OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
AUGUST 20, 2021
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
FESTIVAL
INVASION OF ARTISTS
Creativity of all sorts will be on display at Northside Park in OC for the fourth annual ArtX – Page 27
FREE
Sports complex ideas pitched to county Operators, vendors state cases to commissioners during open session By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) The idea for a state-of-the-art sports complex in Worcester County is shrouded in plenty of mystery — down to where
one would even go — but the county commissioners are moving along with hearing proposals from potential developers. On Tuesday, representatives from AstroTurf and Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) pitched their openended ideas for a sports complex that would give the county a major leg up in the sports tourism industry. “‘If you build it, they will come’ is
one of the biggest mistakes you see,” SFC advisor Eric Sullivan said to the commissioners. “In this space, what we want to do is build it and know that they’re coming, because we’ve built the relationships. While we bring the facility out of the ground, we’re building the operation, reselling the events, so that when we open, we can open in full and maximize the impact.” Each company’s pitch focused on
the success they’ve had in building similar facilities across the country. A focal point of Sullivan’s pitch showed how the companies would look to design multipurpose sports fields. “We have the opportunity to look at some different considerations with some flexible designs and how we could accommodate the most proSee COUNTY Page 5
Schools won’t insist on kids masking up Officials expect case rate will drop as summer ends
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
ANCHORS AWAY!
The Black Eyed Susan riverboat leaves Snow Hill on the Pocomoke River on Tuesday during its maiden voyage. Town, county and state officials were among those invited for the first trip. The riverboat is now open for booking public and private trips. See story on page 54.
Beach-a-palooza? Major concert pursued By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Ocean City officials thought the idea rocked, judging by the enthusiastic reception they gave Monday to plans to develop a large music festival like that of the fa-
mous Lollapalooza for September 2022. As Tom Perlozzo continues to come up with ways to rebrand Ocean City, an apparent roadblock that exists on one of the last weekends of September seems to be more of an
obstacle the director of tourism and business development wants to overcome. Those familiar with the resort area know that September is the same month the pop-up car rally takes See CONCERT Page 3
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Worcester County students will start the school year without a mask mandate. And as the summer ends, officials hope the county’s high case rates will drop, paving the way for a safe and healthy school year with no closures. “As I sit here today, I am saying that we are highly recommending masks but we are leaving it optional,” Worcester County Public School Superintendent Lou Taylor said during a Zoom news conference Wednesday morning. The conference was held after officials released the county’s return to school plan Tuesday, which included language that masks are “highly recommended” for everyone indoors but not required. “One of the things that I will take a strong look at as we move forward, I want to make sure that as we make that decision, as we approach the start of school, I want to make sure that we are also looking at the cause and effects See SCHOOLS Page 6
PAGE 2
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Breakfast, lunch or dinner–we have you covered.
Oceanfront & 17th AT THE HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
Renovated, refreshed and ready to delight. Come enjoy our hearty homestyle breakfasts starting at 6:30am daily, have your family’s favorite seafood dish, or stop in for dinner and a drink served just right. Children’s menu also available.
CORALREEFRESTAURANT.COM | 410.289.2612
Oceanfront & 32nd 32 PALM RESTAURANT AT THE HILTON OCEAN CITY
32PALM.COM | 410.289.2525
Make Marlin Moon your go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Whether a casual lunch, or an intimate dinner to celebrate a special occasion, Marlin Moon has a taste to satisfy–and a venue to impress. Oceanfront & 33rd AT THE DOUBLETREE
visit us at marlinmoonocmd.com!
MARLINMOONOCMD.COM | 410.289.1201
NOW OPEN! FRO T & OCEAN 2ND STREE
NT
Keep up with all the good stuff.
ocmdhotels.com
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 3
Ocean City Today
Come dine with the best view in Ocean City!
OPEN DAILY
11:30am – 9pm
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City council members unanimously threw their support behind efforts to plan a massive concert in the resort area toward the end of September 2022.
Concert would counter cars Continued from Page 1 place – a week when tuner cars invade Ocean City. In past years, the event has turned chaotic, with cars racing up and down the streets and hordes of people blocking off intersections for cars to have burnout competitions. But next year, officials are looking to do some counter-programming by bringing a three-day concert event to Ocean City during the weekend of Sept. 23-25. In June, officials met with Tim Sweetwood of C3 Presents, which is a company that has produced largescale live events like Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Shaky Knees Music Festival. Sweetwood told City Council members on Monday that his company is interested in hosting a firstclass music festival in Ocean City
during the fall of 2022. Perlozzo asked the council for permission to move forward with planning the mega concert. “We believe we will end up with a first-class opportunity like we’ve never seen,” he said. Councilman Tony DeLuca appeared excited at the possibilities that Sweetwood and his team could bring to Ocean City and moved to approve the request. Likewise, Councilman John Gehrig asked if Sweetwood was aware of what happens in Ocean City that weekend, and he responded that he was. He later added that he was excited to come to a city with a reputation like Ocean City’s. With a unanimous vote, council approved the concept, opening the gateway for Sweetwood and Perlozzo to begin planning the event.
Famous Oyster Stew Fresh Local Oysters & Clams Harrison’s Famous Crab Cakes
geth! s e r f
Mr. Harrison’s Rockfish
Ocean City Today As members of the MarylandDelaware-D.C. Press Association, we subscribe to the following code of ethics: • Seek the truth and report it. • Minimize harm. Treat sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public with respect.
Calendar ..........................52 Classifieds ........................35 Commentary ....................41 Crossword Puzzle ..............56 Entertainment ..................26 Obituaries ........................58 Public Notices ..................39 Service Directory ..............38 Sports ..............................60 Editor: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net News: editor@oceancitytoday.net Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net Classifieds: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net Phone: 410-723-6397
• Be Accountable and Transparent. Reporters must take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.
www.oceancitytoday.com and at Facebook/Ocean City Today Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Available by subscription at $150 a year.
FREE P ARKING VIA SOUTH FIRST STREET & BALTIMORE AVENUE INTERSECTION OCEAN
PIER
TRAMS
BOARDWALK
BALTIMORE AVE
410-289-5121 / harborwatchrestaurant.com
INLET
• Act Independently. The primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.
– A S A LWAY S –
PAGE 4
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Councilman fires back after ! E L A S R E meeting accusations made SHUTT
30
% OFF
*
3 ½ or 4 ½” louvers. frame – available in ged hin , els pan week turnaround. ed ish *Sale includes fin in snow white only. 6-8 or Z frame. Available L in ble ila ava is ng Frami
Shutters • Solar/Roller • Blinds Draperies • Verticals • Shades
Looking for a “renter proof ” solution? Receive a FREE quote today on our patent pending, New Wave! Black Out Drapery • Affordable • Fire Retardant Stain Resistant • Seamless Up To 108” Long
Family Owned & Operated for Over 40 Years!
302.436.4400 38016 Fenwick Shoals Blvd. Selbyville, DE • BlindFactoryInc.com
By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Although they await the results of a feasibility study of a sports complex in northern Worcester County, resort and Worcester County officials are so enthusiastic about the project that they have been quietly discussing it for some time, even looking into possible operators, suppliers and other business interests. The nature of those discussions, however, has led former councilman and frequent council critic Vince Gisriel to accuse the mayor and council of fast-tracking the project with very little transparency. To pursue the project on a more official Tom Perlozzo basis, city and county officials need the economic impact study – commissioned in 2019 at a cost of $49,900 to city taxpayers – that determines if it is feasible to have a sports complex in the area. Gisriel told council members on Monday night that he has requested a copy of the study and has yet to receive it. But the county conducted a study that completed in 2017 that determined the economic impact of a sports complex was “overly optimistic,” according to Gisriel, and when the topic of increasing Ocean City’s room tax took place, he told the commissioners he was worried about the oversaturation of these types of facilities in the region. Gisriel said when he noticed several sports complex meetings were taking place without a completed feasibility study, he became concerned. He noted that according to City Manager Doug Miller’s activity report for July 14, Mayor Rick Meehan, County Commissioner President Joseph Metrecic, County Administrator Harold Higgins, and Ocean City Director of Tourism Tom Perlozzo all met to discuss the next steps with the sports complex. During the same period, according to the report, Ocean City Tourism Department representatives met with the owner of the Baltimore Ravens football team, and the president of Under Armour to discuss the sports complex, and the county commissioner president and the county’s chief administrative officer discussed the sports complex with a potential operator. Gisriel added that there were meetings regarding the AstroTurf at the sports complex. “The point I’m making here: This thing, obviously, is on some fast track,” Gisriel said. “Being discussed privately among a few commission-
ers? It’s being discussed, obviously, among staff. But the public has no idea what’s going on. It behooves you to release that study. I for one ... want to know what the feasibility study is [and] what the impact is.” He went on by noting that a project of this magnitude that affects the financial stability of Ocean City will ultimately result in the taxpayers taking most of the costs, and that it was imperative for the study to be released so the public can give its input. Calls to Gehrig on Wednesday seeking answers to questions about the study were not immediately returned. But Gehrig said on Monday that he was unaware of any “secret” meetings, even pointing his question at other council members to see if they were aware of them. Instead, he said the issue has been out in the public eye as much as possible. He admitted that there has been much discussion about the idea of a sports complex, the $20 billion industry that comes with it, how many kids want to play ball in Ocean City, and how the city can benefit from that. But as far as Gisriel’s comments about having secret meetings and possibly violating open meetings laws, Gehrig was not happy. “To get your name in the paper and keep sensationalizing these things, about open meetings and conspiracy theories about how we’re meeting in private, I mean, it’s just false, so I have to call you out on that,” he said to Gisriel. “No one’s talking about property tax, residents paying, footing the bill, either in the county or in the city.” He said other options are being discussed, rather than having the city taxpayers’ foot the bill, saying that the complex can be paid for by Ocean City’s tourism industry. As far as the study is concerned, Gehrig said it is still being worked on by the Maryland Stadium Authority, and that it would be published on the agency’s website when it was ready. On Wednesday, Perlozzo said he was not working for the city when the feasibility study was commissioned, but his understanding is that the covid-19 pandemic slowed down the process of finalizing the report. The county, though completed two studies previously that were accepted and communicated to the community – one for an outdoor skating rink and the other for the sports complex. Using that data, Perlozzo said, the city has continued with its support of building a sports complex. “That information has been out and is in the public,” he said. He added that the city is promoting Ocean City as a great place to live, See RESORT Page 5
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 5
Ocean City Today
County hears sports complex ideas Continued from Page 1 gramming,” Sullivan said. “That would serve a wider reach … and have more activities that we could program. The other thing that it does is naturally round out our shoulder months that are inherent to the seasonality of sports. It allows us to do more programming throughout the entire calendar year.” Despite the county having talked to an undisclosed property owner and finishing Chip Bertino one of two appraisals needed to receive funding from the state’s Program Open Space, that property is not committed to a sports complex in any way, shape or form, according to Worces- Joe Mitrecic ter County Commissioner Chip Bertino. After the meeting, Bertino reiterated the concerns he voiced on Tuesday about why the commissioners are hearing sales pitches before a prop- Mary Beth erty has been secured. Carozza “There has been no conversation between the county and the owner of the property owner at all (since finishing the first appraisal),” Bertino said. During the meeting, Commissioner Jim Bunting asked Sullivan how they foresaw funding for the project. Facilities they have overseen often enter public-private partnerships, Sullivan said. But they vary from county to county based on the resources available. “What we can do is provide scenar-
ios of how this comes together, but the reality is there’s no one silver bullet because every community (makes their own decisions),” Sullivan said. AstroTurf Vice President of Design and Production Steve Coleman followed Sullivan with his own presentation that shed some light on the construction itself, including drainage base construction, which he said would strive to employ existing basins. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic raised questions about traffic and if AstroTurf is considering them. “When you sit down with SFC and (determine how much land you have and) how many fields you can put into this location, part of that consideration will also be … how many actual parking spots we need and what’s the (traffic) flow look like,” Coleman replied. “Will it impede current areas of the community? Is that a concern? Those things can all be adjusted in figuring and what to do and how to do it.” Sullivan added that, ideally, events would be staggered so crowds aren’t leaving multiple events at once. As he did after the meeting, Bertino expressed skepticism at the timing. “I feel as if I stumbled into a timeshare sales pitch,” Bertino said. “We don’t have a piece of property, we haven’t … anything.” State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who was in attendance for the agritourism public hearing scheduled right after the sports complex presentations, tied the two issues together as means to bring outside dollars to Worcester County’s economy. “I believe that as you work through the issues of a sports complex in the county that it can be beneficial to residents and visitors alike,” Carozza said. “Legitimate questions are being raised about traffic and impact on the
local communities. But I believe we’ve had success in the past working with the SHA and officials working on this complex and I would vow to work with you as the county and state work through these issues.” Mitrecic assured the representatives that if the county proceeds with the project, they will “certainly” be among those they consider, but he also had choice words for the pushback he heard in the questions asked. “As far as why they were brought in here, they were brought in here for an informational meeting — what can happen out there,” Mitrecic said. “Every time I turn around I’m being criticized that we don’t have enough information on anything and so I bring somebody in here for informational purposes and I’m criticized for that, so …”
Resort reps have met with possible major supporters Continued from Page 4 work, and play – it’s also looking to be competitive with resorts up and down the East Coast. While discussions did take place with the owner of the Ravens and president of Under Armour, Perlozzo said elected officials were not present. One of his goals, though is to find various sponsors to partner with, which was evident earlier this week when he introduced a representative from C3 Presents to bring a large music festival to Ocean City. “That whole process is entirely different than we are used to seeing,” he said. “It’s out of the box, different.”
THE BEST FOR LESS - QUALITY, PRICE, SERVICE HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER VACATION
BAHAMAS CALL FOR DAILY SUPER SPECIALS!
Jumbo
FENWICK ISLAND DE NORTH OCEAN CITY MD
Crabshack
CARRY-OUT & SEAFOOD OUTLET
*1/2 BUSHELS
$39
Dozen Crabs BEST BUSHEL VALUES AT THE BEACH! 1w/ 1/2lb. Shrimp Subject To * GUARANTEED Availability* 2 BUSHELS
*1/From
$
129
“FAT” CRABS
With Coupon
OCT
PREMIUM SEAFOOD BEST PRICES MED/LG • LARGE • EX-LARGE • JUMBOS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY*
JUMBOS & BIGGER EVERYDAY • ALL CRABS GRADED BY WEIGHT
Home is wherre your
SUPER *3 DOZEN JUMBOS & MONSTERS CRABS AVAILABLE $95
Stbetoegi ry ns .. ns.
MD CRAB MEAT FRESH CLAMS SCALLOPS OYSTERS
CREAM OF 2-1/3 LB. CRAB CAKES CRAB SOUP CRAB W/2 SIDES BALLS $24 QT. $29.95 $14.95
VOTED #1 CRABS & SEAFOOD CARRY OUT FREE SHRIMP/CORN OFFERS
1 LB. GULF JUMBO SHRIMP $19.95
KING CRAB SNOW CRAB SWEET CORN SHRIMP
Great Menu, Quality Food Call Ahead-Ready In Minutes Sandwiches & Dinners • Seafood & Chicken Homemade Soups • 1/3 lb. MD Crab Cakes Steamed Shrimp
Kari Stor y
Cell: 443-614-6286 Direct: 443-664-2490 443 664 2490 kstor y@gofirsthome .com m www.KariStor y.com
NO TAX • PACK FOR TRAVEL • FREE COOLER & ICE 2014-2019
This is not a guarantee to extend consumer credit as defined by Section 1026.2 of Regulation Z. All loans are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. First Home Mortgage Corporation NMLS ID #71603 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Licensed in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Kari Story, NMLS#476369.
Oceanside Md./Del. Line, Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware
Open Daily At 10 a.m. 302-537-5882 • BahamasCrabShack.com
PAGE 6
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Schools will follow health, safety protocols Continued from Page 1 of those masks as far as keeping our kids in school,” Taylor continued. After months of virtual school, followed by a staggered return last year, Taylor said it has become evident that the best place for students is in the classrooms, and he vowed to do everything possible to ensure that will continue safely. “The CDC has protocols in place that will allow us to quarantine with certain protocols,” he said. “My number one goal that will help make that decision, whether we stay mask optional or whether we mandate masks, will be the desire and the need that we keep as many kids in school as possible.” The decision not to mandate masks was met with strong feedback, both for and against, from parents. Some expressed concerns over not requiring masks when Worcester County’s case rate is one of the highest in the state. To that, Taylor said he expects the numbers to go down after Labor Day, as the county is one of the largest populated areas during the summer months. “My opinion is our rate is high right now because of the population that we have and of those people using a Worcester County address for the summer,” he explained. “Once you see
Labor Day go by, I would be shocked if it stayed at that level. But it could and we’ll deal with that. My decision about this right now is I take into consideration … on a given weekend you’ve got 300,000 people. And I think that’s one of the reasons our statistics are where they are.” As of Wednesday, Worcester County’s covid positivity rate was 11.32 percent, and has been on an upward trend for a few weeks. The hospitalizations and deaths, though, are not moving up much. Travis Brown, the public affairs officer for the Worcester County Health Department, said this week that hospitalizations are down from where they were last year when the virus was spreading without a vaccine. “So much of that we attribute to the vaccine,” he said. “The chance of getting covid at all is quite slim, because none of the vaccines are 100 percent effective, but we’ve definitely seen, and the data reflects this, if you have the vaccination, if you’re fully vaccinated in particular, and you catch covid, your symptoms are almost always far less severe than they would have been otherwise.” Gov. Larry Hogan is using the same justification for not issuing mask mandates statewide. Maryland has one of the highest vaccination rates in the
Introducing • 2 times as fast as most whitening systems • In-0ffice whitening system on average 4-6 shade improvement • Gentle whitening technique with desensitization procedure if needed after
Comfortable Dentistry in a Spa-Like Atmosphere
Introducing
DR. KRISTEN MAZZEI Now Accepting New Patients
Family Dentistry & Smile Enhancements
Invisalign® • Implant Restorations • Full Mouth Restoration
Accepting New Patients
Kristen Mazzei, DMD
Emergency Services Available Lawrence Michnick, DDS
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 410-213-7575
12308 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6 Ocean City, Maryland, 21842 DENTIST - Dr. Michnick
DENTIST - Dr. Takacs
www.atlanticdental.com
country at 79.5 percent. In Worcester County, 57 percent of residents are fully vaccinated, while 62.4 percent have had at least one shot, according to the Maryland Department of Health website. Brown said that officials closely monitor all metrics daily, including cases, hospitalizations, deaths and more, and stay in contact with other state health officials and keep an eye on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure they are giving the school district the best and most accurate guidance. He said the school district’s decision not to mandate masks goes along with guidelines from the CDC and Maryland Department of Health. “For our community right now, we’re just sticking with everything the Maryland Department of Health is saying, but we are keeping an eye on everything, I wanted to make sure and stress that,” Brown said. “We have daily updates where we look at our vaccination rates, we look at our case rates, our positivity total cases, hospitalizations, deaths, any cases related to those who are fully vaccinated. So that is something where things can change based on what those numbers are but now everything looks good.” He added that he also expects a
downward trend of cases in the coming weeks. “Worcester is definitely seeing what is a national trend where there is definitely some spikes but there’s also fluctuations,” he said. “We definitely think there will probably a dip and drop in the future.” The newly released school plan also includes guidance for cleaning, ventilation, daily screenings and more to ensure students and teachers are as safe and healthy as possible when they return to the classrooms after Labor Day. Taylor also said Wednesday that officials are strongly encouraging, but not mandating, vaccines for those who are eligible and expect sports to be pretty close to normal in terms of spectators and games when the season ramps up. He addressed school buses, as well, stating they will be available for kids that need transportation. However, because of ventilation and distancing difficulties, Taylor said parents are encouraged to bring kids to school if they can. “We want to limit number as much as possible but we still will bring kids to school and get kids on school buses that need to be on school buses,” he said. See SCHOOLS Page 7
Let Bunting G o To Bat For You!
Many traditional insurances taken. Plus, third party financing available.
ATLANTIC DENTAL
PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Worcester County’s new teachers participate in a recent eight-day orientation for the 2021-22 school year. District officials released the return to schools plan this week, which “highly recommends” but does not require indoor masks.
WORCESTER COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE
Christopher Takacs, DMD
12439 WEST TORQUAY ROAD • OCEAN CITY 3BR/2BA in Cape Isle of Wight region of W. OC, which sees little to no through traffic. Long gravel driveway, shed & fully fenced-in dog pen. 2 outdoor entrances into the laundry/mud room & office/storage room. Main entryway to living room on left & dining area on right. Dining area w/French doors to kitchen area. Rear room, w/own exit to outdoors, can be used as office, storage, or bonus bedroom. Laundry/mud room off the kitchen, w/own exit to outdoors. Small covered porch connects 2 back entrances to the home. Off of the living area is 4th private room is spacious enough to be used as bedroom. Full bathroom w/oversized tub & separate stand-in shower. With plenty of living space indoors and out, this quaint beach home is a must see. Property is in a flood zone. $260,000
Cam Bunting, Broker Bunting Realty, Inc. 24 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811 Office: 410-641-3313 • Cell: 410-713-2065 • www.buntingrealty.com
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 7
Parents divided on mask policy for schools By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) While a handful of parents who spoke this week about Worcester County Public Schools officials’ decision not to mandate masks for the return to school were not all in agreement, they did have one common goal: protecting the health and safety of their children. Some believe the best way to do that is by requiring masks for everyone, while others argued that the face coverings cause more harm than good. “I am aware that Worcester County public schools successfully returned
Schools won’t insist on masks Continued from Page 6 Under a federal mandate, which was recently extended until Jan. 1, masks are required on all public transportation, which includes school buses. Taylor added that transportation officials are also keeping options open to institute double runs if needed to ensure all kids who need transportation have access.
to in-person learning last spring and I applaud you all for that,” said Rebecca Peters, a parent of two young children entering Ocean City Elementary School, during a call-in board of education meeting Tuesday. “I’m also aware that masks were required for all adults and students,” she continued. “There’s no doubt that masking contributed to this success with in-person learning.” Peters’ said her youngest son has Down syndrome and she is concerned that he is more susceptible to complications from covid. For Karen Abbott, the health complications from wearing masks was more concerning. “This is breathing in your own carbon dioxide which is neither safe nor effective,” she said. “If the school were to mandate it, it would be causing more physiological and psychological effects, social isolation, loneliness … Also contributing to the mental health.” Karen Bontempo was “appalled” last year when washing her teenagers’ masks because of how “disgusting” they were, indicating they were breathing in the filth all day. She also cited data stating the very low rate of covid infections among children and said reports show that the masks that are worn are not effective in protect-
ing against very small viral particles. Ray Russell, a parent with a kindergartner starting at Showell Elementary, expressed concern over the surge of the delta variant and the fact that children cannot be vaccinated. He and other mask advocates cited recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics that everyone wear masks indoors — vaccinated or not — in areas with substantial and high transmission rates. Currently, Worcester County is in the high transmission category based on the number of recorded cases. Superintendent Lou Taylor and members of the board of education listened to the comments and said they will take them all into consideration. Officials released the return to schools plan late Tuesday morning, just before the public portion of the board of education meeting. And while the plan is not a board action item, members of the public were able to speak on it during the meeting. The plan includes guidance not only for masking — which officials “highly recommend” but do not require indoors — but also for distancing, cleaning, ventilation, screening and other precautionary measures. It is an updated version of the plan
released last school year when students first returned to the classrooms from virtual learning. The initial approach staggered their return and included strict distancing guidelines as well as mask mandates for everyone at all times except during lunch. As numbers began improving, students were permitted to remove their masks outdoors. The school year ended with mask mandates still in place, but rules were relaxed for students and staff at summer academies because of vaccine availabilities and low case numbers. Over the summer, students have been distanced 3 or 6 feet. And for anyone who is not vaccinated, including students under 12 who are too young to get the shot, it was “highly recommended” that masks be worn. However it was not required and officials were not policing it. Virtual school will also be offered this year in Worcester County but the deadline for students to opt in has passed. According to a presentation during Tuesday’s meeting, the number of students who signed up for the option, which will more closely mirror a regular classroom than before, was low, with 25 students in kindergarten through fifth grades and 53 in sixth through 12th grades signing up.
PAGE 8
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
USACE close to figuring out solution for inlet By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working on a plan to make the Ocean City Inlet more navigable, and while they have a couple of solutions, engineers said they are open to other suggestions. On Tuesday, nearly 30 people attended an open house and information session on dredging efforts to improve local navigation in places like the Ocean City inlet and Sinepuxent Bay, that was hosted at the Berlin library by the Corps of Engineers. Currently there are two main issues the Corps is looking to improve. The first is to address shoaling in the inlet, and the second is to figure out how to fix a 50-foot scour hole in the Sinepuxent Bay just west of the inlet near Homer Gudelsky Park. Sam Martin of the Martin Fish Company attended the event and said many of the commercial fishermen have a difficult time getting in and out of the inlet because of the shoaling. At times, they must wait for a high tide to enter the harbor – and the issue keeps getting worse. Bill Anderson, the assistant secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said about four years ago, he and a few others got frustrated over the lack of movement regarding the inlet
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted an information session on Tuesday at the Berlin Library regarding planned efforts to improve navigation through the Ocean City inlet while also addressing a 50-foot depression in Sinepuxent Bay.
dredging project, so they met at the Sunset Grill to discuss what could be done. Now, four years later, the findings were being presented. “We gotta get this right,” Anderson said. “We’re going to spend a boatload of money – pardon the pun. The inlet is not a natural feature. Although it was opened by a hurricane back in the 1930s, humans left it open by installing a jetty system. But like most hardened structures along ocean-facing beaches, erosion becomes an issue as does the displace-
ment of sand, creating an even more difficult situation. Amber Metallo of the Corps said they are looking to shift the inlet channel into deeper water while connecting to the Assateague breakwater and connecting to the Sinepuxent channel. She also said the plan is to use dredged material as fill for the breakwater extension, which will reduce costs. Adding onto Metallo’s solution, Jared Knight, a coastal engineer, said the idea is to create an erosion effect near the channel to create depth. Andrew Roach of the Corps ad-
dressed solutions for the 50-foot scour. One solution, he said, is to fill the underwater pit that is cutting into the shoreline to seafloor level, which is approximately 20 feet deep. Once the fill is in place, crews will place rocks on top to ensure the fill remains in place. Roach also said instead of using rocks, they are looking to install prefabricated stone mattresses. The second solution for the scour is to cap the hole and remove the midchannel shoal in the bay. Knight suggested the second option would have the largest effect on improv-
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
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 9
Ocean City Today
Attendees offer Army Corps more solutions ing water flow throughout the bay, though Roach said his team was leaning more toward the first option and leaving the shoal in place. To fill the hole, Roach added, the Corps of Engineers would use a pipeline dredge instead of a standard dredge because the former is more precise and can be maneuvered much easier. On the downside, it will cost more to bring in a pipeline dredge, though costs were not discussed. The plan is to have the logistics of the project solidified and in place by fall 2022 to begin putting inlet structures in
place and then complete the rest of the work between Oct. 2023 and March 2024. Attorney Mark Cropper who represents Sunset Marina and several homeowners in the area said his clients pay to have the area off their properties dredged annually and wondered what type of effect the projects will have on this process. He expressed concern that it could create more of a problem. Roach said he did not see a big difference in the modeling; therefore, it would have no impact on the maintenance dredging process already in
place. There were other concerns, too. John Martin, also of the Martin Fish Company, asked if a steel bulkhead could be installed on the south jetty to see what the effects are, and then if they weren’t favorable, remove the bulkhead. Another suggestion that was made during the meeting was to extend the north jetty to reduce the amount of sand that comes into the inlet from Ocean City beaches. Ultimately, no decisions were made on the matter. Instead, the team of engineers that
presented their solution were going to factor in several ideas that were suggested during the meeting and will come back later to present their findings. For an issue that was described during the meeting as a “very challenging” situation – almost like a tug of war with mother nature – the Corps of Engineers is working to fix and improve navigable waterways while Mother Nature is creating issues in other places. “We’re going to beat Mother Nature at this, but we gotta do it right,” Anderson said.
LIKE US ON
Neighbors Serving Neighbors - One Home at a Time 410-208-9200 • 800-337-7368 • 11065 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines • 8202 Coastal Highway, Ocean City • 410-723-9450 Licensed in MD, DE
• www.hilemanrealestate.com • e-mail: hilemanre@aol.com LIVE THE COASTAL LIFESTYLE
NEW PRICE
Lynette
Bridges-Catha CRS, PMN, GREEN, SRES Licensed in MD, DE
443-497-3128 Cell Smilin4shore@comcast.net
5BR/5BA in Ellis Point & backs to Holts Landing State Park. Private waterfront community w/gated entrance, health club, pool, private beach & lagoon. Water views from every BR w/covered porch. Pickled HW floors & captains shiplap ceiling. Custom gourmet kitchen w/stunning granite counter tops, kitchen island, soft close cabinetry, GE Profile and Monogram Stainless appliances. 3rd level master BR w/views of Indian River Bridge. Master BA w/soaking tub, glass enclosed shower, & dual vanity. Elevator & Rannai Tankless on-demand water heater. Being sold furnished. $1,199,000
FIXER UPPER IN PITTSVILLE
Lydia Rittersbacher REALTOR 443-366-9177 Cell Lydiarealestate @yahoo.com ®
Tim
Ulrich Associate Broker 410-422-1441 Cell timrealestate9 @gmail.com
Conveniently located 15 minutes from Salisbury & Berlin. Small bungalow on .40 acres with well & septic (reports available). These bargains don't last! $109,900
3BR/1BA rancher on 4.9 acres w/over 1000 ft of road frontage. Updated w/new windows, vinyl siding, water heater, water softener, 3 sheds & much more. 4.9 acres is cleared w/1000 ft of road frontage with possibility of being subdivided. Surrounded by shade trees w/neighbors only at a distance. Property gives you room for outbuildings/shops, horses and animals. No city/town taxes, no HOA, no water or sewer bills & plenty of area for Solar. $251,000
BUILD YOUR PERFECT COUNTRY HOME!
Crockett
Immaculate 3BR/2BA condo with a deeded boat slip located right in the town of Crisfield. Nice open floor plan, cozy gas fireplace, and balcony w/panoramic views of Tangier Sound and Chesapeake Bay! New flooring, tankless HW, and some updated appliances. Primary suite has a large walk-in closet, bath with soaking tub, separate shower and double sinks. Sold fully furnished. A Call for details!
Terri
Bradford Associate Broker, GRI
Bethany
Drew
$239,900 Associate Broker,
GRI Licensed in MD, DE
GOLF AND BAYSIDE LIVING!
With beautiful views of the bay, golf course, and Ocean City skyline, this half acre lot could be the beginning to building your dream vacation home. Perfectly located in the amazing Lighthouse Sound Community which is only a 5 minute drive away from Ocean City's sandy beaches. Drive through this peaceful community and experience some of the best views in Ocean City. This lot offers not only amazing views but the tranquility of $220,000 the community cannot be beat.
Terri: 410-430-6875 Bethany: 410-430-2602 www.PO2Team.com Powerof2@PO2Team.com
4.9 ACRES
NEW PRICE
Cindy
SAVOR THE SUN!
Kevin D.
OC LISTINGS WANTED
Heselbach Associate Broker GRI, RSPS
Licensed in MD & DE
301-501-2463 Cell kheselbachHRE @gmail.com
NEW PRICE
One Large Parcel - 2.07 Acres. Plenty of room for pets, gardening, friends, & family gatherings. Standard Septic System approved for up to 5 Bedrooms. Very convenient to the Town of Berlin, Ocean City & Assateague Beaches!
REALTOR®, GRI Licensed in MD
410-430-0587 Cell Cindy@HilemanReal Estate.com
$94,900
Sonia
Zaffiris Associate Broker GRI, CRS
Licensed in MD, DE
410-251-6217 soniasez@aol.com
PENDING PEACEFUL COUNTRY SETTING
Millsboro, 3BR/2BA Ranch on .61 acres. Gently used 2nd home built in 2017. Sold fully furnished. Open concept with large kitchen island w/seating, solid surface counters. Low DE taxes & NO HOA fees! Short drive to to beaches & shopping. $315,000
ONE-OF-A-KIND LOCATION WITH BREATH-TAKING VIEWS! A secluded 2.5 acre waterfront "Island" Paradise! Brand new private deep-water dock with lift, with direct access to Bay and Ocean! Extensive inside and outside renovations include a metal roof, granite countertops in the island kitchen, skylights, fireplace, a space-saving Murphy Bed, and so much more! There are 4 balconies, a 12x18 storage shed with workbench, 2 large climatecontrolled storage areas under the home, and covered parking for 5 cars or Boat! Most furniture conveys. Call today to see this magnificent property and all that it has to offer! $995,000
Debora E.
Hileman
OWNER/BROKER GRI & CRS Licensed in MD, DE
443-235-5982 Cell Debbie@Hileman RealEstate.com
PAGE 10
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Warehouse, garage space set for north OC By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Ocean City businesses may soon have a much closer option for warehouse and garage space. On Tuesday, members of the planning and zoning commission approved a site plan for a more than 50,700 square-foot commercial project on an empty lot between 142nd and 143rd streets. The plan calls for multiple units that can be used for space to accommodate a variety of activities including general service or repair, printing, publishing, plumbing, heating, and more. “It’s a pretty unique project, I don’t believe we have any of these in Ocean City,” Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said of the project. Currently, businesses that need extra space for storage or activities are forced to set up shop in places like West Ocean City, Bishopville, and Selbyville. The inconvenience of traveling to those areas, especially during peak summer traffic times, was the driver for applicant Nolan Graves to pitch the project. The four lots set for development are behind the Misty Cove Shopping Center and adjacent to the former Phillips Seafood House on 142nd Street to the south, and the Sun & Surf Cin-
RENDERING COURTESY THE DESIGN GROUP
A cluster of buildings set for use as garage and warehouse space for local businesses is planned for an empty parking lot between 142nd and 143rd streets behind the Misty Cove Shopping Center.
ema on 143rd Street to the north. Gordy explained that in 1983 the cinema obtained the space for extra parking to accommodate a planned expansion that never happened. In 2020, owners of the theater released it for redevelopment, opening the door for the new project. After discussing some details regarding parking, which included a stipulation that would prevent occupants of the building from parking
work trucks on the side street on 142nd, the commissioners unanimously approved the plans and commended the project. “It’s a great idea, fantastic idea,” Commissioner Palmer Gillis said be-
‘Alley to nowhere’ posed for 82nd Street homes clarified By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) The developer of a planned set of 12 town homes along 82nd Street got clarity this week regarding an “alley to nowhere” between the two future buildings. Known as Wilmington Lane, the currently overgrown, impassible strip of land runs east to west along the slated development area and was a point of confusion during project discussions at an Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Aug. 3. During that meeting, commissioners approved a site plan for the project, which calls for two stealth blue and gray buildings, each containing
CHINESE | JAPANESE | THAI 94TH ST + COASTAL HWY. BAYSIDE
410-524-3983 / 3982 WWW.BLUEFISHOCMD.COM
ORDER ONLINE
fore the vote. “It’s needed in Ocean City to keep the costs down.” The applicants said the project is planned in two phases and that marketing will need to be done to determine the tenants for each unit.
six three-bedroom homes with balconies and garages, on the ocean side of 82nd Street. Questions over the “alley to nowhere” — named because it does not provide access to the beach — remained, though, as commissioners said it was not their jurisdiction to determine its use. And during a planning commission meeting Tuesday, City Engineer Terry McGean confirmed that stance. He said he reviewed the plans, which call for the alley to be turned into a pedestrian walkway that will serve mainly as an access for residents of the townhomes, and determined that it is crucial to the project plans. However he said that the deSee DEVELOPER Page 12
We Need Your Furniture! Our Fenwick store is accepting gently used furniture, home décor, jewelry & select designer items
OPEN 7 DAYS
DINE IN | TAKE OUT ENJOY AUTHENTIC CHINESE & JAPANESE CUISINE AND SUSHI BAR FEATURING A FULL COCKTAIL BAR & LOUNGE
1300 Coastal Hwy, Unit 11 • Fenwick Island 10am–5pm Daily | 302-537-1037
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Th MarWin The M Wi offshore ff h e wind i d farm will ill produce d enough h clea l n electricity l t i it to power nearly 80,0 000 homes fo for a year. Producing all that t clean energy is like taking 140,000 cars off the street each yea ar, reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful air pollutants.
uswindinc.com
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
EARLY FALL NEW ARRIVALS
French Dressing Skechers Ruby RD Parsley & Sage Tribal Clara Sno Skins Chalet Focus Multiples Lilly White Habitat Jess & Jane Lu Lu B Zac & Rachel Charlie B Summer Clearance
20-50% off orig. Misses • Petite • Mens
Open Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 302-537-1414
Coastal Hwy. & Dagsboro St., Fenwick Island
RENDERING COURTESY CORE DESIGN GROUP
An “alley to nowhere” — named because it provides no access to the beach — is planned between two future buildings set for development into 12 town homes on 82nd Street. City officials said this week that the pedestrian walkway can be included in the project as long as the developer pays for the improvements.
Developer must fix up alley for use Continued from Page 10 veloper is responsible for the cost of clearing and improving it. According to the plans, the alley is set to have five feet of green space and five feet of sidewalk with a nearby north to south running alley providing public
access. Neighbors expressed concerns during the meeting earlier this month about the throughway attracting rogue pedestrians because of the public access. McGean, however, said that as long as the developer pays to fix it up then it can be developed as
planned. Ultimately, commissioners voted unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting to clarify the function of the alley to state that it should be constructed for egress, as shown on the site plan, with development directed by the city engineer.
Bertino town meeting Sept. 23
LOCALS’ FAVORITE SINCE 1955
(Aug. 20, 2021) Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino will host a town meeting on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Pines library. This will be Commissioner Bertino’s first community meeting since before the pandemic. “I’m pleased to restart these meetings,” he said. “It will be nice to once again meet personally with residents.” Commissioner Bertino’s guest speakers are Worcester County Health Officer Rebecca Jones and Su-
THE FINEST SEAFOOD, STEAKS AND POULTRY
PHIL PERDUE ON PIANO
Jewelry BUY SELL
Every Friday 5-9pm
BREAKFAST / LUNCH Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 8am-Noon
•
DINNER / LITE FARE Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 5-9pm
DAILY CHEF SPECIALS CARRY-OUT KIDS MENU Captainstableoc.com
Located In The Courtyard by Marriott 15th Street & Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. For Reservations, Call: 410-289-7192/7191
perintendent of Worcester County Schools Lou Taylor. “The two areas about which I received the most questions during the pandemic related to health issues and our schools. I’m glad Mrs. Jones and Superintendent Taylor will be joining me,” Bertino said. “They were a big help to me as I worked with constituents who contacted me with questions related to covid testing sites, vaccination appointments and remote learning issues.” Commissioner Jim Bunting will join the meeting as well.
TRADE LOCAL ART • VINTAGE UNUSUAL • ANTIQUE ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE
OPEN Fri-Sun 10–4pm We Follow CDC Guidelines
Call or Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or email: jaynesreliable@gmail.com
302.927.0049
On the corner, south of the stoplight 33034 Main St., Dagsboro
Why consign? Immediate payment for your items.
Madeleine Sasha Graduate Gemologist
New Location!
You will be treated like family & given individual attention
Sasha’s Jewels, LLC
JEWELRY REPAIR • CUSTOM DESIGNS & APPRAISALS
(302) 296-6909 • sashas.jewels@yahoo.com 32014 Roxanna Road • Ocean View, DE 19970 Thurs & Fri 12–5pm • Sat 2–6pm or by Appointment
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 13
Task force to focus on upcoming car event By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) The Motor Event Task Force, which consists of several local and state officials as well as residents of Ocean City, is scheduled to meet again next week to make final preparations for the tuner car pop-up rally expected to take place in September. Though the name of the event suggests cars will pop up out of nowhere and flood the streets, preparations for the car rally suggest otherwise, as officials are preparing for the worst by bringing in support of area law enforcement agencies and additional resources. The rally originated on the fringes of the official H2Oi event, which took place in the county and was for fans of water-cooled Volkswagens and Audis. But those cars attracted people with all sorts of highly tuned small imported cars that didn’t qualify for inclusion in the H2Oi event. They also were much less restrained than H2Oi owners, leading to the latter being blamed for situations over which it had no control. Subsequently, H2Oi departed Ocean City as an operations base and settled in Atlantic City, while the tuner car operators kept coming. Over the years, the event has
turned into what people may envision as a scene from the Fast and Furious franchise, with Hondas, Mitsubishis, and various other car brands – mostly Asian – that have been outfitted with nitrous systems, spoilers, and engine tune-ups that force backfires with loud pops, among other things. The rally is a social media-generated event, and in recent years, it has turned into a raucous crowd of mostly 18-40-year-olds who tear up and down the streets, and often challenge each other. The challenges include burnouts or spinning donuts in intersections, while being surrounded by a crowd of spectators. Officials hope to curtail the behavior this year by implementing temporary speed bumps and rumble strips, while also expanding the “Special Event Zone” – an area established by state law where the speed limits are lowered and enforcement of it along with other traffic violations and illegal car modifications are heightened. The task force is not just in place to plan and regulate the tuner car rally, but also more sedate vehicular events like Spring Cruisin’ and Endless Summer Cruisin’, both of which are organized by Special Event Productions along with Bob Rothermel of Team Productions.
The Ocean City Motor Event Task Force plans to meet on Aug. 27 to discuss the upcoming pop-up rally, which includes the enforcement of a special event zone where the speed limit will be reduced and cars could be towed for illegal modifications.
But the pop-up rally will be the primary focus during Friday’s meeting. Expected to be at the task force meeting are Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro, who will talk more about the expansion of the special event zone and implementation of the speedbumps and rumble strips, as well as a representative from Gov. Larry Hogan’s office, who will give an update on the Bay to Beach Highway Safety Week, an effort to enforce traffic laws between the bay bridge and Ocean City during the week of the pop-up rally.
Additionally, State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, representatives from the State Highway Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, the Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Department of Public Works, and others will be at the meeting, as well as members of the Ocean City Council. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, Aug. 27, at 1 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall on Third Street. The meeting is open to the public.
PAGE 14
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Spartan brings single-day event back to OC By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Thousands of people will take to the beach in Ocean City on Oct. 16 to participate and cheer on friends and family members as they compete in the second annual Spartan Race. The City Council approved the final memorandum of understanding between the city and race organizers at its meeting Monday night, and although the vote was unanimous, Mayor Rick Meehan, who does not have a vote in the matter, expressed discontent that the event was only one day. His concern, as he expressed last night and last month, is that with a one-day event, people may be more prone to leave immediately after the event rather than stay for the weekend. While the event is approved for this year, he urged Tom Perlozzo, the director of tourism and business development, to press organizers to come back next year with a two-day event that is more robust.
Perlozzo told the mayor that in 2019, Spartan organizers conducted a recap of the event that consisted of a questionnaire. The result was that 70 percent of the 3,000 or so people who attended the event stayed overnight. This year, Perlozzo said, organizers are asking the same questions at registration, and the way the event is filling out now, there are only 150 spaces left for the event. That means, he explained, there will be between 4,000 and 5,000 people at the event. The Spartan event will also include a race for kids this year. “We are on track for this year,” Perlozzo said, adding that they were going to try to get the organizer to commit to more than a single-day event next year. He added that he is working with organizers to put together a televised Spartan race event that includes NFL players. This year, the three-mile obstacle course will lead participants along the Boardwalk, into a few downtown side
Around 25-30 men participated in the Men’s Elite Race at the inaugural Ocean City Spartan Race in the inlet parking lot in 2019.
streets, and will include a festival village in the inlet lot. One-third of the lot will be reserved for the Spartan event, while the other two-thirds will be used as part of Corvette week.
The city is expected to cover up to $50,000 worth of in-kind services, and $80,000 will need to be allocated from the Tourism Department budget to cover the Spartan host fee, banners, and a pedestrian bridge.
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) The Ocean City Mayor and City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 16 and discussed the following items:
Northside Park gym floor A bid submitted by Dynamic Sports Construction for $166,487 was unanimously accepted by City Council members for the replacement of the Northside Park gym floor. The initial batch of bids that were submitted and opened on July 13 came in well above the budgeted amount of $150,000 to replace the floor. As a result, a request for proposals was reissued and two companies submitted bids. The second, and highest bid, was submitted by Abacus Sports
Installations for $190,736. City Engineer Terry McGean said when the floor is replaced, it will consist of a rubber mat covered by a polyurethane coating.
Property swap Owners of the Windward Restaurant asked to close the easterly portion of a 10-foot-wide alley between 74th and 75th streets in exchange for a 10-foot public easement across the western edge of a parcel behind Quiet Storm Surf Shop. While there is no current proposed use for the property, it was suggested that the city could benefit because the alley would be wider. Councilman Mark Paddack, who said he was ready to approve the swap, raised concerns with the propContinued on Page 16
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Ocean City Council awarded a bid from Dynamic Sports Construction the amount of $166,487 to replace the floor of the west Northside Park gym floor on 125th Street. The city budgeted $150,000 for the project.
COMMERCIAL • C-2 ZONED PROPERTY
NATURAL FOOD & VITAMIN RETAILER SPECIALTY FOODS: GLUTEN-FREE · ORGANIC · VEGAN
LARGEST SELECTION OF CANDY IN THE AREA Outlets Ocean City
410-781-1797 • BulkMore.com
11110 GRAYS CORNER ROAD • BERLIN 1.076 Acres of cleared land with high Rt. 50 visibility. The parcel offers a 128' x 108' fencedin secure area, and 1052 sq. ft. building that can be used as office space. Possible uses for this zoning include retail businesses, restaurants, professional or doctors offices, contractor shops, self storage and more. See C-2 zoning code under documents in MLS. Per survey: parcel currently in Flood Zone X; zoning setbacks: front 100' along Rt. 50 & 35' along Rt. 707, rear 20' and sides 6'; site is not within the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area. Seller to find suitable replacement property. Subject to shortterm lease. $569,900
Lauren Bunting Cell: 410.422.9899 lwbunting@comcast.net www.LaurenBunting.com
7510 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 410-524-0919 • Atlanticshores-sothebysrealty.com
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Awards to honor people who help (Aug. 20, 2021) Comptroller Peter Franchot’s office is accepting nominations for the 2021 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Awards. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, Oct. 15. Established in 2012, the award honors the unparalleled legacy of public service left by the late Schaefer, who served four terms as Baltimore City mayor and two terms each as Maryland governor and comptroller. It is presented annually in each of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions to individuals and organizations with an unwavering commitment to helping others and improving communities. “This will be the 10th year of presenting the Helping People Awards
and it remains just as fulfilling and inspiring now as it did at the outset,” Comptroller Franchot said. “Even after a decade of soliciting nominations, the quality of submissions we receive demonstrate that there are so many Marylanders who spend their lives in service to those in need and making their communities a better place to live. Selecting just one recipient in each jurisdiction has become increasingly difficult, particularly during the last 18 months of the covid-19 pandemic that has seen so many heroes shine.” Award recipients will be selected based on their demonstration of: • Improving the community; • Promptly responding to a citizen problem through effective government intervention;
• Directly aiding our most vulnerable populations; or, • Establishing a public/private partnership to improve the lives of fellow Marylanders. Due to the pandemic, Comptroller Franchot has virtually presented the 2019 and 2020 Schaefer Awards in lieu of the traditional in-person ceremonies. Nominations submitted in previous years but not selected should be re-sent. To submit a nomination, print out and complete the form, scan and attach it as a pdf to an email, and send to moprey@marylandtaxes.gov. The link to the form is https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MDCOMP/2021/07/23/file_ attachments/1887027/2021%20WD S%20Nomination%20Form.pdf
the American Rescue Plan Act – or ARPA. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp proposed the amendment in July, telling council the grant the city received has limited uses, one of which is to make up for the $500,000 revenue loss associated with the Boardwalk tram not running in 2020. The grant can also be used to help offset losses of $700,000 associated with parking and the convention center. Along with offsetting those losses, the amendment that was passed includes the addition of room tax revenue. Ultimately, the fiscal impact associated with the amendment includes a reduction in fund balance from $2,431,506 to $1,539,946, as well as the recognition of the additional revenue from grants and the additional reserves needed to design the
Baltimore Avenue utility project. Combined, the impact is a reduction of $891,506.
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS Continued from Page 14 erty the city was acquiring because a telephone pole is smack in the middle of it. His main concern was whether the city would have to pay to move it or if the property owner would have to. “We can’t use the property with a telephone pole in the way,” Paddack said. “This parcel of land is good, and it’s good for business ... but that telephone pole should not have to be paid by the taxpayers to move it.” Ultimately, the vote was not acted upon, and council recommended the property owners come up with a solution and bring it back to a later meeting.
FY22 budget amendment GENERAL DENTISTRY Dental Cleaning • Implants Cosmetic & Whitening Procedures Restorative Dentures & Partials
We Do Invisible Braces, Too!
Accepting New Patients!
302-537-4500 DrLoisJames.com Route 26 • Ocean View (1 mile west of Rt. 1) Next to Wild About Birds
Council members approved the second reading of an amendment to the FY22 budget, which was the result of receiving a $3.4 million grant from
Baltimore Ave. wires McGean was granted approval by City Council members to hold a public workshop where he can present designs associated with burying utility lines along Baltimore Avenue between North Division Street and 15th Street. The capital improvement project o includes widening sidewalks, and McGean presented two concepts to council. The first showed an eightfoot-wide sidewalk and the second showed an eight-foot-wide sidewalk with a two-foot utility strip. City staff asked to be able to hold a workshop to present the plans to the public for commebt, which was unanimously approved by council.
SA AV VE THE DA AT TE • OC O TOBER 22-24 2021
AUTUMN
O OC
P PE T Art
& Cr r af t Fa ir
EXPO O
OC CONVENTION CENTER • 40TH ST & COAST TA AL HWY • WWW W..OC CEANPROMOTIONS.INF FO
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 17
PAGE 18
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Longtime county CAO Harold Higgins retires (Aug. 20, 2021) Chief Administrative Officer Harold L. Higgins, CPA received accolades from the county commissioners after announcing his upcoming retirement from Worcester County Government effective Aug. 20 after 25 years of service. “While many jurisdictions nationwide faced economic uncertainty during the 2009 economic downturn and the worldwide covid-19 pandemic, Worcester County remained on solid financial footing thanks to Harold’s prudent financial leadership,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “He is a good friend, and I hope he will spend much of the retirement he has earned out on the golf green improving his swing.” Higgins began serving as finance officer in 1996, and then stepped up to the helm as the chief administra-
tive officer in 2013. Higgins led all aspects of county government operations. He played key roles in navigating the county through a period of national economic decline and the worldwide covid-19 pandemic. His prudent management secured the county’s solid financial standing, resulting in clean opinions from TGM Group, LLC for each annual audit since 1996, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 13 consecutive years, and credit ratings of AA for Fitch, AA+ for Standard and Poor’s, and Aa2 for Moody’s Investor Services. Higgins also oversaw key construction projects, including the Berlin Branch Library, Showell Elementary School, and Snow Hill High School. Worcester County is stronger
The Worcester County Commissioners congratulate Harold Higgins on his 25-year career in serving Worcester County. After their meeting Tuesday, each commissioner took time to commend Higgins.
today and better positioned for healthy growth in the future thanks to the leadership Higgins has provided, county official aid. Higgins and his wife, Theresa, are looking forward to spending more
time traveling and visiting with their four adult children and seven grandchildren, with an eighth on the way. He is passing the torch of leadership to incoming Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
RCI survey vital to realty trend assessments By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) The National Association of Realtors publishes a monthly Realtors Confidence Index
(RCI) survey. The survey gathers on-the-ground information from Realtors based on their real estate transactions in the month. This report presents key re-
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
FRIDAY - SEAN LOOMIS 8PM-12PM EVERY SATURDAY - JIM LONG LIVE 3-6PM EVERY SUNDAY SUNDAY REVIVAL BRUNCH 9AM w/DJ WAX 10AM EVERY WEDNESDAY - DJ WAX 10PM THURSDAY - HIGH FIVE SWAN DIVE 5-9PM
Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Scallops • Fresh Soft Shell Crabs 15 BIG SCREENS TO WATCH ALL YOUR SPORTS ACTION • KENO HAPPY HOUR DAILY NOON-5PM
EARLY BIRD DAILY 3:30PM-5:30PM
Food and Drink Specials
Special Dinner Menu
Open Wednesday thru Monday at Noon Now Open Tuesday 3-12pm Dine-In • Carry-Out & Online Ordering www.coinspuboc.com
28th Street Plaza • 410-289-3100
sults about market transactions. In the month of July, here are some excerpts from the RCI survey: • On average, a home sold had more than four offers, slightly lower than the average of five offers in last month’s survey. • With limited supply in the market, homes typically sold within 17 days (24 days one year ago), as buyer competition continues. • The share of firsttime buyers remains unchanged in June at 31 percent (31 percent in the prior month, 35 percent one year ago). • Due to intense competition, the share of cash sales has increased to 23 percent from one year ago (16 percent one year ago) and the share of buyers making less than 20 percent down payment has decreased to 71 percent (77 percent one year ago). • The pandemic continues to im-
pact how people live and work. A higher share of buyers, at 87 percent, purchased a property in a suburban, small town, rural, or resort area (84 percent one year ago). • Realtors expect home prices in the next three months to increase nearly 4 percent from one year ago compared to 5 percent outlook in last month’s survey. • Respondents expect sales in the next three months to increase nearly 1 percent from last year’s sales level compared to the 2 percent outlook in last month’s survey. • The Realtors Buyer Traffic Index decreased from 77 in May 2021 to 71 (moderately strong conditions) in June 2021 while the Realtors Seller Traffic Index remains below 50 which is “weak” traffic compared to the level one year ago. — Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Worcester County Tobacco Retailers Care About Our Kids! The Worcester County Health Department and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office work together to prevent the sale, distribution and consumption of tobacco products by those under age 21. Of the 55 tobacco retailers visited by local law enforcement for the purpose of attempting to buy tobacco products by an underage cadet from July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021, the following tobacco retailers had an employee who requested an ID and refused to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 21. Please join the Worcester County Health Department and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in congratulating these establishments. Please stop in and say “Thank You” to:
56th Street Market Beer & Wine 5601 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
7 Eleven
Duck In
607 Lynnhaven Dr, Pocomoke City
Duck Inn II
Royal Farms, store 36
8307 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
Shell - Your Store Market
11055 Racetrack Rd, Berlin
5610 Market St, Snow Hill
7 Eleven
Exxon- rt 50 Wine Rack
12827 Ocean Gtwy, Ocean City
308 E Market St, Snow Hill
7 Eleven, 23366a 2546
Exxon -Shop Kwik
Walgreens, store 11951
7 Eleven, store 19083a/2546
Exxon-Assawoman Ale Shoppe
Walmart, store 2514
7 Eleven, store 19354h
Family Dollar, Suite a, store 2342
9404 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
5809 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 2611 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City 13900 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
7 Eleven, store 26106a/1406
10140 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin 5201 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
10137 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin
Snow Hill Food Rite
11085 Cathell Rd, Berlin
2132 Old Snow Hill Rd, Pocomoke City
Walmart, store 2560
107 Pocomoke Marketplace, Pocomoke City
11416 Ocean Gtwy, Berlin
106 N Division St, Ocean City
11007 Manklin Creek Rd, Berlin
Food Lion, store 2614
Wawa, store 556
7 Eleven, store 23819
Food Lion, store 397
Wawa, store 566
Acme, store 293
Food Lion, store 658
10138 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin
Cheers Beer Wine & Spirits
9923 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin
Anthonys Liquors
Inlet Lodge inc
Oceans Market
Berlin Food Mart
Mitchells Market
11911 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
9507 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 3300 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
111 Flower St, Berlin
9936 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Ocean City
804 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City 827 2nd St, Pocomoke City
Chicken Man
Newark Station
12502 Ocean Gtwy, Ocean City 12001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
14107 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
Deja Vu
13701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
Beer Bellies
429 W Market St, Snow Hill
7167 Worcester Hwy, Newark
11629 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
Citgo- Raceway
OC Dollar Store
203 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City
Rite Aid Store 3835
11401 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
Cool Topics, store 2
Pocomoke Goose Creek
85th Street Wine Rack
Rite Aid, store 319
Rite Aid 4005
11247 Ocean Gtwy, Berlin 500 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City
Dollar General, store 16880 11234 Five L Dr, Berlin
Dollar General, store 372
2322 Stockton Rd, Pocomoke City
10119 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin
12524 Ocean Gtwy, Ocean City
Royal Farms, store 107
511 Linden Ave, Pocomoke City
12826 Ocean Gtwy, Ocean City
Dollar General, store 489
Royal Farms, store 178
105 Decatur St, Berlin
8501 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
10633 Ocean Gtwy, Berlin
THANKS FOR HELPING US CLEAR THE AIR… STAY TOBACCO FREE! Visit us at worcesterhealth.org • Call to Quit: 410-632-1100 ext. 1102 Funded by the Maryland CRF Tobacco Program
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 21
Ocean City Today
Assateague plan addresses next 20 years By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) For years, Assateague Island has been a getaway spot for residents and vacationers who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the main Ocean City strip. That’s why, every two decades or so, officials with the National Park Service release an updated management plan to keep the 37 miles of beach, and surrounding dunes, wetlands and marsh, a clean, viable destination. The latest plan — a more than 400page document filled with guidelines for everything from maneuvering expected climate change effects to protecting the horseshoe crab population — is complete and ready for viewing. Officials recently released an abbreviated version of it, which includes summaries of four options for preserving the island for the next 20 to 25 years, as well as a record of decision that detail the chosen option. “This is part of a long-term planning process,” said Hugh Hawthorne, the superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore. “This is something that all national parks go through every 20 to 25 years, so it’s not a crazy change. It’s just helping guide us into the future.”
The four options were introduced roughly five years ago and members of the public and representatives from affected government and other organizations were given time and opportunities to comment on the contents. Officials then took the comments and developed the record of decision. The four possible options ranged from doing nothing to address climate change or natural shifts in the land, to taking aggressive steps to prevent natural changes from occurring. The option that was chosen fell somewhere in between. “It’s basically a plan to be adaptable rather than fighting Mother Nature,” Hawthorne said. The plan does not call for any major changes to the island in the short term, but anticipates relocating areas like the oceanside campground as the land naturally moves. “You’ll see campgrounds moving to the east, you’ll probably see parking lots moving to the east,” Hawthorne said. “And as we move, instead of building hard structures, we will move towards structures that themselves can be moved going forward.” Hawthorne said he does not anticipate the OSV (over-sand-vehicle) beach moving or changing unless something unexpected warrants it. The plan also includes a solution
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Officials with the National Park Service have released an updated management plan for Assateague Island’s 37 miles of beach and surrounding dunes, marsh and wetlands.
for if the Verrazano Bridge, which serves as the main access way to the island, washes away someday. Hawthorne said he does not anticipate that happening anytime in the near future, but as a “worst case scenario” a ferry would be used to transport vehicles to the beach. The plan also addressed the horseshoe crab population, which warranted some debate between wildlife conservationists and representatives
of the commercial crabbing industry. The plan ultimately said members of the Assateague Island National Seashore will work with state officials and community members in both Maryland and Virginia to find the best solution for harvesting or preserving the species. Ocean City’s North End Restoration project — a long-running plan that the National Park Service and See WILDLIFE Page 24
Call 410-449-4090 Today for more information or to schedule a visit to our on-site showroom. Respite Care and Hospice Care
Our Staff is Regularly Tested for Covid-19
410-449-4090
PAGE 22
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 23
PAGE 24
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
ON GUARD
Always swim near lifeguard to avoid tragedy By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” This is our trademark slogan that you will see many places throughout Ocean City. It’s not just a catchy phrase that you can see on the back of lifeguard stands and many other signs throughout Ocean City, but more importantly a helpful reminder that swimming in unguarded water is never a good idea. A sad statistic from Ocean City is that 98 percent of all drowning deaths that have occurred in the past 90 years have occurred when the beach patrol was not on duty. Although this advice applies to pools, it is even more important when
Smith Island Cruise
Take the smoothest ride to Smith island aboard the “Chelsea Lane Ty Tyler” Leaves Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD
12:30 Free P Pa arking
CRUISE CRAB LUNCH PACKAGE
www w.smithislandcruises.com
ISLAND AMENITIES
• Bayside inn restaurant
known for its famous Crab Cakes and Smith island Cake
• golf Cart rentals • Bicycle rentals • Museum • gift Shops
Directions:
Rt. 413 to Crisfield Tu T urn left after Fire Dept. Stop at Capt. Tyler’s Motel for cruise tickets.
reservations required!
410-425-2771
Purchase your tickets online at www.smithislandcruises.com Like us on Facebook!
swimming in open water such as lakes, rivers and oceans, which have uneven bottoms, changing currents, poor visibility, sudden drop-offs and changes in depth. These factors make rip currents the second leading cause of weather-related death (last year), according to the National Weather Service (NOAA), ahead of lightning, tornados and hurricanes (also sharks). I have noticed that people tend to leave their cares, concerns and common sense behind them when they come to the beach. No one can blame them; vacationers have worked hard and they simply want to enjoy their time by the ocean. Most people believe that nothing bad is going to happen while they are on vacation and that they will never be the unfortunate victim of an accident or injury while enjoying a day at the beach. The possibility of a tragedy occurring with a loved one is the furthest thing from their mind when they choose to go swimming without a lifeguard. This fact unfortunately came true last summer when a man chose to go swimming at 7 p.m. after the beach patrol had long gone off duty and cleared the water of all swimmers. Caught in a rip current the man was pulled into deep water as his wife and child watched helplessly. Beach patrol members working evening mobile patrol were joined by off-duty beach patrol surf rescue technicians and fire department rescue swimmers and were able to locate his body, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, this was repeated earlier this summer at 8:40 p.m., over three hours after surf rescue technicians had cleared the ocean and left for the day. The friends and family will forever be changed by such a preventable tragedy. Another alarming statistic is that when untrained individuals attempt to “rescue” someone from the ocean, Crossword answers from page 56
they frequently become victims themselves and this was reported six times last summer at other East Coast beaches. Although education is the first priority of the beach patrol mission and the press has dedicated time and resources to help us get these lifesaving messages out to you, many people just do not heed our advice and lives are lost and families devastated by the poor decisions of others. It is important to remember that the ocean is not just a fun place to spend a vacation, it is a natural, ever changing dynamic environment and like all natural phenomena, if it is not treated respectfully, it can be deadly. Even experienced swimmers and surfers have lost their lives swimming alone with no one to help them when things go wrong. Lifeguards and people dedicated to water/beach safety feel frustrated by these stories. There is no need for anyone to lose a family member on vacation. It is a tragedy that could be easily avoided. The ocean is constantly moving and changing. To the untrained eye it can look calm and safe, but currents on the calmest day can still be dangerous. Do not hesitate about approaching the lifeguard and asking about water conditions. They enjoy answering questions and educating beach patrons. Every member of the beach patrol is fully tested and certified before they ever have the privilege of guarding you, your family and friends. Their job is to recognize the danger and educate beach patrons about it. If you hear them blow their whistle, look and see who they might be trying to communicate with. It could be you. The lifeguards will use their flags to direct you out of harms way. Often
during the summer, we see a lot of wildlife activity out in the ocean. There could be whale sightings and very often, dolphins traveling close to shore. Although these creatures aren’t normally harmful to humans, it’s safer to simply move out of their way and let them pass. Lifeguards have a better view of what is going on from their guard stand and will move you away from the less dangerous occurrences such as these and the more dangerous situations such as rip currents. The beach patrol also enforces rules, ordinances, and regulations that I am sure some of you find bothersome, but each regulation has been put in place for a reason. The beach patrol is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for all of our visitors and ensuring that they may enjoy their vacation time. Please remember that if the lifeguard asks you to play ball at the back of the beach, fill in a hole, move to a designated smoking area, turn your music down or move an umbrella out of their line of sight, they are doing this to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable beach experience and can return for many more. We hope you enjoy your time here in Ocean City. To help us keep you safe always check in with the lifeguard on the stand and never go in the ocean if the beach patrol is not on duty. This is so important to each lifeguard that they will clear the ocean of all swimmers before leaving their beach at 5:30 p.m. Follow the directions of the lifeguards and never underestimate the incredible power of the ocean. Remember our slogan and pass it on to family, friends or anyone whose life you value: “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”
Wildlife, dredging, more in plan Continued from Page 21 Army Corps of Engineers developed for dredging the inlet — was also a part of the Assateague plan. The project helps replenish the Assateague beach area with sand, and officials with the seashore group are in favor of it. “That’s a long-standing project and our commitment is as long as the Corps of Engineers wants to do that, and as long as we have funding for it, we will support it,” Hawthorne said. “Because it supports getting sand on our beaches.” The plan also addresses Assateague’s proposed wilderness study area status, costs for accessing the island in the future, and safety measures for roads and trails. Hawthorne
said the efforts aim to make the island as safe as possible for people, but that wildlife — such as the wild horses that roam the area — benefit from them as well. “I would say everything we do safety-wise helps the horses a little bit but the horses are not the driver of our safety changes,” Hawthorne explained. “It’s pedestrians and bicycles more than anything else. Anything we do along this line, the streamline things we do, help the horse safety.” The Abbreviated Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and record of decision can both be found online for viewing at: parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.c fm?projectId=26140.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
First Renaissance Faire kicks off in Snow Hill Saturday By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) For years, the annual celebration of a different time and place at Furnace Town was the Chesapeake Celtic Festival, but this weekend the historical site is introducing the Renaissance Faire. The festival, running Saturday and Sunday, could become an annual event, said Claudia Nagle, Furnace Town Historic Site executive director. “We were looking at different ways to bring people in,” Nagle said. “A renaissance fair seemed like a good way. There’s not like anything this on the Eastern Shore.” There will be a variety of performances at the festival from groups such as the Community Players of Salisbury, the Ocean Pines Players and the Shire of Spiaggia Levantina, a regional group that’s part of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Nagle also said the event will include some Celtic Festival mainstays, such as the Ocean City Pipes and Drums marching band. There’ll be Irish wolfhounds on-site as well. “There’s going to be a nod to our previous Celtic Festival,” Nagle said. “It’s your basic festival. There’s a lot
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Furnace Town Historic Site, formerly the location of the annual Chesapeake Celtic Festival, is hosting the first Renaissance Faire this weekend. It will include some mainstays from the old Celtic Festival as well as new attractions. Guests are encouraged to dress in period-piece attire.
of kids’ activities. We have a bubble show, Scales & Tails from the state park, hair-braiding, all the normal things. It won’t be the well-established renaissance fair, but it’s a fledgling, first annual (event). We’re hoping people will come out, dress in period clothing and enjoy the festival.” Nagle said organizers hope the event also reminds people that their historical site is right there for everyone to enjoy — new and old visitors
alike. “Furnace Town is a really lovely location and lends itself to this kind of event,” she said. “We’re looking at ways to get people to come back to Furnace Town and make it their backyard. There’s a lot of things people can do so we were looking to help people remember this is a good spot to be and see who we might be able to introduce to Furnace Town. What better way than with a fun renaissance fair with performances and
food and things for kids to do?” Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Singleday passes are available at $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 to 18. Admission is free for children under 12. Facemasks will be required for indoor activities but are optional outside. For more informatoin, visit https://www.furnacetown.org or call 410-632-2032.
NOW PLAYING CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday: Phil Perdue on Piano, 5-9 p.m. COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL In the Castle in the Sand Hotel 37th Street Oceanfront, Ocean City 410-289-6846 / www.castleinthesand.com Aug. 20: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Zion Reggae, 5-9 p.m. Aug. 21: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, noon to 4 p.m.; The Rock-A-Holics, 5-9 p.m. Aug. 22: Chris Diller Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Lauren Glick Band, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 23: Sean Loomis Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 24: Jack Bannon, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Bilenki Duo, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 25: Kevin Poole Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Smooth & Remy, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 26: Keri Anthony, noon to 3 p.m.; Full Circle, 48 p.m. COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspub.com Aug. 20: Sean Loomis, 8 p.m. to midnight Aug. 21: Jim Long Live, 3-6 p.m. Aug. 22: DJ Wax 10 a.m. Aug. 25: DJ Wax, 10 p.m. Aug. 26: High Five Swan Dive, 5-9 p.m. JOHNNY’S PIZZA 56th Street Bayside, Ocean City 410-723-5600 / johnnyspizzapub.com
Aug. 26: Open Mic Night w/host Troy Hanna, 6-9 p.m. OCEAN CLUB 101st Street, Ocean City Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Ocean Club Aug. 20-21: On The Edge, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Lenny’s Bar & Grille Aug. 20-21: On The Edge, 5-9 p.m. Aug. 22: On The Edge, 5-10 p.m. Aug. 23-26: First Class, 5-10 p.m. OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumfords Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7501 / www.opyachtclub.org Aug. 20: Mike Hines, 6-10 p.m. Aug. 21: Full Circle, 6-10 p.m. Aug. 22: Radio Bravo, 6-10 p.m. Aug. 26: Marcella, 6-10 p.m. RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOT 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City 410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com Every Sunday: Karaoke, 5-8 p.m. Every Tuesday: Carlie & Harleigh Kids Corner, noon to 2 p.m. Every Wednesday: Trivial, 7-10 p.m. SEACRETS 49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Aug. 20: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jim Long Band, 5-9 p.m.; S.T.O.R.M., 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Lost
ON THE EDGE Lenny’s Bar & Grille: Fri-Sat, Aug. 20-21, 5-9 p.m.; Sun, Aug. 22, 5-10 p.m.
in Paris, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Aug. 21: DJ Tuff, noon to 1:50 a.m.; Late Last Night, 1-5 p.m.; S.T.O.R.M., 5-9 p.m.; Cherry Crush, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Crash the Party, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Aug. 22: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Lunasea Glow Party, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Split Decision, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Aug. 23: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; The Way Outs, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Aug. 24: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; The Way Outs, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Aug. 25: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Michael Franti & Spearhead, 6-10 p.m.; Element K, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Aug. 26: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; Michael Franti & Spearhead, 6-10 p.m.; Go Go Gadget, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. THE VIEW AT THE CAMBRIA HOTEL 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-856-4158 / https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/oceancity/cambria-hotels/md310 Every Tuesday: Karaoke, 7-11 p.m. TSUNAMI PATIO BAR & GRILL 118th Street, in the Carousel, Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000 / www.carouselhotel.com Aug. 20: Troy Hanna, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 21: Monkey Paw, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 22: Jason Lee, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 24: Frank Moran, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 25: Bill Dixon, 4-8 p.m. Aug. 26: Dave Sherman, 4-8 p.m.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 27
ArtX festival at Northside Park in OC this weekend (Aug. 20, 2021) ArtX, Ocean City’s festival focusing on artistic expression, brings additional opportunities for creative experiences to the beach this weekend at Northside Park. Surrounding the scenic lagoon on 125th Street, ArtX offers an endless list of opportunities to create, purchase and enjoy different genres of art, from simple and fun to professional and inspiring. “The Town of Ocean City Special Events Department, in partnership with the Art League of Ocean City, produce ArtX as a primarily free event to inspire creativity, nurture artistic drive and promote art and culture in a variety of mediums,” said Special Events Director Frank Miller. “Visitors can enjoy free live music all day and the OC Film Festival will feature local producer films on an outdoor LED screen both days of the event. In addition, ArtX will include artisan work for sale covering classic and unique categories such as photography, sculpting, painting, ceramics, drawing, glass, and much more.” On Saturday evening, ArtX hosts a night of music with a free concert by The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Since 2004, The DMTB is the only naSee ANNUAL Page 29
ArtX, Ocean City’s festival focusing on artistic expression, brings additional opportunities for creative experiences to the beach this weekend at Northside Park on 125th Street.
ARTX WORKSHOPS: Seashell Mosaic, Saturday, 1-2:30 p.m. $20 Paint a Mermaid, Saturday, 4-6 p.m. $20 Wine Glass Painting, Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:303 p.m. $20 Puddle Pour Paint, Sunday, 121:30 p.m. $20 *subject to change OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS: Saturday: 1 p.m. - The 2019 Ocean City Film Challenge - 45 minutes “Kaw-Liga” by Trevor Taylor; “OC Inlet: The True Story” by Brett
Hammond; “B.L.’s Barhop: the Harbor Inn” by B.L. Strang-Moya; “A Day and the Life of an Ocean City Tourist” by Tom Taylor; “Time Flies” by Campos Media. 3 p.m. - The 2020 Ocean City Film Challenge - 45 minutes “Escape 2020” by Derek Silver; “I Surf the Body Electric,” by Gregg Rosner; “Regeneration” by Chelsea Thaler; “The Misadventures of Local Man” by DAM Productions; “Sea Sick” by Brandon Danganan; “Melvin’s Curse” by Davis Mears; “They Breed Us to Feed” by B.L. Strang-Moya. 5 p.m. - The 2021 Ocean City Film Challenge - 45 minutes “Oh Sin City” by Shannon Wilson;
“Besties” by Joe Weiner; “Prizehunter” by Davis Mears; “Apothecaries of Time” by B.L. Strang-Moya. Following this screening, a Q&A session will be conducted with filmmakers and the 2021 Film Challenge winners will be announced. 7 p.m. - “Terra,” a film by Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective. https://www.facebook.com/eve nts/1587770184763516 Sunday: 10 a.m. - The 2020 Ocean City Film Challenge encore screening 12 p.m. - 2021 Ocean City Film Challenge encore screening 2 p.m. - “Terra” encore screening *subject to change
PAGE 28
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
DONATION
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
GLASS TO SAND
Park Place Jewelers owners Todd and Jill Ferrante recently presented $20,000 in donations to four local charities – Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, the Rebecca and Leighton Moore Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit and the Worcester County Education Foundation (WCEF). Each received $5,000, representing a portion of Park Place Jewelers’ sales during the month of May, which marked the 25th anniversary for the business. Pictured, from left, are Sophia, Todd and Jill Ferrante, and Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation Program Coordinator Wayne Littleton.
Corona Beer set up a machine in the parking lot of Fish Tales on 21st Street, bayside, July 31 to show how glass can be converted back to usable sand. The event was held in conjunction with a beach cleanup conducted near 30th Street, which was part of the beer company’s initiative to remove 1 million pounds of plastic from beaches by 2025.
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
MARLIN FEST Representatives of the Ocean City Development Corporation were on hand at the Marlin Fest at the Third Street Park during the White Marlin Open in early August. Pictured, from left, are OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin, Mary Anne Kowzan, Paula Campbell and Mary Ann Manganello. PHOTO COURTESY RICK MARTELO PHOTOGRAPHY
SUMMER PARTY The South Point Association hosted a Summer Dinner-Dance Party at the Ocean City Golf Club in Berlin in late July. Among the 150 homeowners in attendance were Sharon and Leonard Parks.
PROCLAMATION FIRST FRIDAY Gwen and Don Lehman lent their Ed Challenger painting to the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street, for Challenger's retrospective show in August. The trio is pictured during First Friday.
During their June 1 meeting, the Worcester County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Department of Social Services Administrative Assistant Tracy Lynch and other staff members recognizing June 2021 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Worcester County.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 29
Ocean City Jeep Week set to take place next weekend (Aug. 20, 2021) As the sun shines over the beach in late August, thousands of Jeep owners will be rolling into town for Ocean City Jeep Week, Aug. 26-28. “Jeep Week is a great event because of the participants. Because of you, the vendors. You, the sponsors and partners, and because of you, the larger Jeep community,” said event director Brad Hoffman. “It’s an honor to host every one of you. Let the Jeeps roll on the sand in Ocean City, Maryland.” The sunrise beach crawl is a mainstay of Jeep Week, where participants get to drive their Jeep on the sand. Vehicles stage at Jolly Roger and crawl 2.5 miles south from 29th Street along the shore break all the way to the inlet parking lot. The newest event at Jeep Week is the KICKER Sand Course. A special set of obstacles will be set up on the beach at Somerset Street, with whoop-de-doos,
sand mounds, and modest moguls. Drivers can test their skills at Jeep Jam, where the team from C.C. Customs has erected a top-level challenge course filled with boulders, logs, concrete steps, and other obstacles. The public is welcome to watch Jeeps tackle the obstacles from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., next Thursday through Saturday. Jeep Jam also includes a forest trail ride that circles its home at the MAYS Sports complex in Pittsville. The hub of Ocean City Jeep Week is at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, on 40th Street, home to a 4x4 expo that is open to the public. The Vendor Village will feature tires, rims, modifications and other products. Major national brands including KICKER, Westin, Trick Trucks, The Wheel Group, C.C. Customs, and others will be on-site with factory reps ready to help with sales, service and installations.
Annual ArtX festival this wknd. Continued from Page 27 tionally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. This five-piece ensemble strives to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, intensity and intimacy of a DMB live show. The free outdoor concert begins at 8 p.m. “Northside Park presents the perfect bayside environment for this progressive art and music festival,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. “Visitors can stroll throughout the park, shop, take in sculpture installations, enjoy food, beverages and live performances. It’s a fun event for family members of all ages and interests.” Pinball • Sk keeeball Prizes • Videos
Watch artists paint against the clock around Northside Park on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by judging and off-the-easel sale 1-3 p.m. Prizes sponsored by the Town of Ocean City. ArtX hours are Saturday, Aug. 21, 128 p.m. with a concert at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event offers food and beverage selections including beer and wine. ArtX is a pet-friendly event. It will be followed by Sundaes in the Park starting at 7 p.m. with live music by Front Page News and ending with a drone show at 9 p.m. For more information, v i s i t https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event /artx-2021/ or call 800-626-2326. OP PEN Sunday - Thursd day 12pm-10pm Friday - Saturda d y 12pm-11pm
30 GAME CARD FOR $20 $
$1 OFF IC CE CREAM 13713 Coastal Highway, H y, Ocean Cityy,, MD M 21842 (410) 250-4442 https://www.faceboo ok.com/Electric-Quarter-Arcadee-250120098439781
The annual Ocean City Jeep Week will run from Aug. 26-28, featuring a beach Jeep crawl, obstacle sand course, Jeep Jam and vendors.
Jeep Week will kick off with a deck party on Thursday, Aug. 26, at Alley Oops on 131st Street from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sponsored by KICKER Audio and Live Wire Media & Events, Jeep Week will close out with a party at Jeep Jam, next Saturday night with live music from 5-7 p.m. “Our thanks go out to Mayor Rick
Meehan and the Town Council, along with the town’s Special Events and Public Works staff, plus our Beach Patrol, the convention center staff, and our incredible police and fire departments,” Hoffman said. “We spend all year coordinating with the town personnel and they always tell us how Jeep Week is one of their favorite annual events.”
Ocean City Today
PAGE 30
AUGUST 20, 2021
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Lemon pasta with cherry tomatoes, capers and basil By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Pasta, pasta, pasta – How I love thee! I yearn for your soft touch and delectable sauce. My passion runs deep and I want you day or night. Pasta is my heart’s desire and the focus of my obsession. Pasta’s versatility and easiness to prepare adds to its popularity. That being said, there are a few tips that will ensure perfect pasta every time. During the cooking phase, pasta can increase in volume up to three times. So, you want to make sure the pot is
large enough to handle the expansion. You also want to make sure you have enough water. The ratio of water to pasta is 2 quarts of water for onehalf pound uncooked pasta. Season the water generously with salt for more flavorful pasta. There are some you even add a touch of stock to the water. Many believe adding oil to your cooking water prevents the pasta from sticking. While this is true, you might be
doing more harm than good. If oil is clinging to your drained pasta, it will prevent the sauce from sticking to it properly. If one thinks stirring is insignificant, think again. Give your pasta a good stir
right after you add it to your pot of water to break up any initial clumps. Then, stir every couple of minutes to make sure it stays separated and cooks evenly. See ADD Page 31
■ PGN CRAB HOUSE 29th Street, Ocean City 410-280-8380, 410-289-4083, www.pgncrabhouse.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & wine Known for their famous steamed crabs. Dining in or carry out is available. Casual seasonal seafood stop for the all-you-can-eat specials. Steamed crabs, chicken and corn on the cob. You can find clams, ribs, crab cakes, seafood platters and more. You can call for daily specials. Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. ■ RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT 61st Street Bayside/2nd Floor @ Bayview Bar & Grill, Ocean City 443- 664-7043 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Open Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. and Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Happy Hour Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4-7p.m. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
and delivery. Open 7 days a week. ■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS 11805 Coastal Highway, Unit N, Ocean City www.ochoricosjerkandtings.com $$ | Full bar Serving you authentic Jamaican food, appetizers, lunch specials, stews, salads, burgers, jerk shrimp or chicken, and entrees. Steak, oxtail, seafood and chicken with many special sauces. Signature jerk escoveitched or BBQ. Side dishes with rice and peas, fried sweet plantains, fried cornmeal dough and mac & cheese. Desserts, Jamaican rum cake, NY cheesecake and red velvet cake. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dine in or carry out. ■ TSUNAMI PATIO BAR & GRILL 118th Street, in the Carousel, Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar OC’s best ocean-front beach bar featuring live entertainment 6 days a week in a tropical, palm tree-filled paradise. Come enjoy amazing ocean breezes and a family-friendly menu featuring everything from the best burgers and nachos in OC to fresh roasted prime rib and salmon. Full bar and a line-up of entertainment like: Monkey Paw, Frank Moran, Dave Sherman, Jason Lee, Troy Hanna and Bill Dickson. Open 7 days, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-9918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | Serving authentic Thai food, full vegan menu and vegetarian options including curry, rice and noodle dishes. Homemade appetizers, soups, and sauces. Seafood, meat, chicken, stir fries, vegetable, and tofu. Desserts, beer and wine. Dine in or takeout. Serving lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours open: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast and lunch, Wednesday through Monday, 8 a.m. to noon. Dinner and lite fare, Wednesday through Monday, 5-9 p.m. Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Daily chef specials. Dine in or carry out available. ■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-9737258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits. Now open 7 days a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 8 a.m. until close. Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare, and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more. Dine in or carry out. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. Soups, salads, crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, scallops, fresh soft crabs, and specialty dishes. Happy hour daily, noon to 5 p.m. with food and drink specials. Early bird daily, 3:30-5:30 p.m. with special dinner menu. Open Wednesday through Monday at noon. Now open Tuesday, 3 p.m. to midnight. Dine in or carry out. ■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy our hearty homestyle breakfasts starting at 6:30 a.m. daily. Lunch and dinner offering light fare of soups and salads along with our house specialty Scallops St. Croix, along with ribs, Cuban pork and steak selections. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-289- 3501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-289- 2599, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar An Ocean City family tradition since 1980. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Buttermilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza and Italian dinners. We have something for everyone! ■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL 21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-289-0990, www.ocfishtales.com $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar FishTales located in a premier outdoor beach location on the bay with the best sunsets. Come for the best local fare. We offer lunch and dinner with great happy hour food and drink specials. Kids play area too. So sit back and enjoy. ■ HARBOR WATCH 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Inlet Ocean City 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bringing Ocean City the freshest seafood, an award-winning Raw Bar along with certified Angus Beef. Great view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Call for
Banquet information. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 1-8 p.m. ■ PHILLIPS SEAFOOD, CRAB HOUSE 21st Street, Ocean City 410-289-7747, PhillipsSeafood.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Award winning buffet open everyday at 3:30 p.m. Menu dining everyday at 4 p.m. Hooper's Island crab cakes, steamed blue crabs, steamed seafood buckets, fried chicken and much more. ■ THE VIEW RESTAURANT AND BAR AT CAMBRIA, OC Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Avenue, Ocean City 410-280-1645 or 410-520-4541 Open to the public with a new full menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour each day from 3-9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. daily until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other days. Enjoy overlooking the bay with fresh baked pastries on premise. Wounder appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites. ■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle in the Sand Hotel, 37th St & the Beach, Ocean City 800-552-7262, www.castleinthesand.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Beachfront open air dining in a tropical setting. Serving grilled sandwiches, specialty salads, appetizers, wraps, tacos and frozen drinks, beer and wine. Live entertainment. Happy Hour daily, 5-6 p.m. 2 for 1 drink specials. Waitress service on the beach Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Coconuts is open daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surf-themed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Closed on Tuesday. Dine-in and curbside pickup. ■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cocktails.
UPTOWN
91st to 146th streets ■ BAHAMA’S CRABSHACK CARRY OUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Highway, Fenwick 302-537-5882 Premium seafood, fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. Open 7 days a week for carryout only. ■ BLUE FISH JAPANESE & CHINESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR 94th Street, Ocean City 410-524-3983, www.bluefishocmd.com $-$$ | Full bar Enjoy authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine and sushi bar with beer, wine, and full cocktail bar and lounge. Dine in, take out and delivery available. Open 7 days a week. ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Clarion, 101st Street, Ocean City 410-5243535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including light fare and steamer specials. ■ NORI 11403 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 443-880-6258 $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open 7 days a week, all year, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving lunch and dinner. Our creative menu features handcut steaks, grilled fish, crab cakes, sushi and sashimi. Dine in, takeout, delivery available. ■ OC STREET FOOD 11505 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 443-664-6322, www.ocstreetfoodmd.com Enjoy a unique variety of foods. Specializing in chicken, steak, shrimp, and lamb gyros, kabobs and skewers. Salads, subs, rolls and wraps. Homemade falafel, sides and specialty sauces. Dine in or carry out with online pickup
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Offering a wide array of authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carryout. Lunch specials. Dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, 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.
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 31
Ocean City Today
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Add toasted bread crumb topping to pasta Continued from Page 30 Do not rely solely on the cooking instructions on your package. There are many factors that affect the cooking time, so test it for doneness often. Because pasta continues to cook after it has drained, remove it from the stovetop just before reaching the al dente stage. This is very important for thin pasta like angel hair and for pasta that will be baked in a sauce. Do not rinse your pasta after it has been drained. While it may seem logical, you will risk losing flavorful starches that enrich the overall essence of the dish. Pairing pasta with a particular sauce is another subject that needs to be explored. If you are combining pasta with butter, oil, and fresh herbs, you will need a thin, delicate pasta such as capellini, thin spaghetti, or vermicelli. Creamier and cheesier sauces call for a sturdier pasta that will stand up to the richness. Cavatappi, farfalle, fettuccini, linguini, and penne are good choices. Typically, meat sauces are hearty and filling; spaghetti, rigatoni, bucatini, pappardelle, and conchiglie should be considered. Pesto is best known as the gorgeously green oil-based herb sauce. This fragrant sauce is served uncooked, so you need to choose a pasta shape that will add to the overall dish but not overpower it. Pesto is best served with capellini and thin spaghetti. Conclusion cannot come to the forefront unless pasta etiquette is discussed. It is considered sacrilege in the Italian kitchen to break pasta in half if the pasta is too large for the pot. Mastering the art of twirling is essential for proper pasta etiquette. There is no room for a knife or spoon. If one is having difficulty, simply place the fork at the base of the plate and gently twirl until you have enough for a bite. Italians never add grated cheese to pasta that contains seafood; this is an American adaptation. If one wants their seafood pasta to follow tradition, add toasted bread crumbs for additional taste and contrast in texture.
If you are in the mood for pasta and want to try something new, consider Linguini al Limone. This aromatic and refreshing pasta dish is a popular Sicilian dish in the summer months. Lemons, butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, white wine, heavy cream, and linguini are all one needs for a delicious meal. Revision can produce interesting and personalized results. If we take the theme of Linguini al Limone and make a few changes, we can come up with a lovely lemon pasta dish that is perfect for this time of the year. Angel hair pasta, colorful cherry tomatoes, capers and fresh basil are tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and garnished with a dusting of toasted bread crumbs, panko, and parmesan cheese and served slightly chilled or room temperature. This delightful pasta dish can be served as an amuse bouche, appetizer, or main course and pairs beautifully with seafood, chicken, and grilled meats. Best of all it can be made on the spur of the moment. It will not be long before our menus start to reflect the seasonal changes. Sweet tomatoes are plentiful in the month of August. Lemon pasta with cherry tomatoes, capers, and fresh basil is a delicious, inspired way to surprise guests and family. Enjoy!
Toasted Bread Crumb Topping ¼ cup leftover stale bread ¼ plain panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup Parmesan cheese kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Using a food processor or rolling pin, reduce stale bread to the consistency of breadcrumbs. 3. Place panko and breadcrumbs on a small sheet pan and bake for 2 minutes or until it just starts to turn a golden-brown color. Remove panko mixture from hot sheet pan and place in a small bowl. 4. Add parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and set aside.
SALES • RENT TALS • S SALES • RENTALS • SALES
OLD TOWN CANOE CA • KA AY YA Y AK • SMALL MO OTORBOA AT TS
2 River Street Snow Hill, MD 410-632-3971 Open Daily through Octobeer Weeekends or by Appointmen W nt November & December
www.pocomokeriveerpaddle.com
SALES • RENTALS • SALES • RENT TA ALS • SALES
RENTALS •SALES • RENTALS • SALES • RENT TA ALS • SALES S • RENTALS
RENTALS •SALES • RENT TALS • SALES • RENT TA ALS • S SALES • RENTALS
Lemon Pasta ½ pound angel hair pasta ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar ¼ cup fresh lemon juice lemon zest from 1 large lemon 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ cup parmesan cheese 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half ¼ cup capers, drained 15 to 20 basil leaves, chiffonade kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente, stirring occasionally. 2. Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and salt in a medium bowl.
Whisk together until fully combined. Reserve ½ cup of vinaigrette and pour into a small bowl. 3. Add pasta to the lemon vinaigrette (medium bowl) and carefully mix, being careful not to break up the angel hair. 4. Place each portion of pasta on serving plates. 5. Add tomatoes, capers, and basil to the smaller bowl and mix. Top each portion of pasta with cherry mixture. 6. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and toasted bread crumb mixture. Serve immediately. Secret Ingredient – Perfection. “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” – Margaret Atwood
OPEN 7 DAYS 11AM
Celebrating Our 52nd Year!
29th Street on Coastal Hwy., Oceanside akes 410-289-8380 • 410-289-4083 Best Crab C!!! in Town
Take Out
CRABS TO GO by the by the
BUSHEL DOZEN
EVERY DAY CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS
(Please Call Ahead)
STEAMED o r LIVE
ALL YOU CAN EAT • Steamed Crabs • Chicken • • Corn on the Cob •
Clams • Ribs • Seafood Platters & More! 29th St. • Ocean City, MD
PAGE 32
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Stillman ready for new school year (Aug. 20, 2021) Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Berlin, is busy preparing for the new school year with new principal, Trinette Stillman, at the helm. After an extensive search last spring, Stillman was named the fourth principal to serve at the school in its 18 years of operation. Her background offers the school a blend of experience to continue to grow in the community. Stillman’s career journey began as “one of self-discovery and acceptance of change,” she said. “As with so many young people, I entered my undergraduate studies not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I had a curiosity of the world and how things worked,” she said. “I felt I was strong in science and math, so I pursued a package engineering degree from Michigan State University.” After entering the work force, she expanded her education and received a MS in business degree from Johns Hopkins University. “As my career evolved, so did my family. I married my husband, now of 27 years, and had three beautiful children,” she said. “At the time, I was teaching religion classes at my parish when the principal asked if I would join them as their financial manager. That was the beginning of my educa-
tional experience. From there I began teaching science and math classes while pursuing my teaching credentials from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.” Now, 22 years later, she said, “I continue to evolve in my career as I step into this new role. I’m proud to be a Catholic educator, and I’m excited to share my experiences with the MBS community.” Leading the school into this next chapter, Stillman said she continues to gain a strong understanding of the vision and goals of MBS, which she said will enable her to help define the strengths and weaknesses, set future initiatives for growth and continue to enable its students to be high achievers. When pulling together a team to work on any initiative, Stillman said, “I believe in setting clear goals and expectations. Allowing for open, safe discussions while exploring these goals is crucial and allows for varying perspectives. Listening and developing respect for others helps create a supportive community and will allow for the best outcomes while achieving the goals.” MBS is known for its dedicated teachers, who are empowered to utilize a STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art and mathematics) approach in their teaching,”
she said. “In addition, we rely on our families and volunteers to bring exciting opportunities to our students,” she added. “During this last year with covid, it made it difficult to utilize this approach. We are hoping this year that we can further develop these initiatives.” One of the most amazing discoveries has been the welcoming atmosphere at MBS and the local community, she said. “Their desire to build a Christ-centered community that empowers their children to become lifelong learners and confident faith filled leaders is inspiring,” Stillman continued. Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School is a pre-K 3 through eighth grade school located at 11242 Racetrack Rd., Berlin. For information about admissions, contact Amanda Evans, director of Admissions & Advancement, at 410-208-1600.
Trinette Stillman
Annual Jellyfish Festival set for Labor Day weekend in OC (Aug. 20, 2021) Jellyfish Festival recently announced its full complement of entertainment and activities for the 2021 event over Labor Day weekend. “It’s super exciting to bring all these elements together on one great weekend,” said Jellyfish founder and director Brad Hoffman. “Most of all, we like bringing people together on the sand to celebrate good music, good times, and watch the sun set on summer 2021.” The Jellyfish lineup ramps up Saturday, Sept. 4, on the main stage from 12-9 p.m. with scheduled performances by heralded blues artist Anthony Gomes, folk rockers Derek Woods Band, reggae rocker Ted Bowne of Passafire, plus Ray Wroten and Never Ending Fall. Ocean 98’s Magellan will be keeping the crowd going with a mix of music from his DJ booth. Sunday entertainment includes Rockoholics, Crosstown Walkers, and Troll Tribe. These bands are scheduled to play 12-3 p.m. on the B-Stage. Saturday’s entertainment will run from 12-9 p.m. on the beach. Get free tickets for Saturday’s show at https://shorecraftbeer.ticketspice.com /jellyfish-festival. But Jellyfish isn’t just about the music. It offers other things to see and do, all of them free to the public, starting with the Vendor Village, filled with an eclectic mix of artisans and creative minds bringing their wares and creations to the public. The First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League will host a Fitness Challenge featuring obstacles for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
In addition, a “fat tire” obstacle course will be provided by the Eastern Shore IMBA. This course was a staple of the inaugural Jellyfish Festival in 2019. Jellyfish will present the East Coast Cornhole Championships. Dozens of teams of two to three players will compete on the beach for cash prizes. This event is a production of the Maryland Cornhole Organization. To register for this tournament, visit MarylandCornhole.net or contact organizer Dale Moran at dale@marylandcornhole.net or text/call 443-867-4762. The most exciting addition to Jellyfish 2021 is the first-ever craft beer festival on the sand in Ocean City. This component is produced by Shore Craft Beer and features local and regional craft beer samples. This beer event is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. on Saturday. This is a paid and ticketed event. Reserve tickets at ShoreCraftBeerFest.com. Jellyfish Festival is scheduled for Sept. 4-5 in downtown Ocean City, between North Division Street and Somerset Street. “We would not be able to produce this event without the support of our local partners, sponsors, and our team. Jellyfish is about community. We built this for the visitors and our local community,” said Hoffman. “Let’s rock the sand, that’s the plan!” For more information, to participate as a vendor, volunteer, or sponsorship partner, contact Hoffman at brad@live-wire-media.com or text or call him at 443-366-5944. Watch its Facebook page for updates.
August 20, 2021
35
Ocean City Today
Call 410-723-6397 by Monday 5 p.m.
Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
The Spinnaker Now Hiring
Sun N’ Fun Motel
Day-Time Housekeepers and Laundry Attendants. Apply in person The Spinnaker 1800 Baltimore Avenue Mon.-Fri., 9am-3pm
Now Hiring • Evening shift, 4pm-12am, Desk Clerks • Day shift Housekeeping Apply in person 29th St., Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri, 9-3pm
Ocean Resorts Golf Club
HELP WANTED
HIRING ALL POSITIONS!! Starting wages are $13.50-$15.00 depending on experience. Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd Street or call 443-664-2825
is now accepting applications for Part Time Seasonal Maintenance positions. Flexible hours. Golfing privileges included. Applicants must apply in person at
Ocean Resorts Golf Club,10655 Cathell Rd., Berlin, MD. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted
OFFICE ADMIN PARALEGAL/LEGAL ASSISTANT for Steen, Waehler & Schrider-Fox, LLC, an Ocean View, DE law firm. Part-Time & Full-Time positions available. Office experience required; can train a qualified candidate.
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $18/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Frog Bar and Grill now hiring Cooks, Bus Boys & Food Runners. Apply within after 9am, M-F. 221 Wicomico St., OCMD.
MULTIPLE YEAR-ROUND POSITIONS for Vacasa in Bethany Beach (20 minutes from OC). More info and to apply: vacasa.com/careers
NOW HIRING Year Round COOK, DRIVER & NIGHT TIME MANAGER
WEIGHT ROOM ATTENDANTS Sea Colony, Bethany Beach (20 minutes from OC) Experience not necessary. Info and apply: vacasa.com/careers or Jen Neal: jennifer.neal@vacasa.com
HELP WANTED
Hiring Cooks (up to $18), Security ($14), EMTs, Audio/Video Techs, Office Receptionists, Boutique Associates, Distillery Tour Guides, Expeditors, Servers, Cashiers, Food Runners, Hosts, Groundskeeping, Bartenders, Barbacks, Prep Kitchen, Maintenance Staff, Head Distiller, Painter, & Carpenter. Apply in person or online at seacrets.com
Call Johnny @ 443-880-2486 or Pam @ 410-726-7061 for interview or apply within 5601 Coastal Hwy., OCMD
www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com
Classifieds 410-723-6397
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Email resume to: wendy@swsflaw.com
Hiring Lifeguards for Indoor Pool
Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.
Employment available through Mid-October Flexible schedule Must be Certified Red Cross OR Ellis Shallow water licenses ok. We have AM & PM Shifts available 9-4 or 4-10 410-213-0088 Heather or John Send resumes to info@fskfamily.com or apply in person.
Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD A beautiful bayside location in Ocean City with a friendly team environment. Now Hiring - Clubhouse / Pool Attendants – Part-Time up to 32 hours a week 4 days a week. Excellent people skills a must and you must be able to work mornings, nights, and weekends, 8 hours shifts. Start immediately and the position runs through October 1st. Job Type: Part-time/ full time, seasonal Pay: $13.00 an hour Please send your resume to: Justin at clubhouse@sunsetislandca.net
Sales
for Print and Digital Ocean City Today/Bayside Gazette is looking for someone who can handle face-to-face sales of its print and digital projects. If you have experience working with the public, have marketing knowledge and would be comfortable calling on people in person, send your resume to sdobson@oceancitytoday.net. Good pay, health insurance. All inquiries will be kept confidential.
Employment Opportunities: Full Time, Year Round: Servers, Banquet Servers, Dishwasher, Banquet House Staff, Front Desk Agent, Room Attendant, Rooms Division Manager, Housekeeping Supervisor, Maintenance, Accounts Payable Clerk
Top Wages Excellent Benefits Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept. 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535, ext. 7128 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V
www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!
Rooms Division Manager We are currently recruiting for a year round Rooms Division Manager for our Oceanfront convention hotel (250 rooms w/ 85 adjacent condominiums). The preferred candidate should have a minimum of 3 years hotel front desk management with working knowledge of housekeeping, inventory/ revenue experience, good verbal communications and telephone etiquette. Qualified candidates apply. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package available. Apply in person, Mondays through Saturdays 10am – 4pm.
• • • •
Convenient Quick No Waiting, No Calls Days, Nights & Weekends
PAGE 36
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
HELP WANTED ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Part-time position in law office. Proficient computer skills, Word Perfect, Dictaphone, telephone and light bookkeeping required. Familiarity with E-filing a plus, but will train. Please respond by sending resume to P.O. Box 56, Ocean City, MD 21843 Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
RENTALS
DONATIONS
PGN Crabhouse 29th Street & Coastal Hwy. Now Hiring for • Waitstaff • Kitchen Help Apply within after 11:00 am
BEACHSTAND JOBS. Work on the beach renting umbrellas. FT, PT, 9-5. Hourly rate plus commission. Message 410-726-0315.
Cleaners Wanted for OC If you are a conscientious individual or team looking for great hours and pay on the weekends ... then we are the cleaning company for you. Exp. preferred. Cell phone and vehicle required. 443-880-0525
Seeking Year-Round & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
Yearly & Seasonal Rentals
MISCELLANEOUS MISCELLANEOUS SALE FOR FOR SALE
Hiring ALL Positions!! Full time & Part time Fenwick and Selbyville Locations To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
Thunderbird Beach Motel Now Hiring • PM Houseman/ Maintenance • PT Desk Clerk Apply in person 32nd St., Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri, 9-3pm
Classifieds 410-723-6397
RENTALS RAMBLER MOTEL 9942 Elm Street, WOC Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764
We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200
Brad Paisley Tickets. Resale. September 5th, Ocean City. General admission, $70 each. 301-466-9809
ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE ESTATE SALE Seabrook Neighborhood, 28066 Alderwood Loop, Millsboro, DE 19966. August 19-21, from 10am-5pm. No early entry.
STORAGE STORAGE Storage West Ocean City. 2 Garages for rent w/attached work room. Total 775 sq. ft. Call John 410-726-0075.
VEHICLES VEHICLES We Buy Classic and Cool Cars CASH. 724-877-8713
SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
Broa oaden yo you our horizon o n i i s
Harrison Group resort Hotels & Resta taurants
OCEAN CITY’S LARGEST EMPLOYER with 11 hotels & 10 restaurants & pool bars SEASONAL & YEAR ROUND POSITIONS AV AVAILABLE ELIGIBLE BENEFITS INCLUDE 401K Plan & HEALTH/DENTAL INSURANCE
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 37
Ocean City Today
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
MEDICAL SAVE UP TO 80% ON YOUR MEDICATION. Eliquis, ATTENTION OXYGEN THERXarelto, Viagra, Cialis and MARYLAND STATEWIDE APY USERS! Inogen One G4 more. Licensed and CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING is capable of full 24/7 oxygen Certified. Lowest Price delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. NETWORK Guaranteed. FREE information kit. Call 855Call 833-601-1541 and get AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS 835-1804. free shipping on your first DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ order. (Open M-F) MISC. SERVICES RV - Lutheran Mission Society LONG DISTANCE MOVING: HOME IMPROVEMENT of MD Compassion Place White-Glove Service from SERVICES ministries help local families America’s Top Movers. Fully NEED NEW WINDOW with food, clothing, counsel- insured and bonded. Let us TREATMENTS? Call Empire ing. Tax deductible. MVA li- take the stress out of your Today® to schedule a FREE censed #W1044. out-of-state move. in-home estimate on blinds 410-228-8437 FREE QUOTES! & shades. Call Today! 866-479-2321. Call: 866-314-0734 www.CompassionPlace.org
106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million!
PRINT WEB https://www.oceancitytoday.com/place_an_ad/
oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com
Too Much Clutter
15.00/20 word s, $0.5 0 per word after 20 word s
$
Advertise Your
Yard Sale In Our Classifieds
Call NANCY Today At 410-723-6397 or PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE! https://www.oceancitytoday.com/classifieds/
PAGE 38
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
BLINDS & SHADES
CLEANING SERVICES
COSMETICS
ALIIA’S SEASHORE CLEANING SERVICES the company for women
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DE & MD Beach Communities
ALIIA STOCKMAN 443-521-4149 aseashorecleaning@mail.com https://aseashorecleaning.us
Weekly - Bi-weekly Monthly - One Time LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED
ELECTRICIAN
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Licensed & Insured O.C.#30544 DE#1999201949 Fenwick Island, DE# 04-1489
35 Years Experience
service available
410-251-3153 residential & commercial service Services Include additions • interior/exterior lighting lamp & light repair & service Wall outlets – microwaves • Generator installs
Call Turner Today 410-251-3153 BERLIN • OCEAN PINES • OCEAN CITY
Zimmerman & Son LLC Painting & Powerwashing Interior & Exterior
MHIC#68306
410-208-9159
atminc4u@aol.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
PipeLine
Contracting, LLC
“One stop shop for Home Improvement”
Home Improvement Services Company
Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • General Carpentry & Painting
• Flooring & Tile • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & Delaware Beaches
US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor
11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!
(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed
• CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE
Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured
ROOFING
Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS DE# 2004201560 • PA#043393 • MHIC#124883
410.204.2586
LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST
Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home
Call Maria: 443-664-5797 Female Owned & Operated
www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers
40+ Years in Business
Licensed & Insured
ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS
FREE ESTIMATES
ROOFING • GUTTERS • SIDING • WINDOWS DOORS • SUN TUNNELS • SKYLIGHTS
www.roofer www. roof ro roofers offers ofer rs.org .o org g
The Area’s #1 Moving Company
108 Moss Hill Ln., Salisbury, MD 410-831-3938 32295 Nassau Rd., Lewes, DE 302-200-7663
Bill Zimmerman 410-390-5528 ~ cell 443-373-4539
FREE Estimates es
BUDGET MOVERS
Family Owned & Operated
NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!
ROOFING
MOVING SERVICES
Shingle Roofs • Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs
Free Estimates
10% Discount with this ad.
• Interior Trim & Finish • Structural Repair • Kitchens • Baths • Ceramic Tile • Windows & Doors • Drywall Work And More
E-mail: singerco45@gmail.com Cell: 410-726-1040 QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT SENSIBLE PRICES
PAINTING
PAINTING
HOME IMPROVEMENT EST. 1970
Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends
emerGency
443-234-5262
order online: www.christinesbeautyshop.com
Doug Singer
Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text
HOME IMPROVEMENT
CHRISTINE BROWN independent sales representative
SINGER CONTRACTING LLC
Raymond O’Brocki Jr.
No Job Too Small! Free Estimates! Residential/Commercial/Emergencies! MD Lic #2268 Worcester Co Lic #M1337
• cosmetics • skin care • body care • fragrances • gifts • & more!
Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA
ROOFING
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842
TRUSTEE'S SALE
OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS IN THE OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000124, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Ocean Time Condominium building located at 13 136th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 AT 9:00 A.M. Units
Time Intervals
102 102 104 201 203 203 204 205 206 206 301 401 401 402 402 406 501 502 503 504
4 15 10 4 19 40 38 12 2 51 40 49 52 40 41 10 11 52 22 15
Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Ocean Time Condominium as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent Time-Share Instruments as to each condominium unit, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records. The property will be sold in an as is condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties or guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of sale per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all recordation and transfer taxes and all other incidental settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the
property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-8/19/3t _________________________________ MAUREEN F. L. HOWARTH AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18839 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN D. ARMSTRONG Notice is given that Paul B. Armstrong, 3113 Fernhill Court, Edgewater, MD 21037, was on July 27, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan D. Armstrong who died on October 4, 2016, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of January, 2022. 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. Paul B. Armstrong 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: August 05, 2021 OCD-8/5/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 At 3:00 PM BAAV – 21-097 To consider an appeal for relief from freeboard requirements in an X-shaded flood zone for redevelopment of a commercial structure: requesting a variance to the Town of Ocean City Code Chapter 38 Floods (Section 38-73) to modify the minimum elevation for non-residential construction (Sec. 38-71 (a) (5), reducing the required elevation by 2.0 feet, and allowing the proposed lowest floor to match the existing structure. The property is located on the western side of Philadelphia Avenue, and known locally as The Embers Restaurant, 2305 Philadelphia Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. Parcel number 3204 -0 0111-043921 APPLICANT: TAUSTIN GROUP OCD-8/12/2t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18841 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES T. MAHER Notice is given that Rita M Maher, 135 Windjammer Road, Berlin, MD 21811, was on July 29, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James T. Maher who died on January 30, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of January, 2022. Any person having a claim
PAGE 39 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. Rita M. Maher 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: August 05, 2021 OCD-8/5/3t _________________________________
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Low-Pressure (LP) Sewer Gum Point Road Ocean Pines Service Area Worcester County, Maryland The Worcester County Department of Public Works are soliciting bids for construction of a Low-Pressure Sewer Force Main for the Worcester County Department of Public Works – Water and Wastewater Division. Bid specifications packages and bid forms are available from the Office of the County Commissioners, Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863-1195. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13th, 2021 in the Office of the County Commissioners, at the above address, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Sealed envelopes are to be marked “Low-Pressure Sewer Gum Point Road” in the lower left-hand corner. Interested bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 26th, 2021 at the offices of the Water and Wastewater Division in Ocean Pines at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811. We will proceed directly to the project site after the meeting at the Administrative Building. Bidders are encouraged to join the site visit. After opening, bids will be forwarded to the Department of Public Works for tabulation, review and recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration and bid award at a future meet-
PAGE 40
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
ing. In awarding the bid, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities and technicalities therein, and to accept whatever bid they determine to be in the best interest of the County, while considering the lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate. All inquiries shall be directed to John S. Ross, P.E. (410) 641-5251, extension 2412. OCD-8/12/2t _________________________________ DAVID S. OSTROW ESQ. LAW OFFICES OF DAVID S. OSTROW, ESQUIRE, P.A. 11419 CRONRIDGE DRIVE, SUITE 1 OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18854 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM F. CARDUFF Notice is given that Sharon Marie Caruso, 7658 Swallow Road, Sykesville, MD 21784, was on August 06, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William F. Carduff who died on May 24, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or
by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of February, 2022. 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. Sharon Marie Caruso 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: August 12, 2021 OCD-8/12/3t _________________________________ ROBERT L. MARVEL JR., ESQ. 108 EAST MARKET STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18560 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF NATALIE E. BUCHNESS Notice is given that Alec Buchness, 2709 Bradfordt Drive, West Melbourne, FL 32904 and John A. Buchness, 5067 Cooper Road, Eden, MD 21822, were on August 13, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Natalie E. Buchness who died on November 22, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of February, 2022. 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
AUGUST 20, 2021 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. Alec Buchness John A. Buchness Personal Representatives 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: August 19, 2021 OCD-8/19/3t _________________________________
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
ORDINANCE 2021-18
RE: Oversized Vehicle and Trailer Parking Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that an ordinance was introduced for first reading at their meeting of August 16, 2021. Second reading is scheduled for September 7, 2021. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the August 16 agenda packet. This ordinance removes language specific to days of the week for permitted oversized vehicle and trailer parking for registered special event participants. OCD-8/19/1t _________________________________
Commentary
Ocean City Today Aug. 20, 2021
Page 41
Census numbers show ups, downs The U.S. Census Bureau released the rough data from its 2020 headcount this week, and although the numbers have yet to be put in a form the general public can understand, they do provide food for thought. For instance, did Worcester County grow by just 2 percent between 2010 and 2020, from 51,454 to 52,460? That’s what the data says, although it will undoubtedly be disputed, as officials argue that this low growth figure reflects the failure of Worcester residents to participate fully in the decennial census process. The same argument would apply to Ocean City, which according to the census, lost 3.6 percent of its population over the last 10 years, dropping from 7,102 to 6,844, while Berlin gained more than 12 percent. The census bureau says that town’s population rose by 541 people, to 5,026 from 4,485 in 2010. And that’s where the arguments get tricky, because if Ocean City’s numbers appear to be down because of the area’s lack of participation in the head count, does that mean Berlin grew even more than the numbers show if the rate of census participation was relatively even? Or did Ocean City residents shrug when asked to fill out the forms, while Berlin’s population did a better job of it? There’s no way to know, although a growing Berlin and a slightly declining population in Ocean City could make sense, if the census housing totals are true. The data sets made available this week show Berlin gaining 166 housing units, and Ocean City losing 91. Add to that the erosion of purely single-family neighborhoods in the resort, and it just could be that the quieter natures of Berlin and Ocean Pines, which is up 1,000 residents or so to a population of more than 12,100, are drawing some people away from Ocean City. Although it’s not too early to begin wondering what it all means, it is too soon to start doing real numerical breakdowns and analysis. That will have to wait until more detailed and easier-to-understand figures start trickling out next month. Then the discussions concerning growth, or lack of it, can begin in earnest.
Ocean City Today 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.
EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Greg Wehner, ..........................................Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2021
PUBLIC EYE
A-bombs vs masks
Ever since we moved to new offices in West Ocean City a couple of weeks ago — feel free to drop by to give me what-for at 82nd Street any time you want, because I’m not there — life has been a little confusing. For one thing, we have a new phone system. As everyone who’s been through that knows, learning a new phone system is like teaching cats to drive a stick shift, and you’re the cat. This is why, for the people By who have called me so far, I Stewart might have answered inapDobson propriately, as in, “Whaddaya want? Whaddaya want now?” and “I hate this _____ phone!” With our old system, which I believe was a wind-up model, the person who transferred the call to you would say, “So-and-so is on Line One,” or a light would flash to indicate that Line One was for you. The new setup has no lights and, so far, has sent all my incoming calls directly to my phone. This explains why I might have said to one caller, “You call me one more _______ time and I’ll ... ooooh, heeeyyyyyyy, Mrs. Abercrombie, how wonderful it is ...” Click. I should also point out that joking around doesn’t go over well either. Whispering “I’ve told you never to call me here” isn’t funny when you think you’re talking to the front desk, but it’s your wife. But the phones are just part of the problem these days. So much seems to be upside down that I’m at a loss for answers. Take, for in-
stance, the current school kids and mask wearing debate. People worry that mask-wearing will give little kids a complex and maybe it will. But let me tell you what used to give school kids complexes when I was that age — pretending the Russians were going to drop an atom bomb in the neighborhood and having to crawl under your school desk for cover. I mean there you are, eight or nine years old, the air raid alarm goes off, and suddenly you’re thinking about whether you’ll be playing kickball at recess or will be busy being blown into a puff of loose molecules. Even at that age, you tend to wonder, “Hmmmmm, school desk versus atom bomb. How’s that going to work out?” And then you start to fret about what would happen if the Russians were to drop an atom bomb when you weren’t in school. “So, Dad, in terms of structural integrity,” you ask, “how does a coffee table stack up against a school desk? Am I out of luck here?” He, of course, would do fake math involving wind speed, direction, the disbursement rate of alpha and beta particles, and, not to be forgotten, gamma rays. “We’re fine,” he’d say, putting down his pencil, and then add, because he was like that, “Just don’t go next door.” I’m telling you, being taught how to avoid being blown to smithereens by an atomic bomb ... now that will mess you up for a spell. Which brings me back — incongruently, I know — to the phone system. “Listen, this is it. You bother me one more ______ time, and I’m dropping an atom bomb on you ... ooooh, heeeyyyyyyy, Mr. Putin, just kidding. No, really...”
PAGE 42
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
voices Float for The Coast at noon Friday Residents’ heard at hearing
(Aug. 20, 2021) Join Assateague Coastal Trust and the Assateague Coastkeeper for the 10th annual Float For The Coast, a free “kayaktivist rally” on the water at Isle of Wight Bay behind the Ocean City convention center on Friday, Aug. 20 at noon. This event is held during the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference, with the purpose to rally together to bring environmental issues of concern in front of local and state elected officials from all over Maryland.
Participants can use their own stand-up paddle board, kayak, or canoe – or rent one from event partner, 48th Street Watersports. Those who want to join the group by motorized boat, should note the water is very shallow at the rally site and it will be low tide on the bay at noon. Participants are also encouraged to make their own banners or signs highlighting the cause. Attendees will gather on the water in Isle of Wight Bay behind the convention center at noon to rally
for a cleaner Maryland. This year there is no registration fee or check-in. Just meet on the water behind the convention center. Assateague Coastal Trust works to protect the coastal waters and keep them “swimmable and fishable.” It’s mission is to promote and encourage the protection of the health, productivity and sustainability of the coastal bays watershed of Delmarva through advocacy, education and conservation. Visit www.ACTforBays.org.
Letter to the editor Basking in the masking about freedom of the many Editor, I was surprised to see the comment under “Community Should Stop Basking in the Masking” from John Fager in [last] week’s paper. This contains more of the typical Libertarian ideas that individuals should be able to do whatever they want without restriction. That is true up to the point where your actions adversely impact others. For example, we took smoking out of bars and restaurants because the rights
of the few people who want to smoke at dinner should not spoil the dinner of non-smokers exposed to the odor. I was never a fan of motorcycle helmet laws, as it appeared to me that the rider without a helmet was not exposing the public to a risk – only himself. It is not the same with the large number of Americans who refuse to get a vaccine or follow CDC guidance regarding masks and social distancing. If everyone got their vaccine and followed other CDC guidelines, covid would be reduced to a very few isolated cases in short order. However, because of a group of people who are either trag-
ically misinformed or politically motivated, this virus will likely be around in full force this time next year. That is why I would urge all businesses, government agencies, and organizations to fully implement the CDC guidelines including a vaccine mandate. I do not care what whacko reason someone has for not being vaccinated, I suspect their views might change if they encountered “Entrance permitted only for Fully Vaccinated Individuals” signs on their grocery store, bank, post office, or favorite bar or restaurant. Jim Thomas Silver Spring, Maryland
for agritourism bill By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) After months of debate, the citizens of Worcester County finally got their chance to go on record about the much-debated agritourism bill on Tuesday. Out of that public hearing came a 5-2 vote in favor of adjusting two components of the legislation: reducing the 100-foot setback to 50 feet and increasing the 20 percent usable acreage for agritourism to 30 percent. Several residents, a former commissioner and state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza took the opportunity to address the county commissioners with their take on the bill that aims to reform the zoning code, currently defined as “agritainment,” to attract more business to the A1 and A-2 agricultural zones of the county. Four business-owning farmers who spoke supported the legislation to varying degrees — with a couple taking exception to the 100-foot setback and percentage of usable acreage allowed under the bill. David Casto, owner of Castle Farms in Snow Hill, said he’s been hosting weddings for five years, ever since people See TAKES Page 43
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 43
Ocean City Today
Takes on agritourism vary, mostly support bill Continued from Page 42 started noticing how beautiful the large barn on the property is. “It’s blossomed into something big,” Casto said. “We got together with (our attorney) and we (secured) an adjustment on the code and got an exemption to be able to do special events on agricultural land on a temporary basis … We’re one of the only facilities in Worcester County that can do weddings on a legitimate basis.” Casto said the barn is just “background decoration” and that the weddings they hold are limited to a tent that is at the mercy of the weather. Multiple times, weddings days have been “ruined” by a storm. “I would like to be able to have a ‘Plan B’ and move everyone into my barn (if need be),” Casto said. “I’ve been asking zoning and planning or the fire marshal for alternate answers to be able to make this happen. It’s always just been codes and regulations the same old way. But somehow all the other counties in this area are doing it.” Jeanie Mariner, of the fifth generation in her family to farm the land that Berlin’s Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery sits on, implored the commissioners to give local farmers this way to keep their farm in their families as her family has done. “I’m hoping that you all will take that into consideration when you’re looking at local farmers, and saying that nobody around here wants this kind of activity on their farm, that the farmers aren’t for it,” Mariner said. “Because I’m telling you, you’re one generation away from your farming being gone. “Every family farm that goes is another housing development or strip mall that’s going in because family had to sell. So give us the ability to use our farms in any way you can. That’s not going to hurt anyone else.” Jack Lord, owner of Costa Ventosa Winery and Brewery in Whaleyville, took issue with the 100-foot setback, saying that he liked the bill but the commissioners “need to tweak it.” Sinepuxent Brewery owner Paul Carlotta said his Berlin property is like a “puzzle piece” and that both the setbacks and acreage allowed, as written, were an issue for his business. But he said he supports the bill. “This puts us in position to expand immediately,” Carlotta said, adding that it allows them to move forward on planned expansions. Carlotta said he’s like to add gazebos, a walkway and items of that nature to his property, which the bill along with adjustments to setbacks and acreage would allow. Former Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who has made his voice heard opposing the bill’s structure, spoke about looking to other counties for precedent and keeping in mind where the commissioners want Worcester to be in the future. Shockley provided some numbers for the commissioners that he said indicates
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza speaks during Tuesday’s public hearing regarding the agritourism zoning bill in front of the Worcester County Commissioners. Proponents of the bill point to pluses like keeping up with other counties and giving farmers much-needed additional revenue sources.
that the county, in any given year, annually earns about $80 million to $90 million in corn, soybean and chicken farming. “You don’t want to lose what you already have, because that’s $80 to $90 million,” Shockley said. “On the upside is the fact that you have all these people that are coming to Ocean City, and they really want to do something besides sitting on the beach and getting sunburned … especially if you’re a family. So you need to give them something to do. So take a look at what is already in place in other counties that has worked for them. Then mix it in with what you’re trying to do. Shockley said he’d like to see the commissioners take a little more time to figure the issue out instead of pushing through this legislation now. “We’ve gone this far, (another) month is not going to kill you,” he said. State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza spoke in support of the bill, pointing out the benefits of similar legislation in other counties she represents and the need to innovate the economic opportunities in Worcester. Carozza also said that for state legislation to move forward on the issue, what she and her colleagues look for is a bill that does more to allow than restrict. “I can tell you from a standpoint at the state level, we much prefer that we have a bill that is more inclusive instead of having the county coming to us on a case by base (basis),” Carozza said. The legislation in Wicomico and Somerset Counties were frequently cited during the public hearing, especially in terms of business that Worcester loses to its neighbors. When asked by the commissioners for more details on their legislation, Carozza said she didn’t have that information at hand. Carozza, like Shockley, said there isn’t a rush to put this legislation through. The state assembly won’t be in session until January. “I’ve seen other counties do this more broadly which I think prevents (individual legislation issues),” Carozza said. “If we can’t settle this today with what you’d like us to go forward with as a delegation, we still have plenty of time before we have to submit legislation.”
Though he admitted he’s likely outnumbered, Commissioner Jim Bunting isn’t backing down. “I’m offended that we’re comparing Worcester to Wicomico,” Bunting said. “They have twice the property tax rate and the highest tax rate they’re allowed to have. We keep taxes low here. “I don’t care what Wicomico does. I care about Worcester.” He added that the motion put forth by Nordstrom reducing the setbacks was a big problem. “This (bill) is wrong but it really upsets me about the setbacks,” Bunting
said. “There are a lot of uses that farmers do that will affect anything that’s going on if you have a 50-foot setback like (Nordstrom) suggested.” Echoing Shockley, Bunting said that the A-2 zone was created to keep the A1 zone “pure” and that any reform talk should be limited to the A-2 zone. “We intended to keep the A-1 zone pure and that’s what we did … It seems like we aren’t anymore,” he said. “I know I’m probably on the losing side of this but I’m not supporting this.” A vote on the bill has not yet been scheduled.
A Bookstore in Fenwick! Bethany Beach Books has expanded! Shop bestsellers and staff picks at The Book Drop
OPEN DAILY TheBookDrop.com Open Daily 9am–5pm (with extended hours Thu.–Sat.) 302-775-4091 • West Fenwick Island • Rt. 54 38017 Fenwick Shoals Blvd., Selbyville, DE
PAGE 44
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Keener takes over county DRP By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Last month, Jennifer Keener took over as director of the Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting from Ed Tudor, who held the position for 28 years. Keener, a Montgomery County native, has been with the department since 2006 and had most recently worked her way up to deputy director. “It’s a very nice honor that the commissioners appointed me to this position,” Keener said. In a statement released by the county, Commissioner President Joe Mitrecic praised Keener’s expertise and the know-how she brings to the job. “Growth isn’t a one-and-done effort, it is a process, and Keener is well-suited to lead her team, as they provide a range of services to assist the public with their planning needs,” he said. “As an expert planner, she brings the education, experience, and professional leadership skills necessary to lead her team in providing the planning support necessary to meet the challenges that come with growth throughout our diverse
communities.” Keener said that she’s proud of the accomplishments she’s had a hand in, including the recent animal control reform and the work she did to help balance the county’s budgets. Keener had kind words for her predecessor, saying that Jennifer Keener Tudor had a knack for motivating people to grow in their jobs in the best way for them. “Ed taught me a lot — not just about the basics of writing legislation, but how it played into the codes section,” she said. “He was a very good mentor and encouraged anybody, whether they were looking to do something within their department or outside it, to follow their path and grow. He really encouraged us in that regard.” Looking ahead, Keener said she’s excited to tackle the next Comprehensive Plan, which will happen after recently released census data is refined, as well as analyzing the demands of an ever-connected society. “With that plan … we evaluate
the goals and objectives we have in light of any new trends, especially after covid, and see what’s in high demand such as outdoor recreational activities like walking and biking,” Keener said. “There’ll be a push in the future for additional, reliable wireless service through things like small-cells technology. (I’m looking forward to) seeing where we can go with the recommendations in that final document. That’s really going to guide our planning determinations and considerations in the long term. It will guide where we should focus our efforts for positive growth in the county.” Keener is a member of the American Planning Association and has 16 years of planning and site review experience. She earned a bachelor of science in geography and environmental studies with a minor in sociology and geology from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2005. In 2008, she earned a master of science degree in environmental management from the University of Maryland University College. In 2018 she earned her American Institute of Certified Planners designation.
Women’s Equality Day to showcase movement’s progress, where it will go (Aug. 20, 2021) Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26, is a national day designated by Congress to celebrate the efforts of the groundbreaking activists who won the right to vote for women in 1920, and to reaffirm commitment to equality under the law for all Americans. The 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, proclaiming the right of women to vote, was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York. Worcester County women, including members of the Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County, the Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee, and Indivisible Worcester MD, urge residents to pause and consider the importance of voting to all Americans. “Maryland women have always inspired the voting rights movement. Historical records from 1648 show Margaret Brent demanding the legislature give her the right to vote per colony law, as she was a landowner,” said Linda Linzey, co-chair of the Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee. “She said, ‘Well, I am a landowner and I’m also the executor of the Carroll estate, so I should be getting two votes.’ Of course she was turned down. In Maryland it began in 1648, and here we are in 2020, and now 2021, still trying to make sure that everybody has the franchise.” “The right to vote is at the heart of our democracy. We honor the nearly 75 year struggle of our foremothers to win the vote, and we strongly oppose any efforts to restrict voting rights,” said Susan Buyer, the other See COUNTY Page 45
OPEN HOUSES
AUGUST 19 - AUGUST 26 DAY/TIME Fri-Mon, 11am-4pm Saturday, 12-3pm
ADDRESS
BR/BA
STYLE
PRICE
AGENCY/AGENT
Heron Harbour, 120th St., Bayside
1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+
Condos, Towns & SF
-
Nanette Pavier/Holiday Real Estate
13800 Wight St., Unit 108
2BR/2BA
Condo
$599,900
Katherine Wright Payne/Coastal Life
Presented free as a courtesy to Licensed REALTORS® who are regular Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette Advertisers. For all other REALTORS®, there is a weekly charge of $10 per listing.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Hogan still strongly pushing for vaccines, but not masks By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) While indoor mask mandates keep popping up around the country, Gov. Larry Hogan is holding steady on not requiring them in Maryland as the state approaches the 80 percent mark for residents with at least one covid vaccine dose. “We haven’t been talking about indoor mask requirements at all,” Hogan said during a Wednesday news conference. “Being 80 percent vaccinated we think is a good step and if we can get the rest of the people vaccinated, hopefully we won’t have to revert back to some of the things from a year ago when we didn’t have vaccines.” As of Thursday, the state’s vaccination rate was 79.6 percent. Hogan set a goal to reach 80 percent by Labor Day. Hogan also announced Wednesday that all nursing home and hospital staff across the state are now subject to the same vaccine directives issued to employees at other state agencies two weeks ago. They require staff members to get vaccinated by Sept. 1 or submit to regular testing and masking. While some facilities have high vaccination rates others are falling short, prompting the announcement. Hogan is also applying pressure to the federal government to develop vaccines for younger school children ages 5 to 11. A few months until the shots are ready for distribution is too long, he said. In Worcester County, officials are also promoting vaccines and have seen an uptick in the number of people who have decided to get the shot. Travis Brown, the public affairs officer for the Worcester County Health Department, said personnel are working daily to get more people across the county vaccinated, holding multiple clinics a week from one end to the other. “They are all over the county,” Brown said of the clinics. “We just had a meeting where we had a couple weeks where we had something like 11 clinics. We’ve got the ones now posted through the end of August.” Sarah Yonker, the director of Marketing at Atlantic General Hospital, said in an email Thursday that hospital staff are ramping up vaccine efforts as well. Along with weekly clinics, the hospital’s pharmacy is also now offering all three types of the shot daily. And while Brown said there is still hesitancy about getting the vaccine, department representatives are doing all
they can to break the stigma and convince people that the shots are safe and the best way to stay safe against the changing variants of covid. “People are still on the fence and I completely understand, especially when this was first beginning,” Brown said. “But it has been months now. There’s a lot of research out there. I highly encourage people to check out our website, social media. We talk about the vaccine very openly, transparently, the side effects, benefits.” Yonker said that of the eight people currently hospitalized at Atlantic General with covid, only one was vaccinated. She said that person got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is not as effective as the Pfizer and Moderna versions, but still protects from the virus up to 85 percent. Vaccine numbers and info: • As of Thursday, Maryland providers administered more than 7.39 million covid-19 vaccines for a total of 79.6 percent of residents with at least one dose. • Hospital staff at Atlantic General administered 11,661 covid vaccines as of Thursday. • Also as of Thursday, 62.6 percent of Worcester County’s population had received at least one vaccine dose and 57.2 percent were fully vaccinated. • The Worcester County Health Department holds vaccine clinics weekly. For information about them, visit worcesterhealth.org/protectmenu/1726-worcester-county-md-coronavirus-covid-19-information-2020. Covid case numbers: • As of Thursday, Worcester County’s covid-19 positivity rate was 11.21 percent, an increase from 7.68 percent last week. • The state’s positivity rate was 5.04 percent Thursday. • Also as of Thursday, Maryland reported 483,641 confirmed covid cases. • The county confirmed 97 new cases since last week, bringing the county’s total cases since March 2020 to 3,982. • Atlantic General Hospital reported eight covid in-patients this week, up from six last week. • Ocean Pines and Berlin had 1,566 cases and Ocean City had 1,022 Thursday. • Worcester County has reported a total of 106 covid deaths since March 2020. *Info from Gov. Larry Hogan; the Maryland Department of Health; Atlantic General; Worcester County Health Department; and the CDC.*
County women exercised vote Continued from Page 44 co-chair of the Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee. Many women turned out to vote in Worcester County in 1920. A voting register for District 5 of Worcester
County, the northern part of Worcester including Bishopville, Whaleyville, and Showell, shows that 185 women registered to vote. They ranged in age from 21 to 79. Of those 185, 10 were listed as “colored.”
PAGE 45
PAGE 46
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Man bikes Ore. to OC for hunger awareness By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Some people consider it a challenge to work out for an hour on a stationary Peloton bike. After traversing 4,000 miles from Astoria, Oregon, to Ocean City, Andrew “AJ” Robinson probably sees it as a warm-up. The 36-year-old Baltimore-area native and current Portland resident set the challenge for himself to raise awareness for food insecurity and vulnerable communities across the country. He raised funds for the Maryland Food Bank and the Sunshine Division in Oregon, two organizations he strongly supports. “I’ve always had a desire to give back,” Robinson said. “I went to grad school at the University of Baltimore for global affairs and human security. Addressing those needs has always been a passion of mine. I wasn’t able to volunteer like I had in the past, so I figured I had some freedom and this would be the perfect opportunity to present myself with a challenge but also give back to two organizations that mean a lot to me.” As of Wednesday, he had raised $14,000. The GoFundMe for the fundraiser will stay open until Aug. 29. Proceeds will be split 50-50 between the two organizations. The trek started on June 11 and ended at Pickles Pub in downtown Ocean City
on Aug. 13. Robinson said he got lucky weatherwise. The brutal heat wave that scorched coastal Oregon in June set in just days after he had cleared the area. Throughout the trip, he said the weather never posed too serious of a concern. “That happened throughout the journey,” Robinson said. “(If a storm was forecasted) it seemed to come later in the day. I got really lucky.” The hardest part of the journey wasn’t the rugged mountain passes, heat both dry and humid, or the sheer slog of 4,000 miles of pavement. Robinson said it was the mechanical issues that arose. “I’m not the handiest person,” Robinson said. “I have a decent background in mountain biking but I have had a ton of experience on flat tires. It was a challenge at first but became so gratifying when I was able to fix these issues. It was tough but it turned out to be one of the best things for me.” Robinson made it to his old Baltimore County stomping grounds last week before taking on the final leg. After enjoying time with family and friends, he rode up and around the Chesapeake Bay, into Delaware and finished in Ocean City. “I wanted to keep it formally coast to coast,” Robinson said. “One of our sponsors was Pickles Pub and we wanted to end there. We’ve had a place (in Ocean City) since I was a kid so I thought it was
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Andrew “A.J.” Robinson arrived into downtown Ocean City on Aug. 13 following a 4,000-mile trek across the country that started in Astoria, Oregon. The Baltimore-area native embarked on the journey to raise awareness and funds for hunger and food insecurity.
fitting to end this journey at a place that meant something to me.” Robinson said he’s not through with this sort of philanthropic and challenging mashup. He said he’s been approached about doing rides from Vancouver to Tijuana and even from France to Beijing. Whatever he does
next, Robinson said, it will be on a bike and with the same goal to raise awareness for those who suffer in poverty. “This was the most personable way of traveling,” he said. “The natural beauty was incredible but honestly the relationships I made through the small towns were really special throughout the trip.”
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
HEROES RECOGNIZED Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan presented Alayna Oertel, pictured center left, and Ava Bauer, pictured center right, with keys to the city for their heroic efforts in assisting with an accident on the Route 90 bridge on May 2. The accident resulted in one vehicle dangling over the side of the bridge, a toddler falling into Assawoman Bay, and Jonathan Bauer – Ava’s father – jumping in to rescue the child. Along with presenting the two teenagers with keys to the city, both the Bauer and Oertel families were honored as well as the emergency personnel who assisted that day.
Wor. Library digitizing genealogy, collections (Aug. 20, 2021) Worcester County Library has committed to digitizing and making accessible genealogy collections and special collections related to Worcester County. The newest to be digitized is the Ruth Dryden Research Notes collection. This is a collection of 9,910 research notes on wills/probates in Worcester County, based on over 1,000 families from the 1700s - mid 1800s. Also included are other genealogy
related notes such as marriage dates, birth dates, etc. “Worcester County Library is excited to make these collections available online, so that everyone in our community and abroad are able to enjoy and appreciate the history of Worcester County, Maryland,” said Local History Librarian Alec Staley. Over 3,000 photographs and postcards of Worcester County are currently available to be viewed online.
Most of the photographs and postcards are of Pocomoke City, Snow Hill, Berlin and Ocean City from 1900-1940. Also available online are oral histories conducted between 1978-1982. These histories are of Worcester County residents’ personal and professional lives from 1900-1930. These collections can be accessed at WorcesterLibrary.LibGuides.com/LocalHistory or by going to WorcesterLi-
brary.org, and clicking on Local History, Special Collections, & Genealogy under the resources tab at the top of the page. Worcester County Library is accepting donations to add to its special collections. Donations can be dropped off at any branch, but for larger donations, call the Snow Hill Library at 410-632-3495. For more information, contact Staley at history@worcesterlibrary.org.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 47
PAGE 48
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Tilghman rehabs at home after brain injury By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Community support continues to mount for Ian Tilghman, who returned to his parent’s home last Friday after spending more than 10 days at Shock Trauma in Baltimore for a brain injury sustained on Aug. 4 in Ocean City. Native to Ocean City, Ian is the son of Chris and Sarah Tilghman, but has resided in southern California and worked as a DJ with Dart Collective for the last seven years. Tilghman’s aunt and godmother, Lisa Challenger, said the 33-year-old had returned to the East Coast to attend a retrospective exhibit for his grandfather Ed Challenger that opened on Aug. 6 at the Ocean City Art League on 94th Street. “He lives in California but was visiting his parents in Ocean City,” she said. Two days earlier, however, those plans went askew after Tilghman took a spill and fractured his skull. “He suffered temporal lobe damage, bone fracturing and brain bleed,” she said. Tilghman was helicoptered to Shock Trauma for treatment. “He’s sort of remembering bits and pieces but pretty much for that night and the next eight days he doesn’t remember anything,” she said. To help offset massive medical expenses a GoFundMe page, “Ian’s Road to Recovery,” was quickly established,
which has already garnered more than $108,000 of a $150,000 goal. Tilghman’s girlfriend, Tsahai Rinker, joined family members to organize the fundraising effort that has gained support from 900-plus donors. Challenger said since returning to the Eastern Shore last weekend her nephew has been in good spirits. “His memory, words and speech are all coming back pretty quickly,” she said. Despite being cautioned by medical personnel that recovery could take up to three months, Tilghman appears on track for a faster turnaround. “He’s remembering more and more,” she said. “He has a hard time sometimes placing who people are or what their name is, but it is coming back.” Luckily, Challenger said doctors at Shock Trauma concluded Tilghman would be better served by returning home to complete speech and cognitive therapy, as opposed to entering a rehab facility. “Physically he’s very strong and well,” she said. Scant details surrounding the incident were known until days later. “His sister, Ellie, has been one of his biggest advocates in this whole process,” she said. “She’s really the one that got to the bottom of this, which couldn’t have been him falling.” Ocean City Police are currently investigating the incident but have yet to file
charges against a perpetrator. “He’s had tons of people reach out and say ‘hi,’” she said. “It’s very emotional for him.” Of the six-figure sum solicited for Tilghman’s medical bills a top donation of $10,000 was chipped in by his west coast employer Dart Collective. Dart Collective co-founder Jesse Kivel characterized Tilghman as a “perfectionist,” in a social media post. “He has truly helped make Dart into the company it is,” he wrote. Next Tuesday, a local fundraising event is being held at Fish Tales Bar and Grill located bayside at 22nd Street. Fish Tales owner Shawn Harman said after learning Barn 34 was looking to host a comparable effort next month, the entities opted to join forces. Harman said attendees at the Aug. 24 event could purchase a $20 entrance ticket that includes an ahi tuna platter, with all funds raised donated to Tilghman. Harman said a wealth of area restaurants, surf and skate shops are partnering for the affair. Challenger said in addition to the overwhelming outpouring of support from friends and family, medical staff at
Ian Tilghman
Shock Trauma were also a source of comfort. “They were extremely reassuring,” she said. “It was nice to hear a voice of calm reason.” Although the end point for Tilghman’s recovery remains unknown, Challenger feels encouraged by the early progress. “At this point he just doesn’t remember but the good news is he’s recovering,” she said. “We’re getting to a great outcome.”
Worcester Co. Fair at Byrd Park in Snow Hill in Sept. (Aug. 20, 2021) Plans are underway for this year’s Worcester County Fair, to be held Sept. 17-19 at Byrd Park in Snow Hill. Vendors are still being accepted and registration forms can be found on the fair website, www.worcestercountyfair.com or by contacting Earl Ludy at 410-057-4079. Nonprofit vendor spaces are free. Due to covid restrictions, some events usually found at the fair have
been eliminated or modified. Various children’s activities are planned as well as the ever popular cake and pie auction to be held on Friday evening. Bid on one or more of the pies and cakes. Exhibitors are proud to show off their entries and raise money for the fair. The annual talent show will take place on Saturday. For more information, call 410-9574079 or 443-523-0497.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 49
PAGE 50
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Gilmore humbled to receive Wilkerson Award By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Although the lack of a quorum prevented the Ocean Pines Association’s annual homeowners’ meeting from taking place Saturday, association officials did take the time to present the 2021 Sam Wilkerson Volunteer Award to Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore. Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue bestowed the annual honor on Gilmore during a ceremony at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Established in 2003, the award pays respects to the memory of Sam Wilkerson, 8, who died during a water accident in Ocean City. Sam Wilkerson had participated in youth soccer under the watchful eye of his father, Bob, a volunteer coach in the Ocean Pines Recreation Department. The award focuses on recreation and parks program volunteers, and this year Donahue took note of Gilmore’s contribution to the Veterans Memorial. “Although there are many volunteers at the Veterans Memorial, there is one person that stands out in her efforts in making the memorial such an amazing location,” Donahue said. Since relocating to Ocean Pines in 1995 from Rhineback, New York, Gilmore has left her mark on the community, starting with the Women’s Club. “She was very active in the club and served three years as club secretary and two years as club president,” she said. Donahue also highlighted Gilmore’s time volunteering with other Ocean Pines groups, including the Garden Club, Craft Club and Boat Club. Not limiting her service to one zip
code, Gilmore has also served with the American Legion Post 166 Auxiliary and the Ocean City Parrot Head Club. “While serving on the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Committee, she co-chaired the successful fundraising effort to build a skate park in Ocean Pines,” she said. In 2005, Gilmore was inducted as a member of the Veterans Memorial Foundation by cohorts Roseann Bridgman and Sharyn O’Hare. “She held the position of secretary for two years and president nine years, and currently serves as the president,” she said. In her role as Veterans Memorial Foundation president, Gilmore was instrumental in establishing an educational component for fifth graders in Worcester County. “She also led programs, events and exhibits, including Patriots’ Pathway, Flags for Heroes, Wreaths Across America, the POW/MIA tribute, and the Battlefield Cross,” she said. In 2020, Gilmore led the charge to bring the Vietnam Veterans “Wall That Heals” traveling exhibit to Worcester County. “She, along with many other volunteers, worked diligently for three years to convince them to bring the wall to Ocean Pines,” she said. Regardless of last year’s covid-19 pandemic restrictions, Gilmore and company were able to stage a multi-day patriotic event that was well received by the community. “She has put in countless hours volunteering,” Donahue said. “She is one of the most amazing women I know and is so well-respected in this commu-
GREG ELLISON/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Marie Gilmore, left, embraces Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue after receiving the 2021 Sam Wilkerson Volunteer Award last Saturday at the Ocean Pines Community Center.
nity.” As the crowd at Saturday’s meeting stood to applaud, Gilmore and Donahue shared a tearful embrace. Gilmore was reluctant to be singled out for attention. “I will accept this award … it has my name on it, but it’s really the Veterans Memorial Foundation who deserves this award,” Gilmore said. “There is nothing that I have done that I would have been able to do without the backing of a fabulous board of directors.” Gilmore also credited the group of volunteers by her side during her tenure with the Veterans Memorial Foundation. “Most importantly, we have the backing of the Board of Directors of Ocean Pines,” she said. Gilmore credited O’Hare and Bridgman for initiating the idea of the memorial, which was dedicated in 2005.
Highlighting the “two amazing women,” who sparked the concept by initially proposing to install a flagpole in south Ocean Pines, Gilmore said the now departed Bridgman continues to be missed. “Sharyn O’Hare … thankfully still serves as … a director emeritus on our foundation so we can pick her brain constantly, and I do,” she said. “Thank you so much to, not only the board … but the Ocean Pines Public Works, who worked tirelessly for a year to be sure that we could host (last year’s Wall That Heals event,)” she said. “It looked like a simple thing, driving a trailer in and setting up a wall [but] there was a lot of infrastructure that went into doing that.” Gilmore said the award was an unforeseen accolade that was deeply appreciated. “I’m humbled by it,” she said.
OP election on pause until court weighs in By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Although the Ocean Pines Association annual homeowners meeting Saturday was a washout because of the lack of quorum, the greater issue before Ocean Pines voters is the lack of an election, which remains on hold pending action by the Worcester County Circuit Court. The most important business of the annual meeting is to validate the board of directors election that takes place in July and August, but litigation between disqualified candidate Rick Farr and the OPA Board of Directors put an end to that last week, when Judge Beau Oglesby granted plaintiff Farr’s request for a temporary restraining order to stay the election. What happens next — whether to accept the election results or restage the contest — is an open-ended question until the judge has both Farr’s complaint and the board’s response in hand and a conference is held. Farr went to court after he was dis-
qualified following a hastily convened special meeting on Aug. 5. Board Secretary Camilla Rogers, who had deemed Farr a qualified candidate at the onset of the election this spring, reversed course heading into the election’s final weeks after receiving an anonymous tip involving transfer of property ownership through a family trust. On Aug. 6, Rogers said Farr failed to meet candidacy eligibility requirements, which require candidates to be a Pines property owner of record on Jan. 1 of the election year. Rogers said Farr was classified as a successor trustee on the property deed until after his mother died in May. At the behest of Director Doug Parks, another special meeting was held last Monday where a motion to rescind the election was voted down 3-2-1. Voting against the motion were board President Larry Perrone and members Colette Horn and Frank Brown. Directors Tom Janasek and Camilla Rogers voted in favor of the motion. Parks was unable to attend the
meeting following the death of his mother the day before. Director Frank Daly, who is campaigning for reelection, recused himself. Shortly after the vote last Monday, Farr retained attorney Bruce Bright to file suit in Worcester County Circuit Court prior to the ballot submission deadline on Wed. Aug. 11. This Monday, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby issued a temporary restraining order to stay the election until after a hearing on whether Farr qualifies as a property owner. Following the board election ballot deadline last Wednesday, the Ocean Pines Elections Committee was scheduled to count votes on Friday. On Monday, attorneys Anthony Dwyer and Steve Craig, representing Ocean Pines Association Board, filed entry of appearance with the court. On Tuesday, the court issued a deadline of Aug. 19 for association legal counsel to respond. Among the actions the judge might
take, according to Bright, is that he could schedule a court hearing or hold a telephone conference with involved parties. The current board election was between four candidates — Farr, Daly, Stuart Lakernick and David Hardy — vying for two open seats. Until the court decision is reached, Daly and Frank Brown, who was appointed to fill the vacancy after former Director Steve Tuttle resigned, will continue to serve as directors. Association bylaws section 5.01 says board members serve three-year terms that expire once successors are selected. As for other business at the annual meeting, aside from recognizing Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore for her service (see separate story), there was none. Upon realizing that the crowd of about four dozen did not constitute a quorum, Perrone dispensed with the usual reading of annual reports and adjourned the meeting.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 51
PAGE 52
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Calendar Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
Fri., Aug. 20 10TH ANNUAL FLOAT FOR THE COAST Roland E. Powell Convention Center behind building, Isle of Wight Bay, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12 p.m. Launch your own SUP, kayak or canoe ($5) or rent one at 48th St. Watersports. Make your own sign or banner highlighting your “cause.” http://www.actforbays.org, 410-629-1538
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO Fridays - Columbus Hall, behind St. Luke’s Church, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. More than $1,000 paid out each night plus an opportunity to win a $1,000 jackpot at the end of the night. 410-524-7994
Sat., Aug. 21
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
Sun., Aug. 22 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 years and younger. For information, call 410-524-7994.
ARTX FESTIVAL Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ArtX offers an endless list of opportunities to create, purchase and enjoy different genres of art. Live music and food and drink available. 800-626-2326, www.ococean.com
VIRTUAL WALK WITH A DOC
COVER THE CRUISER
There will be a short presentation by one of AGH’s providers, 9-9:30 a.m. Then walk wherever you’d like and share a selfie on social media with the hashtag #WalkedWithAGH.
Ocean City Boardwalk Arch, 1 N. Division St., Ocean City, 12-10 p.m. Purchase a Torch-Run T-shirt and hat or make a monetary donation of your choice to get a pledge card. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland.
ARTX FESTIVAL Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 12-8 p.m. ArtX offers an endless list of opportunities to create, purchase and enjoy different genres of art. Live music and food and drink available. 800-626-2326, www.ococean.com
COVER THE CRUISER Ocean City Boardwalk Arch, 1 N. Division St., Ocean City, 12-10 p.m. Purchase a Torch-Run T-shirt and hat or make a monetary donation of your choice to get a pledge card. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland.
SUNDAES IN THE PARK Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy free music. Each week children are offered various free activities and entertainment. Ice cream and beverages available for purchase. Followed by the new drone show. https://www.ococean.com
OC DRONE SHOW Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 9-9:30 p.m. Come experience Ocean City’s new drone show. https://www.ococean.com/events/ocdrone-shows2021
8TH ANNUAL POCOMOKE BOAT DOCKING CHALLENGE
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Pocomoke City, 3-10 p.m. Gates open at noon, practice runs start at 1:30 p.m. and competition starts at 3 p.m. followed by a live band and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. www.pocomokeboatdocking.com, 410726-5777
Sundays through September - Downtown Berlin, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. More than 30 farmers, bakers, distillers and more. Live music, live bunnies, real bee hive and free kids art projects. https://www.berlinmainstreet.com/far mersmarket/
TRI-COUNTY GO PURPLE KICK-OFF EVENT Perdue Stadium, 6400 Hobbs Road, Salisbury. Pregame activities begin at 6:30 p.m. Offering educational materials, Naloxone training, purple-themed giveaways and COVID-19 vaccinations. Fireworks to follow the Shorebirds game. wicomicohealth.org, 443-977-7994
Mon, Aug. 23 WRITING FOR WELLNESS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness, may boost
health & psychological well-being. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Meeting in-person and via conference call. For call-in option, dial 605-472-5789, wait for voice command, then press 944874. Support and educational group. Rose Campion, 443-880-8884
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00-9:00 p.m. All ladies that love to sing invited. Contact Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol Ludwig, 302-242-7062.
Tues., Aug. 24 KOFC SEAFOOD NIGHT Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 5-6:30 p.m. If you would like steamed crabs or shrimp, you must pre-order on Monday or Tuesday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Preorder: 410-524-7994.
DELMARVA HAND DANCE Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Show proof of vaccination or wear a mask. A picture on your phone of your vaccination card is acceptable. delmarvahanddance@gmail.com, https://delmarvahanddancing.com
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5:30-7 p.m. Providing participants with hope for the future and skills to help find their way. A gentle therapy dog will be joining the group this month. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org
MOVIE ON THE BEACH Carousel Hotel, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30-11:59 p.m. Featuring “Spider-man: Far From Home.” Weather permitting. Ocean City Recreation & Parks, 410-250-0125, http://www.oceancitymd.gov
Thurs., Aug. 26 SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINIC Worcester County Health Department Snow Hill, 6040 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill. Vaccines are provided free to all. Appointments: https://www.worcesterhealth.org/../184-immunizations. Info: www.marylandvax.org or 410-6321100, Ext. 2009.
OCEAN CITY JEEP WEEK Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:05 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Featuring the Beach Crawl, KICKER Sand Course, Jeep Jam and Expo with Vendor Village. See the full schedule of events at https://www.oceancityjeepweek.com/ev ent-schedule. 443-366-5944
FAMILY BEACH GAMES
Wed., Aug. 25 FIRST STATE DETACHMENT OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MEETING American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 12-1 p.m. Any Marines and Navy Corpsman who have served in the Corps, living in Worcester and Sussex counties, are welcome. 410-430-7181, websergeant@firststatemarines.org
TEEN CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP WITH HONOR MCELROY A place to write, collaborate, share and explore publication opportunities, 3:304:30 p.m. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB Kids ages 8-11 years join on Zoom to discuss the book “The Red Bicycle” by Jude Isabella (available on Hoopla), 3:304:30 p.m. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under events. 410-632-2600
VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB: ‘LEAVING COY’S HILL’ Meet via Zoom to discuss “Leaving Coy’s Hill” by Katherine A. Sherbrooke, 5:306:30 p.m. Historical fiction novel tells the story of feminist and abolitionist Lucy Stone. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-2600
Carousel Hotel, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free interactive fun for the whole family. Games include sand castle contests, tug-of-war, relays and more. Parents must stay with their children. Weather pending. http://www.ococean.com
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “The Dunehounds” (jam band). Admission is free, while beverages, including beer, are available for purchase. Bring your own seating. http://www.ocdc.org, 410-289-7739
CONCERT IN THE PARK Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 7-8:30 p.m. Featuring “Groove Fish.” Pack a picnic and bring lawn chairs. Admission is free. downtownpocomoke.com, 410-9571333, Ext. 111
OC BEACH DANCE PARTY Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. A DJ hits the Caroline Street Stage where attendees can dance under the lights on the beach. Followed by the new drone show at 9:30 p.m. 410-250-0125
SNOW HILL FARMER’S MARKET Thursdays through October - Sturgis Park Pavilion on the Pocomoke River, noon to 5 p.m.
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 53
Ocean City Today
THE SOUND OF THE SHOFAR A CALL TO ACTION A CALL FOR RENEWAL
JOIN TEMPLE BAT YAM IN THE CELEBRATION OF: THE HIGH HOLY DAYS - THE DAYS OF AWE 2021/5782 Live Services in the Sanctuary
ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES:
Monday Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 7, 10 a.m. Childrens Service Tuesday Sept. 7, 1:30 p.m. A Brad Paisley concert originally set for Sept. 5 was postponed until June 12, 2022 due to “sponsorship concerns.” Tickets sold so far will be honored for the new date.
Paisley concert postponed to June, sold tickets still good By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) While the Brad Paisley concert that was scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Ocean City is not technically canceled, it will not happen as planned. This week, event promoter Bob Rothermel, who heads T.E.A.M. Productions, said the Sept. 5 concert has been postponed until June 12, 2022. Rothermel offered no details on the change, but did say the show was postponed due to “sponsorship concerns” and that all tickets sold so far will be honored for the new date. Current ticket holders also have until Sept. 6 to request a refund, which can be done through the original vendor. Frank Miller, Ocean City’s special events director, said there was “a lot to work through” with postponing the show but did not have any more details about the reasons behind it. “There’s not a whole lot of infor-
COMMUNITY NEWS Locally Sourced on Ne w s s tands t
mation other than Bob’s intentions are good,” he said. Rothermel said tickets are set to go back on sale for the new show date as soon as everything is officially in place. He would not say how many tickets were sold. Officials announced earlier this summer that the decorated solo country star was set to perform Sunday, Sept. 5, on the beach. Tickets went on sale July 30 for the original concert at the Ocean City Convention Center box office and through Ticketmaster. According to Ticketmaster, prices range from $50 to $309 per ticket, depending on seating. Paisley has been part of the country music scene for more than two decades, snagging an array of awards including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, along with securing a number of other recognitions.
Guests Welcome
YOM KIPPUR SERVICES:
Wednesday Sept. 15, 7 p.m. Thursday Sept. 16, 10 a.m. Childrens Service Thursday Sept. 16, 2 p.m.
Temple Bat Yam
Live Stream Also Available
A Year-Round Reform Jewish Temple Ocean City – Berlin 11036 Worcester Hwy. Berlin, MD 21811 Visit www.templebatyam-oc.org for Live Stream For Visitor and Guest Tickets Call 410-641-4311
PAGE 54
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
Black Eyed Susan ready for cruises
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) Cruises on the Black Eyed Susan riverboat are right around the corner. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 12 with around 70 other attendees, the riverboat took its maiden voyage with the town, county and state officials onboard Tuesday. “We all want it to be successful at this point. It was a very nice cruise. Being on the river is always nice,” Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “I’ve been down the Pocomoke River many times before. It’s always an enchanting journey. I hope the people who get to (ride the Black Eyed Susan) get a chance to enjoy the enchantment that is the Pocomoke River.” Private and public charters are now available for the 111-foot paddlewheel boat for cocktail, brunch, lunch and dinner cruises as well as private charters. The boat is set to hit the Pocomoke River on Wednesday with a lunch cruise at noon. “We are booking very hard for this fall season,” said operator Jim Washington, to whom the riverboat was leased. “We may add November. We have one full day (booked) and a lot of others are getting closer every day.” The cruises are about two and a half hours long. They go nearly half way to Pocomoke before turning around and heading back to Snow Hill. The boat can accommodate 100
Attempt to break down any barriers you have built up around yourself, Aries. It’s time for a fresh perspective and you can dive head first into new opportunities.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 There is something magical in you that needs to come to life, Taurus. In the next few weeks you will develop a plan to put major changes into action with the help of a few others.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Passengers enjoy the climate-controlled bar and dining room on the Black Eyed Susan’s lower deck. The riverboat also boasts a canopied upper deck with another bar.
passengers. With renovations and improvements completed, the Black Eyed Susan boasts a climate-controlled bottom deck and a canopied upper deck. Washington said that the second of two U.S. Coast Guard inspections was recently completed and the state Health Department has already given its OK for the maiden voyage, though a walkthrough occurred on Tuesday. The state liquor license was also recently approved. The Town of Snow Hill purchased the riverboat last year after a long finance-focused ordeal that included fending off Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County. The hope for the riverboat moving
forward is that it’ll be good to go for a full season in 2022, spring through fall. “Private parties are booking up,” Washington said. “There’s a fundraiser booked that looks promising. Some of the private parties are very excited. We’re looking at weddings.” After all the obstacles, Washington said he’s excited to get the boat out on the water for a very excited community that he’s been a part of for decades. “I’ve fed everyone in Snow Hill for 30 years (with the Snow Hill Inn and the Tavern on Green Street) and all my friends are so excited about this,” Washington said. “It’s so nice.” For more information on scheduling and availability, visit https://bessnowhill.com.
Four-vehicle crash leaves one dead (Aug. 20, 2021) The Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal four-vehicle crash that occurred on Aug. 12 near the intersection of Route 12 and Carmean Road outside of Snow Hill. The deceased has been identified as Gabrielle D. Benton, 33, of Greenbackville, Virginia. She was the driver and sole occupant of a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe going north on Route 12 when she apparently crossed the centerline and ran into the rear wheels of a trac-
tor-trailer heading in the opposite direction. According to police, the accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. After the collision with the truck’s rear wheels, the Tahoe turned over and caught fire. Two other southbound vehicles behind the tractor trailer were also involved in the crash. The other drivers involved in the crash were taken by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospi-
tal in Salisbury for treatment for minor injuries. The driver of the Tahoe was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. Following the crash, Carmean Road was closed for three hours. The Snow Hill Police and Fire Departments, and the Girdletree Fire Department assisted in the crash investigation.
Gemini, you may feel on top of the world at the beginning of the week and then out of sorts by the weekend. It is okay to go through a range of emotions.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, the stars are offering an opportunity to make some major changes in the days to come. Hop on board with ideas that come your way.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 You are rarely one to sit back and avoid the limelight, Leo. This week presents yet another opportunity to step up and make your voice heard. Take a leap of faith.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 While life may have been difficult in the past weeks and months, a breath of fresh air is blowing in new opportunities for you, Virgo. See which direction you are headed in.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 There could be some important news coming your way this week, Libra. However, it may not be as obvious as opening up a newspaper or reading a letter. Keep your eyes open.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 An influx of money could bring about a lot of changes in your life, Scorpio. Speak with a financial planner regarding how to utilize these funds in positive ways.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Renew your dedication to the path in front of you as it pertains to selfless endeavors, Sagittarius. Perhaps you can increase your volunteerism efforts.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Pair charged with drug possession By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) A man and woman were arrested last week after they were found with a large stash of marijuana that police suspected they were trying to sell. Rachel Christine Droski, 34, of Middle River, Maryland, and Hunter W. Davis, 34, of Salisbury were arrested by Ocean City Police and charged with possession of drugs with distribution intent and various other drug charges. Droski was stopped after she was
seen swerving out of her lane, according to police. A investigation revealed Droski did not have a valid license, and she was placed under Hunter Davis arrest, police said. Droski was found to be holding $751 in her bra, which she told officers was going to be used to pay for a hotel room. As officers were arresting Droski, they
told Davis he was free to leave, but if he wanted any of his belongings, he would have to wait for police to search the vehicle. While conducting a Rachel Droski search, officers found a glass pipe with what appeared to be burnt cocaine residue where Davis was sitting, as well as a backpack containing a prescription bottle of See OCPD Page 55
Capricorn, you are inspired to change, but you may not know which path to take. Get some advice from others and you will find a suitable path.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Cast a wide net into a pool of potential friends and you’re bound to grab a great catch, Aquarius. It is time to widen your social circles and learn a few things along the way.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, set your sights high this week and you may be surprised at what you can accomplish. Projects may be completed quickly.
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 55
Ocean City Today
POLICE/COURTS
Loaded handgun Jose Eugenio Colon-Ramirez, 31, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at 2:32 a.m. on Aug. 11 near 141st Street and Coastal Highway and charged with having a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Police responded to reports that a man was next to a vehicle and on his hands and knees in the road, and when they arrived, they found ColonRamirez pacing next to the SUV. When officers approached him, Colon-Ramirez held his hands up in the air and said, “Take me in: I ****ed* up.” He then dropped his keys to the ground and officers asked what he was talking about, but ColonRamirez only repeated that he needed to be taken in because he messed up. When asked if he had taken drugs, Colon-Ramirez confirmed he had, according to police, and when they asked if he had guns on him, he responded in the affirmative. Police found a loaded handgun in the trunk in a black fanny pack
Loaded handgun Brian Matthew Bancewicz Jr., 22 of Woodstock, Maryland was arrested by Ocean City Police at 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 13 near N. Division and Baltimore Avenue and charged with several gun-related charges. Officers spotted an unoccupied vehicle parked in a municipal lot with marijuana in plain site on the center console. Nearly 30 minutes later, police said, officers returned to the car, and it was occupied by Bancewicz and two other men. Bancewicz was sitting in the rear passenger seat, police noted, and after exiting the car, officers seized a plastic bag of marijuana, a scale with THC residue and a .40 caliber loaded handgun under the front passenger
seat on the rear floorboard. Bancewicz admitted the gun was his and he placed the gun on the floor. Police later discovered the gun had been stolen. Bancewicz told officers he purchased the gun from an unidentified man in Baltimore. A further investigation, police added, found Bancewicz was charged with handgun violations as a juvenile which prevents him from possessing firearms.
Fishing knife possession Brandon Michael Friedel, 18, of Bel Air, Maryland was arrested by Ocean City Police at 9:23 p.m. on Aug. 11 near Old Landing Road and charged with possession of a dangerous concealed weapon. Police said Friedel and three other individuals were seen smoking marijuana and urinating publicly. Court documents state the officers spotted several signs of marijuana use inside the car as well as a backpack on the back seat with two small baggies of marijuana, a broken glass pipe with THC residue and a seven-inch long sheathed fillet knife. Friedel told officers the bag was his and officers placed him under arrest for concealing a deadly weapon. Police said Friedel was not actively fishing and there was no fishing equipment inside the car, though documents note officers spotted a small fishing hook and a small, weighted fishing lure inside.
time later, officers spotted two black men riding bikes matching the description of those that were stolen. Officers followed the cyclists and stopped them near Seventh Street and Coastal Highway. When police asked Jean to get off the bike, he did not immediately take action, so one of the officers grabbed hold of his right arm to stop him from running, according to court documents. Eventually Jean got off the bike and was detained. Once detained, Jean refused to provide any type of identification to show who he was until he was booked at the public safety building.
DUI Matthew P. Rostovskis, 40, of Hatfield, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at 5:55 p.m. on Aug. 10 near 73rd Street and Coastal Continued on Page 56
OCPD arrest duo in possession of cocaine and weed Continued from Page 54 methadone which was prescribed to him. Police also spotted two bags of marijuana, leading the officers to arrest. After a full search of the car, police found six THC cookies, nine THC gummies, a metal tray with THC, nine empty plastic bags, THC vape cartridges, a clear glass pipe, a clear glass vial with white residue consistent with cocaine, a small plastic bag with cocaine, and various other items. In total, police said they estimate there was over 500 grams of marijuana in the vehicle, which they suggested was for distribution. Both Droski and Davis were transported to headquarters for processing.
30+ BRANDS 55,000+ PRODUCTS FINANCING AVVAAILABLE
NAATTIONWIDE SHIPPING
Bike theft Jameson Saint Jean, 18, of Salisbury was arrested by Ocean City Police at 1:35 a.m. on Aug. 10 near Seventh Street and charged with theft, failing to display a license on demand and various other violations. Police were alerted to two bikes being stolen from a convenience store on N. Division Street, and a short
FUNCTIONAL TRAINNERS ELLIPPTICALS SELECTORIZEDD TREAADMILLS RACKS, RIGS, CAGES A RECUMMBENTS CABLE CROSSOVVER STEPPPERS OLYMPIC BENCHES ENCHES ROWWERS PLATE LOADED UPRIGHHT BIKES TRX STRENGTH TRX STTUDIO LINE COMMERCIAL & RESIDDENTIAL
HOTELS - CONDOS - COMMUNITY CENTERS - VACATION HOMES AIRBNB - POLICE DEPARTMENTS - FIRE DEPARRTMENTS - GYMS
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! 1300 COASTTAAL HWY OCEEAN BAY PLAZA, FENWICK ISL S AND DE 19944 8-938-7348 WEBSITE: WWW.USFITNNESSSUPPLLYY.COM PHONE: 888
PAGE 56
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
POLICE/COURTS Continued from Page 55 Highway and charged with DUI and providing false statements during an investigation. Officers were dispatched to the scene of a two-car accident and when they arrived, the saw a Kia sedan rearended by another vehicle. Rostovskis and a woman were in the Kia, and the woman told officers they were coming from a popular eatery near 80th Street. When police asked who was driving at the time of the crash, Rostovskis said the woman was driving, but the woman said the opposite. The person driving the other vehicle, police said, told police a man was driving at the time of the crash, leading them to believe he was lying. After an investigation, police determined Rostovskis was under the influence of alcohol, and he was placed under arrest.
Intoxicated trespassing A 38-year-old man from McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at 2:41 a.m. on Aug. 13 near 21st Street and charged with trespassing and intoxicated endangerment. Police were dispatched to a nearby establishment for a disorderly man, and when they arrived, staff members of the eatery had surrounded him. The man, court documents state, had trouble balancing while sitting on the curb and continued to sway back and forth. He was ordered by police to leave, so he stumbled on his way, police said. A short time later, the man was spotted urinating on the fence of a nearby mini golf course, and when told to stop, he lifted himself onto a piling in a nearby canal while holding onto a fence. “I’m dangerous,” the man allegedly told officers after being ordered to get down from the piling. He did comply, however, and was arrested.
Indecent exposure A 62-year-old homeless woman was arrested by Ocean City Police at 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 13 and 10 p.m. on Aug. 14 in downtown Ocean City as well as on Aug. 9 near 64th Street and charged with indecent exposure. On Aug. 13, police said, officers were called to an area near North Division Street after receiving reports that a gray-haired woman wearing no pants or underwear was walking on Baltimore Avenue. When officers spotted the woman, they confirmed that she was uncovered from the waist down as she sat by a nearby church. She was taken to police headquarters. The next day, police said, a woman reported seeing the same woman on the Boardwalk with her “coocoo” hanging out. The woman who was naked below the waist turned to the other woman and said she was going to “kick [the
tattler’s] ass” several times, police said. When officers caught up with the woman a short time later, they noticed she was not wearing any pants, police said. She was placed under arrest, and once again, transported to headquarters for processing.
DUI crash Madeleine August Gatto, 23, of Catonsville, Maryland was arrested by Ocean City Police at 11:33 p.m. on Aug. 13 near 83rd Street and Coastal Highway and charged with DUI and various other violations. Officers spotted a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road with flashing hazard lights on and pulled up to investigate. The driver of the vehicle told police he was rear-ended and pointed ahead to a Saab that was driving away from the crash. The officer told the driver to pull over to the side of the road and wait, then drove ahead to stop Gatto, who was driving the sedan. After an investigation, Gatto was found to be under the influence of alcohol, police said. When asked what happened, police added, Gatto said she must have looked down at her phone for a second and then crashed.
glass pipe with burnt residue appearing to be methamphetamine as well as a jet lighter torch. Police said they also saw two small plastic bags lying on the floor of the front passenger seat containing methamphetamine, a two-inch razor blade under the driver’s seat. A short time later, Payne was seen walking toward the mini-van and was arrested. Police said Payne confirmed the officers contained methamphetamine.
Car theft Thomas G. Mayberry, 56, of Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania was arrested by
Ocean City Police at 12:45 a.m. on Aug. 15 near 120th Street and charged with failing to return a rental car, theft of more than $25,000 and less than $100,000, and possession of drugs other than marijuana. Officers were alerted of a stolen vehicle entering Ocean City on Coastal Highway near 140th Street, and a short time later, the vehicle was spotted and stopped. Police stopped the car and removed, along with a woman and an 18-month-old child. Mayberry told officers he had been driving the rental truck for approximately four weeks after his other veContinued on Page 57
CROSSWORD
Possession of drugs Daveon Jamaar Rogers-Miller, 24, of Newark, Delaware was arrested by Ocean City Police at 2:41 a.m. on Aug. 14 near 57th Street and charged with possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana, possession of drugs other than marijuana, possession of a martial arts weapon and littering. Officers said they spotted a car pull out of a convenience store parking lot without stopping, and as it turned, police said, a plastic bag was thrown out of the driver’s side of the vehicle. When police stopped the car, Rogers-Miller was in the driver’s seat and a brief investigation revealed he was wanted in Worcester County for assault charges and placed under arrest. Rogers-Miller told officers he had about 12 grams of marijuana in his pocket, and a search of his car found he had four additional grams of marijuana and a spring-assisted knife. Once taken to police headquarters, police said, Rogers Miller was also found to have suboxone, without a prescription.
Meth possession Timothy Allen Payne, 36, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia was arrested by Ocean City Police at 2:40 a.m. on Aug. 14 near N. Division Street and charged with possession of drugs and paraphernalia. Officers said they spotted a mini van parked in a lot with the driver’s door open. When the officers approached the vehicle, they spotted a
Answers on page 24
AUGUST 20, 2021
PAGE 57
Ocean City Today
POLICE/COURTS
WORLD WAR II
Continued from Page 56 hicle was involved in a car accident – his insurance covered three weeks. But when it came to when the truck was supposed to be returned, police said, he could not say because he claimed to never read the contract. Police said Mayberry was not sure why the vehicle would have been reported stolen unless they did not take his credit card. After an investigation, officers found the truck was reported stolen on June 18, 2021, contradicting what Mayberry said when he claimed to have been driving the truck for four weeks, police said. Mayberry was placed under arrest and a search found he was in possession of methamphetamines.
WWII strikes Iran with two armies
Truck crash Daniel J. Stair, Jr., 58, of Dover, Delaware was arrested by Ocean City Police at 5:56 p.m. on Aug. 10 near 36th Street and charged with DUI. Police said Stair struck the electrical box of a nearby building with his pickup truck, and when the president of the condominium association approached him about providing insurance information, he became “irrational.” Officers looked over to the truck, which was partly in the bushes and double parked in two spots with Stair next to it. After speaking to witnesses and Stair, it was determined he was under the influence of alcohol, and he was placed under arrest.
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Aug. 20, 2021) This week, 80 eighty years ago, the Imperial State of Iran was, preemptively, invaded from three directions. The Red Army came from the north, while forces of the United Kingdom struck from the south and west. When the attacks began, the Iranian shah appealed to the U.S. for help based on the principles of the recently published “Atlantic Charter.” His pleas were rebuffed by the American president, who explained that the United Kingdom and the USSR were in a struggle for their very existence and the freedom of Europe, and possibly the world, from Axis domination, and that sacrifices had to be made for the greater good. The Soviets saw Iran as another, weatherproof, route for supplies from the Western Allies, while the British were concerned that the shah’s Axisleaning government might shut off the flow of oil. When the Shah refused to expel the few Germans in the country — less than a thousand —and denied the British the use of the Iranian rail system, the die was cast. The British, launched their attack, at dawn, on Aug. 25,1941 when the
sloop H.M.S. Shoreham, attacked and sank the Iranian sloop Palang at the harbor of Abadan, which is located 33 miles from the Persian Gulf near the Iraq/Iran border on the Shatt Al-Arab Waterway. The largest oil refinery in the world, at that time, was located at Abadan. At the time, the 1,100-yearold city had a population of 170,000. Today has a population of 230,000. The oil refinery at Abadan was captured by two battalions from the 8th Indian Division, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Sir Charles Offley Harvey and the 24th Indian Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Roger E. Le Fleming, which crossed the Shatt alArab from the Iraqi city of Basra. During this attack, Rear Adm. Gholamali Bayandor, commander of the Imperial Iranian Navy, was killed defending his country. In the north, the Soviet FortyFourth and Forty-Seventh, Armies commanded by Maj. Gens. Aleksandr A. Khadeev and Vasily Novikov, simultaneously crossed the border from Azerbaijan. Two days later the Soviet Fifty-Third Army, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Sergei G. Trofimenko, crossed the border from Turkmenistan.
Maj.-Gen. Sir Charles Offley Harvey
These armies were part of the Soviet Transcaucasian Front, commanded by Lt.- Gen. Demitry T. Kozlov. A Soviet “Front” was roughly the equivalent of an army group. From the west, came the U.K.’s 10th Indian Division, commanded by Maj.-Gen. William Slim. It crossed the border at Pai-Tak Pass, near the city of Khanaqin, Iraq, which has a population of 175,000. The Red Army captured the port city of Bandar-e Pahlav (now Bandar-e Anzali, known for its caviar production, on the Caspian Sea. Continued on Page 58
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE A HOME YOU WILL TRULY LOVE 12346 OLD BRIDGE ROAD #LOT 112 NEW LISTING!
BETTER MOVE FAST ON THIS NEW HOME! Now is your chance to make every day vacation in this 2BR/1BA beach retreat. Nice size Living Room, Eat-in kitchen Equipped with Electric Radiant Range with Range Hood, Frost Free Refrigerator with Ice-Maker, Double SS Sink, Breakfast Bar. Full bath w/Fiberglass Combination Tub & Shower. Stack Washer & Dryer. 3 Ceiling Fans w/Lights. Wooded sundeck. Located in a desirable community in WOC, just minutes away from the Assateague Island State Park, Ocean City beaches & Boardwalk and Inlet, close to shopping and restaurants. Community is open year-round and is 50+. The buyer will need to pass a background check and be approved by the Park owner. BETTER CALL NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! $129,900
Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc© 13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD
For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700 www.larryholdrenrealestate.com • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com
MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY GREAT STARTER HOME OR IDEAL LOCATION FOR REDEVELOPMENT! 2BR/2BA on deep/wide protected canal/basin w/easy access to open bay & is less than a mile from OC's 10 mile long public beach, many restaurants & bars, shopping center & Northside Park. 10' x 30' screened in porch w/cement patio, master bath, central air, full size washer & dryer, counter-top range and wall oven. Waterfront deck, dock, pier w/electric jet ski lift, utility shed & new 2-car cement parking pad. Community w/3 pools (including a wading pool for the little ones), 2 tennis courts, 9-hole miniature golf course, shuffleboard court, bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing piers, canalfront fishing & crabbing area, 8acre wildlife sanctuary/pond with a 1/2 mile paved walking path, 5-acre open park and street lighting with a lamppost at every residence. Additional amenities include city streets & sidewalks, city water & sewer and city trash collection. HOA fees are just $328 a year! $429,000
Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes Montegomike@verizon.net 800-745-5988 • 410-251-6821
NEW LISTING!
606 OYSTER LANE
12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com
Located in the sought after community of Montego Bay, this 3BR/2BA w/maintenance free exterior, front porch with stone accent, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings and is being sold fully furnished. Conveniently located to shopping, dining, the bus stop, the beach, and Ocean City's 78 acre Northside Park. Community amenities include 2 in-ground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, shuffleboard court, 9 hole mini-golf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, 5 acre pond with blacktop walking/jogging trail, and bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $328.00/year! $339,900
Call Bill Rothstein montegobayrealty@aol.com 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530
NEW LISTING!
156 CLAM SHELL ROAD
12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com
PAGE 58
Ocean City Today
OBITUARIES
WORLD WAR II
helping people experiencing homelessJOSEPH CHARLES ROLLAND ness, especially veterans. Ocean City Although Joe had a bad back and Joseph Charles (Big Joe) Rolland, age 67, of Ocean City, died Sunday, Aug. 8, knees, he moved condos full of furniture 2021, at home with his wife, Greta, by his and household goods to newly housed side, along with his much loved pets – homeless individuals and families through a HUD funded grant. Roxanne, Pepe and Schmoozie. The furniture and household goods Joe was born in Baltimore and was the son of the late Edwin Charles Rol- were donated by dear friends who were redeveloping condo property. Joe loved land and Ellen (Whalen) Rolland. Joe met Greta in 1973 at a CYO dance seeing the joy on the faces of those receiving the furand they were niture. married in Joe and 1975. Greta were deThey relvoted to their ished their family as they over 45-year had two sets of marriage, parents, not adored, loved in-laws. Joe’s and liked each parents, Pop other, and and Petie, were happiest lived with when they them for many were together. years as Pop’s Joe sufhealth deteriofered a serious rated. They health issue first lost 10 years ago, Joseph Rolland Greta’s father which left all and then Pop. his doctors Afterwards, they spent much time surprised that he survived, so Greta is with the “Moms” where the OC house grateful for her 10 bonus years. Because of his health, they quaran- provided a bedroom for each. They cared tined together since March 2020, seeing for their moms during their long health no friends or family as his lungs couldn’t problems prior to their deaths. He is survived by his wife, Greta Elise survive covid. They enjoyed the time with just the (Leaf) Rolland; his beloved black gertwo of them, having family time every af- man shepherd, Roxanne; parrot, Pepe; ternoon with a few cocktails, music from and Schmoozie, the cat. He is also survived by a brother, their youth, dancing with Pepe and playLawrence F. Leaf Jr. of Ocean City; and ing ball with Roxanne. Those last months were happy times much loved nieces and nephews, Denise, although Joe’s health was declining. Gina, Lisa, Billy, Keith, John Phillip, They laughed, loved and enjoyed each Shawn, Gino, Dennis, Mirah and Caitlyn. other until his heart finally gave out. There are also many great nieces and Joe was a retired waterman and a member of Ocean City Parrot Head nephews and much loved cousins. Joe and Greta had an extended family Club, Ocean City Marlin Club, Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Elks Lodge of wonderful life-long friends and new #2645, Sons of the American Legion dear friends after moving to OC in 1997. Joe is also survived by the Bidwick Post #166 and Moose Lodge #2542. Continued on Page 59 Joe and Greta were passionate about
Continued from Page 57 Today, it has a population of 140,000. The 2,500-year-old city of Tabriz was captured by the K.E. Voroshilov Rifle Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Kuzma Ilich Goriunov, of Lt. Gen. Novikov’s Forty-Seventh Army. The division was named for Stalin’s crony, Marshal Kliment Voroshilov, and contained mostly Armenians. At the time, Tabriz was the second largest city in Iran. Now, with a population of 1.4 million, it is the fourth largest. Commonwealth forces were commanded by Lt. Gen. Edward Quinan, who had also commanded those forces in the invasion of Iraq. At the same time, the Australian armed merchant cruiser, Kanimbla, delivered a force to the Port of Bandar-e-Shahpur, which was controlled by Germans and Italians. It was the southern terminus of the Trans-Iranian Railway, which linked the Persian Gulf to the capital of Tehran and the Caspian Sea. Today the city has a population of 67,000, and is known as Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni. Simultaneously, the 18th and 25th Indian Brigades, commanded by Brig. Gens. Rupert Lochner and Ronald G. Mountain, captured Qasr Shiekh. Within three days, this force had also captured Ahvaz, which is the capital of the province of Kh zest n and is, today, home to some 1.5 million Iranians. Kh zest n borders on Iraq and is home to many Arab speakers. These facts formed part of the basis for Iraq’s eight year war against Iran, which began in September 1980. Maj. Gen. Slim led eight battalions of Indian troops through the Naft-IShah Oil Field and onto the Pai-Tak Pass, which was taken on Aug. 27. That day, the shah appointed Mohammad Ali Foroughi prime minister. The new prime minister immediately began negotiations with the invaders to end hostilities. This resulted, the next day, in an agreement allowing the U. K. and the USSR to occupy oil fields and the Trans-Iranian Railway, as well as the closing of Axis legations and expulsion of Axis nationals. The Red Army and Commonwealth Forces met at the Iranian cities of Senna, located 100 miles west of Hamadan, and Azvin, located 100 miles west of Tehran and 200 miles northeast of Hamadan, on Aug.30 and 31, respectively. Both cities are
AUGUST 20, 2021
near the Caspian Sea. Senna is Kurdish and Azvin, or Qazvin, is Persian. The British delivered a note to the Iranian ruler, the shah, which read, “Would His Highness kindly abdicate in favor of his son, the Heir to the Throne? We have a high opinion of him and will ensure his position. But his Highness should not think there is any other solution.” The shah abdicated, as “requested,” and was replaced on the throne on Sept. 16, 1941, by his 21year-old son, Mohammad Rez Pahlav , who ruled until Jan. 17, 1979, when he was forced into exile. On Sept. 17, 1941, the Red Army and Commonwealth Forces entered the Iranian capital. The former shah was sent into exile in South Africa, where he died July 26, 1944. For the rest of the war, Iran was divided into Soviet and British zones of occupation. The two powers divided the operation of the Trans-Iranian Railway, with the British operating the leg between the Persian Gulf and Tehran and the Soviets the portion from Tehran to the Caspian Sea. Once the U.S. entered the war, it effectively assumed control of the British zone, essentially running the country through the medium of its “advisors.” By the end of the war, there were 30,000 American uniforms in the country, with the military contingent first commanded by Brig. Gen. Don G. Shingler, and later by Donald H. Connolly. The conquest of Iran had come very cheaply — 22 Commonwealth, and 40 Soviet, soldiers killed and 40 Commonwealth troops wounded. The conquered suffered 800 soldiers and 200 civilians killed and four years of occupation. More than 7 million tons of supplies were shipped by the Western Allies to the USSR through the Persian Corridor. Former Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, unsuccessfully, demanded reparations for the invasion and occupation. Next week: Finns Recapture Viipurii Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 59
OBITUARIES Continued from Page 58 family (their dear next-door neighbors), with a special relationship with Kimberly/Princess, two sets of Rohrs families with a special relationship with Bradley, O’Brien families, Beeson family, Patri family, Shiflett family, Craven family, Slemp family, Fotia family, Drocella family, Bosley family, O’Neil family and Robertson family. Joe and Greta had a fun-filled life with much laughter and love, no complaints or regrets, enjoyed many adventures together and traveled much before moving to OC. They then lived on permanent vacation in the home that they loved. They were blessed and grateful to have such a wonderful life with each other filled with happy, joyful memories. Joe was preceded in death by beloved family members, his brother, Anthony “Tony” Jeffery; sister-in-law, Joyce Jeffery; niece, Deanie Calvert who was more like a sister as they were the same age; and other father and mother, Lawrence F. Leaf Sr. and Virginia Leaf, who called him their other son. Services will be private. Greta wants to express her appreciation for the doctors who cared for Joe in the last years of his life: Dr. Andrea Baier who saved his life, Sue Curry and Dr. AJ. They were so good to Joe, providing him excellent care, compassion, laughter and he looked forward to his visits with them. In his last days, the Town of Ocean City EMS helped Greta so much as did the Ocean City Police Department. She is eternally grateful for the kindness and compassion they showed her when she lost her soulmate. And last, but most important, thanks to Joe’s family, extended family and friends for your time in Joe’s life. He didn’t share with you how ill he was; so many of you are shocked. Rather he laughed until the end, never complained and did not want to worry you. Remember him in happy memories and know that he loved you all. The family would appreciate living plants or houseplants instead of flowers (after all, Greta was raised with a father who owned a nursery), but would much prefer donations to be made to a Homeless Shelter - HALO, P.O. Box 2227, Salisbury, Maryland 21802(www.halominstry.org/donate); Homeless Veterans Organization - St. James AME Zion Church - Zion House, memo: Karen E. Purnell Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 3082, Salisbury, Maryland 21802; or to the Ocean City Fire Department Paramedics, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Maryland 21842. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com. JOHN D. WINGERT III Ocean City John D. Wingert III, 58, of Ocean City, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. Born on Feb. 25, 1963, in Hagerstown, Maryland, John was the son of John D. Wingert, Jr. and Rose Marie
Palladino Wingert. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Jackson, Brooks and Jordan Wingert; as well as a sister, Mary Cordell and John Wingert III husband Brian; a nephew, Noah; a niece, Sarah; and former wife, Rhonda Schaffer Wingert. John graduated from Smithsburg High School in 1981 and attended the University of Maryland before moving to Ocean City in 1983. He became the general manager of Harpoon Hanna’s for many years before owning Magnolia’s in Bethany Beach. Besides watching the sunrise over the ocean and relaxing on the beach, John loved spending time with his sons, whom he was very proud of. He was a big sports fan who loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was known for his big heart and will be very much missed by his many friends and family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021 at St. Luke Catholic Church. A celebration of life will be held at Skye Bar & Grille on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association in his memory. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service,
504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com. MARGARET OASS Ocean City Margaret entered into eternal rest on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. Born Jan. 9, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Margaret lived in Ocean City, Maryland, previously from Silver Spring, Maryland. She is survived by her ex-husband, Margaret Oass William Oass; beloved mother of Linda Brooks (Bill), Billy Oass and Cindy Nicholas (Tony); grandmother of Jennifer, Brian, Karla and Anthony; and great-grandmother of Alex, Dylan, Logan, Caden, Ethan and Paige. Margaret was a wonderful caregiver for the handicapped and elderly. She retired in June 2021 from merchandising at Food Lion, which she loved for many years. Margaret was very talented and there was nothing she could not do or achieve. She loved dancing, music, teaching dance, the racehorses and always doing something to help others in need. Margaret held many benefits over the years for Cystic Fibrosis very dear to her heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4450 Montgomery Avenue Suite 1100N, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, in memory of Margaret Oass. Service at a later date. EVA N. BUNTING Bishopville Eva N. Bunting, age 95, of Bishopville, died peacefully at home on Aug. 10, 2021. She was born in St. Martin’s Neck and was the daughter of the late Russell and Nettie (Palmer) Savage. Eva was a farmer for many years along with her husband, Walter, Eva Bunting and they had owned Bunting & Bertrand before retiring. Eva was a member of Zion United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter H. Bunting in 2008, and a daughter, Lana R. Bunting, in 1998. Burial was in Zion Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Sandra Venable, 11213 Beverly St., Bishopville, Maryland 21813. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.
Sports & Recreation
Ocean City Today Aug. 20, 2021
Page 60
www.oceancitytoday.com
Annual Poor Girls Open successful; 771 ladies fished By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Aug. 20, 2021) Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open was another success, with 771 lady anglers fishing on 155 boats, over $257,000 distributed among the winners, and $125,000 presented to the American Cancer Society. “We’re extremely happy with the tournament, extremely happy with the money [presented],” said Earl Conley, co-director of the Open. “I just want to thank the lady anglers, captains and mates and all the volunteers. Poor Girls Open is a charity tournament run by volunteers.” Thirty-four of the boats went offshore last Thursday. Forty-nine fished on Friday and 72 headed offshore on Saturday. The Big Stick crew released eight white marlin and one blue to win the billfish release division. The team was awarded $136,805. The Blood Money team released nine white marlin and won $30,783. The Max Bet crew released seven white marlin and received $20,522. Allyson Airey’s 19.3-pound dolphin earned her and teammates aboard Roll Groove $12,760. The Blood Money team finished in second place in the division with Chelsea Trimper’s 9.4-pound dolphin. The group was presented $6,156. Sea Wolf angler Sadie Aiken reeled in a 9.3-pound dolphin. The fish was worth $4,104. Yvonne Deardorff landed a 162.7pound big eye to take first place in the tuna division. She and her Talkin’ Trash teammates received $12,760. The Nauti Norwegian team came in second place with Jen Versuk’s 60.7-pound tuna. They received $6,156. Southern C’s angler Stephanie Cubbage hooked a 59.6-pound dolphin, good for third place and $4,104. The Nauti Norwegian also scored a spot on the leaderboard in the wahoo division. Kelly Rhoten’s wahoo weighed 65.5 pounds and was worth $11,502.50. Erin Howard reeled in a 50.3pound wahoo while fishing on Reel Gi. The team earned $5,467.50. Bubblehead angler Brittani Phillips caught a 47.5-pound wahoo to finish in third place. The team was awarded $3,645. See TOURNAMENT Page 61
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ladies fishing on Reel Gi during the Poor Girls Open pose with Erin Howard’s 50.3-pound wahoo last Saturday at Bahia Marina, 22nd Street, bayside. The wahoo finished in second place in the division and was worth $5,467.50.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Talkin’ Trash anglers not only released two white marlin last Saturday during the Poor Girls Open, but also won the bra-decorating contest. The “Nip Cancer in the Bud” bra was created by Tamara Haas and teammates. The tournament is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 61
PHOTO COURTESY “HOFFY” HOFFMAN.
Former Stephen Decatur lacrosse players again teamed up with other athletes to compete in the OC Lacrosse Classic last weekend in honor and memory of Ace Hoffman. The group won their division.
Tournament organizers give Ace Lacrosse Club plays in $125,000 to cancer society honor, memory of Hoffman Continued from Page 60 The top junior angler was Baylie Phillips, who landed a white marlin while fishing on Ohana. She won $2,500 and prizes. A total of $257,265 was presented to the winners. “Overall, a lot of white marlin were caught, we had a nice big eye and some decent size dolphin, and we gave away a big chunk of money. And even with fewer boats and anglers, we still were able to give $125,000 to the American Cancer Society,” Conley said. “There always seems to be some confusion with the rules and regulations and year after year we’re trying to improve everything. We plan to expand on it more and make sure everyone knows the rules and regulations before fishing. We work on this every year-round. We want to improve and grow it and try to make it as good as it can be.” The annual ladies-only fishing tournament returned this year after a one-year hiatus. The health and wellbeing of cancer patients and survivors – who the event supports – was, and is, the No. 1 priority, which is why the event was canceled last year. Many women, including cancer survivors, make it a tradition to fish annually. Women enjoy fishing in the tournament because it benefits a worthy cause — breast cancer research. Proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society and earmarked for breast cancer research and program development as part of the “Pink Ribbon Classic at the Beach Se-
ries” – an assortment of local activities to raise breast cancer awareness while garnering money for the organization. The funds raised will support the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives, which includes programs and services for breast cancer patients and survivors, information on prevention, screening, treatment and research, according to Mary Bellis, senior community development manager, Northeast Region, for the American Cancer Society Inc. “The 2021 Poor Girls Open was a wonderful event. It was clear that the crowd was eager to have fun,” Bellis said. “The hard work of Shawn [Harman], India [Bandorick] and Earl along with their staff and volunteers was apparent. This is a well-run tournament that brings anglers back every year.” Poor Girls Open organizers presented a check for $125,000 to the American Cancer Society during the awards banquet. Since 2005, the total donated to the American Cancer Society by the Harman family through the tournament and other events is over $1.5 million. “The donation of $125,000 is amazing. I think this brings their total to over $1.5 million. This shows the dedication of this group even in a challenging environment,” Bellis said. “The money raised will fund lifechanging breast cancer research as well as programs in local communities and around-the-clock support through our 24/7/365 call center at 1800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Aug. 20, 2021) Former Stephen Decatur lacrosse players again teamed up with other athletes to compete in the OC Lacrosse Classic last weekend in honor and memory of Ace Hoffman. “A lot of these guys know what I went through when I lost my son and they’re honored to do this. It’s a tribute to Ace Hoffman, a tribute team to my son who passed away,” said “Hoffy” Hoffman, coach of the Stephen Decatur High School varsity boys’ lacrosse team and also a player/member of the Ace Lacrosse Club. “They don’t have to do it, but they do. They want to honor and play for my son, and it means a lot to me.” The 25-player team competed in the Men’s Elite Bayside Division for 18-35-year-olds, Thursday through Sunday at Northside Park and on
fields in Berlin, and went undefeated, 7-0. The squad, made up of mostly players ages 20-23, has athletes who attend and play for a variety of colleges including University of Maryland, Towson, Mount Saint Mary, York and Limestone. There is also former and current Decatur coaches on the team. “All of these guys I’ve coached since they were 13 years old, and some of them since they were younger than that,” Hoffman said. “It was awesome. It was amazing. This is probably the best group of guys playing together. We really jelled together. Everyone’s like brothers.” In the championship game, Ace Lacrosse Club topped a team made up of predominately York College of Pennsylvania players, 6-3. “I’ve been doing this for five years and this is the second time we’ve won it,” Hoffman said.
The American Cancer Society is grateful for the continuing support of this outstanding event.” The 2004, the tournament was renamed to honor the founder of the event, the late Capt. Steve Harman. He and his wife, Pam, started the Poor Girls Open in 1994 to provide women with an opportunity to compete for prizes and money in a ladiesonly tournament, and to raise money for local charities. Harman died in February 2004, so organizers thought it was appropriate the tournament be renamed in his memory. “I want to thank all of the spon-
sors, including the Harrison Group – for helping out in the past – and I want to thank the Harman family and the volunteers who make this tournament a success,” Conley said. For more information about the Poor Girls Open, call Bahia Marina at 410-289-7438. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345. Cancer Survivors Network available at www.cancer.org, a 24-hour-a-day cancer information center; and 1-800-2272345 for patients to access ACS services.
PAGE 62
Ocean City Today
AUGUST 20, 2021
Fisher wins tennis series for third consecutive year
Tournament record 958-lb. blue marlin brought to scale
game plan. I waited for my opportunity to strike and I tried to outplay them,” Fisher said. “I felt good playing and I had a fun time.” About 17 players participated in the gold division, representing a number of high schools on the Eastern Shore, including Decatur, Worcester Prep, James M. Bennett, Indian River, Kent Island and North Caroline. “It was good competition. There were some really good players,” Fisher said. After three days of competition, Fisher earned the No. 1 seed. The top eight went head-to-head on Aug. 15. Fisher swept his three matches to claim the title. “I felt like I played really well,” Fisher said. While it may not be as exciting as capturing the 2A Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association state championship title – which Fisher did in June as a Decatur junior – he was still thrilled to win the tournament. “It feels pretty good. I PHOTO COURTESY TIM FISHER love playing in the event Stephen Decatur senior Noah Fisher, right, won the Delmarva High and the challenge of it,” School Tennis Grand Prix Series for the third consecutive year. Fisher said.
(Aug. 20, 2021) While the billfish bite slowed a bit on Day Three of the 30th annual MidAtlantic for the majority of the 157 boats fishing on Wednesday, compared to Tuesday, which saw 132 white marlin and 11 blue marlin released, it was a very busy day for one particular boat that landed a memorable billfish. Rocky Hardison of Beaufort, North Carolina, created quite a stir when he wheeled his Wolverine to the Sunset Marina scale in West Ocean City with a massive blue marlin in the cockpit caught by angler Gary Fletcher. It was so long its tail was hanging out the transom door. When the tape was stretched out the big blue measured 135 inches, a full five inches longer than any blue marlin ever weighed in the MidAtlantic’s 30-year history. Tournament staff worked diligently to carefully maneuver the billfish from the cockpit to the scale. Weighmaster Frank Ingram placed the tail rope over the scale and yelled out the weight of 958 pounds and now Wolverine leads the category. That’s also a new tournament record besting the previous record of 847 pounds set by Wade Lober aboard his Why Not in 2014. Larry Hesse’s Goin’ in Deep out of Manasquan, New Jersey, is now in second place with his 681-pounder followed by Steve Pilipauskis’ Reel Tight from Riva, Maryland with his 487-pounder. The tuna bite continued to be very good. Numerous big eyes and yellowfins were weighed and a major shake-up occurred in the standings. Capt. Bryan Boyle had Chip Caruso’s Colts Neck, New Jersey-based Pipedreamer at the scale shortly after Wednesday’s weigh-in session got underway at 5 p.m. with a pair of barrelsized big eye tuna in the cockpit that anglers Caruso and Andy Confortini battled. The pair of big eyes weighed 235 and 227 pounds and moved Pipedreamer into the lead and second place in the tuna category. Bob Hugin’s Summit, New Jersey-based The Right Place is now in third place with a 188-pound tuna.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Aug. 20, 2021), Stephen Decatur incoming senior, Noah Fisher, won the Delmarva High School Tennis Grand Prix Series for the third consecutive year. The 2021 series kicked off with competition on June 27. Fisher lost his first match, then injured his shoulder in the second and was unable to continue. He was cleared to play in time for the second competition on July 18. Fisher said he felt good while playing and won all four of his matches. The final competition of the series was Aug. 8 at the OC Tennis Center. Fisher won his three matches. “I think I did really well. I stuck to my
Thomas Murray, left, came in second, and Chris Sichina, third.
Anthony Martina’s Sea Wolf from Middletown, Delaware, remains atop of the white marlin division with his 82pounder followed by Art Boykin of Berlin, on his Lucky Duck II with his 80-pounder. Andrew Dotterweich’s Fish On from Jupiter, Florida, sits in third place with his white marlin of 75 pounds as of Thursday morning. In the dolphin category William Keller’s Blood Money from Brielle, New Jersey, remains atop the board with his 31-pounder followed by Jeff Spencer’s Bent Tent from Easton, and Jeremy Blunt’s Wrecker’s out of Ocean City, who are tied at 26 pounds. There’s a new leader in the wahoo category after Capt. Danny Veid of Tarpon Springs, Florida, weighed a 57pounder for angler Gerry Imparato aboard Amarula Sun. Patrick McGovern’s Mack 900 based in Somerset, New Jersey, was bounced to second place with his 32-pounder. John Homick’s Salt Lick hailing from Annapolis, Maryland, is now in third place with his 18-pounder. Some of the boats with notable billfish releases on Day Three include Jamie Diller’s Canyon Lady with seven white marlin and David Bowen’s Big Stick with five. Dave Anderson’s Krazy Salts and Luke Blume’s C Boys each released four white marlin. John Dougherty’s Outrage, Pat Healey’s Viking 80, Sid Gold’s Can Do Too, Andrew Kevlahan’s Dorothy Marie and Adam Youschak’s Reelin’ Feelin’ each released three white marlin on Wednesday. George Robinson’s Polarizer and Jim Walker’s Conspiracy each released a blue marlin. The final day of the tournament is today, Friday. MidAtlantic tournament is a private event. Nightly weigh-in sessions at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey, and Sunset Marina in West Ocean City. For more information about the MidAtlantic and the nightly weigh-in’s live video feed from both marinas, visit www.themidatlantic.com. Follow the action on Facebook at The MidAtlantic Tournament; on Twitter; @midatl and on Instagram; @themidatlantictournament.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 63
PAGE 64
AUGUST 20, 2021
Ocean City Today
CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL OCEANFRONT 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY
VOTED 2019
410.524.3535 WWW.CLARIONOC.COM
WINNER of the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for 15 Years and The Best of Excellence Award for 10 years!
LIVE MUSIC Friday, August 20 & Saturday, August 21 • 10pm-1am
OCEANFRONT DINING Open Daily 7am - 10pm 410-524-7500
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Including Lite Fare & Steamer Specials
ON THE EDGE Friday, August 27 & Saturday, August 28 • 9pm-1am
ON THE EDGE
1 lb. Alaskan Crab Legs 2 lb. Alaskan Crab Legs with an Ear of Corn
2650
$
45
$
with 2 Ears of Corn
OPEN DAILY 11AM
½ lb. Steamed Shrimp ½ lb. Alaskan Crab Legs
1 lb. Steamed Shrimp in Old Bay® & Onions
2525
$
with an Ear of Corn
2650
$
OPEN DAILY 11AM Breakers Pub
ON THE EDGE
Best Craft Beer
Fri. Aug 20 & Sat. Aug. 21 • 5-9pm Sun. Aug 22 • 5-10pm
FIRST CLASS
Mon. Aug. 23 - Sun. Aug. 29 • 5-10pm Live Acoustic Music by
STEPHEN ANTHONY
Every Friday & Saturday All Summer Noon - 4PM
Check Out
Happy Hour 4-7pm
REDUCED HAPPY HOUR DRINK PRICES
375
$
Domestic Beers Rail Drinks House Wines
3
$
Select Drafts
425
$
Margaritas
9 HI-DEF TVs 6AM - ‘TIL