OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
JULY 24, 2020
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
EDUCATION
OPTIONS FOR MD SCHOOLS
Counties around the state can make up their own plans, deadline set for Aug. 14 – Page 18
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Meehan will push, but not require masks Collective effort needed to avoid greater difficulty
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
CLEARER SAILING The Ocean City Council on Monday voted to approve amendments to its waterways code. The amendments will prevent bulkheads from encroaching into the waterways and help clarify conflicts between the city’s standard and the Maryland Department of Environment’s standard.
More restaurants temporarily close to clean, regroup By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The string of restaurants temporarily closing because of employees with covid-19 and other issues, such as extreme heat, continues. Restaurants that recently confirmed positive cases include Albertino’s on 131st Street, Barn 34 on 34th Street and Pit-n-Pub on 28th Street. Harborside Bar and Grille in West Ocean City and 45th Street Taphouse Bar and Grille closed for employee testing, but have not yet indicated if any returned positive. Bull on the Beach closed as a preSee RESTAURANTS Page 5
County lauds safety efforts while covid-19 cases spike By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) In response to the letter Gov. Larry Hogan sent to county officials on July 14 to warn them of bars and restaurants violating covid-19 guidelines, the Worcester County Commissioners talked about enforcement with their departments on Tuesday. “We have establishments throughout the county that aren’t following the rules, that aren’t doing the right thing,”said County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “Our numbers have started to creep up a small amount.” Mitrecic said that to avoid a second shut down, everybody needs to follow the guidelines, especially con-
sidering that the weekly number of new coronavirus cases have doubled each week for the past month. Health Officer Becky Jones said the county has stepped up screening with free coronavirus testing at the West Ocean City Park N’ Ride on Mondays and Wednesdays and at the health department location in Pocomoke City on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She also talked about the importance of contact tracing. “If we get a positive, then we investigate, talk to, interview that positive and find out who their contacts are,” Jones said. “So you can have one positive and then a circle of 10 that they See COMMISSIONERS Page 4
By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) As more Ocean City restaurants temporarily shutter their operations and as the county’s weekly rate of covid-19 infections doubles, a rising tide of concern threatens to wash away the sense of security some seem to feel on the island. Mayor Rick Meehan, who has repeatedly said the resort is not immune from the virus, remains calm, but stresses that it will take a collective effort to protect the city from extreme misfortune, as the city may not have the tools it needs if business goes dark once more. “I think when we reopened, we all realized that we were going to hit a few bumps along the way,” Meehan said. “That was inevitable, and with the increased testing, which is a good thing for everybody so they can do contact tracing, we anticipated that we would see some additional positive tests and some additional cases.” As of Wednesday, Worcester County had 435 confirmed cases of covid-19, according to the state health department website. As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Atlantic General Hospital had five covid-19 patients in ICU, one on a ventilator, another on vapotherm, four in med/surg and one person under investigation. The hospital has had four patients come off a ventilator, and has discharged 29 patients who are on their way to recovery, according to hospital representatives. Twelve restaurants have closed explicitly due to covid-19, while several other restaurants have closed either out of precautionary measures or for other stated reasons. Since the advent of the pandemic in See MEEHAN Page 2
PAGE 2
Gisriel asks, but doesn’t receive copies of minutes By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Request denied — that was the essence of what the City Council told former Councilman Vince Gisriel Monday when he asked for copies of the minutes taken during the council’s private meetings with Charles “Buddy” Jenkins over the last two years regarding an extension of his pier franchise for the price of $9.1 million. The closed sessions, which took place over 18 months, were found to be in violation of the state’s open meetings law in June. “We have done everything the board (Open Meeting Compliance Board) has asked us to do and what we were required to do,” Council President Lloyd Martin said. The conflict between the city and critics of the pier franchise extension began last November, when Mayor Rick Meehan announced a deal had been reached with Jenkins. That prompted criticism from Gisriel and another frequent government critic, Tony Christ, two months later in January. Not long thereafter, Gisriel filed a Maryland Open Meetings Act complaint, and on June 3 the Open Meetings Act Compliance Board issued an opinion substantiating Gisriel’s accusations. “… We find that the council violated the act over a period of time by secretly conducting public business that the act required it to discuss publicly and by failing to disclose the public either the fact the discussions or the creation of a negotiating committee until after the council had decided the terms of the franchise and ordinances. The council’s violations were not trivial,” the 11page opinion stated. Following the June 3 opinion, Gisriel has attempted to retrieve meeting minutes from those closed sessions. “Finally, we encourage the council to provide the public with minutes of the portions of the closed session from which the public was excluded in violation of the act,” Gisriel read to the council on June 23. “I would ask that you provide that, and I also would like to raise the question, do you intend to release that information?” Twice, Martin said he had to work with the resort’s legal counsel, which Gisriel took as a non-answer. Monday night, Gisriel didn’t directly address his request for pier franchise meeting minutes, but he did mention the city’s Comcast dealings, which until recently had been held privately, and reminded the council that the act not only focuses on franchises, but sole source dealings. With that in mind, he said the city’s meeting with marketing firm MGH, which took place last Monday, should See COUNCIL Page 6
Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
Meehan to promote public safety Continued from Page 1 March, cases locally have remained low, but as Hogan has relaxed restrictions, and as pent up travel demand attracted many to the resort, the county’s number doubled within a week from 22 on July 9, to 44 new cases on July 16, and have more than doubled this Thursday. Nonetheless, the true extent of Ocean City’s infection rate is a bit muddied, as the state reports cases based on where a patient resides, rather than where they have Gov. Hogan been infected. The state of Maryland has seen a steady increase in daily confirmed cases, with a 50-day high of more than 900 new cases last Sunday. Cases went back down on Monday, with 554 confirmed cases, but saw 627 on Wednesday. State and national health experts have attributed rising cases to premature openings of indoor dining at bars and restaurants, some of which are not enforcing safety guidelines, and to young adults who patronize these establishments with total disregard for social distancing, gathering and health guidelines. According to an analysis by The Baltimore Sun, Marylanders in their 20s and 30s, which typically made up onethird of all cases, contributed to more than 50 percent of recent positive cases. Gov. Larry Hogan addressed this trend last week, and urged young people to avoid crowded bars, house parties and large gatherings. Additionally, while he said closing business once more was his last resort, he would consider it if necessary. “We look closely at the data every day with public health experts, and we continue to emphasize caution and vigilance to Marylanders,” Hogan’s Communication Director Mike Ricci told Ocean City Today. “We have stressed to local health officers the importance of enforcing the public health orders currently in place, particularly at bars and restaurants. We cannot allow a small segment of bad actors to squander the sacrifices Marylanders have made. But, as the governor said, if necessary, he is prepared to take action.” Here in Ocean City, the spread has been isolated to restaurant and bar employees, Meehan said. “The thing that is concerning is the fact that it is their employees that have been tested positive, and that’s an age group between 18 and 35 years old,” he said. Despite the best efforts of owners and operators, the mayor said that this age group felt “young and invincible.” “They all work together, they all live together, they see their friends, their friends work at other restaurants and they’re young and invincible … just as I
was at one time … and it’s one of those situations where they really have to be a lot more careful,” he said. He added that guests need to be patient as well, and to remember that restaurants and bars were operating at 50 percent capacity and were severely understaffed. Some restaurant and bar owners have reported trouble with customers, particularly regarding facemask use, which are required indoors per Hogan’s order. Health experts have Rick Meehan lauded the device as one of the most effective tools in mitigating the spread of the virus. Nationally, as cases spike once more, however, several states, such as New Jersey, have ordered facemasks to be worn in all outdoor public areas where physical distancing is not possible. Maryland has yet to implement such a measure, and Meehan said while he and the council had considered the option, city officials likely would not follow suit, alluding to the difficulty of gaining compliance. “We’ve talked a lot about that,” Meehan said. “I’m not sure if that makes a major difference. Even in the areas that mandated that, they really rely on the same thing we’re relying on: compliance, and it’s all about messaging and if we can continue to message and get people to comply — that’s going to be our goal.” He also pointed to the fact that being outdoors typically is safer than being indoors, as there’s much more room to socially distance. Still, over-crowding and rare mask sightings on the Boardwalk have been points of concern since its reopening in May. “I really wish everybody would wear a mask outside and we are asking people to do that,” Meehan said. “It’s not requested, but it is recommended, and we certainly hope that more and more people abide by that and adhere to that recommendation.” Meehan and several City Council members were criticized on Monday for not wearing the masks since reinitiating in-person meetings in June. Before the meeting concluded, however, Meehan announced that facemasks would be obligatory within the City Hall chamber from then on. As for what lies in store for Ocean City in the weeks to come, Meehan said, “If I had the answer to that I would probably be called by every mayor and every elected official throughout the United States of America and I would probably get some overseas calls as well.” Hogan and Meehan have not spoken in several weeks, the mayor said, but last week, following news of the closures and Hogan’s statement, Meehan
asked the fire marshal’s office and local police to increase enforcement of capacity limits at indoor dining establishments. Additionally, he said he would be filming public service announcements on Wednesday to further communicate safety and health measures. Communication is a key strategy for the resort, he said. City officials do not plan on taking a step back, but if worse comes to worse, the city would comply with rollbacks and attempt to mitigate another economic fallout, although Meehan said he was uncertain as to what that would entail. “I wish I had a more definitive answer,” Meehan said. “I’m not avoiding it, but I just don’t know at this point.”
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Ocean City Today Calendar ..................................30 Classifieds ................................31 Commentary..............................37 Crossword Puzzle ......................28 Entertainment ..........................40 Horoscope ................................26 Obituaries ................................56 Public Notices ..........................34 Service Directory ......................33 Editor: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net News: editor@oceancitytoday.net Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net Classifieds: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net Phone: 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com and at Facebook/Ocean City Today Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842 P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Available by subscription at $150 a year.
JULY 24, 2020
PAGE 3
Ocean City Today
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12527 OCEAN REEF DRIVE • BERLIN - $719,900
6BR/4.5BA in exclusive Ocean Reef in desirable west OC! Located on 1.6 acres with saltwater pool, waterfall, outdoor fireplace and large deck. Luxurious home offers open floor plan. Chef’s kitchen including granite counter tops, custom cabinets, large center island, upgraded lighting, and flooring. Spacious family room with gas fireplace. First floor has spacious BR perfect for in- law or guest suite. 2nd floor has luxurious master suite w/gas fireplace, sitting area, custom bath retreat, and his & her closets.Additional bedrooms and baths are all large for family living. Oversized 3 car garage, HW & custom tile floors, crown molding, window treatments, built ins, and the list goes on. Easy drive to beaches, golf courses, marina, restaurants and shopping. Make memories to last a lifetime here! Come take a look before it's SOLD! MDWO115022
12973 INLET ISLE LANE • OCEAN CITY - $1,399,000
30557 N. MAGNOLIA CROSSING • SELBYVILLE, DE - $899,900
30542 N MAGNOLIA CROSSING • SELBYVILLE - $999,999
5BR/4.5BA in the Estates of Inlet Isle. Deep water access with room for 42ft boat. Desiger decorated and being sold fully furnished, Professional kitchen w/stainless appliances, tile backsplash, quartz counters, & upgraded lighting and breakfast bar. Great room with fireplace and custom waterfall. Cocktail and wine cooler, waterfront deck overlooking OC skyline. Master BR/BA on main level. Additional In-law suite on main level. Multple decks and screened porch. Garage, sprinkler system, elevator, upgraded lighting & ceiling fans, & custom tile work. MLS MDW0111488
5BR/4.5BA Catalina model built by Schell Brothers Luxury Home Builders. Chef’s kitchen w/granite countertops, breakfast bar, SS appliances, walk-in panty, custom cabinets & upgraded light. Dining area & oversized family room flows off kitchen overlooks golf course. Screened in porch. Spacious master suite wi/large deck overlooking the golf course. Elevator, 2 car garage. On one of the premier lots backing to golf course. Now is the perfect time to buy into the most comprehensive resort community in the Delaware Beach region. Easy access to 1st-class amenities including 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, restaurants, pools, splash zones, hot tub, fitness center, clubhouse, beach shuttle, dog park, tennis & more. MLS DESU161552
4BR/3.5 BA located in Bayside! Professionally landscaped grounds. Open floor plan. Chef's kitchen w/granite countertops, breakfast bar, high end SS appliances, walk-in pantry, custom cabinets & upgraded lighting. Dining area flows off kitchen. Stone fireplace. Covered porch w/large dining area & custom grill w/granite countertops. Spacious master bedroom w/his & hers closets and upgraded custom bath. 3 car garage w/custom finishes & lots of storage space. MLSDESU162322
DIRECT BAYFRONT
AFFORDABLE HOME ON THE WATER
UPGRADES GALORE
RAINBOW
HANDYMAN SPECIAL!!!
ESTATES AT INLET ISLE
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING NEW CONSTRUCTION
735 BRADLEY RD #307 OCEAN CITY - $299,900
12 DOVE LN • OCEAN PINES - $429,900
11000 COASTAL HWY #603 - $379,900 Stunning 2BR/2BA condo hits the market! This spacious condo has been upgraded throughout. Open floor plan & upgraded floors. Kitchen will delight the chef in your family w/granite counters, tile backsplash & SS appliances. Dining area off the kitchen makes a great place to enjoy family dinners. Family room is perfect for entertaining with a deck off the family room. Master BR is very large and has upgraded bath. Second BR is large as well and second bath has been upgraded. Southern exposure with panoramic views of Ocean, Bay and Ocean City. Sold turnkey fully furnished. Amenities offer something for everyone, with pool, tennis, game room, sauna, fitness center, basketball and dog walking area! This would make a great second home or rental property. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO114884
11200 COASTAL HWY #1001 OCEAN CITY - $569,000
6552 S POINT RD BERLIN - $600,000
Direct Ocean Front 3BR/3BA w/ocean front master BR suite. Tropical decor throughout. Dining room off kitchen. Living area off the dining room w/glass sliders to large direct ocean front deck w/full unobstructed view of the beach & ocean. Family room is spacious, 2nd & 3rd BRs are large as well, Conveniently located up-town & close to many local favorite restaurants & shopping venues. Pool. Come take a look today and make memories! MLS MDWO107176
Worth the sweat equity! Secluded 5 acre bayfront 3BR/3.5BA. Enjoy sunrises & expansive views of Sinepuxent Bay from your screened porch or deck. Steps away from canal w/pier & water access. In need of updating & being sold AS IS. Downstairs spacious master, 2BRs upstairs w/bonus room, 3.5 baths & attached 2 car garage. Just minutes away from Assateague Island, OC Golf Courses, Historic Berlin & OC Beaches, Restaurants & Shopping! MLS MDWO115330
Stunning Bayfront 2BR/2BA condo, remodeled & being sold furnished for your immediate enjoyment. As you walk through the front door you will be mesmerized by the Bay views. Remodeled kitchen w/granite countertops, upgraded cabinets, lighting, backsplash & breakfast bar. Split "L" shaped floor plan with each bedroom separated by the living area, and in the main living area there is beautiful tile.Your family and friends will enjoy relaxing in the large family room and watching sunsets night after night on the deck. Well maintained condo association with an elevator, Bayfront pool, community docks, outdoor shower, storage cage, and bike rack.
If you are looking for a slice of paradise look no further. Beautiful & affordable 3BR/2BA home situated on the water with dock on wide canal. Shows pride of ownership and has upgrades throughout. The chef in your family will love the gourmet kitchen w/SS appliances, granite counters, custom backsplash & cabinets plus breakfast bar. Open floor plan, kitchen flows into dining area & family room, perfect for entertaining. Large master BR w/full bath, 2 additional BRs & another full bath. Outdoor space is fabulous for barbecues & crab feasts, and there is a fire pit for the Fall.You will love the 9ft x 45ft. sunroom, currently set up with bar and craft room facing the water. Full garage with storage galore and lots of room in the driveway to park. This is an affordable home on the water in a terrific community. Come take a look today before it’s sold. MLS MDWO114770
DIRECT OCEANFRONT
INVESTORS ALERT!!!!
CAINE WOODS
RARE OPPORTUNITY
NEW LISTING
RARE OPPORTUNITY!
OPEN FRIDAY 11-1
WATERFRONT LAND
8 INLET ISLE LN #8 OCEAN CITY - $3,499,000 5 Bed, 4 full bath single family waterfront home on .29 Acres with views of Assawoman Bay. Gourmet Kitchen with Energy Star Appliances with double ovens and breakfast seating. Additional features include built-ins, recessed lighting and wine storage. 2-Car Garage. Located on a bulk-headed cul-de-sac lot w/42 ft. deep water slip. MLS MDWO114892
UNIQUE AND INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY WESTWOOD COMMERCE PARK
12 90TH STREET UNIT 12A&B OCEAN CITY - $1,599,000
1751 WESTWOOD DR SALISBURY - $2,390,000
This unit, conveniently located in midtown OC, was well taken care of & has everything you need at a very affordable price. Light & airy feel. Kitchen w/granite countertops, breakfast bar & fully equipped. Family room w/glass slider to deck. Murphy bed & wall mounted TVs. Full bath & full laundry. Separate storage locker. Would make a great 2nd home getaway or an investment property. Building w/indoor pool, fitness center, game room & elevator. Close to restaurants, shops & the convention center. Come take a look today before it’s sold. Turnkey fully furnished! MLS MDWO113708
4201 COASTAL HWY #204 OCEAN CITY - $129,500
206-204-202 DORCHESTER ST OCEAN CITY - $1,549,000 All parcels being sold together. Prime downtown location. Currently has 4 houses Total. Lot sizes are 4927,4824, and 3381 Sq Ft each. This was a summer rental in 2018. Rare opportunity to purchase valuable downtown location! TAX ID 10-028493 Tax ID10-028477 Tax ID 10-028485. MLS MDWO1001420
5BR/3BA totally remodeled condo. Kitchen has granite counters & stainless appliances. There are 2 separate living areas & multiple decks, and this first floor unit has plenty of room out back to walk the dog or just pull up a chair and relax. Low condo fees of $500 a quarter covers your master flood insurance and maintenance and repairs to the building exterior. Close to the beach, Northside Park, restaurants and shops. MDWO110680
4.5 acre waterfront parcel on Rt50 in West Ocean City! Property is bulkheaded w/100 foot pier into Herring Creek. Build your dream home in this convenient location! It is perfect for boaters because the water is navigable all the way to the ocean from here. Property has many opportunities & potential including possible subdivision. It is zoned R2 & close to everything Ocean City has to offer. Come take a look today before it is SOLD! MLS MDWO105914
TWO Ocean Block TOWNHOMES steps from the beach. 2 4BR/3BA/2HB townhomes each with its own elevator that goes from the carport to the 3rd floor. Each town home is 3400+ sq feet. In total there are 8 bedrooms, 6 full and 4 half baths, 2 elevators, 2 full kitchens and covered parking for 6 cars. Each has 3 decks with views. Gourmet kitchens & top levels consist of hardwood floors. Both units are being sold fully furnished. MLS108902
An opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area located within 2-3 hours of Baltimore, DC & Philadelphia. Very modern warehouse/manufacturing/distribution facility on 2.3 acres conveniently located just off the Route 50 & Route 13 interchange in Westwood Commerce Park. Building was completely renovated in 2019. Warehouse is 25,291 +/- sq.ft.; Office Area 1300 +/- sq.ft.; the Covered Loading Dock 2500 +/- sq.ft.; Steel & Concrete Mezzanine Level 1760 +/- sq.ft. Clear Height is 25'. 5 Dock high positions all with levelers & one with 14'x12' drive in door. Building has a new roof deck with R41 insulation, sidewalls with R31 insulation, lighting, dry fire sprinkler system, floor drains, heavy duty power supply & electric service, and plenty of parking for 8 trucks and 30 cars. Property is located in a Maryland Enterprise zone location with tax incentives possible. Best use would be manufacturing and/or warehouse distribution and the professional office space is an added benefit. Previously a large commercial laundry. Bring manufacturing back to the Great USA. (Listing agent is related to seller) MLS MDWC107760
PRIME LOCATION
PRIME LOCATION
WATERFRONT LOT
GLEN RIDDLE LOT
LIGHTHOUSE SOUND
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
GOLF AND BAY VIEWS!
NEW PRICE
NEW PRICE
36054 ZION CHURCH RD FRANKFORD $359,000
ZION CHURCH RD FRANKFORD $275,000
14301 TUNNEL AVENUE #1A OCEAN CITY - NOW $339,900
6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 BERLIN $649,900
31.84 acres close to DE & OC beaches. Subdivision possibilities, or private sprawling estate. Property has been surveyed and is available in document's. Property runs on 1 side of Rt. 20, Zion Church Road with about 1468ft +/- on Deer Run Road. Sewer could be a possibility on Deer Run Rd as sewer runs down that road but not to this property. It would need to be annexed into the sewer district & approved by County. MLS DESU132230
6.95 Acres with 640 feet of frontage on Zion Church Rd Rt. Prime location for building and development. MLS DESU132268
Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Well here it is, 5+ acres in a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this & 2 golf courses within 2 miles & Assateague Island is 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO100390
ENTIRE MIXED USE BUILDING
CUSTOM WATERFRONT W/OC SKYLINE VIEWS!
RARE OPPORTUNITY
12301 OCEAN GATEWAY RD OCEAN CITY - $899,000
10006 SEAPLANE LN BERLIN $449,000 Build your dream house & enjoy the sandy beach, water views & the OC Skyline. 28,113 sq. ft. lot will accommodate large home. Pick your builder, design, & build your showcase waterfront home! If you are not ready to build that dream home yet, buy the land & hold it. Lot is in amenity rich community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis, fitness center, marina. MLS MDWO112632
Located in mid town OC oceanside. Previously used as office space but presently there are 3 units each w/own entrance. 1st floor unit has 4BR/1.5BA, kitchen, washer & dryer. 2nd floor unit has 4BR/2BA. 3rd floor is an open area w/kitchen & bathroom. Recent improvements: 40 year roof, new windows, sprinkler system, outside storage, outdoor shower & tile floors throughout. A prime visible spot & has signage on Coastal Highway. 9 parking spaces. (The zoning is R-3, 4,770 sq ft. ) MLS MDWO115378
UNIT 109 OCEAN CITY $359,900
Build your dream home in Lighthouse Sound adjacent to hole 2, one of the largest lots boasting 24,662 sq ft (.57 acres). Will accommodate a large home. Design, build and enjoy your showcase home for years to come! If you are not ready to build that dream home yet, buy the land & hold it. If you are looking for luxury lifestyle both on this community offers it all minutes from OC, restaurants & shopping. MLS MDWO102900
Stunning 2BR/2BA w/every upgrade imaginable hits the market!!! Fully renovated w/beautiful wide plank floors throughout, open kitchen w/upgraded SS appliances, quartz counters, oversized pantry & custom cabinetry. Family rm opens to large deck w/southern exposure and ocean view. New sliders and plantation shutters. BRs are large w/oversized master with door to deck & upgraded bath. Completely furnished. MLS MDWO113766
COMMERCIAL
NEW LISTING
7600 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY $650,000
0 SOUTHHAMPTON DR #LOT 17 BISHOPVILLE $249,900
4 CLUBHOUSE DR OCEAN PINES NOW $1,229,000
12334 COLLINS RD BISHOPVILLE $399,900
0 RACETRACK RD BERLIN, MD $260,000
13010 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $390,000
0 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $290,000
6BR/6.5BA 5000 sq. ft. with 150 feet of bulk head. 2 boat lifts & 2 Jetski lifts. Open floor plan, HW floors, cathedral ceilings. Kitchen W/center island, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, custom cabinets, walk in pantry and breakfast area. Off the great room is deck leading to patio. Double sided gas FP. 1st floor master W/FP, and sitting room master bath W/jacuzzi tub, rain shower and double vanities. Garage w/mud room and guest quarters. Office work space, loft area, & multiple waterfront balconies. MLS MDWO108920
Large 2.94 acre waterfront lot in Bishopville. Build your dream home here. Lot is surrounded by estate homes & perfect setting for peace & tranquility. Lot backs to the St. Martins River. Pier & dock for multiple boats.No HOA's here or mandatory fees. St Martins river has water access to the ocean. This location is close to 113. Come take a look today & make that dream of building your dream house a reality. MLS MDWO105638
Zoned C1 across from the Casino on the west side of Rt 589. This is a heavy traffic area for cars to and from RT 50 and RT 90. This 1.01 acre lot has a survey already completed and a septic perk on file. This is a prime commercial location. Buy it before it's SOLD!!! MLS MDWO104326
Commercial piece w/high visibility w/14.33 acres on corner of Route 113 & Route 610 across from the former Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. Possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678
Prime 3.61 Acres Property hits the market! It's all out the location & visibility w/high traffic density. Conveniently located on Route 113 & Hamond Road. It is diagonally across from the former Emings BBQ. Owner financing is available w/acceptable contract. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! Possibilities are endless. MLS MDWO113680
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
Commissioners grill dept. heads on virus response Continued from Page 1 have been identified as a close contact and then would have to go into quarantine.” Although the county has recorded more than 400 cases, Jones said the department has monitored more than 1,000 people. Department personnel call those being monitored twice a day to ensure they are compliant with quarantine. According to the health department, there have been 160 complaints of businesses violating covid-19 guidelines as of Tuesday afternoon. Some establishments have been the target of multiple complaints, and some complaints have turned out to be invalid. “We give them written notification of any violations and then if we have to proceed, we go through to the suspension of their license,” Jones said. Kris Heiser, Worcester County state’s attorney, said that since March, law enforcement has reported violations to her office, which then decides whether to file charges. Only four people Worcester have been charged, according to Heiser. “We’re working together to make sure that businesses are safe, but
ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Health Officer Becky Jones updated the Worcester County Commissioners about coronavirus cases in the area and answered questions during their meeting on Tuesday, July 21.
luckily, and as Becky mentioned, we are really lucky to have everyone voluntarily complying on the whole,” Heiser said. Heiser herself did not comply with the commissioner’s requirement to wear a mask during the meeting. Mitrecic then asked what the
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liquor control board can do to help, acknowledging that they have limited staff and resources. Ed Potez, director of environmental health, said that the majority of the complaints are regarding masks and social distancing. “We’re looking at the bar areas, that’s been the biggest complaint that we have,” Potez said. “They have a difficult time understanding that when you go to the bar, you have to be separated by six feet.” He said not wearing a mask is a total disregard for the public. “I look at myself and everybody sitting up here – we are a high-risk group,” Potez said. “That bothers me when I go to a place and no one has a mask on.” He added that retail establishments are a gray area because they don’t license them. He also cited a couple instances of customers attacking staff. Shifting to questions from commissioners, County Commissioner Ted Elder asked Jones if nonresidents who test positive in Worcester are counted in this county’s numbers. Jones said they can test anyone. “Even if their home residency is not ours, we’re still going to maintain them in isolation and quarantine,” Jones said. In a separate interview, Jones clarified that people who have a Worcester address are counted into Worcester numbers. That means some cases are those who have a second home in Ocean City are counted as a Worcester case. If people from outside the county or state without secondary residency tests positive, they are counted for their home counties and states. Jones also told Elder that all of the coronavirus-related deaths have been
the elderly and those with underlying conditions. County Commissioner Jim Bunting then asked that of the 17 coronavirus-related deaths in Worcester, how many contracted and died of the virus outside of the county. It should be noted that there are 17 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths and there is one probable. When Jones said two have contracted and died from the virus outside of Worcester, Bunting said that should knock down the count to 15. “How many people that have died here in Worcester County that were under care of hospice and were probably going to pass anyway?” Bunting asked. When Jones said it was about three, Bunting said they should also be taken off the death count. He then asked about family members who have said their family member did not die from covid-19, though that’s what the death certificate states. “It then becomes a discussion between family members and the state regarding what’s on the death certificate,” Jones said. She reminded commissioners that hospitalizations, intensive care unit rates and those on ventilators have generally plateaued. When asked by Elder if those who have recovered can catch coronavirus for a second time, Jones said that since it’s a new virus, nobody knows. “You can’t let your guard down as far as basic prevention strategies,” Jones said. In closing, Mitrecic suggested setting up meetings with the mayors and city managers of the municipalities to discuss how they can help Jones. “We need to be vigilant,” Mitrecic said. “We need to keep moving forward. We need to keep our Worcester County safe and healthy.”
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
Restaurants confront virus, other problems head-on waited on test results,” Robinson said. “Unfortunately, the result was that we had zero 100 percent safe employees to come back to work until negative test results started coming in.” As negative tests arrived, employees continued to quarantine until reopening. In the meantime, both establishments were re-sanitized. “We went in there with commercial machinery and industrial chemical products and did about a two-day top to bottom sanitization of the entire premises,” Robinson said. Robinson also purchased a commercial disinfecting fogger for $500. He said it made more sense to buy one than to rent, since it’ll be used on a weekly basis. “We’ve been lending it out while we’re not using it to other restaurants,” Robinson said. “We’ve had the entire week booked out with reservations for that machine, so it’s good to see we’re helping our neighbors in combating this virus.” As for the employees recovering from covid-19, Robinson said they’re doing great. He maintained a positive outlook. “In general, everybody’s acting like it’s doom and gloom for Ocean City and I just don’t see ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY it that way,” Dry Dock 28 and Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon on 27th and 28th Streets, both Robinson said. closed for nearly two weeks after several employees tested positive for Dry Dock 28 covid-19. Both establishment re-opened yesterday. on 27th Street
Continued from Page 1 caution to “make sure staff is safe.” Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill on 53rd Street closed on Monday for cleaning and to give employees a day off. It was available for carry out only Tuesday through Thursday and then fully re-opened today. Mug and Mallet on 2nd Street closed on Monday due to the intense heat. Hammerheads Bar and Grille reopened on Monday and neighboring Backshore Brewing near 10th Street re-opened on Tuesday. Owner Danny Robinson said both had been closed for about a week after one employee tested positive, followed by three more. As soon as he got word that one employee was positive, Robinson made a chart of who was tested, when they were tested, if they were quarantining and who they were around. Staff assumed that anyone who could infect another employee, did. “We just had to guess while we
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ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Hammerheads and Backshore Brewing on 10th Street re-opened on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, after several employees tested positive for covid-19. Both were cleaned with commercial machinery, industrial chemical products and a commercial disinfecting fogger.
and Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon on 28th Street had a similar situation. Owner Doug “Buxy” Buxbaum said they sent one employee home who was experiencing symptoms on Friday, July 10. He tested positive the next day and both establishments immediately shut down. “Right away, we called the health department,” Buxbaum said. “We set up testing for 37 employees, which, the health department, nothing but kudos and I can’t say enough.” Although Buxbaum hoped to reopen by the end of the week, those hopes were dashed when several other employees tested positive. He decided to remain closed for nearly two weeks to eliminate any further possibility of community spread. “It wasn’t mandated that we close,” Buxbaum said. “We did this for the benefit of our staff and the safety of our patrons.” He added that both Dry Dock and the Salty Dog were sanitized multiple times during the temporary closure and re-opened yesterday. Buxbaum emphasized that it’s generally not the establishments that are spreading the virus, but younger employees going out after work. “Moving forward, I can only ask
that customers, the general public look through the windshield and not the rear view mirror,” Buxbaum said. “It’s so easy to pass blame or to pass judgment looking back, but that’s not where we’re going.” He added that the recovering employees are doing well and although they are medically cleared, they won’t return to work until next week. All employees will now undergo daily temperature checks. Buxbaum said he hopes everyone realizes how serious coronavirus is, especially the Town of Ocean City. “It would be a catastrophe if we re-opened and the town brings in 300,000 people for Air Show weekend and two weeks later, we have to close,” Buxbaum said. “I’m saying this tongue-in-cheek because I’ll follow the lead of our government. I’m not questioning their decisions, but we all have to do the same thing.” He advised tempering action with wisdom. “I don’t mind losing this battle, but I’m going to win this war, meaning I realize we have a lot of season left,” Buxbaum said. “We have a huge fall coming up and that is important for all our businesses.”
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Council says it will withhold minutes of closed sessions Continued from Page 2 have been public. He also asked why he had not received all the answers to questions he posed 16-months ago regarding how funds were spent for the public works campus facility project. Although officials said they would get answers to Gisriel about the public works campus project, and how exactly contingency funds were spent, what he received was incomplete. Of the information he received, a spreadsheet, he claimed there were discrepancies, based on talks with the Maryland Transit Administration. Public Works Director Hal Adkins declined to comment. “Vince, I want to apologize, I had no idea that you didn’t get the answers to your questions after I stated that that evening, so hopefully we can get Hal to get you those answers, if you don’t have complete answers at this point,” Meehan said at the end of the night. As for Gisriel’s request of the pier franchise meeting minutes, City Manager Doug Miller said, “In the opinion of the Open Meetings Compliance Board, they suggested that we make the minutes of the closed session public. [Former] Councilman Gisriel has made that request,” Miller said. “From a staff perspective, we would say that the minutes of the proceedings of closed sessions are closed, the council members were under the impression what they were talking about was in closed session, so therefore it would be our recommendation not to make those public.” Martin said the council was doing everything it could to ensure that it would not repeat its past mistake, and cited last week’s meeting when Miller informed the public of the council’s negotiations with Comcast for the city’s
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
cable franchise. “I think we’re on the right track,” Martin said, and the council voted to not release the meeting minutes. Councilwoman Mary Knight then addressed Gisriel’s MGH concerns. “Mr. Gisriel, and I apologize, when I read the closed session [notice] for the tourism meeting I should’ve read the next sentence: ‘The current marketing agency MGH presented proprietary ideas for a possible 2020 fall marketing campaign,’” she said. The closed session was not for dealing with money, but to protect the ideas presented by MGH from premature disclosure, Knight said. “It’s kind of like Coke and Pepsi — you don’t want to present the new Pepsi advertisement campaign to the public so Coke steals it,” she said. “… We decided at that point … with the lack of employees, etc. maybe those funds could be better spent in the spring.” Going back to the overall franchise issue, Gehrig said, “Contracts, I don’t care if we talk about them all out here frankly — union contracts I’ve been pushing for that. Fine bring them out, but … you can’t go back in history and tell incomplete stories.” As for the MGH closed session, “Some things, like advertising, it seems small, but we do have to have the ability to have proprietary conversations and concepts and bad ideas.” He continued, “Bad ideas are powerful, and if we’re afraid to look stupid, if we’re afraid of bad ideas, then we’re just going to sink and die. Closed sessions do have their place. We have to be able to think and talk and be free from criticism, I guess, or saying something ‘stupid.’ Sometimes those bad ideas get perfected into something that is great.”
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The following took place during Monday’s Ocean City Council meeting.
Future meetings The following meetings will take place in August: Police Commission — Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. in the Public Safety Building on 65th Street. Tourism Commission — Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street, room 214. Recreation and Parks — Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. in City Hall on Third Street. Bike Team — Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. in City Hall on Third Street, executive conference room. For the full agenda visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-clerk/standing-committees/
Committee reports Reports from Ocean City police and tourism commission meetings were presented to the full mayor and City Council. Councilwoman Mary Knight said the police commission lacked a quorum, so the meeting held had been informal and no votes were taken. The commission discussed June crime activity, cannabis enforcement and the possibility to revisit the city’s ordinance banning certain electric transportation devices on the Boardwalk. Knight said she wanted to add electric bicycles to the list. As for tourism, Knight said the group discussed the city’s recent marketing campaigns, presented by acting Tourism Director Jessica Waters, and then went into department reports from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Development Corporation, Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association, convention center, special events and tourism. The commission then went into closed-session to discuss a potential fall marketing campaign with MGH,
but took no action. For articles on the two meetings v i s i t https://www.oceancitytoday.com/ne ws/tourism-commission-discusses-recent-activity/article_a79611de-c78711ea-ac99-5f5ae38cc949.html and https://www.oceancitytoday.com/ne ws/police-commission-meeting-inform a l - m e m b e r s absent/article_ecbb8088-c781-11eaa71a-2bb3e700d7e1.html
Consent agenda The council voted to approve the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes from a June 23 work session and a July 6 regular meeting. Two event addendums were also approved: the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) originally scheduled for June 20, will now take place on Aug. 8 or 9, on the beach at 40th Street. The United States Marine Corps requested a date change for its Senior Week event, and is now slated for Aug. 14-16, the same dates as the OC Air Show, at the beach between Third and Fourth streets.
Public comment Resident Scott Chismar and Emily Nock, who also serves on the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals, brought a downtown trash issue to the council’s attention. “We have a big problem with it as it is this year, [and] it’s gotten worse,” Nock said. “I know the city guys do a great job, but sometimes it’s just more than they can handle.” Chrismar agreed, and said it was the fault of guests with an apparent knack for littering. He said he witnessed a person leave trash on Saturday morning, and the trash was still there that night. He asked the council to revisit fines and citations for littering. “I’m going to add the litter to the green team [agenda to] kind of [do] a review of fines and that whole process again,” Councilman Tony DeLuca said.
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Ocean City Today
No private shuttles for WMO or OC Air Show, council says By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) There will be no express shuttle services this year for either the White Marlin Open (WMO) or the OC Air Show, because of what the Ocean City Council views as dwindling need as well as social gathering/crowding concerns. The billfish tournament will take place from Aug. 3-7, and the air show is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16. The shuttles would have transported White Marlin Open weigh-in spectators to a Third Street viewing area, and OC Air Show spectators to 17th Street. “We are operating at historically low deployments because of covid-19 right now,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said at Monday’s City Council meeting. “If I carry 20,000 people on a normal day, I’m carrying about 3,500 a day this summer. That’s how drastic that change is,” although this was the goal under Gov. Larry Hogan’s travel restrictions. Adkins sent an email to the mayor and City Council with a list of factors they should consider when making the final decision — stressing he did not want to sway it, but simply present the facts. One of the factors from that list was the shuttles’ historically low ridership. “In review of the stats, please note that the ridership stats for the WMO, to 14th Street, were ‘less than impressive’ over four of the proceeding five years with only last year seeing a spike numbers. We, in DPW (Department of Public Works), call that ‘the Michael Jordan Effect,’” Adkins said in his email. Jordan fished last year’s tournament. At the meeting, Adkins said aside from the spike associated with the basketball legend’s rumored presence, the low ridership had the department questioning the need for the shuttle regardless of covid-19 concerns. “We brought it up because of the unusual times we are currently operating in, and whether you wished us to deploy express routes, express routes that some may then communicate and equate with crowded, condensed ridership,” Adkins said. Council members seemed more willing to grant the shuttle to the White Marlin Open than the OC Air Show, but overall believed that current bus deployments should be enough. Adkins added, “The visitor, not us, has chosen not to use mass transit. They’ve chosen to stay in their vehicle. We have yet to get a complaint from someone that we haven’t deployed enough buses.” Adkins said other parking lots would be available in the Third Street area as well, such as the Fourth Street lot, City Hall lot, after certain hours, or parking in the St. Louis Avenue corridor. “There may be an opportunity there for it to be a drive-to destination,” he said. If shuttle service were to be approved, Adkins said, he wanted to prohibit standing passengers and to require social distancing.
“The more buses we run in an effort to maintain social distancing and in an effort to eliminate standees, the more financial exposure you will experience, because I’m basically carrying air,” Adkins said. When asked by Councilman John Gehrig whether the shuttle could operate during the Open’s 5-8 p.m. peak period, Adkins said that it could. “The challenge with White Marlin Open is that people are used to going to 14th Street (Harbour Island),” Gehrig said. “I don’t know how many people are going to ride the shuttle, but at least the people who are riding the shuttle aren’t going to 14th Street.” The Open’s Harbour Island weigh-in station has been the go-to viewing location, but event owner and co-director Madelyne Rowan previously told the council that the location’s attendance would be severely reduce, prompting concerns about travel confusion and unintentional overcrowding. On Wednesday, White Marlin Open officials announced on Facebook that Harbour Island would be closed to the general public: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have been forced to move all public weigh-in viewing to our new Third Street Ballpark location. The large amount of space at the park will allow for proper social distancing and a more en-
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
OC Air Show Event Manager Steven Webster, left, and Public Works Director Hal Adkins wait on Monday to hear whether or not the Ocean City Council wanted to provide express shuttles for the OC Air Show. The council ultimately decided current bus deployments should suffice, and did not grant the shuttles.
joyable experience for our spectators. Unfortunately, the general public will not be permitted access to Harbour Island during weigh-ins this year. Although we worked with state and local officials for months to create a responsible covid-19 business plan, this battle has become insurmountable.” As for the air show, Event Manager Steven Webster said on Monday the shuttle has been used to transport performers’ friends and family, VIP guests, vendors and other stakeholders. “It wasn’t necessarily [a] public option,” Webster said, and added that show runners were fine with whatever the
council decided, as all they wanted to do was keep participants informed. Council President Lloyd Martin said the shuttles were not needed, with the rest of the council concurring. A vote was deemed unnecessary. The council did vote to approve a request to reserve eight parking spaces on the corner of Third Street and St. Louis Avenue, as well as to close Chicago Avenue between Third and Fourth streets for the White Marlin Open. For more information on the White Marlin Open and the OC Air Show visit https://whitemarlinopen.com and https://ocairshow.com
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
Building, moving program finalized City Council hopes to boost primary resident population with fee waivers, tax rebate By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) A new, two-year pilot program to boost homebuilding and Ocean City as a good place to establish a primary residence is ready to launch, after the Ocean City Council voted to approve it Monday night. But while all council members agreed the program was necessary to build the resort’s primary resident community, some debate took place over the nature of the program. The idea came to life two years ago, after a resident came to a council meeting and pointed out the cost difference of building in the resort versus elsewhere, such as West Ocean City or Delaware. An average building permit fee in the resort costs roughly $3,728, while an average impact fee for new construction is $3,658 — including other development costs the average difference amounts to $13,000. Two years and many meetings later, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville presented the final proposal to the council Monday evening. The program would offer two incentives: one, a building permit fee waiver of up to $7,500 for new or substantially improved primary residences, and two, a real property tax rebate of up to $2,500 over a period of five years for new primary residents. Applicants are eligible for both the waiver and the rebate, and could see up to $10,000 in benefits. Builders who submitted applications during the last fiscal year, so from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020,
would also be eligible. The program would cost up to $50,000, although it would be unrealized revenue, rather than a true budget cost, City Manager Doug Miller said. Councilwoman Mary Knight, who moved to accept the resolution, asked Neville what a project’s value had to be for the full $7,500 waiver. Neville said the average cost to build a home in Ocean City, based on projects completed over the last several years, was somewhere in the $275,000 range, which would result in a roughly $5,400 fee waiver to match the fees. “To receive the full benefit of up to $7,500 the value of the structure being built or substantially built would have to be in the range of $370,000 up to $400,000,” Neville said. He added that staff had recommended to not waive impact fees or critical area program fees, as those revenues are dedicated to separate funds for utility rates and storm water management. “Our review fees were the original intent, so I think we still meet the idea of the program with a variable incentive under the fee waiver, but it may not meet the full intent of the council,” Neville said. Councilman Tony DeLuca withdrew his second. “I withdraw my second because, as I’ve stated before, I want new permanent residents in Ocean City, period,” DeLuca said. “So I don’t want any strings attached.” DeLuca said he did not want the waivers to be contingent on the value of the project. “I want it to be if you come here and you apply for a building permit and it’s either for new or substantial improvement you get $7,500. If you
come here and get a rebate for new primary resident you get $2,500. You can get up to $10,000 with no price,” he said. Mayor Rick Meehan said he did not want to see impact fees removed from the equation. “I’d prefer if it said, ‘May include a portion of the impact fee, if necessary, to be included to reach the maximum amount of $7,500’” Meehan said. Neville explained, however, that what DeLuca was suggesting was more a building grant program, rather than a rebate initiative. “We have to have a base for something — it can’t just be $7,500 for every project,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “There has to be a foundational basis for how we are getting to that number.” DeLuca countered, “You do realize when new people move here they pay taxes, they eat in restaurants, they shop everywhere? Do you realize that, ever since I’ve been on the council, we continually shrink [the population]… everybody is moving to Delaware, West Ocean City, Berlin, Whaleyville, Pittsville — I want people to move to Ocean City and I want to incentivize them to move here.” “I mean it is $10,000,” Gehrig said. “… Substantial is a different definition for everyone. So a substantial project of $75,000 — we’re not even getting that in fees and now we’re stroking a check?” Legal counsel Heather Stansbury reiterated Neville’s earlier comment that the council was talking about two different concepts: waivers versus grants, the latter of which would involve a different budgetary line item. Furthermore, “This is only for $50,000 per year, so if we incentivize someone $7,500 generally, that’s six and a half people, six people,” she
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville presented the final proposal for a primary residence incentive program on Monday, which will offer up to $7,500 in fee waivers for substantial property construction or renovation, and up to $2,500 in property tax breaks for new residents.
said. Gehrig reiterated his stance. “The way it is now, I can’t vote for it,” he said. “I like the concept of course, [but] the $7,500 needs a definition … I want to waive our fees or reduce our fees, [but] I don’t want to pay someone. This isn’t like a grant program.” After establishing that the impact fees would remain in the proposal, the council moved forward with a vote, with DeLuca still opposed. However, Councilman Dennis Dare abstained from the vote because he could not hear the discussion, and with Councilmen Mark Paddack and Matt James absent, this would leave the council with no quorum and require the decision to be tabled. “Not to use a cliché, but we’ve beat this to death, and I think the intent of what everybody started talking about is contained in this incentive program that’s before us and I don’t know what else we can do with it other than start over. This is about the fifth time this has been before the mayor and council,” Meehan said. DeLuca gave in and reversed his vote. “This is very important and I’m going to vote for it,” he said. However, “I support it in principle, [but] it’s not enough.” Dare later added that if the city truly wanted to build up its primary resident population, it should reconsider allowing short-term rentals in R-1 single-family home zoning district. Crossword answers from page 28
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Ocean City Today
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Bayside waterfront 2BR/2BA w/views of Assateague Island & Ocean w/sunset views of inlet & bay. Never been rented. Downtown OC Location. Walk to boardwalk, restaurants, shopping. Community pool, large sundeck & building elevator. 1 assigned parking spot and a shared parking spot. Views are breath taking. $269,900
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PAGE 10
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
Downtown association gives out free masks and sanitizer By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) To help businesses on the Boardwalk, the Ocean City Downtown Association has given out more than 500 free facemasks and 200 sanitizer packets since July 4, and will continue to do so at the information booth located on North Division and Caroline streets. “When the downtown association opened the information booth [for] weekends in June, I was feeling very uncomfortable on the Boardwalk because almost no one was wearing masks,” Executive Director Mary Ann Manganello said. “I initially supplied a few of my own, just in case people asked, but we didn’t advertise it because we didn’t know if we could meet the demand.” Under Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order, patrons must wear facemasks in indoor facilities, such as restaurants, bars and retail stores. Manganello said people were either unaware of the requirement, their masks would wear and tear throughout the day or they would come thinking they would stay outdoors all day, but then later realize they needed to go indoors. To help, Manganello contacted the Worcester County Economic Develop-
ment, which had created a program of small grants of up to $500 for personal protective equipment (PPE) for small businesses. She said Lachelle Scarlato, Worcester County Economic Development deputy director, was instrumental in securing the funds. Scarlato knew about the downtown association because of the contacts her office made during the response planning phase of its covid-19 strategy sessions. Some of those strategic partners are the Ocean City Development Corporation, chambers of commerce and the association. “I happen to cover the north end of the county assigned for my role … and in conversation with the downtown association and others it became apparent that the business community was in need of assistance for purchasing PPE at that particular juncture in time,” Scarlato said. Scarlato spoke with the county administration, and later the county commissioners about directing funds to this endeavor. “We also run STEM summer camps for high school age students,” she said. “As a result of this season, we were not able to implement those camps in per-
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financial assistance soon. “We have another 300 masks and 100 hand sanitizers left, which will get us through to the end of the month” Manganello said. “We are seeking additional donations or funding to be able to continue the program through the busy weekends of White Marlin Open and the OC Air Show and on through Labor Day.” To make a donation, call Manganello at 703-731-6516 and for a mask and sanitizer packet visit the information booth located between North Division and Caroline streets.
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son with the partnerships that we would ordinarily activate, so we took that money that we would generally offer to the STEM summer camps and asked for permission to reassign [those funds],” Scarlato said. Since late June, Scarlatto said 70 entities have accepted the $500. “A bit of an unfortunate situation with the summer camps, but it turned into a positive for many in the business community,” Scarlatto said. Manganello said the association has enough supplies to last until the end of the month, but would be seeking more
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The Ocean City Downtown Association has given out more than 500 facemasks and 200 sanitizer packets from the visitor information booth located on Caroline and North Division streets.
Bayside/canalfront single family home. Raised Salt Box design offers close to 2000 square feet, 3 bedrooms (optional 4th bedroom/den/or office on main floor), 2 full baths and 2 half baths. 340+ square feet of wraparound, low-maintenance composite deck with gas grill hooked to propane tank for outdoor grilling enjoyment. The 12x28 three-season sunporch with vinyl tech windows overlooks the canal and provides a great spot for relaxation and bay breezes! 2 car attached garage with additional 500+ square foot storage room and 1/2 bath that leads to the backyard, beach shower w/changing area and the canal. Interior features include gas fireplace with blower, vaulted ceilings in living room, large kitchen island/bar with corian countertops, stainless steel appliances, master bedroom facing south with deck access and peek of bay, laundry room, loft for additional living space, and walk-in attic space. House has dual zone heat pumps (outside units approx. 2-3 years old) backup baseboard heating, Maytag washer/dryer approx. 6-7 years old, and kitchen appliances approximately 4-5 years old. Great location $924,900 with an easy walk to the beach, restaurants and shopping on a no-outlet street.
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
PAGE 11
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
NAACP, state’s attorneys discuss racial bias Lower shore representatives asked questions regarding prosecutor duties, changes By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Racial profiling and bias against the Black community was the topic during a Zoom panel discussion with the lower shore chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the lower shore state’s attorneys last Thursday. Amanda Hopkins, assistant secretary for the Wicomico NAACP, began the session by asking what changes each state’s attorney will make. Kris Heiser, Worcester County state’s attorney, said her office has recommitted to community prosecution. “Each one of them [prosecutors] is assigned to a different community within Worcester County,” Heiser said. “They go to community events, they go to community meetings, I go to them as well, and we just want to make sure that we know good people that we don’t necessarily see in court because they bring us all sorts of concerns and problems.” She added that they are also improving case management technology
to track data and statistics. William Jones, Dorchester County state’s attorney, said his office is moving to electronic filing, collaborating with police and gaining community recognition and trust. Brante Dashiell, the third vice president for Wicomico NAACP, said that according to the bureau of labor statistics, law is one of the least racially diverse professions, with 88 percent of attorneys being white. She asked how many staff each office has and how many are minorities. All attorneys stated Kristin Heiser that the majority of their employees are white. “That is unfortunate because that is not the way I would want things to be,” Jones said. “I think we should be more reflective of the community.” All attorneys also said they take diversity training as a part of the Maryland State’s Attorney Association of Police Reform. Dashiell also questioned what factors determine sentencing, given that African-Americans tend to have heavier sentences than whites. Heiser clarified that prosecutors only recommend, while the judge de-
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cides the sentence. “But we do that without regard for skin color,” Hesier said. “That’s totally irrelevant to the determination of what should happen with the case. We’re only going to consider the facts and the law and that’s it.” Dashiell pushed back on Heiser’s statement. “While you may personally and professionally feel that skin color is not a factor, unfortunately that is a fact, that is statistics, that is research, that comes from the American Bar Association as well as a study and research done at Stanford University,” Dashiell said. Wess Garner, state’s attorney for Somerset County, said that the judge relies on the state’s attorney recommendation. “I do understand that implicit bias can be a part of varying degrees of sentencing, which is why I believe it’s important to have that implicit bias training for all prosecutors, because the nature of implicit bias is you don’t know it’s happening,” Garner said. Dashiell then shifted to Black Lives Matter, noting the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of white police officers. “What are your thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement?” Dashiell said. “What would you say to an African-American young male, from what they have seen . . . has a fear of the police?” Heiser said she likes to keep statistics local and that she has had no complaints about law enforcement in Worcester. Not satisfied, Dashiell repeated the question. “My thoughts on any kind of movement or any organization advocating for change has to be based on an evaluation of the facts, which either support that there’s a problem that requires a solution in my Worcester County community or that doesn’t,” Heiser said. “I don’t have any facts being sent to me.” Hopkins then asked how the recent local and national concerns about law enforcement have affected how the state’s attorneys address their responsibilities. Heiser said that they already hold police accountable. “Any change really, because of national concerns about law enforcement, would simply be additional oversight by us,” Heiser said. Jamie Dykes, Wicomico County state’s attorney, said that Salisbury and Wicomico executives recently agreed to fund a prosecution integrity unit. Garner mentioned the organization 8Can’tWait, which advocates implementing eight use-of-force policies to reduce police violence. Maryland has instituted seven of the recommendations. “If those policies are communi-
cated and they are implemented, the statistics have shown that there is a 72 percent reduction in the amount of police violence across the state,” Garner said. During public comment, Lyndsay Greenan, of Worcester County, asked if Heiser could address the question regarding Black Lives Matter and young African-American men scared of the police. Heiser said her advice to anyone is to be respectful. “Respect is a two-way street,” Heiser said. “If you think you’ve been wronged, then the appropriate place to resolve those issues is the courtroom.” Greenan repeated her question about if Heiser supports Black Lives Matter. Heiser repeated her earlier stance on locality. “I like to keep it local, because if we have a local issue that needs to be addressed or solved, then I would want to know about that and get all the facts about that, before commenting on something going on nationally,” Heiser said. Greenan expressed frustration that Heiser did not answer the question. She added that Worcester has a history of racism and that as a teacher in a different county, she has seen Black and white children treated differently. “I don’t know that people realize that it is their bias that is causing this,” Greenan said. “In Ocean City, you see reactions to groups of kids on the Boardwalk taken differently.” Heiser repeated that she prefers to deal with local issues and specific cases. “It’s a larger movement though,” Greenan said. “Do you agree that in our local area, we do have issues with systemic racism?” Heiser said that racism would be an issue, no matter where or when it occurred or who is being targeted. “All I’m saying to you is that as a whole, no one has come to me, NAACP or otherwise, and said Worcester County police officers are off the charts behaving inappropriately,” Heiser said. Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughs (D 37-A) then tuned into the meeting to ask if the state’s attorneys would support repealing the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights. SampleHughs said that only 15 states still have this bill of rights. “I would be concerned, just like I would in any profession, about the implications and unintended consequences of limiting immunity,” Dykes said. “I’m not sure the public would ultimately be well served by that.” Critics of immunity for law enforcement have stated that it can allow police officers who have used excessive force to keep their job.
JULY 24, 2020
Canal amendment finalized after City Council gives ‘OK’ By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The Ocean City Council gave its final approval Monday evening to an amendment that will clarify the city’s waterway code. Under the resort’s code, shoreline construction may extend up to 20 percent of the width of the waterway, not to exceed 50 feet, as long as a 40foot-wide navigable channel is maintained. As previously reported, this conflicted with the Maryland Department of Environment’s (MDE) standard, which allows for multiple bulkhead replacements to creep up to 18 inches or more, which causes confusion among property owners. The amendment would simply streamline the two standards, and reassert that the 40-foot channel had to be maintained. Other minor amendments would incorporate previously adopted construction and submission standards. Councilman Tony DeLuca previously said that the Ocean City Board of Port Warden’s chairman, Black McGrath, had read and approved the code amendment, as did the rest of the board members.
Ocean City Today
PAGE 13
Covid-19 grants help nonprofits By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners accepted a $64,265 community block development grant for covid-19 relief during their meeting on Tuesday. The grant has an in-kind match of $3,000 each from Diakonia and county administration. Worcester County Developmental Center, which assists adults living with intellectual disabilities, will receive $31,400 for Chrome Books and IT planning. Diakonia, which houses and assists people experiencing homelessness, will receive $32,865 for staff salary and covid-19 supplies for homeless assistance. Jack Ferry, director of the developmental center, said the grant will be helpful in connecting with clients as the day program has been closed since March 13. Staff have been conducting virtual trainings with clients instead. “We have a YouTube channel,” Ferry said. “We also do Zoom programming on a daily basis now, but we have a number of clients that are not able to participate because they don’t have the technology.” He added that the equipment will still be helpful for clients who do have computers or iPads.
“By everybody having the same computer, Chrome Book, it’d be a lot easier to teach all of the clients if everybody were using the same platform,” Ferry said. He hopes the day program will reopen soon, but believes this is the best alternative. “If they don’t get the training on the daily basis, they can have a tendency to decline in their abilities and so we want to make sure that they’re active, that they’re engaged and that they’re involved,” Ferry said. Bea Miller, execuBea Miller tive director of Diakonia, said the grant will be used primarily for additional staff support. The emergency homeless shelter is operating at 50 percent capacity and quarantines all new admissions. “I need that staff support to be able to take out food to them, to the units that we’re having them quarantine in and monitor them as closely as possible,” Miller said. “If anybody is symptomatic, I need that extra staff support to make sure that they have the support that they need while they’re in house.” Miller said a smaller portion of the
grant will be used for covid-19 testing if necessary, since the shelter had not received any testing assistance. Although there is free testing at the West Ocean City Park N’ Ride on Mondays and Wednesdays, medical facilities may still charge. “If it becomes necessary to test any staff or guest, I just wanted to make sure I could cover that expense if we have it,” Miller said. “That don’t necessarily mean we’ll use it.” She said Diakonia has been doing well overall and that the community has provided its personnel Jack Ferry with personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. Employees disinfect buildings four times a day, which is at least two times per shift. “The biggest thing I want the community to know is we haven’t stopped our operations or providing service through our food pantry, through the shelter, through our rapid rehousing case management services and veteran’s support. All that has continued throughout this whole time,” Miller said. “I’m very thankful the Worcester County Commissioners allowed us an opportunity to submit for this grant to help with those expenses.”
PAGE 14
Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
JULY 24, 2020
No mask, no entry: City Hall facial coverings mandated By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) After being chided by members of the public during Monday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan, with the approval of the council, said all future council, board and committee meetings held in the chamber of City Hall on Third Street would require facemask usage by all. Concerns over the White Marlin Open event were also addressed. “I want to thank Councilman [John] Gehrig for wearing his mask during the meeting tonight, and Council Secretary [Mary] Knight for your repeated reminders for having masks at all the public events,” said resident Emily Nock, who serves on the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals. “I think it’s an important time right now with businesses that are closing daily, and after we lost a very important member of the community just yesterday, for the council to set those examples. I really do appreciate those efforts.” Nock also asked about safety measures being taken at the White Marlin Open, slated for Aug. 3-7. “I do have some concerns with the Third and Fourth streets White Marlin Open [locations],” Nock said. “I see Harbour Island that there is going to be somebody there to enforce capacity. I didn’t see that protection there for Third and Fourth streets.” Nock said with a number of elderly residents who walk their dogs in that area, she wanted to know what precautions the council would take in order to prevent the spread of covid-19. In a separate interview, Mayor Rick Meehan said the White Marlin Open organizers had gone to great lengths to ensure a safe tournament, but will rely on compliance, as well. On Wednesday, July 22 White Marlin Open officials announced on Facebook that the general public would no longer have access to Harbour Island, and would be required to view the weigh-in at the event’s Third Street location. Resident Scott Chismar, who frequently attends the meetings and typically lauds city officials’ efforts, agreed that facemasks should be mandated. “On that July 6 meeting coming back from all of the Zoom [meetings], I came into the foyer and I got my temperature taken [and] I felt good,” he said. “I thought it would be kind of a Gov. [Larry] Hogan type of meeting where everybody was doing social distancing and all masked up. And at that meeting, Councilman Gehrig was the only council member that had the mask on, and I was kind of surprised.” The first in-person council meeting took place on June 23, during which Gehrig was absent and Councilman Mark Paddack was the sole mask wearer. Since then, Paddack and Gehrig
PAGE 15
Ocean City Today
have been the only members to consistently wear their facemasks, although Paddack was absent Monday night. Councilman Dennis Dare has been attending the meetings at home via Zoom. Chismar said sitting in the meeting for several hours surrounded by unmasked individuals made him feel uncomfortable. He listed several restaurants that have closed because of staff members testing positive for covid-19, despite implementing best practices to prevent such an outbreak. Even Walmart, who, “…is certainly not known for doing great things for their workers,” had implemented a mandatory mask policy, Chismar said. The company announced last Wednesday that all of its stores nationwide would require facemask use, although usage was required already in Maryland under Hogan’s executive order. “I think it was between seven or 10, the numbers fluctuated, people were actually wearing masks [tonight],” Chismar said. “I think we need to do better than that, and I would hope you guys consider that.” After reading a quote by Hogan, which emphasized personal responsibility, Chismar said, “It’s my belief that this building of all should be amongst the safest of all of Ocean City and be a welcome place to come.” In response, Gehrig focused his attention on special events, noting that social distancing was the primary preventative measure and that, as an outdoor destination, he wanted to allow people to choose whether or not to use facemasks. But, “If people choose to congregate, I think if we we’re going to have events that needs to be part of the deal that if you’re close together you have to put them [masks] on, and the promoter, whether that’s us, should have a policy for that,” he said. Mayor Rick Meehan said from then on facemasks would be required at all board, committee and council meetings held in the chamber. “As far as masks go, I think a couple of people touched on it, but we really need to lead by example,” Meehan said. “Mines here, but I’m not wearing it because we’re all distanced, but you know what, as far as this chamber goes, that should be mandated here that everybody wears masks.” Meehan highlighted members of the board of zoning appeals, all of who wore masks during a recent meeting. “I thank you all for your comments, because sometimes that little nudge makes it so that everybody gets on the same page,” he said. For White Marlin Open safety measures and to view the livestream visit https://whitemarlinopen.com/news/p ost/safety-protocols-for-weigh-in-viewing-1
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PAGE 16
Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
Sun & Surf Cinema drive-in theater approved, up Friday By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Visitors and residents will be able to have an additional drive-in movie experience this Friday, after the Ocean City Council on Monday approved a temporary use permit request from Fox Sun & Surf Cinema on 143rd Street to allow it to screen films outdoors. Under Gov. Larry Hogan’s covid19 order, indoor movie theaters went dark and have stayed so since March. Hogan would later allow drive-in theaters to operate, although such entities are not permitted under the resort’s zoning laws. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said Fox Sun & Surf Cinema had asked to convert its back parking lot into a drivein movie space a few months back, but the request got sidestepped as the council and city staff tackled its June schedule. Neville said the council had two options. The first option would be to approve the request using the temporary use permit process developed earlier this summer to allow restaurants and bars serving food to expand outdoor seating. The only issue with this, however, was that the temporary use permit had been designed specifically for those kinds of operations, so the council would have to decide if it could or wanted to expand the scope of the permit. City legal counsel Heather Stansbury later said the decision involved no legal barriers. “I think in many ways this is a similar situation [to restaurants and bars],” Neville said. “[It’s] use of a private property in the parking lot, it’s allowing commercial activity to occur and food and beverage is being proposed to be provided from within the building.” The second option would be to go through the traditional conditional use permit process, which could take
several months and would require a public hearing. Neville said that although the district was commercially zoned, two residential buildings — a single-family home and a condominium — existed west of the theater on Sinepuxent Avenue. Trees on the street would fully screen the single-family home from the project and the owners of those properties would be notified and provided with the theater manager’s contact information, Neville said. Additionally, Neville said the Worcester County health officer and fire marshal’s office had given their preliminary support for the endeavor, and the Caine Wood’s Association had indicated some approval of it as well. Sun & Surf, if allowed to proceed, would have to meet the following conditions — notification of the two adjacent property owners; temporary use until Dec. 31, or until Hogan lifted his restrictions; sound would be limited to individual vehicles via FM radio; onsite management must maintain trash cleanup and enforce separation criteria to limit groups of more than 10 people seated outside of personal vehicles; night parking lot security lighting when movies are not playing; any privacy fencing to be temporary only; and food service and restrooms available within the building for “ticket holder” use. “I think at this point the exposure to noise, sound, light and activity in that back parking lot is fairly limited within the scope of that block,” Neville said. The council supported the proposal, but had some concerns. Councilwoman Mary Knight asked that all guests be required to wear facemasks when entering the facility, which would be open for bathroom use and snack purchases. Theater Manager Andrew Seyler reassured Knight, that not only would guests be required to wear the masks indoors, as per Hogan’s order, aside
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Sun & Surf Cinema on 143rd Street will begin screening drive-in movies, after the Ocean City Council on Monday granted it a temporary use permit to use its back parking lot for the screenings.
from using the bathroom, guests would have no other reason to enter the facility, as snacks could be purchased via an app and be either picked up or delivered. The app would further eliminate customer-staff contact, as it would serve as a space for ticket purchase and verification. The next set of concerns came from Councilman Dennis Dare who, with the adjacent property owners in mind, worried about the noise level, how long movies would last and movie ratings. As for noise, Seyler said all viewers would have to remain in their vehicles, where they would tune into the audio via FM radio. He added that the theater planned to have two feature films each night, one beginning at 8:30 p.m. and the next beginning at 10:30 p.m. This was necessary for now, Seyler said, because the sun sets later during the summer and with a final screening at 10:30 p.m. the theater would likely close between 12:30-1 a.m. This could easily be rectified during the fall and winter, he said, when the sun sets much earlier. However, “It’s sort of a catch 22,” Dare said. “He’s zoned for commercial and we have residential right next to it.” Dare also expressed concerned with residents and visitors in the adjacent properties or walking in the area seeing explicit content plastered on the building. Seyler said not all movies would be rated-R, but the theater would appreciate the ability to screen such films
for older audiences. Seyler also said the theater would be willing to commit to building a fence around Sinepuxent Avenue to help shield innocent eyes wandering to the screen, although the council did not hold him to this. R-rated films would often be screened in the latter half of the evening, he added, and noted that sometimes the rating comes from inappropriate jokes, rather than explicit visual content. “Some R-Rated movies are just language based, and others showing nudity risk being shutdown — let him use his judgment,” Councilman John Gehrig said. Dare said, however, he would only support the permit if the council added a contingency requiring the theater to end operations if it were to receive any complaints. The council agreed, but clarified that a complaint would prompt a review by city officials, rather than an immediate shutdown. “Yeah, that’s fine, but you’ll have to wait a week or two weeks until we meet,” Dare said. Council President Lloyd Martin responded that the council could meet earlier to handle the situation — in person or via Zoom. City officials also added the condition that movies must conclude by 1 a.m. “If there’s an issue, we will take care of the issue right away,” Martin said. The app, which is more of a simplified website for phone use, will be available at https://www.foxshowtimes.com
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
Education recovery plans due soon Local school systems can decide how to open in fall; WCPS offers draft of model By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced that local school systems are to submit their safe recovery plans by Aug. 14 during a press conference on Wednesday. “We would all like to see our children get back to school as soon as possible, but only, if and when, we can do so in a way that keeps our students and our teachers safe,” the governor said. Salmon has met with county boards of education and local school superintendents as well as teachers and parents about safe education recovery plans for Maryland public schools. Nine systems have made the decision to go virtual, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince George’s, Harford and Montgomery counties. The other jurisdictions are finalizing plans for the Aug. 14 deadline. Local systems will have the flexibility to determine how they will reopen, and which groups of students
and staff will be able to re-enter buildings, Salmon said. “The imminent safety and health of students and staff must and always be the first priority,” Salmon said. As for Worcester County Public Schools, the Board of Education is scheduled to finalize the “Responsible Return” model in August. A full draft is available at worcesterk12.org. “At this point in time, a decision about how we will return to school this September has not been made; however, our ‘Responsible Return’ draft model plans for three contingencies: face-to-face, hybrid and distance learning modes,” said Louis Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools. “We are currently in the stage of gathering stakeholder feedback to inform our team as we work to finalize this draft. We are very appreciative of our students, staff, their families and our community for being patient with us as we endeavor to find a solution that is in the best interest of our school system.” Salmon provided an update on protocols and guidelines moving forward in the recovery plans for either virtual or hybrid learning. First, all school systems must follow CDC guidelines, including social distancing, frequent hand washing
and cloth face coverings worn by all staff and students. In addition, all schools must adhere to protocols from state health officials for addressing an outbreak. “An outbreak is defined as at least one laboratory case of covid-19,” Salmon said. The CDC states the recommended definition of an outbreak is “during (and because of) a case investigation and contact tracing, two or more contacts are identified as having active covid-19, regardless of their assigned priority” or “two or more patients with covid-19 are discovered to be linked, and the linkage is established outside of a case investigation and contact tracing.” Schools should work with local health departments for contact tracing procedures and guidelines for quarantine, she added. Lastly, all school systems must meet a series of benchmarks, which include identifying learning gaps, maintaining curricular frameworks, following health procedures as outlined from Maryland Department of Health and CDC, and ensuring safe transportation. With a focus on education equity and justice, Salmon said a total of $255 million in CARES Act funding has been allocated for educational priorities. To address the digital divide, $100
Dr. Karen Salmon, state superintendent of schools, announced that local school systems have the flexibility to determine how they open during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan on Wednesday.
million of the funding has been dedicated to equip students with up-todate devices and connectivity. Another $100 million is assigned to tutoring and learning programs to help with “learning loss” from a lack of in-person instruction. A wireless broadband network will be established for $10 million to enhance access in Western and Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Those resources will ensure that more students have access to remote learning. For more information, visit governor.maryland.gov.
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By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) With the extra $600 for unemployment assistance from the federal government expiring tomorrow, local businesses are uncertain how that will affect employment in Ocean City and Worcester County. The extra assistance was added as a result of massive unemployment rates across the country caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Maryland hit an unemployment high in April at 9.8 percent N. Schewendeman and has decreased to 8.3 percent in June. Before the pandemic hit, Maryland was at 3.5 percent. Worcester County had the highest unemployment rate in Maryland in May at 18.7 percent. Rates for June have not yet been broken down by county. Hotels and restaurants have struggled to hire enough staff for the summer season. Part of this is because the roughly 4,000 J-1 foreign students
who come to Ocean City each summer to work and live are not coming this year as per the federal government’s temporary ban on work visas. Susan Jones, executive director of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said that she has seen fewer listings for employees. “Some hotels have navigated around and been able to find employees from hotels in areas that aren’t busy, but there are plenty that still need housekeepers,” Jones said. For example, she Susan Jones said that an employee from HotelPro, a company that matches hospitality workers with employers, connected with the Carousel Group and has placed 30 employees into its properties in a “weekend warrior program.” These employees bus from Baltimore bus to Ocean City to work. However, employment issues persist, according to Jones. “With the $600 running out on Saturday, I am hopeful that folks will See BUSINESSES Page 19
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIEFS By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners made the following decisions during their meeting on Tuesday:
Board of Education The Worcester County Board of Education requested a fund transfer regarding school construction items. The proposed FY21 operating budget had $267,000 for projects such as in-
tercom system replacement at Snow Hill Middle School, resurfacing the gym floor at Pocomoke High School, a fence for the early childhood area at Snow Hill Elementary School and increased electricity capacity at Worcester Technical High School. Because of covid-19 financial restraints, these items were cut from the budget. However, there was cost savings when health insurance rates for FY21 were decreased. The board asked that the cost savings be used for the school construc-
tion items.
GIS request
Asphalt overlay
Commissioners denied a request to waive a fee for GIS data. Gerhard J. Norkus, a Jehovah’s Witness minister, had requested address point data for outreach ministry since they cannot conduct door-to-door visits for disaster relief assistance. The fee is normally $250 per data layer. Ed Tudor, director of review and permitting, said they do not generally waive fees and instead suggest they apply for a grant at budget time.
The commissioners approved bids documents for the purchase for bituminous concrete. This will be used to resurface about 12.16 miles of county roads. There is $1 million in funding approved for this project in the FY21 operating budget. John Tustin, director of Public Works, said that bids must be in by Aug. 10.
Businesses still seeking summer employees Continued from Page 19 realize there are plenty of entry level positions available and they will come to work,” Jones said. Nancy Schwendeman, interim director of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, agreed that although businesses have found alternative solutions, staffing is still a struggle. She added that the $600 a week on top of regular unemployment assistance is not the only variable. “There are people that just can’t get out from their homes because, number one, they may have medical conditions,” Schwendeman said. “Number two, they are providing
their own child care, and before school let out, they were doing their online schooling with their young children.” She also said that adjusted school schedules will play a factor, particularly if school districts return to inperson classes and if college students have to return to campus earlier than usual. According to Schwendeman, Ocean City might not see how the extra unemployment affected staffing issues until later. To assist local businesses, the chamber has an ongoing virtual job fair and will have an open air job fair
in Pocomoke City on Wednesday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the farmer’s market. “I feel like that will be a great indicator, because the official end to the extra $600 will have run out,” Schwendeman said. She added that the chamber has been exploring an opportunity with the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce. “We are actually going to be working with the National Puerto Rican Chamber and placing an ad with them for our virtual job fair that we’ve had on our website,” Schwendeman said. “We’re hoping that will
also bring some good, strong results for our members.” She said this involves less “red tape” because there are no visas involved. Schwendeman added that employment issues have continued to be fluid since the start of the pandemic. “The best advice that I can give is try to utilize all resources that are available and to reach out to the chamber of commerce if they have questions, because we are certainly here to see what we can do to help,” Schwendeman said. To see Ocean City’s job fair, visit oceancity.org/employment/.
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
OCPD raises thousands for Special Olympics By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The Ocean City Police Department raised $8,247 last weekend with its “Cover the Cruiser, Law Enforcement Torch Run,” with all proceeds going to Special Olympics Maryland. “This is a statewide event, it’s called Cover the Cruiser, it’s a fundraising event for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which all goes to Special Olympics Maryland,” PFC Neshawn Jubilee said. “… The event started a while back, it’s been going on for a long time, and it’s a way to get the community involved — kids, families, anyone really.” The fundraiser took place on North Division Street and the Boardwalk last Friday from 2-8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Jubilee said the project came to life after a lieutenant got him involved with the organization. “My lieutenant, who got me involved with Special Olympics and introduced me to the program, had the idea of doing it on the Boardwalk because it’s a busy place and people love to donate to good causes, so he and I ran with it last year and it was very successful,” Jubilee said. Participants donate any amount of money and are given a pledge card, which, after writing a message on it, is stuck to the police vehicle — hence the “Cover the Cruiser” name. Event T-shirts and hats were also available for purchase at $15 each.
In its inaugural year, Jubilee said the police department raised $5,000 in two days. This year, people donated more than $5,000 last Friday alone, and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, another $2,000 made its way to Special Olympics Maryland. “We’ve been moving, we’ve been rocking and rolling — people were waiting for me to get here this morning,” he said. “The community is very supportive, they love us (Ocean City police) [and] they always thank us for what we do and the community is all on board when events like this come into town.” Jubilee said a woman came up to him Sunday morning and said, “Any-
thing we can do to help you guys or the community, we’re all about it.” Jubilee said the event offered residents and visitors a chance to engage with local officers and see the police department outside of its law enforcement duties. “I think these events are very important,” Jubilee said. “Having people see that the police department does other things in the community and getting people involved is important. It builds a positive light for police officers.” Jubilee encouraged residents and guests to stay tuned to local law enforcement events by following the department’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ocpdmdinfo
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Ocean City Today
Topless lawsuit moves to fed. appeals court Women seek legal grounds to sunbathe bare chested, OC officials firmly opposed
ter and quality of Ocean City and its beaches, and to protect the sensibilities of Ocean City’s residents and visitors.” The rationale for the ordinance was By Greg Ellison that while some may Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Ocean City offinot take offense with cials have another court date pending female toplessness, it in the years’-long lawsuit brought by remains unpalatable female toplessness advocates who are to larger society. appealing the U.S. District Court’s re- Bruce Bright Attorney Bruce cent ruling that upheld the resort’s Bright, representing ordinance prohibiting bare breasts on Ocean City, said the U.S. District the beach. Court issues trial level rulings that Championing the idea that women can be appealed to Federal Appellate have the same rights as men regard- Court. ing chest exposure in public, Chelsea “The U.S. District Court … made a Eline, along with co-plaintiffs Megan ruling in the case granting our moBryant, Rose MacGregor, Christine tion for summary judgment,” he said. Coleman, and Angela Urban, filed “Within 30 days the plaintiffs have an suit against Ocean City officials in automatic right of appeal to Fourth January 2018. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is the The topic was raised in August first level of federal appellate appeal.” 2016 after Eline informed the In April, U.S. District Court Judge Worcester County State’s Attorney James Bredar rejected the plaintiffs’ Office and the OC Police of her inten- contention that prohibiting females, tions to sunbathe topless on the but not males, from publicly displaybeach. ing their breasts is a violation of the In June 2017, Ocean City officials Constitution’s Equal Protection adopted an emergency ordinance to Clause and Article 46 of the Maryland preserve the “family-oriented charac- Declaration of Rights.
“He decided, first of all and most basically, that the ordinance is constitutional and does not violate any provisions of the Constitution,” he said. In his decision Judge Bredar wrote, “laws may acknowledge the physical differences between men and women, so long as such genderbased classifications do not ‘create or perpetuate the legal, social, and economic inferiority of women.’” Bright said Bredar, who serves as Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court in Maryland, also made evidentiary rulings concerning testimony provided by Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Councilwoman Mary Knight. “What the plaintiffs’ attorney did at the summary judgement stage in the trial court, he argued that their testimony shouldn’t be considered because … they weren’t qualified to testify as experts on any particular subject that was relevant to the case,” he said. By contrast, Bright had contended both Meehan and Knight were not proffered as academic experts. “They weren’t testifying as experts, they were testifying as duly elected officials who are charged with the duty and responsibility, in part on
certain matters, to determine where the public stands,” he said. Bright said the trial court concurred that as elected officials their perspective held validity. “They testified as to what was their view of the public sensibilities were on this issue,” he said. In addition to taking issue with the court’s finding that Meehan and Knight were qualified witnesses, the plaintiffs also contend that the U.S. District Court “abused its discretion” in rejecting their expert, Indiana University School of Public Health Professor Debby Herbenick. After filing paperwork with the Fourth Circuit on May 7, last Tuesday plaintiffs Attorney Devon Jacob submitted an appellate brief. “They noted their appeal in a timely manner back in May,” he said. “What they filed [on July 14] was their appellate brief.” Bright said with appeal arguments now advanced, Ocean City has until Aug. 13 to respond. “We have to file a response brief and then there will be oral arguments in front of the Fourth Circuit thereafter,” he said. “It will be a threejudge panel that hears the case.”
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
New weekly coronavirus cases double in Wor. By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Worcester County has the fastest growing rate of new coronavirus cases in Maryland, according to health department agencies and hospitals. According to the Worcester County Health Department, 80 cases were diagnosed from last Friday to this Wednesday. The health department’s coronavirus update website was down on Thursday morning. This brings the county’s total cases since March to 435. There have been 18 deaths in the county from coronavirus. On Tuesday, Maryland was added to New York’s list of states that must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. This mandate is effective for entry into New Jersey and Connecticut as well. States are added to this list if 10 percent of its population tests positive for coronavirus. Susan Jones, director of the HotelMotel-Restaurant Association, said they have had cancellations from New York and New Jersey visitors. “They are concerned that if they travel here and have to go back and quarantine, they will not be able to go back to work,” Jones said. “Understandable from their point, but certainly not in terms of tourism. We will need to figure out how to replace that visitor spending.” Nancy Schwendeman, interim director of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, agreed that Ocean City will see some effect. “However, since Ocean City is the perfect ‘drive to’ destination, we are still seeing visitors from a variety of states,” Schwendeman said. She reminded everyone that this is not a mandate from the Maryland government. “Guests and locals are still encouraged to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash and sanitize their hands and follow all recommendations from the CDC [Center for Disease and Control] guidelines.” Meanwhile, the Berlin Nursing
Home has had 18 deaths, but one was a resident of another county. One of the deaths is listed as “probable” because the individual was never tested. The nursing home has recorded 33 staff cases and 68 resident cases, according to the Maryland Department of Health. According to its website, the nursing home has 165 resident beds. Multiple requests over the past couple months for comment from the nursing home have not produced a response. There are 193 cases in the Berlin and Ocean Pines 21811 zip Becky Jones code, 117 cases in the Ocean City 21842 zip code, 44 in the Snow Hill 21863 zip code and 70 in the Pocomoke City 21851 zip code. A zip code must have at least eight cases to be listed. A total of 289 people have been released from public monitoring. Worcester has conducted over 6,000 coronavirus tests. As of Thursday, Maryland had 80,836 cases. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were nine patients at Atlantic General Hospital with coronavirus – five in the intensive care unit with one on a ventilator and four in the med/surg unit, according to Toni Keiser, vice president of public relations. One patient is suspected to have coronavirus, but has not yet been confirmed. The hospital has cared for four patients who have come off a ventilator and has released 29 patients total with coronavirus. Numerous restaurants and bars in Ocean City have temporarily closed after employee coronavirus tests returned positive. The health department said these establishments are not required to close if an employee is positive. The department has had 160 complaints of covid-19 guidelines violations, according to Public
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Information Officer Travis Brown. Some of these are multiple complaints against one establishment and not all are necessarily valid. “It’s difficult to draw direct connections with businesses and cases but non-compliance with social distancing and face covering mandates greatly increases the risk of spreading covid-19,” Brown said. “We want to remind the public to continue to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, stay home if sick and frequently wash your hands.” To report a restaurant or bar for not following safety guidelines, call environmental health at 410-3523234. Health Officer Becky Jones said that she’s not surprised that there’s an uptick in cases, as there’s more testing available. However, Worcester’s positivity rate out of those tested in 6.93 percent, the second highest in the state followed by Dorchester County. “Focus in on the numbers that have recovered, that are doing well that they have been released from isolation and quarantine,” Jones said. “Universally, I think that number is not being looked at.” It should be noted that the longterm effects of covid-19 are unknown. As of Thursday, next door Wicomico had 1,206 cases and Sussex County has 5,375 cases as of Wednesday. According to the Maryland Department of Health, the state positivity rate was at 4.56 percent as of Thursday. The health department has two free testing sites at its location in Pocomoke City on Walnut Street and at the West Ocean City Park N’ Ride. The testing is for adults at least 18 years old. Those who want to get tested should bring ID. Testing is available for Worcester County residents only at the Pocomoke location on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The West Ocean City testing site is open Monday and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call 410-632-1100, ext. 1119. To treat patients, Atlantic General is asking for plasma donations from coronavirus survivors. This is for a Mayo Clinic study through the Blood Bank of Delmarva. The first patient transfusion took place on April 24. Donors must have tested positive for the virus and have been symptom-free for 28 days. Those who have been symptom-free for 14 days may also donate if they have tested negative. When a case is confirmed positive, the health department conducts contact tracing to inform individuals and businesses that may have come into contact with the positive case. If someone suspects they may have the virus, they should call their primary care provider or the health department. Do not show up unannounced to a medical facility. The Worcester County Health Department has a hotline Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to determine if a person should be tested. Call 410632-1100 and select option eight. For general information on the coronavirus call the health department 24/7 at 410-632-4321 or visit worcesterhealth.org. View updates from Atlantic General at atlanticgeneral.org/patients-visitors/covid-19updates/. To track Maryland cases, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov/. To donate plasma, go to delmarvablood.org/cpdonor or call 1-888825-6638.
CORONAVIRUS CASES IN WORCESTER COUNTY TIMELINE: March 19 – Worcester County confirms its first case of coronavirus, a man in his 30s. March 21 – A woman in her 20s tests positive. March 30 – A third positive case diagnosed out of state is confirmed. April 1 – A woman in her 20s tests positive. April 2 – A man in his 40s tests positive; health department releases three cases from public monitoring. April 4 – A man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s test positive. April 5 – A man in his 60s and a woman in her 30s test positive. April 6 – A man in his 40s tests for a total of 10 positive cases in Worcester; four total cases have been released from public monitoring. April 9 – Six more people test positive. April 13 – Five more people test positive. April 15 – An out-of-county resident tests positive. Continued on Page 24
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CORONAVIRUS CASES IN WORCESTER COUNTY TIMELINE: Continued from Page 22 April 16 – Three more people test positive for a total of 25 cases; nine individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 20 – Worcester counts a total of 33 cases; 11 individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 21 – One more person tests positive; 13 individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 24 – Five more cases diagnosed; 18 cases have been released from monitoring. April 25 – Two cases are diagnosed. April 26 – Two cases are diagnosed for a total of 48. April 27 – Five people test positive. April 28 – One person tests positive; 23 cases have been released from monitoring; a woman in her 80s has died. April 29 – Worcester has 55 confirmed cases. April 30 – Six people test positive for a total of 61 cases; 26 cases have been released from monitoring; a second case dies. May 3 – Worcester counts 75 cases; 29 have been released from monitoring; a third death is probable. May 4 – Five more people are diagnosed. May 5 – One more person is diagnosed; 40 have been released from monitoring. May 6 – Five more cases are confirmed; three more people are released from monitoring. May 7 – Ten more people are diagnosed for 96 total; 47 total have been released from monitoring. May 8 – Two people are diagnosed; one is released from monitoring. May 9 – Four people are diagnosed; three are released from monitoring; another death is recorded. May 10 – Four people are diagnosed; one is released from monitoring. May 11 – Seven people are diagnosed. May 12 – One person is diagnosed. May 13 – 11 people are diagnosed for a total of 125; eight people are released from monitoring. May 14 – Two people are diagnosed; seven people are released from monitoring. May 15 - Four people are diagnosed; four are released from monitoring. May 17 - Six people are diagnosed; sixteen people are released from monitoring; six people total have died. May 18 - 27 people are diagnosed for a total of 164; four people are released from monitoring. May 19 - Two more people are released from monitoring. May 20 – Five people are diag-
nosed; one more person is released from monitoring; eight people total have died. May 21 – 12 more people are diagnosed for a total of 181; three more people are released from monitoring for a total of 96. May 23 – Three people are released from monitoring. May 24 – Three more people are diagnosed; two more people die for a total of 10 deaths. May 25 – Two more people are diagnosed; one person dies for a total of 11 deaths. May 26 – Eight more people are diagnosed; five more people are released from monitoring. May 27 – Three more people are released from monitoring for a total of 107. May 28 – Five more people are diagnosed for a total of 198. May 29 - Eight more people are diagnosed; one more person dies for 13 total; nine more people have been released from monitoring. May 30 - Four more people test positive; 27 people are released from monitoring. May 31 - Four more people test positive; one more person is released from monitoring. June 1 - Three more people test positive. June 2 - Two more people test positive; Six more people are released from monitoring. June 3 – One person is released from public monitoring. June 4 – Four more people test positive for a total of 223; one more person dies for a total of 14; four more people are released from monitoring for a total of 152. June 7 - Nine more people are diagnosed; six more people are released from monitoring; one more person dies for a total of 15. June 8 - Three more people are diagnosed; Five more people are released from monitoring. June 9 - Four more people are diagnosed. June 10 - Three more people are diagnosed for a total of 243. June 11 – Three more people are released from monitoring for a total of 171. June 12 - Three more cases are confirmed; four more people are released from monitoring; one person dies for a total of 16. June 13 - Seven more cases are confirmed; five more cases are released from monitoring. June 14 - Three more cases are confirmed; one more person dies for a total of 17. June 15 - Two more cases are diagnosed; four more people are released from monitoring. June 16 - Two more people are released from monitoring. June 17 - Seven more cases for a total of 265; four more are re-
leased from monitoring for a total of 190. June 18 – Two more cases for a total of 267; two more released for a total of 192. June 21 - Four more cases are confirmed; six more are released. June 22 - Seven more cases are confirmed; eight are released. June 23 - Three more cases are confirmed; four more are released for 210. June 24 - One more case is confirmed for 278. June 26 - Four more cases for 282; six are released from monitoring for a total of 216. June 28 - 10 people are released from monitoring. June 29 - Four more cases are confirmed; 12 are released from monitoring. July 1 - Three more cases for 289; three more released for 231. July 2 – One more is released from recovery for a total of 232. July 3 - Two more cases are confirmed; two more are released from public monitoring. July 4 - One more case is confirmed; one is released from public monitoring. July 5 - Four more cases are confirmed; two more are released from public monitoring. July 6 - One more case is confirmed; three more are released from public monitoring. July 7 - Four more cases are confirmed; five are released from public monitoring. July 9 – Ten more cases are confirmed for a total of 311; four are released from public monitoring for 248. July 10 – Two people are released from public monitoring. July 11 – Three more cases are confirmed. July 13 – Eight cases are confirmed; 10 are released from public monitoring; one person dies for a total of 18. July 14 – 10 cases are confirmed; four are released from public monitoring. July 15 – Seven cases are confirmed for a total of 339; two are released from public monitoring for a total of 266. July 16 – 16 cases are confirmed for a total of 355; three are released from public monitoring for a total of 269. July 17 – 11 more cases are confirmed; four are released from public monitoring. July 20 – 52 more cases are confirmed; seven are released from public monitoring. July 21 – 11 more cases are confirmed; nine are released from public monitoring for a total of 289. July 22 – Seven more cases are confirmed for 435.
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Library offers limited to-go service While all branches remain closed, digital and physical items available by request By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) While all five Worcester County Library branches remain closed, public services are gradually restarting. Worcester County residents can register for a free digital library card to access digital content. Cards are valid for 90 days. Digital resources, including streaming media for kids, teens and adults, are available for a computer, tablet, eReader or smartphone through a library account. “We have seen increased usage of eBooks and downloadable audio books since our closure,” said Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck. “Patrons will find a wide selection of magazines, movies, eBooks, and research databases—all you need is your library card to access. Library staff are available at all branches for anyone who needs help by phone and, of course, by email.” A limited pickup service called “Library to-Go” offers contactless pickup of physical materials currently available at the branch a patron is visiting. According to a recent newsletter, the library is unable to transfer items between branches at this time. Patrons can contact a library at
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Ocean City Today
least 24 hours before they want to pick up materials and request up to 20 books, five DVDs, and audiobooks. There are three ways to place an order: call the local branch between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., use the library webform or select items in the library’s catalog. When using the library catalog, patrons must limit results to their local branch by clicking the “Narrow Your Search” option. “Staff will schedule a convenient time for patrons to pick up, and items are placed on a table just outside the branch,” Ranck said. “Staff are also able to help with recJennifer Ranck ommendations since we are not allowing browsing at this time. The updated hours for “Library toGo” at all branches are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition, book returns are now being accepted through the outdoor book drops. “Staff are removing materials from the outdoor book returns and using our meeting rooms to place everything on tables,” Ranck said. Library items are being quarantined there for up to seven days before being placed into circulation for others.
Worcester County Libraries are fine-free, so any temporary charges listed on patrons’ accounts during the closure will be removed when items are checked back in. Ranck said the next phase of reopening the Worcester County libraries is to provide access to computers and copiers by appointment. Meanwhile, all branches are providing weekly program-to-go kits for children, as well as virtual programming, including the Summer Reading program. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story” and each week performers are featured. Viewers can watch through Zoom on Thursdays at 7 p.m. or view on the Worcester County Maryland Library page on Facebook four days later, Ranck said. Upcoming virtual events include Kid’s Book Club on Tuesday at 10 a.m., Doc & Talk for adults on Tuesday at 2 p.m., Adult Virtual Book Club on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Make Your Own Zine for Tweens and Teens on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The library also hosts a story time program. “Call our Dial-a-Story number, 1888-964-2686 to hear a children’s book read by a librarian,” Ranck said. “The stories are updated every week on Wednesday and will be read by librarians from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.” For more information, visit http://worcesterlibrary.org.
Recreation showcase this Saturday
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, an opportunity to overcome past injustices or things you may have felt you did wrong presents itself this week. It may arrive out of the blue, but you won’t miss it.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Don’t be surprised if an old friend calls you this week and wants to catch up. Expect to reconnect as if no time has passed since your most recent encounter.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Try developing a project in secret and working out the kinks before you bring others in on the plan, Gemini. Conduct several trial runs before going forward.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, when people come to you for advice, it can feel gratifying that others revere you for your expertise and knowledge. This validates your insights.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you feel rewarded after helping people, even if you do not get paid for your service. Your naturally generous spirit can be rewarded in different ways.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Someone understands you without having to say a word, Virgo. This is the person you want to permanently have in your camp. Do what you can to make this possible.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Financial matters take a positive spin, Libra. This means you can indulge in some creature comforts that may have been out of reach. Enjoy this good fortune.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) In honor of national Parks and Recreation Month, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department will host a showcase this Saturday to show off its programs to the community. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Northside Park on 125th Street on the West Lagoon field. Participants will be required to fill out a form to aid in contact tracing efforts. Masks are not required, but encouraged, Recreation Manager Kim Kinsey said. There will be booths set up that feature youth sports programs, adult and senior activities, family programs, aquatics and arts and crafts. A full-time staff member will man each booth. Each station comes equipped with hand sanitizer and staff will sanitize all equipment after use. Frostburg State University senior and recreation and parks Intern Taryn Brady spearheaded the event’s organization. Brady is majoring in parks and recreation management, with a con-
centration in community program delivery at Frostburg State University. “For my school, for my internship, we are to put on some kind of program project that pretty much ties all of what we learned throughout the years in college and put it all into place,” Brady said. The Baltimore native fondly remembered coming to Ocean City every year to visit her grandparents, who lived in the resort for more than 30 years. “Growing up here and attending all of Taryn Brady the [recreation and parks] programs really was something special to me and gave my family and I a lot of memories here at the beach, so one thing I want to do is give back to the community [by] creating this showcase [and showing] what Northside Park and the recreation and parks department has to offer, ‘ she said. “July is Recreation and Parks Month, so we tasked Taryn with coming up with a project that would incorporate the theme for this year, which
is, ‘We are Recreation and Parks,’” Kinsey added. The showcase will be a mix of a field day and information session, Brady said, with interactive programming and full-time staff members ready to answer questions. The youth sports booth will feature a soccer obstacle event, the adult and senior booth will have non-strenuous chair exercises and the family booth will feature a version of the department’s weekly Family Beach Games hosted at the Carousel Hotel Kim Kinsey on 118th Street. The aquatics booth activity was still in the works as of earlier this week, Brady said. “Ocean City Recreation and Parks is an essential community department,” Kinsey said. “We are really providing great service to our community and we just want to make sure everybody knows what we do here and what we have available.” For more information, call the recreation department at 410-2500125.
Scorpio, do not be afraid to be passionate at some point this week. Whether it is a pet project or a relationship, approach it with renewed passion.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, if you are single, now may be a time when you spot someone new in the neighborhood who could be a match. Couples will strengthen their relationships.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 You have a method of expressing yourself that garners many admirers, Capricorn. Keep up the good work and allow others to express themselves as well.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Keep a conversation flowing with a lot of great ideas, Aquarius. Avoid falling too far into daydreaming mode so you can serve as the catalyst for great conversation.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Shy away from familiar activities and try something completely new, Pisces. Study something you have always enjoyed or try a new hobby.
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
COVID 19 MASKS AVAILABLE AT ALL LOCATIONS MANY CHOICES TO CHOOSE FROM!
70 Rehoboth Avenue 1st Street Station Rehoboth 302-567-5637
NO MEDICAL CARD NEEDED!
OC Square Shopping Center 118th Street Ocean City 410-213-4656
www.cbdsupplymd.com
PAGE 28
Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Fresh oysters embellished with champagne mignonette By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (July 24, 2020) How do I love thee, let me count the ways? Grilled, fried, baked, or raw; the luscious, briny molluscs are a decadent treasure indeed. Chesapeake Bay oysters are a delightful bite and if you have never had the pleasure of partaking of the tempting, little morsels, you might want to reconsider. The notorious aphrodisiac is protected by a hard shell. So, before we can go any further, we need to learn the correct way to open the natural barrier that protects the tender mound of goodness. As the saying goes, “The fresher, the better,” certainly applies here. That being said, oysters are fairly resilient as long as you keep them cold and do not suffocate them in plastic. The vast majority of oysters have a cupped side and a flatter side. Using a clean rag or small towel, place the cupped side on top of the towel so the flat side is facing upwards. The towel helps keep the oyster stable and at the same time helps protect your hand. The next step is to look for the hinge, which is the point where the shells are joined together. Insert the oyster knife between the shells and “pop” it open by twisting the oyster knife. Some oysters are more stubborn and you will need a little extra elbow grease to open the shell. Then, take a sharp knife and run it underneath the oyster to release it from the shell. Examine the oysters carefully and remove any bits of shell. At the same time, try to keep as much of the oyster liquid in the shell as possible. This natural juice is as important as the meat itself when serving them raw. A few tips follow for oyster enthusiasts. Before you shuck oysters, freeze them for about 10 or 15 minutes. This simple step, believe it or not, will make the shucking process easier. Oysters are salty by nature, so most recipes have a tendency to go light on the sodium. Oyster stew should be made to order. That being said, the most common mistake when making oyster stew is to overcook the little bites of deliciousness. As soon as the edges of the oysters start to shrivel, it is time to pull them. Fried oysters and fried oyster fritters are prevalent on the Eastern Shore. There is nothing worst than to develop a gorgeous, crispy exterior and then allow it to rest on a plate lined with soggy paper towels. Instead, place the fried items on a cooling rack. You will
be amazed at the difference. If serving raw oysters, place them in a bed of ice cream rock salt. The coarse texture will secure the oysters on a flat surface. You can find this product in your favorite supermarket located in the salt section. The element of surprise is a key factor when planning one’s menu. Locals love oysters on the half shell, but have you considered presenting oysters with a mignonette sauce? For those who are not familiar with a mignonette, allow me to explain. A mignonette sauce is a vinaigrette, which is considered a classic dipping sauce for raw oysters. The sauce generally consists of some type of wine and vinegar that may be seasoned with herbs, spices and shallots. Cracked peppercorns or coarsely ground pepper is always included. Although salt is also an addition, it is generally used sparingly. A mignonette sauce is usually spooned onto the oyster. One must remember that the oyster is the star and the mignonette sauce is meant to compliment the oyster. Fresh oysters embellished with a champagne mignonette can be served for any type of merriment. It can be presented as an amuse bouche or an appetizer. The simplicity and elegance of this dish makes it perfect for casual, formal, or even buffets. Fresh oysters embellished with champagne mignonette may be small, but they are bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
CROSSWORD
Fresh Oysters Embellished with a Champagne Mignonette Ingredients 18 oysters on the half shell ½ cup shallots, minced 1 cup champagne vinegar 1/3 cup champagne or sparkling wine 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked pepper few spritzes of fresh lemon juice few pinches of kosher salt ice cream rock salt 1. Place all ingredients (except for the oysters) in a small bowl, and stir to combine. Cover with lid or plastic and refrigerate until ready to serve. 2. Shuck oysters by placing the cupped side into a clean towel. Insert the oyster knife into the hinge. Twist the knife until the shells separate. Run a sharp knife under the oyster to release it from the shell. Remove any bits of shell. 3. Presentation – Place the oyster on the half shell in a bed of ice cream rock salt. Spoon enough champagne See DISH Page 29
Answers on page 8
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
Scholarship honors two OC officers (July 24, 2020) The friends and family of Ocean City Police officers Josh Adickes and Tommy Geoghegan gathered at 117th Street and the beach recently to honor their memory seven years after their sudden and tragic passing. Every year since the heartbreaking plane crash that took their lives, loved ones come together for a memorial bonfire in Ocean City to honor the two men, who were not only great police officers but were great friends to many in the resort community. Geoghegan was originally from Annapolis and began his career with the Ocean City Police Department as a seasonal officer in 1991. He returned to the department each summer, serving in numerous capacities including a role as an undercover narcotics agent. At the time of his death in 2013, Geoghegan was assigned to the patrol division where he worked on the evening south shift. Geoghegan loved flying and spending time with his family and friends. Adickes was originally from Long Valley, New Jersey, and joined the Ocean City Police Department as a seasonal officer in the summer of 2011. He was hired as a full-time officer in 2012 and was also assigned to the patrol division on the evening south
shift at the time of his passing. Adickes was fun-loving, charismatic and was adored by all who knew him. He loved living at the beach and was especially proud to be an Ocean City police officer. This year, the memorial bonfire held a special meaning for friends and family of these officers as they awarded the first ever Josh & Tommy Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships, which were $1,000 each, provide financial assistance for educational purposes to candidates wishing to enter the field of public safety. The 2020 Josh & Tommy Memorial Scholarship recipients are Ocean City seasonal police officers Will Mossop and Justin Koser. “The scholarships given in memory of Josh and Tommy, will help seasonal police officers earn their college degree,” said Ocean City Firefighter Ryan Whittington, who co-organized the fund with Ocean City Police Officer Jeff Heiser. “Josh and Tommy loved their careers, loved their families, loved their friends and loved serving their community as police officers. This scholarship helps young seasonal officers achieve that similar dream, which I know would make Josh and Tommy very happy.” Family and friends of Adickes and Geoghegan established the memorial
fund through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. The Josh & Tommy Memorial Scholarship is merit-based and focuses on rewarding ambitious, driven, goal-oriented individuals with a public safety career goal. To be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must have successfully completed the Ocean City Police Department’s seasonal police academy.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Dish enhanced by vinegar sauce Continued from Page 28 mignonette to cover the oyster. Serve immediately. Secret Ingredient – Deliciousness. “Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” – Anthony Bourdain
PHOTO COURTESY CESAR CAMPOS
Ocean City Police Department Seasonal Officers Will Mossop and Justin Koser are the recipients of the first Josh & Tommy Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of Ocean City Police officers Josh Adickes and Tommy Geoghegan who died in a plane crash seven years ago.
ARS 0 YYE, M D 5 R OVE N CIT
ies! or m e M Making OCEA
68th St. Outdoor Dinosaur Course
68th St. Indoor UnderSea
136th St. Indoor Safari Course
23rd St. Outdoor Temple Of Dragons
23rd St “Temple Of Dragons”
28th St. Outdoor Renaissance 27 Hole
28th St
“Medieval Faire” OC’s Only 27 Hole Mini Golf!
136th St. Outdoor Caribbean Pirate
68th St
Dinosaurs! And Indoor UnderSea Adventure
136th St
Caribbean Pirates And Indoor Safari Village
PAGE 30
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
Calendar Fri., July 24
Sun., July 26
GREEN MARKET
SCHOOL ROCKS BACKPACK GIVEAWAY
Weekly on Fridays. Trimper Rides, 600 S. Atlantic Ave., under the New EYE Ferris Wheel and the Boardwalk , 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Local Farmers Market - Fresh everything and more. Sally Kneavel, Sally@Trimperrides.com, 4102898617, http://TrimperRides.com
Participating TCC stores will be giving away backpacks filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, glue and more, 1:00 PM 4:00 PM. For a list of participating locations in Maryland, visit https://locations.tccrocks.com/search.html.
HUK BIG FISH CLASSIC DRIVE-THRU COMMUNITY FOOD DISTRIBUTION 424 W. Market St., Suite B, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Sponsored by Worcester County G.O.L.D. to assist families with school-aged children in Worcester County. Simply pull-thru to receive one food bag per child living in the home.
HUK BIG FISH CLASSIC Talbot Street Pier, 311 Talbot St. Scales open at 4 p.m. https://www.bigfishclassic.com
FREE MOVIE ON THE BEACH 27th Street Beach, 8:30 PM. Sit in the sand and enjoy a free movie. Featuring “Wall-E.” Participants are asked to practice physical distancing. All titles are subject to change without notice. All movies are weather permitting. Attendance is at your own risk. Ocean City Recreation & Parks, 410-2500125, http://www.oceancitymd.gov
Sat., July 25 JUST WALK SCAVENGER HUNT Held 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to get in their steps at one for the following park locations: John Walter Smith Park, Snow Hill Maryland; Cypress Park, Pocomoke Maryland; or Stephen Decatur Park, Berlin Maryland. All who register and submit a photo from one of the park locations will receive a free T-shirt. Residents that report the number of Just Walk Worcester Health Tips found within each park will also be entered into a free raffle drawing. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/move-yourway-just-walk-scavenger-hunt-tickets110974706334 or visit worcesterhealth.org.
HUK BIG FISH CLASSIC Talbot Street Pier, 311 Talbot St. Scales open at 4 p.m. https://www.bigfishclassic.com
OCEAN CITY BEACH PATROL CREW COMPETITION North Division Street Beach, 6:45 PM. Watch the Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards compete against each other in events and demonstrate their athletic skills. KJoson@oceancitymd.gov, 410-289-7558, https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/emergnecy-services/beach-patrol/
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.
Talbot Street Pier, 311 Talbot St. Scales open at 4 p.m. https://www.bigfishclassic.com
SUNDAES IN THE PARKS Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, MD, 7:00 PM. Featuring free music by “Groovalicious” (ultimate ‘70s dance party). Prepackaged ice cream will be available for purchase. Take a picnic basket and beach chairs. The night will end with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Participants are asked to practice physical distancing. Attendance is at your own risk. 410-289-2800 or 800626-2326, https://ococean.com/events
The festival will be held at the Ocean City convention center from 10 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. and from 7-10 p.m. on the beach at North Division Street. Featuring praise, worship, dance, drama, testimony, preaching, prayer and Holy Spirit ministry. 410-289-1296, https://sonspot.org
KID’S BOOK CLUB (YOUTH) Beginning at 10:00 AM. The group will discuss “This is How We Do It” by Matt Lamonthe, available on Hoopla. Register: https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/event/6832551
DOC & TALK (ADULT) Beginning at 2:00 PM. Join the Doc & Talk for a monthly discussion of a thought-provoking documentary available on Hoopla. July’s film is Grizzly Man. Access Hoopla via worcesterlibrary.org under resources or at hoopladigital.com. Registration closes 24 hours before event begins. Register at https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/event/ 6801050. Participants can join by phone by calling the Germantown number listed in the Zoom link.
FREE FAMILY BEACH GAMES THE BERLIN FARMERS MARKET Sundays through Aug. 30 - Located on Pitts Street and Main Street, 9:00 AM 1:00 pm. Special senior shopping time from 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM. www.berlinmainstreet.com
Mon., July 27 26TH ANNUAL JESUS AT THE BEACH MUSIC & MINISTRY FESTIVAL The festival will be held at the Ocean City convention center from 10 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. and from 7-10 p.m. on the beach at North Division Street. Featuring praise, worship, dance, drama, testimony, preaching, prayer and Holy Spirit ministry. 410-289-1296, https://sonspot.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING The meeting will be held via conference call, 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Dial 605-472-5789, wait for voice command, then press 944874. TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
FREE DRIVE-IN MOVIE Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 8:00 PM. Featuring “Playing With Fire” (PG) (96 minutes). Movie audio is via FM radio frequency. Participants are reminded to stay inside their vehicle unless using available amenities. Portable restrooms will be available. All movies subject to weather-related conditions. 00-OCOCEAN or 410-289-2800, https://ococean.com/events/drive-in-movies2020
27th Street Beach, 6:30 PM. Held Tuesdays through Aug. 11. Participants are asked to practice physical distancing. Attendance is at your own risk. https://ococean.com/events/family-beachgames2020
FREE DRIVE-IN MOVIE Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 8:00 PM. Featuring “Forrest Gump” (142 minutes). Movie audio is via FM radio frequency. Participants are reminded to stay inside their vehicle unless using available amenities. Portable restrooms will be available. All movies subject to weather-related conditions. 800-OCOCEAN or 410-289-2800, https://ococean.com/events/drive-in-movies2020
Wed., July 29 26TH ANNUAL JESUS AT THE BEACH MUSIC & MINISTRY FESTIVAL The festival will be held at the Ocean City convention center from 10 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. and from 7-10 p.m. on the beach at North Division Street. Featuring praise, worship, dance, drama, testimony, preaching, prayer and Holy Spirit ministry. On Wednesday, there will be a baptism service on the beach across from the convention center. 410-289-1296, https://sonspot.org
ADULT VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
Tues., July 28
Begining at 5:30 PM. The group will discuss “Dust Tracks on a Road.” Zora Neale Hurston’s autobiography. Registration closes 24 hours before the event begins. Register: https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/event/ 6824093. To join by phone, call the first phone number on the Zoom link.
26TH ANNUAL JESUS AT THE BEACH MUSIC & MINISTRY FESTIVAL
MAKE YOUR OWN ZINE FOR TWEENS AND
TEENS Learn about zines and begin your own project with this course from CreativeBug, 7:00 PM. Register: https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/event/6824276.
FREE MOVIE ON THE BEACH Carousel Resort Hotel and Condominiums, 11700 Coastal Highway, 8:30 PM. Sit in the sand and enjoy a free movie. Featuring “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Participants are asked to practice physical distancing. All titles are subject to change without notice. All movies are weather permitting. Attendance is at your own risk. Ocean City Recreation & Parks, 410-250-0125, http://www.oceancitymd.gov
Thurs., July 30 FREE FAMILY BEACH GAMES Carousel Resort Hotel and Condominiums, 11700 Coastal Highway, 6:30 PM. Held Thursdays through Aug. 27. Participants are asked to practice physical distancing. Attendance is at your own risk. https://ococean.com/events/family-beachgames2020Hel
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Grab a bite to eat from the food truck and enjoy music by “Kittyback” (country/classic rock). Admission to the park is free, while beverages, including beer, are available for purchase. It is recommended to bring your own seating. Partakers must adhere to state guidelines in practicing physical distancing. Attendance is at your own risk. 410-289-2800, https://ococean.com/events/sunset-parkparty-nights020
CONCERT IN THE PARK Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., 7:00 PM. Music provided by “Uprizing,” featuring funk, R&B, reggae, hip hop and rock. Pack a picnic, bring lawn chairs and practice safe social distancing. Free to the public. Organizers will be keeping a log of attendees for covid-19 tracking purposes. Email your name and phone number to karah@pocomokemd.gov if you plan to attend. 410-957-1333, http://DowntownPocomoke.com
FREE OC BEACH DANCE PARTY Caroline Street Beach, 8:30 PM. Each week a new DJ hits the Caroline Street Stage where participants can dance under the lights on the beach. The event leads into the fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Partakers must adhere to state guidelines in practicing physical distancing. Attendance is at your own risk. https://ococean.com/events/ocbeach-dance-party2020
THURSDAY’S DOWNTOWN BEACH FIREWORKS Talbot Street Beach, 10:30 PM. Partakers must adhere to State guidelines in practicing physical distancing. Attendance is at your own risk. 410-289-2800, https://ococean.com/events/thursday-s-downtownbeach-fireworks
JULY 24, 2020
31 Classifieds now appear in Ocean City Today & the Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
NOW HIRING for Immediate Employment. Secret Shoppers Wanted Rent umbrellas and chairs, and sit on the beach. Bring your kids. Part time / full time / flexible hours.
Local retailer in need of a
Full Time Receptionist Duties include phone and general office work.
Staff Needed!
Fax resume to 410-250-8274
Worcester County Government Is currently hiring for the following full-time jobs: Correctional Officer Trainee ~ Transfer Station Attendant Roads Worker ~ Maintenance Mechanic Plant Operator ~ Building Maintenance Landfill Operator ~ Vehicle & Equipment Mechanic Accounting Clerk EOE/AA Job descriptions and application available: http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/hr/jobs. Excellent Benefits. Call 410-632-0090 or fax applications to 410-632-5614 e-mail to Ann Hankins- ahankins@co.worcester.md.us
Come Join Our Winning Team!
WE’RE OPEN, WE’RE SAFE, WE’RE HIRING! IMMEDIATE PERMANENT, TEMPORARY AND SEASONAL POSITIONS IN ADMINISTRATION ENGINEERING GENERAL LABOR HOSPITALITY MANUFACTURING MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION IN Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester County, MD & Sussex County, DE Call/Send Resume to: QUALITY STAFFING SERVICES 1237 N. Salisbury Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801 410-742-2600 APPLY ONLINE: www.EasternShoreJobs.com STAY SAFE & STAY HEALTHY
NOW HIRING Field Auditors
Multiple positions available Weekends & reliable transportation required Apply today at www.vacasa.com/careers Or text “Vacasa� to 97211
Call 410-251-3359
Part time / full time hours with competitive pay.
Call 410-251-3359
Work on the Beach in Ocean City, MD Renting Umbrellas and Chairs to Beachgoers
HIRING ALL POSITIONS!! Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825
• Work available through Oct. 1st • Make Lifelong Friends & Memories • Earn Valuable Sales & Customer Apply Online at Service Skills EightyFiveAndSunny.com/ • Competitive Wages Employment or • Hourly + Commission + Tips Call 410-251-3359
NOW HIRING Bike Rental Attendants
HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANTS We are looking for motivated and dependable candidates to work in our diverse housekeeping operations. The candidate should possess a solid attention to detail and dedication to high standards. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Prior housekeeping experience a plus but not required. Excellent starting pay for beginners and 14.00/hr for experienced housekeepers.
Classified Deadline is Monday @ 5pm
Hours: 8 AM to 1 PM Daily. $11 / Hr. + tips.
Call 410-251-3359
8765432381 0/.078.-52/,.3-+.--5-7*.,3780 *.8)(5'.8&%.*,&2381
Email resume to: jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.
*.--5$#"-! $- "" 5 5 5 725 . -(578-38/5 5
Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE
" "
Maintenance Technician Competitive Salary: $17 - $20/hr. depending on experience. • Help build and maintain Delaware and Maryland's fastest growing restaurant group • Perform interior and exterior finish work, such as drywall, painting, paneling, ceiling and floor tile, plumbing repairs, heating and air conditioning system repairs • Perform routine and emergency repairs on restaurant equipment, including diagnostics on electrical and refrigeration components • On call on a rotating emergency schedule for weekends and holidays • Basic skill sets must include some Electric, Plumbing, Carpentry, Refrigeration Benefits: Health Insurance, 401K, Sick Leave Fax to 410-520-0199 For faster processing please apply online at www.joindunkin.com. You are applying for work with a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts, not Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Any application or information you submit will be provided solely to the franchisee. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who are solely responsible for their own employees and set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees.
ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord
WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Community Health Nurse II - Temporary Position Duties include but not limited to providing community health nursing services in assigned programs to individuals and/or families in the community, using the nursing process. Services provided include, but are not limited to epidemiological investigations and testing for COVID-19, immunization services, and providing public health guidance and education. Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required. Please send resume and cover letter by August 7, 2020 to Kristy Kagan, 6040 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863, e-mail kristy.kagan@maryland.gov or fax to 410-632-0064. 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
Online
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!! Top wages, excellent benefits package and free employee meal available to successful candidates.
Employment Opportunities: Year Round, Full/Part Time: Servers, Bussers, Hostess, Pool Attendant, Driver, Grill Cooks, Dishwasher, Warehouse Clerk, Housekeeping ($13/hour), Maintenance, Laundry
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
Convenient, quick, no waiting, no calls ~ Days, nights and weekends
PAGE 32
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
HELP WANTED
Hiring Cooks ($15), Receptionist, Expeditor, F/T Janitorial Cleaners, Sound Engineer, Boutique Sales, Cashiers, Hosts & Security. Apply in person or online at seacrets.com
HELP WANTED
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
ROOMMATES
P/T Gate Attendant needed for Gated Community. Friday 5pm to 1am, Saturday 5pm to 1am & Sunday 4pm to 1am. Call Juli, 410-641-1671, 9-5, Mon.-Fri.
P/T Y/R Maintenance Tech for premier local community. 15 hours a week and extra hours when needed. Regular work days are Wed., Thurs. and Fri., 8:30am-1:30pm. Must have reliable transportation. Call 410-213-1554.
PGN Crabhouse 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Help Wanted • Kitchen Help • Waitstaff Please call 410-289-8380
Seasonal/YR, House Share in O.P. 2 rooms w/shared bath. Full house privileges. Employed Females ONLY. Dog friendly house, Smoking Outdoors ONLY. Safe area. $825/mo. Utilities included. 443-513-3078
WORK ON THE BEACH RENTING UMBRELLAS AND CHAIRS. FULL AND PART TIME. HOURS 9 till 5. Call or text Patti 410-726-0315.
RENTALS RENTALS
Five Guys North Ocean City Hiring On The Spot!!!!! Call 410-250-1199 for inquiry!!
AUTOMOTIVE / MARINE Now Hiring
Photographers No Experience Necessary. Training and equipment will be provided. Send Resumes to: meslin@lifetouch.com
Comfort Inn Gold Coast
Carquest Auto is now hiring for:
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Call: 302-539-8686, Ext. 3014
We are seeking to fill the following positions:
~ Maintenance ~ Night Audit ~ Hourly rates starting at $14/hour Experience preferred, but we will train the right person. Apply in person at the Comfort Inn Gold Coast 112th street, Ocean City, next to the Gold Coast Mall
Come Join Our Winning Team! Now accepting applications for the following positions! Over Night Front Desk Front Desk Agent Recreation Attendant Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Maintenance Server Line Cook Kitchen Utility Cashier Barista Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check. Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE
AUTOMOTIVE POSITIONS We are a full tire & service center that has been established for 36 years. We have a clean, completely remodeled work environment with State of the Art equipment. Exc. Pay & Benefits. We are now hiring for: - Maryland State Inspector - Service Advisors - Technicians - Tow Truck Drivers Call Matt at 302-344-9846
Local Law Office and Tax Preparation Office seeking individual for part-time employment 2 to 3 days per week (flexible hours). Must be people oriented with computer skills and math skills. Excellent opportunity to gain office experience and/or exposure to the legal and accounting professions. Please send resume to lyndaj0331@comcast.net
Experienced Cleaners needed for Part-time work in Ocean City. Must have vehicle and cell phone and pass background check. Please call 410-202-2887. PAPA JOHN’S Now hiring ALL POSITIONS for the Ocean City area. Ask for Autumn 410-524-1300
Hiring ALL Positions!! Full time & Part time To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
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3:30 PM TILL 11:30 PM SHIFTS PIZZA MAKERS AND EXPEDITORS. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. I CAN TRAIN ANYONE IN JUST 2 SHIFTS. FYI: DRIVERS NEEDED ALSO AT $11 AN HOUR PLUS TIPS, BUT NOT TILL AFTER I OBTAIN 5 MORE KITCHEN CREW FIRST. HIGH SCHOOL AGE WELCOME TOO. THIS JOB IS LIKE YOUR RUNNING FOR 8 HOURS. THE LAST 90 MINUTES IS EXTRA HARD CLEANING AND PREPPING. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST BE VERY PHYSICALLY CAPABLE TO LIFT HEAVY ITEMS, HEAVY PREPPING, AND HEAVY CLEANING. I PLAY 80`S MUSIC. FOOD PLAN. FREE UNIFORM. PAID BI-WEEKLY. PART-TIME OR FULL TIME. VISIT MY 81ST STREET SHOP BETWEEN 6PM AND 10PM FOR INTERVIEW, OR FEEL FREE TO TEXT ME YOUR FACEBOOK LINK TO MY CELL AT 410-422-478O TO COMMUNICATE. THANK YOU, JIM HOFMAN OWNER/OPERATOR SINCE 1992. AKA SAUCE BOSS!
To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www. ChristinesBeautyShop.com
RAMBLER MOTEL 9942 Elm Street, WOC (Behind Starbucks) Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764
REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE CUTE, CUTE, CUTE 3BR HOME HUGE backyard. Deck. Perfect for entertaining! $199,000. Selbyville, DE. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL Berlin Office Space Available First floor, 1000 sq. ft. $1000/ month. Second floor, 225 sq. feet. $400/month. 450 sq. feet $750/month. Utilities included. Call 410-726-5471. 1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200
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RENTALS
Large House to Share Summer Seasonal Large Kitchen. All Utilities Included. Close to Beach, Malls, Bus Stops $1500 per person for the season
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Weekly Rentals in Downtown OC 2BR Apartment for $675/week 410-289-8581
Billy’s Sub Shop Now Hiring Immediate Openings! All positions Up to $15 per hour Apply in person Rt. 54 West Fenwick, or 140th & Coastal Hwy.
Yearly & Seasonal Rentals Hiring experienced care givers with flexible availability, weekends required. Must have vehicle, pass drug & background checks. Call office Mon.-Fri., 9a-3p
West OC Waterfront Cottage. Available weekly or through October. No pets. 443-831-9898
BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
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BUSINESS SERVICES Bulk advertising at its best: advertise in over 70 newspaMARYLAND STATEWIDE pers and reach millions of readers with ONE call. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Broaden your reach and get NETWORK results for pennies per reader. Call Wanda at 410-212-0616 AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS or email DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, wsmith@mddcpress.com. RVs Lutheran Mission Society FARM EQUIPMENT of MD. Compassion Place OWN LAND IN ministries help local families MARYLAND? with food, clothing, counseling Tax deductible. MVA li- Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To Lease your land. censed #W1044. Call now for free info packet 410-636-0123 1-866-306-1507. www.CompassionPlace.org www.BaseCampLeasing.com MDDC - 410-723-6397 Promo Code: 249
REAL ESTATE New homes priced from the low $100’s available immediately in active adult 55+ landlease community in Smyrma Delaware. Close to DE Beaches and Dover Downs. Low taxes. 302-659-5800 or www.BonAyreHomes.com SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS: Increase your customer base and get great results by placing your ads in the MDDC – Classified Advertising network! Call today 410-2120616 Ask for Multi-Media Specialist - Wanda & watch your results grow.
JULY 24, 2020
PAGE 33
Ocean City Today
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PAGE 34
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
JOHN P. CUSTIS, ESQ. LONG, BADGER AND SHELLER, LLP 124 E. MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18338 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL ADAMS BUNDICK Notice is given that John P. Custis Esq., 124 E. Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801, was on July 02, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Adams Bundick who died on February 13, 2020, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of January, 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. John P. Custis Esq. 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 09, 2020 OCD-7/9/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18336 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES STEPHENS HALL Notice is given that Carol Ann Beres, 12520 Ocean Reef Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, was on July 02, 2020 appointed Personal Represen-
tative of the estate of James Stephens Hall who died on June 2, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of January, 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. Carol Ann Beres 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 09, 2020 OCD-7/9/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING EASTERLY SIDE OF ELM STREET SOUTH OF US ROUTE 50 WEST OCEAN CITY TENTH TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 423 has been filed by Hugh Cropper, IV, attorney, on behalf of Antique Woodwork, Inc. and Francis Scott Key Motel, LLC, property owners, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately two acres of land located on the easterly side of Elm Street, to the south of US Route 50 and north of Old Bridge Road Road in West Ocean City, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from R-3 MultiFamily Residential District to C-2
General Commercial District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application. Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. in the County Commissioners' Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 423 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance. Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 423 and the Planning Commission's recommendation which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available to view electronically by contacting the Department of Development Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm (except holidays), at 410-632-1200 as well as www.co.worcester.md.us. Joseph M. Mitrecic, President OCD-7/16/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR AGRICULTURAL EASEMENT ACQUISITION Worcester County, Maryland Notice is hereby given that the Worcester County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:30 AM in the COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ROOM Room 1101- Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 The purpose of this public hearing is to hear comments on petitions to sell an agricultural easement to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) on the following properties in Worcester
JULY 24, 2020 County: Re-applications 1. Fair, Freddie and Fay; Tax Map (TM) 93, Grid 16, Parcel (P) 41; west side of Steel Pond Road, Stockton; 102.0 acres 2. Gross, Mark; TM 32, Grid 16, P 217; Harrison Road, Berlin; 210.13 acres 3. Holland, Glenn and Jean; TM 100, Grid 1, P 6, 55, and 84; Colona and New Bridge Roads; 53.8 acres 4. Wilkins, Tom et al; TM 77, Grid 5, P 102; Route 364; 139.97 acres New Applications 5. Aberdeen Farm, LLC; TM 92, Grid 3, P 69; 2836 Sheephouse Road, Pocomoke City; 144.93 acres 8. Lambertson, Jason and Kelly; TM 92, Grid 4, P 8; 3105 Sheephouse Road, Pocomoke City; 74.82 acres Once County Government Offices are opened to the public, additional information is available for review at the Department of Environmental Programs, Worcester County Government Center, Suite 1306 (3rd floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). In the interim, the case files may be reviewed on the County website at www.co.worcester.md.us. Questions may be directed to Katherine Munson, Planner V, by calling (410) 632-1220, extension 1302, or by email at kmunson@co.worcester.md.us. County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland OCD-7/23/1t _________________________________
PUBLIC NOTICE
Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals Pursuant to Sections 108-165, 108-191, and 108-702 of the Code of the Town of Berlin, MD, the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Mayor and Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD to hear a Request for Variance received from Douglas and Suzanne Parks of 7 Baker Street to erect an accessory structure which encroaches 5 feet into the prescribed 6 foot side yard setback for accessory structures. OCD-7/23/1t _________________________________
NOTICE
of Public Hearings Mayor and Council, Town of Berlin, MD Pursuant to the Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-214 and 108215, the Berlin Mayor and Council will hold two Public Hearings during
JULY 24, 2020 its regularly scheduled meeting of Monday, August 10, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD to consider the recommendation of the Berlin Planning Commission for the change of zoning classification of two separate parcels. The Planning Commission passed unanimous motions to recommend rezoning of 115 Broad Street from M-1 Light Industrial District to B-2 Shopping District, and 10712 Coastal Highway from B-1 Town Center District to B-2 Shopping District at its meeting held on July 8, 2020. OCD-7/23/2t _________________________________
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 At 7:00 pm ITEM #1 To consider amending Article IV, Division 15. DMX Downtown Mixed Use District, Section 110-666(7) Bulk Regulations. (Existing language in bold, proposed language addition in italics) a. Maximum building height: 40 feet and/or four stories. Building height shall be measured from base flood elevation. a. b. Except as set forth in paragraph b c of this subsection, between Baltimore Avenue and St. Louis Avenue from North Division Street to 3rd Street, the maximum building height shall be no more than 35 feet and shall be no more than three stories. Height shall be measured from grade as defined in section 110-2. b. c. Between Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue, from North Division Street to 3rd Street, the maximum building height may be increased to 40 feet and four stories provided that, on the first floor fronting Baltimore Avenue, at least 75 percent of the buildable width of the parcel is dedicated to a commercial use permitted in section 110662, accessible to the general public, exclusive of residential uses including single-family, multiple-family, two-family, hotel and motel units. Height in this section shall be measured from base flood elevation. ITEM #2 To consider amending Article IV, Division 23. Downtown Design Overlay Zone District, Section 110831.28(b)(2)c. Benefits of Incentives Program. (Existing language in bold, proposed language addition in ital-
PAGE 35
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles. The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction beginning JULY 23, 2020 or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law. Line No Year 014.20 2004 082-20 2007 087-20 1997 099-20 2000 118-20 2006 130-20 2007 185-20 2004 245-20 1998
Make CHEVY SATURN BMW BUICK AUDI FORD HYUNDAI MERCURY
Model IMPALA VUE 52A/528I REGAL A4 EDGE SONATA GRD MARQU
Color GOLD SILVER MAROON MAROON BLACK BURGAND WHITE RED
Style 4S TK 4DSD 4D 4D SW 4S 4D
VIN 2G1WH52K249387394 5GZCZ63447S807557 WBADD6324VBW03760 2G4WB52K6Y1167832 WAUDF78E16A220854 2FMDK49C87BB46571 KMHWF35H84A957223 2MEFM74W0WX629630
Mileage N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 227786 101614
All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643. AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-5/21/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ics) c. A project that provides a pitched roof (no greater than 9/12 pitch) and dormers may use 50 percent of its upper floor area for residential and commercial uses, and an additional 25 percent of its upper floor for onsite employee housing, notwithstanding the definition of building height in section 110-2 of the zoning code, unless otherwise prohibited by the building code. Dormers must be of traditional style and must appear to be part of a functioning interior. ITEM #3 To consider amending Article IV, Division 23. Downtown Design Overlay Zone District, Section 110831.27(e)(2) The following signs are permitted and require a sign permit. (Proposed language addition in italics) i. Boardwalk side street building corners – the intersection of the Boardwalk and side street locations is an important location for pedestrian traffic in downtown Ocean City. Therefore, such building corners should be consistent with the Boardwalk facades in terms of signage and color, and subject to review under the Downtown Design Guidelines. (i) This section shall only apply to the side street facades intersecting with the Boardwalk (Atlantic Avenue) south of, and including, 3rd Street. This area may include a maximum of the distance of one-half of the side street right-of-way. For example, such treatment along Dorchester Street, which has a rightof-way of 50 feet wide, shall not exceed 25 feet west of the Boardwalk line. This sign area may only be permitted for first floor walls and roofs directly above this first floor. (ii) Wall signs, awning signs, and roof signs shall be consistent with the Boardwalk façade signage,
but shall not exceed 5 feet per each linear foot of side street façade length. Such signage may not be higher than 15 feet above floor grade. Roof signs and lettering signs may not be taller than 5 feet. Such signage cannot block architectural details. (iii) Projecting signs shall be consistent with projecting signage facing the Boardwalk, especially on building corners, but may not be higher than 15 feet above grade. (iv) Electronic signs shall not be permitted on side streets. (v) Awning signs shall follow the requirements of the Downtown Design standards. Such signage, other than roof signs, shall be confined on the valance of the awning and be no greater than 1 foot tall. (vi) Color designs that are consistent with the Boardwalk façade may be permitted within these side street wall distances, subject to review. ITEM #4 To consider amending Chapter 66. Signs. Section 66-16(4) Exemptions. (Existing language in bold, Proposed language addition in italics) (4) A-frame signs on the boardwalk of Atlantic Avenue, only between the dates of September 15 October 1 and May 15 April 30, except that from May 1 to May 15 and from September 15 to September 30 said signs shall not be allowed on weekends or holidays, including Sunfest, and provided that: a. Said signs do not exceed 12 square feet in area per side; and b. Said signs may extend no more than 5 feet from the western edge of the boardwalk of Atlantic Avenue. APPLICANT: PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION (FILE #20-14100001)
No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing. Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates. For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PAM GREER BUCKLEY, CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM E. ESHAM, III, ATTORNEY OCD-7/16/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18350 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SIDNEY RAY WOOTEN SR. Notice is given that Sidney Ray Wooten Jr., 4712 Washington Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, was on July 15, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sidney Ray Wooten Sr. who died on June 4, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate
PAGE 36
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of January, 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. Sidney Ray Wooten Jr. 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 23, 2020 OCD-7/23/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18348 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR ARNOLD BARRETT Notice is given that Mark J. Desocio, 616 Gulf Stream Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on July 15, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eleanor Arnold Barrett who died on June 23, 2020, with a will. Further information can be ob-
Put Your Business Card Where It Gets Noticed and Seen By Thousands of People
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JULY 24, 2020 tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of January, 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. Mark J. Desocio 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 23, 2020 OCD-7/23/3t _________________________________
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Commentary
Ocean City Today July 24, 2020
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Minutes request raises questions The Ocean City Council’s refusal to release the minutes of its 18 months of illegally closed meetings to discuss the extension of the pier franchise agreement makes perfect sense. Further, it might not have anything to do with the council’s assertion that the minutes may be protected under the Public Information Act because they were taken in what the council believed to be a series of legitimate closed sessions. No, the council’s denial of former Councilman Vince Gisriel’s request for the release of these minutes is because there aren’t any. At least there probably aren’t any. No one can know for sure, given the council’s refusal to unseal the envelope, as it were, but the odds are that no formal record was made of any of those meetings with franchise holder Buddy Jenkins. More than likely, these extended negotiations produced volumes of notes, which may or may not have survived the deal’s closing, but real, by-the-book minutes? Considering the nature of these discussions, the existence of an official record of what transpired is highly doubtful. Although no one beyond the participants themselves would know how the talks went, a good guess would be that they were more like a horse-trading conversation in which nothing is put in writing until the handshake phase. Understandably, the council would not want to reveal certain details and talking points that might have been covered, but the absence of any evidence to the contrary also makes it equally valid to assume that the council is protecting itself for other reasons. Having already been chastised by the state’s Open Meetings Compliance Board for conducting the public’s business in private, the council would not want to compound the problem by admitting that it further violated the law by taking no minutes at all. The council argues that because members believed they were in closed session, the minutes reflect a greater degree of openness by the parties involved and should therefore remain protected. That assumes, however, there’s anything to protect.
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, Joshua Kim, ........................................Elizabeth Bonin, Ally Lanasa ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ................ Kelly Brown, Kyle Phillips PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2020
Artificially unintelligible People struggling to find the time to worry about one more thing can at least strike this concern from the list of possibilities: Global rule by artificial intelligence. Although once warned about that by the late physicist Stephen Hawking, the world record holder for being smart, I can give you two solid reasons not to sweat it: 1. Being ruled by any kind of intelligence, artificial or otherwise, would be an improvement. 2. Our artificial intelliBy gence programs have a long, Stewart long way to go before they Dobson switch from taking orders to giving orders. I say this after receiving some email news bulletins that were apparently snatched and grabbed from legitimate news providers, translated via a computer program for distribution in Turkmenistan or someplace, and then re-translated back into English by this same algorithm for redistribution to people like me. Here’s an actual item I received — really — from something called the Press Insider Daily. See if you can spot the translation problems. I have added footnotes for clarity. “Ocean City, MD — Three more eating places in Ocean Metropolitan, Maryland, have quickly shut right after staff analyzed for the coronavirus.” 1. Clearly, some outfit needs to take its news-stealing/translating algorithm in for an oil change and a tune-up.
PUBLIC EYE
“In a Facebook put up Saturday night, officers from Dry Dock 28 and Buxy’s Salty Canine Saloon announced they would near until finally 11 a.m. Wednesday soon after a team member examined optimistic for the coronavirus.” 2. Salty Canine? Never mind being optimistically examined, just be happy this program didn’t come up with a colloquial version of Buxy’s Salty Female Dog Saloon. Here’s the final paragraph, which I will now reveal was stolen by this computer-run story aggregator from WJZ TV in Baltimore: “Soon following Dry Dock 28 designed its announcement, Blu Crabhouse and Uncooked Bar explained it would be closed right until even more detect following one particular staff tested positive for covid-19. Others are waiting around for check benefits.” 3. Raw bar, Uncooked Bar. I’d say that lost something in translation, but maybe that’s just me. As for those others waiting around for check benefits, go home. It will be in the mail. This is not the only example of a hijacked story that found its way into my mailbox courtesy of this artificial dissemination, and I have to say I kind of enjoyed this one for its descriptive language. Here’s what it should have said, “Another tropical depression is developing in the Gulf of Mexico…” What it really said is, “In the Gulf of Mexico, there is the fashioning of a tropical melancholy …” You know what’s really dumb about this example of artificial intelligence? It’s the fact that it saw the need to translate English into English, after a fashion. My guess is they’re probably laughing in Turkmenistan too.
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
Spots available on several Wor. boards and commissions (July 24, 2020) Worcester County Government encourages those interested in becoming more involved in the community to volunteer on a board or commission. Members are appointed by the County Commissioners to fill two types of vacancies: seats that represent each of the seven election districts, and open seats that may be filled by residents throughout Worcester County. Current district seats are available on the following boards and commissions: • District Two (Central District) – one seat is available on the Social Services Advisory Board • District Three (Sinepuxent District) – one seat is available on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee • District Five (Ocean Pines District) – seats are available on the Social Services Advisory Board and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. • District Six (Northern District) – seats are available on the Tourism Advisory Committee and the Commission for Women. • District Seven (Ocean City) – seats are available on the Building Code Appeals Board, Ethics Board, LDC, Planning Commission, and Social Services Advisory Board.
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
HANDYMEN Resort public works Building and Grounds Supervisor Jamie Ellis-Gaal, left, and carpenter Matt Mitchell pry out a plank on the Boardwalk to replace it with a fresh new one on Sunday.
Current open seats that may be filled by residents countywide include the following: Commission on Aging (2) and the Local Development Council for Ocean Downs Casino (1). There are also two vacancies open on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for representatives to be appointed from the towns of Berlin and Snow Hill. There is currently one vacancy as an
Y L I DA
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alternate on the Worcester County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board. Members of this board are nominated by the County Commissioners, with final appointment by the governor of Maryland. In the event that WCG receives more individuals interested in volunteering for a particular committee than there are available seats, the Commissioners will maintain an interest list to
help fill future vacancies. For more information about county boards and commissions, contact Karen Hammer at 410-632-1194. To volunteer to serve, send a letter of interest, along with a resume or cover letter outlining any pertinent experience, to khammer@co.worcester.md.us or Worcester County Administration at One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
Two swimmers recognized in Councils to get team’s senior send-off event grants for covid
Kiley Hamby
Richard Poist
(July 24, 2020) The final months of high school were quite different for the Class of 2020, and for many graduates what was supposed to be a summer of continued senior celebrations, was met with additional cancellations. Ocean Pines Swim Team seniors Richard Poist and Kiley Hamby, both Stephen Decatur High School graduates, will miss what was to be their last season of summer swimming. The Delmarva Swim Association followed the lead of USA Swimming and made the decision to cancel the summer season due to safety concerns surrounding covid-19. During the last home meet of each summer season, Ocean Pines Swim Team traditionally recognizes graduating seniors. A break in the meet would take place and with families, teammates and coaches gathering around the pool deck, the team would recognize each senior athlete as they stood on a starting block by reading a short bio of their swimming career. This year, although not during a meet, but still surrounded by maskwearing teammates, family and coaches, Ocean Pines Swim Team hosted a Senior Send-off to recognize Poist and Hamby’s commitment to swimming. “It’s important for teammates to see their success and hear how much swimming has meant to Richard and Kiley through the years,” said Head Coach Kim Wanner. Poist began swimming with Ocean Pines Swim Team in fifth grade. He was a member of the Stephen Decatur swim
team all four years of high school. He served as team captain his junior and senior year and qualified for and placed at the Maryland high school state championships. He will attend the United States Naval Academy. Hamby also began swimming with Ocean Pines Swim Team in fifth grade and was a member of the Stephen Decatur swim team. She was a four-time state qualifier and served as captain her senior year. Hamby will continue her education in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Delaware, where she will also continue her swimming career for its club team. For Ocean Pines Swim Team Coach Kristina Watts, seeing Poist and Hamby graduate was extra special as her coaching career with organization began the same summer they started swimming. “I have been able to watch them grow from timid swimmers to leaders of the team,” she said. “I’m going to miss seeing them every day, but am so excited for their futures.” Ocean Pines Swim Team is the only competitive swim team in Worcester County. The Hammerheads are affiliated with Maryland Swimming and USA Swimming. For more information, visit the team website www.opsthammerheads.org.
(July 24, 2020) Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) announced last week the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore have each been selected to receive sizable grants from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. Specifically, the Mid-Shore Regional Council will receive $400,000 and the Tri-County Council will receive $107,937. Funding was provided through the CARES Act, which passed Congress this past spring. These grants are designed to provide supplemental financial assistance to help the councils respond to the unusual and compelling urgency of the coronavirus pandemic. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I applaud the award of these federal grants to the Eastern Shore regional councils to support redevelopment and revitalization on the Eastern Shore,” Harris said. “These funds will help our regional communities and businesses respond to and recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak and the shutdown of our local economy. I will continue to support our local governments and main street businesses working to maintain jobs during this pandemic.”
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HISTORY LESSON Christine Okerblom, assistant curator for the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, teaches a small audience about the history of U.S. lifeguards during a morning program in front of the Boardwalk building on July 13. Free programs are offered almost daily by the museum at 10 and 11 a.m.
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
New development and event leader for OC Art League July 24, 2020) The Art League of Ocean City welcomes Robin Chiddo as its new development and event coordinator. She will be responsible for developing funding sources and coordinating outreach and fundraising events for the nonprofit. Chiddo received a B.A. in communications studies from the University of Maryland in her hometown of College Park. She is recently retired after 20 years with the university from a career that included relationship building, business development, fundraising, event management, strategic planning and execution. “Robin’s experience in her field makes her a natural fit for our development and events coordinator role,” Rina Thaler, Art League executive director, said. “As a grassroots community arts organization, relationship building is essential. I am confident Robin will help to sustain our close relationships with our corporate partners and donors and enable us to cultivate new community connections.” Chiddo started coming to Ocean City as an infant with her family and even camped in the dunes. She is now a fulltime resident. “I walked into the Ocean City Center
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
FOGGY Fog masked the Ocean City Inlet Pier on Sunday, cooling down temperatures and allowing for a perfect hammock nap.
for the Arts and knew I had found my passion,” Chiddo said. “From the amazing talented artists to classes that cater to every imagination and skill level, to the wonderful committed staff, I knew I had to get involved. The Art League is so dedicated to the community, and I hope to assist in making those connections that will enable this unique organization to continue to thrive.”
Chiddo can be reached about sponsorship opportunities with the Art League’s corporate partnership program at robin@artleagueofoceancity.org. The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily
through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors. Funding for exhibits is also provided by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
NOW PLAYING
FIRST CLASS Lenny’s Beach Bar and Grille: Friday - Sunday, July 24-26, 5-10 p.m.
CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th St. & Baltimore Ave., Ocean City 410-289-7192 / www.captainstableoc.com Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue on piano, 5-9 p.m. COCONUTS BEACH BAR AND GRILL In the Castle in the Sand Hotel 37th Street oceanfront, Ocean City 410-289-6846 / www.castleinthesand.com July 24: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Lime Green Band, 5-9 p.m. July 25: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, noon to 4 p.m.; Top Dead Center, 5-9 p.m.
July 26: Copper Sky, noon to 3 p.m.; Lauren Glick Band, 4-8 p.m. July 27: To Be Announced, noon to 3 p.m.; Bob Wilkinson, Joe Smooth & Pete, 4-8 p.m. July 28: Matt Tichon Solo, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Keri Anthony, 3:30-7:30 p.m.; Family Movie Night July 29: Aaron Howell Duo, noon to 3 p.m.; Matt Tichon Duo, 4-8 p.m. July 30: Kevin Poole Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Full Circle, 4-8 p.m. LENNY’S BEACH BAR AND GRILLE 101st Street, Ocean City In the Horizons Restaurant, in the Clarion
LIME GREEN BAND Coconuts Beach Bar and Grill: Friday, July 24, 5-9 p.m.
Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com July 24-26: First Class, 5-10 p.m. July 27-Aug. 2: On The Edge, 5-10 p.m. SEACRETS 49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com July 24: Steal the Sky Duo, 4-8 p.m.; Shake Shake Shake Duo, 8-11:30 p.m. July 25: Fish Out of Water Duo, 4-8 p.m.;
Steal the Sky Duo, 8-11:30 p.m. July 26: Benderz Duo, 4-8 p.m.; Nowhere Slow Duo, 8-11:30 p.m. July 27: Full Circle, 4-8 p.m.; Steal the Sky Duo, 8-11:30 p.m. July 28: Opposite Direction, 4-8 p.m.; Cherry Crush Duo, 8-11:30 p.m. July 29: Full Circle Duo, 4-8 p.m.; Benderz Duo, 8-11:30 p.m. July 30: John McNutt Duo, 4-8 p.m.; Kono Nation Duo, 8-11:30 p.m.
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
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Art auction to feature work Students invited to produce from national, local artists artwork for online exhibition (July 24, 2020) The Art League of Ocean City invites art lovers everywhere to bid online and take home an original piece of art at special auction prices during the “100 Pieces of heART” Benefit Art Auction. The online auction will run until July 31, and the works of renowned national and local artists are included. The online auction can be accessed at www.biddingowl.com/ArtLeagueOfOceanCity. The auction will close on July 31, with a live Zoom event planned at 7 p.m. for a final chance to place live bids and win door prizes. “Everyone is facing a unique and challenging time right now, and that includes your Art League of Ocean City,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “Due to the pandemic, we have had to postpose or modify our traditional fundraising events that provide the resources we need to operate the Ocean City Center for the Arts. This auction is a new way of doing things, and we hope everyone who loves art will go online, take a look at the wonderful art available, place your bid, win a fabulous work of art to bring joy to your home, and support your Art League at the same time.”
Art League member artists and other renowned painters donated their art for the fundraiser that includes original works of art and reproductions, something for every price range and taste. Works available include paintings by nationally-known artists Kevin Fitzgerald, Janet Rogers, Sterling Edwards, Willie Crockett, Bernard Dellario, Alison Menke and Marie Natale. Work by locally-known artists including Laura Jenkins, Kevin Fleming, Kathy Gibson, Leslie Belloso, Petra Bernstein and Peggy Warfield are available for bidding. Bidders will also discover everything from a stained glass window by Pete Gibson, to a hand-painted silk scarf by Mitzi Ash, to jewelry by Cathy Angus and Dee Dobson, to a mosaic by Lisa Scarbath. “Many of the works in this auction would typically sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars, so this is a great opportunity to purchase a masterpiece at a very special price,” Thaler continued. More information is available at 410-524-9433 or www.artleagueofoceancity.org.
‘Back to School’ supplies drive (July 24, 2020) Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services has begun its yearly “Back to School” drive to benefit children in Worcester County unable to acquire necessary materials for the upcoming term. “Children will need supplies whether they are attending school at home or physically attending school,” WYFCS Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Leggour said. Over 200 backpacks filled with supplies were donated to students at local schools in 2019. “The school supplies program is extremely important to the children and families in Worcester County,” she said. A significant number of families in the county live at or below the federal poverty level. “Pocomoke schools report roughly 70 percent of the children fall into this category, about half of the families in Snow Hill and roughly 30 percent of the families in the Berlin area struggle financially,” Leggour added. “In addition to those living at the poverty level, many more families are living paycheck to paycheck. The stress and loss of income with the pandemic has only added to this need.” School supply requests are also intended to aid teachers who sometimes use their own money to help the children. Deborah Smullen, billing and insur-
ance specialist for WYFCS, said that all participants in the organization’s youth programs would receive backpacks. “Bags are provided to our Berlin Youth Club, SAGES and SABERS members and their siblings, as well as our Family Connections families,” she said. “We also donate boxes of miscellaneous school supplies to area schools directly to lift the burden from teachers and administrators. Members of the public are invited to fill out a bag request form for their child at any time.” Smullen requested that donations be made by Friday, Aug. 21. Supplies may be dropped off at the agency’s main location: 124 North Main Street, Suite C in Berlin. School supplies being requested are: one, three and five subject notebooks; glue sticks, pencil pouches/cases; colored pencils; composition books; Crayola crayons; dividers; Ziploc bags (all sizes); highlighters; hand sanitizer; notebook paper; scissors (blunt end); pencils, #2; white paper plates; pencil sharpeners; tissues; wipes (Clorox or Lysol); plastic two-pocket folders; ear buds; large pink erasers; and dry erase markers. Additionally, monetary contributions can be made to Worcester Youth and earmarked for the back to school drive. For more information, visit gowoyo.org, call 410-641-4598, or contact Smullen at dsmullen@gowoyo.org.
(July 24, 2020) The Art League of Ocean City invites students in elementary, middle and high school to participate in an art show inspired by their summers in Ocean City. “My Ocean City Summer” will be an online exhibition in August hosted by the Art League and supported by the Town of Ocean City. “The purpose is for kids to express what they love about Ocean City through art,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “We wanted to show how childhood memories at the beach are created and cherished forever.” Artwork in any medium is eligible. Students may reside anywhere, and homeschoolers are also eligible. Entries should be submitted to
megan@artleagueofoceancity.org with the subject line, “My Ocean City Youth Art Show.” All artwork will be posted on the Art League’s Facebook page on Aug. 1, and the post with the most likes at the end of the month will receive an Ocean City prize package. The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors. More information is available at 410-5249433 or www.artleagueofoceancity.org.
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
Letters to the editor Violating Open Meetings Act Editor, Over a period of 18 months, Ocean City’s Mayor & City Council (M&CC) and a committee of three council members met secretly in closed sessions dismantling the previous Pier Franchise Ordinance, negotiating amendments and rewriting a new ordinance agreement, as well as drafting a resolution to establish how revenue from the new agreement would be dedicated to the Boardwalk. In doing so, Maryland’s Open Meetings Compliance Board found that the City Council violated our state’s Open Meetings Act on multiple occasions. The board wrote in their opinion that
“…the Council violated the Act at every closed meeting at which it discussed the pier franchise.” At the conclusion of that opinion, the board wrote “…we encourage the Council to provide the public with minutes of the portions of the closed sessions from which the public was excluded in violation of the Act.” At their meeting on July 20, the Council had that opportunity. However, they voted to deny the public access to those minutes. Not only has the City Council denied the public the forum to hear the Pier Franchise discussions in open session; now they are excluding our citizens from reading the minutes of their close door discussions. What is the City Council hiding from
the public? Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City
OC responders help with Sea Watch emergency Editor, This letter was sent to the Ocean City Mayor and City Council and forwarded to Ocean City Today. Ocean City Mayor and City Council, The owners, guests and employees at the Sea Watch would like to thank your public safety professionals for their outstanding performance during the emergency that occurred at our building on Monday, July 12, 2020. We want to thank in particular the Ocean City Police, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Technicians for their outstanding efforts. Their professionalism and dedication saved a person’s life that day. Additionally, we thank the Mayor and City Council for providing these first responders with the necessary resources to ensure the public is protected, and trust as we move forward your support of these professionals will not waiver. The residents, property owners and guests of Ocean City are truly fortunate to have available to them such professionals as these first responders. Sea Watch Council of Unit Owners
Call for leadership during covid-19 Editor, Although it is difficult to balance health versus wealth, a reasonable and prudent person should have known that opening a vacation destination would only lead to an increase of covid-19 positive cases. Whether it was pressure from business interests, or worry of reduced fis-
cal revenues, the Ocean City Government decided to pursue the shaky path to wealth. Based on today's (July 21) covid-19 updates, in the eight weeks since approximately May 25, Ocean City's positive covid-19 case number has risen from 15 to 113. This is 7.53 times the original number; an increase of 653 percent positive cases. Leadership? Would a reasonable and prudent person expect vacationers to read and follow the stenciled sidewalk graphics to proceed at your own risk (to paraphrase those graphics approaching the Boardwalk?) Would a reasonable and prudent person expect vacationers to adhere to the temporary electronic signs encouraging visitors to wear face coverings and practice social distancing? I surmise they would not. Leadership? Notwithstanding the above, was there even a plan to inspect the bars and restaurants to ensure they were following the State of Maryland's Emergency Declarations? Has the Ocean City Police Department done anything to enforce the declaration? This includes social distancing, or lack thereof, on the Boardwalk. Leadership? Has the Worcester County Health Department prepared a plan to protect the citizens? Have the Worcester County Commissioners enacted a plan of protection? I don't know. What I do know is that on April 30, the Berlin/Ocean Pines, 21811 zip code, covid-19 case number was 29. It is now 187, this is 6.45 times that number; an increase of 545 percent positive cases. The citizens deserve more! Leadership? J.O. Kayler Bishopville
OPA annual assessment due (July 24, 2020) The Ocean Pines Association is reminding property owners who have not yet paid the annual assessment that the deadline to do so is Aug. 1. Homeowners with unpaid assessments after Aug. 1 will be charged 6 percent interest on late payments. The Board of Directors this year extended the normal deadline, from May 1 to Aug. 1, citing concerns that some homeowners are facing unique and unprecedented financial difficulties caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Assessments may be paid over the
Check out this week’s
phone by calling 410-641-7717, or paid in person by visiting the Ocean Pines Administration Building on 239 Ocean Parkway. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The association accepts payments by check and credit or debit card. However, there will be a 3.5 percent convenience fee added to any credit or debit payments. Checks may also be deposited in a drop-box in the Administration Building lobby, or mailed to 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811.
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JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
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Worcester County hosts Just Walk Scavenger Hunt By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The Worcester County Health Department is inviting people to participate in the “Move Your Way Just Walk” scavenger hunt for Worcester health tip messages on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Worcester County Health Department Public Affairs Officer Travis Brown Travis Brown said there will be 25 general health and wellness tips in each park, with each focusing on healthy eating and physical activity. Residents can choose from John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill, Cypress Park in Pocomoke or Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin. All registered participants who submit a photo from the walk at one of the designated parks will receive a free T-shirt. Those who submit the number of messages found will be entered into a free raffle drawing for a chance to win a prize. Submissions should be emailed to Chronic Disease and Tobacco Supervisor Crystal Bell at crystal.bell1@maryland.gov. The scavenger hunt is a self-directed
JULY 24, 2020
GEICO Skytypers fly in OC Air Show (July 24, 2020) The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, the leading vintage air show performance squadron, will be performing at the OC Air Show on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16. The event is the team’s first air show of the 2020 season and the six WWIIera aircraft will perform a dynamic 18minute, low-level precision-flying demonstration in honor of the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. V-J Day (Victory Over Japan) is Saturday, Aug. 15, the opening day of the air show. The GEICO Skytypers vintage airplanes trained the “greatest generation” of pilots for WWII. The stage for the OC Air Show is 10 miles wide and 1,000 feet high so spectators can watch from their backyard, balcony, boat or the beach, making it an ideal event in the era of social distancing. “This weekend we’re dedicating our walk. “Social distancing and CDC safety guidelines should be followed,” Brown said. “The State of Maryland does not currently mandate masks while outdoors at a park.” The registration deadline is Friday. Visit worcesterhealth.org or www.eventbrite.com/e/move-yourway-just-walk-scavenger-hunt-tickets110974706334 to register for the event.
performance to those who served in WWII,” said Larry Arken, squadron commander and team flight lead. “Air show spectators and aviation enthusiasts will witness our ‘warbirds’ perform a dynamic demonstration designed by team members who served in the U.S. military.” The GEICO Skytypers fly six WWII SNJs, the Navy’s equivalent of the Texas T-6. Both trainer aircraft were used to prepare pilots of “The Greatest Generation” for combat. In 1940-41, the SNJ was built as an advanced WWII military training aircraft designed to perform all the maneuvers of a fighter plane at slower speeds.
The aircraft is powered by a 600horsepower Pratt and Whitney engine. The GEICO Skytypers “skytype” by creating giant messages in the sky with five aircraft flying in a tight, line-abreast formation. The planes skytype by coordinating dot matrix-style messages with environmentally friendly puffs of white smoke. A computer located in the lead aircraft sends radio signals to the other planes and their white puffs of smoke create the “skytyped” messages that are often as tall as the Empire State Building and seen from a 15-mile radius. For more information, visit www.geicoskytypers.com.
The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team will perform at the OC Air Show on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16.
Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted ________________________________
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ ANGLER RESTAURANT 312 Talbot St., Ocean City 410-289-7424, www.angleroc.net $$ | Kids’ Menu | Full Bar Enjoy a $5 cruise with meal. Celebrating 82 years of serving visitors and locals. Bayfront lunch and dinner. Offering historical favorites as well as fresh new creations. Seafood is our specialty but great landlubber choices are available. Enjoy Boat Bar Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. Live local entertainment Thursday through Sunday. ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott 410-2897192/7191, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast served Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner served 7 days a week, 5-9 p.m. Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Early Bird served Monday through Friday, 5-6 p.m.; daily chef specials. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-2893501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-2892599 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for S. Division Street and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for 3rd Street. Breakfast served daily at 3rd, 41st, 70th and WOC. Carryout available at all locations. Order online for 41st, 70th and WOC at www.TheDoughRoller.com. ■ FISH TALES BAR & GRILL 22nd Street, bayside 410-289-0990, www.ocfishtales.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the Bumper Tables. Waterfront restaurant with American pub eats and seafood, plus a dock bar and playground on the sand. Open 7 days a week. ■ PHILLIPS SEAFOOD, CRAB HOUSE 21st Street, Ocean City 410-289-7747, PhillipsSeafood.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Traditional dining and carry out. Hooper’s Island crab cakes, steamed blue crabs, ultimate seafood feast, fried chicken and more.
Known for their famous steamed crabs. Outdor dining. Casual seasonal seafood stop for steamed crabs, with all-you-can-eat specials. Also take outs available. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Island atmosphere. Soups, salads, Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood. Outdoor dining.
MIDTOWN 29th to 90th streets
91st to 146th streets
■ BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street, Ocean City 410-524-7575, www.bjsonthewater.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayside venue with deck seating. Serves pub grub and seafood. Take out only, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Open Thursday through Tuesday. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-5249254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410524-7981 Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. See description under downtown location. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ PGN CRAB HOUSE 29th Street, Ocean City www.pgncrabhouse.com $$ | Beer & wine
UPTOWN
■ BREAKERS PUB 10100 Coastal Hwy./Clarion 410-524-3535 $ | Full bar Open Daily, 4 p.m.-til. Happy Hour, Sunday through Friday, 4-7 p.m. 9 Hi-Def TVs. ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Carry-out daily: breakfast, 7 a.m., light fare and menu items, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ■ LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Outdoor dining, 11 a.m.-til. ■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-5241000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Serving breakfast, Friday through Sunday 7-11 a.m. Featuring a breakfast buffet or special order from the regular menu. Enjoy our delicious 3 Course Dinner for $25 served every Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. with the choice of appetizer, entree and dessert.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER West Ocean City, 12849 Ocean Gateway 410-213-7655 Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. See description under downtown location. ■ SHRIMP BOAT 9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-213-0448 $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & wine Orange Crush, frozen cocktails, steamed crabs and shrimp, full menu, appetizers, fresh seafood and more, Open everyday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dine-in - inside and outside, carryout and delivery.
OCEAN PINES ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 11019 Manklin Meadows Lane, Ocean Pines 410-208-1212, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Open everyday, noon to 8 p.m. for dining, pickup, carryout and delivery. Pizza and wings. ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, 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. ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, 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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
OPEN 7 DAYS 12-8PM Celebrating Over 50 Years!
kes a C b a r C t s Be in Town!!! Son’Spot Ministries’ annual Jesus at the Beach Music & Ministry Festival will take place from Monday, July 27 to Wednesday, July 29. The event concludes with a baptism on the beach across from the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street.
Son’Spot kicks off Jesus at the Beach festival Monday By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Son’Spot Ministries’ 26th annual Jesus at the Beach Music & Ministry Festival is on schedule for this summer, and will take place from Monday, July 27 to Wednesday, July 29. The festival, which is free to attend, will begin at 10 a.m. each day and participants will enjoy praise, worship, dance, drama, testimony, preaching, prayer and ministry until 1 p.m. at the Ocean City convention center, located on 40th Street, in room 217. Festival Director Gary Steger said the rows of chairs would be placed sixfeet apart for social distancing, and facemasks will be required while indoors. Church groups from Baltimore, Delaware and Pennsylvania are expected to assist Son’Spot with ministry and worship activities. In the evenings, from 7-10 p.m., attendees can take part in more praise, worship, and one-on-one sharing on the beach at North Division Street. The ministry will have T-shirts available for sale at $15 each, with all proceeds going toward festival costs, such as convention center and special events fees, as well as security personnel. The shirts will feature a painting by Randy Hofman, who builds a sand sculpture of Jesus each year, Steger said. It includes a view of Ocean City from Assateague Bay through a conch shell and a quote of Matthew 19:26, “With God, all things are possible.” The T-shirts, as well as general information, will be available at a booth at the Caroline Street stage between Caroline and North Division streets during the day. The view from the conch shell serves as a reminder that, despite
being stuck on a deserted island – an allusion to the pandemic – life in Ocean City can be seen just in arms reach. “We’re in the middle of this pandemic … but the point [of the messaging] is that there is hope that with God all things are possible, and with God we are going to get through this. There is a future,” he said. The festival concludes on Wednesday, with a baptism service on the beach across from the convention center near 41st Street around 1 p.m. The praise and worship festival came to life in 1995. “At the Son’Spot, in the summertime, everyday except for Wednesday we gather at 10 in the morning and 8 at night for bible time, fellowship, prayer and praise and worship music,” Steger said. “We usually have a group that comes and helps us each week for a week to stay and help us do all the things we do.” Rather than having a singular group aid in its efforts, such as its food programs and Boardwalk outreach, the ministries’ directors decided to gather multiple groups across state lines. “It’s the same ministry we do at the Son’Spot, except for we have more people doing it,” Steger said. “Our theme verse for everything we do comes from the Bible in the book of John 12:32, ‘And I, if I be lifted up from the Earth, will draw all men to me,’ so our reason for doing it is to lift up the name of Jesus and to let people know that God loves them, God has a plan for their life, that plan starts by accepting Jesus into your heart and that’s what we’re about, that’s why we do what we do.” For more information, visit jesusatthebeach.org or ococean.com and click on the events tab.
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
ON GUARD
Concerns about intoxicated swimmers in OC By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer (July 24, 2020) The beach may seem like a great place to relax and enjoy alcoholic beverages, however, it is both illegal and unsafe to do so. Compounded by the heat, the dehydrating and disorienting effects of alcohol and impaired judgment, you can understand why Ocean City does not allow alcohol on its beach. Alcohol depletes your body of the vital fluids it needs to keep you up and running throughout the day, and it can also give swimmers a false sense of confidence when it comes to ocean swimming. Almost every guard has a story about rescuing a swimmer who drank too much alcohol. A person who has a healthy understanding of the ocean and their own swimming ability might not usually head out very far, but after a few drinks they might find themselves feeling braver. They take risks they usually would not and can end up hurting themselves in any number of ways, from riding a wave into the shallow water and injuring themselves, or swimming out farther than they should. Years ago a young man who was in town celebrating his high school graduation had one too many drinks and took a headfirst dive into two inches of water. He is now paralyzed from the neck down. More recently, a young adult (under the age of 21) consumed a fifth of rum (as reported by his friends) and went swimming against his friends’ advice, who were also poor/non-swimmers, and his body was recovered an hour later. This is another easily avoidable tragedy that not only affects the person with poor judgment, but also friends and family who must deal with the loss. Over time, it has become clear that
many diving-related accidents and most of the heat-related illness have a direct correlation to alcohol consumption. Even more interesting, when it comes to heat emergencies, the alcohol consumption may have been over 12 hours before the incident. With the recent stretch of high temperatures and heat indices approaching 100 degrees and above, this has resulted in dozens of heat-related emergencies along our beach. We know that from a safety perspective, “alcohol and water don’t mix.” Many of our more serious incidents over the years have involved intoxicated beach patrons that do things after drinking that they would never do if sober. The sad fact is, that many lives have been altered or affected in a permanent way by alcohol-related incidents or injuries both in the water and on the streets, highways and crosswalks of Ocean City. Most of our pedestrian accidents, several of which are fatal each year, involve alcohol for either the driver or the pedestrian who stepped into the path of the oncoming vehicle. Not only is the life of the victim of a paralyzing injury or accident affected, but so are the lives of the family members who are often left caring for that individual following the injury. Another, issue with intoxicated “swimmers” is that reaction time and physical ability are diminished and often lead to the person finding themselves in trouble in the water and in need of help. If this occurs between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. they will be lucky enough to be rescued by a surf rescue technician, although following the rescue these individuals do not do very well and are often transported to a medical facility for further evaluation (we had several the past few summers). Although we do a very good job of keeping these people safe while we are on duty regardless of how reckless they
are, we unfortunately respond to several off-duty “swimmer in distress” calls each season, some of which are fatal and almost all are alcohol related. If you’re going to drink, don’t swim and take a bus or cab to get home safe. In addition to Maryland’s drinking laws, you might not be aware that Ocean City has its own laws and ordinances. Those that relate to alcohol are: • Public Consumption of Alcohol has been reclassified (2012) as a criminal offense and may lead to your arrest. • Consuming alcohol in public by anyone is prohibited. • Carrying an open container of alcohol is a violation. This includes the beach areas, sidewalks and the Boardwalk. • Using false identification is a criminal offense that can result in a fine and/or loss of license. Police officers in plain clothes help enforce this law. • If your beverage happens to be in a glass container you are also guilty of violating an additional ordinance. You might be interested to know that the law is specific about the consumption of alcohol and has nothing to do with the container it is in (except that glass is also prohibited) although many people wrongly believe that pouring it in a cup makes it acceptable, which is not true. Some beach patrons know the law, but choose to disobey and take their alcohol to the beach and then attempt to hide the behavior from the Beach Patrol. This makes the job of the surf rescue technician (lifeguard) on duty who is responsible to monitor and enforce all activities on the beach as well as in the water much more challenging. To some it appears as a game, to see if they can conceal their illegal activity from the Beach Patrol while the surf rescue technician attempts to perform their job and enforce all of Ocean City laws and ordinances. The result is that your surf rescue technician has to divide their responsibilities between protecting people in the water and pleading with “adults” to
follow the rules. I have to say though, I often find it ironic that a 30- or 40-year-old beach patron will try to hide beer from an 18year-old lifeguard. Just keep your alcohol off the beach. The Beach Patrol and your surf rescue technician work very hard to enforce the laws and ordinances of the Town of Ocean City, but we need your help. Please do your part and obey the laws and listen to the surf rescue technician and keep the alcohol off the beach. Violation of these laws is a criminal offense and may lead to arrest and will absolutely require another trip to Ocean City, but this time it will be for a court date. We hope you will have a wonderful time on your vacation in Ocean City, but we also want you to remember to drink when and where it is safe and legal to do so. And always remember, “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”
Boaters rescued Sunday near OC (July 24, 2020) Coast Guard Station Ocean City had to conduct a water rescue last Sunday, after a mechanical problem caused a boat to take on water. Coast guard public information officer Ronald Hodges said the vessel was 33 nautical miles, or 38 statute miles, offshore of Ocean City’s beach. Around 5 p.m., one of three occupants called Coast Guard Sector Maryland — National Capital Region (NCR) watchstanders and reported that the vessel’s propeller shaft packing had been damaged, which caused water to filter into the boat. The watchstanders called Coast Guard Station Ocean City, which dispatched a crew to bring the vessel and its occupants to safety, Hodges said.
Requested items include appliances (esp pecially washers, dryers, and fridges), kitchen cab binets, cofffee tables, end tables, dressers, area a rugs, and tools! Ple ease send photos of all potential donations for appro oval to donations@habitatworcester.org C Contact us to be scheduled for curbside p pick up p of la arge donation items at your h home, business, or condo o.
JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
WORLD WAR II
Soviet Union’s occupation of Baltic states By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (July 24, 2020) This week, 80 years ago, the USSR was considering the applications for admission into the Soviet Union by Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. A plebiscite had been held in each country on July 14, 1940. The results were announced on July 21, 1940, and — SURPRISE! — the citizens of each of the three countries had expressed their desire to have their country absorbed into their gi-
gantic communist neighbor, so that they, too, could enjoy a utopian life. Like Germany, the Soviet Union sought to reverse the results of World War I and its aftermath. As a result of the defeat of Russia in The Great War, and the ensuing Civil War, Russia had lost The Ukraine, Belorussia, Finland, Bessarabia, Estonia, Latvia, and much of Lithuania, and a part of Poland, including Warsaw, which had been the third largest city in the Russian Empire.
Although parts of Ukraine and Belarus were recovered, the rest had not been. In addition, the Soviet Union was looking to protect itself from Germany in the struggle which it knew was coming. When Germany and the Soviet Union executed their Non-Aggression Pact in August 1939, included were secret provisions which granted to each country spheres of influence. Latvia and Estonia, having been a part of the Russian Empire for two centuries prior to World War I,
were in the Soviet Sphere. On Sept. 28, 1939, Estonia agreed that its giant neighbor could station troops within its borders. Four days earlier, the Soviet Navy had appeared off the Estonian coast, while the sky was filled with Soviet warplanes. The Soviet Leningrad Military District, which bordered Estonia, ordered the mobilization of 17 divisions and ordered them to concentrate on the border. Continued on Page 48
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 47 Estonian Foreign Minister Karl Selter had arrived in Moscow on the 24th, expecting to discuss trade between the two nations. Instead, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov greeted him with the accusation that, “Periscopes have been seen in the Baltic!” Foreign Minister Molotov explained to Foreign Minister Selter that Estonia had gained its sovereignty at a time — post WWI — when the Soviet Union was powerless, but you “. . . don’t think that this can last. . .forever . . . ? The Soviet Union is now a great power whose interest needs to be taken into consideration. I tell you – the Soviet Union needs enlargement of her security guaranty system. For this purpose she needs an exit to the Baltic Sea. . . I ask you, do not compel us to use force against Estonia.” Foreign Minister Selter was then presented with a copy of the proposed “Soviet - Estonian Mutual Assistance Pact,” which was executed four days later. The “periscopes,” to which Comrade Molotov referred, was that of the Polish sub Orzeł (Eagle), which had briefly taken refuge in the Estonian port, and capital, of Tallinn, on the Gulf of Finland. It arrived on Sept. 14, 1939, three days before the Soviet invasion of Poland, discharged its sick captain, Lt. Cdr. Henryck Kłoczkowski, before departing/escaping, four days later, under the command of Lt. Cdr. Jan Grudziński. For most of the next month, it vainly searched for German targets of opportunity in the Baltic Sea. On Oc. 14, 1939, it arrived at the Royal Navy base at Rosyth, Scotland. Of course, the “Orzeł Incident” was merely a convenient pretext for the actions which the Soviets intended to take in any event. Latvia executed a similar agreement on Oct. 5, 1939, and the Red Army began occupying bases there on Oc. 29, 1939. On Sept. 27, 1939, representatives of the German Reich and the Soviet Union met, in Moscow, to discuss the fate of Lithuania, which had been placed in the German sphere. Comrade Stalin proposed two options: (1) leave it there; or (2) trade it to the USSR for more territory in the Soviet sphere of what had formerly been Poland, and a payment of $7.5 million, which was the option that Stalin favored and encouraged the Germans to select. The next day, the Germans agreed to that option, and unbeknownst to the Lithuanians, their country came within the Soviet sphere. In exchange for the reunification with its historic capital of Vilnius, which the Soviets had just taken from Poland, Lithuania agreed that the Soviet Union could station 20,000 soldiers in the country. This equaled the size of the entire Lithuanian army! This agreement was signed in
Moscow on Oct. 10,1939. Lithuania had already ceded the city of Memel to Germany in March. That is now the third largest Lithuanian city of Klaipėda, and its only seaport. The Soviets turned over Vilnius to the Lithuanians on Oct. 28, 1939. The country’s size was increased by 2,602 square miles and 430,000 additional citizens. A popular Lithuanian slogan, at the time, went, “Vilnius is ours, but Lithuania is Russia’s!” The first Soviet troops arrived on Nov. 14, 1939. The New York Times decried it as the, “...virtual sacrifice of independence.” This was only the beginning of the process which would eventually result in the incorporation of the three Baltic countries into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In June 1940, Molotov accused the Baltic states of conspiring against the Soviet Union. As the world’s attention was focused on the fall of France and the sound of German jackboots goose-stepping down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in the French capital, hundreds of thousands of Soviet troops occupied the three small Baltic countries. On July 21, 1940, the Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Soviet Socialist Republics were formed and requested admission into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Immediately, young men were conscripted into the Red Army, skilled workers were shipped to work in Soviet factories and the educated were transported to gulags in Siberia. This state of affairs lasted less than a year. But that was enough to cause the citizens of the three countries to welcome the advancing German Wehrmacht as liberators. Even after the German conquerors had revealed their true selves, Latvia supplied two SS divisions - the 15th and 19th SS Grenadier Divisions, while Estonia supplied the 20th SS Grenadier Division. About 3,400 Estonians, who wished to fight the Soviets, but did not relish the thought of fighting under the German Swastika, crossed the Baltic Sea to aid their Finnish cousins, where they formed Finnish Infantry Regiment 200 — JR 200. There, they served under the Finnish Swastika! Its motto was, “For the freedom of Finland and the honor of Estonia.” Although Lithuania did not supply any SS divisions, its citizens did contribute to the “Final Solution.” No more than 15,000 of Lithuania’s prewar Jewish population of 200,000+/survived. A little more than 10 percent of each country’s population died during the war, with many more being displaced and/or injured. And, of course, there was another 45 years of “The Dictatorship of the Proletariat!” Next week: Admission of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic Into the USSR. Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices
Red Army BT-7 tank and ZIS-5 truck in Riga (1940)
Probable cause for suspect allegedly involved in stabbing By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) An Ocean City district court judge on July 16 found probable cause for three charges to be pursued against 21-year-old Alizae G. Lugo of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, for her alleged involvement in a local stabbing. On Saturday, June 13, local police reported receiving a call from Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury about a patient who was being treated for wounds after being stabbed in Ocean City. A preliminary investigation found that am argument between multiple people had escalated into a fight, during which the victim was hit with a stun Alizae G. Lugo gun, stabbed and stomped on by multiple suspects. Police later identified Lugo as one of the suspects, and arrested her on June 14 on charges of first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. She was held without bond since June 15, but was recently released on recognizance on July 20. Being released on recognizance requires a defendant to write a written statement promising to show up at their scheduled court appearance. They still must be deemed eligible for bail by a judge, and must meet specific requirements, such as refraining from certain activities or meeting with a probation officer — failure to comply risks re-arrest. 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.
A hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 18, at the district court house in Ocean City.
D.C. man accused of sexually abusing minor, 16 charges By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) Washington, D.C. resident Theodore E. Generous, 30, faces 16 sex offense charges, after he was accused of sexually abusing a juvenile family member. “The aforesaid, the State’s Attorney for Worcester County, charges and alleges that the said Theodore Edmund Generous, late of said County, between the dates of June 15, 2013 and July 15, 2013, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, did T. Generous cause sexual abuse to … a minor, the defendant being a household member of [the minor],” a court document states. The court document also states that Generous committed the acts between June 15 to July 15, 2014, and Nov. 2025, 2014. A warrant for his arrest was issued on July 9, 2020, and he was arrested on July 16. A judge set his bond at $50,000 on July 17, and his bond was posted that same day. S u p p o r t Yo u r L o c a l R e s t a u r a n t s !
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JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
JULY 24, 2020
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
GRADUATION (Left) Damiana Colley was named salutatorian for the Worcester Prep Class of 2020. (Right) Senior Class President Sam Tinkler is called up on stage to receive his Worcester Prep diploma from Acting Head of School, Mike Grosso during Commencement Exercises last month.
ART SHOW Colleen Hoyt, the granddaughter of Art League of Ocean City pioneer Beverly Bassford, presents artist Leo Kahl of Ocean View, with the Best in Show Award for his painting in the 2020 memorial juried art show named in honor of her grandmother. The annual show, now in its 20th year, features fine art by local and regional artists and awards still sponsored by Bassford’s family and is exhibited for free viewing at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street through July.
NEW OFFICERS The Ocean City Lions Club recently installed new officers and is beginning its new service year. Mike Hooper has been named Ocean City Lions Club’s new president. Pictured, row 1, are Hooper, outgoing President John Topfer, Secretary Steve McMillan and Director Doug Parks; row 2, First Vice President Scott Stark, Second Vice President Bill Christmas and Membership Chair Sean Williams; and row 3, Tail Twister Greg Burgan, Treasurer Greg Cathell, and Past District Governor Norm Cathell.
GRANT The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Foundation to provide safety training for hospitality workers amid the covid-19 pandemic. The “Back to Work Safely Guideline Training” workshop developed by Dupont Sustainable Solutions provides housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, reservations, kitchen, wait staff, attractions attendants and other professionals with free online training to protect themselves and patrons as businesses reopen. The grant was funded through the Community Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund. Pictured are Ruth Waters, Greater Ocean City Chamber Foundation president, left, and Community Foundation President Erica Joseph.
OFFICERS INSTALLED The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club recently installed its 2020-21 officers. Pictured, from left, are President Cliff Berg, Secretary Dr. Larry Michnick, Treasurer Margaret Mudron, Past DG Bill Ferguson, Sargent at Arms Frank Baker and Vice President Brian Shockley.
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
About 220 junior anglers compete in Kid’s Classic By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 24, 2020) Approximately 220 junior anglers fished on 54 boats during the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 16th annual Kid’s Classic, held last weekend. “It went very well. Everyone was happy and had a great time … [and] all kinds of fish were caught,” said Amanda Shick, the Ocean City Marlin Club’s operations manager/event coordinator. “I saw many of the same faces as I do every year, just now a year older.” The tournament is open to anglers 19 and younger. Every angler received an award for participating in the event. Those with the top-three heaviest fish in each species category as well as billfish release were presented with additional awards. Sixteenth annual Marlin Club Kid’s Classic Results: • Billfish Release: Fish On, 400 points (12:26 p.m. last release); Griffin, 400 points (1:20 p.m.); FFMD, 300 points (10:31 a.m.) • Tuna: Reel Fin Addict, 56.2 pounds; Chubby Chaser, 54.8 pounds; Game Changer, 50.8 pounds • Dolphin: Old Hatt, 25.4 pounds; El Cazador, 17.4 pounds; Wrecker, 12.8 pounds • Bluefish: JEB, 0.8 pounds • Flounder: C-Boys, 5 pounds; Absolut Pleasure, 3.6 pounds; Fish Bound, 3.4 pounds • Mackerel: Fishizzle, 9.4 pounds; Absolut Pleasure, 8.4 and 7.8 pounds • Sea Bass: Fish Bound, two 2.4 pounders, 2 pounds; Buckshot, 2 pounds • Spot: *Stringer weight - five fish in bucket per angler per day
Miss Marry, 1.6 pounds; Partnership, two 1.4 pounds • Croaker: *Stringer weight - five fish in bucket per angler per day Partnership, 1.6 and 1.2 pounds; Reel Byte, 1 pound • Unusual Catch: Fishbone 65’, sunfish - released - approximately 200 pounds (picture shown at scale); CBoys, cobia, 20.4 pounds; Roll Groove, skipjack, 5.6 pounds The Kid’s Classic is a partnership with WishA-Fish Foundation, 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.” Each year, children from the Wish-A-Fish Foundation – those with special needs as well as youth who are underprivileged/disadvantaged and in foster care – their family and friends are invited to participate in the tournament. Unfortunately, the Wish-A-Fish portion of the event was canceled this year due to covid19 safety concerns. The tournament did still benefit the organization this year. A total of 1,020 came from personal donations at registration and the Ocean City Marlin Club will chip in $4,766.
The Reel Fin Addict crew took first place in the tuna division of the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 16th annual Kid’s Classic, held last weekend, with a 56.2-pound catch. PHOTO COURTESY DAVE MESSICK
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
Huk Big Fish Classic gets underway today, wraps Sun. By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 24, 2020) As of late Wednesday evening, 47 boats had already preregistered for the seventh annual Huk Big Fish Classic, with a purse totaling around $315,000. Many of the teams on those boats had yet to sign up for added entrylevel calcuttas, so co-director Brian Roberts thinks the prize money distributed to the winners could reach $750,000. Teams were encouraged to preregister for the event, but for those who didn’t, the final day to sign up was Thursday. Roberts said a number of new boats are participating in the tournament and teams are traveling from up and down the coast to compete. “It’s shaping up great. It’s exciting,” Roberts said Wednesday. “The weather looks great. We definitely could have a record turnout and purse.” Records were set for both participation and payout in 2019. Seventytwo boats were registered for the tournament and a total of $503,302 was distributed among the winners. The cost to enter the tournament was $900 per boat. There are several added entry-level divisions, or wagering pools, which range in cost from $300 to $1,500, and include billfish, tuna, meatfish (dolphin, wahoo and shark) and small boat (38 feet and under). There is also a billfish release division. “Talbot Street Stringer” calcutta has three levels to enter this year, which cost $500 and $1,000. The Heaviest Stringer Winner Take All costs $1,000 to enter. Teams can select any four fish they catch in 32 hours for a combined total weight. Teams have the option to choose between two 32-hour slots: 7 a.m. Friday, July, 24 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25, or 7 a.m. Saturday, July 25 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26.
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 and can leave as early as 2 a.m. 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 24 and Saturday, July 25. The scale, located between M.R. Ducks and the Angler in downtown Ocean City, will be open from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Space will be limited at the weighins due to covid-19. Social distancing and masks are required. The weigh-ins will also be streamed live online. Visit www.bigfishclassic.com for more information. Updates will also be posted on the tournament’s Facebook page. Tournament apparel will be available near the weigh-ins and on the tournament website. Other vendors will also be set up on Talbot Street, including Huk Performance, Sirius XM Marine, Blue Otter Polarized sunglasses, Mid Shore Marine and artist George Kalwa. 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. A record 900 pounds of meat from fish caught during the 2019 tournament was donated to Diakonia, which provides emergency housing, food services, counseling and assistance for its guests, and the Ocean City Baptist Church. Fish will again go to those groups this year, Roberts said.
Ocean Pines Chamber to host flounder tourney Aug. 1 By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (July 24, 2020) The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce’s 13th annual Flounder Tournament returns to its roots this year. Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kerrie Bunting said the tournament, which takes place Aug. 1, was originally staged at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club before being relocated to Pines Point Marina and is now coming full circle back to the club. “The biggest change we’ve had to
make is change of location,” she said. “We had been at Pines Point Marina and now we’re right back where we started.” The flounder tournament begins at 7 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. on Aug. 1. Fishing lines drop in the water starting at 7 a.m. and are pulled by 3 p.m. with weigh-in at the Yacht Club marina by 4 p.m. Due to space considerations, event organizers request anglers drive netted flounders to the docks for weight verification. Registration cost is $45 for one angler See PINES Page 54
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OC Marlin Club’s ‘Heels and Pines Flounder Tournament Reels’ tournament next wk. weigh-ins held at Yacht Club By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (July 24, 2020) A record 66 boats participated in the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 11th annual “Heels and Reels” ladies-only tournament last year, with $83,930 distributed among the winners. Franky Pettolina, Ocean City Marlin Club president and co-director of Heels and Reels, said those numbers could be beat this year. “If we have good weather, I’m expecting a good turnout,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to have that [participation and payout] or better.” A number of ladies participate in the tournament annually, and many started off as junior anglers. Teams are encouraged to register in advance by calling the Ocean City Marlin Club at 410-213-1613. It is open to both Marlin Club members and nonmembers. The final day to register for the tournament is Thursday, July 30. In-person registration will begin at 6 p.m. at the club, on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City. One representative from each boat may sign up the group. Social distancing and masks are required. A virtual captains’ meeting will be available on the Marlin Club website, www.ocmarlinclub.com, and on its Facebook page.
Anglers are permitted to fish one of two tournament days: Friday, July 31 or Saturday, Aug. 1. Weigh-ins will take place both days from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Atlantic Tackle on Sunset Avenue in West Ocean City. Space will be limited due to covid-19 restrictions. The cost is $300 per boat for up to six anglers. A portion of the entry fee will again be donated to the Marlin Club Crew of OC Scholarship Fund. Added entry level calcuttas, or wagering pools, ranging in cost from $200 to $500, are available and include a billfish release and a meatfish (tuna (no bluefin) and dolphin) divisions. A junior angler division is open to girls 16 and younger. Anglers who reel in the three heaviest tuna and dolphin will take home prize money. First, second and third place in the billfish release division will also win prize money. Pettolina said marlin fishing has been good the last two months. Tuna fishing as a whole has been good as well. “Hopefully it continues,” he said. “We’re hoping for good weather and good fishing.” There will be no awards banquet this year because of the coronavirus. For more information, call 410-2131613 or visit www.ocmarlinclub.com.
Continued from Page 53 and $40 per person if registering multiple parties. Also, Calcutta’s for length and weight are $10 each. Bunting said participants must preregister by noon on Friday, July 31, with a steady stream of fishing enthusiasts already on board. The first 100 anglers to register receive a commemorative T-shirt. “It’s one of those things that’s weatherdependent,” she said. “Once the forecast comes out that week, I’m sure we’ll get a lot more people registering at that point.” Bunting said previous tournament participants had expressed concerns about holding the event at Pines Point Marina because its smaller space would make adhering to covid-19 health safety guidelines challenging. “This year, the Yacht Club patio is huge and there’s more than enough room to socially distance,” she said. “Pines Point didn’t want us there because they were worried.” The return to the Yacht Club also provides ample space for perusing a wide array of auction items. “Anybody can show up and check out the auction. You don’t have to have fished to bid on the items,” she said. “We usually have 20-30 items ranging from jewelry … up to hotel stays.” Bunting said food and beverages
would be available for purchase. Leading the pack among an array of businesses lending financial backing this year is “Captain Sponsor” i.g. Burton. Bunting said in addition to support from car dealer i.g. Burton, a number of businesses have contributed to the event. “We’ve got (more than) 15 sponsors at different levels,” she said. The list includes 1st Mate sponsor 5 Star Plumbing. Skipper Sponsors are Short’s Marine, Taylor Bank, American Granite and Tile, Shore United Bank, Clutter Angels, Bluewater Advisory, Bank of Ocean City and Donna Frankowski of Shamrock Realty. T-Shirt Sponsors are The Ocean Pines Association, Mitchell & Hastings, Ocean Pines Stump and Tree Removal, WMDT, The Courier, BB & T Now Trust, Coastal Fisherman, PKS and Red Sun Customs. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three fish, with the venue change providing more of a happy hour or early dinner type atmosphere, Bunting said. “I really want to emphasize that this is such a larger venue that we can space out appropriately,” she said. For more information visit the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce online at oceanpineschamber.org/ or call 410641-5306.
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JULY 24, 2020
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Ocean City Today
REAL ESTATE REPORT
New state legislation impacts HOA and condo associations By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (July 24, 2020) Below is the final summary of the 2020 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly on items that were passed and put into legislation affecting the real estate industry as it relates to both Common Ownership Communities (HOA and Condo Associations) as well as Property Management. For the complete list, visit mdrealtor.org. HB 25/SB 293 – Condominiums and Homeowners Associations – Amendments to Declarations and Governing Documents – Effective Oct. 1, 2020. Changes the notice requirements of Common Ownership Communities (CoCs) to lenders. Sometimes governing documents require the notice and approval of lenders to make changes. This legislation still requires CoCs to give notice but if the lender does not object within 60 days, it is assumed that the lender granted consent. The bill does not apply to amendments altering the priority of the lien or materially impairing the unit as collat-
eral. The bill would also not impair the rights of the holder under the mortgage or deed of trust. HB 108/SB 175 – Condominiums – Responsibility for Property Insurance Deductibles – Effective Oct. 1, 2020. Makes changes to the current law regarding insurance coverage of condominium common areas. Clarifies that the Condominium association’s insurance is responsible for damages to the common areas originating outside of the condominium and not just damages from within the common areas. The bill also clarified that if the damage results from an owner’s unit, the owner is responsible for paying the condominium association’s deductible up to $10,000. That amount can be insured in the owner’s policy and was increased from $5,000. HB 231/SB 530 – Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act – Effective Oct. 1, 2020. Creates a new protected class for “source of income” for all housing discrimination. As it applies to rentals, this provision would require landlords to accept federal housing vouchers. Landlords would still be able to determine the ability of a tenant to pay rent based on the tenants income and creditworthiness and using
other commercially reasonable and nondiscriminatory methods. HB 999/SB 540 – Member-Regulated Cooperatives – Establishment (Rural Broadband for the Eastern Shore Act of 2020) – Emergency legislation that becomes effective upon governor’s signature. Reclassifies Choptank Electric as a member-regulated cooperative that
will permit Choptank to provide broadband internet services to its members. The Eastern Shore is one of the most underserved areas of the state for broadband. – Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Recognition BrightStar Care’s Regional Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, Christina WingateSpence, has been nationally recognized as the organization’s Salesperson of the Year. Wingate-Spence was one of four sales and Christina marketing professionals Wingate-Spence across the country recognized during BrightStar’s annual Branch Leadership Conference, held virtually in May. Independently owned and operated by Thomas A. Graves, MBA, FACHE, BrightStar Care’s locations in Anne Arundel County, Easton and Berlin are three in a network of more than 300 franchise locations nationwide. Wingate-Spence joined BrightStar nearly three years ago and in her role, oversees all marketing functions and community education and outreach for Graves’ three lo-
cations, which collectively provide home care services in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, parts of Southern Maryland and the entire Eastern Shore. A Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), she has been instrumental in leading her team to offer numerous Alzheimer’s disease and dementia education opportunities to area family and professional caregivers, including the Virtual Dementia Tour – a patented simulation program of nonprofit organization Second Wind Dreams – which makes it possible for participants to experience the physical and mental challenges associated with dementia. BrightStar Care is a Joint Commission accredited, full-service home care organization and staffing agency that provides medical and non-medical care to private clients – pediatric through end-of-life – in their own homes. Clients and their families have access to a full continuum of home care services including companion care, personal care skilled nursing care. BrightStar also provides supplemental medical staffing services to senior care facilities.
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
OBITUARIES GARY ALLEN WALKER Ocean City Gary Allen Walker, 71, who established the Purple Moose Saloon as one of the best rock n’ roll bars in the region, and who was a leader in the successful effort to eliminate the Worcester Countyowned liquor dispensary system, died on July 19, 2020 at his home. Gary Walker Born in Denver Colorado, he was the son of the late John Walker and Gladys Petry Walker. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Walker, of Foxborough, Massachusetts, numerous cousins, and a town full of friends. Gary bought the Purple Moose Saloon on the Boardwalk in 1975 and it remained his work, his recreation, and his hobby for the next 45 years. Cremation followed his death. Interment will be private for the family. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date for his many patrons and friends. A donation in his memory may be made to: Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, 1409 Philadelphia Ave. Ocean City, Maryland 21842, or Ocean City Police Department, 6501 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, Maryland 21842, or the Ronald McDonald House, 1
Aisquith St., Baltimore, Maryland 21202, or the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. MARGARET WOOD DAVIS Seaford Margaret Wood Davis, 92, died peacefully on July 10,2020, at Manor House Retirement Community, where she had lived for the past six years. She was born Jan. 20, 1928 in Baltimore Maryland, to Ruth Brittingham Wood and Wellington G. Wood. Margaret Davis She married William P. Davis III on June 15, 1947. Mardie graduated from Forest Park High School, where she enjoyed every moment. Mardie worked for the Telephone Company before having a family and devoting herself to raising her four children. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was athletic and loved golf. She was part of a Quester’s group for many years, and was a book club member.
At Your
She was very social and always ready to have fun. She loved her dining companions at Manor House. She will be greatly missed, but she had a good, long life. She is survived by daughters, Patrica D. Shreeve and husband, Thomas L. Shreeve, of Venice, Florida, and Pamela Hay and husband, Donald Hay, of Berlin, Maryland; daughtersin-law, Mary Davis of Gleneden Beach, Oregon, and Susan Davis of Baldwin, Maryland; grandchildren, Neal Shreeve of Marco Island, Florida, Alexander Shreeve and wife, Jennifer, of Hainesport, New Jersey, Tyler Betz and wife, Bronwyn Haden-Betz, of Berlin, Maryland, and Josh Hay and wife, Natalie, of Selbyville, Delaware; great-grandchildren, Ainsley Creegan of Gainesville, Florida, Lily and Ella Shreeve of Hainesport, New Jersey, and Ewan and Seamus Betz of Berlin, Maryland. Mardie is also survived by a large and loving extended family and many friends. She was predeceased by husband, William P. Davis IV; sons, Douglas H. Davis and William P. Davis IV; and grandson, Jesse Davis. No service will be held at this time due to coronavirus virus concerns. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home, Berlin, Maryland. Condolences may be shared with the family via: www.burbagefuneral-
home.com. THELMA MAY WETZELBERGER Ocean City It is with great sadness that the family of Thelma May Wetzelberger, age 89, announces her passing on July 16, 2020, after a brief illness. She was born the daughter of the late Archie T. and Adele Conner on Nov. 11, 1930 in Parkville, Maryland. T. Wetzelberger She was a graduate of Eastern High School. Thelma was the beloved wife of Fred for 62 years and lived in Baltimore before relocating to Ocean City, Maryland, at the age of 55. She was the loving mother of Fred Wetzelberger II and his wife, Jamie, Catherine Wetzelberger, Kenneth Wetzelberger, and Deborah Himmelheber and husband, Rich; and cherished grandmother to Fred III, Victoria, Caroline, Eric and Alec. She was predeceased by husband, Fred, in 2018. Thelma worked for the Baltimore County Board of Education as a principal’s secretary for over 25 years. Her last assignment was opening the new Hillcrest Elementary School in Catonsville.
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
PAGE 57
OBITUARIES After retiring, she moved to Ocean City with Fred to start a new career as an office administrator with her son, Fred’s, firms. She became an invaluable asset in both the administrative and accounting divisions and worked in various capacities until the age of 80. Thelma loved to travel with Fred. Over 20 winter visits to Hawaii, 75 trips to Las Vegas as well as vacations in California, Florida and the Caribbean islands were some of their many adventures together. She was an accomplished cook and baker with many “secret” family recipes that all enjoyed, including her famous cinnamon custard pie. An avid reader, it was rare not to see her with a book or Kindle in her hand. She converted to Catholicism when marrying Fred and practiced her faith in God until the end. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and spending time with them any way she could. She treasured every minute and spoke proudly of their accomplishments. Relatives and friends were invited to visit Sterling Ashton Schwab Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., in Catonsville, Maryland, on Monday, July 20, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Baltimore. Burial followed at New Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, 3221 S. Lake Drive, St. Frances, Wisconsin 53235 (www.lakeosfs.org). JAMES BYRD JOHNSTON, JR. Selbyville James “Jim” Byrd Johnston, Jr., age 88, died at his home on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late James B. Johnston, Sr. and Helen Holbrook Johnston. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Elizabeth JohnJ. Johnston, Jr. ston, and sons, James B. Johnston, III and his wife, Sandra, of Berlin, and Timothy H. Johnston and his wife, Stacy, of Selbyville. There are seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Samuel Johnston of Baltimore, and David Johnston of Crisfield. Preceding him in death was a son, Thomas H. Johnston, and a sister, Nancy Kutcher. Mr. Johnston served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he joined a carpenter’s union, and worked for several different construction companies. He and his family moved to Sel-
byville in the 80’s. Jim was a Master Mason, and a lifetime VFW member. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, boating, fishing, camping in their RV and was an avid golfer. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Pastor John Oltman will officiate. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veteran’s Cemetery in Millsboro. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 26. A donation in his memory may be made to: American Cancer Society, 1315 Mount Hermon Rd, Salisbury, Maryland 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. NORBERT MARDARD ARMIN Tennessee Norbert Mardard Armin died April 30, 2020, at home from natural causes and age-induced dementia. Bert was born Feb. 6, 1935 at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, to Norbert Mardard Armin, Sr. and Julia Marie Frei Armin. At birth, he weighed 13 pounds and was known at St. Agnes as “The Baby Elephant.” Bert grew up on Christian Street and graduated from Southern High School. He graduated from college with an associate’s degree in business.
Bert joined the Army expecting to see the world, but most of his military time was spend in Okinawa. After his stint in the military, Bert worked various jobs including Norbert Armin being a firefighter at Bethlehem Steel before joining the City of Baltimore Police Department. In the 1970’s, he became a sky marshal for U.S. Customs flying as a Pan American employee. He flew the overseas route to most of the Mideast countries including Turkey, Iran and Rome. After leaving the sky marshals, he became a customs patrol officer and was later promoted to supervisor of his team. Bert retired from the U.S. Customs Service. Not one to “do nothing,” he began building docks, repairing typewriters, adding machines and becoming a general all around “fix-it-man.” He previously lived in the Ocean City/Berlin area and was a lifetime member of the Berlin-Ocean City Optimist Club. He was very proud of his club, his many club friends and the boat show fundraiser they held every year. For many years, he was in charge of getting the crab cakes made, thus him being dubbed, “Mr. Crab Cake.” Bert later moved to Lady Lake, Continued on Page 58
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OBITUARIES Continued from Page 57 Florida. He entertained his many Maryland friends in Florida and loved the leisurely life style. He lived in Florida where he met Louise from Tennessee. They married Jan. 1, 2000 (they were the Y2K) and moved to Tennessee where Bert became a University of Tennessee Big Orange fan and a lover of Grainger County tomatoes. Big Bad Bert was big but not bad, and he was oh so much fun to prank. I loved my Big Guy very much. Bert was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert M. Armin, Sr. and Julia Armin, and step-daughter, Liz Fricks-Stafford. Bert is survived by his wife, Louise (who kept her promise to take care of him and never put him in a nursing home); his children, son, Martin Armin and wife, Karen, and daughter, Teresa Marie Towers and husband, Tim; grandsons, Martin Armin, Jr., Tim Towers, Jr. and Colin Towers; step-children, Sabrina C. Fricks (wife, Lynn Frankenberger), Suzanne Perry (husband, Mark) and Barton C. Fricks (wife, Marti); step-grandchildren, Sarah Perry, Ashley Butler, Catherine Perry, Amanda Smith, Bobby Fricks and Isabella Fricks (who lived with “Poppy” and Mammy after the death of her mother, Liza Fricks-Stafford). He is also survived by Mildred Armin, mother of his children.
Bert was cremated as he wished and his ashes will be returned to his beloved State of Maryland and spread in the Chesapeake Bay. There will be no services at this time because of the pandemic. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to an organization researching Alzheimer’s. Click Funeral Home, Lenoir City, is in charge of arrangements. CALEB KAMMERER MCCURDY Ocean City Caleb Kammerer McCurdy, age 22, died unexpectedly in the early morning on Sunday, July 12, 2020 in Ocean City. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Michael McCurdy and Heather Melson Bahrami. He is survived by his mother, Heather, of Ocean City, and maternal grandmother, Sarah Timmons, of Bishopville. Also surviving are his paternal grandparents, J.W. and Bernie McCurdy, of Salisbury. He leaves behind many cousins as well as his beloved companion, his cat, Chicken. He is predeceased by his father, Michael McCurdy, and maternal grandfather, Alfred Vaughn Melson. Caleb was in the class of 2016 at Stephen Decatur High School and had attended Worcester Preparatory
School in years prior. He started with Beach Lacrosse at a young age and continued the sport through his high school career. He also enjoyed diving and loved fast cars. Caleb was just starting his career in driving for UPS. He was loved by all who met him and loved by his family and the countless friends he made everywhere he went. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and the ability to make anyone smile. A celebration of life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Worcester Country Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com. G. DOUGLAS JUCKETT Ocean Pines G. Douglas Juckett, 80, of Ocean Pines, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at the Mackey & Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines. Born on May 27, 1940 in Sussex, New Jersey, he was the son of the late George H. and Elsie (Smith) Juckett. Doug served in the United States Army from 1959-1962. He retired in 1990 from the Anne Arundel County Police Department after 30 years of dedicated service. Doug was an active member of the
Ocean City-Berlin Optimists Club for 30 years and Post 166 American Legion in Ocean City, Maryland. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a G. D. Juckett granddaughter, Stephanie A. Spencer. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Dorothy A. Juckett; and five children, Robert L. Spencer, Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, of Chester, Maryland, Kimberly S. Juckett, Mark D. Juckett, Todd Juckett and Scott A. Juckett all of Deale, Maryland. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Bobby and Ray Spencer, Zakary Juckett, Natalie Juckett, Mark J. Juckett and Jessica Barker; a sister, Mary Tharpe and her husband, Moffette; two nieces, Robin Warren and Deborah Gregory (Donnie); and three nephews, Casey Catterton (Ana), Michael Catterton (Amy) and Joel Catterton (Beth). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mackey & Pam Stansell House, 1500 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 or the Ocean City-Berlin Optimists Club, P.O. Box 1403, Berlin, Maryland 21811. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Ocean Pines Yacht Club on Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 1-3:30 pm. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com. DOLORES E. GUARINO Selbyville Dolores E. Guarino, age 89, of Selbyville, died Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Country Rest Home in Greenwood. She was born in York, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of the late Herbert Ralph Gilbert and Rosella (Richwine) Morris. She had been a typesetter with many Dolores Guarino publications. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Philip Guarino of Selbyville; two daughters, Deborah Ragno of South Mountain, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth Bainger of Frederick, Maryland; five grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City, with Father John Lunness officiating. A viewing was held on Wednesday, July 15, at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville. Burial was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.
JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
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JULY 24, 2020
Ocean City Today
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Friday, July 24 thru Sunday, July 26
FIRST CLASS
Sunday - Friday 4 - 7pm
Reduced DRINK PRICES & FOOD SPECIALS
Food Specials 4 - 7pm Choice of Kosher Hot Dog, Polish Sausage, Hamburger, or Grilled Chicken Sandwich
POOL BAR OPEN DAILY 11am - ‘til Terrace Level
Monday, July 27 thru Sunday, August 2
ON THE EDGE 6AM - ‘TIL