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JULY 16, 2021
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Chief, mayor endorse body cams for police
Dog park ready to raise woof
Buzzuro seeking to fulfill camera requirement before state law’s 2025 deadline
New facility now open, but owners need to get pass By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Removed from the hustle and bustle of Coastal Highway traffic, nearly 15,000 square feet of lush green grass and turf behind a shopping center on 94th Street now serves as a red carpet of sorts for excited, panting canines. The parcel on the edge of Little Salisbury Park started out modestly in 2008 with less than 10,000 square feet of space carved out within a stormwater retention area. Now, following an array of renovations over more than two years, the Ocean City Dog Playground — as it is affectionately called because it is not technically big enough to be considered a park — is officially reopened to the public and their fur babies.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Three-year-old Luka Glaser enjoys the new dog playground on 94th Street on opening day.
“Sometimes you forget, we’re tucked behind a grocery store and you forget about this dog park being part of our See PASSES Page 4
By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Nearly a month after being scrutinized for its handling of an incident on the Boardwalk, the Ocean City Police Department is considering equipping its officers with body cameras. The Boardwalk incident took place on June 12, when police approached a group of people who vaping on the Boardwalk – an offense that is not tick—Mayor Rick etable in Ocean City. According to the police report, officers told the group that vaping was not allowed on the Boardwalk, and both parties walked their separate ways. But then, some-
one in the group – later identified as Brian Everett Anderson, 19, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – decided to start vaping again. As a result, police asked for Anderson’s identification, which he refused. After the refusal, police attempted to place Anderson under arrest. He resisted and was charged with disorderly conduct and several other violations. Videos that emerged from the scene, however, showed an officer ramming his knee into a man’s ribs on the ground. A separate vaping incident and arrest around the same time led to a man getting tased, and a video of that also made the rounds of Meehan social media. Those videos, however, do not show the whole incident, making it difficult for the public and officials to piece things together. See POLICE Page 3
‘Hopefully, it will be in place as soon as possible. We want to do it, but we want to do it right.’
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JULY 16, 2021
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Police body cam project will begin by evaluating its needs Continued from Page 1 During a Police Commission meeting on Monday morning, the subject of body cameras was brought up, as officials discussed the events in June and an anticipated pop-up car rally in September. Ashley Miller, the deputy of communications for the police department, said later in the week, “At this time, the Ocean City Police Department does not have body-worn cameras.” State legislation passed earlier this year requires all law enforcement agencies in Maryland to have bodyworn cameras by 2025. According to Miller, Chief Ross Buzzuro and his department have already begun looking at various vendors who can provide the cameras, while also looking to other law enforcement agencies that have implemented body camera programs. Because initiative in Ocean City is in its early phases, the department is only beginning to map out the process so it can be executed. “Chief Buzzuro expresses that he is in full support of this initiative for the safety of our officers and community,” Miller said. “It is an added tool that will be beneficial in the future.” Mayor Rick Meehan also said the week that he supports the implementation of body cameras for police. Up to this point, officers have not been equipped with cameras because the city has worked on placing surveillance cameras around Ocean City in places like Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk. The city has also focused on the recruitment and retention of police officers, Meehan
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Ocean City Today
explained, so getting body cameras has not really taken the forefront – until now. Like Buzzuro, Meehan said the body cams will be an important safety measure not only for the officers, but for visitors as well. So, when the chief suggested the city move forward with the process and evaluate what needs to be done, how the camera program will be funded, and how to move forward, Meehan agreed. “I support that,” Meehan said. “I agree the body cameras are important.” But the department cannot just go and purchase a shipment of cameras and expect that to be the answer. Instead, the department must investigate how the video taken from the cameras will be stored, how the footage will be catalogued, and what additional materials will be needed. In addition to the equipment, the city may need to hire a people to maintain the camera footage, according to the mayor. Once the nuts and bolts are figured out, Meehan said the public will see the department move forward with the camera operation relatively quickly. Likewise, Buzzuro said he wants to move forward with the program before the 2025 deadline imposed by the state. “Hopefully, it will be in place as soon as possible,” Meehan said. “We want to do it, but we want to do it right.” Miller said the topic is expected to remain on the Police Commission agenda as a standing item.
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Ocean City Today
JULY 16, 2021
Passes needed for entry to dogs’ playground Continued from Page 1 parks program,” Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig said Wednesday before a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated facility. “This dog park is a long time coming and if you’ve seen it prior to this, it looked nothing like this, it was definitely due for an upgrade,” he continued. Gehrig, who serves as the chairman of the Recreation and Parks Committee, also discussed the importance of recs and park, specifically an offering like the dog playground in a community with so many visitors. “It’s a place where we can relax, a place where we can play, a place where we can celebrate and make friends,” he said of the playground. The first leg of the renovations began in 2019 when public works employees re-graded the site, brought in
fill dirt and used new rip rap to stabilize the stormwater retention area. City engineering staff members followed with site work, which included increasing the usable footprint from 9,515 to 14,980 square feet, while changing the shape of the play area from a pie to a rectangle. Contractors also installed new irrigation lines, replaced and repaired the chain link fence, and installed new concrete curbs and gutters to prevent dogs from digging. In 2020, officials began planning the most recent renovations, which included the addition of a large shade structure, upgraded turf areas, new landscaping and irrigation, drainage improvements, replacement fencing, and amenities such as a dog pool and agility structures, benches, yard hydrants and security cameras.
Susan Petito, the city’s director of recreation and parks, said the work took a little longer to complete than expected because of covid-19, which hyped up the anticipation of Wednesday’s official opening. “Just look around you’ll see the incredible work that’s been done by our city employees and also the contractors to make this project a reality,” she said while listing the people who deserve local dog owners’ gratitude for bringing the park to fruition. The renovations were made possible with a $108,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playground Program, as well as funding from a private donor. Once the work started, it took from pretty much the beginning of 2021 until Wednesday’s ribbon cutting to complete, and required the area to
be closed for the duration. Along with the new amenities and improvements, the park still includes designated areas for large and small dogs and requires all owners to obtain passes to bring their pets. The passes serve as keys to enter the locked park,and Petitio said the holders are a mixture of full-time residents and second homeowners. Passes for one, three and seven days are also available for visitors. “It’s an awesome upgrade,” said Mike Glaser of Fallston, who brought his 3-year-old dog, Luka, to the park on opening day. To obtain a pass, owners must fill out a Dog Playground Registration Form and submit it in-person to Northside Park. Applications are available in the main office at City Hall or online at oceancitymd.gov. Owners must have updated inoculation records and proof of rabies vaccinations from their veterinarians to get passes for their dogs. Costs for the passes are as follows: • One-day pass – $10 • Three-day pass — $20 • Seven-day pass — $25 • Annual (resident) — $50 • Annual (non-resident) — $100
General auditions for Pines Players season underway (July 16, 2021) The Ocean Pines Players are holding general auditions for actors, prospective actors, and singers for the upcoming season by appointment until Saturday, July 17. Locations may vary by day, but will all be in Ocean Pines. These auditions are open to everyone and are designed to be casual and fun. Depending on availability, up to four people may be scheduled to audition simultaneously, which often creates a more relaxed, creative, and informal dynamic. There is no need to prepare anything in advance. Monologs, resumes and head shots are welcome, but not required. Everyone will be asked to participate in an acting audition. Actors may also audition as singers, if desired. Casting decisions always focus as much on attitude, potential, and willingness to take direction as on experience, so beginners are encouraged to try out. To schedule an audition, contact Karen McClure at 703-727-0528. The Ocean Pines Players is a local all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. More information about the upcoming season and the Players can be found at www.oceanpinesplayers.com or by following the Ocean Pines Players on Facebook.
JULY 16, 2021
PAGE 5
Ocean City Today
OC inlet routine dredging beginning July 26 By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Dredging up things is not always positive — unless you’re talking about the Ocean City inlet. At the end of this month, Army Corps of Engineers workers will undertake a maintenance dredging project in the Sinepuxent Bay in West Ocean City, a project that officials said will help boat traffic move more freely through the channel. “Essentially what happens is the channel silts in and it becomes unnavigable for some of the fishing fleet that’s based out of … the West Ocean City harbor,” City Engineer Terry McGean said of the dredging work set to begin around July 26 and conclude several days later. The work will commence rain or shine and should not interrupt boat traffic while it is underway, McGean added. Brittany Crissman, the public affairs specialist for the Corps’ corporate communication office, said via email that the Dredge MURDEN, based out of the Wilmington District, will be in the area for about a month for the dredging and then the hauling the sand. “The OC inlet work starts at the end of July, taking about two days focused specifically on dredging shoaling hotspots in the Ocean City inlet channel, including areas identified as having shoaled in most since the last dredging occurred, late January 2021,” Crissman said. “Then around mid-August, crews will be placing the dredged material for about 25 days just south of the inlet offshore of Assateague Island, where it counteracts erosion.” The dredging will cost about $90,000, Crissman said, which will come 100 percent from the Corps. The bypass work, set to commence
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Army Corps of Engineers workers will begin dredging the Sinepuxent Bay at the Ocean City inlet later this month.
in mid-August, will be funded via a 50/50 split between the Corps of Engineers and National Park Service, however she said they do not have an exact cost estimate right now. And while the upcoming dredging is routine maintenance, McGean said a more involved project is needed in the future and is in the beginning planning stages now. “The project is in design right now by the Corps,” McGean said, “and it’s a combination of possibly deepening
and widening the channel and also making a lot of modifications to the stone jetties along Assateague Island
… to try to prevent the channel from eroding, from silting in as quickly as it does.”
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Correction An article published in the July 2, issue titled, “Beach nourishment to begin after Labor Day,” erroneously stated that City Engineer Terry McGean spoke to the mayor and City Council during a meeting on June 21. Instead that day, Councilman Tony DeLuca relayed notes about a meeting that took place previously, where a report provided by McGean was discussed.
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JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
Northside Park gym floor bids come in high Officials’ plan to spend up to $150K on project fizzled by lofty contract proposals By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Ocean City Council members were presented with bids to replace the blue floor of the west gym at Northside Park on 125th Street, both of which came back much higher than the budgeted amount. Just before the bids were opened during a mayor and City Council work session on Tuesday afternoon, City Engineer Terry McGean said the budgeted amount to replace the floor was $150,000. Replacing the gym floor was one of several capital improvement projects approved in March at a cost of $1.5 million. So when City Manager Doug Miller opened the first bid and handed it to Councilman Tony DeLuca for him to read the amount, council members were shocked at what they heard. DeLuca said the first bid came from Abacus Sports Installations Limited out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the amount of $236,220. “Throw a hand grenade,” Councilman Mark Paddack was heard saying
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Two bids to replace the floor of the west gym at Northside Park came in higher than the $150,000 Ocean City budgeted, with one bid coming in at $236,220 and the other at $171,290.
after the bid was read. “I think this is going to be the world we’re going to be living in for a while,” McGean said.
DeLuca continued by reading the second bid, which came from Dynamic Sports Construction Inc. out of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in the amount of $171,290. The two bids were all the city received to replace the gym floor. During a Recreation and Parks Committee meeting later that day, Director Susan Petito said the gym floor bids came in just over budget. Petito said three companies attended the pre-bid meeting, so she thought the city would at least get three bids. “Getting the two sort of doesn’t surprise me,” she said. Councilman Mark Paddack said he thought it would be a great idea to dedicate the new gym in honor of a particular person – who he asked not
to be published – though Petito said doing so would set a dangerous precedent, especially when so many people affiliated with the Recreation and Parks programs have made long-lasting impressions on the department. While she thought the gesture was nice, Petito said she would have to “digest it” a bit. After DeLuca and Miller opened the bids during the council meeting, Paddack moved to have the bids sent to city staff members for review. Councilman Lloyd Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 7-0. “We’ll evaluate those and it will come back to you,” Petito told Paddack, Martin, and Councilman John Gehrig during the committee meeting later in the day.
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Ocean City Today
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JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
OC deck dispute works out for homeowners By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Claiming they were misled by their contractor, a Montego Bay couple convinced members of the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals to buck a staff recommendation last week to keep a larger-than-allowed deck on their home. The contractor, however, claims the couple was fully aware of the special approvals required to build their deck to the larger size, and said this week that he wants to set the record straight. “I just feel that it’s important that my company is represented in a manner that we’re not ‘that’ contractor,” said Damien Mareno, the owner of Ocean City-based Coastal Cabinetry & Renovations — the contractor that Anne and Richard Froble hired last year to build a new deck on their Sunshine Lane home. “We’re not the guy in the pickup truck that’s doing things behind peoples’ back, that’s not what we do,” Mareno continued. The Frobles appeared on July 8 before the city zoning appeals board requesting an after-the-fact variance to allow their newly constructed deck to encroach 1.7 feet into a required 5foot side yard setback, providing just 3.3 remaining feet of space.
The couple said they were not told they needed to get the variance before the deck was under construction last year, and scrambled to obtain the proper permits when they learned the new structure was not up to code. “We entered into a contract with a professional … that we thought and presumed would build a deck that would pass city inspections and comply with their rules,” Anne Froble said during the BZA meeting. “There was no deliberate wrongdoing and we are stuck in the middle. We are suffering the consequences of the builder’s actions. We want to make our position clear as we were misled and misrepresented by the builder.” According to documents on file, Ryan McManus, who works for the contractor, told Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy in an email in September 2020 that the Frobles did not want to go through the variance process to build the deck larger. Mareno confirmed that claim this week. “We explained to the homeowner they couldn’t do this, it would be too big. He was not happy with that,” Mareno explained. “At that point I told him, well, you could apply for a variance and it’s going to take some time because, you know, variances always take some time.”
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The owners of a home on Sunshine Lane in Montego Bay convinced members of the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals last week to allow them to keep a newly constructed deck even though it was built larger than city code allows. They blamed their contractor for the mix-up, but the contractor says the owners were fully aware of the approvals needed.
Mareno said the homeowner did not want that because their old deck was already demolished and it was the only entrance into the house. “I said again, ‘either way, you’re going to have to apply for a variance or build it back the way they said.’ He said build it and I’ll get the variance,” Mareno continued. “And I have several text messages with him, knowing
that he had to get a variance.” At the zoning board, though, members believed the Frobles. After some discussion, they unanimously voted to grant the variance with a condition that they also obtain a letter of approval from the Montego Bay Civic Association. The vote refuted a staff recommendation to deny the reSee CONTRACTOR Page 10
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Ocean City Today
Judge rules against Hogan in benefit case Extra federal payments for out-of-work Md. residents set to continue until Sept. By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) All hope of convincing Maryland residents to go back to work by taking away extra federal unemployment benefits before September is officially gone. This week, Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill granted a preliminary injunction requiring en-
hanced federal unemployment benefits in Maryland to continue into September. The decision officially halted Gov. Larry Hogan’s attempt to stop offering $300 weekly Federal Unemployment Pandemic Compensation benefits when he lifted Gov. Larry Hogan Maryland’s State of Emergency at the beginning of July. Hogan wanted to end the program early because the state has thousands
of open jobs and he believes the ability to collect extra money by not working is stifling the workforce. Those in favor of keeping the benefits in place until they are naturally set to expire — Sept. 6 — say people are still struggling with the effects of the pandemic. According to a statement from Michael Ricci, Hogan’s communications director, this was the final attempt to end the benefits early. “We fundamentally disagree with today’s decision,” Ricci said. “This lawsuit is hurting our small businesses, jeopardizing our economic recovery,
and will cause significant job loss. Most states have already ended enhanced benefits, and the White House and the US Department of Labor have affirmed that states have every right to do so. While we firmly believe the law is on our side, actual adjudication of the case would extend beyond the end of the federal programs, foregoing the possibility of pursuing the matter further.” He also included a link — mwejobs.maryland.gov/vosnet/Default.asp x— to help those who are out of jobs find work. He said the state currently has 250,000 jobs available.
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PAGE 10
Ocean City Today
JULY 16, 2021
Exotic animals make rounds in OC By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Exotic animals from around the world will be on display across Ocean City this summer, now that the City Council has approved a special permit that allows a Delaware-based organization to do so. Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware requested permission to show off several non-domesticated animals in places like The Carousel, Flagship Hotel, Alley Oops and Ropewalk, because a section of the city code prohibits anyone from harboring snakes, alligators, crocodiles, or other reptiles in Ocean City without a permit. The code also prohibits anyone from possessing non-domesticated household pets in places like public parking lots and public rights of way except when transporting the animal to a veterinarian. Barn Hill plans to have animals such as a red kangaroo, two-toed sloth, Eurasian lynx kitten, bearded dragon, American alligator hatchling, ball python, and green iguana. Not all the animals would be on display at the same time, according to documents filed with the city. Barn Hill’s modus operandi when it visits a location is to bring two to three animals at a time in an outdoor
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Ocean City granted the Barn Hill Preserve a permit to showcase some of their exotic animals, including a red kangaroo, in various locations across town in an effort to educate the community on all of the wildlife in the world.
setting. “Barn Hill Preserve has been operating since 2015 in Delaware and in Ocean City, Maryland during the summer months since 2017,” a letter filed with the city read. “None of these animals will be housed in Ocean City at any time, we only intend to bring them into the city on select dates and times, and then return them back to their house place in Delaware.
“Our goal is to educate the community on all of the wildlife in the world,” the letter continued. The animals are expected to be on display at the Carousel on Mondays from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Flagship Hotel on Tuesday from noon - 2 p.m., midtown Alley Oops Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Ropewalk on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. City Council members approved the request unanimously, 7-0.
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Continued from Page 8 quest “since it was discussed via telephone and through emails presented that the 5-foot minimum side yard setback must be maintained unless a variance was granted prior to the issuance of the building permit.” Board Chairman Alfred Harrison was leery of approving the request, citing a precedent it could set for the more than 1,500 other homeowners in the north Ocean City development. “Looking at Montego Bay, with however many hundreds of lots, if we start letting people do this on a regular basis, build something that is basically against the zoning code and spelled out … to your builder — who may or may not be at fault here — if we get into that it’s going to be a wild west out there,” he said. “And everybody’s going to take advantage of the situation and go ahead and build these things without really knowing what they’re doing.” In the end, though, his concerns were overshadowed by the belief that the Frobles had no idea that they needed the approval in the first place. “This is an interesting case,” Harrison said. “It seems the builder did them wrong.”
There were also suggestions that the Frobles explore civil action, however Richard Froble said he was not comfortable with that. “Everyone who has guided us told us we should sue them. We have every right to go and do that,” he said. “Frankly, I’m not comfortable being in here, I don’t like this. I don’t want to be in some courtroom suing some small business when they’ve been suffering through covid and everything else.” Mareno’s claims would also likely make a civil lawsuit tricky. “As early as October, I have messages from [the homeowner] stating that he needed information so he could submit for the variance,” Mareno said. “I usually wouldn’t even get involved in something like this but this is my name and reputation.” He added that he has run Coastal Cabinetry in Ocean City for five years and worked in construction before that, and has not experienced any other issues or complaints. “I’ve built additions, countless kitchens, bathrooms, remodel projects in Ocean City and I’ve never had one project, ever, have an issue,” he said.
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Ocean City Today
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JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
Brooklyn Estate wins BZA extension appeal By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) The Brooklyn Estate in Berlin received a one-year transient use exception extension after the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 in favor of the extension on July 8. Board member James Purnell opposed the ruling. As part of the extension, exceptions defined last year are included: music and events stop at 10 p.m., no parking directly on Flower Street, the event coordinator must be present for the event, no more than 12 events per year, and Worcester and Berlin police departments must be notified of all events. Events are also limited to weddings, family reunions, corporate events and local class reunions. The core of the issue dealt with the fallout of Gov. Larry Hogan’s state of emergency that was put in place last year and how it affected the estate located in an A-2 agricultural district. Because of the state of emergency, however, estate proprietor Patrick Brady said they had to cancel every reservation. “In March (we had to start) canceling events and had to cancel events for large gatherings throughout the year,” Brady said. In his testimony, Brady said he believes he has addressed all the questions that neighbors could potentially have, including noise concerns, parking, trashcan placement and purchasing and revitalizing an adjacent home that had been condemned. The other property is now used for parking. “I have attempted to and will in the future con-
tinue to respect the neighbors in the community that welcomed me nearly 10 years ago when I purchased the home,” Brady said. “I believe these two properties are best suited for this type of transient use because they’re situated between the growth area and the transfer station which is a couple of 100-plus acres of uninhabitable land.” One of the questions the board posed to its legal team was how long of an exception they could grant, specifically if adding two years was possible. “You only can do one year at a time,” board attorney David Gaskill said. “And there’s not an exception (designated) for a pandemic.” “Maybe there should be,” board member Robert Purcell replied. Board chair David Dypsky asked if an additional year is granted, could someone later appeal that decision, which Gaskill confirmed was possible. Purnell asked about the potential precedent the board’s decision could set if they granted Brady’s request. “Throughout the years, this board has many times granted a second year for transient use.” Purnell’s concern was that this extra year, which is being talked about as a second year, could be seen as a third year, considering the original extension year was 2020. “This tonight is approval for his second year,” board advisor Cathy Zirkle said. “The transient use law says you can only have two years or you need to have a text amendment or a rezoning. You can only approve the second year tonight.” One Berlin resident, Gabe Purnell, attended to testify against the approval of the permit. “I do feel that it’s setting a precedent in the com-
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The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 to approve a one-year transient use exception extension for the Brooklyn Estate in Berlin. The proprietor of the property cited having lost a full year of events to the covid-19 pandemic as the chief reason for the extension’s need.
munity, a neighborhood that’s historical,” he said. “It will cause trash problems and other problems we can’t foresee. I truly feel it sets a precedent for other neighbors down the road — at least three AirBnB’s in the area … they’re going to feel discriminated against. And they have a right to. Until the AirBnB’s, I’ve had no problem with it. But to start the weddings and all of this, it’s just opening a can of worms that I think we’re not ready for.”
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Ocean City Today
County licensing board set to decide on carryout drinks By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) A three-member Worcester County board is less than a week away from deciding the fates of roughly 170 businesses as they pertain to carrying out and delivering alcoholic beverages. The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners will meet at 1:30 p.m., next Wednesday, to determine whether to adopt state legislation that would extend a covid-era provision allowing businesses with all types of liquor licenses to offer carryout and delivery of alcoholic beverages through June 2023. Worcester County liquor laws currently allow only certain license types, which are more costly to obtain, to offer off-site sales. Last year, in an effort to curtail effects of the pandemic, those provisions were extended to help bars and restaurants stay afloat among a barrage of public gathering and operating restrictions. They stayed in place until July 1, when the lifting of Maryland’s State of Emergency put the kibosh on most covidera orders. Hope is not dead, though, for the scores of county businesses that hold Class B and D alcohol licenses that
still want the ability to offer carryout and delivery. Because of a state law that passed during the 2021 Legislative session, the license commissioners can vote next week to extend the provisions. For Neely James, the co-owner of two Mother’s Cantina & Taco Shop locations in Ocean City, carryout drinks are still a large revenue booster. “Profit and loss statements for restaurants are gut wrenching right now,” James said via email. “Overhead, including cost of goods and payroll, is nearly twice as expensive as it was pre-pandemic, and while the crowds are back, it’s just not enough to supplement losses. My business is almost 1 million dollars in debt due to loans we incurred during COVID that were used to pay operations costs, and we’re still barely paying our overhead while operations costs continue to rise.” She added that she is not able to save profits for winter payroll and operations yet, despite a need to do so. “Others are in the same situation,” she said “Small businesses will be pushed further into debt, and restaurants that typically stay open yearround will start closing seasonally, or altogether.”
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The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners will hold a hearing next week to decide whether to extend carryout alcohol and delivery allowances for all license holders through June 2023.
Carryout sales comprise almost 7 percent of her profits, James continued, which is enough to help supplement those winter payroll numbers. “It’s the difference between shutting the doors or keeping them open,”
she said. “While we rely on tourist dollars, we are a local business that has always done everything in our power to cater to the local community all year. If we shut our doors at one See DECISION Page 14
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Ocean City Today
Decision will hit many OC owners Continued from Page 13 location, at least 36 people will lose their jobs. If the same thing happens up and down Coastal Highway, we’ll see year-round residents lose jobs and leave town.” And while many other business owners agree with James, a nearly equal number of operators are not on board with the extension of the provisions, according to a survey the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce recently conducted. The results, which only polled a small cross-section of business owners, were almost split half and half on the matter. Some, like James, cited increases in their revenues because of the ability to offer carryout and delivery of alcohol, while others claimed it made no difference. One commenter also said that allowing all license holders offer off-site drinks was unfair to the business owners who already hold the proper licenses to do it. According to county records, more than 250 businesses across the county hold licenses that allow for the sale of alcohol in restaurants and taverns. Of those, about 80 already have some type of allowance for off-site sales, with some paying more money to have that ability.
BZA OKs planned Guns R Us move By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals last Thursday unanimously granted the owners of Guns R Us a special exception to allow the stock and storage of firearms associated with a home occupation in Bishopville. A condition of the approval was that the site cannot be used as a gun range. The hearing was a step in the process of moving the business from its current location just outside Ocean Pines. Katie and Jim Kosienski, who run the business, testified that intend to build “right where the other residents used to be.” The driveway has been enhanced to allow for cars to come in and turn around without causing traffic on Whaleyville Road where the new business
will be located. According to the Kosienskis, the business, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. does not see large amounts of traffic on a day-to-day basis. “Some days are nothing,” Jim Kosienski said. “Others it’s three or four of them.” One of the questions posed by the board was what federal regulations the business has to meet concerning security. “They don’t tell us what we need, but we do everything,” Katie Kosienski said. “We have the driveway monitor. If you come through our driveway, you don’t know it’s there and it sets off an alarm. People don’t even know that’s going off. We’ve got cameras inside, outside, on my desk where I can look inside the shop at all times.”
“The only thing we can do is (show) what we have (at our current location) because we haven’t done it yet at the new place. We’re waiting for your blessing.” After the hearing, Katie Kosienski said they don’t yet have a firm timetable on when the business will move. “It’s a slow process because of (things like) building materials not being available,” she said. “It takes time to get the permits needed for each individual thing. It’s just one step at a time as we go with the building. We never really know one day to the next where we’re going to start next but we’ll probably be working on the entrance to finish it up.” “We’ve been in business about five years. We’ve always done everything by the book and to the letter and that’s the way this is going to be too.”
Open house to show wind project (July 16, 2021) Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind development, has invited the public to attend a virtual open house at 6 p.m. Monday to learn about Skipjack Wind 2, its proposed offshore wind project of up to 760 megawatts off the Maryland-Delaware coast.
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Ørsted will also update viewers on Skipjack Wind 1, a 120-megawatt offshore wind project already under development off the coast. Ørsted representatives will report on project development, sustainability, landfall, and marine affairs efforts for the both projects and answer questions submitted by attendees. Individuals interested in attending the open house are encouraged to register via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skipjack-wind-virtual-open-house-tickets161923293931 As for Skipjack Wind 2, Ørsted has submitted a bid to the Maryland Public Service Commission to develop Skipjack Wind 2, in response to the commission’s call for proposals for a second round offshore wind projects. The commission can award at least 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind renewable energy credits as part of this process. Skipjack Wind 1 is scheduled to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. Ørsted operates 28 offshore wind
farms globally including America’s first offshore wind farm, the Block Island Wind Farm. The Ørsted vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Ørsted ranks as the world’s most sustainable energy company in Corporate Knights’ 2021 Global 100 index of the most sustainable corporations and is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action. In the United States, Ørsted operates the Block Island Wind Farm, America’s first offshore wind farm, and constructed the two-turbine Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind pilot project – the first turbines to be installed in federal waters. Ørsted has secured over 4,000 megawatts of additional capacity through six projects in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Ørsted Offshore’s North American business is jointly headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island and employs more than 150 people. To learn more visit us.orsted.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@OrstedUS).
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County sports complex clears first appraisal Commissioners vote 5-2 to continue assessing facility at undisclosed location By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (June 16, 2021) Worcester County officials continue to pursue their desire to see a major sports complex established in the county, and last Tuesday saw some progress after one of two prerequisite appraisals was completed. The county commissioners voted 5-2 to proceed with the second appraisal, which is necessary in order to secure Program Open Space funding. Commissioners Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino opposed the vote. “The property that we’ve been looking at for a possible sports com-
plex, in order to apply for Project Open Space money, we need two appraisals,” Commissioner President Joe Mitrecic said. “The owner of the property has done one and we would need to do another one to apply for Project Open Space money to fund that.” The results of the first appraisal were not yet known, Mitrecic said. He also urged the commissioners not to mention the adJim Bunting dress of the property in discussing it. County officials have been working on the idea for two years with the Recreation and Parks Department and the Office of Tourism and Economic Development as a way to bring more sports tourism — and revenue — to the county. Bunting’s vote in opposition was in
line with his stance at a January discussion and vote, when he voted against opening up the search to all locations and funding options. “I will not vote for it unless it’s funded privately and not by the county,” Bunting said in January. “This is wrong. This was orchestrated.” Bunting said he would endorse private ownership but couldn’t support the Chip Bertino county owning the complex because “we don’t make a penny on anything we do.” Bertino back in January echoed the same sentiment — despite not actually voting in opposition to that motion. “(We were given) update on the southern part of the county — there
was nothing about what the options were or what revenue there was,” Bertino said. “I just say that because there is an agenda, I believe, to get this thing built and have the county taxpayers on the hook for it and I certainly oppose that.” Project Open Space could solve the issue of taxpayer money being used. Then-director of Recreation and Parks and Tourism and EcoJoe Mitrecic nomic Development Tom Perlozzo said that if the county acquired a piece of land outright, 100 percent of that could be reimbursed by the program. In addition, Worcester County would receive about $600,000 a year, according to Perlozzo, and 75 percent of that could be used for development and 25 percent for acquisition.
Brown said 14 vaccinated people have tested positive for the coronavirus since March countywide. Brown also said this week that officials don’t know whether any of the covid positive patients in the county were infected with the newer Delta Variant. “Not all covid-19 cases have variant testing done,” Brown said. “Maryland Department of Health has statewide data on the total percentage of cases that are confirmed Delta.” Toni Keiser, the vice president of public relations at Atlantic General Hospital, said via email this week that the hospital has had no patients who tested positive for the Delta Variant.
• As of Wednesday, AGH had received a total of 16,455 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and 900 of the Johnson & Johnson. • Hospital personnel had administered a total 11,555 covid vaccines as of Wednesday at hospital vaccine clinics. • The Worcester County Health Department holds vaccine clinics each week. For information about when and where they will be held visit worcesterhealth.org/protect-menu/1726worcester-county,-md-coronavirus-co vid-19-information-2020.
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against all strains of virus By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) After a swift downturn to less than 1 percent of cases and zero hospitalizations, covid numbers are slowly inching back up again in Worcester County. And while heath officials do not seem to be alarmed at this point, they are still strongly advising people to get vaccinated, as it is the best defense against any form of the virus. “Even though it’s not 100-percent effective at preventing covid-19, the vaccine is still strongly recommended as it can reduce the severity of the disease, including reducing hospitalization and poor outcomes,” Travis Brown, the public affairs officer for the Worcester County Health Department, said via email this week.
Vaccine numbers and info: • As of Thursday, Maryland providers have administered more than 7 million covid-19 vaccines and a total of 75.8 percent of Marylanders age 18 and up had received at least one dose.
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Covid case numbers: • As of Thursday, Worcester County’s covid-19 positivity rate was 1.81 percent, a decrease from 2.04 percent last week. The state’s rate was 1.14 percent. • Also as of Thursday, Maryland reported 463,665 confirmed cases of covid-19. • Worcester County has confirmed eight new cases since last week, bringing the county’s total cases since March 2020 to 3,715. • Ocean Pines and Berlin had 1,477 cases and Ocean City had 951 Thursday. • Worcester has recorded a total of 106 deaths from covid-19.
Correction In a story that appeared in the June 25 edition of Ocean City Today, headlined “Evictions coming back, but many still need assistance,” the executive director of Diakonia, Bee Miller, was misidentified as “Bea Miller.” Ocean City Today regrets this error.
JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
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OC family business finds healing on coast By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) When Salt & Co owners Christopher and Amie McCaslin expanded their boutique business to Ellicott City in 2015, they were excited to join one of the longest-standing, picturesque small-business communities in the state. Then, in 2016, a devastating flash flood sacked the Main Street business area in the Howard County community, killing two people and damaging more than 25 buildings. It took out the McCaslins’ business, too. “They kept saying it’s a once in a thousand-year storm and that’s really truly what we were believing too,” said Amie McCaslin. “The chances of this happening again in our lifetime, we thought it was pretty rare. We were told we’d never see it again and we even told our kids that. Our oldest daughter went through a lot of emotions seeing it … But the community rallied behind all the businesses. We felt so much support from everyone and we felt like we wanted to give it one more try.” They got back on their feet — no easy task since nothing had been covered by insurance. They moved to what they felt to be a safer location on top of the Main Street hill and, in 2018, they reopened their doors. Then it happened again. The 2018 flash flood again wiped out many businesses, including theirs, again. That flood killed one person. After experiencing the second “once in a thousand-year storm” in less than two years, the McCaslins regrouped and decided to move to Ocean City. It made sense, especially with the family’s historical ties to the resort, Christopher McCaslin said. In May, they opened Salt & Co in West Ocean City. “We love Ocean City,” he said. “As a baby, I was here. My grandparents bought a bayside place on 52nd Street in the ’50s, so I kind of grew up here in the summer. My brother and I used to spend our summers here. We’d have a little boat, we’d do a little fishing, go to the beach, get Dumser’s ice cream. Big crowds at night — we had a great child-
PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTOPHER AND AMIE MCCASLIN
Salt and Co specializes in women’s fashion, handcrafted items, glassware with uplifting messages, custom-made Ocean City hats and more. The boutique store in West Ocean City opened in May and will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate joining the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, today, Friday at 10:30 a.m.
hood. This is like a second home to me. Living and working here has been awesome. It’s a hidden gem to me. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to live here.” They changed the business’s name, too. A La Mode Boutique in Ellicott City became Salt & Co in West Ocean City. Their 14-year-old daughter, Ashley, designed a new logo and, according to her mother, was the brainchild behind the whole rebranding. “So many people come to the beach for healing or as a way to escape and salt’s an essential ingredient to healing,” Amie McCaslin said. “It’s relatable for a lot of people, not just what we’ve been through.” The McCaslins have another daughter too — 9-year-old Cailin. Indeed, the healing that the family has needed shows through in the store’s ambiance and selection — women’s fashion, handcrafted items,
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glassware with uplifting messages, custom-made Ocean City hats and more. They also sell bracelets whose profits go to the local chapter of the humane society. “We don’t just want to be a business,” Amie McCaslin said. “We want to be involved in the community.” And they’re certainly finding ways. Christopher works with a local backpack ministry and they’ve found an “amazing” church, Amie McCaslin said. There will be a ribbon-cutting and giveaways to celebrate their joining the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, today, Friday at 10:30 a.m. The store’s hours are fluid, but right now they’re open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. While it’s a ways off to make a final decision, the McCaslins aspire to keep the store open yearround. “That’s one of the reasons we See SALT Page 20
PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTOPHER AND AMIE MCCASLIN
Christopher and Amie McCaslin and their two daughters are finding a new beginning on the coast after two floods wiped out their Ellicott City business in 2016 and 2018. Their move to Ocean City has been vital in the healing they’ve needed, the family said.
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Spartan race plans return to OC By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) The Spartan race will make its return to Ocean City in October, after going on hiatus during 2020 because of the coronavirus. Frank Miller, the special events director for the city government, said the race attracted more than 3,000 men and women during its debut in 2019 at the inlet parking lot. Along with the participants, thousands of family members, friends, and onlookers watched as men and women ages 14 and older ran through a nearly three-mile obstacle course. Miller said the event was well attended and received, and the company did a great job with the logistics. “It almost became turnkey,” he said. “For the most part, it was a very professional event.” This year, Spartan plans to return to Ocean City, though a route has yet to be determined. Preliminary discussions, according to Miller, have suggested the event could be two days, though it would depend on how many people register. Tom Perlozzo, the director of tourism and business development told council he felt confident the Spartan would be a two-day event this year. Currently, the draft memorandum of understanding has the Spartan race taking place on Saturday, Oct. 16, and the course will lead participants along the Boardwalk, into a few downtown side streets, and will include a festival village in the inlet lot. One-third of the lot will be reserved for the Spartan event, while the other two-thirds will be usedas part of Corvette week. The race, Miller said, will be over before 4 p.m., at which point a parade of nearly 700 Corvettes will drive on the Boardwalk The city is expected to cover up to $50,000 worth of in-kind services, and $80,000 will need to be allocated from the Tourism Department budget to cover the Spartan host fee, banners, and a pedestrian bridge. Several details are still unknown, like the actual route and the specifics of a Spartan event for kids.
Scaling a wall was one of the 20 obstacle courses offered during the inaugural Ocean City Spartan Race in the inlet parking lot in 2019.
The Women’s Elite participants climb a rope wall during the inaugural Ocean City Spartan Race in the inlet parking lot in 2019.
Miller said he and Perlozzo have been chasing the details, but Spartan itself experienced a complete turnover of staff during the covid-19 pandemic. “I think they’re getting their legs back on the ground,” Miller said, adding that things are still in the works. Mayor Rick Meehan expressed concern with the event because even though Perlozzo is confident the race will be a two-day event; it is listed as a single-day event. As a single-day event, Meehan explained that he feared people would come to Ocean City, participate in the race and leave,
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Continued from Page 18 wanted to open on this side of town since that’s where most of the locals live,” Christopher McCaslin said. “We’re trying to make this a destination that resonates with the locals.” After all the devastation it took the family to get to where they are, Amie McCaslin said now, they feel like they’re in the right place — physically and emotionally. “Going through two (fatal) floods and everything was traumatic to us, our
family, our town, but now we’re able to say we’re on the other side and we feel like that was part of the plan,” McCaslin said. “Otherwise we would have never moved here full-time. We feel like we’re home and this is where we were supposed to be. That journey that we’re all on, sometimes you can have those peaks and valleys and we’re so happy that we can say that we’re where we’re supposed to be.” “We finally feel like everything is falling in place.”
rather than booking a hotel and staying. Meehan also asked if the city could quantify how many people stay in Ocean City and how many do not. Perlozzo said he and Miller would work on the numbers, adding that the Spartan race has the potential of being a two-week televised event. He added that he was in discussions to have the event grow to a point where professional football players participate in the races. “I’m hoping Doug [City Manager Miller] and I can navigate that and put it together,” Perlozzo said. Based on early numbers, Perlozzo said organizers of the event expect the number of participants to nearly double to 6,000 this year. Councilman John Gehrig commented that the arrival of Spartan in Ocean City brings global branding to the area – something he would like to see in other sporting events in the resort area. “One day to two days would be great,” Gehrig said. “Certainly, two weeks would be better. This would be good for Ocean City.” Council members unanimously approved the MOU, 7-0, with the understanding that more details would be forthcoming.
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Ocean City Today
JULY 16, 2021
Santa Maria replica tall ship schedules 25-day stay in OC
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By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) The famous Santa Maria, or at least a replica of the ship that was part of Christopher Columbus’s three-ship fleet that unintentionally discovered the western hemisphere, is scheduled to arrive in Ocean City next month for a 25-day stay before sailing away. Special Events Director Frank Miller presented a memorandum of understanding to the mayor and City Council during a work session on Tuesday afternoon that outlined the ship’s visit, which will take place between Aug. 12 and Sept. 5. The original vessel, according to the Santa Maria’s website, had 300 square meters of sails and more than 3 kilometers of rope used for rigging and labor, and on Aug. 3, 1492, sailed from the port of Huelva, Spain with the Niña and Pinta in search for a western passage to India. Instead of finding India, though, Columbus and his crew discovered what would later be named America on Oct. 12, 1492. On Christmas Day that year, the ship ran aground and wrecked near Española Island, or what is today Haiti. Its timbers were used to build the first settlement there and was ultimately burned to the ground. Miller told the council the replica ship will arrive on Aug. 11 and open to the public on Aug. 12. During its stay, the ship will be between Third and Fourth streets on the bayside of the island. Vendors are expected to setup near the ship, and parking spaces in the area will be reserved for the staff and vendors. When the ship arrives through the inlet, it will hug the bayside and then
make a 180-degree turn before docking with its bow facing south. Miller said there were concerns that the depth of water where the ship is expected to dock is not deep enough, but Towboat US assured city officials that the depth should be fine since it carried one foot less of a draft than the 170-foot-long El Galeon Andalucía, which visited the area in 2017. While the ship is in Ocean City, the city will incur expenses, but will also have the opportunity to share revenue with the vessel. According to Miller, the city will get $2 for each $15 adult ticket sold, which should bring in approximately $10,000. The city will also collect $1 per $6 child ticket and $4 per gross family package, which will cost $35. Revenue will also come in from the vendor spaces. As far as expenses, the city will lose an estimated $2,072 in parking revenue because the spaces will be used for vendors. It will also incur expenses for printing, marketing, Towboat US, restrooms, a generator to convert electricity into European power, and fuel for the vessel and generator. The total amount of expenses the city expects to pay is approximately $18,425. The terms of the agreement were still in draft form on Tuesday afternoon, and they were still being tweaked by the city’s legal department. But based on the understanding that adjustments were still being made, Councilman Mark Paddack moved to have the MOU approved with anticipated changes, which Councilman Lloyd Martin seconded. “I think this is a wonderful added addition,” Paddack said of the ship’s visit. “I’m excited for the town to have it.”
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Ocean City Today
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JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
ON GUARD
Hole digging can lead to unexpected danger By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer (July 16, 2021) I have come to realize that most people have no idea that digging deep holes in the sand can be dangerous. Even a small deep hole can break a leg if not seen by someone jogging or casually walking along the crowded beach. Just last weekend while veteran recertification was going on, I nearly missed falling in a hole while taking pictures. Deep holes always make me cringe, realizing the parents have no idea they could be digging their own child’s grave. Whenever you go to the beach, you will see people of all ages digging in the sand. Digging a hole is normally viewed as a chore however at the beach it suddenly becomes a fun way to pass the time! Lifeguards know that these holes, even fairly shallow ones, can collapse and kill. They monitor digging holes and will inform diggers that the sand can be a serious hazard. Often times these holes are hard to spot with umbrellas and beach goers blocking the view of the hole. Lots of people dig holes or tunnels in the sand, but they don’t know their holes can quickly cave in and trap those inside. The rule is simple and straightforward: you can dig holes on the beach as long as they only take up a small area and are no deeper than the knees of the smallest person in the group. There is absolutely no tunneling allowed. Never leave your hole unattended and always fill it back in so it isn’t a hazard to others. The crews that clean the beach overnight while we are all sleeping encounter large holes that can actually cause damage to the equipment and are a danger to the equipment operators. So please think about others before you dig. About 12 summers ago in Ocean City I was actually on the scene when an 11year-old boy was attempting to dig a tunnel between two holes. The tunnel collapsed and he was buried alive, head-
first, with only his feet exposed. There was nothing he could do to save himself. The more he struggled the tighter packed the sand around him became. Lucky for him, a girl noticed the trouble and alerted a family member who began efforts to free the child from the sand that not only was trapping him but also taking his life. As several minutes passed, the situation became frenzied when the mom screamed for help. The scream of terror brought several nearby beach patrons to assist with unearthing the trapped child, however, these efforts were making little progress and in actuality were making the situation worse, which is usually the case with a bystander response. As the first lifeguards arrived on the scene they immediately went to work and with a more organized effort were able to recover the lifeless body of the boy. (This is a skill that surf rescue technicians (SRTs) are trained in and practice each season for emergencies such as these.) They performed CPR and this story had a happy ending. In fact, we still keep in touch with the family who remains forever grateful. For some hole diggers, the story can have a deadly ending. We try to tell people about the dangers of digging holes in the sand before their, often-intricate, pit digging plans get too far underway. There is something about a day at the beach that makes people want to dig and most people don’t realize the dangers. Digging a shallow hole to lie down in and get covered up for a picture is funny and safe. But anything deeper than the knee is not. Out on the beach digging holes has become just another part of the vacation like looking for sand crabs or eating fries on the Boardwalk. Our SRTs always do their best to monitor the different situations on their beach, but on a day when the water is busy and the beach is crowded with umbrellas, diggers can make dangerous amounts of progress in the sand, not even realizing the potential for danger, before they are asked to fill in their holes. SRTs are often asked by hole diggers why deep holes are not allowed. Let us
PHOTO COURTESY KRISTIN JOSON/OCBP
Ocean City Beach Patrol rookies practice digging out a victim that is buried in the sand during Surf Rescue Academy in June. They are working as a team to pull the sand away from the hole.
review the facts. Deep holes are dangerous just about anywhere they are found and people usually try to avoid falling into them. Sand holes are particularly dangerous because they can collapse on the people digging them. Also, the vacation-oriented mindset of hole diggers clouds judgment and people tend to underestimate the possible dangers of jumping in and out of a giant sandpit. Many times people want to get their picture taken in the hole that they dug not realizing that at any given moment the sand can cave in around them. Once a person is buried in the sand it is very difficult, if not impossible, to dig them out and have a positive outcome. Sand shifts back into place even as people try to move the sand off of a trapped victim. Interviewing several people that attempted to help the 11-year-old boy referred to in the above Ocean City emergency confirmed that this was exactly what was happening to them. As they feverishly attempted to remove
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the sand that was trapping the boy, more sand just as quickly took its place. One might be amazed that it would take 40 people 30 minutes to free a buried victim. Just as a person can drown in a small amount of water it does not take a very deep hole to trap a child and once trapped due to the nature and instability of sand holes a person could perish before being freed. Hence, the rule that the hole may only be as deep as the knee of the smallest person in the group of people digging the hole. I have heard some people say that people being buried alive under the sand is an old wives tale that lifeguards use to scare people into obeying a rule. Let’s look at the startling statistics. More than several dozen young people have been killed over the last decade on beaches in the United States when their hole or sand tunnel collapsed on them. Harvard researcher, Bradley Maron, who has been tracking sand hole collapses worldwide for the past decade See OCBP Page 43
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
Art Hansen Youth Fishing Tournament in OP this Sat. By Brendan Miller Intern (July 16, 2021) The annual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest returns this Saturday in Ocean Pines. The event is hosted by the Ocean Pines Anglers Club and will take place at the South Gate Pond in Veterans Park. “The contest is in its 25th year and was named after the 1995 founder and first president of Ocean Pines Anglers Club,” Anglers Club Publicist Jack Barnes said. The event is free and open to the public. It typically draws around 50 youth competitors, with family and friends in attendance to watch. Registration will take place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and the contest will run from 9-10:30 a.m. Participants will be spilt into three age brackets: 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16. Competitors should bring their own fishing equipment, but bait will be provided. Extra equipment will be available in the case of a fishing rod malfunction or if a contestant does not have one, but all participants are encouraged to bring their own, said Anglers Club Board Administrator John Mc-
Falls. Trophies and fishing rods will be awarded to the top three competitors with the largest fish in each age group. Because of the support of the Berlin Optimist Club and the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association, all participants will leave with a prize. “We arrange with the DNR to have about 500 bluegills stocked before the event to increase the youth’s chances of success, although a substantial number of fish are caught,” Barnes said. In addition, a drawing will be held for two grand prizes: a deep-sea fishing trip aboard The Angler, and a custom Mike Vitak fishing rod. The participants will be given tickets for the drawing upon arrival. Last year’s event was canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic, but the Ocean Pines Anglers Club is geared up for a big turnout this year with restrictions lifted. “There is nothing more rewarding than watching a youth catch their first fish or watching the joy on their faces as they master a new skill,” Barnes said. For more information about the event, call McFalls at 610-505-1697.
Daniel Holbrook, 11, of Berlin, earned second place in his division during the 23rd Ocean City Anglers Club Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing contest at the South Gate Pond in 2019.
Ocean City highlights activities By Brendan Miller Intern (July 16, 2021) The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department has much to celebrate, as national Parks and Recreation month is upon us. July has been nationally recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and Ocean City will once again commemorate it as community members and visitors can take advantage of all the programs the department has to offer.
“Having served as a community hub, we have provided our residents and visitors with many wonderful experiences and memories,” said Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito. Throughout the summer, the department offers recreational programs, youth summer camps, drop-in sports, athletic tournaments and an assortment of other activities. For example, Northside Park on 125th Street provides open play pickSee RESORT Page 27
NOW PLAYING CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15TH Street & Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday: Phil Perdue on Piano, 5-9 p.m. COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL In the Castle in the Sand Hotel 37th Street Oceanfront, Ocean City 410-289-6846 / www.castleinthesand.com July 16: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Lime Green Band, 5-9 p.m. July 17: The Everafter, noon to 4 p.m.; Zion Reggae, 5-9 p.m. July 18: Top Shelf Duo, noon to 3 p.m.; Colossal Fossil Sauce, 4-8 p.m. July 19: Nate Clendenen, noon to 3 p.m.; Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4-8 p.m. July 20: Jack Worthington, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Matt Tichon Duo, 3:30-7:30 p.m.; Family Movie Night, 8-10 p.m. July 21: Chris Diller Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Bilenki Duo, 4-8 p.m. July 22: Shortcut Sunny, noon to 3 p.m.; Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m. COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspub.com July 16: Bird Daddy Project, 8 p.m. to midnight July 17: Jim Long Live, 3-6 p.m. July 18: DJ Wax, 10 a.m. July 21: DJ Wax, 10 p.m. July 22: Wes Davis, 5-9 p.m. JOHNNY’S PIZZA 56th Street Bayside, Ocean City
410-723-5600 / johnnyspizzapub.com July 22: Open Mic Night w/host Troy Hanna, 6-9 p.m. OCEAN CLUB 101st Street, Ocean City Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Ocean Club July 16-17: First Class, 7 p.m. to midnight Lenny’s Beach Bar July 16-18: On The Edge, 5-10 p.m. July 19: First Class, 5-10 p.m. July 20-25: On The Edge, 5-10 p.m. OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumfords Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7501 / www.opyachtclub.org July 16: Sons of Pirates, 6-10 p.m. July 17: Beatlegacy, 6-10 p.m. July 18: Josh Christina, 6-10 p.m. July 22: Lauren Glick, 6-10 p.m. SEACRETS 49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com July 16: Bobby O' on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jim Long Band, 5-9 p.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Gypsy Wisdom, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 17: Bobby O' on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 12 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; The Way Outs, 1-5 p.m.; 9 Mile Roots, 5-9 p.m.; Nowhere Slow, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.;
ON THE EDGE Ocean Club, Lenny’s Beach Bar: Friday-Sunday, July 16-18, 5-10 p.m.
DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Lima Bean Riot, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 18: Bobby O' on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; Anthem, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Amish Outlaws, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 19: Bobby O' on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; Anthem, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 20: Bobby O' on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; I&I Riddim Reggae, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.
July 21: Bobby O' on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; I&I Riddim Reggae, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; My Hero Zero, 10 p.m. to 1:35 a.m. July 22: Bobby O' on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; S.T.O.R.M., 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Go Go Gadjet, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. THE VIEW AT THE CAMBRIA HOTEL 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-856-4158 / https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/oceancity/cambria-hotels/md310 Every Tuesday: Karaoke, 7-11 p.m.
JUNE 16, 2021
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Ocean City Today
Resort celebrates national leisure program recognition Continued from Page 26 leball Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. The cost is $3 for Ocean City residents and $5 for non-residents. Drop-in basketball is offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. for the same cost as pickleball. More information can be found online at oceancitymd.gov in the drop-in programs tab. Some of the popular camps include dance, lacrosse, baseball, fishing and various water activities. The recreation department predominately employs college-aged students to work as counselors for the youth summer camps. The department contracts directors from various areas for the sports camps and specialty camps to bring in their own staff. “We typically try to get collegiate coaches to run our sports camps, who will come in with their own crew,” Petito said. For example, the University of Maryland baseball team will be directing the baseball camp offered this summer. St. Paul’s of Baltimore boys’ lacrosse Head Coach Mitch Whitely will head the lacrosse camp.
There are over 20 different youth camps available, so children, no matter what they are interested in, can find a recreational activity to engage in this summer. Register online at oceancitymd.gov in the parks and recreation section of the website or signups can be done in person at Northside Park. With covid-19 restrictions relaxed, the recreation department is fully prepared for an action-packed summer. “Our mission is to provide quality recreational, cultural and social opportunities, as well as safe and clean parks to enhance the quality of life for Ocean City residents and visitors,” Petito said. In addition to the variety of camps and recreational activities, the department also offers family beach activity days and free movie nights on the beach to promote community engagement. The family movie nights are Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 p.m. located on the 27th Street beach through Aug. 13. Movies will also run every Wednesday behind the Carousel
PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY RECREATION & PARKS FACEBOOK
Ocean City Mayor & Council recently presented a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month.
Hotel on the 118th Street beach at 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 25. The family beach games will be held on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. on 27th Street through Aug. 10. Games will also run every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. behind the Carousel Hotel on the 118th Street through Aug. 26. In addition, there is Sundaes in the Park at Northside featuring live music and a drone show each Sunday evening beginning at 7 p.m. All free events run by the department can be found at
www.ococean.com. “The celebration of July as Parks and Recreation Month is just a small way for us to share our love of what we do with the community,” Petito said. The department is also running a social media contest each week of this month for people to share their favorite local parks and recreational experiences. The winning photos will be announced each Thursday on the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s social media platforms.
Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com
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JUNE 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
ANNIVERSARY
ARTS DAY
Town of Ocean City Solid Waste Supervisor, James Purnell, reached his 50th anniversary of employment with the resort on May 30. Purnell, who started work with the town in May of 1971, has spent his entire career as an employee of the Public Works Department. “James (or Jimmy as I like to call him), is a fine example of a dedicated employee who has chosen to make working for the Town of Ocean City a lifelong career,” said Public Works Director Hal Adkins. “His dedication to the job is unequaled. He operates quietly behind the scenes as a supervisor in our Solid Waste Department to assure our homeowners, business community, and visitors receive top-notched service. I take great pride in working alongside Jimmy and am honored to recognize him for this outstanding accomplishment.”
The Art League of Ocean City held “Arts Day at the Winery,” a friend-raiser and fundraiser at Windmill Creek Winery and Vineyards in Berlin on June 13. A large crowd attended the all-day event that featured an artisans’ marketplace, live music, arts and crafts, and perfect weather. Pictured are Jonathan and Renee Nordstrom.
MEETING The Worcester County Commission for Women (WCCW) gathered for its first in-person meeting since covid in May at the John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill. The Friends of WCCW joined them for a spring meet and greet.
DONATION Lauren Blair, provider and community relations manager for Coastal Hospice, Inc., recently spoke to the Ocean City Lions Club about services offered. Presenting a donation to Coastal Hospice, from left, are Second Vice President Bill Christmas, President Mike Hooper, and First Vice President Scott Stark.
CRAFTER OF THE MONTH
WINNER The Ocean Pines Anglers Club hosted kids of all ages along with parents and grandparents at its annual Teach A Kid to Fish event at the South Pond in Ocean Pines in early June. Young anglers were taught lure and fish identification, knot tying, given casting instruction and basic fishing rules. Event Chairman Lee Phillips presents a free rod and reel to Melanie Wilckens, whose winning ticket was pulled by her sister, Stacy.
Ginny Albrecht has been named the Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines’ July Crafter of the Month. Albrecht grew up in Rochester, New York, and learned to sew from her mother when she was 8 years old. Albrecht taught herself how to create sterling silver jewelry as well as watercolor painting. With her friends and her husband they started selling their jewelry and art at festivals and fairs only stopping when she moved to the Ocean Pines area seven years ago. During the pandemic shutdown she learned to make fabric wrapped coiled baskets. Her baskets and other items are available in the Pine’eer Craft Shop in White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines. The shop is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
JUNE 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Pickled beet salad topped with encrusted goat cheese By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (July 16, 2021) Perfection is a precise pedagogical standard that is based on knowledge and perseverance. Although flawlessness may not grace the path of attainment, the mere attempt is what distinguishes one cook from another. That being said, one must consider the topic of subjectivity. Personal preference promotes options; truth is relative and does not correspond to certainty. As a result, diversity raises the level of potentiality and sets the tone for choices. When one is hosting an event, many considerations come into play. Selection of food is obvious, but the preparation is also of the utmost importance. Then, one has to contemplate the presentation. The art of entertaining must appear effortlessly, even though complexity underlines each and every intention. With that thought in mind, glorious beets are the theme of the day. The root vegetable is either hailed as a fabulous tasting dish or shunned upon with no regrets. But a little understanding
and deconstruction may benefit those who do not dare partake of the infamous vegetable. History is the epitome of the future and beets are no exception. Did you know that the beet was a favorite among the Romans? Farmers in northern climates would store the swollen root over the winter, creating the bulbous plant we know today. When the Napoleonic wars blocked France from obtaining sugar from the West Indies, European scientists turned to beets as a potential alternative source of sugar. Surprisingly, beet extract has been used a natural substitute for artificial dyes in ice cream, yogurt and other dairy products. In fact, the root vegetable has been used as a color source for lipstick. When preparing beets, remember, the tops and the root are edible. I like to put the tops in greens and salads. Fresh beets have an odor that can be offensive. An organic compound produced by microbes in the soil, geosmin, gives off the earthly essence. Pickling is a great way to hide the unpleasant smell and at the same time infuse other layers of goodness. See FRESH Page 31
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JUNE 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
Calendar Fri., July 16 MOVIE ON THE BEACH
27th Street Beach, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Frozen 2.” Weather permitting. Ocean City Recreation & Parks, 410-250-0125, http://www.oceancitymd.gov
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Columbus Hall, behind St. Luke’s Church, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. More than $1,000 paid out each night plus an opportunity to win a $1,000 jackpot at the end of the night. 410-524-7994
Sat., July 17 ANNUAL ART HANSEN MEMORIAL YOUTH FISHING CONTEST
Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9-10:30 a.m. Register, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Bring fishing rod and reel. Bait is provided. Open to ages 4-16 years. Trophies awarded. All registrants will receive a prize. Free event. John McFalls, 610-505-1697
VIRTUAL WALK WITH A DOC
There will be a short presentation by one Atlantic General Hospital’s providers on the hospital’s Facebook page, 9 a.m. Participants can then walk wherever they’d like and share a selfie (#walkedwithagh). 410-641-9268
9TH ANNUAL OCEAN GAMES: RACING FOR BRAIN TRAUMA The 9-mile swim begins 10 a.m. and will start or finish at Caroline Street and 145th Street. The 3-mile swim starts at noon, from 46th to 145th streets or 93rd to Caroline streets. www.oceangamesusa.org
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
Sun., July 18 SUNDAES IN THE PARK
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy free music and each week children are offered various free activities and entertainment. Ice Cream and beverages available for purchase. Followed by the new drone show. https://www.ococean.com
OC DRONE SHOW
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 9-9:30 p.m. Come experience Ocean City’s new drone show. https://www.ococean.com/events/ocdrone-shows2021
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays through September - Downtown Berlin, 9:00 AM - 1:00 pm. More than 30 farmers, bakers, distillers and more. Live music, live bunnies, real bee hive and free kids art projects. https://www.berlinmainstreet.com/far mersmarket/
Mon., July 19
must pre-order on Monday or Tuesday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Preorder: 410-524-7994.
FAMILY BEACH GAMES
27th Street Beach, Ocean Cit,. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free interactive fun for the whole family. Games include sand castle contests, tug-of-war, relays and more. Parents must stay with their children. Weather permitting. http://www.ococean.com
NAACP RACE RELATIONS MEETING
American Legion #123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, 3 p.m. Pastors and representatives from Pocomoke, Snow Hill and Salisbury City Councils, and Worcester County Commissioners will be in attendance. 443-944-6701
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Meeting in-person and via conference call. For call-in option, dial 605-472-5789, wait for voice command, then press 944874. Support and educational group. Rose Campion, 443-8808884
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE FOR SKIPJACK WIND 1 AND 2
Ørsted invites the public to learn about Skipjack Wind 2 beginning at 6 p.m. And, also giving an updated on Skipjack Wind 1. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skipjack-wind-virtual-open-house-tickets161923293931.
MOVIE ON THE BEACH
27th Street Beach, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featuring “Onward.” Weather permitting. Ocean City Recreation & Parks, 410-250-0125, http://www.oceancitymd.gov
Tues., July 20 OUTDOOR GAMES
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, 10:3011:30 a.m. Play outdoor games on the porch and in the backyard. Be prepared to get messy and wet while learning about a local farm animal too. All ages welcome. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
CASCADING CARLOS OUTDOOR PROGRAM
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 2-3 p.m. Carlos Mir entertains and increases attendees brain power with his energetic performance. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
KOFC SEAFOOD NIGHT
Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 5-6:30 p.m. If you would like steamed crabs or shrimp, you
DELMARVA HAND DANCE
Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, 5:30 PM 9:00 PM. delmarvahanddance@gmail.com, https://delmarvahanddancing.com
Wed., July 21 CRAFT MORNING ON THE OC LIBRARY PORCH
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meet on the porch to make a handprint crab to take home with you. Ages 3-7 years. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
TALES ABOUT TAILS
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join the group for an outdoor story time about their favorite animals. Take-home activity included. Ages 2-5 years. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
ZUMBA FOR ALL LEVELS
Webinar style program meeting via Zoom, 4-5 p.m. These classes uplift and improve mood. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-6322600
FAMILY BEACH GAMES
Carousel Hotel, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free interactive fun for the whole family. Games include sand castle contests, tug-of-war, relays and more. Parents must stay with their children. Weather pending. http://www.ococean.com
CONCERT IN THE PARK
Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 7-8:30 p.m. Featuring “Uprizing.” Pack a picnic and bring lawn chairs. Admission is free. downtownpocomoke.com, 410-9571333, Ext. 111
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research by Tom Dempsey followed by a Q&A session, 11 a.m.-noon. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Ocean City Marlin Club Inc., 9659 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880
MOVIE ON THE BEACH
Carousel Hotel, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30-11:59 p.m. Featuring “The Angry Birds Movie 2.” Weather permitting. Ocean City Recreation & Parks, 410-250-0125, http://www.oceancitymd.gov
Thurs., July 22 TOWN CATS’ ADOPTION EVENT
PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Town Cats will have kittens and cats available for adoption. Susan Mohler, 301-704-4172
MESSY PLAY DAY
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10 a.m.-noon. Enjoy outdoor messy activities including painting, sidewalk chalk, sandbox, giant bubble and more. Weather permitting. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS
Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Rising Sun Reggae Band.” Admission to the park is free, while beverages, including beer, are available for purchase. Bring your own seating. http://www.ocdc.org, 410-289-7739
OC BEACH DANCE PARTY
Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. A DJ hits the Caroline Street Stage where attendees can dance under the lights on the beach. Followed by the new drone show at 9:30 p.m. 410-250-0125
OC DRONE SHOW
North Division Street Beach, Ocean City, 9:30-10 p.m. Come experience Ocean City’s new drone show. https://www.ococean.com/events/ocdrone-shows2021
ONGOING EVENTS OC LIFE-SAVING STATION MUSEUM FREE SUMMER PROGRAMS
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, south end of the Boardwalk, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Monday through Saturday, 10-10:30 a.m., through Aug. 28. Featuring “History of our Surfman” on Mondays, “Beach Safety” on Tuesdays, “Knot Tying” on Wednesdays, “All About Sharks” on Thursdays, “Land, Sky & Sea” on Fridays, and “Aquarium Feeding on Saturdays. www.ocmuseum.org.
JUNE 16, 2021
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Ocean City Today
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Fresh beet salad disguises typical aromas Continued from Page 29 Pickling is the process of preserving the lifespan of food by way of vinegar. Apple cider, white, or rice vinegar are the preferred options. Rice vinegar is made from sugars found in rice and has a mild, delicate taste. The subtle tang achieves the art of pickling and still allows the essence of the beets to come through. To add or not to add onions is the next question at hand. Onions give pickled beets texture and add to the overall experience. White, yellow and sweet lead the way for selection. The pickling vinegar reduces the pungency of the onions; for this reason, red onions are commonly used. The onions must be sliced thinly. A mandoline will achieve the paper-thin cut with unison which enhances the presentation. Pickled beet salad with an herb and sesame seed encrusted goat cheese crouton is a gorgeous way to introduce your main course. The goat cheese can be replaced with cream cheese for a more cost-effective dish. Since the beets are packed with flavor, there is no need for a salad dressing. Just a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a dusting of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are sufficient. If you are able to find gold beets, even better. The combination of red and gold is beautiful. If you adore beets, you must give add a pickled beet salad with an herb and sesame seed encrusted goat cheese crouton to your menu. Your guests will appreciate your creativity. In closing, farm to table is the new wave of eating. Farmer’s markets are flourishing on the Eastern Shore and Ocean City Farmers Market is no exception. Its new location is at Gold Coast Mall (115th Street). Vegetables, organic vegetables, fruits, jams, flowers and herbs are plentiful. Even callaloo, a Jamaican green, is there for purchase. Freshness is always the preferred option. Check out Ocean City Farmers Market, it is a great way to support our local farmers. Enjoy!
Pickled Beets 2 ½ pounds beets (peeled), red or gold or both 2 ½ cups rice vinegar 2 ½ cups cold water 1 ¼ cups sugar 1 red onion, finely sliced 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns 1 rounded teaspoon whole Jamaican all-
spice ½ to ¾ teaspoon dried, crushed red pepper flakes 1 rounded teaspoon pickling spice ¾ teaspoon ground ginger 1 rounded teaspoon whole coriander 1 full sprig fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon dried dill 3 bay leaves 1. If the beets are large, cut them in half widthwise. 2. In a large pot, steam the beets until tender, but they should have some firmness. 3. In the meantime, combine all of the ingredients except for the beets and onions, in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain mixture, and set aside to cool.
4. Using a mandoline, slice the onions very thinly and set aside. Using a very sharp knife, slice the beets to a ¼-inch thickness. 5. In a medium plastic or glass bowl, combine the beets, onions, and the strained pickling liquid. Refrigerate until ready to serve. * If you are using gold and red beets, separate the beets with the pickling liquid. If one does not follow this step, the red color of the beets will bleed and color the gold beets.
Herb and Sesame Seed Encrusted Goat Cheese Crouton Slice goat cheese to form the shape of
a crouton or small patty. On a plate, add black and white sesame seeds, and a combination of your favorite fresh herbs finely chopped. Roll the goat cheese in the sesame seed mixture and set aside.
Presentation Place sliced beets on the serving plate. Top beets with pickled onions. Crown with herb and sesame seed encrusted goat cheese crouton. Add your favorite lettuce and finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a dusting of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Secret Ingredient – Freshness. “There’s only one degree of freshness, the first which makes it the last.” – Mikhail Bulgakov
Ocean City Today
PAGE 32
JUNE 16, 2021
Wor. Rec Parks snags first place during Bathtub Races By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Throngs of spectators cheered the return of the annual Bathtub Races to Main Street Berlin Friday, when the 31st annual outing saw the Worcester County Parks and Recreation team take the trophy away from Deeley Insurance Group, the 2019 champions. Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said after the event went on hiatus last year because of the pandemic, the competition this year was probably enjoyed even more. “We haven’t taken a bath in two years, so it was good,” she said. Along with friendly tub-based race
action presented by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce were family-friendly activities, including a kids’ zone sponsored by Worcester Youth & Family Counseling. “Obviously, the weather was beautiful,” she said. Besides the Main Street racecourse lined with haystacks, spectators were also treated to an array of art offerings during the monthly Second Friday event that was sandwiched in the evening. Bathtub Race sponsors included Bradley Atlantic Insurance Management, Taylor Bank, Berlin Auto Wash and the Sterling Tavern. In between heats, flow artist Nolah See CROWDS Page 33
GREG ELLISON/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Sheppard Realty team of Gussie Sholtis and Zeus Rodriguez, left, duel with team Ocean 98.1, Brita Ayd and Bunkie Evans, during the 31st annual Berlin Bathtub Races held Friday on Main Street.
Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast and lunch, Wednesday through Monday, 8 a.m. to noon. Dinner and lite fare, Wednesday through Monday, 5-9 p.m. Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Daily chef specials. Dine in or carry out available. ■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits. Now open 7 days a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 8 a.m. until close. Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare, and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more. Dine in or carry out. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. Soups, salads, crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, scallops, fresh soft crabs, and specialty dishes. Happy hour daily, noon to 5 p.m. with food and drink specials. Early bird daily, 3:30-5:30 p.m. with special dinner menu. Open Wednesday through Monday at noon. Now open Tuesday, 3 p.m. to midnight. Dine in or carry out. ■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy our hearty homestyle breakfasts starting at 6:30 a.m. daily. Lunch and dinner offering light fare of soups and salads along with our house specialty Scallops St. Croix, along with ribs, Cuban pork and steak selections. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-289- 3501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-289- 2599, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar An Ocean City family tradition since 1980. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Buttermilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza and Italian dinners. We have something for everyone! ■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL 21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-2890990, www.ocfishtales.com $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar FishTales located in a premier outdoor beach location on the bay with the best sunsets. Come for the best local fare. We offer lunch and dinner with great happy hour food and drink specials. Kids play area too. So sit back and enjoy. ■ HARBOR WATCH 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Inlet Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bringing Ocean City the freshest seafood, an award-
winning Raw Bar along with certified Angus Beef. Great view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Call for Banquet information. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 1-8 p.m. ■ PHILLIPS SEAFOOD, CRAB HOUSE 21st Street, Ocean City 410-289-7747, PhillipsSeafood.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Award winning buffet open everyday at 3:30 p.m. Menu dining everyday at 4 p.m. Hooper's Island crab cakes, steamed blue crabs, steamed seafood buckets, fried chicken and much more.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites. ■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle in the Sand Hotel, 37th St & the Beach, Ocean City 800-552-7262, www.castleinthesand.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Beachfront open air dining in a tropical setting. Serving grilled sandwiches, specialty salads, appetizers, wraps, tacos and frozen drinks, beer and wine. Live entertainment. Happy Hour daily, 5-6 p.m. 2 for 1 drink specials. Waitress service on the beach Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Coconuts is open daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surf-themed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Closed on Tuesday. Dine-in and curbside pick-up. ■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cocktails. ■ PGN CRAB HOUSE 29th Street, Ocean City 410-280-8380, 410-2894083, www.pgncrabhouse.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & wine Known for their famous steamed crabs. Dining in or carry out is available. Casual seasonal seafood stop for the all-you-can-eat specials. Steamed crabs, chicken and corn on the cob. You can find clams, ribs, crab cakes, seafood platters and more. You can call for daily specials. Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. ■ RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT 61st Street Bayside/2nd Floor @ Bayview Bar & Grill, Ocean City 443- 664-7043 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Open Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. and Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Happy Hour Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4-7p.m. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
UPTOWN
91st to 146th streets ■ BAHAMA’S CRABSHACK CARRY OUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Highway, Fenwick 302-537-5882 Premium seafood, fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. Open 7 days a week for carryout only. ■ BLUE FISH JAPANESE & CHINESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR 94th Street, Ocean City 410-524-3983, www.bluefishocmd.com $-$$ | Full bar Enjoy authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine and sushi bar with beer, wine, and full cocktail bar and lounge. Dine in, take out and delivery available. Open 7 days a week. ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Clarion, 101st Street, Ocean City 410524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including light fare and steamer specials. ■ NORI 11403 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 443-880-6258 $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open 7 days a week, all year, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving lunch and dinner. Our creative menu features hand-cut steaks, grilled fish, crab cakes, sushi and sashimi. Dine in, takeout, delivery available. ■ OC STREET FOOD 11505 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 443-664-6322, www.ocstreetfoodmd.com Enjoy a unique variety of foods. Specializing in chicken, steak, shrimp, and lamb gyros, kabobs and skewers. Salads, subs, rolls and wraps. Homemade falafel, sides and specialty sauces. Dine in or carry out with online pickup and delivery. Open 7 days a
week. ■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS 11805 Coastal Highway, Unit N, Ocean City www.ochoricosjerkandtings.com $$ | Full bar Serving you authentic Jamaican food, appetizers, lunch specials, stews, salads, burgers, jerk shrimp or chicken, and entrees. Steak, oxtail, seafood and chicken with many special sauces. Signature jerk escoveitched or BBQ. Side dishes with rice and peas, fried sweet plantains, fried cornmeal dough and mac & cheese. Desserts, Jamaican rum cake, NY cheesecake and red velvet cake. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dine in or carry out. ■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel, Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Great ambiance, salads, soups, lite fare, cocktails, drink specials and service. Enjoy chef’s specials, crab cakes, salmon, chicken caprese and shrimp scampi. Friday and Saturday is Prime Rib Dinner for $19.95. Open 7 days a week, 4-10 p.m. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-9918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | Serving authentic Thai food, full vegan menu and vegetarian options including curry, rice and noodle dishes. Homemade appetizers, soups, and sauces. Seafood, meat, chicken, stir fries, vegetable, and tofu. Desserts, beer and wine. Dine in or takeout. Serving lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours open: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Offering a wide array of authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carryout. Lunch specials. Dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, www.OPyachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
JUNE 16, 2021
PAGE 33
Ocean City Today
Crowds fill Main Street in Berlin Continued from Page 32 Walton performed briefly before inviting the assembled youth to join in the hula-hoop festivities. “It started a few years ago where in between the heats we wanted some things to entertain the kids,” Wells said. “We did this little hula hoop contest and it’s grown so much.” The organizers even stockpiled hoops in anticipation of strong turnout. “We wanted to make sure that no child was left behind without a hula hoop,” she said.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
President’s List A number of Worcester County residents were named to the president’s list at their respective colleges and universities. The are: Gabrielle Izzett, Berlin, Shenandoah University; Katherine Mitchell, Berlin, Coastal Carolina University, marine science major; Maya Ziashakeri, Berlin, College of Charleston, public health major; Rachael Weidman, Berlin, College of Charleston, psychology; and Amy Lizas, Berlin, College of Charleston, middle grades education; Elizabeth Mcguiness, Berlin, College
of Charleston, history and political science.
Dean’s List Several Worcester County residents were named to the dean’s list at their respective colleges and universities. They are: Patrick Miller, Ocean City, Coastal Carolina University, business administration; Andrew Luhmann, Ocean City, Lehigh University; Tara Fischer, University of Alabama; Keith Cheek, Berlin, Widener University, marketing; Ryan Sauer, Ocean City, Widener University, mechanical engineering; Max Bisaha, Berlin, College of Charleston, political science; Laila Mirza, Ocean Pines, Georgia Institute of Technology; Gabrielle Izzett, Berlin, Shenandoah University; Abbie Baker, Berlin, Frostburg State University; Hunter Morris,
Berlin, Frostburg State University; Maggie Bunting, Ocean City, University of Tampa; and Madison Van Orden, Berlin, University of Tampa.
Graduates Bucknell University presented degrees to over 800 graduates at commencement on May 23. Among those graduates was Lydia Kappelmeier, of Berlin, who earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. Widener University honored its graduates at ceremonies between May 11 and 14 on the campus in Chester, Pennsylvania. Graduates included: Ryan Sauer, Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering cum laude; Keith Cheek, Berlin, Bachelor of Science in business administration in marketing from the School of Business AdministraContinued on Page 33
OPEN 7 DAYS 11AM
Celebrating Our 52nd Year!
29th Street on Coastal Hwy., Oceanside akes 410-289-8380 • 410-289-4083 Best Crab C!!! in Town
Take Out
CRABS TO GO by the
GREG ELLISON/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Deeley Insurance team members Matt Jones and Diane Frederick chug down Main Street while competing in the annual Berlin Bathtub Races on Friday.
by the
BUSHEL DOZEN
EVERY DAY CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS
(Please Call Ahead)
Pinball • Sk keeeball Prizes • Videos
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PAGE 34
Ocean City Today
JUNE 16, 2021
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Continued from Page 33 tion; Katrina Harrell, Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in nursing from the School of Nursing; Blair Nowacki, Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in nursing. Coastal Carolina University recognized nearly 1,200 students during its in-person spring 2021 commencement ceremonies, May 7 and May 8 Among the graduates were: Christopher Leitgeb and Patrick Miller, both of Ocean City.
Real estate market favors sellers By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (July 16, 2021) Industry experts are still communicating that now is a great time to sell your house. Yes, it’s still a sellers’ market. The housing market forecast remains positive for the remainder of 2021, so there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Some of the reasons making it such a good time to sell include the fact that days on market for properties for sale is very low, or in other words, your house will most likely sell quick. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases a Realtors Confidence Index, and that report recently noted that the national average for days on market is just 17 days. Lo-
cally, statewide for Maryland the median days on market in May was six, and in Worcester County it was seven. When average/median days on market is low, it’s a strong indication that buyer competition is in play. And when buyer competition is in play, we see multiple offer situations frequently. NAR reported that sellers are seeing an average of five offers nationwide. When sellers receive more than one offer on their home it means they have more choice and more bargaining power, and can choose an offer that best meets their needs. Also important right now, and driving this strong real estate market, is the lack of inventory. Even though there are signs that
existing inventory is starting to inch up, current inventory remains at near record lows. NAR reported that total housing inventory at the end of May was 1.23 million units, up 7 percent from April’s inventory, but down more than 20 percent from one year ago. In Maryland for the month of May, active inventory sat at 7,490 units whereas in 2020 there were 17,254. Homeowners have gained a significant amount of wealth through increased equity in their homes, so if your needs have changed, or you feel it’s time for a move-up purchase, you can leverage your increased equity by selling and making your new purchase during these historically low interest rates while they last. Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Grand opening Bernie Alvey announces the opening of his real estate brokerage, EXIT Realty Ocean City. In celebration of the new location, EXIT Realty Ocean City will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 20. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 12:30 p.m. with the ribbon cutting to follow at 1 p.m. “We are excited to be part of the Ocean City community. We invite the community to stop by and say hello and join us for this event,” Alvey said. EXIT Realty is a full service, forwardthinking, real estate franchisor with offices across North America. A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. To date, more than $6 million has been pledged to charity. EXIT Realty Ocean City will be a sponsor of Worcester County Humane Society and a portion of every transaction fee will be donated to the no-kill Berlin shelter to help homeless animals find their forever homes. EXIT Realty Ocean City is located at 5700 Coastal Highway, Suite 202, Crossword answers from page 54
Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For more information, call 410-524-3948 or visit exitrealtyoc.com.
AGH job fair on tap for July 29 (July 16, 2021) Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will be holding a job fair on Thursday, July 29, from 3-6 p.m. to recruit for all open positions within the healthcare organization. Benefits packages are available for both part-time and full-time positions. Indepth information regarding job descriptions and benefits packages will be shared. Interviews will be conducted on site for qualified candidates. Interested individuals can register to attend by calling 410-641-9612 or emailing jobs@atlanticgeneral.org. The job fair will take place in the James G. Barrett Building rotunda at 10231 Old Ocean City Boulevard, Berlin, Maryland 21811. For more information, call AGH Human Resources Department at 410641-9612 or visit www.agh.care/careers. AGH has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Maryland) and Sussex (Delaware) counties since May 1993. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facility combines compassion and expertise with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.
July 16, 2021
35
Ocean City Today
Call 410-723-6397 Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
AUTOMOTIVE GREAT-GREAT-GREAT OPPORTUNITES!
The Spinnaker
Technicians - Up to $1000 Sign on Bonus! We are part of a large automotive group with parts stores, service centers and used car dealership. Fast paced, energetic atmosphere with advancement opportunities! We have locations in the Rehoboth, Bethany and Ocean City areas. We are now hiring for: - Technicians - Up to $1000 Sign On Bonus & Tool Allowance for qualified technicians - Tow Truck Drivers - Service Advisors - Tire & Lube Techs - Auto Parts Associates / Advisors - Car Salesman / Detailer Excellent pay & benefits including company matched retirement plan, vacation, holiday pay, health insurance, discounts and much more!! Call Matt, 302-344-9846
CLASSIFIEDS CALL 410-723-6397
HELP WANTED
Housekeepers
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Part-time position in law office. Proficient computer skills, Word Perfect, Dictaphone, telephone and light bookkeeping required. Familiarity with E-filing a plus, but will train. Please respond by sending resume to P.O. Box 56, Ocean City, MD 21843
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
BEACHSTAND JOBS. Work on the beach renting umbrellas. FT, PT, 9-5. Hourly rate plus commission. Message 410-726-0315.
Now Hiring Full-time, Seasonal Good Pay! Monthly Bonuses Apply in person 1800 Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm
by Monday 5 p.m.
NOW HIRING BARTENDERS & SERVERS
Call Johnny @ 443-880-2486 or Pam @ 410-726-7061 for interview or apply within 5601 Coastal Hwy., OCMD
HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!
Sun N’ Fun Motel Now Hiring • Evening shift, 4pm-12am, Desk Clerks • Day shift Housekeeping Apply in person 29th St., Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri, 9-3pm
Hiring Cooks (up to $18), Security ($14), EMTs, Audio/Video Techs, Office Receptionists, Boutique Associates, Distillery Tour Guides, Expeditors, Servers, Cashiers, Food Runners, Hosts, Groundskeeping, Bartenders, Barbacks, Prep Kitchen, Maintenance Staff, Head Distiller, Painter, & Carpenter. Apply in person or online at seacrets.com
Starting wages are $13.50-$15.00 depending on experience. Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd Street or call 443-664-2825
www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.
Food & Beverage Manager We are currently recruiting an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to work under our Food & Beverage Director. Responsibilities include overseeing and being responsible for our busy restaurants, bars & conference center. The candidate should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills along with the ability to train employees. Must have strong management experience in a large restaurant, banquet and/or convention services experience. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays. Excellent salary and benefits package. Send resume and salary requirements to: lwatson@clarionoc.com.
Employment Opportunities: Full Time, Year Round: Night Audit, Executive Assistant, Housekeeping Supervisor, Painter, Room Attendant, Front Desk Agent, Maintenance, Rooms Division Manager Seasonal: Security, Grill Cooks, Servers, Bartender, Hostess/Host, Busser, Food Runners, Beach Stand, Pool Attendant, Warehouse Clerk
Grill Chef We are hiring a working Chef / Grill Supervisor for our beautiful ocean front beach bar and grill. Successful candidate must have a minimum of three years hands-on kitchen supervisory experience in a high volume restaurant and excellent employment references. We offer excellent benefits and salary (commensurate with experience). Housing available. Qualified applicants, forward resume with salary requirements to: lwatson@clarionoc.com.
Top Wages Excellent Benefits Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept. 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V
www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!
• • • •
Convenient Quick No Waiting, No Calls Days, Nights & Weekends
PAGE 36
JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Frog Bar and Grill now hiring Cooks, Bus Boys & Food Runners. Apply within after 9am, M-F. 221 Wicomico St., OCMD.
Maintenance: F/T, Y/R, 3240 hrs./week. Dependable Handyman w/good skills. Must have transportation/ tools. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com
NOW HIRING Seasonal Housekeepers (day & evening shifts). Apply within at the Sea Hawk Motel, 12410 Coastal Highway, OCMD.
Thunderbird Beach Motel
Become a Better You in 2021!
Med Tech. CPR, first aide certified. Must be able to pass background check. Drug free facility. Full time position and every other weekend. Email resume to truittsandy@yahoo.com or call 443-880-7341.
Cleaners Wanted for OC If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great hours and pay on the weekends ... then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. 443-880-0525
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
Now Hiring • FT Night Audit • PM Houseman/ Maintenance Apply in person 32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri, 9-3pm
Reporter Wanted
To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www. ChristinesBeautyShop.com
The Coastal Point is searching for an enthusiastic, community-minded reporter who is ready to take on sports, news, features and whatever crazy assignments we can find. The ideal candidate will be experienced, digital savvy, proficient in photography and eager to take on quality journalism in a multi-media environment. Send your writing clips and resume to
darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com
Designer Wanted The Coastal Point is looking for a creative self-starter with strong visual design skills to join our production team. The ideal candidate is able to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Creative Suite experience is a must, and Quark Express experience is a serious plus. You must be able to maintain a workflow that allows you to meet deadlines for multiple projects, and possess the confidence and talent to create exciting work. This is a full-time or part-time in-house position. Please send your resume and samples to
susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com
PGN Crabhouse 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Now Hiring for • Waitstaff • Kitchen Help Apply within after 11:00 am PAPA JOHN’S Now hiring ALL POSITIONS for the Ocean City area. Ask for Mary 410-524-1300
Hiring ALL Positions!!
www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com
Full time & Part time Fenwick and Selbyville Locations To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
Worcester County Health Department COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE II - Full Time, State Benefits. Occasional weekends and evenings required. Duties include but are not limited to implementing the Cancer Control Program in the Prevention Department, coordination of services, case management, evaluation, quality assurance, monitoring and supervision. Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland State Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required. APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.
RENTALS RENTALS Seeking Year-Round & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555
RAMBLER MOTEL 9942 Elm Street, WOC Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764
RENTALS
Yearly & Seasonal Rentals We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200
Classifieds 410-723-6397
GET IT RENTED HERE! 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com www.baysideoc.com
JULY 16, 2021
STORAGE
GARAGE SALE
YARD SALE
Storage West Ocean City. 24 ft. x 23 ft. with 16 ft. garage door. 10 ft. x 22 ft. attached room also available. Call 410-726-0075.
SAT., JULY 17TH 201 Windjammer Rd., Ocean Pines. 8am-4pm. Variety of items … clothes, household, jewelry & much more!
COMMUNITY YARD SALE 10831 Griffin Road and Willow Brook Community. Saturday, July 17, 8:00AM-till.
DONATIONS DONATIONS 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. SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397
PAGE 37
Ocean City Today
SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS 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
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES NEED NEW WINDOW TREATMENTS? Call Empire Today® to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on blinds & shades. Call Today! 866-479-2321. MEDICAL ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 855-835-1804.
MISC. SERVICES LONG DISTANCE MOVING: White-Glove Service from America’s Top Movers. Fully insured and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out-of-state move. FREE QUOTES! Call: 866-314-0734
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106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million!
oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com
Too Much Clutter
15.00/20 word s, $0.5 0 per word after 20 word s
$
Advertise Your
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Call NANCY Today At 410-723-6397 or PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE! https://www.oceancitytoday.com/classifieds/
PAGE 38
JUNE 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
BLINDS & SHADES
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ELECTRICIAN
Raymond O’Brocki Jr. Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text
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Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA
DE# 2004201560 • PA#043393 • MHIC#124883
www.roofer www. roof ro roofers offers ofer rs.org .o org g
410.204.2586
JUNE 16, 2021
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18783 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ARTHUR L. PIERCE Notice is given that Shonda Suggs, P.O. Box 287, Snow Hill, MD 21863, was on June 23, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arthur L. Pierce who died on June 5, 2021, 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 23rd day of December, 2021. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other 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. Shonda Suggs 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: July 01, 2021 OCD-7/1/3t _________________________________
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
PAGE 39
Ocean City Today / Public Notices 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, July 22, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(3)(a) requesting a special yard exception to expand the legally existing side yard nonconforming use area in a manner that currently exists on the same lot, not by lot coverage or footprint, but vertically, to add approximately +/- 900 gross square feet of open, unenclosed, outdoor dining area on the newly proposed third floor. The site of the appeal is zoned LC-1, Local Commercial, Zoning District, and described as several unnumbered lots of Parcel 3204 of the Embers North Plat, dated 1968; further described as located on the western side of Philadelphia Avenue, and known locally as The Embers Restaurant, 2305 Philadelphia Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: EMBERS, LLC C/O HUGH CROPPER, IV, ESQ. - (BZA 2597 #21-09400007) at 6:10 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(3)(c) requesting a special yard exception to construct a new single-family dwelling on a corner lot with a front yard setback of 10’ on Caribbean Drive as established by the legally existing front yard setback at 9004 Caribbean Drive instead of 20’ as required by Code Section 110-276(4). The site of the appeal is zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential, Zoning District, and described as Lot 36, Block 1 of the Oceanbay City Plat; further described as located on the northeast corner of Pacific Avenue and Caribbean Drive, and known locally as 9000 Caribbean Drive, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: MICHAEL B. & ANNA S. BELL - (BZA 2598 #2109400008) at 6:20 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(3)(a) requesting a special rear yard exception similar to the existing side yard setback of 0.1’ to construct a new single-family dwelling with a rear yard setback of 0.3’ in the northeast corner of the site instead of 5’ as required by Code Section 110-423(1)i. The site of the appeal is zoned MH, Mobile Home, Zoning District, and described as Lot 10B of the Warren’s Park Co-op Plat; further described as located on the north side of Middle Way Lane, and known locally as 38 Middle Way Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: JAMES R. WILLIAMS - (BZA 2599 #2109400009) at 6:30 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code,
an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(5) requesting a special use exception to allow outdoor display of merchandise incidental to the on-premise use. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 1, Block 116, of the Isle of Wight Plat, further described as located on the west side of Coastal Highway on the north side of 67th Street, and locally known as the Kite Loft, 6701 Coastal Highway Unit 13, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: KITE LOFT – (BZA 2600 #21-09400010) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Alfred Harrison, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-7/8/2t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City
BID SOLICITATION Elevator & Escalator Maintenance & Repair
Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) are seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Citywide Elevator & Escalator Maintenance and Repair (Citywide Elevator & Escalator) Services and for said Services to be in conformity with the scope of work as detailed in the Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the Citywide Elevator & Escalator solicitation may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Catrice Parsons at cparsons@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6647 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents. A pre-Bid meeting will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Purchasing Conference Room located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. The last day for questions is noon on Monday, July 26, 2021. The addendum will be posted on the Town’s website by close of business on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, August 09, 2021 by 4:00 p.m. and will be sent to Mayor & City Council Ocean City, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, Attn: City Manager; Room 230. Completed Bid Documents will be opened and read into record then remanded to staff for further review at the August 10, 2021 Mayor & City Council work session held on Tuesday, August 10,
2021 at 1:00pm located at 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 in Council Chambers. Late Bid Documents will not be accepted. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation. OCD-7/15/1t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City
PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
Canal Dredging Consulting Services Mayor & City Council Ocean City (Town) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Consulting Services for Canal Dredging in conformity with the specifications detailed in the Proposal Documents. Proposal Documents for the Canal Dredging Consulting Services may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Catrice Parsons, at cparsons@oceancitymd.gov mailto:cparsons@oceancitymd.govor by calling 410-723-6647 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their proposals. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents. A pre-proposal meeting will NOT be held for this solicitation. The last day for questions will be noon on Friday, August 06, 2021. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Monday, August 16, 2021 by 1:00 p.m. at which time Vendor names will read into record and remanded to staff for further review. Completed Proposal Documents are to be submitted to Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: Procurement Department, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. Late Proposal Document will not be accepted. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation. OCD-7/15/1t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS JULY 21, 2021 – 1:30 P.M. The WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS (the “Board”) will hold a public hearing in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland concerning Maryland House Bill 12 and Senate
PAGE 40
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
Bill 205 signed by the Governor on May 18, 2021 permitting local licensing boards to authorize the sale of alcohol beverages by Class B and D (BW) and (BWL) license holders for carry out and delivery only with prepared food other than prepackaged snacks. Maryland House Bill 12 and Senate Bill 205 require the Board to make a finding of fact as set forth below. IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO ADOPT REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE AND CARRYOUT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, A LOCAL LICENSING BOARD SHALL WEIGH THE NEED TO PROMOTE THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID–19 PANDEMIC AND THE NEED TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE. If the Regulation is adopted a licensee shall request a letter of authorization from the Board to sell alcohol for carry-out or delivery only with prepared food other than prepackaged snacks subject to the restrictions set forth in Maryland House Bill 12 and Senate Bill 205 and such other restrictions set forth by the Board. If adopted, this Regulation and any Letter of Authorization issued hereunder shall expire June 30, 2023 and shall be subject to such other rules and regulations as are consistent with State Law. OCD-7/8/2t _________________________________
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: Ryan Wayne James, 10128 Blue Marlin Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For: James Family Hospitality Group, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Mother's Cantina
7805 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Three Anchors, LLC There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: July 21, 2021 @ 1:00 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. OCD-7/8/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Kristie Leigh Williams, 27 Burley Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Heather Ann Layton, 122 Cedar Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. For: OC Organics, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Ocean City Organics 11944 Ocean Gateway, Suite C Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Ocean City Organic, Inc. Formerly: Three Anchors, LLC There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: July 21, 2021 @ 1:10 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. OCD-7/8/2t _________________________________
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Washington Street Parking Expansion Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids from Contractors for the expansion
of an existing parking area at the Washington Street Snow Hill, MD location. The expansion will include development of a vacant lot including stormwater and parking space addition as well as restriping and integration of existing parking areas. The expansion will be adjacent and attached to the existing parking area. The Bid Documents including Instructions to Bidders, Work Scope, General Conditions and detailed Plans and Specifications may be obtained at www.co.worcester.md.us. Interested bidders are requested to review the site and work and submit any questions to Worcester County for answer and publication as a bid addendum. Interested bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid conference on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 10:00 at the Worcester County Government Center (1 West Market Street - Board Meeting Room - First Floor, Snow Hill, MD) at 10:00 am (EDT). Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 PM, Monday, August 9, 2021 in the Office of the County Commissioners, Room 1103 Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked "Bid for Worcester County Washington Street Parking Lot" in the lower left-hand corner. After opening, bids will be tabulated and submitted with recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration at a future meeting. In awarding the bid, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bid they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate. Technical questions and inquiries shall be addressed to William Bradshaw P.E., County Engineer, Room 1201 Worcester County Government Cen-
JUNE 16, 2021 ter, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, (phone) 410632-1200, ext. 1150, (fax) 410- 6323008 or by email to bbradshaw@co.worcester.md.us, in writing by 5:00 PM EST on Monday, August 2, 2021. OCD-7/15/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT The County Commissioners of Worcester County through sub-recipient Diakonia, Inc. has determined that it is necessary to revise the approved use(s) under the grant awarded by the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for a rental assistance program due to the coronavirus. As other sources have been identified for this use, the CDBG funding can be used for other needs in conformance with program regulations. In accordance with our CDBG Citizen Participation Plan, we are seeking public comment on our plan to divert funding from rental assistance activities to the following activities: 1. PPE, Cleaning Supplies/Expenses and 2 Full time emergency rental assistance case managers $145,000 Written comment will be accepted until July 22nd, 2021 via email at kreynolds@co.worcester.md.us or delivered to 1 W. Market St, Room 1103, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Contact Kim Reynolds at 410-632-1194 for additional information. OCD-7/15/1t _________________________________
LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net
Commentary
Ocean City Today July 16, 2021
Page 41
Body cam rollout complex process In an age when citizens are recording all manner of police activity on their cell phones and then posting these videos on the Internet, the implementation of body cam requirements in all police agencies in the state can’t come too soon. In the new world of seeing is believing, the days of automatically taking an officer’s word over that of the accused are over. As has been demonstrated in so many other ways in recent times, the public is increasingly willing to accept as truth what it prefers to believe, rather than the facts. That makes having a visible record of police encounters with the public so important. Body-worn cameras will make the police more accountable, just as the footage they record will protect the police from false allegations and complaints. Nevertheless, rushing to roll out this program to satisfy the growing demand for more police accountability won’t produce the desired results. Scholarly research of law enforcement’s use of body cams does point out some downsides, such as privacy issues and the need for establishing exhaustively detailed practices and policies, but the same research also says the positives make their deployment well worth it. Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro and Mayor Rick Meehan have said they want to see the camera program implemented before the requirement becomes law in 2025. That’s admirable, but, as Buzzuro observed, there’s more to it than buying cameras and ordering officers to wear them. As Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, said in a Justice Department publication on the subject, “If police departments deploy body-worn cameras without well-designed policies, practices, and training ... departments will inevitably find themselves caught in difficult public battles that will undermine public trust in the police rather than increasing community support for the police.” An exceptional amount of work will have to be done before Ocean City can institute its body cam requirement. Maybe that will be well before 2025 and, then again, maybe not. Regardless, the police department and City Hall have committed to getting it done, and that’s an important first step. The public, meanwhile, will have to exercise some patience.
Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.
EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Greg Wehner, ..........................................Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2021
PUBLIC EYE
Wipe that smirk off...
Amazing as it may sound, a woman out in Utah this week was arrested for, among other things, felonious smirking. According to the police account, the woman, whose friend was being charged with a traffic violation or something, “smirked in a threatening manner” at the officer in an effort to intimidate him. Hmmmm. I suppose it could have been worse and that “a search of the individual’s perBy son revealed that she was Stewart carrying a concealed smirk Dobson without a permit.” It is true she did do some other things that would have raised any cop’s hackles, but smirking? Admittedly, I’m not familiar with the laws of the great state of Utah, so it is possible that its statutes have an entire section devoted to Illegal Smirking — i.e., Aggravated Smirking, first- and second-degree smirking, and, of course, Possession of a Smirk with Intent To Distribute. What I do know, however, is that if smirking truly was illegal, I’d still be doing hard time in Sing Sing, or wherever it is they send serial smirkers these days. “So, whaddaya in for, buddy?” “Smirking ... in a threatening manner.” “Whoa! How many people have you smirked?” “I lost count. There’s some I did the cops
don’t even know about. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” It is the truth, though, that I’ve been a smirker all my life, even though I have tried my best to suppress it. It just happens, as in a completely involuntary facial twitch, and no matter what I do, it remains fixed until the causative moment passes. Generally, that moment arises when someone in authority says something annoying to me and I’m in no position to respond ... verbally, that is. Here are some examples of things that trigger my smirk mechanism. “Dobson, are you paying attention?” Smirk. “I guess you think you’re pretty smart.” Smirk “Wipe that smirk off your face, young man.” Smirk I understand just how infuriating a smirk can be, as I don’t like being smirked at any more than anyone else, but a smirk capable of delivering bodily harm? That’s out of my league, not that I would mind being able to whip out a superpower smirk in times of danger. “So, what happened here?” “Well, officer, I was minding my own business when this guy tried to jump me. So I smirked him, but good.” “You’d better be careful with that, sir. You could get into trouble with that one day.” “Don’t you worry about that, officer, I have long since vowed to use my smirk power for good.”
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Ocean City Today
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Plea for Delmarva Power to paint rusted utility box Editor, From the past four years, we have contacted Delmarva Power numerous times requesting that they correct and repaint the peeling and rusted electric utility box in our front yard. Each time we have spoken to a Delmarva customer service person, we have been assured they would inspect and paint the utility box. Four years later we still wait. This box is a safety hazard, as young children often come up to the box and peel off the paint. We do not want to see any child hurt, after having possibly ingesting the paint chips, due to the lack of
response by the Delmarva utility. Although we are only common working individuals, we appreciate the opportunity you have provided us in requesting your assistance. Thank you for your consideration and every courtesy extended. Gregory Martini Paul Zajac Ocean City
Miami condo collapse raises concerns for OC owners Editor, Following news of the collapse of the Champlain Tower condo in Florida, my mind turned to the many high-rise condos we have in Ocean City.
much. It is high time that the mayor and City Council acts as their counterparts in Florida did and set up a mechanism for mandatory structural inspection of the high-rise buildings in Ocean City. This is particularly important for those high-rise buildings built in the 1970s that have been exposed to oceanfront storms for over 40 years. Adding the cost of a thorough structural inspection to the budgets of condo associations is not going to be that popular. But just think about the impact to Ocean City tourism if one of our high rises were to suffer even a partial collapse due to structural failure. Jim Thomas Silver Spring, Maryland
The Champlain Towers were built in 1981 – a few years after many of the high-rises in Ocean City were built. Local authorities there immediately recognized that the suspected reasons for the collapse of Champlain Towers could be generic to all of the high-rises along the water and ordered some inspections. Anyone who has owned a condo in a large oceanfront building knows there is no such thing as water tight. Wind driven rain can find the smallest fissure in concrete, flashing or caulking. Because concrete is relatively porous to water, leaks from storms observed in a building suggests that some portion of the rebar within the structure has been exposed to the corrosive salt air spray. The only question is where and how
Salisbury Company donates to STEM prog. (July 16, 2021) Hoping to accelerate the careers of youth interested in science, technology, engineering and math, Salisbury-based Cato Gas & Oil Co. has awarded $500 checks to 15 area local schools to support their S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs. “These students are tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, and as an industry, we depend on them,” said Cato Gas & Oil Co. President Michael G. Abercrombie, Jr. “The sky’s the
limit for our kids, and we’re always proud to help fuel their learning and support their career dreams.” Abercrombie, Jr. said the company has long made it a priority to support the communities where it operates. This time, Cato Gas & Oil, owner of Goose Creek Convenience stores, made the donations in partnership with the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance, which has committed more than $34 million nationwide to fund math and science programs at
schools in need. Cato’s latest donations will support S.T.E.M. programs at the following schools: Berlin Intermediate School, Crisfield High School and Academy, Kiptopeke Elementary School, North Salisbury Elementary School, Pemberton Elementary School, Parkside High School, Delmar Elementary School, Phillip C. Showell Elementary School, James M. Bennett High School, North Caroline High School, Benjamin Ban-
nacker Elementary School, Salisbury Christian School, Mardela Middle and High School, Lake Forest High School, Worcester Prep School. “Thank you so much for the generous donation to Phillip C. Showell Elementary School,” said Principal Christy Kerr. “This donation will be used to help fund our S.T.E.M. initiatives, including our robotics program. We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Cato Gas & Oil.”
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JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Save Water Challenge prizes include garden (July 16, 2021) Colgate, ShopRite and TerraCycle announced this year’s Save Water Challenge that asks students, teachers, parents and community members to take the pledge to save water on behalf of their school for the opportunity to win one of three recycled gardens made from recycled oral care waste. Launched on July 11 in partnership with Colgate-Palmolive and regional retailer ShopRite, the program invites any public school, private school, college or university located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Con-
necticut or Maryland that is enrolled in the TerraCycle network to enter for the opportunity to win a garden and outdoor furniture made from recycled toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers. Through Sept. 30, consumers can pledge to save water on behalf of a participating school once a day during the promotion. The top three schools with the most pledges by the end of the contest period will win prizes. The grand prize winner will receive an additional ribbon cutting event. All winners will be announced in Oc-
tober and the gardens will be installed in spring 2022. Schools can rally their community’s support by asking them to pledge online by logging onto https://www.terracycle.com/colgateshopritegarden2021. ShopRite is also encouraging community participation in the contest with displays throughout its 321 stores and information about the contest on ShopRite’s Facebook page. A full set of rules for the 2021 “Save Water Challenge” can be viewed: https://www.terracycle.com/colgateshopritegarden2021.
To learn more about the Colgate Save Water initiative, please visit https://smiles.colgate.com/page/content/everydropcounts or your local ShopRite retailer. The Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program is an ongoing activity, open to any individual, family, school or community group. For each piece of waste sent in using a pre-paid shipping label, participants earn money toward donations to the school or charity of their choice. To learn more about the program, please visit www.terracycle.com/colgate.
ON GUARD
OCBP: digging deep holes can be dangerous Continued from Page 24 says that 60 percent have been fatal. When you look at sand hole collapses worldwide the number dramatically increases and if you look at entrapments that do not end in the death of the trapped individual, the statistics would report hundreds each year. Interestingly, people always ask about sharks, which have never been a problem in Ocean City, however, national statistics comparing sand hole collapses to shark attacks confirms that you
are far more likely to experience a sand hole collapse than a shark attack. (A person has a 1 in 3,748,067 chance of a shark attack fatality). So instead of asking every lifeguard how many shark attacks there were this year, people should ask, how many sand hole collapses occurred. It is unbelievable that a vacation could end so tragically, but it does happen. Use your common sense and keep your hole digging to a safe depth. Remember, if you do dig a hole, never leave
it unattended and make sure that you fill it in before you leave for the day. As our dunes are recovering from this past winter’s storms and trying to become more substantial, the dune grasses are flourishing. We are finding that children are being drawn to play in the dunes and dig. Although this has never been allowed we want to urge parents and beach patrons to stay off the dunes to allow them to grow and continue to protect our beach. The Ocean City beach has one of the
cleanest, finest sand you will find anywhere. Enjoy it, but please do so in a safe manner. One thing that you can always do to remain safe is limit beach activity to a time when lifeguards are on duty. The last two sand hole fatalities that occurred in Ocean City were after the SRTs went off duty (yes, people have died in sand holes on our beach). Remember to always keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand; it could save a life, yours!
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Ocean City Today
Mid-Atlantic Symphony forms youth orchestra (July 16, 2021) The Mid-Atlantic Symphony is forming a youth orchestra to give talented young musicians on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in southern Delaware the opportunity to learn, perform and create memories. Weekly rehearsals take place at the Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, on Tuesday evenings from Sept. 21, 2021, through May 31, 2022, culminating in a public performance at the 40th Street venue. The Youth Orchestra is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Auditions for strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp will be conducted virtu-
ally and will commence this month. “The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Youth Orchestra will provide a stimulating environment that will empower and encourage students to develop a passion for experiencing and performing classical music,” said Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Music Director Julien Benichou. “Participation in a youth orchestra not only provides challenging and rewarding development opportunities for young performers, but also cultivates the next generation of musicians, teachers, and supporters of fine music.” “Formation of the Youth Orchestra demonstrates the Mid-Atlantic Sym-
phony’s commitment to engage students in classical music through a variety of outreach programs,” said Board Chair Jeffrey Parker. “We are pleased to be able to provide this exciting new opportunity.” Consistent with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s goal to serve a diverse audience of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, scholarships will be available to students who otherwise would be unable to participate in the youth orchestra. Audition requirements and applications are available at midatlanticsymphony.org under the Youth Orchestra tab. Tuition for the full season is $650; payments can be arranged upon accept-
ance into the orchestra. For additional information, contact Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra General Manager Dane Krich at 410917-7587, or by email at dane@midatlanticsymphony.org. The only professional symphony orchestra serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore and southern Delaware, the MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.
AGH receives diabetes education recognition (July 16, 2021) The American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) service was awarded to Atlantic General Hospital on April 19. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) believes the AGH Diabetes and Endocrinology Center offers education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment. AGH was originally recognized in April 2008. The ADA’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational
services meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. The DSMES Standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and are revised periodically. DSMES services apply for recognition voluntarily. Entities achieving recognition status have health professionals who provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management. “The process gives professionals na-
tional standards by which to measure the quality of services they provide,” said Darlene Jameson, MPH, RDN, CDCES, AGH diabetes education coordinator. “And, it reassures the health care consumer ... will receive highquality service.” Education recognition status is verified by four-year certification from ADA. According to the CDC 2020 National Diabetes Statistic Report, there are 34.2 million people, or 10.5 percent of the U.S. have diabetes. Unfortu-
nately, about 20 percent of them are not aware that they have this disease. Each day more than 3,900 people are diagnosed with diabetes. Many will first learn that they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its lifethreatening complications – heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease, or amputation. Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the US in 2017, totaling 270,702 deaths. For information or an appointment, call 410-208-9761.
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE LARRY HOLDREN
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CHOICE WATERFRONT SETTING!!! 324 OYSTER LANE WATERFRONT in Montego Bay! Great location on a very wide canal and a Panoramic View. This 2 bed 2 bath home was completely renovated. Renovations include windows, electrical, plumbing, Heating system, hot water heater, flooring, Painted interior, trim, kitchen, bathrooms all Tiled, & appliances. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a shuffleboard court, a 9 hole mini-golf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary with a large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for only $299.00/yr. HOA dues. Within walking distance to shopping, dining, the bus stop, the Beach, and Ocean City's 58 acre North Side Park, home of the 4th of July Fireworks. This is a must see home...it will not last long! Sold Partially Furnished for $449,500!!
Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc© 13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD
For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700 www.larryholdrenrealestate.com • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com
Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes Montegomike@verizon.net 800-745-5988 • 410-251-6821
MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY Location Location Location!! Rare opportunity to own a waterfront building lot only 2 blocks from the beach! Located in sought after community of Montego Bay in N.OC. New boat dock & deep water canal (just dredged 2 years ago). Short walk to the beach, bus stop, shopping, dining & OC’s 78-acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July Fireworks). Existing mobile 3BR/1BA is being sold fully furnished & in As-Is condition! Community features 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, shuffleboard court, 9 hole minigolf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, 5 acre pond with blacktop walking/jogging trail, and bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $328.00/yr. $389,500
Call Bill Rothstein montegobayrealty@aol.com 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530
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102 PEACHTREE ROAD
12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com
GREAT STARTER HOME OR IDEAL LOCATION FOR REDEVOPLEMENT! 2BR/2BA in N. Ocean City and sold with a 40' x 90' lot. Zoning allows mobile, modular and stickbuilt up to 2 floors. Less than a mile from public beach, busline, restaurants & bars, Montego Bay Shopping Center and 58-acre Northside Park. Steps away from community pool/tennis/miniature golf/shuffleboard complex. Features include large glassed enclosed porch with cement patio, split floorplan-guest bedroom/bath in front and master bed/bath in rear, full size W/D and non-maintenance roof (installed over the original metal roof). Utility shed and 2-car cement parking pad. 3 pools (including wading pool), 2 tennis courts, bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing piers, fishing & crabbing area, 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/pond with paved walking path, 5-acre open park, street lighting with lamppost at every residence. City streets, sidewalks, water & sewer and trash collection. HOA fees are just $328/year. $195,000
Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes Montegomike@verizon.net 800-745-5988 • 410-251-6821
185 OYSTER LANE
12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com
JULY 16, 2021
OC Film Festival accepting entries for event in March (July 16, 2021) The sixth annual Ocean City Film Festival will return to the resort March 3-6, and is now accepting entries from filmmakers. Hosted by the Art League of Ocean City, the festival was founded in 2017 and has become a recognized annual event that attracts international, national and regional artists working in film. In 2021, the festival was named a member of the Sundance Industry Office, a testament to its rapid growth and reach. The festival creates both community engagement and networking opportunities for filmmakers at all levels in their careers. Complete rules and entry forms are posted at https://filmfreeway.com/OceanCityFilmFestival. The festival offers eight submission categories: feature films, youth short films, animation, horror/sci-fi, short documentary, funny shorts, dramatic shorts, environmental/aquatic films, and short films feel-good films. Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts, and filmmakers will be notified of acceptance into the festival by Jan. 3, 2022. Submission costs vary according to deadline, category of film, student work, or memberships, and final costs are posted online. The regular deadline is Sept. 30; and the late deadline is Nov. 30. Festival organizers are offering discount submission codes to filmmakers of diverse or historically resilient backgrounds as well as filmmakers financially affected by covid-19. More information about the film festival is available at OCMDfilmfestival.com. The Town of Ocean City, the Maryland Film Office, and private individuals and companies have provided grants for the event.
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Ocean City Today
Delmarva Birding adds boat trips (July 16, 2021) Delmarva Birding Weekends has joined Lower Shore tourism offices and seasoned boat captains in the coastal bays, Chesapeake Bay and on the Choptank River to offer a new slate of birding boat trips this summer. Through Oct. 2, Sunset Seabird Safaris will traverse the bays behind Ocean City down to Chincoteague Bay. Departing from the West Ocean City harbor, the three-hour evening tours begin with the northern bays, rife with shorebirds, American oystercatchers, skimmers and terns. After cruising south past the gauntlet of nesting ospreys, Capt. Ricky will pause at a remote Sinepuxent island to look for nesting brown pelicans. The sojourn ends at sunset at South Point Spoils where participants can witness the feathered embrace of the full complement of colonial nesting birds including cattle egrets, glossy ibis, and tri-colored, little blue, and black-crowned night herons. In July, Delmarva Birding Weekends and Harriet Tubman Tours will lead birding excursions along the Harriet Tubman Underground Rail-
road Byway in Caroline County. During the first two hours of the guided, self-driven tour, guests will learn about the many daring escapes led by the famed freedom seeker and human rights activist known as “The Moses of Her People,” Harriet Tubman. In Caroline County, Harriet Tubman found shelter and assistance as she traveled along the Underground Railroad to Delaware. The driving route courses through the farms, forests and significant Underground Railroad sites of Caroline County until the group arrives at River Run Cruises in Denton, Maryland. From there, participants will explore the upper reaches of the Choptank River during a two-hour cruise aboard a pontoon boat. Downriver, landings and points along the Choptank served as sites for perilous escapes by boat. The shallow waters of the Upper Choptank provided crossings for freedom seekers heading north toward Sandtown, Delaware. All tours are professionally guided. They do not enter the breeding islands as this would greatly disturb
the birds and jeopardize breeding success. Guests can also schedule personalized private group tours. Guides Dave Wilson and Jim Rapp have been engaging in bird conservation in the coastal bays for more than 26 years, including working with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Audubon Maryland-DC, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and US Army Corps of Engineers. Sponsors for the events include the Dogfish INN, Maryland’s Coast (Worcester County Tourism), Southern Delaware Tourism, the American Birding Association, the Boardwalk Hotel Group, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, and Somerset County (Maryland) Tourism. Additional sponsor and registration information, field trip descriptions and other resources for Delmarva Birding are available at www.delmarvabirding.com. To become a sponsor or for additional information, call 443-614-0261 or email dmvbirds@gmail.com.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BOOK Now Available at: Barnes & Noble • Amazon • Mike’s Flooring & Design Center Participating Local Bookstores
Correction In a story in the July 9 edition about St. Mary Star of the Sea’s grand reopening, the cost of the renovations was incorrect. The new building, where the rectory once was, cost more than $740,000, with another $192,000 for renovations to the church. The year that the church was completed was also incorrect. The original building was finished in 1880.
Mary-Christine Strobel, known as Christine is the wife of the love of her life, Michael Strobel. She is the mother of four, stepmother of two, and grandmother to nine. Beginning at an early age, the energetic Christine’s love of competitive swimming shaped her into a self-disciplined, driven, and highly motivated individual, preparing her to face a host of rare adversities that few people could withstand. Christine’s heart’s desire is to share lessons learned on her journey that others can implement, sparing them the heartbreak of trial and error.
Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com
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JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
Lower Shore schools receive $20K (July 16, 2021) Schools in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties received $20,016 in grant funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s 2021 Education Award Grants Program to help them get through the second half of this challenging school year. With schools fluctuating between in-person, virtual and hybrid schedules, students and teachers have been faced with a host of unique hurdles. Many teachers have gotten creative, transforming their curriculum into virtual programming. Others have adopted a variety of methods to make in-person learning safer. All their efforts come with a cost, and CFES hopes to help ease the burden. “The creativity and willingness to adapt we have seen really highlights the passion our local educators have for their students,” said Erica Joseph, Community Foundation president. “We are proud to support these learning opportunities for Lower Shore students.” Education Awards are typically
made annually through a competitive process to public and private grade schools on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Grants are made to those schools that have developed innovative programs to enhance education and improve the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of their students and communities. For 2021, a midyear grant round was added. The following mix of virtual and in-person programs received Education Awards grants: • Berlin Intermediate School will purchase paint supply kits to send home to students for virtual arts programs. • Faith Baptist School will outfit a new Summer STEM classroom to comply with CDC guidelines. • Salisbury Christian School will create a sensory walkway for students in school to help with behavioral problems. • Salisbury School will purchase age-appropriate games and tools for the school counselors and additional supplies for the Maker Space Carts to create covid-19 safe sharing practices.
• Washington Academy High School will start a virtual Project Lit group for students and community members to read and discuss carefully selected books that focus on important social and cultural issues. • St. Francis de Sales Catholic School will expand the outdoor classroom space by adding a sandbox to be used for sensory education, and the supplies needed to keep it safe and sanitized. • The Wicomico County Board of Education will purchase supplies for the new English Language Learning Center serving ELL students from Wicomico County in a hybrid format. • Parkside High School will purchase Go-Pros for students to borrow to demonstrate virtually to their instructors and classmates their culinary knowledge from their home kitchens. • Glen Avenue Elementary School will enhance its outdoor learning space, to include painting a U.S. map on the blacktop, a number grid game, and a sensory pathway. • Prince Street Elementary School See GRANTS Page 48
Foal transported to Virginia shore (July 16, 2021) The three-monthold foal that was orphaned after her mother was struck and killed by a motorist at Assateague National Seashore has been relocated to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. Its mare, Moonshadow, was found dead by a park employee in the Oceanside Campground at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 6. It is believed that her injuries were due to a low speed hit-and-run automobile accident the previous week along Bayberry Drive. The foal was also likely involved in the same motor vehicle accident. Although the foal was left slightly lame from the accident, she has been observed grazing and is apparently in good health, park officials said. But
given her young age, the foal is at a significant disadvantage with the death of the mare. Park Service wildlife veterinarians said foals generally nurse more than three months, and are still learning to graze as well as how to integrate socially into a herd. After consulting with wildlife experts and veterinarians, park officials decided to relocate the foal to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island, where its chances of survival would be improved. As part of the Virginia herd managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the foal will receive immediate supplemental care if needed. She then will be introduced into the herd at the Chincoteague Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge serves as an ideal site for relocation since the environmental conditions and grazing habitats are nearly identical between the two sites. National Seashore officials thanked the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department for its response to this situation. Visitors are reminded to slow down and always drive with caution along Assateague’s roadways. Be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicycles, horses, and other wildlife when visiting the National Seashore. Any road accident within the park, especially those involving other visitors or wildlife, should be reported to law enforcement rangers at the ranger station.
Ocean City Police arrest Northeast man for car theft By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) A Northeast, Maryland man found sleeping in a car was arrested by Ocean City Police on Monday morning after officers discovered the vehicle he was occupying had been stolen. Aaron Schuyler Hess, 18, was charged with stealing the car as well as theft of property between $1,500 and $25,000. Police were on patrol near South Aaron Hess First Street and Baltimore Avenue when they spotted two people – Hess included – sleeping inside of a vehicle parked in front of a downtown business. After waking Hess and the other person, police checked for outstanding warrants and whether the vehicle was registered, leading them to discover that it had been reported stolen in Cecil County. Hess was taken to police headquarters and held until he was able to be seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner. During the hearing, the commission released Hess on his own recognizance. He is expected to return to Worcester District Court in Ocean City on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. The Ocean City Police Department said visitors and residents should be aware that sleeping in any motor vehicle within the city limits of Ocean City is prohibited by town ordinance. The department is advising residents to alert the police should they have suspicions or concerns about possible criminal activity. They can contact the OCPD through the Tip Line at 410-520- 5136, email at crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or by calling the police department directly at 410-723- 6610.
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Ocean City Today
POLICE/COURTS
DWI by drugs Erin Rodriguez-Morgana, 20, of Annandale, Virginia was arrested by Ocean City Police at 12:13 a.m. on July 7 near 34th Street and Coastal Highway and charged with driving while impaired by drugs. Police said Rodriguez-Morgana was stopped for driving without her headlights on, and when officers approached the car, they smelled marijuana. During questioning, officers asked RodriguezMorgana for her license, which she handed to them, but later asked, “can I just give you, my name?” Also, during questioning, police said, Rodriguez-Morgana admitted to smoking marijuana a few minutes earlier.
Assault Stephanie Marie Fortuna, 31, of Abingdon and James Vincent Nugent, 30, of Baltimore, was arrested by Ocean City Police at 12:31 a.m. on July 9 near Talbot Street on assault charges. Police responded to reports of a do-
mestic assault, and when they arrived at a nearby hotel, several individuals pointed toward a particular unit and said a fight “sounded really bad.” When officers approached the room, they could hear Fortuna screaming, and when they entered, they saw Nugent huddled in a crouching position against the wall. Nugent told police during that he and Fortuna are friends that get together occasionally for sexual benefits. That night, Nugent said, the two began drinking at approximately 10 p.m., and at 11 p.m., he decided to go fishing. But then, Fortuna started to call and text Nugent’s cellphone multiple times so they could have sex, he told police. When Nugent returned to the room at midnight, the two got into an argument and Fortuna smacked him in the face then started scratching his neck with her fingernails, according to police accounts. Nugent said he began to defend himself and put his knee on her face and grabbed her hair before pushing her off the bed. Police said Fortuna reported a similar series of events. Both
Grants to enhance education Continued from Page 46 will purchase additional technology for the World Music Program to make music technology compatible with virtual learning. • Wicomico County Public Schools TAD Program will create a podcast program for students to plan, write and deliver their own podcasts. • Salisbury Middle School will turn the school courtyards into “Sensoryscapes” for returning students, to help with mental health, mindfulness and education. • Pocomoke Middle School will launch the Hide and Go Read initiative, which includes goodie bags for a
scavenger hunt style program that incentivizes reading. • Worcester County Public Schools will provide voice amplifiers to multiple county schools so choral groups can continue to sing while using voice masks. • Pocomoke Middle School will purchase books for a culturally responsive, social and emotional needs project. • Snow Hill High School will purchase a variety of supplies, including costume materials to be handcrafted, and set props for the theatre program to put on a virtually streamed production.
Nugent and Fortuna were arrested.
charged with possession of the drugs.
Ecstasy possession
Cocaine arrest
Amnir T. Williams, 23, of New Castle, Delaware was arrested by Ocean City Police at approximately 10 p.m. on July 9 near 6th Street and charged with possession of drugs. Police said Williams was stopped after he was seen walking on the Boardwalk with a half-empty bottle of Remy Martin cognac. Williams was initially placed under arrest by police for having an open container in a public place, but when officers searched him, they found a small plastic bag with methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, or ecstasy.
Carl J. Wanjek, 32, of Levittown, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at 11 p.m. on July 10 near 49th Street and charged with possession of drugs. Police said they went to check on the welfare of Wanjek after staff at a nearby venue said he was on the ground in the parking lot. When the officer asked Wanjek a few questions, he incoherently responded with nothing or mumbles, according to police. Staff at the establishment told officers Wanjeck was kicked out of the bar, and police told him to leave the property and wait elsewhere for his friends. Police said,Wanjek was seen walking south on the sidewalk and forced a group to walk around him before he walked into a man who had to hold him back with both arms. Officers ultimately placed Wanjek under arrest, and a search revealed he was in possession of cocaine.
Indecent exposure A 41-year-old man was arrested by Ocean City Police at 6:50 p.m. on July 10 near 32nd Street and charged with indecent exposure. Officers responded to reports of a disorderly man wearing a black tank top and a bathing suit. A short time later, police spotted a man matching the description who was leaning against a light post with his back to the road. Police said they could see the man was urinating.
Possession of meth Ashley M. Hitchcock, 35, of Rising Sun was arrested by Ocean City Police at 8:14 p.m. on July 10 near Third Street and charged with possession of drugs. Police said Hitchcock was the passenger of a car that was stopped for a traffic infraction. Officers searched the car and found a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine and a black straw with white residue, in a pink and black bag in the center console of the car. Hitchcock, according to police, said the bag belonged to her, and she was
Replica guns Matthew J. Dieugenio, 44, of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at 4:45 a.m. on July 12 near St. Louis Avenue near Second Street and charged with possession of drugs and a replica gun. Police said Dieugenio was sleeping in a car, and when officers woke him, he said he was on vacation and did not have a place to stay. Once officers determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance, they searched his car and found a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine, a glass smoking device, two clear plastic handguns with empty magazines, and a black plastic bb gun. He was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters.
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MCBP celebrates 25 years serving, protecting bays (July 16, 2021) This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP). Established in 1996 to address environmental problems associated with intensified development and an ever-increasing population, Maryland Coastal Bays Program formed a coalition of partners focused on preserving and protecting Maryland’s coastal bays. As an EPA-supported National Estuary Program, Maryland Coastal Bays Program and its partners were able to bring resources and expertise to help characterize current environmental conditions and chart a path for the future. Twenty-five years of planning, influencing policy, monitoring and restoration projects, Maryland Coastal Bays Program along with its partners and community can point to a host of accomplishments and actions that have had a positive effect on the area. But there is still much to be done to protect the five bays behind Ocean City and Assateague Island. Algal blooms and poor water quality continue to be problematic in some areas. And over the last 15 years there has been a precipitous decline in some of the coastal bay waterbirds. Nesting populations of black skimmers and common terns have declined by over 90 percent. This anniversary year, Maryland Coastal Bays Program is focusing on coastal bay waterbirds and is implementing actions and strategies with partners to make sure that these iconic species continue to live and nest in the coastal bays. Maryland Coastal Bays Program will host an anniversary celebration and movie night, Thursday, Sept. 30 from 5-10 p.m. at Windmill Creek Vineyards and Winery in Berlin. (Rain date Oct. 7). This will be a family-friendly event with music, exhibits and silent auction. Movie feature will be “The Biggest Little Farm,” which chronicles the journey of John and Molly Chester, local natives, and their 200-acre farm located 40 miles outside of Los Angeles. This movie illustrates the challenges of farming and working to do it in harmony with nature. John Chester will be providing a virtual welcoming message prior to the showing of the movie. Tickets are not available yet; but, can be found on the website once the platform is launched. Adult admission $20, children free. Visit www.mdcoastalbays.org to find other special events and programs introduced to celebrate 25 years protecting today’s treasures for tomorrow’s future.
PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS PROGRAM
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 1996, MCBP was established to address environmental problems associated with intensified development and an ever-increasing population. The program focuses on preserving and protecting bays.
STRAIGHT AS Twenty-one Stephen Decatur seniors placed an exclamation point on their academic performances by earning straight As for 15 consecutive high school terms and over 1,000 As collectively. Normally, they would have been honored at the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist WeXL ceremony held at the Ocean City convention center, but for the second year in a row, the event was canceled due to covid.
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Weapons arrests continue to rise By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) The latest crime statistics are in for the month of June, and while DUI arrests are down, weapons arrests continue to climb. According to a report from Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro that was presented to the Police Commission on Monday, weapons arrest more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, with 40 being made in June 2019 compared to 111 in June 2021. Of the 111 weapons arrests last month, 34 involved firearms, 59 knives, and 26 “other.” In 2019, the weapons arrests consisted of five
firearms, 19 knives, and 19 others, or things like brass knuckles and pepper spray. Drug arrests are up also, according to Buzzuro’s report, with 78 taking place in 2021 compared to 40 in 2019. While the chief provides numbers for 2020, the department compares this year’s numbers to 2019 because of the impact covid-19 had on tourism last year. Other statistics include the total number of calls made to the department, which decreased from 14,670 to 12,082 between 2021 and 2019, respectively. Of the 14,670 calls made to the de-
partment last month, 8,636 were made by officers in the field while 3,446 were made by citizens. The department conducted 1,002 traffic stops, made 773 custodial arrests, and issued 2 criminal citations. Additionally, the department made 42 DUI arrests compared to 54 in 2019. Officers in the field have taken a stronger stance on enforcing Boardwalk violations than in years past. Last month, 433 citations were issued to people for smoking on the Boardwalk compared to 41 in June 2019. For the year, the department has issued 611 citations on the matter versus 104 two years ago.
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, an unexpected financial windfall that comes your way this week allows you to make some changes. You may move or upgrade your home or car.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You are looking trendy and fabulous lately, Taurus. Others are taking notice, including your spouse, significant other or potential mates. Expect sparks to fly.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may be introduced to an artistic talent you never knew you had this week. Develop these skills by taking a class or fine-tuning your skills at home.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
OP resident flees fatal hit-and-run Two-vehicle collision costs elderly woman her life after being ejected onto roadway By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (July 16, 2021) Ocean Pines resident Luke Sichau, 25, was arrested for leaving the scene of a fatal crash Friday afternoon on Route 1 near Odessa, Delaware, where a 92-yearold woman was killed after being ejected from the vehicle. Delaware State Police said the collision occurred about 3:15 p.m. on July 9, when a 2003 Nissan Sentra driven by Sichau merged into the left lane and struck a 2015 BMW 428 on its right side. Police reports indicate the BMW, which was being operated by a 61year-old woman, veered westward,
Luke Sichau
rolled over a guardrail and came to rest on its roof in a grassy area near the southbound travel lanes. The woman driving the BMW and a 59-year-old man in the front passenger from Camden-Wyoming, were both wearing seatescaped with minor in-
seat, both Delaware, belts and juries. Police said the 92-year-old victim was unrestrained in the right rear seat of the BMW and that she was ejected from the car by the force of the collision. The crash victim, Shantaben Patel, also of Camden-Wyoming, was airlifted to Christiana Medical Cente, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police said that Sichau continued traveling north on Route 1 after the accident, but surrendered to Delaware State Police at about 5:30 p.m. Sichau, who was uninjured, is charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident involving a fatality and released on $2,000 unsecured bond. Police said passage northbound and southbound on Route 1 was restricted for more than four hours while the collision was investigated. The investigation remains active and police ask anyone with information about the crash to contact Detective J. Forester with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8485 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.co m.
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Cancer, a social gathering may put you in touch with many like-minded, friendly people. Overcome your concerns if you’re on the fence about attending.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 An opportunity to meet one of your heroes comes your way, Leo. Whether he or she lives up to your expectations remains to be seen. Move forward with an open mind.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, a romantic partner asks you to attend an event that will not necessarily be your thing. Despite that, be supportive of this person and his or her interests.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Don’t shy away from the potential for some intense discussion this week, Libra. It could be between you and a significant other and dictate the future of your relationship. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you’re in the mood for love, so channel your sensuality and plan a one-on-one evening with the person you love. Make it a spectacular date night.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Someone new on the scene catches your eye, Sagittarius. You’ll like what he or she has to say and this could be a catalyst for the formation of a lasting friendship.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Some difficult decisions must be made this week, Capricorn. You may have been avoiding them for some time, but it’s time to approach them head-on.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
READ
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You are motivated to be close to your romantic partner this week, Aquarius. Express your love and engage in a gesture that illustrates your feelings.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 A trip down memory lane makes you wish you could speak to someone who is no longer in your life, Pisces. Try to track this person down.
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WORLD WAR II
Soviets struggled to accept loss at Smolensk By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (July 16, 2021) This week, 80 years ago, the 29th Motorized Infantry Division, commanded by Walter von Boltenstern, from Gen. Heinz Guderian’s Second Panzergruppe, entered the 1,000-year-old city of Smolensk, and captured it after three days of house-to-house fighting. The Soviets did not concede that the city had fallen for another 29 days. Smolensk is located 224 miles west/southwest of Moscow, on the east side of the Dniepr River, between the Russian capital and the Belorussian capital of Minsk. Today it has a population of 325,000. In July 1941, Smolensk lay directly in the path of Field Marshal Fedor von Bock’s onrushing Armeegruppe Center, whose objective was the capture of the Soviet capital. Field Marshal von Bock’s Armeegruppe Center consisted of Second, Fourth and Ninth Armies, commanded by Baron Maximilian von Weichs, Field Marshal Günther von Kluge and General Adolf Strauß, together with Second and Third Panzergruppes, commanded by Gens. Guderian and Hermann Hoth, and Luftflotte (Air Fleet) Two, commanded by Field Marshal Albert Kesselring. At the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, Field Marshal von Bock’s Armeegruppe Center numbered more than one million soldiers, supported by 14,000 guns and 1,700 tanks. By the time of the Battle of Smolensk, the Red Army was reeling, desperately trying to slow the Axis advance. Vilnius, Riga and Minsk, the capitals of Lithuania, Latvia and Belarus, had been captured, and the Soviet Air Force — Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily(VVS) — virtually destroyed. The Red Army was a shambles. Commanders were being shuffled. New divisions were hastily created to replace those destroyed by the onrushing enemy. Because of its lack of air cover, the Red Army didn’t know the location of enemy units and was unprotected from the ravages of the Luftwaffe. In 1941, Smolensk had a population of 140,000 and was an important port on the Dniepr River. The last time the city had faced such a trial was in 1812, when Napoléon’s Grande Armeé had invaded the Russian Empire. As they had at Minsk, the Germans intended that the two Panzergruppes would advance around the enemy’s flanks, while the infantry advanced up the middle. The two Panzergruppes would then meet in the rear of the enemy, surrounding and annihilating it. Although this tactic had worked to perfection against the Belorussian
capital, it was contrary to the advice of Gen. Guderian and others. More than 300,000 Soviet troops were captured, and the Third, Tenth and Thirteenth Armies of the Western Front, commanded by Vasily Kuznetsov, Konstantin Dmitryevich Golubev, Pyotr Filatov, destroyed. Of course, that was in the first days of the blitzkrieg and the Red Army was in a state of shock. Nevertheless, the Front’s commander, Dimitri Pavlov, together with his staff, was recalled to Moscow and shot. Two days later, Andrey Yeremenko was given his command, which he held until wounded in August, after which he was given command of the newly created Briansk Continued on Page 54
Yeremenko, left, and Marshal Ivan Konev, right, in liberated Prague on June 6, 1945.
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WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 53 Front. Gen. Guderian believed that once the Panzer units had broken through the Soviet lines, they should make straight for the Soviet capital of Moscow, instead of encircling the Soviet troops. This was the tactic that had been used with devastating success in France. Once the Panzer units had broken through at Sedan, and crossed the Meuse River, they headed straight for the English Channel. Of course, the spatial differences between France and the Soviet Union were enormous. What is more important, Hitler, mindful of the disaster that befell Napoléon’s Grande Armée when it captured Moscow, but failed to destroy the Imperial Russian Armies in the field, decreed that the Wehrmacht’s objective would be the destruction of the Red Army. By the end of June, German troops were crossing the Berezina River. On July 3, 1941, the same day that Comrade Stalin addressed the Soviet nation and urged its citizens to fight a “Great Patriotic War” against the invaders, German Army Commanderin-Chief Franz Halder wrote in his diary, that, “... the objective to shatter the bulk of the Russian Army this side of the Dvina and Dniepr Rivers has been accomplished. East of these rivers, we will encounter nothing more than partial forces. It is probably no overstatement to say that the Russian Campaign has been won in the space of two weeks.” On July 6, the Soviets hurled 700 tanks, from Lt. Gen. Pavel Kurochkin’s Twentieth Army at Third Panzergruppe’s XXXIX Panzerkorps, commanded by Rudolf Schmidt, in an effort to blunt the northern pincer’s advance. This was repulsed after three days, with the loss of much of the Soviet armor. But the advance was becoming more difficult for the invaders as bridges were blown, mines laid and resistance stiffened. The Western Dvina River was crossed on July 7. The 1,000-year-old city of Vitebsk, birthplace of painter Marc Chagall, was captured two days later. On July 11, the Dnieper River was crossed by Gen. Guderian’s Second Panzergruppe and Marshal Timoshenko was given command of all forces facing Field Marshal von Bock’s Armeegruppe Center. Two days later, the 700-year-old city of Mogilev was encircled, trap-
ping two corps of Gen. Filatov’s Thirteenth Army. Gen. von Boltenstern’s 29th Motorized Infantry Division was only 11 miles from Smolensk. The next day, the Soviets first used the Katyusha rocket launchers. On July 16, supported by 17th Panzerdivision, commanded by Baron Karl von Weber, Gen. von Boltenstern’s 29th Motorized Infantry Division entered the city. The next day, Baron von Weber was mortally wounded and replaced by Baron Wilhelm von Thoma, who the following year would command the Deutsches Afrika Korps and be captured at El Alamein. That same day, the Soviet dictator’s son, Lt. Jacob Djugashvili, was captured. After Field Marshal Frederic Paulus was captured at Stalingrad, Hitler suggested an exchange, to which Stalin replied that he wasn’t going to trade a field marshal for a Lieutenant! His son died in a German POW camp in April 1943. By July 18, the two German pincers were only 10 miles from meeting, but the gap would not close for another eight days, thanks to the tenacity of troops under Gen. Konstantin Rokossovsky, and Gen. Guderian’s rush to get to the next objective - Yelnya. In that time, through that gap, 200,000 Soviet soldiers escaped. On July 20, the USSR designated a new People’s Commissar for Defense - Joseph Stalin. Three days later, Gen. Kurochkin’s Twentieth Army launched a futile attack against Gen. Guderian’s Panzergruppe 2. Mogilev finally fell on July 26. Today, it is the third largest city in Belarus, with a population of 367,000. The next day, XXXIX Panzerkorps, of Panzergruppe 3, joined with XXXXVII Panzerkorps of Panzergruppe 2, east of Smolensk. Trapped were the Sixteenth and Nineteenth armies, commanded by Mikhail K. Lukin, Ivan Koniev, and Gen. Kurochkin’s Twentieth Army. An additional 10 days would be needed to liquidate the pocket, in which, at least, 300,000 Soviet soldiers, 3,400 tanks and 3,000 guns captured or destroyed. Despite the apparent successes of the German blitzkrieg, with enormous amounts of prisoners taken, equipment captured and territory occupied, the invaders were suffering significant casualties. And the enemy had the space and soldiers to trade. Maj. Gen. Walther K. Nehring, com-
mander of 18th Panzerdivision, observed that the heavy casualties must stop, “... if we do not intend to win ourselves to death.” Total Soviet casualties for the Battle of Smolensk were 759,947, while German losses totaled 115,000. On Aug. 11, General Halder noted in his diary, that, “The whole situation makes it increasingly plain that we have underestimated the Russian Colossus. Soviet divisions are not armed and equipped according to our standards, and their tactical leadership is often poor. But there they are, and after smashing dozens of them, the Rus-
sians simply put up another dozen. They are near their own resources, while we are moving further and further away from ours. And so our troops, sprawled over an immense front line, without any depth, are subjected to the incessant attacks of the enemy.” By now, Gen. Guderian’s XLVI Panzerkorps had captured Yelnya, but found themselves on the defensive, trying to hold, until the infantry arrived. Five days later, Stalin, in his role as Commissar of Defense, issued Order # 270, which prohibited the Continued on Page 55
CROSSWORD
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OBITUARIES MARY LOU MALZONE Colchester Mary Lou Malzone (née Brayton) formerly of Bowie and Ocean Pines, Maryland, started her well deserved eternal rest on the morning of July 3, 2021 in Colchester, Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, F. Richard Malzone. A Mass of Celebration will be held Wednesday, Aug, 4, 2021, at noon at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 14720 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, Maryland. JAMES ALBERT PAYNE, JR. Ocean City James (Jim) Albert Payne, Jr., age 81, passed away July 5, 2021, at home in Ocean City, Maryland, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 23, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Overlea, Maryland; the only child of his parents, the late James Albert, Sr. and Doris Amelia James Payne (George) Payne. Following his graduation from Calvert Hall College High School, Jim worked for the Maryland State Highway Division as a quality control tech. He later transitioned from a state job to a private industry, working for Contee Sand and Gravel. Jim was a dedicated and hard worker from the onset of his career, and based on his noteworthy achievements in the business, Jim advanced to vice president. With years of knowledge and experience behind him, he started his own ready mix concrete company, Merit Concrete, in 1983, which he ran as president/CEO until he successfully sold the company in 1990 and semiretired. Throughout his professional work life and continued into his retirement years, Jim remained committed to the industry he came to know and love, volunteering to serve in various prominent roles with many associations and committees: MD Aggregate Association (chairman 1978), Associated Builders and Contractors (board member), and Southern MD Natural Resource Association (member). Some of his most rewarding and
favorite experiences were working with local legislative members creating positive policies for the industry, many of which live on as his legacy. Outside of his professional successes, Jim’s true passion in life were his family and friends, and being out on the water fishing (although he preferred catching). He was in his full glory when deep sea fishing on his boat, the SeaVee, or entertaining friends and family at his home by the water. Jim was an avid storyteller, and loved to have an audience to regale them with his tales. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Veronica (Marciszewski) Payne, and his four children, Jeffrey (and wife, Katherine), Daniel, David, and only daughter, Kathleen. He was also the adoring PopPop to his six grandchildren, Ryan (and wife, Clara), Kaitlin and Jon Wesson, James and Emily Payne, and Kara Payne. He was a loving brother-in-law to the late Rita (Romano), and Madelyn (Sotaski), Frank and Tony Marciszewski. The family has requested that any charitable donations be made to the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation. KATHLEEN ADELE JENKINS ESCHENBURG Royal Palm Beach Kathleen (Kathy) Adele Jenkins Eschenburg, 71, passed away in her home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida on her birthday, July 10, 2021, after beating the odds against challenging health conditions for more than 20 years. Her four adult children were at her bedside. Her doggie was in her lap. Her sister and one of her nephews, Steven K. J. Eschenburg Jenkins, were at the foot of her bed. All seven grandkids were playing outside, each having been able to say good-bye. Family and friends were filtering in and out. It was as perfect as it could be. 100% Pure Love. Born in Arlington, Virginia, Kathleen returned to her true-blue Eastern Shore of Maryland Hickman roots, where she married her life partner, Richard (Dick) William Es-
chenburg Sr., by whom Kathleen was predeceased after 19 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her father, Erroll Ralph Jenkins; mother, Mary Lou Jenkins Stevens; and brother, Erroll D. Jenkins (husband of Kathy Jenkins). She is survived by her brother, Daniel Edward Jenkins, and sister, Judith Jenkins Beck; her eldest daughter Dana Eschenburg Perez of Royal Palm Beach, Florida (wife of Carlos D. Perez) and three grandchildren, Danilo, Stella, and Cora Perez; her son, Daniel Eschenburg, and two grandchildren, Bianca and Scarlett Eschenburg of West Palm Beach, Florida; and her two youngest daughters, Ashley Eschenburg of Paris, France (companion of Shayan Khazaei of Tehran, Iran), and Mary Colleen Eschenburg (wife of Paul Lopez) and two grandchildren, Nicholas (Nico) and Camila Lopez Eschenburg of Cuenca, Ecuador. Kathleen was a historical romance novelist and avid reader. She was also a cocktail waitress, gym teacher, basketball coach, Eastern Shore hospitality maestro, end of life caretaker, homemaker and all around laugh generator. She never turned a stray away, the four-legged type as well as the twolegged type, once they crossed her doorstep either on their own accord, or via one of her family members,
they were “adopted” and could stay as long as they wished – a trait she acquired from her husband. A never-ending learner, Kathleen was an expert at bestowing unconditional love, deep kindness and profound wisdom to those closest to her. She was the family’s walking encyclopedia and matriarch who walked to the beat of her own drum. She was a remarkable woman who bestowed her knowledge upon request, was content to be a wallflower yet thoroughly loved an engaging conversation. She encouraged her children’s thirst for adventure, self-expression, compassion and travel, including “Getting the Hell out of Dodge.” She was the perfect mix of iconoclast, wisdom and kindness; the level to which her family can only hope to achieve one day. She was most thankful to have been gifted the time to watch her family grow (and equally thankful to have had her own clean and kid-clutter-free home during her final years). While endeavoring to teach her grandchildren the love of reading, she dotingly conceded, readers are quite possibly born, not made. Kathleen’s bright, easy laughter was a family treasure that will continue to live on through her children and surviving family. The viewing and services was held at Palms West Funeral Home in Continued on Page 56
Christmas In July thru July 24th
Diakonia Thrift Store OPEN WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY 10-3 & SATURDAY 10-1
WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 54 surrender of Soviet soldiers. The penalty was death. Stalin commented, “There are no Soviet prisoners-of-war, only traitors.” This order would have serious repercussions on those Soviet POWs who survived German captivity and returned to the postwar Soviet state. As Stalin observed, “It takes a brave man to be a coward in the Red Army!” Smolensk and Murmansk became the last two, of the 12 Hero Cities, when they were so designated by the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on May 6, 1985. Yelnya was, on Oct. 8, 2007, named by President Putin a “City of Military Glory.” Next week: Siege of Brest Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
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OBITUARIES Continued from Page 55 Royal Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Donations can be made on Kathleen’s behalf to Coastal Hospice & Palliative Care (2604 Old Ocean City Rd., Salisbury, Maryland 21804). She will be cremated and her ashes will make stops in Paris, France; Cuenca, Ecuador; the beaches of Florida; back home to Ocean City, Maryland, as well as in Arlington, Virginia, but most importantly, she will finally return to rest at her husband’s side to their shared gravestone in Berlin, Maryland. EDWARD WILLIAM GORDON, JR. Berlin Edward “Eddie” William Gordon, Jr., age 51, died Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at his home in Berlin due to complications from ALS. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, he was the son of the late Kathryn Mae Anderson Gordon. He is survived by his father, Edward William Gordon, Sr.; Edward Gordon his wife, Jill A. Gordon; and children, Isabella, Nicholas, Aydin and Kathryn, all of Berlin. Eddie is additionally survived by his aunts, Trudy Bronson, Nancy Anderson and Suzanne Palanzo.
Also surviving is his sister, Karen Gordon of Baltimore, and many friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles with whom he had been close throughout his life. Finally, Eddie was predeceased by the grandparents he loved dearly, Eva Belle and Dewey Anderson, and Bertha and Edward Gordon. Eddie had worked as an IT project manager with the Federal Government for many years. He attended West Point Military Academy and graduated from Salisbury University in 1992. He was a United States Army veteran. He loved watching his children grow into amazing people and was so proud of them. He was a huge fan of tennis, the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, and the LA Lakers. Eddie had a deep appreciation for nature, animals, and, especially, Deal Island, Maryland, where his mother was from. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 2 p.m., at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. TRAVIS MCKENNA Ocean City Travis McKenna, a good father, son, brother and friend passed away
unexpectedly at the age of 42. Travis was born in Dublin, New Hampshire, on March 5, 1979, to Patricia and Francis McKenna. This is the same community where he grew up with his younger sister, Sarah, playing rec Travis McKenna sports, going to the playground, and swimming at the lake. Travis attended The Well School and in 1997 graduated from Con-Val High School in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Upon graduation, he moved to Ocean City, Maryland, where he learned to become an amazing cook and worked as a sous-chef at The Captain’s Table with his friend, Brad, for over 15 years. Travis had many friends in the restaurant industry and throughout Ocean City. When he wasn’t working hard, he spent his time windsurfing, cycling, skiing, or supporting New England sports teams. In 2010, Travis became a father, which was his true passion. When his son, Brantley, was born, he immediately became the most important person in Travis’ life. One thing, among many, that Travis shared with Brantley was his love for the outdoors. The two spent their time together swimming at the
pool, going to the beach, playing soccer and basketball, riding bikes, grilling and camping, just as Travis had spent his childhood. Together they were the example of what families hoped to see in a father-son relationship. Their bond was unique and undeniable. Along with Travis’ unconditional love, Brantley has the unwavering love and support of his mother, Kellie Meehan; his sister, Everly; and his grandparents in Ocean City, Stephanie Meehan, Rick Meehan and his partner, Katy Durham; as well as his uncle, Kevin Meehan, and his extended family members. He is also blessed to have Travis’ partner, Rose O’Neill, and her children in his life. Just as Travis would want, Brantley will always be surrounded by his family, his many friends, and his soccer teammates in Ocean City and beyond. On Monday, July 12, 2021, Reverend George Patterson officiated a private service held on the beach with Travis’ immediate family. Travis will be buried with his mother and grandparents in Dublin New Hampshire. Travis was a special person, a great chef, and the best Dad in the world to Brantley. He will be missed by all but never forgotten.
OBITUARY NOTICES Submitted Obituary Notices are $50.00 for print and online publications. E-mail: editor@oceancitytoday.net Mail: Ocean City Today, P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Fax: 410-723-6511 Obituary Notices are published as space allows. Every effort is made to publish all that are received.
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Berlin LL All-Star teams competing at state level now By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 16, 2021) Several Berlin Little League All-Star teams continue to battle for state championship titles, at different locations across Maryland. Intermediate All Stars: The District 8 Berlin Intermediate All-Star squad kicked off its title run on Saturday in Thurmont, Maryland, against Rising Sun. Berlin gained an early 4-1 lead, but Rising Sun of District 5 took advantage of some mistakes and came from behind to win, 21-8. Berlin bounced back the next day, topping the District 2 Montgomery County team, 19-11. On Monday, Berlin outscored St. Mary’s, 14-5. While Manager Mike Moseley said everyone contributed in Monday’s victory, Seamus Orth, was a “big help,” hitting two home runs with runners on first and third. “We were down 4-1 in the second. We [then] had a rain delay and after that, our bats woke up,” Moseley said. “My pitcher, Ryder Bodis, shut them down. It was a really good game.” During the game, Gage Pettit had a two-run, in-the-park home run, scoring Kenny Moseley from second. “We’re playing really well so far. We have a really good team,” Moseley said. There are 12 players on the team, ages 12 and 13. The Berlin team faced Rising Sun again on Wednesday evening and this time came away with a victory. “We smoked them today,” Moseley said after the 13-2 win. “The infield played well and the outfield never missed a ball. Seamus was on fire. He threw 93 pitches and then Tim McCormick finished it for us in 21 pitches.” Moseley said the difference between the first game and the second against Rising Sun was that the boys are now more comfortable playing with each other. “The first game was our first time playing together, and there could have been some nerves,” he said. The Berlin team was scheduled to play the undefeated District 1 Maugansville team, yesterday. Berlin, who has one loss in the double-elimination tournament, will have to beat its opponent twice to win the state championship. If Berlin won Thursday, the two teams will again meet today, Friday.
PHOTO COURTESY MIKE MOSELEY
The Berlin Little League Intermediate All-Star squad poses for a photo.
PHOTO COURTESY KRISTY INTRIERI
The Berlin Little League All-Star squad captured the 9-11-year-old District 8 title, winning a three-game series over Fruitland. Berlin earned 8-7 and 7-5 victories.
“I’m excited we made it this far,” Moseley said. 10-11 All Stars: The 10-11-year-old squad earned a 7-2 victory on Saturday over District 1 West End Little League of Hagerstown in Salisbury. “Defense played well. Offense played well,” said Manager Ron Cal-
loway. “It was a good first game.” The Berlin squad fell to the District 2 Brunswick team, 11-1, on Monday. “We lost because we made mistakes early and they took advantage of that. They are a team you can’t make mistakes against,” Calloway said. “It was our first loss as a team.
We just have to pick up the pieces and learn from our mistakes.” The local team faced West End Little League again on Tuesday in Salisbury and won 8-4. “They played great. Defense was excellent and we hit the ball well,” Calloway said. “We were down by one See MAJOR Page 58
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Major Leaguers Dist. 8 champs with 5-4 victory Continued from Page 57 going into the second inning and the boys started a rally of eight runs over four innings. West End made a late rally in the bottom of the sixth but we were able to hold them off.” Berlin went head-to-head with Brunswick for the state championship on Wednesday. Berlin only trailed 9-8 in the fifth, but Brunswick added 11 runs to win. The Berlin squad advanced to the state tournament by winning a threegame series over Fruitland Little League, to capture the District 8 title. Berlin won the first game, 8-7, in Fruitland and the second, 7-5, on its home field in Berlin on July 5. The team consists of 11, 11-yearold players. Calloway is assisted by Rob Smith and Ray Clymire. “I’m proud of the boys, the way they’ve come together over the summer,” Calloway said. “We’ve been practicing three to four days a week since the beginning of June. They’ve put in a lot of work. I also want to thank the parents for their help and support.” Junior League Softball: The Junior League Softball AllStar team is 3-0 in the state tournament in Hancock, Maryland. The Berlin squad of 13 girls, ranging from 12 to 14 years of age, shut out its District 6 South Caroline opponents, 18-0, on Saturday. The next day, the group topped St. Mary’s of District 7, 13-3. “They’re playing very well. We’re hitting the ball well and we have some aggressive base running,” said Manager Katie Griffin. “This is a special group of girls. A core group of them have been playing together since they were 6, 7, 8 years old.” Berlin outscored District 5 Harve de Grace team on Wednesday, 13-1. “The girls played awesome. We hit the ball really well. We had two home runs” Griffin said. “Everybody contributed. Emily Blume and Ryleigh Smith both hit home runs in the game. The girls will face either Harve de Grace or Hagerstown, who will go head-to-head today, Friday, on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for the state championship. “It’s really exciting. We won it two years ago,” Griffin said. “It’s a good group of girls. I’ve coached them for a few years now and they’re such fun to be around.” Major League: While the softball and intermediate squads didn’t have district tournaments, because of lack of participation, the Berlin Major League All-Star team joins the 10-11year-old squad as champions. The major leaguers scored district wins over Fruitland, 10-3, Snow Hill,
PHOTO COURTESY KATIE GRIFFIN
The Berlin Junior League All-Star Softball team is currently chasing after a state title.
PHOTO COURTESY BILL BAKER
The Berlin Major League All-Star team won 5-4 over Delmar in extra innings to capture the District 8 title on Sunday.
13-0, and then West Salisbury, 12-2, in the semifinals. “They’re hitting well, they’re fielding well. They’ve been consistently playing well,” said Manager Barb Kohut. “They’re putting in the work in practice.” Berlin faced Delmar on the road on Sunday, and pulled out a 5-4 victory in extra innings. “It was a battle. It was a crazy, nailbiter game,” Kohut said. Berlin won the coin toss, and took the option to be the home team. Delmar scored two in the third and one in the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. Berlin got on the board with one run in the bottom of the fourth. Delmar made it 4-1 in the top of the fifth, but Berlin answered with one run in the bottom of the inning and two in the sixth, to tie it, 4-4.
“They kept plugging away, and little by little they came back,” Kohut said. “We had the bases loaded two times and we just couldn’t get a run in, but the kids never gave up. I was confident they had what it takes ... they just had to execute.” In the bottom of the seventh, Bryce Huyett had a “textbook bunt,” Kohut said. Tanner Edelmann – who was 4-for-4 on the day – scored on an error, when the Delmar third baseman couldn’t handle the catcher’s throw. Multiple kids played in games with their travel teams earlier in the day, Kohut said, but they couldn’t miss competing in the District 8 championship. “They know Berlin bleeds blue and the game was a big deal,” Kohut said. “They hadn’t been tested before. I
was proud of them for coming from behind. They coped and dealt with it. It was impressive to watch. They wanted it. It was a true team effort. It was great to see.” The team – made up of 12 11- and 12-year-olds – will kick off its doubleelimination state competition on Saturday in Davidsonville. The Berlin squad will take on the District 6 champs, South Caroline (Preston), at 5:30 p.m. The squad’s next game will be at 2:30 on Sunday. Opponent yet to be determined. “The boys just need to keep doing what they’re doing and believe in themselves,” Kohut said. “They have all the tools, they just need to put it together and execute. They’ve played classy and clean, and have had fun doing it.”
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More than $1 million awarded to winners By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 16, 2021) For the first time since its inception 34 years ago, the Ocean City Tuna Tournament broke the milliondollar payout mark. “We finally reached it. It’s amazing,” said tournament co-Director Becca Haskell. “With the [remnants] of Tropical Storm Elsa, we were worried it would deter people from entering, even though it looked like it would blow out. It obviously didn’t. I was pretty shocked. It shows how much people want to fish right now.” A total of 106 boats registered for the tournament. The overall payout was $1,019,690. The largest tuna of the tournament was caught by Matt Bullock aboard Hydrosphere. The 233-pound big eye earned the team $93,787.50. The crew also came in third place in the heaviest stringer weight division with a total catch weight of 488 pounds. Seth Frederick reeled in a 199-pound big eye while fishing on Tara Jessica. It was worth $30,802.50. Instigator angler Joe Venito hooked a 170-pound big eye. The team received $59,865. The Reel Fun crew was awarded $207,180 for Trey Gettier’s 139-pound tuna because the group entered the Level H Pro Tuna Jackpot, which is a winner-
take-all pool for the largest single tuna. That pot totaled $198,000. It costs $5,000 to enter and 44 of the 106 tournament boats registered for the calcutta. Altogether, the team had a stringer weight of 292 pounds. “With so many [added entry-level calcuttas] there’s so many ways to win money in this tournament,” Haskell said. “Picking and choosing the levels you want to enter can play in your favor.” LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY Paul Crampton’s 124-pound big eye The Reel Fun crew was awarded $207,180 for Trey Gettier’s 139-pound tuna because the group entered the Ocean City earned him and the Tuna Tournament’s Level H Pro Tuna Jackpot, which is a winner-take-all pool for the largest single tuna. That pot totaled C-Boys crew $198,000. It costs $5,000 to enter and 44 of the 106 tournament boats registered for the calcutta. Altogether, the team had a stringer weight of 292 pounds. $36,630. The Big Stick crew won the heaviest stringer division. 305,880. A large portion of that money of 106 boats registered for the calcutta. The Bar South team took home Their tunas weighed a total of 638 – $145,800 – came from the Level G pounds. The team was presented Heaviest Stringer Jackpot. Fifty-four out See TUNA Page 60
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Big Fish Classic set for July 23-25 By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 16, 2021) Records were set for both participation and payout for the seventh annual Huk Big Fish Classic tournament in 2020, and they are likely to be broken again this year. “If you look at the projected increase over the years for the tournament, we should be at $1.25 million, but it could be more, if the weather is good,” said co-director Brian Roberts. “There’s a ton of interest and excitement.” Several new added entry-level calcuttas, or wagering pools, have been added this year, which will help increase the amount of prize money paid out. Basic entry cost is $900. Altogether, to go across the board and enter all the calcuttas offered will cost $24,800 this year, an increase from $17,000 in 2020, Roberts said. There is a new winner take all division for white marlin. It costs $5,000 to enter. There is also a $1,000 winner take all tuna calcutta this year. A $500 daily heaviest fish calcutta has also been added. And instead of a limit of four fish for the Talbot Street Stringer (any species) and tuna stringer categories this year, it has been increased to five. Added entry-level divisions range in cost from $300 to $5,000, include billfish, tuna, meatfish (dolphin, wahoo and shark) and small boat (38 feet and under). There is also a billfish release division. Roberts said early registration is up about 25 percent from last year. A majority of the teams will register on the final day, Thursday, July 22. Onsite registration, located between M.R. Ducks and The Angler on Talbot
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Street will run from noon to 8 p.m. A captains’ meeting will follow. Coming off a record year in 2020, Roberts said he is shooting for 115 boat entries this year. “To go from 32 the first year to 115, that’s just wild,” he said. Teams can choose between two 32-hour slots: 7 a.m. Friday, July, 23 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 24, or 7 a.m.
‘If you look at the projected increase over the years for the tournament, we should be at $1.25 million, but it could be more, if the weather is good.’ Co-director, Brian Roberts Saturday, July 24 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Crews can fish the entire 32 hours or come back to the dock and head out offshore again after a break with the same or different anglers. Boats can depart from any port between New Jersey and Virginia. Teams can fish up to 125 nautical miles from the Ocean City sea buoy. All fish must be weighed at the Talbot Street Pier. Tournament weigh-ins will take place from 4-9 p.m., Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24. The scale, located between M.R. Ducks and The Angler in downtown Ocean City, will be open from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, July 25. There will be tournament merchandise and other vendors set up in the Big Fish Classic Village near the weigh-ins. Each year participation and prize
LOCAL NEWS
money has increased. A record 105 boats were entered into the 2020 tournament and $891,560 was distributed among the winners. More than 300 pounds of meat from fish caught during the first night was donated to Diakonia, which provides emergency housing, food services, counseling and assistance for its guests. Approximately 200 pounds went to Ocean City Baptist Church from the second night’s catches in 2020. The tournament will again benefit the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, which provides quality of life support for childhood brain tumor survivors and their families (www.rawoodfoundation.org). The event will also support the Ocean Research Project, which tracks sea level rise and temperature change (www.oceanresearchproject.org). In addition, there will also be a raffle to raise funds for the Ocean City Fire Department. Talbot Street Pier is the original spot where some of the first fish caught off the coast of Ocean City were weighed. Nearly 100 years ago, the pier in downtown Ocean City was bustling with activity as anglers took their daily catches there. Organizers of the Big Fish Classic wanted to bring the action, and big fish, back to the pier. For more information, visit www.bigfishclassic.com. Updates will also be posted on the tournament’s Facebook page. Roberts also wants to thank the event’s local sponsors: Taylor Bank, Farmers Bank of Willards, Atlantic Tackle, OC Jewelers, Weaver Boat Works and Kari Story from First Home Mortgage.
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Tuna tournament draws 106 boats; over $1M awarded Continued from Page 59 $64,395 for its total catch weight of 562 pounds. The Marlin crew had a 104-pound big eye, caught by David Kerrigan, and a total stringer weight of 275 pounds. The team won $64,395. The Boss Hogg team won $27,360 for a total stringer weight of 483 pounds. The only qualifying dolphin brought to the Ocean City Fishing Center in West Ocean City was a 20-pounder caught by Buddy Trala aboard the Christine Marie. The fish was worth $27,070. Nearly all of that money came from the Level L heaviest single dolphin added entry-level. Ninetyone boats participated in the calcutta, which had a total payout of $24,570. Robert Warden, 16, who was fishing on Boss Hogg, took first and second place in the junior angler division with 65- and 59-pound tunas. He received $1,000 for each. Hammer Down junior angler Jackson Morgan finished in third place with a 41-pound tuna. He won $250. Fifteen junior anglers participated in the tournament. The top lady angler was Kristin Quinn, who caught a 150-pound tuna aboard Husevo. She received $1,500. JL Cropper reeled in a 41-pound tuna while fishing on Myra HT. She was awarded $1,000. Danielle Robertson (FFMD) and Janine Samuel (PYY Marine) both hooked 38-pound tuna. They each earned $250. Twenty-one lady anglers competed in the tournament. Forty-five boats entered the Level Q Charity Donation division, which this year benefits Fishing For Muscular Dystrophy (FFMD), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and offshore fishing team that has a strategic alliance with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) whose purpose is “Fighting Muscle Disease.” FFMD and Reel Fun each received $4,050. “We’re super happy with the way the tournament went,” Haskell said. “Everything ran smoothly.
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OC Marlin Club Kid’s Classic this weekend By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 16, 2021) The Ocean City Marlin Club is expecting another big turnout for the 17th annual Kid’s Classic this weekend. “The weather is looking good, the fish are here and the kids want to fish the tournament because it’s such a fun time,” said Boz Jefferson, president of the Marlin Club. Final registration for the 2021 tournament, which benefits the Wish-A-Fish Foundation, will begin today, Friday, at 6 p.m. at the Marlin Club on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City. A captains’ meeting will be on Facebook and the Marlin Club’s website, www.ocmarlinclub.com. The tournament is open to anglers 19 and younger, many of whom participate annually. The cost is $200 per boat, with an unlimited number of anglers. “We have kids that have been fishing this for 10 years,” Jefferson said. “[The Marlin Club] likes hosting this event because it involves kids. We
want every kid to have the opportunity to fish. It’s one of our favorite tournaments for the club. It’s all about fun and it’s all about the kids.” Those who don’t have access to a boat can participate for $25 and fish from areas including the surf, Route 50 Bridge, Ocean City fishing pier and Assateague Island. In addition, “parents can make reservations separately on the many wonderful head boats available in town if they don’t have a boat of their own as another option, rather than just fishing from shore,” said Amanda Shick, operations manager/event coordinator/social marketing for the Ocean City Marlin Club. The tournament is slated for Saturday and Sunday with participants having the option to fish one or both days in the bay or ocean. Weigh-ins will take place Saturday from 3-6:30 p.m. and Sunday, 3-6 p.m. at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City. All participants will receive an award. There are additional first-, second- and third-place prizes for most billfish released, and heaviest
Ocean Games open water swim to take place July 17 (July 16, 2021) Swim Ocean City is hosting its ninth annual Ocean Games open water swim on Saturday, July 17, to raise funds for research and increase awareness of brain injuries and promote the positive effects that sports have on the brain and body. Ocean Games is one of the few ocean-based marathon swimming events offered on the entire East Coast. It attracts participants of all ages and levels, from first-time open water swimmers to experienced marathoners. The Ocean Games features a WOWSA-sanctioned series of 3- and 9-mile open water swims along the Atlantic coastline. The swim also offers a two- or three-person team 9mile relay. The 9-mile swim starts at 10 a.m. Depending on the current that day the race will either start or finish at Caroline Street and 145th Street. The 3-mile swim starts at noon.
Depending on the current that day, the 3-mile swim will start at 46th Street and end at 145th Street or start at 93rd Street and end at Caroline Street. “We are excited to be able to host Ocean Games this year after having to cancel it last year due to covid. Lots of open water swims across the country were canceled last year and many canceled again this year. We are excited about a big turnout this year,” said Corey Davis, Ocean Games race director. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in 2006, Davis worked with the team at Johns Hopkins’ Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program to return to his previously active lifestyle. To give back to the program that helped him so much, Davis founded the Ocean Games as a way to raise funds for the Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program and local charities. See OCEAN Page 62
fish including bluefish, bonita, dolphin, flounder, mackerel, rockfish, sea bass, tog, tuna, wahoo and “unusual catch.” Stringer weight includes five fish in a bucket per angler per day for croaker and spot. The carnival and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday following fishing. Fantasy World Entertainment is providing the amusement rides for the event. Approximately 220 junior anglers fished on 54 boats during the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 16th annual Kid’s Classic last year. Unfortunately, the Wish-A-Fish fishing outing portion of the tournament has been canceled again his year due to covid safety concerns. The tournament will still benefit the organization, whose mission is:
“We can’t cure an illness, make a disability vanish, or remove the daily stress a family with special needs children has to endure. We just try to make one day a little better for the whole family by taking them out on the water for some fun and fishing. The smiles and excitement on the children’s faces when they catch their first fish (and their second, and their third...) is a wonderful experience and a memory that will last for years.” In 2020, a total of $1,020 came from personal donations at registration and the Ocean City Marlin Club chipped in $4,766. The Classic has raised more than $68,000 for the foundation since its inception. For more information, call 410-2131613 or visit www.ocmarlinclub.com.
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Softball games in Wicomico, Wor. (July 16, 2021) Over the next three weeks, nearly 375 girls’ softball teams will make their way to the Lower Eastern Shore for the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Eastern National Championships. This year’s Eastern National marks the 15th year of the event on the Eastern Shore. The event was first held in Wicomico County in 2007, featuring 58 teams. Registration now averages between 350-400 teams annually. The tournament is a major economic driver for the area. In a typical year, the estimated economic impact is between $18-$20 million. Over the course of 15 years, the area has hosted nearly 3,900 teams, generating a total economic impact of over $186 million. The growth of the tournament is due in part to the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Sports Alliance (MAASA), a for-
ATHLETES
mal sports marketing partnership between Wicomico and Worcester counties and the Town of Ocean City. MAASA was formed in 2014 to accommodate the growth of the Eastern National, which had expanded beyond Wicomico County’s borders. The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury provides the main fields of play for the tournament. Other fields tentatively scheduled for use in Wicomico County include East Wicomico Little League, Eastside Youth Sports Complex, Mason-Dixon Sports Complex and WinterPlace Park. In Worcester County, games are scheduled at Showell Park in Berlin and John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill. In Ocean City, games will be played at Northside Park. The Eastern National is divided into three tournament weeks:
Five Worcester Prep seniors earned commemorative plaques for lettering in three sports each of their four Upper School years. Pictured, from left, are Mason Brown, CC Lizas, Graham McColgan, Sophia Ludt and Brugh Moore.
Week 1: July 13-18 - 10U Open, 12U Open Week 2: July 20-25 - 14U Open, 14U B Week 3: July 26-31 - 16U Open, 18U Open, 18U B Tournament games are open to the public with no admission fee charged. For more information on the Eastern National, visit www.WicoSports.org. In accordance with USSSA national guidelines, schedules will be released at the beginning of each tournament week, and will be posted to the USSSA website.
JULY 16, 2021
Ocean Games set for Saturday Continued from Page 61 Since its debut in 2013, the Ocean Games has raised over $120,000 for the Johns Hopkins Program and local charities. Ocean Games is widely supported through grants and many local Ocean City businesses. Open to novices and seasoned athletes alike, Ocean Games offers something for everyone, allowing for the perfect open water or beach experience in a safe and structured environment. For more information, visit www.oceangamesus.org.
OC Platform Tennis Club to dedicate event to Freeman (July 16, 2021) The Ocean Pines Platform Tennis Club will host its third annual benefit tournament on Sept. 25, at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center. The club has dedicated this year’s tournament to Jim Freeman, an active platform tennis member who passed away on March 15 after a battle with cancer. Freeman served the U.S. Marines with honor and later worked for 31 years as a seventh-grade science teacher at Keith Valley Middle School in Horsham, Pennsylvania. He retired to Ocean Pines with his wife, June, and became an active member of the platform tennis community. The Platform Tennis Club will donate all tournament proceeds to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a nonprofit “dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.” “Our friend Jim was a proud Marine, and a multi-term president and passionate advocate for our Platform
Tennis Club,” tournament co-organizer Karen Kaplan said. “He is sorely missed. We respectfully request that all entry fees, donations, and sponsorships be donated in honor of Jim to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund Charity, which provides many vital layers of services to members of all service branches and their families.” All platform tennis clubs in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania may compete. Individual players may also enter. The entry deadline is Sept. 11, and the entry fee is a $50 donation, per player. Checks may be made payable to Semper Fi/America’s Fund, “in Memory of Jim Freeman,” mailed with an entry form to Michael Petito, 4 Long Court, Ocean Pines, Maryland, 21811. To download an entry form, visit https://oceanpines.org/documents/1 0184/89280/SemperFi.9.25.21.3.pdf. The Ocean Pines Platform Tennis Club is also seeking sponsors for the event. For questions or more information, email oppaddle2020@gmail.com.
OceanCityToday.com
JULY 16, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
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JULY 16, 2021
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