someone else’s life.

— Kobi Yamada

TIDALHEALTH SPEAKER

Christopher Hall, left, TidalHealth Vice President, Strategy and Business Development/Chief Business Officer, recently spoke to the Ocean City Lions Club about the Tidal Health hospitals and services across the shore. Also pictured is Ocean City Lions President Scott Stark.

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 every day. Monday through Wednesday open at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday open at 11:30 a.m. 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 every day, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MIDTOWN

■ 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.

tions 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.

■ 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.

■ 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 selec-

■ 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 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus 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

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

FENWICK ISLAND

WEST OCEAN CITY

WALL MURAL COMPLETED

Last week, members of We Are Limitless Studios, a Salisbury-based team dedicated to public art throughout Delmarva, began painting a mural with students from Stephen Decatur High School behind the school’s football stadium. The ball wall depicts a teal butterfly logo with a semicolon to represent suicide prevention, resilience, and hope. Surrounding the butterfly are images showcasing the plethora of athletic teams at SDHS. The finished wall ball mural is pictured after students and teachers partnered on the project as part of Morgan’s Message.

Tips for how best to safely set beach umbrella

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(June 13, 2025) A sunny beach day can quickly turn dangerous if you're not careful with your umbrella. Strong shoreline winds, often gusting unexpectedly, can launch umbrellas or other beach accessory down the sand at speeds of up to 20 mph. While the sight might seem comical, the consequences can be serious. Every summer, beach patrols up and down the East Coast respond to medical emergencies caused by wind-blown umbrellas. In some cases, the injuries are severe enough to require paramedics. Fortunately, in Ocean City, such accidents are rare considering the thousands of umbrellas spread across our 10-mile stretch of beach. But nearly all these incidents share one common cause: an improperly set umbrella.

Not only can a flying umbrella injure someone, but the person who set it up, especially if done incorrectly, may be held legally responsible for any resulting harm. To keep yourself and others safe, follow these important guidelines:

Use trained operators: If you rent your umbrella, let the beach stand operator set

it up for you. Want to move it? Ask them to help. If you move or reset the umbrella yourself, you're responsible for its safety.

Set it deep: Simply jabbing the pole into the sand isn’t enough. Jab, then rock the pole back and forth until at least 18 inches (about the length of an adult forearm) of the pole are buried. Do not screw the umbrella into the sand. It is not effective.

Tilt into the wind: Position your umbrella so it leans into the wind. This reduces the chance of gusts lifting it from underneath. The stronger the wind, the flatter or smaller the angle should be between the beach and the umbrella.

Use common sense: If winds are high or gusting, skip the umbrella especially if yours is made of lightweight plastic or light weight metal, or if you're not confident in your setup.

Never leave it unattended: Heading for a swim or snack? Close and take down your umbrella. Weather conditions can shift rapidly without warning. Note: The Mayor and City just passed a city ordinance (Law) that makes it illegal to set up beach equipment and leave it prior to the Beach Patrol coming on duty at 10:00 AM.

Ocean City’s Surf Rescue Technicians are trained in proper umbrella placement and may offer advice but they won’t install umbrellas for beachgoers. Lifeguards also monitor wind conditions

and may issue warnings when it’s unsafe to set umbrellas. Be aware: a sudden gust can lift one poorly set umbrella while others remain firmly in place.

Also note, umbrellas should never be placed east of the lifeguard stand. This obstructs the guards’ view and violates city ordinance. If you arrive before the lifeguards are on duty, set your umbrella a few yards behind the high tide line.

Before purchasing or bringing a tent or canopy to the beach to set it up for the day, you should learn about the newly

CROSSWORD

passed ordinance that restricts the type and size of the beach accessories allowed on Ocean City beaches.

Umbrella Shade is not sunblock: Even if you're under the shade of a well-placed umbrella, sunscreen is still a must, especially for children. We've seen too many painful sunburns on infants and toddlers whose parents mistakenly thought umbrella shade provided full UV protection. Want to see how to set up an umbrella the right way? Visit our safety page at www.ococean.com/ocbp.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This is a terrific time to get a grasp on your inner emotions and thoughts, Aries. You may feel extra sensitive and loving towards others, especially your partner.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you may come across some rough spots that need to be ironed out this week. It may not be easy, but if anyone can handle it, that would be you. Make some firm choices.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

It’s easier to express how you feel to someone important in your life by doing so in person, Gemini. Set up a meeting where you can get things off of your chest.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, there may be a day this week where you feel like you’re all ready to go somewhere but you have no invitation. Make your own plans and get something started.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Elements of your life seem to be falling into place, Leo. This is happy news for you. Enjoy this well-earned change.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

It could be one of those weeks when your head is in the clouds and you can’t focus, Virgo. Make an effort to organize your thoughts and take the week one task at a time.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you are receptive to different creative or recreational outlets this week. Think about a trip to a museum or even a botanical garden. You can use a respite from the grind, anyway.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Some health issues have you feeling less like yourself, Scorpio. You’re eager to get to the bottom of things. Make your well-being a priority and don’t worry about anything else until then.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

No one really knows what they will get with you this week, Sagittarius. Your mood is in flux. Focus your attention and try to avoid getting too up or too down.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

It may be difficult for you to connect with others this week, Capricorn. Your mind is running in a million different directions and this can make it challenging for you to make plans.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, the clouds are parting and the sun is about to come bounding through. Bask in this shift and make plans to get up and go.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Fitness event helps resort charity

LaBlast founder

(June 13, 2025) On Friday, May 30, at Northside Park, an event was held combining the joy of dance fitness with the support of local charities.

This event was organized by Deanna Dovel, certified master trainer with LaBlast Fitness and owner of Deanna For Wellness. Dovel enlisted the help of local Coldwell Banker Realty real estate agent and passionate LaBlast Fitness student Tammy Medlock to host Louis van Amstel, the founder of LaBlast Fitness. The event was organized to provide a lively in-person dance workout led by fitness industry expert and three-time world ballroom dance champion van Amstel.

LaBlast® Fitness is a partner-free dance fitness workout created by world-renowned dancer and fitness expert Louis van Amstel (as seen on Dancing with the Stars). It is accessible for all levels – from the absolute beginner to the experienced dancer. LaBlast® takes you through a diverse mix of famous ballroom dances set to your favorite music, everything from pop and rock to hip-hop and country. Whether you want to tone your body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn to dance, or just have a great time, LaBlast® offers something for everyone.

Medlock’s colleague at Coldwell Banker Realty, Vicki Harmon, hosted a table to educate the attendees on the local Ocean City chapter of Believe in Tomorrow. Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation provides exceptional hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families. Their unique programs bring comfort, hope, and joy to children and their families, enabling them to renew their spirits mentally and physically.

According to Harmon, the event raised $740 in donations, which included a matching donation from Medlock.

Amanda Koontz, program advancement associate for the organization, participated in the dance fitness workout, alongside approximately 85 LaBlast Fitness enthusiasts. Deanna and Tammy's goals are to provide ongoing access to the LaBlast Fitness platform for the wellness and benefit of those interested in the Ocean City and Bethany Beach areas for the foreseeable future. A fall event will be announced for those who missed last month’s gathering.

Pisces, be mindful that you may not have the commitment to finish any project you start this week. But give it your best shot.

Pictured, from left, at the recent event in Ocean City are Tammy Medlock, Louis van Amstel and Deanna Dovel.

TRADITIONAL MANNERS BANQUET HELD

As the school year closes out, Worcester Preparatory School’s fifth grade students wrapped up a unique and meaningful unit on modern manners and etiquette with a special culminating event — the annual Manners Banquet, held on May 29 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Throughout the spring, the fifth grade class studied the American Academy of Etiquette curriculum, focusing on skills and social cues essential for respectful, confident, and kind interactions in today’s world. Lessons included appropriate use of digital communication, proper dining etiquette, how to introduce oneself formally, and the art of writing thank-you notes — just to name a few. To celebrate their hard work and growth, students presented what they had learned during the banquet through skits and reallife scenarios.

Above left, seated together were fifth grader Kingsley Giardina and her parents Jessica and Matthew Giardina, fifth grader Kate DelliGatti, and her parents Brian and Sarah DelliGatti, fifth grader Isabella Labin with her parents Charles and Wendy Labin; and fifth grade teacher Mrs. Camille Jenkins.

At left, pictured are fifth grader Grant Messner and his parents, Benjamin and Jacqueline Messner; Joey Kraeuter and his parents Matthew and Jennifer Kraeuter; Head of Middle School Jake Perry and fifth grader Carter Harrison and his parents Abby and Chris Harrison. Above, looking dapper were students Teo Conev, Jude Waked, Joey Kraeuter, Mykolas Doyle and Peter Van Dalen.

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., June 13

OC AIR SHOW PERFORMER’S PARTY

Ocean Downs Casino, 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 6 p.m. Meet the U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilots, see the American Legion Color Guard perform and the West Point Parachute Team landing. Plus, a free concert by DSB-The World’s Greatest Tribute to Journey.

5TH ANNUAL TUNAS & TIARAS LADIES TUNA TOURNAMENT

Micky Fins Bar & Grill, 12952 Inlet Isle Lane, Ocean City. Weigh-ins held from 4-7 p.m. Benefiting Women Supporting Women. https://tunaandtiaras.com

‘RETURN OF THE TERNS’ BOOK SIGNING AND PROGRAM

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Learn about how scientists are helping common terms. Free book signing and program. Donations for program are encouraged. 410-289-4991, emma@ocmuseum.org, www.ocmuseum.org

BABY TIME

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

OC MAHJONG CLUB

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

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

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

BINGO NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Gather your family and friends and join in. Cost is $5 per person. Children’s prize will be won. Outside food and drinks welcome.

FRIDAY THE 13TH ART NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill

Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m.

Make funny, beautiful or spooky collages using the library’s fine art prints and other supplies. Refreshments provided. 410-632-3495, 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., June 14

OC AIR SHOW

Quality Inn Boardwalk, 1601 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. View along the beach and Boardwalk at 16th Street and surrounding areas. Seating options and tickets: https://air.show/oc-purchase-tickets/. Info: ocairshow@completeticketsolutions.com. 410-450-4197

5TH ANNUAL TUNAS & TIARAS LADIES

TUNA TOURNAMENT

Micky Fins Bar & Grill, 12952 Inlet Isle Lane, Ocean City. Weigh-ins held from 4-7 p.m. Benefiting Women Supporting Women. https://tunaandtiaras.com

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. The speaker is Ashlie Kozlowski from the Assateague Island Alliance, who will be discussing their hands-on program Discovering Horseshoe Crabs and how to sign-up to help. All welcome. 410641-7662

SUMMER READING KICK-OFF: COLOR OUR WORLD

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m.-noon. Come out and register for the Summer Reading program and enjoy a variety of art projects, games, snacks and balloons. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FRIED FISH PLATTERS & FRIED FISH SANDWICHES TO GO

Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, 10:30

a.m. Fried fish platter combo with macaroni salad, chips and drink, $13. Fried fish sandwiches, $8 each. Also available: corn bread, drinks, rice pudding, cakes, etc.

SUMMER READING KICK-OFF: MESSTIVAL FESTIVAL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12 p.m. Get ready for some messy art fun including tie-dye. Readers of all ages welcome. Bring your own T-shirt. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIDS CRAFT TIME - PAINTED COFFEE MUG FOR DAD

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 2-3 p.m. From ages 410 years. Cost is $8 for Ocean Pines residents and $10 for non-residents. Register: 410-641-7052.

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 15

OC AIR SHOW

Quality Inn Boardwalk, 1601 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. View along the beach and Boardwalk at 16th Street and surrounding areas. Seating options and tickets: https://air.show/oc-purchase-tickets/. Info: ocairshow@completeticketsolutions.com. 410-450-4197

OC CRUZERS ON SOMERSET PLAZA Somerset Plaza, Somerset Street, Ocean City, 3-6 p.m. Free, family-friendly car show featuring classics, hot rods and customs from the OC Cruzers Car Club. Also featuring a DJ. https://ocdc.org

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Jade Lee” (R&B). Kids enjoy free activities and entertainment. Ice cream and beverages available for purchase. Free event concluding with fireworks.

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. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.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 16

MESSY ART WEEK

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Drop in to make some messy art projects of your own creation and design. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: JUNETEENTH

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

JUNETEENTH JOY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Drop in and create some crafts to celebrate Juneteenth. For ages 0-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COLORFUEL NUTRITION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. The group will talk about what phytonutrients are, their health benefits and how different colors of fruits and vegetables provide unique nutrients. 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

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.

Continued on Page 64

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 17

KID’S CARNIVAL

Fish Tales Bar and Grill, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 12-4 p.m. Carnival games, petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, children’s vendors, pony rides, food and drinks. Commemorative T-shirts available. Proceeds benefit the Lower Shore Special Olympics. 410-289-0990

MESSY ART WEEK

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Drop in to make some messy art projects of your own creation and design. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Workshop begins with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research followed by a Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.

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

PLAY TIME @ CYPRESS PARK

Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Meet at the playground for outside play and to socialize with other families. Bring a blanket. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878

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

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

JUNETEENTH JOY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Drop in and create some crafts to celebrate Juneteenth. For ages 0-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SURGICAL CLASSES

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

5-6 p.m. Learn what to expect, information about your upcoming surgery and directions about post-operative care. No RSVP required. Atlantic General Hospital’s Pre-Admission Testing Department, 410-641-9814

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.

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 18

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

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

family-fun/

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-6419568

MESSY ART WEEK

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Drop in to make some messy art projects of your own creation and design. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

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

KIDS GARDENING WORKSHOP: SEED BALLS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Hands-on workshop with Master Gardener Theresa Maggio on how to make and plant seed balls. For ages 6-11 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Drop in for a game of Backgammon, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JUNETEENTH JOY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m.

Drop in and create some crafts to celebrate Juneteenth. For ages 0-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ART FOR THE REST OF US: REVERSE COLORING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 11 a.m. A fun and stress free coloring experience. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

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

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

KIDS PAINT NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is $22 per painter. All materials and instruction provided. For ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required: 410641-7052.

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 19

STORYTELLING ON THE LAWN

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m. Featuring Adventure Tales & Forest Friends. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

CPAP MASK FITTING

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

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

ONGOING EVENTS

TINY ART CONTEST

Kits are available from June 2-13 at all Worcester County library branches. Submit your creation by teh end of the day June 13 for voting. For ages 6-11 years and 12-18 years. 410-631-5622

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 60

o

JUNE 13, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 65

WANTED

FT/PT

MAINTENANCE PERSON

For small community in the Berlin area. General maintenance knowledge needed. Good pay! Large equip. exp. helpful. 410-641-5102

BERLIN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

I CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHIEF PLANT OPERATOR - WATER RESOURCES

We are looking for motivated individuals to come to work for the Town of Berlin.

Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers), a competitive health benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 16 paid holidays per year, two personal days per year, and much more!

Apply: Qualified candidates can submit a confidential Town of Berlin application online or to directly to the Town’s Human Resources Director at kjensen@berlinmd.gov. Applications can be found under the employment section of our website at https://berlinmd.gov/employment/ or you can pick one up at 10 William Street Berlin, MD 21811. EOE/M/F/V/D.

WOC BOAT YARD

Person needed for light mechanical work (will train if needed) and light yard work at WOC Boat Yard. Call 410-213-1383.

LANDSCAPING

Person to help with landscaping/mulching at a residence in WOC. Call 410-430-7554.

AMERICAN LEGION

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

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

MAINTENANCE

FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUND

Competitive Salary, Health Insurance, 401K, Paid Vacation. Apply in person or call. Pyramid Condo 9500 Coastal Hwy., OC 410-524-4479

SPEEDWORLD

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047

YR Ocean Pines.

Two story, 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch, open decks, fireplace, large garage. No smoking, no pets. Good credit. $2,400 per month, plus all utilities. 301-509-6515

5000 sq.ft. Building for Rent, just outside Berlin. Bathroom, office and break room. $2,000/mo. Call 443-366-5935 or 443-235-1529.

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

&

We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700

www.holidayoc.com

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

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

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

www.baysideoc.com www.octodaydispatch.com

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

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.

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE BY OWNER

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

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

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

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

Commercial Space for Lease.

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

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

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.

YARD SALE

EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Porch Sale and Yard Sale. Lots of decorative home goods, art, clothing, shoes (name brand), books, furniture, toys!!! Great for anyone trying to decorate an airbnb or home. Weight bench, weights, outdoor patio set, golf net with chipping green, queen upholstered bed, etc. 9826 Hideaway Lane, West OC. Use Apply Maps. Fish on set of mailboxes on 707, (between 50 and 611) follow long gravel driveway to the end.

SATURDAY ONLY!!! 6/14/25, 8AM-1PM.

YORKIE PUPPIES FOR SALE

Small, home raised. Available now. 302-934-8913

MISC./OTHER

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, You who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal. You who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me. And You who are in all the instance of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. Thank you for your love towards me and my loved ones. Person must pray this 3 consecutive days without asking your request. After the third day your wish will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. Then, promise to publish this dialogue as soon as your favor has been granted.

Found sweet dependence, As I picked up some pieces, Of Love from

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Lynn Tupper Lilliston, 5951 Disharoon Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Shaun Andrew Bauer, 112 Parkside Circle, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Mila's Cafe, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Mila's Cafe 11604 Coastal Highway - Unit 101 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2025 @ 1:30 P.M.

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

OCD-6/5/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Giovanni Tomasello, 11131 Griffin Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Sello's, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A:Sello's Oven & Bar 9802 Golf Course Road Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Sello's of OC, LLC

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2025 @ 1:40 P.M.

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

OCD-6/5/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Mark Steven Mayers, 11958 West War Dancer Lane #101, Berlin, MD 21811.

For: OC Kasyan, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Pizza Mambo 7111 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2025 @ 1:05 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing

from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us

OCD-6/5/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Request to increase amplified music restriction from four to five pieces, and Request for a disc jockey, a maximum of two days per week from 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., on condition that there will be no other amplified or nonamplified live entertainment at the same time for a Class: "D" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Raymond J. McGrath, 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Deborah A. McGrath, 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Beach Barrels, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Beach Barrels 13207 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: June 18, 2025 @ 1:50 P.M.

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

OCD-6/5/2t

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20645 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HELEN J. OSTROWSKI

Notice is given that Jeffrey Ostrowski, 109 High Sheriff Trl., Berlin, MD 21811-2046, was on May 29, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen J. Ostrowski who died on April 08, 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 29th 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.

Jeffrey Ostrowski

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: June 05, 2025

OCD-6/5/3t

MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE

OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20679 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CAROL STOGRAN

Notice is given that Craig Stogran, 8 Phillip Ln., Ledyard, CT 06339-1116, was on May 30, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carol Stogran who died on April 16, 2024, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th 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.

Craig Stogran 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: June 05, 2025

OCD-6/5/3t

TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND

800 COASTAL HIGHWAY

FENWICK ISLAND, DE 19944

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The work involves the furnishing of all labor, transportation, tools, supplies and equipment necessary to install the identified channel markers and removal of six unnecessary channel markers for two recently dredged channels in Little Assawoman Bay near the Incorporated Town of Fenwick Island.

Interested Contractors may obtain an electronic copy of the Contract Documents during normal business hours by contacting William Rymer, Town Council Treasurer, at phone, 302-539-3011, or email brymer@fenwickisland-de.gov. A copy of the bid documents will be emailed to interested parties. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 1:00 PM local time, at the Office of the Town Manager, Fenwick Island Town Hall. Attendance at this meeting is recommended for all prospective bidders.

Sealed bids for the Town of Fenwick Island, 2025 Channel Markers Project, Project Number 202501 will be received by the Town Council Treasurer of Fenwick Island until 11:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Office of the Town Council Treasurer, Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware 19944, at which time they will be opened, read, and recorded. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and shall be marked clearly as follows: Proposal for Fenwick Island, 2025 Channel Markers Project (Project No. 202501).

The Town of Fenwick Island reserves the right to reject any or all bids, and make such award as appears most advantageous to the Town. The Town of Fenwick Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer. OCD-6/5/2t

BID

SOLICITATION

West Ocean City Commercial Harbor Boat Slip Leases

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to commercial fisherman to lease eight (8) boats slips, three (3) 100-foot and five (5) 75-foot boat slips in the commercial section of the County owned portion of the West Ocean City Harbor for a period commencing September 23, 2025 and expiring

September 22, 2030 in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

The last day for questions will be Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 12:00pm. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 2:30pm, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – West Ocean City Commercial Harbor Boat Slip Leases”, in the lower left-hand corner Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-6/12/1t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION Lobbying Services

Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified firms with a proven track record to provide professional consultant services in advocacy and lobbying at the State and Federal level in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

The last date to submit questions for clarification will be 12:00pm, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and will be opened and only

vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Proposal Solicitation – Lobbying Services”, in the lower left-hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-6/12/1t

Erin M. McCormack Esq. 10 Monument Street Salisbury, MD 21804 443-742-8330

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

IN THE ESTATE OF:

SAMIR AHMED HAFEZ

ESTATE NO. 20691

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Lalia Hafez, 701 Homewood Drive, Pocomoke, MD 21851 for judicial probate of the will dated August 18, 2020 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 July 15, 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: June 12, 2025

OCD-6/12/2t

ROBERT E RICHARDS ESQ

RICHARDS & RICHARDS P. A. 11253 LOCKWOOD DR STE B SILVER SPRING, MD 20901-4566

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of KAREN D KUNZE AKA: KAREN DARLENE KUNZE Estate No. 20692 Notice is given that STEPHEN W KUNZE whose address is 6716 OREM DR LAUREL, MD 20707-3238 was on JUNE 06, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of KAREN D KUNZE who died on JULY 28, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in

the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/12/1t

WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20694

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s Court of Passaic County, New Jersey appointed (1) Karen P. Fox Martino, 8 Woods End, Oakland, NJ 07436-2338 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Loretta H. Fox who died on September 11, 2019 domiciled in New Jersey, America.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Michael B. Mathers, 115 Broad St., P.O. Box 910, Salisbury, MD 21801-4912.

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) Karen P. Fox Martino 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: June 12, 2025

OCD-6/12/3t

NOTICE

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed funding for the Lewis Road Sewer Project. If you wish to speak or attend in person, we encourage you to pre-register by calling the County Administration office at 410-6321194. Speakers will be allowed to address the County Commissioners for up to two (2) minutes. Public Comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@co.worcester.md.us on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, June 30, 2025. Anyone not planning to speak may view the public hearing live on the County website at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live. The Public Hearing will be held at:

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

In accordance with the provisions of Sections PW 5-305(b) and PW 5307(b) of the Public Works Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the estimated cost of construction and to extend public sewer to the expanded service area to serve residential and commercial properties along Lewis Road as follows:

1. The total revised cost of the public sewer expansion project is estimated at $4,498,000 which will provide a total of 60 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) with sewer service. In 2021, the Commissioners approved $2,025,000 in grant funding for the project, $507,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant and $1,518,000 from a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grant. In 2025, USDA awarded the County an additional $2,473,000 for the project, of which $1,855,000 is grant and $618,000 is loan. The conditions of the loan are at an interest rate of 2.5% with a term of 40 years, with no prepayment penalty. If the County accepts the 2025 grant and loan, the loan will be repaid by the Lewis Road customers through an estimated payment of $105 per EDU per quarter for 40 years. Repayment would begin three months after disbursement of the loan.

2. In addition, should the project be completed in FY26, the Lewis Road customers would be joining the Landings Sanitary Service Area and would be assessed their FY26 proposed rates as follows:

a. $60 water only base rate to cover water operation and maintenance costs for the service area

b.Once hooked into sewer, $360 base rate to cover water and sewer operation and maintenance costs for the service area

c.$15 charge for the Bay Restoration Fund

d.Unbuilt and unconnected lots would have an Accessibility Charge of $306 per EDU

e.In addition to the base rate, the Lewis Road customers would have the following consumption rate charges:

i.$5.00 per thousand gallons between 0 and 22,500 gallons

ii.$15.00 per thousand gallons over 22,500 gallons

The case file for this proposed project may be reviewed at the Department of Environmental Programs, Room 1306, (3rd Floor)Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863. These documents may be reviewed at the Department during the regular business hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (except Holidays). Anyone who has questions should contact the following: Robert Mitchell, Director of Environmental Programs, at (410) 632-1220, extension 1601; Quinn Dittrich, Enterprise Fund Controller, at (410) 632-0686, extension 1201; Dallas Baker, Director of Public Works, at (410) 632-5623.

All interested citizens are encouraged to attend the hearing and express their views on this matter. Both written and oral testimony will be accepted.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-6/12/2t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20683 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH DOROTHY STIEMLY

AKA: ELIZABETH D. STIEMLY

Notice is given that Margaret Bollhorst, 606 Cypresspointe Dr., Severna Park, MD 21146-4100, was on June 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Dorothy Stiemly who died on May 18, 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 2nd day of December, 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.

Margaret Bollhorst 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: June 12, 2025

OCD-6/12/3t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20684 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RYAN GLENN MEARS

Notice is given that Rodney G. Mears, 2510 Lakeland Dr., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2746, was on June 02, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Ryan Glenn Mears who died on December 02, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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 un-

enforceable thereafter. Rodney G. Mears

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: June 12, 2025 OCD-6/12/1t

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, Maryland 20707 301-490-3361

Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs.

Kelley E. Galyen Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Civil No. C-23-CV-24-000074

NOTICE

ORDERED, this 9th day of June, 2025 by the Circuit Court of WORCESTER COUNTY, Maryland, that the sale of the property at 5 Evergreen Court, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et. al, Substitute Trustees, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 14th day of July, 2025 next, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said County once in each of three successive weeks before the 7th day of July, 2025, next.

The report states the amount of sale to be $285,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-6/12/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20687 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH FARWELL

AKA: ELIZABETH A. FARWELL

Notice is given that Carol Meekins, 8247 Sea Biscuit Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4306, was on June 03, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Farwell who died on May 09, 2025, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate

of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of December, 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.

Carol Meekins

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: June 12, 2025

SMALL

OCD-6/12/3t

ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CARLOS J. CARO Estate No. 20690 Notice is given that ANGELA L. GIBBS whose address is 309B BAY ST., BERLIN, MD 21811-1207 was on JUNE 04, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of CARLOS J. CARO who died on JANUARY 31, 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 no-

tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

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

OCD-6/12/1t

CONTRACTOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Proposals are requested for the rehabilitation of the Historic Tyree African Methodist Episcopal Church at 10049 Germantown Road, P.O. Box 605, Berlin, MD 21811. Work includes careful rehabilitation of the 110-year-old church including HAZMAT remediation; structural, mechanical, electrical, and roof repairs; kitchen and bathrooms updates; ADA and concrete installation; and various finishes.

Project is partly funded by the MD Historical Trust. All work must comply with the Secretary’s Standards and all State regs., incl. EEO.

Proposals must be rec’d before July 9, 2025, at 11:59 at Tyree AME Church, PO Box 605, Berlin MD 21811. Contact: Rev. Dawn Hobson at dawnhobson30@gmail.com or 301-440-6732.

Contract awarded to the lowest proposal from a qualified firm conforming to the project schedule. A pre-proposal site visit can be arranged upon request. Please email Rev. Dawn Hobson at dawnhobson30@gmail.com or call 301-4406732.

OCD-6/12/2t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY H. BUTLER AKA: MARY FRANCES BUTLER, MARY FRANCES HICKS BUTLER Estate No. 20666 Notice is given that ALICE JEAN ENNIS whose address is PO BOX 307, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-0307 was on JUNE 04, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of

MARY H. BUTLER who died on MAY 02, 2025 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-6/12/1t

WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20696

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s Court of Passaic County, New Jersey appointed (1) Karen P. Fox Martino, 8 Woods End, Oakland, NJ 07436-2338 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Edward J. Fox who died on August 24, 2005 domiciled in New Jersey, America.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service

of process is (1) Michael B. Mathers, 115 Broad St., P.O. Box 910, Salisbury, MD 21801-4912.

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) Karen P. Fox Martino 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: June 12, 2025

OCD-6/12/3t

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

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 26, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Section 110-94(3) and 110-94(2)(b) to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 3.5 feet from the front lot line along Marine Circle; (2) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 3 feet from the front line along 133rd Street; (3) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.0 feet from a 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 8 of the Sundowner Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of 133rd Street and is locally known as 116 133rd Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOHN STANTON (BZA 2722 #25-09400007) AT 6:10 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 1.1 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback requirement for a proposed dwelling to be 3.9 feet from the side property line. The property is described as Lot 15, Block 18, Section 1D of the Caine Woods Plat. It is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Fiesta Road and 139th Street and is locally known as 13812 Fiesta Road in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MARY LEWIS (BZA 2723 #25-09500003)

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

New DG Market opens

Dollar General announced its new DG Market at 503 S Church Street in Snow Hill is now open. The new DG Market store features an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as the same categories, brands and products customers trust Dollar General to carry.

To celebrate, the Company plans to host a grand opening event on Saturday, June 14, at 8 a.m., which will include $10 complimentary gift cards to the first 50 adult customers and DG tote bags to the first 100 customers.

“We are excited to provide Snow Hill residents with our new DG Market format and look forward to welcoming customers to our new location,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “At Dollar General, we believe the addition of our new Snow Hill store provides positive economic growth for the community through the creation of new jobs and career growth opportunities; increased accessibility to affordable products; the generation of tax revenue and access to Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. We strive to provide a pleasant shopping experience to customers and looking forward to being a strong business partner and good neighbor.”

Dollar General plans to create new jobs in the Snow Hill community as the store is expected to employ approximately 10-15 people, depending on the individual needs of the store. Individuals interested in joining the DG team may review available positions and apply online at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

New reservation site

OceanCity.com has officially launched its new hotel reservations platform, hotels.oceancity.com, giving visitors access to 25-plus Ocean City hotels — all bookable direct, with zero hidden OTA fees and instant access to exclusive offers.

Unlike national websites, OceanCity.com's reservation system charges hotels 0% commission, allowing them to offer better value directly to guests. And this isn't just a better deal for hotels—it’s a win for travelers, too, with no extra booking fees, exclusive local coupons and deals added weekly and emailed to users.

"Destinations should own their future — a future where tourism strengthens the health and well-being of local economies, preserves cultural authenticity, and creates sustainable growth for generations to come all while providing the best experience and value possible to the

guest” said Ann Hillyer, OceanCity.com’s publisher. “We chose our software partner because this is their idealogy.”

“With us, what happens in-market stays in-market. When you book through hotels.oceancity.com, you’re not paying a global OTA — you’re supporting Ocean City directly, and getting rewarded for it.”

Restaurants and bars interested in joining the Orange Crush Trail or Coastal Craft Crawl can contact Ann Hillyer at amh@maryland.com. New partners will be promoted on OceanCity.com and added to all live passes.

Dave Douglas, general manager of the Grand Oceanfront Hotel, calls the new system a long-awaited breakthrough.

“We’ve been waiting for a platform like this on OceanCity.com for over a decade. It finally gives hotels what we need — a 0% commission model, the ability to enhance guest experience with real value like drink trails and dining discounts, and direct control over guest reservations,” he said. “Guests can compare rates across properties and still make a booking that the hotel can access. It’s a win for hotels and a better experience for travelers.”

Travelers booking through OceanCity.com are booking with a

Continued on Page 74

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

system that integrates directly with the hotel, meaning they can modify or adjust their reservations directly with the hotel —something that OTAs can’t offer. It’s a more personal and flexible experience, backed by real customer service.

Designation earned

This single-family home backs up to a private, wooded area for added s tained 4 bedroom/3 full bath home features numerous updates, includin ('20), HVVAAC system, hot water heater ('22), all brand-new kitchen applian The spacious living room is enhanced by a beautiful architectural octag in natural light. The kitchen boasts Corian countertops, new appliances island with drawers for added functionality and storage. Additional featu gutterguardsinstalledin '23forlow-maintenanceliving,recentlypainte

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Lauren Bunting

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ed rear deck where you seller removed numerous ished.

6200 Coastal Hw Office: 41

y S-101, Ocean City 0.524.6400

CFS recently congratulated Zach King on earning the Chartered Financial Analyst®(CFA®) designation, one of the most respected and challenging credentials in the investment profession. Now that King has earned his designation, he officially steps into the role of chief investment officer.

King has been a valued member of the CFS team for the past three years. By earning the CFA®Charter, he joins an elite global community of over 200,000 professionals recognized for their mastery of investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards.

“We’re over the moon to share that Zach King has officially earned the CFA charter. Zach is a brilliant investment mind, and this milestone further distinguishes both him and our firm. The multi-year exam process was no

match for his drive and focus — two qualities that make him an invaluable member of our team. As the lead of our investment committee, Zach can now channel even more time and energy into optimizing our portfolios and investment process at CFS.” said Michael Sise, vice president.

West OC office opens

Nurse Professionals Home Care has expanded and relocated into a larger, new location in West Ocean City to better meet home care and staffing needs. The new office is located at 9927 Stephen Decatur Highway, Suite G15.

President and owner Anita Logsdon Battista, BS, RN and her experienced staff remain committed to providing reliable, quality in-home care for individuals needing additional medical assistance.

A press release read, “Keeping individuals engaged mentally, emotionally, physically and socially can make a big difference in their well-being. From companion care to skilled nursing, Nurse Professionals Home Care provides the support and services that improve lives and enable independent living at home.”

OCEAN PINES

Ocean City to consider firms for golf course improvement

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2025) The Town of Ocean City will seek bids for a flood remediation project at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council supported a request from Recreation and Parks Director Kate Gaddis to solicit bids for the Eagles Landing tidal flood remediation project.

Gaddis said the project is included in the city’s fiscal year 2026 capital plan and would be bond funded.

“The golf course was built on a modest budget and has served the town well,” she told the council this week. “But to remain viable in the area golf market, attention must be given to address frequent flooding that impacts six holes on the course.”

Gaddis said the 34-year-old course was in need of renovation to address flooding at holes seven, eight, nine, 10, 17 and 18, with a majority of the work focused on holes seven and 18. She noted that saltwater flooding at the golf course damages turf, trees and equipment, forces closures and reduces revenue.

To that end, town staff and contractors have developed a remediation master plan that addresses tidal flooding and other flood-related infrastructure

improvements. As survey, wetland delineation and permitting work is nearly complete, Gaddis said she was seeking the council’s approval to solicit bids.

“These renovations should contribute to reduced expenses and increased revenue, provide reason for continued high customer satisfaction and retention, and help maintain Eagle's Landing's good standing in the Ocean City golf marketplace,” she said.

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0 to solicit bids for the project. Councilwoman Carol Proctor was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

The City Council this week also opened the sole bid it had received for a taxiway relocation and runway surface treatment project at the Ocean City Municipal Airport. While the city estimated improvements to total $8,195,000, a bid from David A. Bramble, Inc. came in at $11,703,272.

“The FAA programming for this may have additional state apportionment,” said Airport Manager Jaime Giandomenico. “When we set the matchup, we match for the maximum amount. I think we’ll be okay but we’ll need to evaluate.”

With no further discussion, the council agreed to remand the bid to staff for further review.

County talks solar farm initiatives, a new law approved

Gov. Moore signs bill that tightens zoning standards

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) A new solar farm has been approved to move forward by Worcester County officials, while yet another solar project was put on hold pending further regulatory compliance.

The 23-acre facility is slated for installation on a 92.6-acre parcel owned by Jack and Barbara Shockley on Woodside Lane, just off Route 113 south of Snow Hill. The 5-megawatt project is being developed by New Leaf Energy, a solar developer based outside Boston.

At their May 20 meeting, the County Commissioners had declined to approve this project, because they were waiting on Gov. Wes Moore to sign into law a new bill that sets new stringent regulations for aesthetics and zoning.

Moore did sign the bill later that day, and it takes effect July 1. The Renewable Energy Certainty Act (SB 931) sets more restrictive zoning standards for community solar projects than what Worcester County had in place.

The law also lets the state seize authority over smaller solar projects from county governments. Currently, projects over two megawatts –enough to power up to 1,000 homes – can be preempted by the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) through a special certification, ensuring they meet safety, environmental, and economic standards.

However, the new law lowers that threshold to one megawatt. It means solar projects producing at least that amount of electricity, ones that also comply with new siting standards, cannot be blocked by local jurisdic-

See SOLAR Page 78

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Solar farm gets the green light

Continued from Page 77

tions like Worcester County.

Counties can still adopt less strict zoning provisions for individual projects, which are then reviewed by the PSC. The state cannot override county modifications.

The new law also will impose more stringent aesthetic standards for elements like landscaping, setbacks, and fencing.

Gov. Moore did end up signing this bill. The commissioners went ahead at their next meeting on June 3 and approved the project in a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) the lone dissenter.

Another utility-scale solar project by the same developer did not receive a hearing by commissioners during their June 3 meeting in Snow Hill because the same developer, New Leaf,

had not yet completed required landscape and viewshed analysis.

For that reason, the commissioners decided to wait until the analyses are submitted to the county’s review and permitting department.

“Apparently we’re going to have to wait until we get these studies in before we proceed,” remarked Commission President Ted Elder (District 4, Western).

That delayed 5-megawatt project is slated for 40 acres along Queponco Road in Newark, owned by Jack Harrison and family, according to Drew Funk with New Leaf.

Documents submitted to the county show that this solar facility could support electricity generation for about 1,125 households and would take six months to build. The family’s full 185-acre tract has been farmland since at least 1952.

New bills to impact the real estate realm effective soon

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

TAX RATES AND CREDITS

(June 13, 2025) This week’s article is a summary of all the “Tax Rates and Credits,” “Common Ownership Communities” and “Land Use, Property Rights and the Environment” related legislation that passed during the 2025 447th Maryland General Assembly session. The session convened on January 8th and adjourned on April 7th. Maryland REALTORS® issues a recap of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry.

HB 390/SB 327 Affordable Housing Payment In Lieu of Taxes Expansion Act Effective June 1, 2025 Operators of rental housing developments may enter into payment in lieu of taxes with local governments for maintaining at least 25% of the units as affordable.

HB 698/SB 814 Development Impact Fees, Surcharges, and Excise Taxes Effective October 1, 2025 By July 1, each county must annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly information relating to the collection and expenditure of development impact fees, surcharges, or excise taxes over the prior year

SB 979 Short-Term Rentals - Tax Collection by Comptroller Effective July 1, 2027

Short-term rental platforms with at least 200 bookings or $100,000 in revenue will collect and remit the applicable hotel occupancy tax to the Comptroller, which will then be distributed to the respective county where the rental is located

COMMON OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES

HB 292/SB 63 Funding of Reserve Accounts and Preparation of Funding Plans Effective October 1, 2025 This bill grants additional flexibility to meet required reserve funding requirements and creates a financial hardship process to alter approved reserve funding plans for up to one fiscal year.

LAND USE, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

HB 4/SB 120 Restrictions on UseSolar Collector Systems Effective October 1, 2025

Restrictions that increase the cost of the installation of a solar collector system by more than 5% or reduce the energy generation by 10% are prohibited.

HB 49 Building Energy Performance Standards - Alterations and Analysis Effective October 1, 2025 Initially, this bill would have charged a fee for buildings that did not meet energy usage requirements. As amended, this bill certifies county building energy programs and excludes emissions from public health and safety facilities.

SB 117/HB 131 Bay Restoration Fund - Septic System Upgrade Program Effective July 1, 2026

This bill modifies the prioritization and eligibility for projects that receive funding from the Bay Restoration Fund’s (BRF) septics’ account, adding failing systems in the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed and those in the 500-year floodplain.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.

Parking division on track to meet revenue goals in FY25

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2025) Officials say Ocean City’s parking division is on track to meet its revenue goals by the end of the fiscal year.

While the fiscal year concludes June 30, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman said he expects parking revenues to meet budgeted amounts in the coming weeks. As of May 30, the city had collected roughly $5.3 million, or 80%, of its $6.6 million budget.

“We’re currently sitting right around 80% of that figure, with June being a good, strong month,” Shearman told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee on Tuesday. “That last 20% should be easily attainable. So in terms of parking revenue, we are right where we want to be.”

Shearman said budget numbers for fiscal year 2025 had recently been adjusted to reflect new revenue estimates. However, he said that was good news, as the budget was “adjusted favorably.”

While revenue projections have increased, Shearman said he expects the parking division will have no issue meeting its numbers, as June is typically a strong, summer month for the city. Shearman also noted changes in how revenues are being

collected, as the city is moving away from parking kiosks and toward a ParkMobile payment application.

“Obviously, parking kiosk revenue is much lower than in previous years,” he said. “ParkMobile revenue is much higher than in previous years.”

Shearman also noted that collections from both the parking kiosks and the ParkMobile app have increased by 40% since parking enforcement began April 1. However, he noted that sample sizes were small, and that the adjustments in parking rates are also reflected in the revenue numbers.

“Overall revenue is 40% ahead, just in terms of what we collected in April and May, but those sample sizes are fairly small,” he said.

In November of 2023, the Ocean City Council agreed to launch a new parking division under the city’s transportation department. While paid parking represented a $6 million annual revenue source for the city, officials argued a separate division was needed to oversee its management.

To that end, the city last spring hired a parking manager and a staff of parking officers to launch the new division ahead of the 2024 parking enforcement season. This year marks the second season for the parking division.

State approves wind project permit, local leaders furious

OC mayor promises to fight controversial energy effort in court following decision

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2025) The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has approved US Wind’s air quality permit application, which will allow the company to construct an offshore wind project off the coast of Ocean City.

In the wake of last week’s announcement, both Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (District 38) issued separate news releases criticizing the state agency for ignoring feedback collected at public hearings.

For her part, Carozza called the decision a "blatant disregard of the momentum and growing opposition to the industrialization of the ocean off Maryland’s coast.”

“The approval of US Wind’s air quality permit ignores the numerous concerns outlined by the growing opposition from Maryland residents regarding the negative consequences of this project,” she said.

In late 2023, MDE received an air quality permit application from US

Wind for the construction and operation of a 114-turbine wind project to be located nearly 11 miles off the coast of Ocean City. The application consisted of an air quality permit-to-construct, an application for a New Source Review (NSR) approval, and an application for a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) approval.

To that end, MDE held an informational meeting on June 13, 2024, followed by a public hearing on Jan. 9, 2025. And in March, following a 60-day extension, the public comment period closed.

“The Department has reviewed the application and the comments received and has determined that the proposed construction and commissioning of the offshore wind project would not cause violations of any applicable air pollution control regulations,” MDE shared on its website last week. “The Department has made a final determination to issue the permit-to-construct, the PSD Approval, and the NSR Approval, effective June 6, 2025.”

In response to last week’s announcement, Meehan lambasted the state agency for approving the US Wind application. He argued MDE ignored public comments from the

Offshore wind given good news

dozens of local business owners and residents who would be impacted by the project.

“It is unconscionable to believe that the Maryland Department of Environment is ignoring pre-established permitting deadlines and fundamentally ignoring every shred of feedback offered by those who will be directly involved if this poorly conceived and potentially disastrous offshore wind project is allowed to move forward,” he said in a news release. “The entire economy of our coastal resort town is dependent on tourism, our eco system, and commercial fishing, all of which will be significantly impacted if hundreds of these giant eyesores are constructed 10 miles from our beaches.”

Meehan said the state has “ignored their voices” and “will stop at no end to politically approve” a project he called unreliable and unsustainable, among other things. He also vowed to continue to fight the US Wind project in court.

“It is time to put an end to subsidizing this cash cow for US Wind and for the state to invest time and energy on more realistic forms of alternative energy before we end up with a wind turbine graveyard off of our coast and

the multi-generational nightmare of repairing our environment and economy,” he said.

Carozza also took issue with the public comment process, during which several local leaders and residents testified against the company’s air quality permit application. She said MDE’s response to her questions was “unsatisfactory.”

“The State of Maryland should be focused on lowering energy costs for the ratepayers, and not pushing costly, subsidized offshore wind energy development, which is the most expensive generating technology,”

Carozza said in the news release.

“Offshore wind is intermittent and unreliable, and we are finding more and more negative impacts across the board. As more and more Marylanders learn the true costs and negative impacts of the industrialization of our ocean, the Stop Offshore Wind movement continues to grow each day. We need our voices heard by the Governor and all his Administration.”

In addition to its final determination and permit approvals, MDE also released its transcript from the January public hearing, as well as responses to comments the agency received.

Officials say bus strategy for festivals continues to evolve

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(June 13, 2025) City officials say they continue to pivot as each new music festival poses new issues for the transportation division.

On Tuesday, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman presented members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee with the finalized bus deployment and ridership numbers for Boardwalk Rock, the fourth C3 Presents music festival to be held in Ocean City.

While ridership numbers were slightly less than those of Oceans Calling and Country Calling, he said deployments were up to the highest levels ever recorded for a music festival. He said the city recorded 65 deployments on Saturday and 69 deployments on Sunday.

“That was in large part due to the buses the promoter brought in for the evening return,” he said. “Our deployment numbers were not as good as I had forecasted. In terms of our overall deployment numbers, we were very close to what we put on the street for the previous festivals.”

Shearman acknowledged the event did come with its challenges, as crowd movement to and from the venue was different from that of other C3 Presents music festivals. He also noted a car accident on Coastal Highway Saturday

evening impeded buses from returning southbound to the festival grounds.

“I think the biggest lesson we learned with the crowd movement on Saturday morning was that every one of these festivals presents a slightly different challenge,” he said. “The more we think we are starting to get it, something different happens.”

“These are all different crowds, different festivals, and we can do our best to anticipate the way the crowds are going to move but then the patterns will be slightly different than what we experienced before,” he added. “We’re still learning and adjusting and optimizing our deployment strategy.”

On the topic of ridership and deployments, Shearman also presented the committee with statistics for Memorial Day.

Throughout the four-day weekend, the city recorded 94 bus deployments and 25,156 riders.

“We are seeing a 12% decline [in ridership] from 2023 to 2024 and a 13% decline from 2024 to 2025,” he said. “However, what we always say when the sample size is this small is there’s a lot of factors that go into it.”

He said rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are impacting bus ridership. However, he said the biggest factor this year was weather.

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BES receives ukuleles through pilot project

ukulele was selected as the primary instrument for musical instruction for “a variety of reasons.”

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) Ukuleles are now a staple of classroom instruction for Buckingham Elementary School students, courtesy of a new initiative launched by Freeman Arts Pavilion, a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.

The pilot project focuses on art education. Started by the Freeman Arts Pavilion, it collaborates with Salisbury University music education professor Louise Anderson, who specializes in music education and integrating ukuleles into the curriculum.

To get the project off the ground, Freeman Arts Pavilion provided a classroom set of ukuleles and teaching tools tailored to elementary music introduction to Buckingham, said a press release from the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. BES will incorporate the instruments into its curriculum for at least five years.

According to Lindsay Richard, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation’s community engagement director, the

“The ukulele is relatively easy to learn for children and can be used to teach various musical concepts,” she said. “The size of a ukulele is perfect for young children, and it is fun for children to play as a group. Additionally, ukuleles are generally affordable for families. We hope that students will fall in love with the ukulele in music class and their families will be able to purchase one and incorporate more music into the home.”

The ukuleles will be available to the Buckingham music teacher for the duration of the instruments’ lifespans and will be incorporated into musical instruction for at least five years. Richard noted that “students will learn the instrument nearly their entire time at BES.”

The musical project has been in the works since the fall of 2024. Richard said that the goal of creating such a program is to instill an enduring impact on the school and the students themselves. Organizers also hope the initiative will provide young learners access to new experiences to bolster their education.

“Music education enhances cognitive development and academic per-

formance while building discipline, collaboration, and confidence,” said the community engagement director. “The ukulele is particularly accessible — easy to learn and less intimidating than other instruments. By investing in both instruments and professional instruction, we’re creating a sustainable, replicable model that maximizes long-term impact while reinforcing the importance of arts education in preparing students for success.”

BES was chosen as the program’s pilot school in part because music teacher Emely Martin was interested in integrating ukuleles into classroom instruction. Martin was also a former student of Anderson, allowing for a smooth collaboration.

While Buckingham will be the first school to incorporate ukuleles, initiative spearheaders hope to expand

throughout Delmarva. Richard said the mission is to offer the project to at least one school per academic year, focusing on elementary schools. However, she added that they will also consider general music programs in middle schools.

The program leads are confident that the ukulele instruction will enrich BES’s music curriculum and offer a new outlet for student expression. Per the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation’s status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donors have provided the funding for this initiative and the organization’s additional work.

“Our arts education programs and other Arts Access Initiative efforts are made possible thanks to this vital support, which helps us ensure that the arts remain accessible to all,” Richard said.

Opinions

Tent ordinance not controversial

Ocean City’s new ordinance prohibiting the use of tents on the beach is not, as has been written elsewhere by reporters and editors, “controversial.”

Perhaps out-of-area newspeople were trying to convince their followers that this is a significant story by punching up their headlines, but the passage of this ordinance is anything but that. In reality, it is more of a preventative measure to forestall greater problems in the future.

A few small tents here and there on the beach aren’t cause for alarm right now, but because the human species is prone to pursue bigger and better everything, the smallish tents of today are bound to evolve into party-central, headquartersstyle installations capable of sheltering the troops.

Ocean City’s beach doesn’t need that — large tents obstruct the view of lifeguards and take up more than their fair share of this limited resource — and acting to correct that situation when it does arise would almost certainly be controversial as people complain, “but we’ve been doing this for years.”

The City Council is correct to impose this restriction now to prevent the situation from getting out of hand, and that’s true even if the ordinance is unenforceable, as dissenting council members contend.

All sorts of unenforceable laws are on the books — speed limits, residential occupancy standards and Ocean City’s own limitations on the hours when public access to the beach is allowed. But that doesn’t mean these laws should not exist.

They remain in the local code to give government something to hang its legal hat on should it decide that it must intervene when an otherwise minor circumstance grows into something that has become unacceptable.

Maybe beachgoers will abide by this new rule, and maybe they won’t, but it doesn’t hurt to let them know that the city now has grounds to act should it decide to do so.

My parents lied to me

Many years ago, before I developed enough brain molecules to post a measurable IQ, I didn’t like gravy.

Why that was I couldn’t tell you, except that I was too stupid at the time to know that gravy is one of the building blocks of life.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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By Stewart Dobson

But it’s a fact that I went through an extended period of not liking gravy, thus obligating my mother to make “brown sauce,” which was, of course, gravy.

It’s true. When the mashed potatoes arrived at suppertime, I would declare, “No gravy! Please!”

To which my mother would respond, “It’s not gravy, it’s brown sauce.”

“Oh, that’s different,” I’d reply, without realizing that my mother, whom I believed was put on the earth specifically to guide me to the path of righteousness, was flat-out lying like an itinerant peddler of magic elixirs, which, of course, would cure anything from pimples to polio.

Not once did she consider how much trouble she would cause, as I was obligated to defend her honor against all those who did not understand the difference between gravy and brown sauce.

“Have you been fighting?” she’d ask after I came home a little worse for wear from kindergarten.”

“I have,” I’d confess, “the brown sauce issue raised its ugly head again.”

Ultimately, she had to explain to me that she had made it all up and that even though there really was an honest-to-goodness brown sauce — Espagnole, a French “mother sauce,” if you really want to know — her brown sauce” was not that. It was ... gravy.

It was at that point that I realized two things: 1. Your parents will lie to you under certain circumstances, such as “brussels sprouts are good for you,” when we all know they are not. If they were, we would be inundated with cheap-o television commercials telling us that just one spoonful of “Brussels Sprouts Extract” a day will allow us to bench-press 500 pounds well into our 80s.

2. I discovered that I had liked gravy all along and that the names of foods are sometimes changed or altered to get us to eat them. Monkfish comes to mind. It used to be known as Goosefish and is so ugly you don’t want to look it up.

Anyway, I let my mother off the hook for lying to me because I eventually became intelligent enough to understand her motives. It was for my own good.

And then there was my father, who lost my trust forever after attempting to pull a gravybrown sauce stunt of his own when I was about nine or 10 years of age.

We were about to eat steamed shrimp at some function when I noticed that they had a black line down the middle.

“Ewwww,” I asked. “What’s that?”

“That’s a sand vein, son,” my father assured me. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Sand vein?” I replied. “Hmm. I don’t know, Pop. It sure looks like s.... to me.”

PUBLIC EYE

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Ocean City created a parking division in late 2023 after it became clear the $6 million revenue maker needed more management as well as better enforcement. The thought at the time was Ocean City’s paid parking system could make money if there was required supervised coordination and vendor streamlining.

This summer will mark the second season with the new model of management, which includes a dedicated parking manager and a host of part-time parking enforcement officers. One of the considerations that led Ocean City to professionalize its parking program – which came with about $750,000 in annual expenses due to manpower -- was the simple fact not everyone was paying for parking where required. In support of the new division, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said at the time, “You’ve got a $6 million revenue source, call it a ship floating out in the ocean, and nobody is steering it … I think there’s a great potential here for growth, control and management.”

During a meeting this week, the first full fiscal year of the new parking division was reviewed with a couple weeks left to go. The parking division should easily exceed its budgeted revenue of $6.6 million, according to officials. With the big June month to go including this weekend’s Air Show, the 11-month total revenue total was $5.3 million. Included in this revenue is $972,235 in parking fines, as of the end of May. The city had budgeted $944,000 for the entire fiscal year.

While it was a tremendous investment to create a new parking division, the numbers are clear it was a smart by the city to professionalize the operation, which is a huge revenue source for government. It’s also largely funding driven by tourists, and that’s a good thing.

Some data about deployments and ridership was shared this week for Ocean City, specifically the music festival weekends.

During the May Boardwalk Rock two-day event, Ocean City had average daily deployment of 67 buses, an increase from 61 during Country Calling in 2024 and 50 for Oceans Calling in 2024 and 43 for the first Oceans Calling in 2023.

Though the volume of buses on the road were highest for Boardwalk Rock, the average bus ridership for the first year of the two-day festival was lower than the other festivals at 23,842. As comparison, the first year of Oceans Calling in 2023 saw average ridership of 24,165; Oceans Calling in 2024 hit 26,425; and Country Calling in 2024 came to 27,127. For perspective, it’s important to point out festival ridership far exceeds normal summer weekends and even holiday weekends. As an example, Boardwalk Rock bus ridership was about 279% higher than the average bus ridership for Memorial Day weekend this year (23,842 compared to 6,289). Weather played a significant part, but it’s the sheer volume of people here for the music festivals that drive the surge.

***

Over the next five weeks, there will likely be many efforts to spotlight Ocean City’s special election on July 22. On the municipal ballot will be one issue –Question A. Residents will be asked to vote “for” or “against” the ordinance passed on March 3. The ballot further states the ordinance, “a) There shall be a five (5) consecutive overnight minimum length of stay for any dwelling rented in the R- 1 single family residential district or in the MH mobile home residential district. This shall not apply to a rental booking in the R- 1 single family residential district or in the MH mobile home residential district reserved prior to March 3, 2025, for a 2025 calendar year stay.

b) Beginning January 1, 2027, there shall be a thirty- one (31) consecutive overnight minimum length of stay for any dwelling rented in the R- 1 single family residential district or in the MH mobile home residential district.”

In the coming weeks, there’s expected to be much dialogue on Facebook between supporters and opponents. It’s already started to play out. The petition group’s messaging has been largely represented by the Facebook page “OCMD Residents Against Short Term Rental Restrictions.” The group has a website as well at ocmdpropertyrights.org. A message on the site read, “Short-term rental hosts in Ocean City aren’t greedy investors out to make a buck and destroy communities … a false narrative. These properties support so many small businesses that thrive on the tourism driven by family vacation rentals. … a ban on short-term rentals … will hurt Ocean City’s economy …”

The other side of the argument is being represented on social media by the Citizens For Ocean City group, which had been largely dormant for 11 years until the recent petition effort was launched. This group became a player in Ocean City politics in 2011 after then-City Manager Dennis Dare was forced into early retirement by the council majority in power at the time. The group on Facebook this week began spreading its messaging in support of a “for” vote for Question A, saying in part, “Only 6% of Ocean City’s 30,000 residential units remain as traditional neighborhoods. Do outside investors need those too at the expense of traditional family neighborhoods? … Once these neighborhoods are gone, Ocean City won’t be Ocean City anymore.”

County must right a wrong in Snow Hill

Editor,

For years now, the County Commissioners have absolutely refused to pick up a phone and stop the county landscapers from destroying property in Snow Hill and causing incredible health problems for the citizens.

For this reason, the fight will be elevated to include the Maryland Environmental Protection, the state's attorney, the Maryland State Police and our statewide elected leaders. I will also be rallying my neighbors and look for your landscapers to be arrested by the police the next time they are seen committing these dangerous and illegal actions.

It is clear that the commissioners have finally gotten sick of the Sheriff begging for money.

Perhaps they could put the Sheriff to work on this. It is embarrassing to walk around the municipal parking lot edge and see where these landscapers have been piling up garbage for years. People have to pay property taxes on that land they are ruining and using for county disposal.

But the most concerning thing about all of this is this callous nature of the spreading of allergens. This entire episode began many years ago when the county's lead landscaper stood in front of me with his blower on full blast, blowing garbade and pollen and grass into my face. When I asked him to not do that, he told me to complain to the county commissioners because he did whatever he wanted. You all fired Ken instead of dealing with a lawsuit from me at the time. But that is not good enough anymore.

If this situation continues, my law-

suit will occur. Ken attacked me that day and deserved to go to prison. He was finally fired/retired because he was illegally driving a county vehicle truck every day with one eye. You all have a very large problem on your hands now. The town of Snow Hill is thoroughly on my side, and now the rest of the state is joining this party. Property rights? Public health? To be a leader, you have to make decisions. For no one to have picked up the phone in six years and told the landscapers to use a lawnmower with a lead bag, a rake and a trash can to clean the parking lot every week instead of lazily just blowing everything on the surface of the lot onto private property. This is a ridiculous failure by the Worcester County Commissioners.

Greg Gunther Snow Hill

Too little funds for school system impacts everyone Editor,

The Worcester County Education Support Professionals Association (WCESPA) is deeply disappointed that the Worcester County Commissioners failed to fully fund the Board of Education’s budget request. This decision has direct consequences— not just for teachers, but for the lowest-paid employees in our schools: the support staff.

When funding falls short, education support professionals are often the first to lose out. Many of us are already working for wages that fall below a livable standard, and this year’s budget would have offered a long-overdue and much-needed raise. Denying that funding means

Continued on Page 86

Continued from Page 85

denying dignity to workers who keep our schools running every single day. We especially want to thank Commissioners Diana Purnell, Ted Mitrecic, and Eric Fiori for voting in favor of fully funding our schools. Your support of students and staff alike is appreciated and remembered.

To the remaining commissioners— we urge you to reflect on the impact of your decisions. Underfunding schools doesn’t just hurt teachers. It hurts nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, aides, secretaries, technical support and bus drivers—the very people who make safe learning possible.

Ivory

Smith Berlin

(The writer is the president of the Worcester County Education Support Professionals Association (WCESPA).

The Big Beautiful Bill not good for shore community Editor,

After being the sole vote "present" for the recent Big, Beautiful Bill, Andy Harris followed with this statement:

“I voted to move the bill along in the process for the President. There is still a lot of work to be done in deficit reduction and ending waste,

fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program."

I question whether he is "present" to how the $723 billion reduction will impact 160,000 residents enrolled in the Medicaid/CHIP program and 30,000 enrolled in SNAP (with some overlap) in his district.

Of course, waste, fraud and abuse in healthcare should be addressed as it leads to more costs and patient suffering. But cutting Medicaid definitely leads to more costs and suffering. Many of those he represents will lose health coverage and jobs at our rural hospitals.

We need Andy Harris to take a clear stand on these issues. Otherwise, it leads me to think his only goal is to benefit the 11 billionaires (through tax cuts) who reside in District 1.

The Big Beautiful Bill certainly doesn’t benefit the fine people of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Ainslie Christie Taylor Snow Hill

Assateague national’s no lifeguard status harmful

Editor,

As a regular visitor to Assateague National Seashore for decades, I was shocked to learn that the park has announced it has no lifeguards this season (Lifeguard status unknown for Assateague’s fed beach, Jun 6).

Early this Spring, I visited the park and talked with a few of the employees. They said their workforce had already experienced lay-offs and expressed concerns for how they would meet the demands of the summer season.

About 3 million visitors come to Assateague Park each year to visit the gorgeous beaches, enjoy the walking trails, kayak, camp, fish and see our treasured ponies.

How can the current administration think that cutting seasonal labor and essential personnel from Assateague and other national parks is in the best interest of Americans? Lifeguards are public safety personnel and should be

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@ octodaydispatch.com. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

classified by the Trump administration as such. These cuts put lives at risk.

When I reached out to the park superintendent, Hugh Hawthorrne, he told me he was unable to talk with me and gave me a contact in Washington, who never returned my calls.

Our national parks have lost thousands of staff in the last three months and the “reduction in force” process could lead to additional drastic cuts to park staffing and funding across the country.

As of May 13, 2025, DOI’s own data shows only about 3,300 seasonal and temporary staff have been hired nationally — 39% fewer than in FY23 and less than half of the administration’s stated goal of 7,700.

According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the Trump administration’s 2026 budget plan, released May 2, would gut the National Park Service, jeopardizing the protection, maintenance and operation of the country’s more than 430 national parks. The administration’s budget calls for cutting more than $1 billion from the National Park Service — if enacted, it would be the largest cut in the agency’s 109-year history.

Assateague National Seashore and the hundreds of other beloved parks are on the chopping block. We must alert our elected officials that these cuts are not acceptable to the American people.

Cindy

Hoffman Ocean Pines

Tent, canopy beach rules could lead to violation fines

OC officials plan gradual enforcement of enclosure restrictions in first summer

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(June 13, 2025) Beachgoers caught violating Ocean City’s prohibition on tents and canopies this summer could face a $1,000 fine.

However, resort officials said they’d prefer to start by easing into the new restrictions on beach enclosures and educating the public first.

City Manager Terry McGean met with Beach Patrol officials over possible enforcement approaches to the tent ordinance, which the Town Council passed last week.

“We’re going to try very hard to do this on an educational basis this year. As I told those guys, I don’t want lifeguards walking around with tape measures,” McGean said at Monday’s monthly meeting of the Police Commission. “If they get some pushback from anyone they’re talking to, then we’ll bring in the police.”

McGean added that primary enforcers of the ordinance will be Beach Patrol crew chiefs who could be tasked to keep watch for violations. Officials added that on-duty lifeguards would never be asked to take their eyes off the water to police tents.

Not only does this law prohibits tents on the beach – meaning a polesupported shelter that can be enclosed on any side – it also outlaws the leaving of unattended canopies on the beach before 10 a.m. Officials say this is commonplace among tourists, who set up their beach encampments in the early morning ahead of a beach visit that doesn’t occur until hours later.

Unattended canopies would be marked somehow, McGean added, and said if Beach Patrol staff sees any one beachgoer continuing to erect unoccupied canopies or tents in the early morning, then authorities could resort to taking down that person’s tent.

Canopies larger than 10x10 feet would be prohibited, and the space between them has to be at least three feet, as to prevent the joining of canopies and tents into a “tent city.” The law also makes exceptions for pop-up “baby tents,” which are still OK to use.

Another exception is the popular Shibumi Shade, a product that’s essentially a fabric sail connected to an arch. When secured into the sand, it blows in the wind like a bedsheet on a clothesline, offering sun protection within the shadow it casts. The Beach Patrol says those are OK, too.

Categorically, as a municipal infraction, police officers could issue

fines at their discretion between $25 and $1,000, according to City Solicitor Heather Stansbury.

Councilmen Tony DeLuca and Matt James, who sit on the Police Commission, expressed their continued distaste for the tent law. Both cast “no” votes when the council approved the measure 5-2 on June 2.

“It’s just an unenforceable ordinance,” James said during Monday’s meeting.

Mayor Rick Meehan noted how resort officials checked against existing tent bans in the neighboring Delaware beach towns of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island. He added that, when given the chance to explain what the law does and doesn’t prohibit, that most tourists he’s talked to or e-mailed with are amenable.

“There’ll be growing pains,” Meehan said. “But you know what? I think we’re as good as they are, and I think we’ll be able to work through this. There will be a learning process, but a year from now, we’ll be able to look back, and it’ll just be what happens on the beach.”

Recruiting update

OCPD officials on Monday also of-

Charming 3-BR, 2-BA, 1,732 SF single-level home on a ¼-acre Waterfront Lot. Spacious open layout living room with wood-burning fireplace, eat-in kitchen & separate dining area. Single-car garage, concrete driveway & lots of off-street parking. Enjoy serene water views from screened porch. Plus, deck overlooks private boat dock. Home is a fantastic opportunity for buyers to add their personal touch & a little TLC to transform this property into your dream beach home. Amenity-rich community with marina, golf course, pools, tennis courts & more. This home is between Sports Core pool/racket/kayak beach & OP North Side Park w/Farmers Market & more! Invest in a lifestyle as much as a home.

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Schedule your showing today. Imagine the possibilities!

SKILLS TEAM IN FINAL FUNDRAISING PUSH

The Worcester Technical High School SkillsUSA Maryland State Champs, including students and teachers pictured above, will be representing at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, starting on June 22. Thirty-plus students will demonstrate their talent to shine at the national level. The students are actively fundraising for travel expenses, and community sponsorship could be the key ingredient that fuels their journey. As of Thursday, competitors still need to raise $15,000 to meet their travel expense’s goal. If you’re inspired to help these emerging leaders, consider reaching out to Mrs. Bunting at 410-632-5050 or scan the QR code, above. Contributions, no matter the size, not only help cover logistical expenses but also ignite confidence and open doors for these competitive students.

Police recruiting, stats update

Continued from Page 87

fered a recruiting update. Since last July, they hired 16 full-time staffers, which includes one lateral transfer. The department is confident it will hire another four recruits ahead of a fresh police academy class next month, bringing their academy roster to eight.

Fewer people are choosing to pursue careers in law enforcement, and as a result, regional police agencies have started to hike salaries sky-high just to get people in the door. In response, in an effort to bolster recruiting, Ocean City’s police recruits are now being offered a $15,000 bonus.

Recruiters also plan to bring on board even more Public Safety Officers, or PSOs, the role that replaces the now-defunct seasonal officer program; one recruiting goal is to fill those slots with local kids out of high school.

Police also unveiled a brand-new recruiting vehicle, which is wrapped decoratively to say “RECRUITER” and includes a QR code and website

address. The car, which will lead every town parade moving forward, is parked outside the 65th Street police headquarters.

DUI arrests up

Police also noted Monday how they arrested almost twice as many intoxicated drivers in May 2025 as they did a year prior.

Chief Ray Austin said DWI and DUI violations are up “substantially” from May 2024, when police arrested 37 people. That figure jumped to 57 last month.

Charges of intoxicated driving aren’t statistically differentiated by whether a driver was caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs (or “controlled dangerous substances,” in police-speak).

Looking at other statistics for May 2025, police said calls for service are down from a year ago but citizen calls to police are slightly up.

Traffic stops are up 7% over last year (1,247 to 1,336) and overall violations of city ordinances also are up 35% (318 to 429).

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Firing squad ends Norwegian leader’s days

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(June 13, 2025) Today, 80 years ago, Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonssøn Quisling, the Fører of Norway was being held in Akersus Fortress in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. “Fører” was the Norwegian equivalent of Fuhrer or leader.

Quisling was graduated from the Norwegian Military College with the highest score in the school’s history. He joined the Norwegian Anny’s general staff on Nov. 1, 1911. In March of 1918, he was posted to the Norwegian Legation in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg, Russia). Quisling was appointed defense minister of Norway in May 1931. He helped form the Nasjonal Samling (“National Unity”) Party, which was modeled on the Italian Fascist and German Nazi Parties.

In elections held October 1933, the party failed to secure a single seat in Parliament, having garnered only 37,850 votes. By the time of the 1936 elections, Nasjonal Samling was aping the German Nazi party, with Quisling even taking the title of Fører. But in the elections of 1936, the party polled even fewer votes than in 1933!

During his travels, Quisling had met Alfred Rosenberg, who at the time held the offices of “Leader of the

Foreign Policy Office of the Nazi Party” and “Commissar for Supervision of Intellectual and Ideological Education of the Nazi Party.” In other words, he was the Nazi Party’s “philosopher.” Through Rosenberg, Quisling was introduced to Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) Eric Raeder, head of the Kriegsmarine. Raeder recognized the importance (especially for the Kriegsmarine) of Norway, and its 3,000 miles of coastline, in the coming war and, together with Rosenberg, arranged for the Norwegian Fører to meet the German Fuhrer.

Hitler was unimpressed with Quisling, and directed that none of the German plans for the preemptive invasion of the Kingdom of Norway be shared with him. As a matter of fact, when the invasion was launched, Quisling was as surprised as anyone.

The invasion of Norway was launched by the Germans because the French and British were planning to do the same thing and the Germans could not allow the British to control their access to the Atlantic by shutting off the Baltic Sea from the Atlantic.

The Germans also could not allow the British to interdict their supply of iron ore coming from Sweden through the Norwegian port of Narvik during the winter months, when the Swedish ports were inaccessible due to ice.

Therefore, although Hitler would have preferred that Norway remain neutral, the Germans felt they had no choice. When, on April 9, Norwegian Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold telephoned King Haakon VII, and told him that Norway was at war, the King responded with the question, “Against whom?”

The Germans hoped to capture the Norwegian government intact, but that plan was foiled when the heavy cruiser Blucher, transporting the force designated for that task, was sunk, at 4:30 a.m., by the 40-year-old guns of Oscarsborg Fortress, which guarded the approaches to the Norwegian capital.

By 7:23 a.m., the government and the royal family were on a special train from Oslo to Hamar, where the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) convened on the afternoon of April 9. Hamar is a town located 76 miles north of Oslo, and today has a population of 29,000.

In the meantime, Quisling had met with Hans Wilhelm Scheidt, who was

Rosenberg’s personal representative in Norway, on the morning of April 9, and offered to form a government, since the Norwegian government had fled. A proposal was forwarded to der Fuhrer, and accepted.

At 7:30 p.m., Quisling broadcast, on the radio, that he was now in charge and ordered the Norwegians to cease all resistance.

The Germans then demanded that King Haakon VII accept Quisling as the prime minister. The king refused and told the Storting that if it accepted Quisling as the prime minister, he would abdicate. The Storting unanimously rejected the German demand, at which time the Luftwaffe attacked Elverum, causing 32 fatalities, none of whom were government officials.

The attack did force the government to move to Otta, which today has a population of less than 1,700. On April 23, 1940, the government and Royal Family relocated, again, to the town of Molde, on the west coast. Today, Molde has a population of 20,000. Five days later Otta was occupied by elements of the 196th Infantry Division, commanded by Richard Pellengahr. The Luftwaffe began a week-long bombing attack

Continued on Page 91

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In-House Doctor Visits

Vidkun Quisling

JACK COLCORD

Berlin

John “Jack” Colcord, age 71, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Berlin.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Carl and Ruth (Morris) Colcord. Jack was a beloved husband, devoted father, and dear friend to many. His greatest

roles in life were those of husband and father. He was fiercely dedicated to his family, always putting them at the center of everything he did. With a fun-loving spirit and a heart full of kindness, Jack was known for his easy smile and warm greetings. He never met a stranger.

A passionate physical fitness enthusiast, Jack especially loved cy-

cling. He turned that passion into a livelihood, running a successful bike rental business for over 25 years along the boardwalk in Ocean City. Beyond the boardwalk, Jack raced competitively on a national level, continuing to win gold through 2023. He also shared a deep love of amusement parks with his wife Colleen and son Cannon. Some of their most joyful moments were spent together at Disney and Universal Studios, where Jack’s playful spirit and sense of wonder shone brightly. Whether racing Cannon to the next ride or simply soaking in the magic of the parks, Jack embraced every experience with childlike joy and genuine enthusiasm.

Jack’s energy, generosity, and love of life touched all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the countless memories shared with family, friends and the cycling community he loved so much.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Colleen Hahn Colcord, a son, Cannon Colcord, a brother, Michael Colcord (Laura) and two nephews, Max Colcord and Lex Colcord. He also leaves behind an extensive family of in-laws who adored him.

In addition to his parents, he was

preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Colcord and Richard Colcord.

Cremation followed his death. No formal services are planned at this time. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

KAREN MARY PIPPIN

Berlin

Karen Mary Pippin, age 68 passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 1, 2025 at her home.

Born in New York, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Askland and Mary (Daly) Askland. Karen was the wife of the late Herbert Lanis Pippin.

Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Caring for others and helping people was her true passion. She was an incredible wife and her love and devotion to her sons and grandchildren was unwavering. Karen was the kind of friend you could always count on. A barber by trade, she built lifelong friendships through her care, warmth, and the pride she took in helping people look and feel their best. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karen is survived by her sons, Jordan Pippin (Lindsay Robinson) and Lanis Pippin (Cindy Long); her grandchildren, Cheyenne Long, Seth Pippin and Isla Pippin; as well as her siblings, Steve Askland and Laurie Brittingham. She was preceded in death by her brother Sandy Askland. Cremation followed Karen’s passing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842 at 11am on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, Maryland. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications. E-mail: editor@octodaydispatch.com

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842

Jack Colcord

Karen M. Pippin

against it on April 25, 1940.

Germany recognized Quisling’s new government within 24 hours of his radio announcement. In appearing that Norwegians were not rallying around Quisling, the Reich, just as quickly, retracted its support. Der Fuhrer wrote the would-be Norwegian Fører, thanking him for his efforts and guaranteeing him a place in the new government.

On April 24, Joseph Terboven was appointed Reichskommissar for Norway. He appointed a group of 11 provisional “counselors-of-state” from the Nasjonal Samling party who had to swear a personal oath to Quisling. These “counselors-of-state,” with the backing of the Germans, ran the country. They were given the titles of “Ministers” on Sept. 25, 1941. Quisling was named “Minister-President” of the ‘’National Government” of Norway. Throughout his tenure, Quisling lobbied Hitler for the recall of Terboven, without success.

An SS regiment of Norwegians, Swedes and Danes was recruited and became a part of the SS Viking Panzer Division. In 1943, the SS Danmark regiment was formed and joined with SS Norge Regiment, of Norwegians, from the Viking division, to form the SS Nordland Panzergrenadier Division, under the command, initially, of Franz Augsberger, which fought at the Battle of Narva, and was finally destroyed defending Berlin.

The Norwegian Fører was arrested, on May 9, 1945, and imprisoned in Akersus Fortress. Before the war, Norway had abolished capital punishment, but during the war the government-in-exile, located in London, reinstated it. Now Quisling, and his ilk, would face the wrath of loyal Norwegians. During the German occupation, 400 Norwegians had been executed and 767 Jews deported, of whom 26 survived.

Quisling’s trial began on Aug. 20, 1945, and ended with his conviction, on Sept. 10. He was sentenced to die. Twenty-nine others received the same sentence. Of the 30, one died in prison, while four had their sentences commuted. Another 46,055 Norwegians were convicted, of which 17,000 were imprisoned.

On Oct. 24, 1945, when the commander of the Norwegian firing squad yelled, “SKYT!” (FIRE!), the Norwegian Fører met his fate, and joined the German Fuhrer and the Italian Duce.

“Quisling” is now synonymous with traitor in many languages — including English.

Next Week: Moscow Victory Parade

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at

FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Captain Mark Hoos of the Marli put this group on a great day of offshore fishing with a bluefin tuna and a pile of golden and blueline tilefish. Above right, Team Rooster won top honors and $14,450 in last weekend’s Battle for the Buckle Tournament.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Austin caught this nice 22” flounder fishing on board On the Run with Captain Dave Caffrey. Above middle, Ben Moses won the highest fish pool ever on board the Angler of $660 and tipped mates Steve and Jack the whole pot. Above right, Brandon Miller fished ocean structure and jigged up this beautiful 25”, 6.7 pound flounder.

Below left, The Smack crew teamed up to land this 214-pound bigeye tuna just inside the Poorman’s Canyon. The beauty was weighed at the Ocean City Fishing Center. Below middle, Brian Reynolds and Sean Hitchens finished in first and second place in the Bahia Marina Blues for D.U. Bluefish Tournament winning a combined $4,962. Below right, Judy Schaible and I combined for seven keeper flounder up to 20” on board the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak.

Freshman goalie Layla Hamrock received second-team All-Bayside Conference recognition this month.

Decatur lacrosse players earn spots on Bayside team

(June 13, 2025) Members of the Stephen Decatur’s girls lacrosse team were recently recognized with all-conference honors.

Included on the All-Bayside Athletic Conference first team were attack players senior Lily Carson and sophomore Kennedy Kirby, defender junior Ally Coleman and midfielder junior Jill Burton.

Named to the second team all-Bayside were freshman goalkeeper Layla Hamrock, midfielders sophomore Mara Mills, senior MB Morse, junior Laila Pascucci and junior Caitlin Shimko.

Decatur students recognized with AllBayside South first team honors were Burton, Carson, Coleman, Hamrock, Kirby, Mills, Morse, Pascucci and Shimko. Named to the second team were Addison Conley, Ava Konyar and Lo Malinowski.

DECATUR COACH, PLAYER AWARDED

At the 78th Annual Ensign C. Markland Kelly Lacrosse Banquet held last week in the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium banquet room, Stephen Decatur boys lacrosse coach Hoffy Hoffman was named Maryland Public School Coach of the Year. Also recognized was junior attackman Ashton March, who was named the Division 2A player of the year. Hoffman and March are pictured at the banquet. The award was established in 1945 to honor Kelly, a young Naval fighter pilot from Baltimore who died in the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942 after a career as an All-American lacrosse goalie.

In other post-season awards, the Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association released its list of top players in the state. Landing on the first team were Stephen Decatur’s junior attack duo of John Fohner and March, who are both committed to play at the college level. Owen Sperry earned honorable mention at the long stick midfielder position. Additionally, the Bayside South Conference named March as the offensive player of the year and Sperry as defensive player of the year. Hoffman was named coach of the year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPH

Sophomore attack Kennedy Kirby earned

All-Bayside first-time recognition as well as Bayside South first-term honors.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH