Scooters on sidewalks?
A state law effective Oct. 1 would make it legal to ride scooters and bikes on sidewalks, unless local jurisdictions prohibit it. That’s what OC officials plan to do — PAGE 3
Supporters, fans praise overhauled,upgraded skate park — PAGE 13
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Families and surfers circle up before the start of Wednesday’s Surfers Healing camp, which pairs children with autism with a surfing buddy in search of waves. See story on page 85.
New safety regs weighted for popular electric scooters
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) With a new state law allowing bikes and scooters to ride on sidewalks beginning Oct. 1, the Ocean City Police Commission voted unanimously Monday to have the city solicitor work with police to develop a recommendation to prohibit such activity in town.
City Manager Terry McGean said the legislation allows local jurisdictions to impose their own rules if they don’t want to abide by the state’s.
“The state law says they are allowed, unless the local jurisdiction prohibits them,” he said.
The recommendation was part of a larger discussion this week about the proliferation of electric scooters in town. Sgt. Nathan Kutz, assistant traffic safety coordinator, attributed the increase to improved technology and lower prices.
“When it comes to scooters, the police department and the traffic safety unit have recognized the increased number of electric scooters in town,” he said. “As technology improves, specifically the lithium-ion batteries, you see the price decrease. In fact, the cost of an electric scooter at Walmart is less than a bicycle.”
Electric scooters were now a popular form of transportation for J-1 foreign students. Kutz said that trend was substantiated to a degree by data the police department has collected in recent years.
In terms of scooter collisions, for example, the city reported 11 in 2023, 36 in 2024 and 41 to date in 2025. He
added the police department has also collected a list of “hotspots” in town where more scooter-related crashes have occurred. Those areas include 142nd Street, Jamestown Road, 80th Street, 48th Street, 32nd Street, 18th Street, 5th Street and North Division Street.
Kutz said the Ocean City Police Department has conducted numerous details, including one funded by a Maryland Highway Safety Office grant, to target pedestrians, bikes and scooters. Of those 69 details, he said, the department has spoken with 308 people and issued 96 citations.
More specific police details targeting just bikes and scooters took place on four dates this summer, Kutz added. He said the department recorded 220 bikes and scooters using the highway on those dates.
“About a third are scooter operators on the highway,” he said. “It’s much more than when I started at the police department in 2012.”
While these scooter patrols found that most bikes and scooters traveled in the right direction along the highway, Kutz said several failed to stop at red lights.
Mayor Rick Meehan added that safety concerns regarding electric scooters on the highway continued to be voiced among Ocean City’s yearround residents.
“Probably the No. 1 concern, whenever I talk to residents, is about what we’re going to do about scooters …,” he said. “We all know it’s a major accident waiting to happen.”
Meehan then urged the police department to step up its enforcement efforts. He said he wanted a message that resonates with scooter users and encourages them to use lights and
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a ‘big problem’
Continued from Page 3
comply with transportation laws.
“It’s a big problem,” he said. “It’s a huge public safety issue.”
For his part, Police Chief Ray Austin said the department was working with its communications manager and the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association to educate scooter users. Officials also noted the department continues to enforce the rules of the road, but that citing J-1 students for infractions continues to be a challenge.
“If we give them a citation, and they fail to pay, they cannot obtain a Maryland driver’s license …,” Lt. Allen Hawk said. “Other than that, there’s no substantial repercussions.”
“I think we need to send a message,” Meehan replied. “If it’s a citation they know they don’t have to pay, it doesn’t really meet the test.”
Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, commission chair, acknowledged the city had a problem with electric scooters. He then highlighted new state law, which will authorize those riding bikes, unicycles or play vehicles to use sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance.
“We really need recommendations on next steps,” he said.
After further discussion, the commission directed City Solicitor Heather Stansbury to work with the police department to develop recommendations.
“We have to have somewhere for our pedestrians,” Meehan said. “We’re looking for a more walkable community. And it’s not very walkable if you are in conflict with bicycles and scooters.”
Two people on scooters travel down the bus lanes of southbound Coastal Highway at 28th Street. The popular and affordable electric scooter has become ubiquitous in Ocean City this summer as foreign students on J-1 work visas use them to get around town.
Bus service prepares for upcoming festivals
Transportation officials talk deployments, bus coverage as fall concert series nears
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug.15, 2025) Ocean City’s bus system is bouncing back from years of declining ridership, as transit officials gear up for a heavy bus deployment during this fall’s music festivals.
When back-to-back concerts pack Ocean City for six days this fall, the city will roll out as many as three dozen buses at peak times. Officials are crediting a new split-shift strategy that frees drivers to cover both day and night shifts.
Bus deployment during Oceans Calling (Sept. 26-28) and Country Calling (Oct. 3-5) will see about 26
buses going out in the late morning and early afternoon, with about 37 running the evenings. That’s eight more buses than they used last year.
Transit Manager Rob Shearman also said they’ll have contracted buses coming to assist.
However, in the days leading up to the concerts, bus service will be “running extremely lean” as drivers are moved around to accommodate festival coverage, according to Shearman.
“I hope that it’s not so lean that it generates a lot of complaints,” he said at Tuesday’s meeting of the city’s transportation committee. “We’ll just have to monitor it. We’re going to do the best can with what we’ve got, but we know that the focus is the concert days themselves. We just need to be prepared for running on a skeleton crew the rest of the week just to make
this happen.”
Bus ridership had been declining the last three summers, to the point where transit officials had budgeted for a revenue drop from bus fare. Shearman attributed the 2022-2024 decline to a staffing shortage.
Figures shared Tuesday show ridership is now up 5%, a bump that Shearman attributed to yet another resort music festival, Boardwalk Rock, which brought thousands of people to downtown from May 17-18. The staffing issue has also been handled with 57 drivers now on the payroll, up from 49 last year.
Parking revenue up
Also discussed Tuesday is the fact that Ocean City’s parking revenue is up 15% over last year, going from $3.48 million at this point last year to $4 million year-to-date in 2025.
The reason for this is mostly because the public has begun to embrace the ParkMobile app, officials said, as physical parking kiosks have been removed throughout town, save
for the inlet lot. This year will be the last for those kiosks, which have seen revenue fall by half compared to last year.
City Manager Terry McGean said there’s been much less public pushback over the phasing out of the parking kiosks than anticipated. “I expected we would just get killed over that. That just really hasn’t happened,” he said in the meeting.
Shearman also reported positive news for the transportation budget: they’re looking at an overall cash infusion of more than $528,000, which is partially the result of a 10% increase in federal grants that filter through the state’s transit authority. Other savings have been realized through some reduced preventative maintenance expenses.
It’s also the result of saving money, from Ocean City not having to pay its share of another articulating bus; the city had asked for grants to buy three of those 60-foot buses but only got the money for two.
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OC’s historic Ocean Bowl opens new admin building
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) As a teenager, Brad Hoffman skateboarded at the Ocean Bowl in downtown Ocean City on its first day open in 1976. Almost 50 years later, he was back again for its final transformation from a basic skate park into a year-round recreation destination.
“I enjoyed growing up here, skateboarding here, hanging out with all my friends. A lot of great contests came down here. A lot of great friendships were made. A lot of burns on your knees and elbows from skating here,” Hoffman said. “So, my flesh is in this park, that's for sure.”
With a summertime skateboarding camp bustling behind them, Ocean City officials on Tuesday held a modest ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new administration building at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.
Said to be the nation’s oldest municipally operated skate park, the facility now boasts brand-new restrooms, office space for park staff, and a second-story observation deck overlooking the park’s concrete skate
bowl, rails, and moguls. Underneath the building is a lounge area for kids to get out of the heat of the sun in between skate runs.
The $1.5 million year-round facility was funded in part with grants from the National Park Service and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It was designed by the architecture firm of Davis, Bowen and Friedel and built by Delmarva Veteran Builders.
Last year, city officials formally christened the property as the new and improved Bayside Park at Third Street. It’s now home to walking paths, playgrounds, pickleball and basketball courts.
A skate park expansion last year included new street elements, in addition to the park’s vertical ramps and skate bowl, said Kate Gaddis, the city’s new director of recreation and parks.
“Now, having the building along with it, we can do competitions, we can do camps, we can do all those things that we've always done, but we can just do them in a better setting,”
See SKATE Page 14
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Youths attend a skateboard camp Tuesday at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the facility’s new headquarters building.
Skate park rolls out new HQ digs
Continued from Page 13
she said. “The building is now iconic. You can see it when you're riding by on a boat – you see this, it's part of the Ocean City skyline now. So, we're super excited about that.”
Gaddis added that the project was shepherded by the former recreation and parks director, Susan Petitto, who just retired.
“She worked tirelessly for a couple of years to secure the grant funding work on the design, and then she retired two months before we opened it. I think she was brilliant,” Gaddis said.
The facility celebrates public art, as well, with a bright geometric mural along St. Louis Avenue by Jeff Huffington, which incorporates an homage to the Ocean Bowl’s original signage.
Another mural will be completed this fall by the artist Marc Emond, according to Gaddis.
The park’s legacy goes back decades in the resort. Mayor Rick Meehan in his remarks Tuesday recalled how, in the 1970s, skateboarding was outlawed in Ocean City, thanks to his predecessor, former Mayor Harry Kelley, and members of the City Council.
A skateboard mom known as Dorothy “Haystack” Marlowe championed the project for her four skateboarding sons.
She fought the city’s skateboard ban and was able to organize efforts to get the Ocean Bowl constructed in 1976 at the corner of St. Louis Avenue and Third Street, Meehan said.
“She's kind of the ‘mother’ of the skate park, as everybody will say,” he said. “I remember Haystack very well and I'm going to tell you, she was a force to be reckoned with… She was going to do whatever she had to do to get a skate park built in Ocean City. Without her, I'm not sure we'd be here today recognizing this accomplishment.”
In the late 1990s, a new group formed called Save the Skate Park. They raised money and awareness in the resort community to again complete another renovation here, the mayor added.
“If you look at all the kids that are here today,” Meehan said, “you can see why. This has been a place for families to come, for kids to come, for years, and it'll continue to be that. Now there's a course out there for everybody at every level so that they can come and skate and do what we do best in Ocean City, and that's recreation.”
The mayor ended with a shout-out to Brad Hoffman in his remarks and thanked him for being a part of the history of the park.
“I surf more than I skateboard now,” Hoffman said, “but this park is a part of my heart.”
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Skateboard camp was in session Tuesday at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park as local officials cut the ribbon on its new headquarters building.
Council modifies, approves business license ordinance
Officials adopt regulations that allow town to revoke an establishment’s license
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) The Berlin Mayor and Council now have the authority to revoke business licenses from town establishments if their operation creates a risk or nuisance for residents and tourists.
At the governing group’s meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, the body unanimously passed an ordinance that allows the municipality to refuse to grant, suspend or revoke, or place restrictions on licenses obtained by businesses operating within the Town of Berlin limits on the basis that the establishment is hazardous to those residing in or visiting Berlin.
Town officials may invoke the ordinance if it can be proved that the establishment is guilty of the following: creating disruptive noise, excessive traffic, excessive loitering outside the business during or after hours, littering or immense trash accumulation, fighting and/ or disorderly conduct on the premises, illegal activities, or inflicting a common law nuisance.
is subjective,” she said. “What's moral to one person may not be to another. Whose morals are we using when evaluating complaints about a business? This creates bias against people like me, an LGBTQ business owner… this language could be misused against pediatricians in our town who give vaccines or bookstores carrying books on topics people may find immoral, or a restaurant serving alcohol. Such vague wording risks censorship. Historically, morals clauses have been used to silence lawful businesses and services. Vague laws have unintended consequences…Our town is diverse and welcoming, and let's make sure our laws reflect that.”
Berlin’s Mayor and Council agreed that the term should be eliminated from the ordinance.
‘Whose morals are we using when evaluating complaints about a business? This creates bias against people like me, an LGBTQ business owner…’
“I think morals are subjective. It's something different to every single person, and I don't think the government should be in that position,” Councilman Steve Green said. “By removing that, the ordinance still accomplishes what was requested.”
Patricia Gregorio,
co-owner
Salt Water Media
Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols added that the word “comfort” should be removed as well, arguing it could propagate racial discrimination.
Licenses may be reversed or limited after notice of any complaints and the opportunity for a public hearing if it is determined the business is “detrimental to or adversely affects the health, safety, peace, and general welfare of surrounding properties and residents and/or the public in general,” the newly-adopted ordinance reads.
A discussion on the law’s language took place during its public hearing this week, just before the council voted to enact it.
Before Monday night’s meeting, a permit could be suspended on the basis that the business impacts the morals and comfort of the town, as well as its health, peace, safety, and general welfare. The words “morals” and “comfort” were taken out of the document to avoid inviting discrimination.
Patricia Gregorio, co-owner of selfpublishing company Salt Water Media, spoke out against the inclusion of the term “morals” to be used as a basis for business license discipline. Gregorio noted that she is a member of the LGBTQ community, and someone could file a complaint against her simply for her identity.
“While I support protecting public health and safety, the word ‘morals’
“Comfort is as subjective as morals,” she said.
Green agreed, saying, “This group, we share a lot of the same values. We don't know if it will be like that in two, four, six, eight, or 10 years from now. I don’t like words like that, that are subjective and open to interpretation. We are trying to protect the community and ensure that the businesses operate on the same playing field.”
Council Vice President Dean Burrell asked if the ordinance could be condensed even further by stating that business licenses may be revoked or suspended in the case that the establishment interferes with the public’s health, safety, and general welfare. In this case, the term “peace” would be removed from the regulation.
Other town officials argued the word should be kept in the document, as it was the basis for why the council tasked staff with drafting the ordinance in the first place.
The Berlin Mayor and Council asked town attorney David Gaskill this spring to develop the ordinance passed this week, in response to railbike excursion company Tracks and Yaks’ disorderly operations that disrupted life for Baker Street residents
OC lodging numbers down for most of Sept.
Bookings down throughout month, uptick reported for Oceans Calling Festival
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) A lag in September bookings for lodging in Ocean City has some tourism officials concerned.
Despite a relatively strong summer season, during which room tax revenues exceeded June projections and paid occupancy rates averaged 90% throughout July, officials say lodging numbers for much of September are down.
“We’re looking at a 2% decrease in hotel revenues,” said Bill Obreiter, vice president of U.S. sales for Zartico, Ocean City's data research firm. “Vacation rentals are hurting
even more.”
Booking data collected through Aug. 1 shows hotel revenues are down 2% for September while vacation rental revenues are down 13%. Daily rates are down 3% for hotels and up 18% for vacation rentals, while paid occupancy is up 1% for hotels and down 27% for vacation rentals.
“September is not looking as hot as the last couple of months,” Obreiter said.
“Bike Week is not doing really well at all,” he said. “It’s a time period really hurting your [bookings], but it’s improving.”
While projected hotel revenues for Bike Week were down 15% as of July 1, Obreiter said they were down just 9% as of Aug. 1. He also highlighted booking data for vacation rentals during Bike Week.
‘It’s going to be a very good August from every indication, unless weather wreaks havoc.’
Bill Obreiter
Bookings for the Oceans Calling Festival the last weekend in September are up, but they drop for most of the month, Obreiter said. He said that also applied to Bike Week bookings.
“From a vacation rental standpoint, there’s a decrease in occupancy and RevPAR (revenue per available room) and an increase in rates,” he said.
However, officials say tourism data remains strong throughout the summer months. Tourism and Busi-
ness Development Director Tom Perlozzo noted that room tax for June was up $650,000, and Obreiter added that paid occupancy for hotels reached 90% throughout the month of July.
“It’s going to be a very good August from every indication,” Obreiter concluded, “unless weather wreaks havoc.”
Perlozzo agreed.
“July and August are looking good,” Perlozzo added. “We just need to jump on September.”
Looking beyond September, Obreiter said the Country Calling Festival, set for the first weekend in October, has boosted fall bookings in Ocean City.
Every data point, from revenues to occupancy, are up for that weekend, he said.
“Country Calling continues to grow …,” he said. “It’s had a major impact.”
Commission members this week also reviewed tourism data on the city’s leading feeder markets. Obreiter reported that 23% of visitors came from the Washington, D.C., area, while 19% came from the Baltimore area, 13% came from the Philadelphia area, and 11% came from New York.
Business issues lead to new regs
Continued from Page 16
and surrounding areas.
Adam Davis, owner of Berlin Beer Company on Broad Street, said in April that the railbike group does not have restrooms for guests or staff, and as such, was using his restaurant's facilities. Davis added that Tracks and Yaks customers were parking in spots designated for Berlin Beer Company, an already too-small lot. Other Berlin residents claimed that the company employees were smoking marijuana in their cars and loitering on the streets.
When the problems were first brought to light, the railbike excursion operated in such a way that guests were directed to Broad Street in Berlin, exacerbating the nuisance issues there and on Baker Street. Now, when customers register, they are given a West Ocean City address and are then transported by bus to the railroad. This has seemed to lessen the company’s burden on the town.
The Tracks and Yaks situation revealed that the municipality was lacking a defined guideline for addressing disruptive businesses in town. Now, as it was passed this week, Berlin officials can invoke the new ordinance if an establishment receives consistent, proven complaints.
H New omes ew in L
Chief reviews July police activity
good month.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) Police activity in Ocean City remained steady throughout the month of July, with the exception of Independence Day, Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin told the Police Commission Monday.
Austin reported that officer calls for service decreased slightly from 6,279 in July 2024 to 6,085 last month, while citizen calls for service increased from 3,176 to 3,242.
“July was a pretty good month except for one day, which was July 4th,” he said. “Beyond that, we had a pretty
In the top 25 calls for service, traffic stops decreased from 946 to 912, while calls to assist motorists and citizens increased from 764 to 796 and 911 hangups increased from 633 to 731.
Austin also highlighted calls for city ordinance violations, which more than doubled from 346 to 704.
“A review of these calls in CAD didn’t show a common reason as to why city ordinance violation calls were up,” he told the commission. “Most of the violations were dogs on Boardwalk, bikes on Boardwalk, smoking on Boardwalk. Fireworks was a big one – we had a lot of calls for service for fireworks for the Fourth of July – and businesses operating with business licenses revoked.”
City Manager Terry McGean said six businesses have had business licenses revoked, and that many are choosing to stay open, despite the $1,000 per day fine.
“We’ve been writing those [citations] now for at least a couple of weeks to five businesses,” Austin added. “Those are substantially up, and it shows we are out there looking for ordinance violations.”
Austin also told commission members that calls for fights in progress had nearly doubled, from 12 to 21. However, he noted that crowds in Ocean City in August have shifted to be more family oriented.
“What we’ve been seeing through July is disorderlies, fights, and people who have had too much to drink,” he said.
Under July enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 270 last July to 253 last month, while criminal citations decreased from 19 to eight. Austin noted that drug arrests increased from eight to 13, DUI increased from 32 to 35, and weapons arrests decreased from 18 to 13.
He said the police department reported five firearms arrests, with four firearms seized, five knife arrests, with 10 knives seized, and four other weapons arrests with four weapons seized.
“Our five firearms arrests were from 33rd Street south in July of 2025,” he said. “Again, when I talk about hotspot policing on crime analysis and where we put our resources, it’s 33rd Street south. And that’s the way we’re running our enforcement details.”
Austin added that of the five firearms arrests last month, none were the result of a traffic stop.
“That’s a little bit of a change we’re seeing from June to July,” he said.
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Members of the Ocean City Police Commission are pictured Monday reviewing police data for the month of July. Chief Ray Austin said last month, with the exception of July 4, remained steady in terms of police activity.
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Site plan approved for new Crepe Myrtle Court project
Development to feature 25 units with amenities, dock access to Herring Creek
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) A new townhome development in West Ocean City has cleared a planning hurdle at the county level.
What’s being called Crepe Myrtle Court received site plan approval from the Worcester County Planning Commission on Aug. 7. The condominium development will have 25 units – 24 duplexes and one single-family home – in a seaside architectural style on a 4.82-acre site on Route 707.
The planning commission approved a waiver for sidewalks four feet in width instead of five feet as required by county design standards.
Eight duplexes will line the perimeter and another four will be inside a private road loop. Amenities will include a swimming pool, playground, and a dock for waterfront access to Herring Creek. Homes will have onecar, 10x20 foot garages.
Property owner Kathleen Clark is developing the land on her own with architect Keith Iott. Clark previously had planned to develop the property as a complex called Shadyside that would have had more units on the property, but she decided to reduce the density and instead go with duplexes.
An earlier version of the plan was approved by the Worcester County Commissioners at their May 6 meeting in Snow Hill.
For new residential properties in West Ocean City, it’s been challenging for developers, because the amount of county water and sewer hookups available – known as equivalent dwelling units, or EDUs – are in short supply, according to attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents Clark and specializes in land use cases.
The reason Crepe Myrtle Court is moving forward, Cropper said, is because it already has EDUs available. He said residential developments in West Ocean City that aren’t on public sewer, at least for now, just aren’t feasible.
“It takes a very unique property to be developed right now because there’s no EDUs and, in my opinion, that’s running up the cost of housing,” Cropper said. “The only people developing are people with sewer. I think that’s what’s driven up the price in West Ocean City. The demand is just – the plant has run out of EDUs and they can’t over connect it, so we’re at a situation now where we have limited availability.”
Cropper said he’s a proponent of providing more public sewer and let zoning control growth.
“There’s concerns that if you provide too much public sewer there’ll be too much growth,” he said. “It’s both driven by, and constrained, by wastewater.”
This is the most recent project along the Route 707 corridor for new residential development. Another project, called Salt Life, opened earlier this year and offers mobile home-style properties aimed at buyers age 55 and up.
Grace Center event planned at the Inn on Turville Creek
Fundraiser to feature prizes, raffles in effort to support Worcester nonprofit group
(Aug. 15, 2025) The community is invited to join friends and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of raffles, prizes and heartfelt community building set against the serene backdrop of the bay.
The Tricky Tray Open House will support the efforts of the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health located in Berlin. The Grace Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing compassionate care and vital resources to women and families navigating pregnancy, motherhood, and parenting challenges.
Plan your evening on Thursday, Sept.11, anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. to spend some time at The Inn on Turville Creek located at 11450 Gum Point Road in Berlin. Peek inside the newly renovated inn. Enjoy its charm while mingling with friends and supporting a worthy cause that strengthens mothers, families and futures. Try your luck at winning fabulous prizes donated by many local businesses. If you own a business and would like to support the cause by serving as a sponsor or by donating gift cards or services to be raffled off that evening, please contact Joann Manole, executive director, at 443-513-4124. All donations are greatly appreciated. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by emailing info@gracematernalhealth.org.
Police roster falls short as OCPD recruiting continues
Background testing for officer candidates underway, more testing next weekend
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
the police department continues to fall short of its 125-officer goal.
“So, we are 23 short, net, and nine short on paper,” he said. “That’s really short.”
(Aug. 15, 2025) A new fiscal year means a new round of recruiting for the Ocean City Police Department.
Lt. Andrew Yeager told members of the Ocean City Police Commission this week that a new season of recruitment began July 1 – the start of a new fiscal year – and will continue through June 30, 2026.
Last month, the city had 14 applicants for full-time positions, which resulted in six candidates advancing to the next round of testing.
“Currently, we have six backgrounds that we are working on, and of those people that tested in July we’ve got six more backgrounds we’re expecting in the next week or two,” he said. “So, we’ve got some good candidates there.”
However, Police Chief Ray Austin said recruitment remains strong. For example, he noted the department continues to attract lateral officers from outside agencies.
“We’re starting to bring people through the door now,” he said. “Historically, we haven’t gotten the number of laterals that we’re bringing through the door.”
Austin also said the police department continues to receive applicants for civilian positions.
“We are having problems with the custody officer [position] for various reasons,” he added. “But in the future, we have some recommendations to make that position more attractive.”
“You’re doing a good job,” Mayor Rick Meehan said of the department’s recruitment efforts.
Yeager said the Ocean City Police
eagesadteOceaCtyoce Department has 116 full-time officers, or nine hires shy of the 125 positions budgeted for fiscal year 2026. However, he said that number also included officers that are in the academy, in field training, and on medical leave.
“So, in total we have 102 full-time officers available to hit the streets across all divisions,” he said.
Yeager said the next round of testing for full-time positions is scheduled for Aug. 23, while testing for public safety officer positions will begin in September. He also noted that recruitment efforts will soon begin at job fairs and colleges.
For his part, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, commission chair, said
Paid parking considered for lots owned by Town of Berlin
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) Although a timeline has not yet been established, paid parking could be introduced in the Town of Berlin to generate revenue for repair costs for existing spaces, potentially ending the longstanding norm of free downtown parking.
Parking issues and their solutions have been a recurring topic of discussion among Berlin officials. To address a shortage of vehicle spaces, the town established a municipal lot on the corner of West and Washington streets earlier this year, securing a 10-year lease agreement with the Esham family. The parking lot is now operational with planned improvements and the intention to implement the ParkMobile pay-to-park
system. On Sunday, the free parking lot hosted more than 100 vehicles for the weekly farmers market.
At a meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall stated that municipal staff and engineers have evaluated previously existing downtown parking lots, determining what repairs are needed on lots owned and used by the town. These capital improvements are likely to include resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and replacement of underground water pipes. The expected cost to cover these projects is approximately $1.2 million.
“I think the reality is we have existing parking lots that if they are not liabilities, they are close to liabilities, and it would be irresponsible for the Town of Berlin not to acknowledge that and to maintain them properly,” said Councilman Steve Green, who also serves on Berlin’s parking committee referring to the existing lots on West and Main by the war memorial, Commerce Street and the larger lots behind storefronts on Main Street.
Councilman Jay Knerr, another member of the parking committee, agreed that the lots “are in terrible, terrible shape.”
While paid parking is unlikely to be introduced in Berlin in the near future, the mayor and council acknowledge that it will need to happen at some point to
Berlin eyes paid parking to cover improvement cost
help offset these expensive improvements.
Having the conversation and providing notice to the public is an early step. An open meeting is scheduled for September, where officials will discuss the upcoming fees with the municipality’s merchants, who the pay-to-park program may impact if potential customers opt out of visiting to avoid the new rates.
Tyndall adds that while tourists benefit from free parking, this practice is a financial drain for the Town of Berlin.
“I have heard the term, ‘We love free parking in Berlin, free parking is part of what Berlin is,’” the mayor said. “... We don’t have free parking in Berlin. We have parking that either the town’s general budget pays for, subsidizes, or funding that we seek through other sources.”
Green notes that paid parking is the most practical measure to generate the $1.2 million for the lots’ repairs. The alternative would be to draw from other revenue sources, such as property taxes. Officials are wary of this, arguing that it would require an increase in property tax rates, ultimately putting the financial strain on residents and business owners.
“It needs to be funded by consumers, and in this case, the consumers are the ones who come to Berlin,” Green said.
The councilman added that with paid parking comes a question about the confidence of Berlin and its attractiveness to tourists, and if they would still be enticed to come with lot fees. Green said that he is confident in the town’s character, pointing to the busy weekly farmers’ markets that bring in visitors. He also referenced that these festivities are special events and charging for premium parking “is a discussion we have to have” as these practices are the norm up and down the Eastern Shore.
“There aren’t many towns you can go and visit on the shore where you don’t have to pay for prime parking,” Green said. “Ocean City, obviously that’s different, but it’s a $7 million revenue source, primarily paid by those that come to the town. We can look to Lewes and Easton as our guides.”
Knerr added that by implementing ParkMobile, parking fees could be adjusted based on the date and time of use. Special events and weekends typically yield higher prices, while weekdays often result in lower or no costs.
As an example of potential options, the first two hours of parking could also be less expensive.
“We want the ability for people to come downtown,” the mayor said. “We understand that people might come for 15 minutes. They might get their teeth cleaned... Is there a way we can make the first two hours cheap...and then three hours, you know that’s going to escalate?”
Incumbents retain seats on Ocean Pines director board
ADORABLE 3 BR, 2 BA HOME
Well-maintained property with split floor plan. Private primary suite located off living room. Formal dining room. Spacious sunroom overlooks large, beautifully landscaped backyard. Rear deck is perfect for summer cookouts. Full-time residence, vacation getaway, investment opportunity? This home has comfort, charm & a fantastic location close to Ocean Pines amenities. Seller must Identify a new property before settlement can occur.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) For the Ocean Pines Association, the board of directors will remain as is with no shakeups, as incumbents Monica Rakowski, Steve Jacobs, and Stuart Lakernick secured the most votes in this year’s election.
In OPA’s 2025 Board of Directors election, four residents campaigned for the governing body’s three open seats. Incumbents Rakowski, Jacobs, and Lakernick will continue their tenure with the group, each serving three-year terms.
Sole challenger Amy Peck fell short of breaking into the leadership team.
The effort to build a new firehouse on the neighborhood's south side has been ongoing, as the current structure, constructed in the 1980s, has undergone only minor improvements since then. The station is not of adequate size or proper layout to host both volunteer and career staff, and has drainage issues, mold concerns, and leaks.
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Well-maintained Home nestled on spacious lot that backs to pond with peaceful views & sense of privacy. Bright & airy 3-season room & large deck. Versatile bonus room above garage perfect for home office, playroom, or guest space. Formal Dining Room has tray ceilings. Primary BR also has tray ceilings & has ensuite BA with jacuzzi tub, stand-up shower & 2 sinks. Open layout makes home functional & inviting. Exceptional amenities include pool, community center & sidewalks throughout. Please note that family room, primary BR and Kitchen table are virtually stage.
Of the 8,500 Ocean Pines lot owners, 2,824 voted in this summer’s board election for a 33% turnout. To secure their positions, Rakowski obtained 2,085 votes, Jacobs received 1,935, and Lakernick, who had served as the body’s president the previous year, gathered 1,730. Peck, unsuccessful in her run for OPA office, garnered the lowest number of ballots with 1,464.
$575,000
Furthermore, a referendum asking OP citizens to support the community’s contribution of up to $3.4 million toward a brand-new South Station for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department passed. For this, 1,559 ‘yes’ votes were cast (80%), overriding the 389 ‘no’ ballots.
OPA and the fire company will fund the new building. At a public hearing in June, OPVFD President Joe Enste stated that the department has $1.7 million in grants and bonds, as well as $750,000 from fundraising and savings, which have been allocated for the project. That leaves $3.4 million to be financed by the homeowners' association.
At the public hearing earlier this summer, OPA General Manager John Viola noted that the millions of dollars the community will contribute to the station, now a promise via the successful referendum vote, could incur an additional cost of up to $50 on OPA’s annual assessment fees. This figure is not concrete.
Despite the potential cost to residents, voters overwhelmingly supported Ocean Pines’ financial assistance to the new South Station. Work on the firehouse is expected to begin in October. Construction will take approxi-
OPA board to remain the same
mately 65 weeks to complete.
The results of OPA’s 2025 Board of Directors election were announced at the community’s annual meeting on Saturday, Aug. 9. The reelected officials maintain that they are excited for their upcoming terms.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has put their support behind me, allowing me to serve you,” Rakowski said. “It’s been an honor, and I look forward to continuing that dedication to you. Please, anytime you see me, if you have a question, would like to ask me something, or would like to share something, approach me. I look forward to seeing everyone around.”
“Thank you for all your support and engagement,” Lakernick echoed.
Upon the election results, Lakernick, in a letter, encouraged OPA residents to engage in respectful discourse, calling out online division among community members.
Lakernick wrote, “Here’s my call to action: If you care about your community, support those who lead, even if you don’t always agree; if you see online abuse or toxic behavior, speak up against it; and if you’re considering stepping forward to lead, know this: You are not alone. You’ll find allies who will have your back.”
Current board members also expressed their satisfaction that the governing group will remain intact
for the upcoming year.
“This board…gets it done. This is why the incumbents were reelected,” said a Facebook post from Rick Farr, board vice president. “You have seven hard chargers on this board with executive-level experience that they bring to the board and the membership; and continue to have an outstanding relationship with the general manager with the same vision to continue to enhance Ocean Pines in every way, from the food and beverage, golf, aquatics, racquet sports, etc.”
The election outcomes were certified at a special meeting of the board on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Berlin loses nearly $1M in funding
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) The future of a project to create safe bicycle and pedestrian crossings on Route 113 in Berlin now looks bleak, as a significant portion of already awarded funding has been rescinded due to an action by the federal government.
An initiative aimed at improving pedestrian and biking conditions across Route 113, a highway that has long divided the Berlin community, has been severely impacted by federal funding cuts. The news that $950,000 allocated towards the proposal has been revoked was announced last week.
The almost $1 million was to be used on the “Bridging the Highway that Divides Berlin: Reconnecting Neighborhoods Split by US-113” project. The initiative’s goal is to create crossings and
bicycle access across 113 to provide residents, particularly those who live on Flower Street, safe avenues to healthcare facilities, the town’s only grocery store, schools, parks, and downtown Berlin.
Route 113 was installed in the 1950s, which created an east-west divide through the heart of the community. The highway separates the two sides of Berlin and restricts safe, walkable access to amenities for those who reside on the east side across from downtown. The Connecting Neighborhoods effort aims to address this issue by implementing connectivity projects, such as a bike and pedestrian bridge over the route.
That project will now face significant roadblocks. A grant of $1.2 million was awarded last year through the Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act. The town
Tun Lauder tank system with 329 gallon tank, electric wench lift, and Thermaline model 14U-16 heat exchanger, Van-Vetter Stainless steel Bulk Milk tank with hoses and lids, Dixie model 25D-900 Direct Drive double seamer can sealing machine, Axeon model BT-1500S Reverse Osmosis System with dual 10 micron Carbon blocks, CPE Systems model KBDA Digital Centrifuge Pump and Controller, More Beer Co. Ulti-Mill Ultimate Grain Mill. 60lb hopper capacity, commercial grade keg dolly, 150+ standard size 15.5 gallon beer kegs and more!
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Qty of galvanized 30” bar stools, custom made distressed finish dining table and benches, aluminum dry storage dunnage rack, Stainless trash bins, child’s commercial grade high chairs, child’s booster seats, selection of miscellaneous dry goods, (17) cases of Arkansas Glass Co. 16oz can glasses (new in box) and more!
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Public Address four channel amplifier with (2) microphones, several First Alert Fire Extinguishers “Open” flag on heavy floor pedestal, 2 gal and 5 gal shop vacs, furniture moving four wheel dolly, Commercial grade wheel cart, Werner 8ft fiberglass “A” frame step adder, Roberts Oxygen Co. 58” commercial Terms Personal Property: Visa/MC/Amex/Discover. 20% Buyer Premium. VA 5.3% Sales Tax. All property is sold "As Is, Where Is", and All Sales are Final. Property is open to thorough public inspection. It is the Bidder's responsibility to determine condition, age genuineness, authenticity, value or any other determinative factor. A&M Auctioneers and Appraisers, LLC may attempt to describe the merchandise in advertising, on the phone, on the internet and at the auction but makes no representations. In no event shall A&M Auctioneers and Appraisers, LLC be held responsible for having made or implied any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Bidder shall be the sole judge of value. Pick Up Date: Items must be picked up at the Auction Site in Bloxom, VA on Saturday July 23rd, 2025 from 9 AM - 12 Noon. This is the only time the Auction Co. will be onsite at the home for Pickup. Items not picked up by 12 noon Saturday July 23rd, 2025 will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of at the discretion of the Auction Co. And/Or Property owner. If you unable to attend the Auction pickup you must designate a person to pick your items up for you. Buyer is responsible for the following requirements. #1: Buyer is responsible for removing all items from the Property. #2: Buyer is responsible for bringing any required manpower required to move your items from the home to your vehicle #3: Buyer is Responsible for bringing any tools, boxes, tape, wrapping paper, Bubble wrap, blankets, Straps, wheel cart or dollies needed to remove your items from the property. The items that you purchased will be situated in the home as they were photographed at the time of the cataloging. You will be responsible for any boxing that is required to move/load your items. #4: Buyer is responsible for verifying that you have all of your items before leaving the property.
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was recently notified that $950,000 of that money has been cut due to a congressional action that eliminated all unobligated balances from the NAE Program under the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill that was signed into law by the president on July 4. A Berlin press release notes that $250,000 in obligated funds are still available, but that the municipality’s “comprehensive efforts to evaluate and plan for safer pedestrian crossings over US Route 113 will be significantly decreased.”
The nearly $1 million, which has now been rescinded, was awarded for the design and planning phases of the project. This money was not to be used for the construction of the bridge or other safe crossing measures. Town officials maintained during a November Mayor and Council meeting, in which this effort was discussed, that they were seeking additional funding sources to cover the actual implementation costs.
“We have spent years working to address the safety concerns created by the installation of US-113 in the 1950s," Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said in a statement last week. “Losing this critical funding is heartbreaking, especially to the children and families of the Flower Street neighborhood, who were looking forward to this grant so they could safely bike to school and downtown Berlin.”
Community center wish list reveals price tag of $35M
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) A proposed community center in Berlin could take the steep price of $35 million to get off the ground.
This week, Daniele Haley of Haley Architecture presented a community center feasibility study conducted by the firm, which revealed the proposed space, incorporating each and every resident wish, would be a $30 million-plus endeavor with the town hiring 15 new employees to run it.
Haley maintains the study is a “snapshot” of what a community center in the Town of Berlin could look like. The proposed amenities are a wish list and the end product would likely be scaled down.
“This is everything we would really want if we could have everything,” she said. “Then we put pencil to paper and start designing and get actual numbers. That’s the schematic and design. This is a roadmap of what you want.”
Included in what Berlin residents and officials “really want” at the community center is a recreational pool to hold high school competitive swim meets, lessons, and water aerobics classes, a multipurpose gymnasium for major public events and indoor sports, a functional fitness room for group fitness classes, an indoor
walking track, a flexible health services office for physicals, vision, and hearing exams, a historical display, a small video viewing room, rooms for special events, a technology lab, a community/ demonstration kitchen, Head Start program classrooms, and Head Start support spaces, kitchen, and offices.
Outdoor areas for the center could include athletic fields, a walking trail, a community garden, an outdoor classroom, a playground, and patios and gathering spaces.
The feasibility study’s current plan, which includes all desired services, envisions a community space of approximately 45,000 square feet and a construction cost of up to $35 million. The price tag would not end with just the build-out. Noted in Haley Architecture’s evaluation are the ongoing operational expenses that the community center would incur.
The center would be open yearround, with proposed hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. To ensure daily operations, approximately 15 staff members must be hired, including facility managers, front desk workers, program coordinators, maintenance, a medical assistant, and
Council reviews feasibility study
Continued from Page 35
aquatics staff. Expected annual operational expenses, accounting for personnel, utilities such as water and sewer, electricity, office supplies, and computers, as well as capital improvements, amount to roughly $1.5 million, adjusted for 2027’s projected inflation rate.
To make the daunting cost more digestible, Haley reviewed possible revenue streams. Money-making options to help subsidize the center include membership dues and daily admission rates for non-Berlin residents, vending and concessions, donations, partnerships, grant funding, and facility rentals for special occasions such as birthday parties and fitness classes. These measures could generate around $600,000 per year, to be reinvested in the center’s operating costs.
Haley notes that the high end of the building’s price tag is upwards of $35 million for 45,000 square feet, while the lower end could be closer to $21 million for 37,000 square feet. She said that the design phase could reveal duplicates of space, like if the Berlin library is already meeting a service planned for the center. In this case, the structure’s size and price could be scaled down.
If the project had to be phased out for funding constraints, Haley said that space for the Head Start program would be a priority, as would a community room, a historical exhibit, and front offices. The recreational areas and swim-
ming pool could come later.
Next steps in the push for a community center are contracting preliminary design services, completing site work, and developing a list of potential funders. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that programs like the town’s recent street sign auction, which raised over $10,000, and additional communitybacked efforts are a start in leveraging other possible financial sources.
“Community-driven fundraisers show we have skin in the game,” Tyndall said. “People like to hear that the residents are chipping in. We just gotta think strategically. Certainly, a capital request from the state is something we would be seeking. We are going to pull every lever we can.”
Part of the efforts to pay for the center includes funds from Worcester County. This week, the Berlin Town Council approved the submission of an application for the Worcester County Reinvestment and Repair Grant Program in the amount of $250,000. If awarded, the finances will be gifted to the town out of a $1 million cannabis sale revenue pot.
Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell was present at the Berlin meeting when the grant application was approved for submission and expressed her support of the municipality’s community center effort.
The grant application would be funded by cannabis distribution revenue.
Nominations sought
The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore annually celebrates local philanthropic service through its annual awards, and is now accepting nominations until Aug. 31, 2025 for the Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence, the Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award, and the Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award. Award winners are announced each year at the Community Founda-
tion Annual Meeting, which will be held Nov. 7.
These awards are considered among the most prestigious philanthropic service honors in the Lower Shore region. Recipients must first be nominated for an award and then selected by a committee of community volunteers.
To nominate an individual or organization for one of the awards, visit CFES.org/awards and complete the application. The award recipients will be announced in early November by
the Community Foundation.
Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, sustained and unselfish contributions to community service. The Foundation will grant $1,000 to the Volunteer of the Year Award winner’s charity of choice.
Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence: Presented annually to a qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester counties which has implemented a
program or project that has made an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of residents of the Lower Eastern Shore. The Foundation will grant a $5,000 donation to the recipient.
Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award: Recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, sustained, and unselfish contributions to community enrichment and whose vital ideas and personal sacrifices exemplify the philanthropic spirit of our
Continued on Page 38
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OPEN HOUSE SAT. 11:30AM-1:30PM
• Move-in ready contemporary home!
• One-level living with an open floor plan
• Kitchen w/granite countertops, tiled backsplash, SS appliances.
• 2-Car Garage
gas fireplace, wood flooring, a pantry with pull-out shelves, granite countertop, and tin-look backsplash. The Primary suite has direct patio access, walk-in closet, double vanity, and 5' tiled shower. Also a 15x12 office, four season sunroom, 17x12 Bonus Room, and a walk-in attic area. The Refuge has an impressive amenity package, All close to conveniences, shopping, beaches, and national act entertainment!
Private boat dock, navigable to the open bay! Perfect for watching the wildfowl, fishing and crabbing. Many updates including new Atrium Doors to the Deck, new stainless steel appliances, new shower, and the HVAC, new in 2019. Gas fireplace, 9' ceilings, wired for surround sound. Crown molding, glass cabinets, recessed lighting and a quartz countertop in the island kitchen. The primary BR features 2 closets, tray ceiling, tiled 4' shower, and separate 5' whirlpool tub with tile surround & heater. All concrete lighted crawl space.
with Commercial/Home
Occupation possibilities in the rear building! Recently replaced front door, pellet stove, water heater, LVP flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances. The primary suite has a 5' tiled shower & gorgeous antique vanity with double vessel sinks. Long asphalt drive leads to an extra-large 65' outbuilding containing 2 garage bays (one is 14'), 2 offices, one with kitchenette, full bath, 45x22 loft storage area, a 12x4 paint storage room, 3 ductless mini-split heat pumps. Also, 2 lean-to's, 40x15 (12' tall) and 40x23 (16' tall), 2 RV 30-amp hookups.
89 ROBIN HOOD TRAIL OCEAN PINES
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Continued from Page 37
community. The Foundation grants $2,500 to the Morris Award winner’s charity of choice.
Screening date set
Residents living in and around the Berlin can learn later this month about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.
Ocean Pines Community Center will host this community event on Aug. 26 at 235 Ocean Parkway in Berlin. Screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health; HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels; Diabetes risk; and kidney and thyroid function; and more. Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit our website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.
Supply drive underway
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) calls on community members, businesses, and
organizations to help local youth and families in need prepare for the upcoming school year. The organization is collecting new school supplies to ensure children facing adversity start the year with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to succeed.
Every donation makes a direct impact right here at home. BBBSES is committed to supporting local families, providing essentials for those in need- one backpack, one notebook, one pencil at a time.
“School supplies aren’t just materials- they’re a foundation for learning and confidence,” said Jessica Mimms, executive director of BBBSES. “Our community has always shown up for our youth, and we hope everyone will join us in making sure local kids have the resources they deserve.”
The supply drive will run until Aug. 20, with all donations distributed directly to local youth and families served by BBBSES programs. In addition to the school supply drive, BBBSES is excited to announce that the Delmarva Shorebirds have generously sponsored an end of summer enrichment event for youth and families. This special event will provide an afternoon of fun and connection, celebrating the resilience of local young people.
For more information or to arrange a drop-off of school supplies, contact program staff at 410-543-2447 or 4Kids@shorebiglittle.org.
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The joys, hazards of seasonal tidal pools on beaches
By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) If you’ve ever spent a summer day at the beach, you might remember the magic of discovering a warm, still pool of water tucked into the sand. As a kid, it felt like your own private ocean, safe from waves and perfect for splashing or paddling your raft.
These “tide pools” still appear along our shoreline this time of year, often forming after powerful waves, tropical swells, or storms push seawater high onto the beach, where it becomes trapped. While they’re a delight to explore, they’re also a reminder of how nature constantly shapes our coastline. Last week we had steep berms or cliffs, this week tide pools. How quickly conditions can change.
Water that collects in these pools is a normal seasonal occurrence. Although the name “tide pool” suggests they form only as the tide goes out, that’s not always the case. Large waves driven by wind, storms, or tropical activity in the Atlantic can carry water much farther up the beach than usual. This water may settle in low-lying areas and remain there long after the ocean has receded.
Tropical systems bring largerthan-normal waves, stronger rip currents, and dangerous shore break conditions that can all contribute to the formation of tide pools.
These low spots in the sand form when waves push sand into long mounds that run parallel to the shoreline. The area just behind the mound, farther inland is lower in elevation. As waves wash over the mound, the water becomes trapped in this basin, unable to drain back to the ocean. Depending on how much water is collected, tide pools can range from a few inches to a few feet deep. Their size can be as small as a backyard pool or stretch for several city blocks, though most are shallow and less than a block long.
Because of their relatively small volume of water, tide pools warm quickly under the sun and remain calm, with little or no wave action. This makes them especially inviting for families and children. While they can provide hours of fun, it’s still important to keep an eye on young swimmers and remain aware of changing surf conditions, even just steps away from the ocean.
When a child comes to the beach and finds a tide pool, they become
Eastern Sho at Eastern Shor
Who’s Where When
BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY
443-513-4647
10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin
Sat., Aug.16: TBA
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy.
Sundays: Local Party w/ DJ Deogee
Wednesday: Karaoke w/ DJ Hundley
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk
In The Courtyard Marriott
Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue
CARIBBEAN POOL BAR
410-289-6181
In The Plim Plaza Hotel
109 N. Atlantic Ave.
Fri., Aug. 15: Lost Figures & Free State Country
Sat., Aug.16: Star Spangled Hustlers & Rogue Citizens
Sun., Aug. 17: Mercury Agenda & Johnny Cardo
Mon., Aug. 18: DJ Mary Jane
& Steve O’Boyle
Tues., Aug. 19: Dave Sherman & Dust N Bones
Wed., Aug. 20: Chris Diller & Nick Hundley
Thurs., Aug. 21: Mike & Eric & Schizophrenic Boogiemen
COCONUTS BEACH BAR
410-289-6846
Oceanfront At Castle
In The Sand Hotel
37th & 38th Streets
Fri., Aug. 15: Darin Engh & Royal Flush Band
Sat., Aug. 16: Whisky Train & Colossal Fossil Sauce
Sun., Aug. 17: Mutt Sanders & Rick & Regina
Mon., Aug. 18: Nate Clendenen & Fil Rhythm Duo
Tues., Aug. 19: Neil Helgeson Solo & Blissful Wizards
Wed., Aug. 20: Kevin Poole Solo & Heathers Vidal
Thurs., Aug. 21: Shortcut Sunny & No Clue Duo
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.
Fri., Aug. 15: Beach Bandits
Sat., Aug.16: Jim Long Party & Cup Of Joe
Tues., Aug. 19: Karaoke
Thurs., Aug. 21: DJ Wax
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Sun., Aug. 17: Uncle Ward
Wed., Aug. 20: Fil Rhythm
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Fri., Aug. 15: LNJ Sessions
Sat., Aug. 16: C-Burch & The Noize
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay
Fri., Aug. 15: Making Waves, DJ RobCee & Bad w/ Names
Sat., Aug. 16: The Chucks, DJ Stinson & Shake The Room
Sun., Aug. 17: The Biscotti Boys & DJ Wax
Mon., Aug. 18: DJ Wax, The Klassix, DJ N9NE & Decade 80
Best Beats On The Beach
THE KLASSIX
Fager’s Island: Monday, August 18
Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, August 15 & 16
NATE CLENDENEN Coconuts Beach Bar: Mon., Aug. 18
ON THE EDGE
Pickles Pub: Saturday, August 16
Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club: Sunday, August 17
Fager’s Island: Thursday, August 21
FOX AND TRAVERS
Greene Turtle West: Friday, August 15
SCREAMING MONKEYS
Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, August 15 & 16
ROGUE CITIZENS
Caribbean Pool Bar: Saturday, August 16
Fagers Island: Wednesday, August 20
Purple
SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN
The Wedge: Tuesday, August 19
Caribbean Pool Bar: Thursday, August 21
C-BURCH & THE NOIZE
Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, August 16
CECILIA’S FALL
Harborside: Saturday, August 16
ROYAL FLUSH BAND
Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, August 15
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Harborside: Sunday, August 17
Who’s Where When
Tues., Aug. 19: Bryan Clark, & EDM Night
Wed., Aug. 20: Latin Night
& Rogue Citizens
Thurs., Aug. 21: DJ Groove & On The Edge
FISH TALES 410-289-0990
22nd St., & Bay
Sun., Aug. 17: Colossal Fossil Sauce
Tues., Aug. 19: Opposite Directions
Wednesdays: DJ Wax
Thurs., Aug. 21: Joe Wood
GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Sat., Aug. 15: AJ & Charlie
HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fridays: DJ Billy T
Sat., Aug. 16: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler
Sun., Aug. 17: Oppostie Directions & Wayne Blake
Wednesdays: DJ Billy T
Thursdays: Dust N Bones
JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB 443-664-6147
98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium
Fri., Aug. 15: Shortcut Sunny
Sat., Aug. 16: Identity Crisis
Sun., Aug. 17: On The Edge
Mondays: First Class
Tuesdays: Lost Figures
Wednesdays: Joe Mama & Friends
Thursdays: Beach Bandits
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Sat., Aug. 16: On The Edge
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Wednesdays:
Beats By Madame Dutchess
Thursdays: Beats By Connair
PURPLE MOOSE SALOON
410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards
Fri. & Sat., Aug. 15 & 16: Surreal Sat., Aug. 16: Bryan Scar (2pm)
Sun., Aug. 17: Sean Loomis (2pm) & Tunnels End (10pm)
Wednesdays: Balkan Party w/ DJ Papi
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Fri, Aug. 15: 4 DJs, Tommi Boi, Coming Alive & Screaming Monkeys
Sat., Aug. 16: 4 DJs, Coming Alive, My Hero Zero, Screaming Monkeys & Garden State Radio
Sun., Aug. 17: 2 DJs, South Penn Dixie & Lost In Paris
Mon., Aug. 18: 2 DJs & Blake Haley
Tues., Aug. 19: 3 DJs, John McNutt Duo & Steal The Sky
Wed., Aug. 20: 3 DJs, Full Circle Duo & Dave Mattews Tribute Band (Ticket Event)
Thurs., Aug. 21: 2 DJs, Faith Noel & Go Go Gadjet
THE WEDGE
410-289-5121
806 S. Atlantic Ave.
Sun., Aug. 17: Jason Lee
Sunday, August 17
Fish Tales: Tuesday, August 19
Thurs., August 21: Joe Esham
TUNNELS END
Moose:
very excited. It is like having a backyard pool on the beach. However, tide pools pose their own dangers. Because a tide pool seems like the perfect place for small children to play, parents often do not give the same attention to their children as they would if they were playing in the ocean or in a pool. Further complicating this is the fact that most often the tide pool ends up forming behind the guard stands and often behind umbrellas and other shade structures, making it impossible to see from the SRT stand.
This means the SRT (lifeguard) is only scanning this area as part of their secondary scan giving much less attention to this water hazard than the large body of water directly in front of them if they can even see it clearly. Parents often have a false sense of security due to the shallow
depth of most of these tide pools but those of us in water safety realize it only takes 1 inch of water to drown a toddler.
A second hazard associated with this phenomenon is the risk of injuries from running and jumping into such shallow areas. Although not a safety concern another potential issue has to do with the trapped water becoming stagnant, dirty, and smelly. Therefore, the Public Works Maintenance Department sculpts the beach to facilitate the drainage of these tide pools after they have remained for a couple of days, although in most cases the beach is self-correcting, and the water is allowed to drain on its own.
Sometimes you might find a tide pool that behaves more like a waterslide or river than a pool. I witnessed this a few years ago in the northern area of Ocean City. In this instance
wave action was bringing more water into the low area while breaks in the retaining mound allow water to flow back into the ocean resulting in strong currents being formed in the tide pool.
When this happens the tide pool becomes far more dangerous as people playing in the tide pool might find themselves washed into the ocean. This action is the perfect model of what is happening in the ocean as waves come across the underwater sand bar and then make there way back out to the deeper water which is the mechanics and cause of the deadly rip currents you have heard so much about.
Ocean City is a barrier island, which is a dynamic ever-changing environment, located between the ocean and a back bay and behaves in a unique way compared to other types of beaches around the world. Rip currents, tide pools, steep dropoffs at the crest of the beach as well as other natural occurrences are all very normal and have existed for all of my years of coming to Ocean City and for hundreds of years before.
What is different are recent changes in worldwide weather events, such as warmer ocean waters closer to shore (although this season we have unseasonably warmer water), changes in prevailing ocean currents in recent years, increased
tropical activity in the Atlantic and an overall change in climate patterns (based on historical data from NOAA). Warmer water is a major contributor to tropical storm activity. These tropical events are like giant engines that use warm, moist air as fuel. All these special circumstances can also be seen at barrier island beaches throughout the world based on prevailing weather patterns.
Although tide pools come with a few cautions, they can be a delightful part of a beach day when enjoyed safely. This season, several small tide pools have already formed in Ocean City and if you’re lucky, you might spot one yourself. Share these safety tips with your family and friends, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to the lifeguard. They’re always happy to answer questions and let you know about current beach conditions.
As late summer arrives, nature will continue to surprise us with its beauty and unpredictability. Another change to expect this time of year is the reduced number of lifeguards on duty, as some staff return to school and other obligations. This means lifeguard stands may be spaced farther apart, so be sure to walk and swim in front of the nearest Surf Rescue Technician (lifeguard) for your safety.
Dining Guide
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street
■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON
DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 25:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR
2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com
There is more at District 24. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee at Jay’s Cafe. CRAFT Pizza, Beer & Cocktails at CRAFT Lounge. Fresh Seafood at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. Enjoy an elevated dining experience with great chophouse dishes and charcuterie boards, along with a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine Menu at Embers Rooftop Restaurant. There is something for everyone at District 24 like live music in the courtyard, mini golf, arcade play and axe throwing.
■ FISH TALES
2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com
Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Celebrating our 41st anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open every day. Monday through Wednesday open at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday open at 11:30 a.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Familyfriendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
■ THE WEDGE BAR
806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com
$-$$ | Full bar
Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
MIDTOWN
to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL
3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com
A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS
118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB
9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-6646147, jollyjellyfishbeachclub.com
Oceanfront bar with casual island style outdoor dining with awesome ocean views focused on cool beach vibes. Open for lunch and dinner and suitable for the entire family. Diverse menu available for every type of diner and featuring a cocktail menu with six housemade kegged cocktails. Every Sunday all summer features a “big deck energy party.” Entertainment daily, 4-7 p.m. Located in the Plaza Condominium with plenty of free parking.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style
■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL
9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com
$$ | Full bar
Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 16 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST
Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500
Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ■ OC DINER 12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, Ocean City, 410-390-5112
Family owned for over 25 years. Serving the best homemade food. Local’s favorite. Breakfast served all day. Kids’ menu. Dine-in and carry-out. Open 7 days a week.
UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets
FENWICK ISLAND
WEST OCEAN CITY
OPA honors haunted house volunteers with yearly award
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) Ocean Pines' annual haunted house volunteers were recognized this past week with the Sam Wilkinson Award, an honor given each year to an individual or team that lends a helping hand to community-wide efforts.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, at the neighborhood's annual membership meeting, the crew responsible for putting on Ocean Pines’ yearly haunted house was honored with the Sam Wilkinson Volunteer Award. The accolade was established in 2003 in memory of eight-year-old Sam Wilkinson, who died in a water accident in Ocean City and whose father was a volunteer coach for Ocean Pines’ youth soccer.
Recipients are often participants in recreation and parks programs. This year, the award was given to several volunteers: the crew that organizes the Halloween haunted house at the Ocean Pines Community Center.
The Sam Wilkinson Award was announced by Ocean Pines Association’s Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue.
This year’s grantees were Timmy and Christy Cooper, Erica Henry, and Brooks Henry.
Donahue said that Timmy Cooper is the “brains of the group.”
“He sits at night, while he’s supposed to be sleeping, and figures out how [the haunted house] is going to work every year,” the director added.
Donahue said that Erica Henry is the “creative lady who does all the face painting, artistic work, and keeps the kids in check.”
The haunted house’s project manager is Christy Cooper, while Brooks Henry is the “MacGyver” of the group, who can “take a rubber band and a piece of paper and build a building with it,” Donahue said.
The recreation lead noted that Henry acts as the construction and electrician for the program.
“This group of people has worked tirelessly and endlessly to be able to put this function on for us,” Donahue said.
“They start probably about three months ago with their thought process, how this is going to work, where we are going to go, how we are going to change it, and each year it becomes bigger and better.”
“We are not doing the award with just one person this year; we are doing it with the whole group,” she continued. “They’re not just there with the haunted house, but with multiple things that if I call them, they are right here with the trucks and trailers. There are more than I can even say in all the things that they do for me.”
by Steve Green
The Adventures of Fatherhood
(Editor’s Note: The writer is on vacation this week. This column is a reprint from June 17, 2021.)
There are things that occur in life we often describe as, “This is Autism.” The inexplainable situations that defy reason, but they are our reality.
It may seem odd, but there are many positives that have come our family’s way because of Carson’s special needs. His greatest gift to us is perspective, as I often think of him when I get overwhelmed by juggling life. I remember his challenges and the grace and courage he displays every day. Through watching him overcome or at least navigate through his disabilities, I am motivated to be a better person.
With our kids, our approach is to face life with a bit of levity. There is no other way for us because enough serious things occur we must embrace some aspects with humor. Pam has joked in the past we must laugh so we don’t cry. It’s a good way to put it.
Here’s a few examples:
• This is Autism.
As Carson and I were headed out the door to school one morning, he decided at the last minute he didn’t want to wear his Surfers Healing hat for field day. He stopped with one foot out the door and raced upstairs to his room. He came down with a huge sombrero. This is an enormous hat, which extends off his head a good 18 inches. It’s so wide he can’t walk through a door with it on.
Anxious to leave, I told him he couldn’t wear that kind of hat for field day. It’s interesting Carson detests being the center of attention, but yet he wants to wear something that will do just that. After I rejected the idea, he raced back upstairs. I waited a minute, hoping he would return with his second choice. It didn’t happen. He was hiding behind his door crying
with his sombrero. Trying unsuccessfully to get him redirected to a downstairs closet with other hats, I ultimately decided this was not a fight worth waging at the time.
We walked out of the house with the massive sombrero. I drove to school that morning looking out my window because his massive hat was blocking my view. The kid who hates attention walked into the school with it on, seemingly unfazed by the giggles from others in the drop off line. He got a horn beep from a laughing mom in her minivan.
When I recounted the story later, Pam made lemonade out of lemons, adding at least it provides a lot of sun protection for field day. It was true.
• Before we even left the dock for a fishing trip last weekend, Carson made the wrong choice of snatching Beckett’s sunglasses off his face and throwing them into the bay. He did the same thing to me while on vacation many years ago.
Though we are conditioned to expect the unexpected with Carson, we were all shocked by this action. It’s been a long time since he did something so mean and random. Equally disturbing was the lack of remorse displayed after the fact. We gave him a stiff consequence. This is Autism.
A positive of the situation was Beckett’s tolerance toward his little brother. Pam told Carson he had to give Beckett his sunglasses as a result of making the bad decision. Beckett refused to take them, knowing Carson has issues with his eyes. I don’t remember exactly what he said, but he declined, playing down the situation and realizing it would make a bad situation worse.
• Carson was recognized as a Principal’s List member at Berlin Intermediate School last week. With parents unavailable to attend, the school livestreamed the ceremony on its YouTube channel. I watched from work and Pam, who was with Beckett
at the Ocean City skate park after he finished finals, viewed it on her phone.
Because he is shy and abhors public adulation, he walked up with his trusted Educational Assistant, Mr. DJ, and refused to pose for a photo with the principal. He hid behind Mr. DJ because he knew there was a camera nearby. After a few awkward seconds, he did agree to grab the certificate from his principal before racing to his seat. This from the same kid who wore a massive sombrero during field day. This is Autism.
• A key thing with kids with special needs is to celebrate the wins and not dwell on the unfortunate aspects. Truth be told, there is a lot to be concerned about with Carson over the long term. However, it’s best to not thing about the grand picture and instead focus on the daily positives, of which there are many.
For instance, over the course of the spring, Pam and I undertook multiple landscaping projects around the house. The fact we can leave Carson alone in the house is a huge change for us. There were many years when he could not be unsupervised. He had to be watched because anything was possible. He was so unpredictable we had to install lockbolts across the top of all our doors because he was a flight risk.
Nowadays, he helps us with projects. When he is tired, it’s common for him to work on a puzzle inside by himself. He will occasionally knock on a window where he can see us and give us a thumb up while holding a puzzle piece in the other hand.
This is Autism. It’s not a journey I, or anyone for that matter, would ever choose, but there are blessings to savor along the way.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)
Finding enjoyment despite difficulties
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) We all face many challenges in life. This is nothing new. Life can be difficult, and surfing is much the same way, though one of the ways to mitigate this problem is to remember that through it all it’s supposed to be fun.
But there’s a certain frustration level that can’t be denied. One of these is the fact that the playing field, good surfable waves, is not always available. This can make it problematic for the seasoned veteran as well as the beginner. Swimming, of course, is very important. Any surfer should be able to get along in the ocean, hopefully to a level of comfort. The ocean is very dynamic and should always be respected.
Any natural body of water, and even a swimming pool, is a foreign entity and should be treated as such. As human beings we can’t breathe the water. Plus, the surfer, at any degree of proficiency, should know their limitations.
Other board sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding and snow skiing are relatable to surfing. Snowboarding and downhill skiing are especially similar in that certain conditions are necessary as in a mountain, or at least a substantial hill, and considerable snow.
Two of the main differences in surfing, as compared to these other sports, is the paddling needed to get to the breaking waves and then paddling action required to catch a wave. It’s pretty much a given that any decent surfer is a good paddler.
So there you have it, a few words on the “difficulty” of surfing. To get back to the gist of this writing the notion of “fun” is the important one. There’s probably always going to be some level of frustration along the way. The idea is to find some degree of enjoyment even in the process of learning. Heck, it’s even nice to just get in the water.
-Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
Pa. angler breaks state record for blueline tilefish
(Aug. 15, 2025) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed Dominic Vuotto of Gilbertsville, Pa. is a new state record holder for blueline tilefish in the Atlantic Division.
Vuotto landed a 21.3-pound blueline tilefish July 26 while fishing off Ocean City near the Washington Canyon. The outing was Vuotto’s first time fishing.
Vuotto was fishing aboard Foolish Pleasures with charter captain Dale Lisi out of Ocean City. The group was originally trolling for tuna, but after no luck, they stopped to target blueline tilefish at a spot where the captain had found success in the past. The anglers used only hand-crank reels because fish caught with the aid of electric reels are ineligible for state and world records.
Vuotto dropped his line into deep water and felt a strike. He set the hook and began reeling in the fish that delivered a tough fight.
“My friends were kidding that it was taking too long,” Vuotto said. “But when the fish reached the surface, everyone cheered at the size of it.”
Staff at Bahia Marina in Ocean City weighed the fish on a certified scale. Vuotto’s catch bested the previous record of 20.6 pounds set by London J. Anthony on Aug. 24, 2024.
Vuotto now plans to do more fishing and spend more time boating in Ocean City. He has already made plans to go fishing offshore again.
DNR maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish should download and complete the state record application and call 410-991-0748. The department recommends the fish be immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be checked, confirmed, and certified.
The state record program highlights the quality of the fisheries available in Maryland.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Dominic Vuotto of Gilbertsville, Pa., is the new state record holder for blueline tilefish in the Atlantic Division.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The Art League of Ocean City hosted a free opening reception on First Friday, Aug. 1 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th Street bayside. Featured this month in The Thaler Gallery is “Out and About,” a collaboration between married painters Kirk McBride and Lynne Lockhart of Berlin. Above left, McBride, left, and Lockhart are pictured with friends Gabby Mancini, second from left, and Bruce Leiner, right. The monthly exhibit also featured Studio E with two special installations by Bethany Resort Furnishings. Above right, designer Amy Katz is pictured in one of the installations.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Among the attendees to the First Friday reception were Lisa Guerriero with Nori Sushi’s offerings, above left; John Kovach in the Spotlight Gallery with his wall art, above middle; Callum performing live music, above right; Art League of Ocean City Executive Director Rina Thaler and Bruce Leiner, below left, and Steven Price of Bethany Resort Furnishings in the second installation, below right. Exhibits at the center run through Aug. 30.
vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
WitH Bunk Mann
This aerial photo taken several days after the creation of the Inlet in August 1933 shows the separation between Ocean City and Assateague Island. Landmarks such as the State Roads Bridge and the partially destroyed railroad bridge to its immediate south can clearly be seen as well as the Fishing Pier jutting out into the ocean at Wicomico Street.
North Division Street is the diagonal street to the left of center where today the Route 50 bridge enters town. Most of the bayside is undeveloped and St. Louis Avenue ends at 1st Street in this historical photo.
The Inlet has widened considerably in the past 80 years while the Assateague shoreline has eroded and drifted westward. The creation of the Inlet was one of the most important events in the history of Ocean City.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo courtesy of Hannah Mann
Things I Like...
By Steve Green
Live music with friends
Smell of the house after its vacuumed
Reading outside under a tree
Local art exhibit openings
A passionate person
How a run or walk clears the head
Look of a new tire shine
A big pork chop that’s tender
A glass of Macallan scotch and ice
Sound of meat sizzling on the grill
A good movie recommendation
TOP CHEF
Five Berlin chefs showed off their skills on North Main Street in Berlin during the town’s farmers market last Sunday. The event was timed and attracted hundreds to Berlin to observe the chefs prepare their dishes, which had to include products found at the market. The dishes were judged by a panel and announced at noon. The winner was Blacksmith owner/chef Justine Zegna, above right, who received a “golden ticket” to participate in the World Food Championships in Indiana in October. Also pictured are Yancy Carapico of The Cap’ns Slice and Toby Gilbert of Gilbert’s Provisions.
STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
WORCESTER COUNTY FAIR
The Worcester County Fair returned to John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill last weekend, featuring livestock, 4-H cooking, live music, robot and drone demos, concerts, tournaments, a pipeline eating contest, catfish races, a cake auction, car, Jeep, and dog shows, local foods and brews, and a host of family-friendly games and entertainment. Above are some scenes from the weekend. Above right, County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young with his daughter, Rosie, 3, in the livestock area.
CROSSWORD
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Try to get the whole picture before you proceed, Aries; otherwise, you may be moving along blindly and that can make matters worse. Patience is a valuable asset right now.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, sometimes a major conflict ends when one party walks away and finds something better to occupy them. Identify the source of your frustration and then decide if it’s worth it to proceed.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
You can seemingly energize the people around you, Gemini. They will flock to you for inspiration this week, and you can make all sorts of connections this way.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this week you may be able to see beyond the coincidences that keep cropping up and straight to the true meaning of things. Pay attention to your instincts right now.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, if you are called upon to tell a story or get people to see their common interests, your flair for drama should come in handy. Others will have so much fun being around you.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
You and someone you work with are butting heads this week, Virgo. You want them to act in a certain manner, and it could be frustrating to you if they fall short of expectations.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
A new opportunity pops into your life, Libra. You may rethink your current surroundings, whether at work or at home. This could be an exciting time for you.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Carve out some time for creativity, as it is what you are all about right now, Scorpio. Give in to the impulse to knit, paper craft or get involved in the theater. Stimulate your brain.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
The right answer to the questions you have been seeking should appear exactly when you need the message, Sagittarius. You’ll have to be a little more patient for the time being.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, you have questions about how you can best help the people around you, and that is by being honest with yourself and your actions. Keep everyone in the loop.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
You are ready for a break from your responsibilities, Aquarius, but something keeps dragging you back into certain tasks. Figure out a way to wrap up the to-do list, then escape.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, there are a million thoughts competing for space inside your brain. It may be best if you write things out and sort them so you can give everything the attention it deserves.
Ice skating shows on display at Carousel
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) A professional ice skating show will continue its summer residency at the Carousel Hotel through Labor Day.
Now through Sept. 1, the Next Ice Age, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization, will take to the ice for nightly performances of “Black Tie.”
Featuring contemporary music and nonstop entertainment, Artistic Director Tim Murphy said this year’s show is one of the best yet.
“I tell people if you think you know skating from television – say the Olympics or Disney on Ice – this is nothing like that,” he said. “This show is like a rocket. There are no breaks.”
The Next Ice Age is a Baltimore-based nonprofit showcasing the art of figure skating to the next generation of skaters and enthusiasts. Co-founded by Murphy and Nathan Birch in 1988, the organization has grown to include various programming, including its summer residency at the Carousel.
Over the last two decades, the nonprofit has reached more than 30,000 patrons and employed numerous professional ice skaters, choreographers and designers through its yearly performances in Ocean City. And this summer, the cast are eager to continue the tradition.
“This is our 22nd summer season at the Carousel …,” Murphy said. “Shows are free to the public, and the skaters are available to sign autographs and take photos afterwards.”
Murphy said this year’s show features a cast of talented skaters, all of whom are Maryland-born and raised. He said their nightly performances feature 30 minutes of fast-paced skating and entertainment.
“It’s a fun exploration of contemporary music,” he said, “and they never stop.”
Murphy said shows are free and open to the public. The Next Ice Age performs every night, except Fridays, from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Carousel Hotel, located 11700 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.
Rinkside dining is available, and reservations can be made through Open Table.
For more information, visit carouselhotel.com. To learn more about The Next Ice Age, visit thenexticeage.org.
(Left) The Next Ice Age group, pictured performing during a recent show, will appear at the Carousel Hotel through Labor Day weekend. (Below) Tim Murphy is pictured with some members of the Next Ice Age group. SUBMITTED PHOTOS/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Calendar
Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
Fri., Aug. 15
31ST ANNUAL CAPT. STEVE HARMAN POOR GIRLS OPEN
Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City. Ladies only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research. Raffle tickets, vendors, merchandise and more. https://www.ococean.com/event/31st-annual-capt-steve-h arman-poor-girls-open/2252
20TH ANNUAL ARTISTS PAINT OC - PLEIN AIR 2025
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City. Professional artists set up along the boardwalk, streets, harbors, bay and marshes to capture the beauty of our coastal town while competing for cash prizes. 410-524-9433, artleagueofoceancity.org
FREE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR ADULTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Held June 27, July 25, Aug. 15 and Aug. 22. Join 1, 2, 3 or all sessions. Strength in Every Story – Understand how poverty affects everyone and explore real, local solutions.
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014
CAST 26 CUPPING DEMONSTRATION
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m. Learn the art of coffee tasting with Cast 26 Coffee Roasters. Registration required: 410957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FANDOM FRIDAY: SCI-FI AND SPACE
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3:30 p.m. Drop in any time for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH SISTA BIG Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 6 p.m. A fantastic
night of live poetry and music. Light refreshments. Performer sign ups are first come, first served. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SIPPIN’ WITH SLOTHS
Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, DE, 6-8 p.m. Music by Bryan Scar. Cost is $40 and includes sloth encounter, self-guided tour, and one complementary glass of wine. Tickets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activity/details/2284/rates. 302-829-1548
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994
Sat., Aug. 16
31ST ANNUAL CAPT. STEVE HARMAN POOR GIRLS OPEN
Bahia Marina at Fish Tales, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City. Ladies only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research. Raffle tickets, vendors, merchandise and more.
https://www.ococean.com/event/31stannual-capt-steve-harman-poor-girlsopen/2252
20TH ANNUAL ARTISTS PAINT OC - PLEIN AIR 2025
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City. Public Reception and Art Sale held from 5-7 p.m. at the Arts Center (Juried entries will remain on display through September 2025). 410-5249433, artleagueofoceancity.org
WALK WITH A DOC
Southgate Pond, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. An AGH representative will speak on a topic of their expertise, then the group will walk around the park’s trail. First 10 participants receive $10 Wal-Mart gift card. Alyce.Marzola@TidalHealth.org, 410-641-9268
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST, SLIGO BY THE SEA, SUMMER MINISTRY
First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 10 a.m.-noon. Pastor Bonita Shields - Associate Secretary, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. sligochurch.org/sligobythesea, 301-270-6777
BBQ CHICKEN FUNDRAISER St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405
Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. 1/2 BBQ Chicken platter with two sides, roll and drink for $15 or 1/2 BBQ Chicken and roll and drink for $12. Proceeds benefit St. Paul United Methodist Church Men’s Ministry.
TANGER OUTLETS REHOBOTH BEACH TO HOST BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH AND SALTWATER ROOTS CRAFT FAIR
Tanger Rehoboth Beach - Seaside, 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Features face painting, music, games, giveaways and more. Plus, attendees can explore over 50 local artisans at the Saltwater Roots Craft Fair. Shoppers can also take advantage of Tanger Deal Days.
CHAMBER MUSIC BY THE SEA FESTIVAL
Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 11 a.m. Free outdoor concert. www.wced.foundation
STICKX GOLF TRADE-IN EVENT
Ocean Pines Golf Club, 100 Clubhouse Drive, 2-6 p.m. Golfers with major brand-name clubs collecting dust or no longer in use are invited to bring them in and exchange them for pro shop credit. 410-641-6057, oceanpinesgolf.org
OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market
Sun., Aug. 17
20TH ANNUAL ARTISTS PAINT OC - PLEIN AIR 2025
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St. Artists paint against the clock in the downtown area from 9-11 a.m. Judging will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Art League. Off-the-easel art sale, with live music and mimosa cash bar, 1-3 p.m.
SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “The 8 Trax” (East Coast’s premier 70’s revival band), activities and entertainment for the kids. Ice cream available for purchase. Bring picnic baskets and beach chairs. Followed by fireworks.
SPECIAL KNIGHTS BREAKFAST
Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Located behind St. Luke’s Church on the bay. Special Buffet Breakfast to benefit the victims of the Texas flooding. Cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children 8 years and younger.
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, May through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market featuring more than 50 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat and more. Also featuring a petting farm (9-11 a.m.), free kids art station and live music. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Mon., Aug. 18
34TH ANNUAL MID ATLANTIC TOURNAMENT
Sunset Marina, 12911 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, 5-9 p.m. Weigh-ins are held at Sunset Marina in Ocean City and Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. Livestream broadcasting will keep everyone informed in both locations. https://themidatlantic.com
OC BEACH DANCE PARTY & FIREWORKS
Caroline St. Stage, 2 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Featuring music by DJ Kutt. Bring chairs and blankets. Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
18TH ANNUAL ERNIE STILES’ BAVARIAN HOPS GOLF CLASSIC REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Event is held Aug. 22 at the Ocean Pines Golf Club. Cost is $25 and includes cart, green fees and four hops beverages. 443388-2941 Proceeds benefit Diakonia and the Worcester County Humane Society.
STORY TIME: DOLPHINS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818
MOVIES AND MUNCHIES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Explore the Mushroom Kingdom. Munchies included. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FIBER CRAFT MEET-UP
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4 p.m. Bring your work in progress for community and shared knowledge. Held in the meeting room or in the garden, weather permitting. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CALENDAR
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
Tues., Aug. 19
34TH ANNUAL MID ATLANTIC TOURNAMENT
Sunset Marina, 12911 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, 5-9 p.m. Weigh-ins are held at Sunset Marina in Ocean City and Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. Livestream broadcasting will keep everyone informed in both locations. https://themidatlantic.com
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research followed by a Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.
SUMMER READING WRAP UP: BLACK AND WHITE ART ADVENTURE
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Make some colorless creations and enjoy a sweet treat. All ages. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m.
Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME AT CYPRESS PARK
Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Outside play and socialize with other families. Bring your blanket. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?
Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SUMMER READING WRAP UP PARTY
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Celebrate your accomplishments with ice cream and crafts. Collect all your prizes. All ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SEAFOOD NIGHT WITH THE KNIGHTS
Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Held Tuesdays in the Columbus Hall behind St. Luke’s Church. Pre-order crabs Monday or Tuesday morning of that week: 410-524-7994. Non-seafood options will be available.
SURGICAL CLASSES
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6 p.m. Learn what to expect, information about your upcoming surgery and directions about post-operative care. No RSVP required. Atlantic General Hospital’s Pre-Admission Testing Department, 410-641-9814
CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable
Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
Continued on Page 64
Job O Town O pportunit f Ocean ies City
Continued from Page 63
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., Aug. 20
34TH ANNUAL MID ATLANTIC TOURNAMENT
Sunset Marina, 12911 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, 5-9 p.m., Weigh-ins are held at Sunset Marina in Ocean City and Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. Livestream broadcasting will keep everyone informed in both locations. https://themidatlantic.com
MOVIES ON THE BEACH
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30-11:59 p.m., Featuring “Surf’s Up.” Free, family-friendly event. Bring blankets, chairs, snack, drinks and warm clothing. Weather permitting. www.ococean.com/things-to-do/free-family-fun/
PAINT & SIP
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Cost is $27 and includes wine and crackers. Register: 410-641-7052.
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Meets the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-6419568
EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SUMMER READING WRAP UP PARTY @ OCEAN CITY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Featuring bingo Switch games and more. For families. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BACKGAMMON CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of Backgammon, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin
Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and swap them for new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original boxes. All ages. 410-641-0650
CEREMONIAL EMPLACEMENT OF A DEDICATED PAVER
Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 1 p.m. Council 9053 and Assembly 2454 of the Knights of Columbus will be joined by the Color Guard and American Legion Post 166 for a ceremonial emplacement of a dedicated paver at the veterans memorial.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880
SUMMER CONCERT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6:30 p.m. “Classical Concert With a Twist” will feature classical selections along with a hint of ragtime, jazz, Latin, Broadway and popular. Weather permitting this event may be held outside. Bring lawn chairs. 410-208-4014
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Wednesdays (through Aug. 20) - Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumford's Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Food available for purchase. Admission is $3 for OP swim members, $5 for OP residents, $7 for non-residents and free for non-swimmers. Cash only. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
CASH BINGO
Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443-605-5028
Thurs., Aug. 21
SUMMER SEND OFF
Ocean City beach between Dorchester and Third streets, Ocean City. Hot air balloons, giant kites and laser shows each night (9-10 p.m.). Four days of fun all throughout town. The main event held on two best weather days. www.ococean.com/events/summer-send-off/
34TH ANNUAL MID ATLANTIC
TOURNAMENT
Sunset Marina, 12911 Sunset Ave., Ocean City. 5-9 p.m. Weigh-ins are held at Sunset Marina in Ocean City and Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ.
Livestream broadcasting will keep everyone informed in both locations. https://themidatlantic.com
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS
Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Full Circle” (rock and pop), sunset over the Isle of Wight Bay and free admission. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sunset-park-partynights/
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
White Horse Park Pavilion, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 7-9 p.m. Featuring music by Jada Lee & Band. Free family entertainment. Bring chairs, blankets, etc. Food will be available for purchase and BYOB is acceptable. Smoking area is in the rear. 410-641-7052
CPAP MASK FITTING
Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.
SUMMER READING WRAP UP @ BERLIN: FOOD ART
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Create some food-based art while logging the last of your summer reads. All ages welcome. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: COLORS ALL AROUND
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages birth to 5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC CHESS CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SUMMER READING WRAP UP PARTY: OUTSIDE PLAY DAY
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2-4 p.m. Outdoor games, spray paint art, clay sculptures, bubble station and snacks. Dress for a mess. All ages. If inclement weather, the event will be moved inside. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COPYCAT ART
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Design a canvas in the style of your favorite artist. For ages 6 years and older. Call to register: 410-208-4014. www.worcester-
library.org
THIRD THURSDAY ADULT COLORING
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 4:30 p.m. Decompress and enjoy refreshments, coloring activities and trending themes like Coco Wyo. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
POP CULTURE BOOK CLUB
Game Theory Board Games & Coffee, 1822 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 5 p.m. Featuring “Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection” by John Green. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
ONGOING EVENTS
BOARDWALK OTTER HUNT
Held Aug. 15-29. Kids, 12 years and younger, can pick up a playing card at the Boardwalk Information Booth or any of the participating businesses, find all the hidden Otters and return their stamped card to the Boardwalk Information Booth to collect a prize of a small stuffed otter. www.ococean.com/event/boardwalkotter-hunt/2400/, 703-731-6515, events@ocdc.org
CREATIVITY CORNER
Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., during August. Students are invited to engage in STEAM-related projects and crafts. Activities change monthly. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650
CREATIVE KIDS CORNER
Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, Aug. 1-31. Grab an art kit to create at the library or take it with you. Most supplies are included. For children ages 0-11 years. 410-524-1818
FREE SUMMER PROGRAMS AT THE OC LIFE-SAVING STATION MUSEUM
Summer programs take place at the OC Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., from 10-10:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday, July 7-Aug. 29. Monday - History of Our Surfmen Tuesday - Beach Safety Wednesday - Knot Tying Thursday - All About Sharks Friday - Land, Sky & Sea Saturday - Aquarium Feeding For more info: 410-289-4991, emma@ocmuseum.org
Crossword answers from page 60
AUGUST 15, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 65
MARKETPLACE
Tidewater Physical Therapy NOW HIRING
Physical Therapist
Ocean Pines, MD - FT/PT licensed PT. $95-$120K, benefits (FT only), growth and future shareholder potential. Physical Therapist Assistant Ocean View, DE - FT/PT licensed PTA (Delaware or compact), temporary license acceptable. $27-$30/hour, M-F schedule, NO weekends. Benefits for FT. Apply on our website at tidewaterpt.com
o Experience preferred.
o Tools, transportation & valid
license are a plus.
o Excellent pay and a competitive
Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800
PT DENTAL HYGIENIST
Ocean City, MD 410-213-1032
HELP WANTED
BARBER wanted at Charlie’s Barbershop, Berlin, MD. With clientele. To rent a chair. 443-944-2240 Now Hiring MAINTENANCE FT/YR Experienced preferred. Flexible schedule. Apply in person Comfort Inn Gold Coast 11201 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City
Worcester County Health Department
PROGRAM MANAGER III - Full Time, State Benefits located in Snow Hill, Maryland. This position will serve as the Program Director of the Behavioral Health Unit of the Worcester County Health Department. This unit is integrated with mental health and substance abuse programs as well as various case management and community services programs. Responsible for over 120 employees and a budget of over $11 million dollars, this position will plan, direct and manage the programs within the unit, coordinating with other major divisions, maintaining compliance with COMAR, Maryland Department of Health guidelines and Joint Commission accreditation standards. Additionally, this position will work closely with the Health Officer to implement the local Community Health Improvement Plan as well as the State Health Improvement Plan. The selected applicant must be willing and able to travel to all sites of the Worcester County Health Department as well as Statewide for meetings as needed. $91,761.00 - $117,439.00/year with potential growth to $142,914.00/year. Background check required. APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by August 21,2025.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.
THE IRENE CONDOMINIUM at 11100 Coastal Highway in Ocean City is hiring a part-time Maintenance Person for year-round work. Great work environment with flexible hours in a friendly beachfront building. Competitive hourly wage based on experience. Duties include routine maintenance, minor repairs, light painting and grounds keeping. Light physical labor is required. Text or call Ed @ 443-415-8000.
AMERICAN LEGION
Assistant Manager, PM Shift 2 Line Cooks, experience required. Part-time. Apply at Post, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue or call for information at 410-289-3166
FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: Full Time/Part Time
Locally Owned Co looking for an experienced TECHNICIAN. Must have good driving record and some background in Fire Alarm systems. Competitive pay with benefits. 410-641-4411
JOLLY ROGER
Small Engine Mechanic. Ride Maintenance. Year Round. Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902
YEAR ROUND & WINTER BAYSIDE CONDO 4 - 2BR/2BA FULLY FURNISHED Units. W/D, AC & parking. Starting September. Call Mike at 410-603-6120. www.mbjcproperties.com
WATERFRONT BAYSIDE Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA Condo in North OC. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony for sunsets. Perfect for crabbing, fishing, kayaking. 10 min. walk to beach. Weekly summer rentals & long term seasonal Nov.-May. Contact Julie, 443-223-4623
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!
Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
COMMERCIAL
Commercial Space for Lease. ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT!
2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 1000 sq. ft. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.
Industrial Space
Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200. 2
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
SUBSTITUTE
TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON
1921 NORTH OLD MILL DRIVE POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated June 30, 2023, recorded in Liber 8602, Folio 419 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $282,970.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
AUGUST 26, 2025 AT 4:05 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.
The property, and any improvements thereon, 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 warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $28,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit
of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 376024-1)
Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees
OCD-8/7/3t
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE
OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON
6 SUNSET ISLAND DRIVE, UNIT #2C
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated April 28, 2022, recorded in Liber 8375, Folio 218 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $463,500.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on AUGUST 19, 2025 AT 4:05 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and described as Unit Numbered LUGAU-2C, Phase Four, in "The Garden Condominium II at Sunset Island"
and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.
The property, and any improvements thereon, 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 warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $45,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of
the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 369883-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees OCD-7/31/3t
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20754 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GEORGE EDMUND LAMBERTSON
Notice is given that Kathy Elliott, 212 Snow HIll Rd., Stockton, MD 21864-2102 and Wanda Stewart, 104 Winter Quarters Dr., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-1041, were on July 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George Edmund Lambertson who died on April 07, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of January, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Kathy Elliott Wanda Stewart 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:
CHRIS S. MASON ESQ
WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, L.L.P.
3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM A RIGGINS Estate No. 20764 Notice is given that MICHELLE L JOYNER whose address is 2410 RUNNYMEADE RD NW WILSON, NC 27896-1356 was on JULY 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM A RIGGINS who died on MARCH 23, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of JANUARY, 2026
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-7/31/3t
OF OCEAN CITY NOTICE OF APPROVED CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION 2025-01
RE: Qualifications for Election as Mayor or City Councilman
Pursuant to §4-304(b) of the Local Government Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that subsequent to a public hearing and presentation held
on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Charter Resolution 2025-01 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City.
Summary of Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-01 is as follows: § C401, Qualifications for Election as Mayor and City Councilman: 1) amends the existing Charter provisions that a candidate for election must be a resident within the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City for a period of four (4) months proceeding an election, and extends the residency requirement to a period of two (2) years preceding the election; 2) adds a requirement that a candidate for election must not possess, for two (2) years preceding the election, a rental license at the location in which they have identified as their domicile for the purposes of their candidacy unless said location is a multiple-family dwelling which maintains a rental license for the other units; not the domicile of the candidate ; and 3) adds a requirement that once elected to office, the official must continue to be a resident of and domiciled in the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City during the term for which they are elected and abstain from obtaining a rental license for their domiciliary residence throughout the term of office, or be subject to disqualification under Charter Section C-408.
An exact copy of Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-01 is posted at City Hall, and available in the July 21, 2025, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.
OCD-7/31/4t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20766 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. WIEDECKER SR. AKA: THOMAS J. WIEDECKER
Notice is given that Thomas J. Wiedecker Jr., 1222 Southview Dr., Westminster, MD 21157-5949, was on July 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thomas J. Wiedecker Sr. who died on July 01, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of January, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-
tice, 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.
Thomas J. Wiedecker Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: July 31, 2025
OCD-7/31/3t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
B01-26 – Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A Pre-BID Meeting will be conducted on TUESDAY, JULY 22ND, 2025, AT 8:00AM AT EAGLES LANDING GOLF COURSECLUBHOUSE Pre-BID Meeting attendance is mandatory for Vendors intending to submit BID proposals for consideration. The Town of Ocean City will additionally provide a virtual attendance option, via Zoom, to Vendors unable to attend the Pre-BID Meeting in person. A site survey shall immediately follow the Pre-BID Meeting. The last day
for questions will be on MONDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2025 AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, AUGUST 5TH, 2025
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2025, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2025, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (B01-26 – Eagles Landing Golf Course Flood Remediation) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
OCD-7/10/9t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Promoter’s License
For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC
T/A: Oceans Calling
Oceans Calling Events – Friday September 26, 2025, through Sunday September 28, 2025
Hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales – Begins 12 Noon and ends 10:30 p.m. each day
Ocean City Inlet to North Division Street, including the inlet parking lot, the beach, the boardwalk, Ocean City pier, and portions of business adjacent to the boardwalk/ Ocean City
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: August 20, 2025 @ 9:15 A.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-8/7/2t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Promoter’s License
For: Spectrum Concessions, LLC
T/A: Country Calling
Country Calling Events – Friday October 3, 2025 through Sunday October 5, 2025
Hours of Alcoholic Beverage Sales – Begins 12 Noon and ends 10:30 p.m. each day
Ocean City Inlet to North Division Street, including the inlet parking lot, the beach, the boardwalk, Ocean City pier, and portions of business adjacent to the boardwalk /Ocean City
There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room,
TOWN
Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: August 20, 2025 @ 9:25 A.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party.
OCD-8/7/2t
COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090
410-296-2550 File #: 461769
Richard E. Solomon
Richard J. Rogers
Michael McKeefery
Christianna Kersey
Kyle Blackstone
Jason Murphy
John Ansell
Jason Beers
Brandon Ewing 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v.
Diana J. Brooks AND Byron L. Brooks III AND
Allentown Entertainment, Inc. AND Bruce F. Bright, Esquire
8203 Atlantic Avenue #8PH Ocean City, MD 21842
Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-24-000316 NOTICE
Notice is hereby given this 30th day of July, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 1st day of September, 2025, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 25th day of August, 2025.
The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $439,018.99. The property sold herein is known as 8203 Atlantic Avenue #8PH, Ocean City, MD 21842. Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland
True Copy
Test: Susan R. Braniecki
Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-8/7/3t
COATES, COATES & COATES
SEAN J. COLGAN ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HWY., STE. 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20755
PUBLIC NOTICE
The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.
The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.
These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 08/08/2025
AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s court of Westchester County, New York appointed Jaclyn Saraceno, 520 Linden St., Mamaroneck, NY 10543-2723 as the Executor of the Estate of Jack W. Saraceno who died on April 08, 2025 domiciled in New York, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Sean J. Colgan, 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Jaclyn
Saraceno
Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: August 7, 2025
OCD-8/7/3t
REENA J. PATEL ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20770 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JERRY A. SMITH
AKA: JERRY ANTHONY SMITH
Notice is given that Sundi Truitt, 5784 Homestead St., Salisbury, MD 21801-8203, was on July 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerry A. Smith who died on June 26, 2025, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or
by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of January, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
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 07, 2025
OCD-8/7/3t
HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LN. SALISBURY, MD 21801-4238
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ESTATE NO. 20775
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS court of DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed DONNA JO PERRY whose address is 462 OLD FORGE RD., MEDIA, PA 19063-5511 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of JOSEPH C. PERRY SR. who died on MAY 23, 2024 domiciled in PA, USA
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is HEATHER R. KONYAR ESQ., 313 LEMMON HILL LN., SALSBURY, MD 21801-4238
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or de-
livers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-8/7/3t
JAMES E. CLUBB JR, ESQ 108 N 8TH ST. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ANDREA SCHAAF Estate No. 20776 Notice is given that DANIEL JEREMY SCHAAF whose address is 307 E COLLEGE AVE SALISBURY, MD 21804-6505 was on AUGUST 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANDREA SCHAAF who died on JUNE 01, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of FEBRUARY, 2026
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 ear-
lier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/7/3t
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE REENA J. PATEL ESQ. 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B
SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20783
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Bucks County, Pennsylvania appointed Barbara Edwards, 567 Buck Dr., Fairless Hills, PA 19030-3701 as the Foreign Personal Representative of the Estate of Edward P. Heinemann Sr. AKA: Edward Paul Heinemann who died on March 31, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Reena J. Patel, 1321 Mount Hermon Rd., Ste. B, Salisbury, MD 21804-5303.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Barbara Edwards
Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: August 14, 2025
OCD-8/14/3t
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 110-94(3)(a) and 11094(3)(c) to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.3 feet from a front lot line; and (2) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 0.4 feet from a side lot line. The property is described as Lot 8A of the Warren’s Park Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the south side of Canal Overlook Lane and is locally known as 41 Canal Overlook Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: CLAYTON HOMES (BZA 2727 #25-09400011)
Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.
Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-8/14/2t
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20784 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VERONIKA SASHA MCCOY
Notice is given that Jelena Ivanova, 14 Birdnest Dr., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1841, was on August 08, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Veronika Sasha McCoy who died on July 08, 2025, without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
Jelena Ivanova
Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: August 14, 2025
OCD-8/14/1t
BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND
IN THE MATTER OF TPE MD WO73, LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 5.0 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
CASE NO. 9772
NOTICE OF EVENING PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING
The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing to consider TPE MD WO73, LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct a 5.0 MW solar electric generating facility approximately ½ mile northwest of the intersection of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street, Berlin, MD.
DATE: Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
TIME: 7:00 p.m. EDT PLACE: Worcester County Public Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811
Anyone wishing to view the live stream of the hearing may do so via the Public Utility Law Judge’s (PULJ) YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. The hearing will include a presentation by the Applicant and Parties, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on the proposed Project.
Written comments may be submitted electronically or by first-class
mail through Friday, September 12, 2025. Comments submitted electronically must be submitted through the Commission’s Public Comment Dropbox, which can be accessed at www.psc.md.us. Instructions are available at www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-publiccomment. Comments submitted by first-class mail must be addressed to Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore MD 21202. All comments must include a reference to Case No. 9772. OCD-7/24/4t
CAROLYN A. TRUBY ESQ. ADAMS LAW OFFICE, LLC 4201 NORTHVIEW DR., STE. 401 BOWIE, MD 20716-2605
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20779 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT RAYMOND REED SR.
Notice is given that Ronald Reed, 6410 98th Ave., Lanham, MD 207062622, was on August 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Raymond Reed Sr. who died on May 05, 2025, without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of February, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Ronald Reed 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 14, 2025 OCD-8/14/3t
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Real estate auctions carry risk
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
review of the property details and the terms of the auction.
(Aug. 15, 2025) In a recent Consumer Guide series news release, the National Association of Realtors outlined specifics about real estate auctions. They explained that buying a home at auction can be an exciting opportunity to get involved in real estate, but there are certain risks and rules to be aware of.
A real estate auction is a public sale where homes are sold to the highest bidder. Auctions can happen in-person or online. Homes often go to auction after bankruptcy or foreclosure, which occurs when a homeowner fails to maintain their mortgage payments. However, some sellers may opt into an auction as a way to sell properties quickly and reduce carrying costs.
There are a few common types:
• Absolute Auction—The property sells to the highest bidder, regardless of price.
• Reserve Auction—The seller sets a minimum price; if bids don’t meet it, the property doesn’t sell.
• Foreclosure Auction—Lenders or courts conduct this to recover unpaid mortgage loans.
• Online Auction—The process is entirely virtual, which offers broader access to potential buyers but requiring careful
Auctions may come with some risk, so keep in mind the following: Properties sold ““as-is” means that the seller is not making any guarantees about its condition and has decided they will not make repairs even if the buyer decides to get an inspection.
During auctions, inspections are usually limited or not allowed at all. If possible, research title status, liens, and property condition beforehand. Renovation costs can sometimes be managed with the help of certain assistance programs.
Financing may be restricted: Many auctions require proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval. An earnest money deposit — a percentage of the purchase price or a set amount paid by a buyer to show their interest is legitimate — is often needed.
Expect additional costs: Bidding wars can drive prices higher than expected. Setting a clear budget — and sticking to it — is key. Winning bidders also often pay a buyer’s premium (a percentage on top of the winning bid) along with closing costs and possibly back taxes or liens.
Understand the rules: Some auctions require immediate payment, while others allow time to close. Be sure to read all auction terms carefully — Lauren Bunting is the broker of record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
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OC’s special events director announces his resignation
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) Ocean City Special Events Director Frank Miller has tendered his resignation.
The announcement was made during Monday’s meeting of the Ocean City Tourism Commission. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said Miller’s last day will be Sept. 5.
“His wife has taken a job in Arkansas – Little Rock – so the whole family is moving out …,” Perlozzo said. “He has done a great job for us, and he will be missed.”
Miller acknowledged his resignation in a statement this week. He said working with the special events team and city staff “has been a privilege.”
“I have truly enjoyed serving the Town of Ocean City over the past 12 years,” he said. “It’s an incredible place with so much to offer both residents and visitors. Events have a unique way of connecting with people through their passions and interests, and it’s been an honor to help create experiences that become lasting memories for families as part of their take-away from Ocean City.”
Miller was hired in April 2013, follow-
August 14 -
21
ing a national search to find the city’s next special events superintendent. The position had become vacant after the retirement of 14-year city employee John “Sully” Sullivan.
As special events superintendent, Miller managed numerous city events –including Sundaes in the Park, Springfest, Sunfest and Winterfest – as well as private events held in Ocean City. A year later, when the special events division was moved from the city’s recreation and parks department to the tourism department, Miller took on the position of special events director.
Prior to his employment with the Town of Ocean City, Miller spent 18 years in event productions and management, including with the annual OC Air Show. His portfolio included management of public, corporate and private events and conferences.
“As I prepare for my next chapter, I carry with me not just professional experience, but a deeper understanding of who I am and what I’m called to do,” Miller said this week. “My hope is to apply that to new opportunities where I can serve others in a more direct and meaningful way—guided by my Christian values and a desire to make a difference.”
A national search to find Miller’s replacement will soon begin, Perlozzo said.
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Saturrdday 10-Noon
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13-A 71st St, Ocean City8BR/6BA
Saturrdday 10-Noon 107 Convention City
Saturrdday 10am-4pm
Saturrdday 11am-1pm
Saturrdday 11am-1pm 11204
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Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W onvention Center Dr #140D, Ocean City2BR/2BA
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Life C Delmar y edge W 9540 W Waay, , r, , MD 2BR/2BA
Saturrdday 11:30am-1:30pm T eam/Hileman
Saturrdday Noon-2pm ermillion/Keller
Frank Miller
New photo franchise agreement
City officials agree to lower fee for Telescope Pictures, in exchange for brand deal
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) In an attempt to keep the beach photo franchise going, the Ocean City Council this week agreed to provide some concessions to Telescope Pictures owners Jon and Sam Cameron.
Following a meeting with both the tourism department and the Camerons, staff on Tuesday presented the City Council with a new franchise agreement between Telescope Pictures and the Town of Ocean City.
The proposed agreement includes a lower annual franchise fee in exchange for Ocean City brand placement on all Telescope products.
“I fully support this,” Councilwoman Carol Proctor said. “This is part of Ocean City’s tradition. I have telescopes of my children. I have photos of me when I was two. I fully support what we are doing.”
For years, Ocean City’s beach photography franchise was essentially divided into two separate franchises. The two franchises were not divided geographically but rather limited the number of photographers allowed on the beach.
In 2018, the Camerons submitted the only bid for one of the two franchises and was awarded a four-year contract at $152,500 per year. And in 2019, the owners expressed interest in the second available franchise, which they bid at $76,250 per year.
To that end, the mayor and City Council that year agreed to consolidate from a two-franchise system to a one-franchise system and accept the Camerons’ second bid.
‘This
tradition. I have telescopes of my children. I have photos of me when I was two. I fully support what we are doing.’
Carol Proctor, Councilwoman
However, changes in technology and the proliferation of cellphones have challenged the company’s business model in recent years. To that end, the Camerons came before the City Council last month with a request to reduce their annual franchise fee back to $152,500, extend the company’s contract with Ocean City through November of 2030 and collaborate with the city’s tourism department on potential sponsorship opportunities.
“What we’re asking is to help us stay in business,” Jon Cameron said at the time.
After a lengthy discussion, the City Council agreed to reduce the company’s annual franchise fee and to revisit the remaining two requests at a future work session, which was held this week.
City Manager Terry McGean on Tuesday said a recent meeting between city staff and Telescope Pictures resulted in several new recommendations – to reduce the franchise fee to $114,475 a year beginning in 2025, to grant a three-year contract extension, and to require the franchisee to brand all its products, including telescopes, keychains and ornaments, with the city logo and web address.
“Doing that will require some change to the ordinance and agreement itself,” he said.
Following a brief discussion, the council voted 7-0 to direct the city solicitor to amend the existing beach photo franchise ordinance and draft a new agreement with the new terms. The council also agreed to adjust the payment structure, essentially allowing Telescope Pictures to pay its yearly fee in three monthly installments.
“I really appreciate everybody’s help here,” Jon Cameron told the council this week.
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Snow Hill seeks buyer for vacant firehouse facility
Green Street landmark on market for $325K, officials eye downtown revitalization
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) Snow Hill’s old firehouse is ready for one last rescue.
The vacant 75-year-old landmark is officially on the market, listed by its owner, the Town of Snow Hill. Volunteer firefighters here haven’t occupied the building since 2002. Since then, the space has been used for the town’s Blues Jam, storing town Christmas decorations, municipal meetings, and the occasional dance class upstairs on squeaky pine heart floors.
The asking price for the 13,470square-foot, quarter-acre building at 212 W. Green Street – which includes the adjoining Snow Hill police station, soon to be vacated for a new departmental home – is $325,000. It includes three garage bays, office space, and meeting rooms.
Listing agent Bryan Coates with the firm Keller Williams said there are plenty of possible outcomes for the two-story building, with a heart of downtown location just 500 feet from the Pocomoke River – which he
called “a gold mine.”
“People love the river. The proximity to the river is opportunity. It’s the potential of this space,” he said, adding, “We’re trying hard to find somebody that would be interested in making it their own while at the same time keeping the historical aspect of it.”
Because there’s also a restaurant for sale next door, Elliott’s Tavern, some inquiries have floated an interest in purchasing both properties to make way for a large-scale attraction like a brewery or a distillery. Additional space throughout the building could be made into apartments, Airbnb rentals, or even a micro-hotel.
“Snow Hill has some wonderful bed and breakfasts,” Coates said, “but we do have a lot more traffic coming through than we used to. People that pass through and might want the opportunity for an Airbnb – you know, a shorter stay. There’s always people asking for apartments and rentals.”
But, as with any older building, it needs somebody to come in and fix it up. Plenty of code compliance issues would loom large for a buyer. For example, if it were to host big events, the building would need a new sprinkler system, according to Coates.
See BUSINESS Page 79
Business, mixed use eyed for site
Continued from Page 77
Snow Hill Mayor Janet Simpson said the town is hoping for a buyer with creativity and deep enough pockets to revive the empty firehouse as a business or mixed-use space that’s a downtown draw. The online property listing suggests several possible uses like a banquet hall, bed and breakfast, theater, or even a funeral home.
While she would encourage any business to explore the opportunity, “I’m staying kind of neutral,” she said in an interview. “If somebody else has a great business plan, or another idea for us, I’m always open to other ideas. But I really would like to have a business in there, because it’s right on Green Street in the center of town.
That’s where a lot of our businesses are.”
That Elliott’s Tavern and several other Green Street shops and storefronts are empty or up for sale along Green Street hasn’t gone unnoticed by local officials.
At one point, there were 14 vacant properties downtown, Simpson said. In response, the town passed a commercial vacancy property ordinance – owners would be penalized with a fine if they didn’t put a business in those properties – with mixed results.
“People are saying, ‘oh, we don’t want to do that, so we’re going to sell.’ Personally, when I go to a town and storefronts aren’t filled, I’m thinking, what’s wrong? There are too many things going right in Snow Hill for us to have that look,” she said.
As for the police station, Snow Hill Police Chief Andy McGee says his department will soon double its office space after completing a move from the cramped firehouse into a 5,000square-foot office on West Market Street, in the same building as the local Parole and Probation office.
That upgrade will be temporary, McGee added, as police are hoping for a new headquarters to be built eventually on donated land at the corner of Federal and Market streets.
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Rebranding eyed for convention, visitor bureau
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) Officials say efforts are underway to rebrand the Ocean City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
During Monday’s meeting of the Ocean City Tourism Commission, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo announced plans to rebrand the city’s business-based marketing division.
As the city continues to build upon leisure tourism, officials say they also want to showcase Ocean City as a meetings and events destination.
“We’re not where we want to be at the moment,” Perlozzo said.
Kim Mueller, the convention center’s sales director, told commission members the Ocean City Convention and Visitors Bureau would be rebranded to Discover Ocean City, a marketing campaign focused on expanding group travel, mid-week bookings and off-season business.
She added that a new business-tobusiness brand would separate itself from the city’s leisure brand – Somewhere to Smile About – and would do more to direct group planners to the appropriate information.
“There’s been some confusion,” she said of the city’s current business-tobusiness brand. “We don’t feel we’re representing ourselves well.”
Mueller said Discover Ocean City
will showcase the city’s convention center, events space and amenities, all with a goal of making Ocean City a year-round destination. She said the brand would not just focus on selling the convention center but selling the destination.
“We’re not recreating anything,” she said. “We’re trying to grow our offseason business and get ourselves out there.”
Mueller said the new brand would focus more on partnerships with local businesses, including those outside the city’s municipal limits. For a fee ($400 a year for Ocean City businesses and
$600 a year for Worcester County regional partners), she said those businesses will receive promotional opportunities through Discover Ocean City and its digital platforms.
“There’s a reason we’re pushing outside Ocean City, and it’s to enhance everything Ocean City has to offer …,” she explained. “At the end of the day, they are staying in Ocean City and venturing out, extending their stay.”
Officials say the new brand will likely launch next year. Perlozzo added the rebranding could also lead to restructuring within the tourism department.
“We’ve been holding off and holding off,” he said of the rebranding. “It’s time we move along.”
Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, applauded the effort. She said the city’s efforts would coincide with her organization’s own rebranding.
“We’re rebranding as the OCMD Hospitality Association …,” she said. “Our focus is going to shift from sales, marketing and advertising – because you guys are great at that, bringing them to Ocean City – and focus on advocacy, networking and education.”
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission are pictured during Monday’s meeting, during which officials discussed a rebranding opportunity for the Ocean City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Jeep Fest wheels into Ocean City for weekend of activities
(Aug. 15, 2025) The Ocean City Jeep Fest will begin four-wheeling into town next Thursday with an expanded vendor schedule. From Thursday through Sunday, participants and visitors will see hundreds of Jeeps of all kinds and configurations on display and on the beach.
The event’s now well-known beach crawls will begin each morning of the event at 7:45 a.m. at the inlet parking lot and will head north up the beach to 30th Street.
From there, it will be on to the hub of the festival at the Ocean City convention center, where vendors will be lined up for inspection by Jeep and other four-wheeling aficionados. In a nod to vendors and the crowd, the show’s producers, B-Rad Productions and Live Wire Media & Events, have added a fourth day for vendors at the convention center.
Among the retailers and suppliers on hand this year will be event sponsor, See BEACH Page 84
Opinions
Cut hotels some slack on charges
In the days leading up to the Ocean City referendum on allowing short-term rentals in single-family districts, one frequently repeated assertion was that STRs were on the rise because the lodging industry was charging too much.
These criticisms implied that room rates were driven by greed and even suggested that hotels and motels were somehow less good for Ocean City than national vacation rental companies such as Airbnb and VRBO.
With the data tracker Zartico reporting this week that September bookings are off so far, it’s almost certain that those pre-election criticisms will rise again, making this a good time to get a few things straight.
What a business charges means nothing without also knowing the profit margin it produces ... or not. Secondly, the lodging industry employs thousands of people and pays millions (maybe more) in property and room taxes and wages. STRs do pay property and room taxes, but employ no one, beyond the weekly cleaning crew.
As for those outrageous room rates, they’re like that $20 cheeseburger. It might be more than many people would or could pay, but without seeing the expense side of the ledger, no one can know whether they’re outrageous, too little or just right.
Franchise agreements, for instance, require affiliated hotels to operate year-round, even when there’s no income. They still must keep staff on the payroll, provide food service and the usual amenities. And that’s on top of the millions paid on mortgages and loans and lines of credit.
In a resort like Ocean City, that means those “outrageous” rates of June, July and August have to cover the outrageous losses incurred in January, February and March.
The most critical question, perhaps, is how Ocean City and its tax rate, as well as Worcester County overall, would fare if all the hotels and motels were replaced by STRs.
Answer: Few if any of us could afford to find out.
PUBLIC EYE
Time to be aggressive
Since my car does, incongruously, have a little bit of get-up-and-go, I’ve decided to become an aggressive driver.
I say “incongruously,” because it’s a Hyundai, which makes it more notable for its reasonable price than its zero to 60.
NEWS
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By Stewart Dobson
You never heard, for instance, anyone sing, "Little Deuce Hyundai” or “Son, you're gonna drive me to drinkin,' you don't quit drivin' that Hot Rod ... Hyundai."
It simply isn’t a glamorous vehicle, but it does get right along, and lately I’ve had a growing desire to jump on it.
This is especially so if one more car speeds past me in the right lane so the driver can cut in line ahead of me before the road switches to single-lane -only traffic.
If it’s happened once, it’s happened 100 times that I’ll be following orders by lining up in the single lane going onto the Route 50 bridge, when a car will zip by me on the right and cut in line about three cars up.
I’m sitting in my car yelling, “Close ranks! Close ranks! Don’t let him do it!” and yet some kind person farther up the trail will stop the three-mile-an-hour crawl to allow this individual into what I believe should be an exclusive club of motorists who follow directions.
I swear I have a strong urge to shoot out of my secure space and into that other lane and ... stop.
I’d block traffic and say, “Oh yeah? Sit
there and suffer you ... you ... line-cutter!”
I honestly don’t understand why we put up with these bozoid types doing that, when they would never zoom up on your right and slide in front of you at the checkout counter at the grocery store.
“Excuse me,” the bozo says to the weary mom with seven kids hanging on to the hems of her jeans, “I’m a hurry, so I’ll just move up to the counter in front of you ...”
Whap-whap-bap-bap!
“Cleanup and an EMT at checkout 6, please.”
You are not going to ease into line in front of this woman without risking serious injury and, possibly, having to go into concussion protocol.
“Yeah, he’s suffering from a bad handbag whipping. Put him on the DL for 15 days.”
The same thing applies at the hardware store, were you to cut in front of Mr. Hairy Handyman, who’s admiring his brand new ball peen hammer.
“Excuse me, I’m just going ...
BOING!
But there’s no politeness on the road. I don’t know why, but there isn’t.
It’s like when a traffic light up ahead turns red, some drivers just have to pass you so they can get up there and start waiting for the light to change first.
It doesn’t make any sense, especially when you pull up beside that individual and give him that squinty look. And maybe you rev that little turbo four-cylinder Hyundai just enough to say, “Hey, pal, say hello to my little friend.”
Local reps helped local couple
Editor,
We are writing this letter to let our fellow citizens know how our local government representatives from the offices of Delegate Wayne Hartman, Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Congressman Andy Harris, were there for us when my husband and I needed some help dealing with some medical issues.
This past week after requesting help from these 3 government officials, they assisted my husband and I, by answering our request for assistance the very same day that we sent word to them that we needed help. These 3 officials heard and listened and took action to help us. For this type of response, we are truly grateful!!!
We wanted to give thanks and recognition to these 3 government representatives for their prompt help and assistance with our issue. Thank you for truly caring and taking action to remedy our medical issue!!
To all our fellow citizens, please take note of this when our election time comes again for voting. We are very blessed to have these government representatives who are devoted to as-
sist us here on the Eastern Shore. My husband and I are so grateful and thankful that we have these excellent members of our government here on the Eastern Shore. May God Bless you all.
Rob and Katherine Azbell
Berlin
Somerset school board not putting children first
Editor,
In a closed-door meeting in May, the Somerset County Board of Education voted to terminate School Superintendent Ava Tasker-Mitchell. The Board left the meeting without answering questions from parents who waited outside the closed doors. No reason to support the firing was provided. One parent politely asked a question while videoing the departing members; the Board Chair called the police, saying that there was a man engaging in a violent confrontation against Board members.
When the Board announced the firing of every school librarian many parents objected. Firing librarians was the final straw. Steps had already been taken that would allow the Board to determine which books must be re-
moved from school library shelves. The library should be the heart and soul of every school, the repository of learning, a place for community engagement, a place to encourage wisdom and truth seeking, welcoming to everyone. A library must not be a tool to limit learning.
The fate of Superintendent TaskerMitchell is in the hands of the Maryland State Board of Education. Coming from a party that espouses parental rights when it comes to their children’s education, it is particularly hypocritical that parents are barred from voicing their opinions, that doors are closed to parents during important decisions, and that parents are cast as aggressors when exercising their rights.
Kudos to the parents of Somerset County who put their children above politics.
Ronald W. Pilling Bishopville
County cars driving local economic development
Editor,
It seems like our local police and county workers are behind the wheel of our economic development, literally.
In about five short years, both the sheriff vehicles and the county staff vehicles have turned over three times. I have found out what the last two Chevrolet Tahoe models looked like by seeing what the sheriff drives. And the
county has just an incredibly large fleet of V8 long bed trucks that are perpetually empty, Toyota camry's, various SUVs, vans and even electric and hybrid vehicles. They all have brand new logos on them and most of these vehicles are take home cars that live their lives in people's driveways.
The cost of all of this, including the logo that is shared by a soap company launched in 1976, is enormous. Capitalism has been replaced by communism in this county by way of generational corruption.
Greg Gunther Snow Hill
Meeting needed on Snow Hill state funding
Editor,
(The following letter was addressed to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore with a copy sent for publication.)
We, the undersigned elected officials representing the Town of Snow Hill, respectfully write to express our concern regarding the equitable distribution of State funding to our community—specifically as it impacts Snow Hill’s African American residents.
We deeply appreciate your leadership and your commitment to ensuring that no Marylander is left behind. However, we are increasingly concerned that longstanding inequities in resource allocation persist in our town. These disparities are particularly evi-
Continued on Page 84
dent in neighborhoods historically impacted by systemic racism, including redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and intentional disinvestment.
We believe that the State of Maryland has both an opportunity and a responsibility to address these historic harms by ensuring that state-funded programs—whether related to housing, infrastructure, education, or economic development—intentionally prioritize equity and inclusion.
To that end, we respectfully request a meeting with you or a member of your senior staff to discuss our concerns and explore actionable solutions that align with your administration’s vision of an equitable Maryland.
We look forward to the opportunity to work together to ensure that all residents of Snow Hill benefit fully from the progress your administration is
committed to delivering.
Councilwoman Margaret Fletcher
Councilman Edward S. Lee Snow Hill
Courts need to do better on punishment
Editor,
The recent from Ken Kuyawa hits the nail on the head with respect to strict sentences as one of the most effective deterrents to the lawlessness we see throughout Ocean City.
Whether it is participants in these pop-up events terrorizing our streets and beaches, guys beating up on wives and girlfriends, combative drunks who don’t hesitate taking a swing at our police, or the drug and gun toting criminals that seem to increase every year, a message needs to be sent that we will come down on you, and come down hard.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. For those of us here well past the craziness of summer, we often read in the OC Today-Dispatch about the disposition of cases that took place many months earlier. Serious crimes of guns, assaults, and even drugs get a slap on the wrist. How many more times do we need to read about stiff sentences that are then suspended? We have seen very serious crimes waved off with time served waiting for trial and the balance suspended—and this has been the case for years.
The city council talks tough about cracking down and zero tolerance but if the courts don’t do their job, then it is pointless. And spare me the nonsensical argument that we don’t want to appear to be a police state and scare off tourists—the people we are talking about are not the kind of “tourists” we want coming here to begin with.
This isn’t just the violent crimes, we were hit in a near head on collision last year by a drunk driver and by some miracle we were not killed, although there were injuries. The driver, with previous infractions, got probation with no loss of driving privileges. Send the message-- you come into our town with guns and drugs and expect mandatory time. You drive drunk and have no regard for the safety of others, you won’t drive again for a long time. The cops are doing a great job. The city, our Congressional delegation, and all of us need to demand better of our courts.
Doug Durante Ocean City
Continued from Page 81
Kicker Audio, as well as Audio Works. In addition to showing off the merchandise, some vendors will have factorytrained reps on hand to install systems onsite.
Returning to the showcase this year will be Joe’s Jeep Jungle, while Gears Garage will have its Jeep upgrades on display as it makes its debut appearance.
BWT Off Road will have 500 rims on display and for sale from major brands. All the vendors will have specials and gear for Jeeps and other 4x4s. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the convention center Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Other attractions will include a “show & shine competition” where owners can show off their Jeeps and their custom modifications, with awards and prizes on the line.
A sand course created by Delmarva Jeep Events will be located north of the pier on the beach downtown. The course has three shifts a day, with one shift on Sunday.
On the entertainment agenda will be parties starting Wednesday at Tequila Mockingbird. On Thursday, Seacrets will host a party presented by Kicker and Joe’s Jeep Jungle, with live music from Pistol Whipped.
Also on Thursday after the Seacrets party will be an LED light show at the Original Green Turtle, while Friday will see a bonfire and a party in front of Coconuts from 6:30 until 9 p.m., hosted by Maryland’s Jeep Club and Kicker. Then Saturday night it’s “Jammin’ with Jeeps” at the Ocean Pines Beach Club, with closing events at Sinepuxent Brewery and Papi’s Tacos Sunday night. To register for Jeep Fest, go to OCJeepFest.com. For more information about the family friendly festival, go to Facebook: Ocean City Jeep Fest, or on Instagram: @JeepFestOC.
This event is produced by
Surf camp ‘an awesome moment for inclusion’
Surfers Healing, a camp for kids with autism, returns to Ocean City for day of fun
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) The first time Andrew Ladd went surfing, he was deathly afraid of the water. But on Wednesday, with the guiding hand of an adult surfer, Andrew rode three waves, fist-pumping triumphantly after landing each one.
“He literally cried the first time going out there,” said his mom, Amy, iPhone in hand recording video from the beach, “and now he’s gone out, and is kind of excited to be able to maybe stand up and ride one in. He’s totally more confident – and that’s what this is about, giving them confidence and a sense of calm.”
The Ladds brought Andrew, 18, from their home in Crofton to Ocean City this week to participate in Surfers Healing, a surf camp for more than 200 children with autism and other disabilities. The annual event pairs one of 25 pro surfers with a special needs child. Together, they ride a longboard past the shorebreak to catch a wave.
By 6 a.m., before most of the resort was awake, Woody German was on the beach with a crew of volunteers setting up beside the Castle in the Sand hotel. By midmorning, the setting was a tent village, alive with Beach Boys tunes, the scent of sunscreen, and a strong community vibe. It was Ocean City’s 15th time hosting the event.
“If you’ve been volunteering for five years or more, hold your hand up!” German said, as a slew of hands shot up. “This is why this camp runs so smoothly – because we’ve got amazing people that know what they’re doing ahead of time.”
Surfers Healing is a national movement co-founded in 1996 by former pro surfer Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz and his wife Danielle. On the beach Wednesday, Paskowitz said more than 106,000 kids to date have
caught a wave with the program.
Leading the event’s opening remarks on the 35th Street beach, Izzy said that “water is definitely a medicine for our autistic children.”
“The kids deserve these incredible watermen and women who've come to ride waves – waves of happiness, waves of joy, uh, waves of togetherness, and waves of compassion,” he told the crowd.
Wearing a bushy white goatee and a black Surfers Healing hoodie, Izzy said it wasn’t easy to come to terms with his son Isaiah’s autism diagnosis at age 5.
It all started after Izzy was attending a surf competition in Hawaii. Isaiah, who had stopped talking around age 2, was having a bad day that led to a tantrum. Izzy, then 35, said that meltdown left him feeling embarrassed in front of his peers – a feeling he now regrets.
“I grabbed him and I threw him in the water and, you know, the behavior just changed,” he said. “We spent hours in the water. His behavior was just different that day. He was happier, he was more connected, more likely to engage. It was incredible.”
“So I did it the next day,” he added. “After spending the whole day in the water on the way home – from not talking, from losing his language at two years old, hadn't spoken in three years – he sang an entire Sarah McLaughlin song. It just gives me chills now just thinking about it.”
The song Isaiah sang was “Adia,” which includes the lyrics: Don't you know I tried so hard to love you in my way?
For Izzy, it set in motion the idea that autistic children could see measurable and therapeutic results from spending time in the ocean and on a surfboard.
Surfers Healing grew into something bigger. Five years after that memorable moment, Izzy says, Sarah McLachlan herself volunteered to play a benefit show – and performed that very same song.
“I had a gut feeling, like, ‘this is what I should be doing. This is what
is good for my son,’” he said. “With our autistic community, the water and what goes on out there, it is like an awakening.”
With a pod of dolphins gliding past the lineup, some parents Wednesday described the magical moments when their special needs children grab the rail and get locked in on a wave.
Melody Connelly said her husband saw the event advertised online, and so they decided to bring their 13-yearold son Maverick to the beach from their home in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
Maverick has moderate disabilities and struggles at times to communicate. For his first time here, Melody said they tried to set his expectations by talking about going into the ocean.
Tears welled up behind her sunglasses as Maverick got on the surfboard and held his own.
“Oh my gosh, look at him,” she said. “It's an awesome moment of inclusion, for sure. He's not a big water
person, so this is pretty awesome to have somebody out there with him. We obviously don't have surfing experience, so this isn't something that we can provide for him.”
Another mom, Conor Scott of Bel Air, brought her 9-year-old Rory to Surfers Healing for the third time. They make a week of it in Ocean City with family.
“We all cheer for him,” she said, “and that's not something for him, because he doesn't have, you know, typical sports experiences like other kids and my other son. I just love the camaraderie.”
Back on shore, seawater dripped off Andrew Ladd’s dark black bangs as friends and family swarmed him in congratulations. He excitedly described his struggle with the ocean around him, a giant smile on his face.
“It’s waves coming down on the surfboard and the surfboard comes in. And then, I love to surf, so, this is my favorite thing to do,” he said.
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Participants are pictured with their surfing buddies at the annual Surfers Healing camp in Ocean City.
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
V-J DAY: the surrender of Japan to WWII Allied forces
Allies celebrate following Japan’s surrender, debates begin over V-J Day date
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
(Aug. 15, 2025) Today, 80 years ago, the Emperor of Japan, Hirohito, for the first time, addressed his subjects on the radio.
Actually, it was not quite that. The day before, he had recorded the statement which was played the next day. He told his subjects that, “After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in our empire today, we have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered our government to communicate to the governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that our Empire accepts the provisions of their joint declaration.”
The “joint declaration” to which he referred was the Potsdam Declaration. In July of 1945, President Harry S. Truman and new British Prime Minister Clement Attlee had met at Potsdam, Germany, and issued a joint statement, which was joined by Chinese leader, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, demanding Japan’s unconditional surrender.
Following the dropping of the two atomic bombs, and the Soviet Union’s declaration of war and invasion of Manchuria, Korea, southern Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands by the Red Army, the Japanese government, on Aug. 10, indicated it intended to surrender, but attached too many conditions to be acceptable to
the Allies and the U.S.S.R.
However, most people could see that the end was near and began celebrating. On the morning of Aug. 15, 1945, Japan standard time, the Japanese government broadcast an announcement over Radio Tokyo that, “... acceptance of the Potsdam Proclamation would be coming soon,” and had so notified the U.S., through the offices of the Swiss Embassy.
The address by the Emperor — whether recorded or not — was unprecedented. The reason that it was recorded was because the government was concerned that some of the right-wing warmongers might assassinate the emperor before he had the opportunity to speak.
In fact, Maj. Kenji Hatanaka led a group of more than 1,000 officers in an attempt to steal the recording and prevent it from being broadcast. After failing to overcome the resistance of the Imperial guards, Maj. Hatanaka committed suicide.
Most Japanese did not comprehend all of what the Emperor said because he spoke in the formal classical Japanese that few understood. In addition, the audio quality of the broadcast was very poor. All this combined to leave the Japanese wondering and confused as to what occurred. At the conclusion of the emperor’s speech, an announcer explained that the country was surrendering.
In his speech, the emperor recognized that,
“...Despite the best that has been done by everyone – the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted
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U.S. and Soviet sailors and seamen are pictured celebrating V-J Day on Aug. 14, 1945.
service of our one hundred million people – the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.”
He specifically referred to, “...a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives.” He apologized to Japan’s East Asia Allies. He then announced that it was, “...resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable.”
At 7 p.m., on Aug. 14, Washington time, President Truman announced the communication on national radio. He cautioned, however, that, “... the proclamation of V-J Day must wait upon the formal signing of the
surrender terms by Japan.” Nobody waited! A two-day holiday was proclaimed for federal employees.
After almost four years of war, the country erupted in celebration. In New York’s Times Square, photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt snapped the iconic photograph of an exuberant sailor kissing a startled nurse. Incredibly, U.S. Navy photojournalist Victor Jorgensen also captured the same event!
But there was a darker side to the announcements. Some Japanese committed suicide at the news. More than 100 defenseless American POWs were murdered. If that wasn’t enough, U.S. sailors rioted in San Francisco, leaving 11 dead and 1,000 injured, with much property damage.
On Sept. 2, 1945, in a ceremony, over which Gen. Douglas MacArthur presided, on the battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay, Japan-
ese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and Gen. Yoshijiro Umezu executed the Instrument of Surrender. Gen. MacArthur accepted the surrender on behalf of, “...the United States, Republic of China, United Kingdom, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and in the interests of the other United Nations at war with Japan.”
The instrument was then also signed by: Adm. Chester W. Nimitz for the United States; Gen. Hsu YungCh’ang for the Republic of China; Adm. Bruce A. Fraser for the United Kingdom; Lt. Gen. Kuzma Derevyanko, for the U.S.S.R.; Gen. Sir Thomas Blamey for the Commonwealth of Australia; Col. L. Moore Cosgrove for the Dominion of Canada; Gen. Phillipe François Marie Leclerc de Hauteclocque on behalf of the Republic of France; Adm. Conrad Helfrich on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Air Vice Marshal Leonard M. Isitt for New Zealand.
Now began the debate as to which date was V-J Day – Aug. 14, Aug. 15 or Sept. 2. China celebrates it on Sept. 3. Australia, Korea and The Netherlands recognize Aug.15. From 1948 to 1975, Sept. 2 was a Federal holiday. It was eliminated because of our close relationship with our former enemy, although it is still observed in Rhode Island, but in August.
Next week: John Birch Killed Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com
OBITUARIES
RALPH IRVIN FRAZIER
Berlin
Ralph Irvin Frazier, age 76, of Berlin, died Monday, August 4, 2025, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. He was born in Fairfax, Va. and was the son of the late Russell H. Frazier Sr. and Florence Mae (Jewel) Frazier. He was a master carpenter and owned and operated R. I. Frazier Construction. Ralph was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Berlin, where he served as co-leader of children’s ministry for many years. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was a member of the American Legion.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Carol M. Frazier; five children, Jennifer Beesley of Berlin, April Simmons of Marshall, Va., Laura Masten and husband Chris of Milford, Del. Matthew Dillard of Arlington, Va., and Jamie Frazier of Fairfax, Va.; two brothers, Randy Frazier of Charleston, S.C., and Rusty Frazier of Virginia Beach, Va.; one sister, Cherry Fortune of Fla.; six grandchildren, Bailey Cashman, Sarah Beesley, Liam Masten, Noah Masten, Jesika Garcia, and Samantha Alford; and a dear sisterin-law, Ginny Felin. He will be greatly missed by dear friends, Pastor John and Laurene Abent.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Charlene Minnick, and two grandchildren, Lily Grace Masten and Greg Simmons, Jr.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Ocean Pines White Horse Park Pavilion, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines.
OC’s Local News Source! ource
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, N.Y. 10306.
Continued on Page 89
Ralph I. Frazier
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.
THERESA MARIE COSTELLO
Glassboro, N.J.
Theresa Marie “Terri” Costello, of Glassboro, NJ, passed away on Aug. 5, 2025, in Voorhees, N.J.
Born on Oct. 26, 1964, in Philadelphia, Pa., Terri brought a vibrant, joyful spirit into the world — a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.
Terri’s birthday, Oct. 26, was a special date shared with her beloved father, Joseph Costello, and his mother, Catherine Costello — a unique bond that spanned three generations. Terri and her father shared not only a birthdate, but a deep mutual love and admiration that endured throughout her life. Joseph, a proud and well-respected member of the Ocean Pines, Maryland community, carries forward her memory with strength and grace.
A 1983 graduate of Edgewood Regional High School, Terri was a true self-starter, building and running her own successful cleaning business for many years. As a single mother of three, her entrepreneurial spirit al-
lowed her the flexibility to raise her children with love and dedication. In more recent years, she transitioned into real estate, working first with Exit Homestead Realty in Vineland, and then with Keller Williams, where she brought her signature warmth and determination to every client interaction.
Terri was a woman of many passions. She loved her garden, her home, and the simple joy of creating beauty and comfort for those around her. Her Glassboro home of 34 years was more than a place — it was a sanctuary filled with music, laughter, and light.
She loved spending time with friends-fishing, cooking, traveling, and laughing-but her greatest joy was her family. Terri was endlessly proud of her children-Taylor Willmot, Madison Reader, and Michael “Mickey” Reader-and adored her granddaughter, Nova Ivy Haltiwanger, who brought her immense joy.
Terri was a proud, passionate Eagles fan, even if she didn’t always know all the calls. She loved a cold Blue Moon with extra oranges and found joy in the everyday-especially in the company of her beloved morkie, Toby.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. Terri is survived by her children and granddaughter; her father Joseph Costello and stepmother
Mary “Mitzi”; her sister Dorothy “Dottie” DeMarco (Michael) of Marlboro, N.Y., and their children, Megan and Michael; and her brother Joey “Bung” Costello (Melinda) of Temecula, Calif. She was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy “Dee” (née Stonis) Costello.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Barclay Funeral Home, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, N.J. 08312. A funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Terri’s memory lives on in the many lives she touched and in the laughter, warmth, and fierce love she gave so freely.
LEORA ANNE WELCH
Selbyville
Leora “Lee” Anne Welch of Selbyville, Del., peacefully left our world after fighting Lymphoma on Tuesday, Aug. 5 in her home, surrounded by her family.
Born in Ambler, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Leroy Tubbs and Raydelle Ritz. She was the loving wife of James A. Welch for thirty-seven years as they enjoyed their blended family and operated three businesses that were
loved by locals and visitors alike. They also travelled around the world to many countries in Europe, islands like the Caymans, drove a motorhome to all of the US National Parks and took many cruises including a favorite trip to Alaska.
Early in her career she worked at Moore Warfield and Glick as a rental agent and then opened up Aunty’s Shanty in Shantytown and then Seaside Deli on 72nd Street which she ran with her sons Tom and Clint for 29 years. Lee also opened Welch’s Deli near Assateague and all of the businesses were known for delicious food, amazing soups and friendly family service. Her love of hospitality was always evident in her home too as she loved to have people over for gatherings big or small - as long as she was feeding people she was happy!
In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Clint Bickford (Alicia), James Bickford (Kelly) and Samantha Pielstick (Matthew); stepchildren, Kathleen Welch-Wilson (Roger), James Welch, Jr. (Susan) and Thomas Welch; niece Connie West (Frank); as well as 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother William Tubbs, her grandson Max Bickford and her first husband, Jim Bickford.
There will be a Celebration of Life at her home to celebrate the fun and
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Theresa Costello
Leora A. Welch
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amazing energy that Lee always provided wherever she went, be it serving at Coastal Community Church, as a clown in the VA Hospital or dancing to country western music - Lee loved Life and lived it to the fullest. She will be missed on earth but as a believer in Jesus Christ we know she is in Heaven with her Savior for eternity. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
JOANN HAJIMIHALIS
Berlin
JoAnn Hajimihalis, age 78, of Berlin, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Salisbury.
Born in Washington D.C. she was the daughter of the late Robert Francis Payne and Mary Krithis Veizis. She is survived by her children, Dina Hajimihalis, Louis Victor Hajimihalis and Nicholas Robert Hajimihalis; grandchildren Kiley Faith Hajimihalis and Braden Nicholas Hajimihalis; sister Kitsa Lee; niece Maria Elena Lee; and nephew Zachary William Lee. She also leaves behind many cousins, co-workers, and friends.
Raised in Bethesda, JoAnn graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in 1965. Before marrying the late Victor Hajimihalis and raising her three children, she was secre-
tary for St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C. After moving to Ocean Pines, Maryland, she attended St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City. JoAnn is remembered by family and friends as being kind and vivacious.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 8805 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
WILLIAM PHILLIP SCHNEIDER
Ocean City
William “Bill” Phillip Schneider, 78, of Marathon, FL, and Ocean City, MD, died Monday, August 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Born on February 8, 1947, in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Reginald Schneider and Betty Church Schneider. Bill was a member of Kirk of the Keys Presbyterian Church in Marathon, where he served as an Elder; a 32nd-degree Mason, Marathon Lodge 323 in Florida, where he was Worshipful Master;
Marathon Shrine Club; Mahi Temple; commodore of the Pirates of Marathon; the Delmarva Gas Association; and the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, where he was president of the volunteers and a founding member of the Salisbury Underwater Recovery Unit. He was also part of the Giving Society of Baptist Health Foundation and the Salvation Army, where he served on the Red Shield Board in Salisbury.
Bill’s father, Reginald, began TriCounty Gas in 1939. Bill and his brother James “Jim” Schneider ran the business after graduating from the University of Richmond until 1996. He turned it into a thriving local enterprise before selling to Chesapeake Utilities, where Bill served as the President of Sharp Energy. After his retirement, Bill balanced his time between running a new business venture and fishing in the Florida Keys. He enjoyed working alongside his wife, Janet, in the laundry room of their hotels — the Best Western Plus Ocean City, Best Western Ocean City Hotel and Suites, and the Sea Bay Hotel — as well as flipping burgers at the Sea Bay Bar and Grille, all in Ocean City.
Bill was an avid fisherman and
sailor who loved spending a day on the water with friends, business associates, and family. He enjoyed sailing the Bonnie Lass in the waterways around the Eastern Shore. His favorite fishing was for snapper on the Janet L at “the stump” and many other secret locations near East Bahia Honda in the Florida Bay. He loved cooking, volunteering in the community, being in the middle of the chaos of his large family getting ready for a fishing trip, and relaxing in the tiki hut or on his deck watching the boats go by. He was very devoted to his wife and family and well-loved by many. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Jones Schneider, along with their children Michael Schneider of Salisbury, MD; Joe Schneider (Lisa) of Ocean City, MD; Kennan Court (Brian) of Austin, TX; Malcolm Van Kirk (Kristin) of Ocean City, MD; and Jannah Hobday (Will) of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren — Payton Widlake (Garrett), Lexie Van Kirk (Nick), Brogan Court, Lassen Schneider, Kylan Court, Hunter Bilbrough, Krue Court, Kiersi Court, Ethan Schneider, and Ketch Schneider — and two greatgrandchildren, Wilson and Truett Widlake; his brother James Schneider (Joan) of Ocean City, MD, and Naples, FL, and their children Colby Schneider (Claire) and Jamie Webber (Eric) and their children; as well as his mother-in-law Elsie Jones of Salisbury, MD.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 17th with visitation at 12:30 and the service starting at 1:30 at Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City, with Rev. George R. Patterson officiating. A private interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kirk of the Keys Presbyterian Church, 8877 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842; and/or Falcons Youth Sports, 4221 Elk Creek Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
W. Schneider
Sports & Recreation
Billfisher takes second White Marlin Open
By Steve Green Executive Editor
(Aug. 15, 2025) This year’s White Marlin Open wrapped up Sunday with a big finale that brought some major changes to the leaderboard in the tuna division.
Though the tourney brought its annual buzz to Ocean City, offshore conditions hurt fishing for the most part with only two qualifying white marlin on the leaderboard and one blue marlin.
In the end, three years after winning the White Marlin Open (WMO) and the $4 million payday, it was the Billfisher out of Ocean City that took home the top honor. This year the top white marlin of 72 pounds earned $3.9 million. The white marlin was caught by Dan Gough of Ocean City on Wednesday of last week.
On Saturday, the Catch 23 boat, owned by NBA Hall of Famer
Michael Jordan, hit the scales with a white marlin measuring 70 inches – the minimum requirement – and weighing 71 pounds. Caught by Trey McMillan of Charleston, S.C., the fish earned $389,377 due to the Catch 23 not being in all the added entry levels.
This year’s White Marlin Open featured 282 boats vying for a $7.2 million purse. It was a lower turnout than recent years due to offshore wave forecasting limiting participation, particularly among smaller vessels. Last year the tournament featured 318 boats and $8.59 million in prize money and in 2023 400 boats competed for a record $10.5 million. Previous years were 2022, 408, $8.6 million; 2021, 444, $9.2 million; 2020, 433, $6.8 million; 2019, 404, $6.1 million; 2018, 382, $5.45 million; 2017, 353, $4.97 million; 2016: 329, $4.42 million; and
2015, 307, $3.9 million.
This year’s tourney started with a bang on Monday of last week when the Barbara B of Atlantic Beach, N.C. boated a 929.5-pound blue marlin that would in the end earn angler Drew Osmeyer of Timonium and his colleagues a payday of $1.23 million.
In recent years, the tuna division has been exciting in the WMO and this year was no different. On the final day of the tournament, two large bluefin tuna were brought in, turning the tuna division on its head. The tuna division paid out more than $1.2 million to the qualifying tuna brought to the marina.
Securing the top three spots in the tuna were a 188-pound tuna caught by Cape May, N.J.’s Jonanthan Cianciulli on the Sea Hab worth $864,325; a 186.5-pound tuna caught on the Shorebilly by Cordova resident
Alex Eason worth $85,647; and a 95pounder caught on the Mama C by New Smyrna Beach, Fla. resident Tommy Farella worth $111,529. There was only one wahoo caught during this year’s WMO and it was caught on Sunday. Pottstown, Pa. resident Chris Jones hooked the 49.5-pound beauty on the Shooting Star and earned $74,145. It was a light year for dolphin as well with only 14 boated during the entire seven-day tourney. Leading the way was a 32.5-pound beauty caught on the first day by Essex resident Andrew Schreiber on the Barbara B worth $19,950, followed by second-place finisher RoShambo with a 27-pound dolphin boated by Leondardtown resident Rusty Shriver worth $18,950. Third place went to the Sweet Freedom with its 26.5-pound beauty caught by New York resident Angelo Ponte worth
See LOCAL Page 92
PHOTOS COURTESY WHITE MARLIN OPEN AND UNSCENE
Local boat Billfisher won the White Marlin Open three years after taking the prize in the 2022 edition. Above left, the fishing team is pictured with family members. Above right, the crew is pictured receiving the “big check” of nearly $4 million at the awards banquet.
Local boat takes $3.9M payday
Continued from Page 91
$2,450.
Throughout the seven-day tournament, there were five white marlin boated (two that made minimum with three falling short of the 70pound weight minimum but meeting the 70-inch length) and 456 released for a 99% release rate. Other species totals were as follows: blue marlin, 24 released and one boated for a 96% release rate; spearfish, three released; sailfish, four released; tuna, 41 boated; dolphin, 14 boated; wahoo, one boated; and swordfish, zero caught.
Top payouts by boat
BillFisher, $3,928,119
Barbara B, $1,271,759
Sea Hab, $764,325
Catch 23, $404,877
Bow Down, $132,667
Mama C, $111,529
Shorebilly, $85,647
Shooting Star, $74,145
No Limit, $64,785
Don’t Ask, $64,447
Taylor Jean, $59,719
C-Student, $52,837
Special Situation, $39,783
Lights Out 62, $32,574
Hot Lick, $28,764
RoShamBo, $18,950
Pachanga, $16,287
Bar South, $13,992
Boy’s Toy, $13,922
Southern C’s, $13,922
Billed Acres, $13,652
Hall Pass, $11,273
Tellum II, $6,835
Pitch-n-Bills, $4,672
Sweet Freedom, $2,450
Jenny Poo, $2,076
Top 10 anglers
Rob Wagner, Taylor Jean, 595 points
TJ Ely, Irish Twin, 490 points
Matthew Gessler, Boy’s Toy, 420 points
Matt Foster, Widespread, 420 points
Jackie Hayes, Lights Out 62, 420
points
Trey McMillan, Catch 23, 351 points
Elaine Jones, Mama Who, 350 points
Todd Saieed, Waste Knot, 350 points
Robert Paquette, Pachanga, 350 points
Houston Reed, Undue Risk, 315 points (tied)
Zeb Zebley, LuciBri, 315 points
Top 10 boats
Taylor Jean, 1,085 points
Lights Out 62, 945 points
Catch 23, 806 points
Pachanga, 805 points
LuciBri, 735 points
Barbara B, 730 points
Southern C’s, 700 points
Canyon Lady, 700 points
Mama C, 630 points
Wasabi, 595 points
PHOTO COURTESY WHITE MARLIN OPEN AND UNSCENE PRODUCTIONS
The massive blue marlin caught on the first day of the White Marlin Open brought the Barbara B $1.27 million.
PHOTO COURTESY WHITE MARLIN OPEN AND UNSCENE PRODUCTIONS
A highlight of Saturday’s White Marlin Open was the Catch 23’s 71-pound white marlin. The crew is pictured above including basketball legend Michael Jordan, who signed autographs and greeted attendees.
PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC
Team Mac Attack caught a 6.9-pound flounder, above left, good for first place in the Flounder Royale and a check for $12,000. Above right, the second heaviest fish in the Flounder Royale was caught by team Miller Time and weighed 6.6 pounds.
PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC
Above left, Team Mayacht II caught a 6.2-pound flounder good for a third-place tie in the Flounder Royale. Above middle, Team Top Notch tied for third place heaviest fish in the Flounder Royale with a nice 6.2-pounder. Above right, this group had a limit of mahi fishing on board the Spring Mix II with Captain Chris Watkowski. Below left, anglers fishing on Foolish Pleasures with Captain Dale Lisi had an awesome trip with a white marlin release, some blueline tilefish, some sea bass and a load of mahi. Below middle, Captain Dave Ca rey and the team from On the Run had great fishing during the Flounder Royale with a six fish bag over 20 pounds. Below right, Sean Hitchens caught this 22-inch sheepshead on a Deadly Tackle bottom jig tipped with a live sand flea.
