08/29/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch AUGUST 29, 2025

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PRICELESS

Schools post best scores in state (again) Results from 2024-25 testing show Worcester County’s public school students lead others in Maryland in English and math proficiency.

— PAGE 18

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

TO-GO CUPS Stacy Farrar and her son Charles, from Washington D.C., enjoy the teacups ride at Jolly Roger on the Pier on Aug. 22.

Scooter bootin’ law pursued Weary and wary of scooters on streets, highways, City Council seeks way to keep them off all roads. — PAGE 3

Did trooper shoot fox for kicks?

State confirms investigation into whether dive team members were drinking and killed fox for fun with air rifle while assigned to OC Air Show. — PAGE 13

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OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Electric scooter users are pictured in Ocean City on Aug. 21. Town officials are discussing how to best address the transportation mode, arguing the devices and its operators pose a safety risk.

Ocean City considers how to solve electric scooter issues

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) Ocean City officials this week agreed to seek a change in state law that would allow local jurisdictions to regulate or prohibit the use of electric scooters on state roads.

Citing the proliferation of electric scooters in town, the Ocean City Council this week agreed to explore ways to restrict such vehicles on Coastal Highway, Philadelphia Avenue and Baltimore Avenue.

While state law allows jurisdictions to regulate or prohibit scooter rentals and scooter use on city streets, it does not permit jurisdictions to prohibit or adopt stricter regulations for scooters operated on state roads.

“We believe that the high speed of these devices, the instability, and the low visibility make them unsuitable for Coastal Highway, Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue,” City Manager Terry McGean told the council this week.

“The staff would recommend that the mayor and city solicitor and staff should work with the Maryland Municipal League on a change to state law that would allow local jurisdictions to regulate or prohibit use of electric scooters and similar devices on state roads,” he said.

McGean noted that state law defines electric scooters as a type of bicycle and allows them to operate any place a bicycle can, which means on roads with speed limits under 50 mph. Like bicycles, they must also follow all traffic laws.

However, McGean said state law also restricts what a jurisdiction can do to regulate or prohibit scooter use

on state roads. To that end, he suggested a change to allow municipalities to prohibit such devices on state highways located within their jurisdictions.

“What may work fine in downtown Salisbury is not necessarily what works for Ocean City,” he said.

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said he had no objection to finding ways to address the scooter problem in Ocean City. However, he argued that scooters themselves were not the problem.

“I think the problem is people going the wrong way, not following the rules of the road, running the red lights and putting themselves and other people in danger,” he said.

Councilwoman Carol Proctor, however, said she saw the issue differently. She said she had witnessed several instances of electric scooters weaving through traffic and running red lights.

“They drive them differently than a bicycle. They feel more emboldened to do things they shouldn’t be doing …,” she said. “I think we have a responsibility to do something about it.”

Both Councilman Larry Yates and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca agreed. DeLuca added it was an issue that had been discussed by both the Ocean City Police Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

“It’s a two-part question,” he said.

“Can we, and will we?”

DeLuca then moved to have the mayor and staff work with the Maryland Municipal League on a law change. However, Gehrig maintained it was not a scooter issue, but a user See ELECTRIC Page 6

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201 S HERON DR #G5 • HARBOUR CLUB NORTH OCEAN CITY • $398,400 Luxury Coastal Living with Stunning Views! It all begins on the top floor, where panoramic views set the tone for this breathtaking home in the sought-after Ocean Reef community of West Ocean City. Expertly remodeled by Beachwood Builders, it boasts a chef ’s kitchen, soaring windows, spa-like primary suite, and unforgettable indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces—including a marine-grade outdoor kitchen and cozy fire pit. Bonus: a finished “man cave” and water views from multiple decks. Minutes to beaches, marinas, dining & more! MDWO2032656

This stunning 2BR/2BA Harbour Club condo just hit the market! Located in Heron Harbour Isle, just steps away from all the community amenities. Featuring a spacious open floor plan with an updated kitchen, upgraded countertops, and a stylish tile backsplash. The family room offers beautiful views of the water and bird sanctuary, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxing evenings and breathtaking sunsets. The primary bedroom includes an en-suite bath with plenty of space to unwind. The spacious second bedroom has a second full bath nearby.

Step outside to a spacious deck and enjoy summer breezes, morning coffee, or evening relaxation. Community amenities include three outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, tennis courts, and more. Located close to the beach, shopping, restaurants, and mini golf, this condo is the perfect coastal retreat or investment opportunity. MDWO2032728

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Don’t miss this beautifully upgraded one-bedroom, one-bath waterfront condo – complete with a private deeded boat slip and located just moments from the Inlet, shopping, restaurants, the boardwalk, and the beach! Whether you're looking for the perfect beach getaway, a vacation rental, or a second home, this condo offers an unbeatable combination of location, convenience, and waterfront lifestyle. MDWO2032674

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OCEANFRONT STUDIO CONDO with STUNNING VIEWS

10300 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 1802 ATLANTIS • OCEAN CITY $268,900 This freshly painted, newly floored studio condo offers breathtaking ocean and sunset views from a private balcony. The fully equipped kitchen includes a stove, fridge, dishwasher, and oven. Enjoy direct beach access, a sparkling pool, and a convenient parking pass. Perfect as a vacation getaway or rental investment. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of paradise! MDWO2029128

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This prime mixed-use property is located on the highly trafficked Route 54 corridor, just one mile from both Fenwick Island Beach and Ocean City Beach. Zoned C-1/ and Residential for commercial use, it offers outstanding visibility and signage opportunities, making it ideal for a variety of business ventures. The location provides the perfect balance between residential comfort and commercial potential, with easy access to coastal attractions. DESU2085740

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Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978

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This is a prime location in sought-after Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932 DESU2059922

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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Electric scooter ban considered Continued from Page 3 issue.

“If you’re careless, you're going to be careless with any vehicle …,” he said. “We should just address the problem and not just ban things.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the issue was more about availability, as scooters typically cost less than bikes or other larger devices. He also pointed out visibility issues, as many scooter operators choose not to use their scooter lights to save battery power.

Meehan said the proliferation of scooters on roadways has made it difficult to enforce. Police Chief Ray Austin agreed, but noted if the city were to implement a ban, it would also need to be enforced.

“I don’t know we can necessarily get them all,” he said.

Nevertheless, Austin said he supported the idea of the city exploring its options.

“No matter how you look at this, the police department is going to be in an enforcement standpoint of this, no matter what happens,” he said.

When asked how a ban would work, Austin said the scooter user would receive a citation. He said those tickets would serve as a deterrent, just like smoking citations did for the Boardwalk smoking ban.

“It took a few years, but if you look at where we are with smoking citations on the Boardwalk, we are in a good place,” he explained.

Gehrig also asked the police chief if the department would confiscate scooters.

“At that point, you would be telling them to walk the scooter home,” Austin replied.

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to work with the Maryland Municipal League to seek a change in state law. Meehan said he had also reached out to the Maryland Municipal League to see if the issue existed in other cities.

“I’m not sure if banning is the right thing to do,” he said, “but I think we need to figure out what other jurisdictions are doing.” ii

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Inside this week

Calendar ..............................50 Classifieds ..........................53 Crossword ............................78 Dining Guide ........................76 Editoral/Letters....................98 Entertainment ......................70 Horoscope ............................79 Obituaries ..........................103 Police/Crime........................23 Public Notices ......................58 Sports ................................106

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Agencies seek to withdraw US Wind approval

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) The federal government says it intends to withdraw its approval of the US Wind offshore wind energy project and take another look at the conclusions that led to its acceptance by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

In an Aug. 22 Delaware court filing, federal defendants in a lawsuit involving the US Wind project asked that the case be halted as it seeks to withdraw approval of the company’s construction and operations plan (COP).

The defendants said a motion to voluntarily remand and vacate that approval will be filed by next month in Ocean City’s case against the federal government.

“This is an extremely positive development in our fight against the irresponsible and costly US Wind project,” resort

City Manager Terry McGean said in a statement Monday. “We have stated all along that the approval of this project was fast-tracked without adequate public input and that approvals ignored significant risks to our economy, fishing industry, marine mammals and the horseshoe crab. We are glad that our concerns are finally being taken seriously.”

Earlier this year, months after the Town of Ocean City and several co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit challenging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s approval of the US Wind project, South Bethany property owner Ed Bintz filed a separate suit in Delaware’s U.S. District Court. His complaint alleges permits and approvals issued to US Wind by both BOEM and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated the Coastal Zone Management Act. The Delaware lawsuit has since made its way through the court system. And

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last Friday, the U.S. Department of the Interior, BOEM and the Army Corps filed a motion to stay the case pending a court decision in the Maryland lawsuit.

“Interior now intends to reevaluate under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (“OCSLA”) its decision to approve the COP and, as a result, will be moving no later than September 12 in the Maryland Action for remand of that prior COP approval,” the court filing reads. “If Interior’s motion is granted, the agency action that Plaintiff challenges will be vacated, and thus his claims will be entirely moot.

And even if Interior’s motion is denied, the agency’s reconsideration of the COP will likely result in significant changes that will impact the positions and arguments of the parties here.”

The federal defendants argue its request to halt the Delaware proceedings, as any developments could remove the need for judicial review in the case. The defendants also contend such a delay would not harm US Wind, which they claimed has no plans to begin offshore construction until 2028.

“Additionally, one of US Wind’s permits is currently under appeal by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Appeals Board, which may delay construction further,” the court filing reads. “A stay of this case pending a decision on the motion to voluntarily vacate and remand is therefore

unlikely to impact US Wind, because offshore construction is not expected to begin for several years. And US Wind can have no interest in successfully defending in this litigation a version of its plan and permits that are subsequently vacated and/or modified. And if the Maryland court denies the motion to remand, a brief stay will not affect the company’s construction timeline.”

In a statement issued this week, Nancy Sopko, vice president of external affairs for US Wind, said the company remained confident in its approvals.

“Our construction operations plan approval is the subject of ongoing litigation, but we remain confident that the federal permits we secured after a multiyear and rigorous public review process are legally sound,” she said.

In December, BOEM approved US Wind’s construction and operations plan for a 114-turbine project that would begin roughly 11 miles from the Ocean City coastline. The federal approval was one of several the company secured to bring the project into fruition in the coming years. However, that approval process is now being challenged in two federal court cases. The Town of Ocean City and Worcester County have also filed an appeal with both the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency challenging the company’s air quality permit.

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OC Today-Dispatch

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Feds reach plea deal in embezzlement case

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) A Berlin woman who admitted to stealing from a resort business will face time in federal prison after agreeing to plead guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and tax evasion.

Last Thursday, local attorney Steve Rakow reported his client, Tammy Barcus of Berlin, had reached a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore following a criminal investigation into claims of embezzlement at Barcus’ former place of employment, Resort Homes, LLC. As part of the plea deal, Barcus will be responsible for paying the business approximately $1.8 million in restitution, in addition to the $550,000 debt owed to the government for failing to report the money she stole as income.

The sentencing guidelines for her offenses could result in up to 61 months in federal prison, Rakow said.

“Tammy wants her friends, family, and Resort Homes to know that she’s truly remorseful for her actions,” Rakow said in an email last week.

“What started out as a small supplement to income evolved into an elaborate scheme that she hid from everyone.

This type of crime is the result of a type of addiction – similar to drugs, alcohol, or gambling. That’s not an excuse but does explain her behavior over the course of 10 years.”

Last October, Resort Homes filed a civil suit against Tammy Barcus, the company’s bookkeeper, and her husband, Ron Barcus, the company’s tile and marble subcontractor, alleging the couple defrauded the business out of $1.5 million over the course of several

years.

The suit claims that Tammy Barcus wrote unauthorized payments – totaling more than $200,000 per year – to Ron Barcus and concealed the transactions as payments to other companies.

Resort Homes alleges Ron Barcus had then endorsed the falsified checks and deposited them into the couple’s bank accounts.

After discovering accounting discrepancies last fall, the company notified Maryland State Police, which began an investigation. The lawsuit also reports Tammy Barcus had confessed to the fraudulent activity, which was recorded by a state trooper.

In February, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge halted proceedings in the civil suit after it was learned federal prosecutors were considering criminal charges. Rakow noted this week

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that Ron Barcus was not the target of any criminal investigation, and that Tammy Barcus had taken full responsibility for her actions against Resort Homes.

“Based on the work of the feds, Ron is an innocent spouse who had no knowledge of what Tammy was doing,” he said. “That may be hard to believe, but there are many stories of spouses who have lived a double life for years without the spouse finding out. This is akin to that. Ron and his business were just as much victims as Resort Homes.”

Rakow said his client has no prior record and is fully cooperating with federal officials. He said she will enter a guilty plea to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and tax evasion in federal court on Sept. 2.

“On that date, she’ll also remit $100,000 to begin her restitution repayment – funds that came from the sale of her home,” he added. “Sentencing will be held at a later date to be determined, and, in all likelihood, she’ll report on her own to whatever federal prison she’s assigned by the Bureau of Prisons. That’s very similar to how most federal, nonviolent cases are handled.”

With the criminal matter now concluding, Rakow said a status hearing in the civil suit is scheduled for Sept. 19.

Resort Homes’ owners declined to comment.

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MSP launches investigation into June fox-killing incident

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) Maryland State Police is investigating a report of dive team members allegedly getting drunk and killing foxes while at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Ocean City earlier this summer.

The agency’s spokesperson, Elena Russo, confirmed this week an administrative investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Members of the Maryland State Police are committed to serving and protecting the citizens of our state,” she said.

“Accusations of conduct contrary to our core values, policies and tradition, are troubling and will be thoroughly investigated.”

According to two sources, the investigation stems from an incident that occurred at the Coast Guard station during the OC Air Show in June. Reports allege one or more members of the Maryland State Police dive team, staying in tents at the station, became intoxicated and killed one or more wild foxes with an air rifle.

“The Coast Guard is aware of an incident involving Maryland State Police Department personnel at a Coast Guard facility,” said Ronald Hodges, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard East District. “The matter is currently

under investigation by MSP.” Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller also acknowledged the June incident this week, stating the department was aware of an incident but had no jurisdiction over what occurred at the federal base.

Maryland Natural Resources Police Public Information Officer Hunter Dortenzo also acknowledged the incident in a statement issued Tuesday.

“The Maryland Natural Resources Police is aware of the incident in question involving a member of the Maryland State Police on U.S. Coast Guard Station Ocean City grounds in June,” he said. “While the incident is under departmental investigation by MSP, all other investigative information should be relayed through USCG Public Affairs due to the actions occurring on U.S. government property.”

Russo said an internal investigation is being conducted “with the utmost diligence to ensure all facts are thoroughly examined and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with the law.” She added the results of the investigation will be provided to an administrative charging committee for disciplinary action.

She did not respond to questions regarding the events that led to an investigation, nor to questions about the status of any MSP members involved.

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OC Today-Dispatch

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) Citing dangerous rip currents and recent rescues, Ocean City Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin says closing the ocean to swimming was the right call as Hurricane Erin tracked up the coast and out to sea.

While the hurricane stayed well off the coast last week, rough surf and strong rip currents led city officials to close ocean access in the days leading up to and following the storm.

That decision, Arbin said this week, was not an easy one, but a necessary one.

“Everyone went home safe this past weekend,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

In the days leading up to the storm’s arrival, the Town of Ocean City announced it would close ocean access to all activities. Those restrictions were then amended over the weekend to allow for surfing and ankle-deep wading.

That call, made by Arbin with the input of city staff, brought with it strong criticism from beachgoers, Arbin said. However, he continued to stand by his decision Monday, citing the strong rip currents that continued throughout the weekend and early part of the week.

“The bottom line is it’s not about one individual person, it’s about us protecting every person that comes to Ocean City …,” he said. “We have to be extra conservative to keep people safe.”

Arbin said it also came down to

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manpower. With staffing down to a third of what it was at the peak of the summer season, he said lifeguard stands are farther apart, meaning it takes additional time to respond to an emergency.

“We had an experienced, long-distance swimmer this weekend ask why we wouldn’t let him swim …,” Arbin said of one complaint. “But it’s not about him. If we let him out there, the other people on the beach will think it’s OK to go in too.”

“It gets to a point like a fast break in basketball,” Arbin added. “They get ahead of us.”

Arbin pointed to an incident last Friday, in which three women were rescued after being swept out in a rip current. He shared details of the rescue on Facebook to drive home the importance of following the Beach Patrol’s restrictions.

“Yesterday and today, we restricted water access to ankle deep,” he wrote in a Facebook post Saturday. “On Friday, three girls headed into the ocean between our guard stands. As the SRT was attempting to move them in closer a wave broke knocking them down and a rip current began pulling them out to deeper water.”

Arbin said lifeguards were able to rescue the women, and that one was treated by EMS. He said the situation could have had a different outcome if not for the swift response of lifeguards on duty that day.

“Had we not been there, it would've been a tragedy,” he said this week. “So, we have to err on the side of caution.”

The city code gives the Ocean City Beach Patrol the authority to regulate all beach activities, Arbin said, as well as the power to issue citations to those who disobey orders.

“The citation can be from $25 up to $1,000,” he said. “One citation would be for being in the ocean when told not to be. Another is failing to listen to a patrol officer’s orders.”

However, he said the Ocean City Beach Patrol has focused its efforts on “voluntary compliance.”

“We don’t want to resort to writing a ticket or getting the police involved …,” he said. “When they do that, they are taking the guard away from the stand and away from dealing with everybody else.”

All ocean access restrictions were lifted on Tuesday.

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Sidewalk ban coming for OC bikes, scooters

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) With a new state law allowing bikes and scooters to ride on sidewalks beginning Oct. 1, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to prohibit such activity in town.

In a 7-0 vote, the City Council agreed to move forward with an ordinance that will prohibit the use of bikes, e-bikes and scooters on city sidewalks.

While state law was recently changed to allow for the operation of such vehicles on sidewalks, it also provides a carve-out for jurisdictions to impose their own restrictions.

“It would be simple to keep it prohibited,” said Sgt. Nathan Kutz of the Ocean City Police Department patrol division.

Both Kutz and Public Works Director Hal Adkins came before the City Council this week to make their recommendation against bike and scooter use on sidewalks, pointing to the walkways’ five-foot width and the various impediments that make them more challenging to navigate in heavy pedestrian traffic.

Adkins also noted that state law currently prohibits the use of bicycles – which, by definition, includes e-bikes and electric scooters – on sidewalks. He said adopting an ordinance would continue that practice in Ocean City after state law goes into effect Oct. 1.

“I ask you to remember the words

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Ocean City Council on Aug. 26 heard from Public Works Director Hal Adkins and OCPD Sgt. Nathan Kutz about scooter regulations.

‘status quo,’” he told the council this week.

Adkins said bicycles are currently allowed on the sidewalk located to the west side of Philadelphia Avenue, between Somerset and South 1st streets, as the pavement is wide enough to accommodate both bikes and pedestrians.

He also pointed to a section of northbound Coastal Highway, between 59th and 64th streets, where the bus/bike lane is interrupted by the Route 90 intersection.

He said the council may wish to continue allowing bicycle use on sidewalks in those two areas.

“I simply wanted to bring forth the

two locations I am aware of,” he said.

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said he supported an all-out ban on bikes and scooters on all city sidewalks, including the two areas in question. He said it made the ordinance easier for people to understand.

“It’s clear for everyone,” he said.

Staff noted that the council could draft an ordinance to prohibit bikes on sidewalks, but noted that exceptions could be allowed by resolution.

“I’m fine with keeping options open …,” Gehrig replied, “but for now, keep it simple.”

After further discussion, the council

voted unanimously to direct the city solicitor to draft an ordinance prohibiting bicycles, scooters and e-bikes on sidewalks except in areas approved by resolution.

While the ordinance, if adopted, would continue to prohibit bike use on city sidewalks, City Manager Terry McGean assured the council this week the Ocean City Police Department would continue to use their judgment when enforcing the prohibition.

“The police have and will continue to use discretion,” he said. “If there’s a child on training wheels on a sidewalk in Montego Bay, we’re not going to go over and write a ticket.”

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PAGE 17

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Worcester students’ test scores tops in Md. Improvements seen for county across all levels in statewide testing program

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Student testing data from 2024-2025 shows that Worcester County Public Schools lead the state in multiple categories, having outperformed all other Maryland school systems in mathematics and English/language arts.

Per an announcement from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) revealing spring 2025 exam statistics through the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in English/language arts (ELA) and math, WCPS lands at the top, with the highest rate of proficiency in both subjects. This data was released on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

In ELA, 68.5% of Worcester students scored at a proficient level or higher, outperforming the state average of 50.8% by 18 percentage points.

The Maryland school system with the second-highest passing rate was Carroll County at 66.5%. Baltimore City’s ELA proficiency sits at 31.2%, the lowest among all state educational institutions.

Last year, Worcester’s ELA scores

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Data provided by the Maryland State Department of Education ranks Worcester public schools No. 1 in mathematics proficiency.

earned the school system the top spot among all 24 Maryland counties.

WCPS has retained that slot for 2025 with another round of impressive MCAP scores.

According to a press release from WCPS, “seventh-grade proficiency in ELA grew at every school across the county, with Pocomoke Middle School standing out with a nearly 8.5

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WCPS also leads Maryland in mathematics. On the spring 2025 math assessments, 47.7% of Worcester students scored at or above the proficiency level.

For context, statewide, 26.5% of Maryland’s learners received passing scores in math across all tested areas.

Behind WCPS is Howard County,

with 42% of its students reaching proficiency in the subject. Somerset County fell to the bottom spot on the spring math exams, with just 10.1% of students exhibiting topic comprehension.

For math, Worcester’s scores on the 2025 exams jumped eight percentage points from those in 2024, where 39.3% of students performed See COMPREHENSION Page 20

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PAGE 19

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Comprehension levels of students climb on Md. test

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Approximately 69% of Worcester public school students scored at the proficient level in last spring’s English Language Arts assessment.

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Continued from Page 18 at proficiency. This rate earned WCPS the second-place spot among Maryland systems last year, right behind Howard County. This year, the increase in passing rates puts the Eastern Shore county firmly at number one.

According to the WCPS press release, countywide, the comprehension of seventh and eighth graders in math increased across all schools. At Snow Hill Middle School, seventhand eighth-grade students saw the most significant increase from 2024, with proficiency jumping 10.5 percentage points for seventh graders and a remarkable 20 percentage points for eighth graders.

Worcester’s school officials are delighted by the results. Annette Wallace, WCPS’ new superintendent, who this year succeeded Lou Taylor, maintains that through her tenure, she hopes to continue the educational system’s upward trajectory.

“We are proud to celebrate our students, educators, and families for leading the state in both English/language arts and mathematics,” Wallace said in WCPS' press release.

“These results are a testament to the incredible dedication within our schools, but we know our work is not finished until every single child reaches proficiency. I hope that by knowing every student by name, strength, and need, we will build on this momentum and move even closer to that goal.”

The results are based on MCAP scores, a Maryland testing program created to comply with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a law signed by former President Barack Obama in 2015. ESSA requires states to assess students in ELA and mathematics annually for grades 3 through 8 and once in high school.

Statewide, the majority of student groups saw an increase in passing marks as compared to 2o24. According to an MSDE press release, this year, 50.8% of Maryland students demonstrated comprehension in ELA, up from 48.4% the previous year. Rates also improved for mathematics, with 26.5% of learners showing proficiency, a slight increase from 24.1% in the last exam cycle.

The passing rates varied by test, said the MSDE memo. For example, statewide student proficiency in ELA ranged from 45.0% in ELA 5 to 59.5% in ELA 10. In mathematics, this variation was more pronounced, with 8.7% in Math 8 to 42.0% in Math 3.

MSDE noted that Worcester and Saint Mary’s counties had the most significant growth in math proficiency, with rates increasing by 8.4 and 5.9 percentage points, respectively.

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 21

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

charged for Money scams pop up in Worcester Three distributing illegal

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Your phone lights up with a text. It says you’re in debt to Worcester County. There’s even a link to click to send money. The message urges you to make payment “without delay.”

It seems real – but county officials are calling it an insidious swindle, one that’s popped up this summer via both text messages and emails.

Scammers are apparently using the county’s own public records against them: the con targets residents and business owners involved in the county’s permitting and plan review process into wiring money for alleged fees.

County officials said they’re aware of at least four incidents since midJune. Scam targets have included two rezoning applicants and two solar companies. So far, no perpetrators have been identified or criminally charged, according to Worcester County spokeswoman Kim Moses.

Officials have been taking steps to safeguard the public, including social media posts, phone calls to stakeholders, and warnings placed on all meeting agendas – saying that the county will never require payments by wire transfer and to call the county with questions.

“Our goals are to warn about the

scam and to educate the public on what steps to take to protect themselves,” Moses said via email. “Do not share sensitive information, hit reply, call a suspicious phone number, or click any unknown links.”

While earlier messages had “noticeable errors,” like an “@usa.com” email address instead of a county email, newer scam emails appear more convincing.

Moses shared with OC Today-Dispatch an example that not only appears to show intimate familiarity with the county’s zoning code, mentioning subdivisions and zoning districts by name, but falsely included the email signature of the county’s planning director, Jennifer Keener.

“Fortunately, we live in a tight-knit community, so recipients have felt comfortable picking up the phone and calling to confirm that the emails in question were, in fact, scams,” Keener said in a county press release last month. “If you haven’t had a conversation with an actual county staff member, red flags should be going off if you receive an email requesting payment.”

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli says scams like this are growing at the local, state, and federal level as scammers get savvier with technology, including artificial intelligence software and apps.

“We’re trying to stay ahead of them through education and prevention but it’s almost like chasing your tail,” he said.

County residents have complained to him in particular about falling victim to one pay-or-else scam that falsely appeared to come from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration – one that the sheriff himself said even showed up on his own personal phone.

“I don’t even blink. I just swipe and delete and report it as a scam. Other people get them and legitimately they’re concerned,” he said, adding, “That could be the catchphrase here: swipe and delete.”

Crisafulli implored residents to talk to family and loved ones to “spread this message, at the dinner table or family gatherings,” that Worcester County government won’t ever ask people for money, that all county bills and invoices go through official channels online or in person in Snow Hill.

“Go to Google, go to the source, go to an authentic website. Call the number yourself. That’s what we’re imploring people to do. People overall need to stop clicking on links they get in emails or through text messages,” he said.

For more information, contact Worcester County at 410-6232-1194.

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substances in OC Local residents charged with felony drug dealing

By Steve Green Executive Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) Felony cocaine distribution charges were recently filed after a month-long drug distribution probe in Ocean City.

During July, Ocean City police launched an undercover investigation into suspected drug dealing by Zchameir Kee, 28, an Evans Road resident near Berlin. The probe centered on Kee and two known accomplices, Pranav Rao, 30, and Alayna Litchendorf, 24, of Berlin.

On July 18, Kee made contact with an undercover officer via Snapchat inquiring if he wanted to buy cocaine, specifically a “half” for about $500, according to the statement of probable cause. A half refers to about 14 grams of powder cocaine, according to the charging documents.

Arrangements were made between the undercover officer and Kee to meet and then drive to a local business. Kee went inside the business to meet with an employee and came out with a to-go container, inside of See OC Page 24

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OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer \(Aug. 28, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association’s chief inspector with the community’s compliance, permit, and inspections (CPI) department was arrested by Delaware State Police last week following a road rage incident that resulted in felony gun charges.

Joshua Vickers of Dagsboro, Del., who has been employed with Ocean Pines for over 16 years, was ar- Joshua Vickers rested on Aug. 21 after a situation occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Coastal Highway, northbound in Milton, near Eagle Crest Road.

According to a report by the Delaware State Police, law enforcement responded to an incident in which a driver was involved in a confrontation with a man, later identified as 38-year-old Vickers, who, in a fit of road rage, “yelled and allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim.”

Soon after, troopers located Vick-

ers and his white Honda Pilot at Hudson Fields on Eagle Crest Road, and he was detained without incident, according to the police report. During a search of Vickers’s car, they discovered a 9mm handgun in the glove compartment, a 12-gauge shotgun, and two .22 caliber rifles.

The OPA employee was arrested and taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the following crimes: possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony), carrying a concealed deadly weapon – firearm (felony), aggravated menacing (felony), and overtaking/passing on the right. Vickers was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $30,100 unsecured bond.

According to an OPA press release, Vickers began working for the homeowners association as a member of the grounds crew. In this role, he was responsible for lawn care, sign installation, and heavy equipment operation.

Vickers moved to the compliance, permit, and inspections department around seven years ago. The CPI team addresses code violations, like unruly or hazardous yards and signage issues. The group also creates banners for OPA spaces like White Horse Park and processes permits and inspections.

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Continued from Page 22 which was the cocaine. Video of the drug transfer was captured by the business surveillance system and the employee was identified as Litchendorf.

On Aug. 13, the undercover officer

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made contact with Kee, who told him to come to his residence on Evans Road outside of Berlin. Kee agreed to sell seven grams of cocaine for $300 at his residence. Outside of the residence, Litchendorf exited the residence and conducted the drug transaction inside the undercover officer’s vehicle.

On Aug. 18, Litchendorf was placed under arrest.

In a separate drug deal, on Aug. 7, an undercover officer contacted Kee to purchase seven grams of cocaine for $300. Kee advised the officer to meet at his Evans Road home. Rao exited the house and conducted the drug deal through the driver’s side window.

Kee is charged with five felony counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) of schedule II (cocaine). Kee was criminally indicted on Tuesday in Worcester County Circuit Court. A jury trial has been set for Jan. 5-6, 2026.

Rao was charged with one felony count of CDS distribution of cocaine.

Litchendorf was charged with two felony counts of CDS distribution of cocaine.

www.octodaydispatch.com

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) While the future of the Berlin Welcome Center remains uncertain, groups float the idea that a regional cultural heritage center could move into the space.

Berlin’s Town Hall building is set to soon go under renovation. While this construction takes place, town staff will move to the Main Street visitor center on Main Street, displacing groups that operate there, including the nonprofit organization Beach to Bay Heritage Area and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. This action could be temporary or permanent, depending on the municipality's decision regarding the welcome space.

Upon project completion, Berlin’s economic and community development, currently working in the welcome center, will move to the upgraded town hall on Williams Street. The rearrangement will promote staff collaboration, with all teams working in closer proximity than they do at present. With personnel relocating from the visitor

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center once the town hall’s renovations are finalized, leaving the building largely vacant. Berlin officials must decide what the welcome space’s future holds.

While there is time, as the town hall’s update is not expected to be complete until next summer at the earliest, the municipality’s mayor and council hosted a work session earlier this week to hear possibilities.

Lisa Challenger of Beach to Bay Heritage Area and Melissa Reid of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum pitched a regional heritage center.

Specifically, Challenger, Beach to Bay’s executive director, urged the town to consider a “cultural heritage interpretive center.”

“The Beach to Bay Heritage Area proposes to repurpose the existing Berlin Welcome Center into a vibrant, multi-use facility that serves as both a community hub and a cultural heritage interpretive center,” the outline reads.

“The reimagined space will accommodate non-profit organizations, small businesses, and individuals seeking hotdesk or short-term office space. It will also continue to serve visitors and residents with accessible information and resources of the region’s rich heritage.”

Key features could include adaptable office space for organizations, a hub with resources on the region’s heritage and history, exhibits highlighting sites like the Taylor House, Rackliffe House, the Museum of Ocean City, and Germantown School, and provide storage space, as it currently does for items used for town events.

Additional collaborators for the space could include We Heart Berlin and Radio Free Berlin.

Challenger maintained that while this type of center would not generate significant revenue for the town, it would serve a more beneficial purpose: strengthening Berlin’s commitment to the community.

“It would bring much larger value than any dollar can be placed on it, through attraction, through quality of life, through bringing in other parts of See NEW Page 30

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Continued from Page 28 the community into downtown. And really sharing their stories,” she said. “If it’s going to come down to hard, fast dollars, it’s going to be hard to compete.”

Challenger continued, adding, “Our vision is taking the existing building and really turning it into a multi-use with office space, businesses like the radio station, and then turning the front into a real community hub of a cultural heritage interpretive center.”

The executive director added that the space would be regional, not just highlighting downtown Berlin, but also the surrounding areas. Grants may be available for building costs and exhibit creation.

“We can make this kind of a cultural anchor to safeguard our history and heritage and traditions,” Challenger said.

“We have a list of funders that we would definitely go after. I feel like we would have a good amount of success. This could definitely be a model for a cooperative, public-private partnership.”

Reid, Taylor House president, and Challenger emphasized the importance of maintaining a place that protects the region’s commitment to the arts and humanities. Reid noted that the Town of Berlin has been riding “an incredible wave of success,” but that hardships cannot be avoided.

“Every boom has a bust, and we have been on a great boom for a long time,”

she said. “What concerns me, unless we collectively talk about and find answers on how to land a bust, in other words, when an economic downturn comes because they always will, what does Berlin have that will safeguard what has been in the works for decades?”

The presenters assured that the building should be economically viable, and rent should be charged, but that it does not need to go to the highest bidder. “‘I think it’s important that we keep that balance of commerce and community,” Reid said.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall asked what the proposed heritage center could bring that existing Berlin sites, such as the Taylor House, do not.

Challenger and Reid said that the Taylor House tells the stories of Berlin, while a new heritage hub would include attractions throughout the region, such as museums as far as Salisbury. Furthermore, the Taylor House’s reach has limits. The facility operates seasonally, from March to October. A fresh center would offer more flexibility and diversity in what could be highlighted. The Germantown School would be a significant focus, for example.

Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell was present at this week’s welcome center work session, advocating, as a Berlin citizen, for Challenger and Reid’s proposal.

Purnell urged the Berlin Town Coun-

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Visitor center’s future unknown cil to consider the suggestion, as it would allow sites like the Germantown School to extend their reach and impact.

“If we got a central location, and someone rolls into town and they go to the center and say, ‘I want to know about Germantown School … I want to know where it is. I want to know this about Berlin,’ you got a cohesive message in one place,” she said. “Right now, what we have in Berlin and how the growth has taken place, a lot of small towns would kill for. Heritage is number one. I think we can do that, and you need that heartbeat for Berlin.

We need to work together.”

The council was receptive to the proposal and maintained that they are open to considering the possibility, but that it is far too early for any type of decision to be made.

“I do see opportunity in what was presented tonight,” Councilman Steve Green said. “I see value in celebrating, remembering our past, present, and looking to the future. I do see an opportunity there to diversify some of the offerings we have in Berlin.”

As for a timeline, Tyndall asked Reid and Challenger to put together a list of potential funding sources for the heritage project, which will be formally presented at a later date. According to officials, the future of the welcome center is uncertain, pending town hall renovations, and they would

like to see what is needed as the upgrade work progresses. Further review is likely to take place next summer.

The town hall renovations are expected to begin in December with an anticipated completion of summer 2026.

The town purchased the Berlin Welcome Center in March of 2011 for $357,500. The original intention was that a visitor space would occupy the front of the building, while artist studio spaces would be located in the back. That initial plan did not come to fruition, as the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, a user of the structure, experienced frequent leadership changes, resulting in a lack of consistent vision. Additionally, the artistic rooms were difficult to keep rented.

Tyndall highlighted the building’s value, given its ideal location on Main Street with seven parking spaces. According to the mayor, any lease would be around $4,500. If only the front of the structure were to be rented (approximately 1,500 square feet), and the back half were to remain as storage for the town, the lease would be $2,500.

The idea of selling the welcome center was mentioned. Town officials said that while that option is on the table, they would like to see the municipality hold on to it and expects that to be the case. Still, every choice must be considered. If the building were to go on the market, it is valued at $500,000 to $700,000 for a sale price.

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Electric residential utility accounts in Berlin will see a credit of $54 on their next bill as part of a statewide energy relief refund passed earlier this year.

According to Natalie Saleh, Berlin’s finance director, the State of Maryland recently passed a bill, the Legislative Energy Relief Refund, that aims to provide customers with relief from high energy costs resulting from rising electric supply prices.

The state distributed approximately $200 million to provide this assistance to consumers. Of that, Berlin received $104,000. Saleh stated that this will be divided evenly among approximately 2,000 residential accounts within the Town of Berlin. As such, customers will see a return of $54.

According to a June press release from the Maryland Public Service Commission on the energy refund, the group established a plan to provide bill credits to residential electricity customers through the Next Generation Energy Act (Senate Bill 937/House Bill 1035) that the General Assembly passed during the 2025 legislative session, which au-

thorized the creation of the Legislative Energy Relief Refund. The $200 million approved for the refunds will be applied to utility bills in two phases: one in late summer of this year and the other in early 2026.

Berlin customers will find a message on their next bill that states the credit is from the energy relief refund. The $54 is a one-time monetary assistance. Saleh noted that to comply with the law, Berlin’s financial staff had to complete a significant amount of paperwork and legwork.

However, Mary Bohlen, town administrator, maintained that this effort did not yield any unnecessary administrative costs.

The state’s service commission outlines the terms and conditions of the refund.

“To be eligible for the first round of credits, the customer must have an active residential electric account as of June 1, 2025, must have recorded electricity usage during the 12-month period ending March 31, 2025 (to cover the impacts of this past winter’s heating season), and must be an active account holder during the billing month in which the credit is applied to the customer’s bill,” the Maryland commission’s press release reads.

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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walk spoiled.”

For decades, actor Hal Holbrook portrayed Twain on stage, and after he died, his estate asked actor Richard Thomas — known for his role as “John-boy Walton” in the 1970s TV series “The Waltons,” to continue that work. Thomas, who is just starting the tour, will bring it to the Arts Center for the tour’s first stop at the Ocean City Convention Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. For tickets, visit the box at the convention center or click online to eventticketscenter.com.

In recent conversation with the Coastal Point, Thomas — now 74 and the parent of seven in a blended family with his wife, Georgiana Bischoff — spoke warmly of his friendship with Holbrook, who brought to life Twain, in his signature white suit, vest and necktie and with a shock of unkempt hair, also white.

Thomas — whose voice is still unmistakably that of John-boy living on Walton Mountain in Virginia — said the change from that character, played when he was in his 20s, to now, is the natural progression of an actor.

“Well, big changes. That is what we do as actors, right? We change from one character to another. That’s what the profession is. I started to play John-boy when I was 21, so there is a lot of experience, a lot of mileage, on the odometer,” he said, laughing.

Actor Richard Thomas has taken over the role of Mark Twain from the late Hal Holbrook, who performed as Twain for decades.

“It is very exciting to play Mark Twain,” he added. “He is such an enormous, important American in so many ways and probably the first worldwide American celebrity. He was on the road doing these lectures, going from city to city, place to place.

He called them lectures, but it was an early version of stand-up. He was very funny. He embodied all the great contradictions of being an American, like

AUGUST 29, 2025

Thomas eager to follow Holbrook in OC show Sept. 5 his suspicion of wealth and corporations and extreme wealth and power, yet he worked his whole life to be as wealthy as he could.

“His relationship to organized religion is very interesting,” Thomas said.

“He is funny, but he was very provocative. He is always relevant, because he is the absolute picture of the American character. This is a very exciting time to bring him back. I am delighted that Hal put this show together.”

Thomas — who remains friendly and in touch with the surviving Waltons cast members — said he wants to remind audiences of the importance of Twain, who was born in Missouri in 1835, because “he is so much more, so much richer, than just an author, and I think Hal put together a wonderful sampling of his thoughts.”

Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in a two-room cabin that is now a museum, used the pseudonym Mark Twain — which means “two fathoms,” or 12 feet, the safe depth for steamboats. He used the name in a nod to his days as a riverboat captain.

Thomas said he read Twain’s most popular books in school as boy and reread both “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” published in 1876, and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” published in 1884, while he was portraying Atticus Finch in the stage production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“They are wonderful books to read,” Thomas said. “‘Huckleberry Finn’ is his masterpiece, for so many reasons, in so many ways. I’m enjoying it enormously. It’s a wonderful book. I’m getting ready to read ‘Roughing It.’ I have read a lot of selections. You can really immerse yourself in him,” said Thomas, referring to Twain’s semi-autobiographical novel.

“Nothing stands out as the best advice or wisest words of Mark Twain,” Thomas said, “because there is so much. It’s so rich. The lesson I take from him is to embrace your contradictions, because those are the things that define him. … He talks about religion. He talks about politics, politicians, a lot about human nature, and while talking about mostly things he finds hilarious and kind of horrible.

He couches all that in humor, and he uses storytelling. In the show, there are five stories he tells, and some are longer, some from Huckleberry Finn, some about prospecting. He retells the story of the Great Flood. I love it,” Thomas said.

“It is a wonderful time to acquaint ourselves with this great American personality. In so many ways, it’s who we are. What we aspire to be, fall short, what our contradictions are, what our ideals are. I am really thrilled I’m going to be able to live with this person for the next seven months and maybe beyond,” he said.

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35 GREENWOOD LANE OCEAN PINES Pride of ownership shows. Sunken living room opens to spacious back deck & yard. An additional family room has wood-burning fireplace. Kitchen SS appliances (2022), quartz countertops & wet bar. Laundry room. Closet & 2-car garage access near kitchen. Primary BR with En-suite BA with Florida room (currently an office). 2 extra BR & guest BA. New luxury vinyl plank in kitchen, family room, foyer, laundry room, hallway & Florida room. New hot water heater. Spacious back deck and firepit.

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$

0

0

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PAGE 36

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Come See Us At A The Ocean City Seafood Fe Festival Saturday rd y,, Sep ptember 6 at Northside Park • 12-8pm

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Entries for OC photo contest to be received through Sept.

(Aug. 29, 2025) The Ocean City Museum Society has extended the submission deadline for the annual Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest, giving photographers more time to share their favorite Ocean City moments.

Whether snapping a photo of the sunset or the entire family, there is no better place than Ocean City to capture stunning and memorable images. The Ocean City Museum Society’s Louis Parsons III Memorial Annual Photo Contest honors the life and legacy of dedicated museum board member and photographer Lou Parsons.

The competition has a new setup this year, featuring an adult category and brand new youth category.

Adult Category (18 and over): Ocean City beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, and Assateague bay or Ocean City bay sunsets. Each category winner will be awarded $250.

Youth Category (17 and under): The photograph can be of any subject as long as the location of the image is

in Ocean City. One winner will be selected and awarded $250.

Grand Prize Winner: The adult and youth category winners have an opportunity to be the Grand Prize winner. They will be awarded an additional $250.

Sponsor Prize: Open to all categories. The Louis Parsons III Memorial Photo Contest Sponsor, Jeff Williams, will pick the winning image. The awarded amount is $250.

People's Choice Vote: Open to all categories. The photograph with the most votes by the contest's closing will be awarded $100.

The entry period is open through Sept. 30. Category winners will be announced on November 1, 2025.

There will be a gallery event showcasing the winning images. This is a free event open to the public on Nov. 1 from 1 -3 p.m. at the Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, Md 21842.

For more information about the contest, please visit https://www.gogophotocontest.com/oceancitymuseumsociety

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PAGE 37

OC Today-Dispatch

Artists to showcase Worcester (Aug. 21, 2025) The Worcester County Arts Council will welcome artists back for the annual Paint Worcester County Plein Air Competition, happening Sept. 14-19.

Artist registration is open, and the deadline to apply is Aug. 31 so don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting celebration of art and place.

For registration details, guidelines, and event updates, visit www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

In partnership with the Worcester County Library Foundation, this event invites artists from near and far to capture the magic of Worcester County en plein air — painting outdoors, directly from the landscape, the streets and the vibrant community around us and compete for attractive cash prizes.

This year’s competition juror will be William Buchanan, an accomplished painter and former art educa-

tor. He brings both deep artistic vision and a heartfelt connection to our region.

The week culminates in a festive Opening Exhibit Reception & Sale on Friday, Sept. 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Berlin Library Meeting Room. The public is warmly invited to meet the artists, enjoy the freshly painted works, hear the juror’s remarks, and even take home an original plein air masterpiece. The exhibit will remain on view at the Berlin Library Gallery through Oct. 22.

"Paint Worcester County celebrates the vibrant landscapes and artistic spirit of our community," said Anna Mullis, Executive Director of the Worcester County Arts Council.

“We encourage artists to register, and we welcome everyone to join us on Sept. 19 to share in the joy of art, creativity, and community.”

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PAGE 38

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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ON GUARD

Late August, early fall serve as challenging time in OC

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Every year around this time, we find ourselves asking, “Where did August go?” This summer will go down in the record books as one of the best for the Beach Patrol, thanks to the strongest staffing numbers in our history and a safe season for our visitors. Ocean City has remained busy with vacationers, and we were fortunate to be fully staffed through most of the summer and well into August. But now, as summer fades into fall, we try to hold on to what’s left of the season while facing the reality that many of our Surf Rescue Technicians (SRTs) are heading back to their lives away from the beach. Most of our guards are students or educators, with commitments that pull them back to classrooms across Maryland, the U.S., and even Canada. While this unique lifestyle allows them to dedicate their summers to the Beach Patrol, it also means that each August our ranks quickly thin, resulting in

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fewer guards being available and greater distances between stands.

As the beach patrol strives to maintain the maximum number of lifeguard stands on the beach, vacationers continue to choose Ocean City as a vacation destination. August seemed to be the popular month again this year and September will also prove to be popular as well. This situation becomes the greatest challenge for the patrol as we try to provide the same level of protection for each visitor as when we are at 100 percent staffing (91 stands). To complicate matters, this is also the time of year that Ocean City experiences an increase in the volume and size of waves due to tropical activity in the Atlantic, as well as events like the recent Hurricane Erin which required us to place a swimming restriction in place for several days. August and September are traditionally our large surf months, producing larger waves, rip currents and shore break, as well as our busiest time for assisting swimmers needing help. As September approaches, fewer guards are left to handle bigger rips and waves. This is when the training and skills they have been honing all summer will be

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ON GUARD

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 39

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Sgt. Travis Wagner, who is in his 21st season with the patrol, is also a high school Spanish teacher in Pennsylvania. He travels back from Pennsylvania on weekends to help keep as many stands up as possible this time of the year. For exact stand locations and daily beach conditions, visit our website www.oceancitymd.gov/ocbp and follow the link to "stand locations".

to keep all of our beach patrons safe during these busy final weeks of the season.

Through the scheduling skills of Lt. Mike Stone, who has 40 years with the Patrol and a retired local school counselor, we have been able to realize our goal of keeping the maximum number of guarded stands on the beach for the maximum number of days, which was 91 compared to 75 during the 2023 season. As the season continues, surf rescue technicians will have a more challenging situation with the greater distance between stands and a larger area of responsibility. When we remove stands from the beach, the remaining stands are spread out equally. Many of these personnel will choose to work without a day off until the end of the season so that we can provide additional coverage and added safety to swimmers of more guards on duty. Many SRTs, who have left for other obligations away from the beach, will return on a part-time basis on weekends. The Town of Ocean City is offering a “critical coverage” bonus for every hour worked after August 10th, overtime pay, as well as providing a travel stipend to offset the cost of traveling back to Ocean City from areas over 110 miles away, to help encourage as many SRT’s as possible to return once they have moved from the area. several help on both weekdays and weekends, even scheduling classes to allow availability during several days each week. Imagine if one guard gets sick or injured and we don’t have someone to cover their stand, which is one less Continued on Page 40

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PAGE 40

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

ON GUARD Continued from Page 39 stand on the beach which again makes the distance between stands even further apart.

OCBP is committed to providing SRTs along the entire 10 miles of beach for all visitors and residents, so rather than have unguarded areas, the number of available lifeguard towers is equally distributed along the beach front. As this redistribution occurs the location and distance between stands changes (sometimes daily and the distance may increase to as much as 800 yards (1/2 mile) between stands compared to the average 190 yards at maximum midseason coverage). We will continue to provide coverage of all 10 miles of Ocean City beaches until Sunday, Sept. 21 whereas nearby patrols will only provide guards on the weekends or shut down their entire operation earlier than in past seasons due to funding and staffing issues.

Although Ocean City’s coverage will be done with fewer personnel and lifeguard towers, we will supplement this coverage by increasing the number of mobile rescue units patrolling the beach. Thanks to action by the City Manager, we have added additional ATVs to our coverage scheme so that each of these mobile units will have a reduced response area. These mobile units are first-aid, Stop the Bleed, AED and PPE equipped with one SRT (rider) acting as the primary

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rescue swimmer while the other SRT (driver) maintains radio communication and backup during an emergency. Both are qualified as surf rescue technicians, medical first responders and are quad (ATV) certified. SRTs will be on duty daily between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

We strongly encourage all beach patrons to restrict any beach or water related activities to times when beach patrol personnel are on duty, never swim alone, always stay within the limits of their ability, and never rely on a flotation device. To make sure we end our season and yours safely, vacationers and locals can help the guards and themselves by making the extra effort to swim in front of a lifeguard. To find the nearest location of your SRT, visit our website and follow the link to “stand locations”.

Captain’s Note: Thanks to the professionalism and commitment of our Surf Rescue Technicians who are willing to return for several years we have over 32% of our staff with 5 or more years’ experience (9% have over 20 years) with Ocean City. What makes this statistic even more amazing is that 86% of our employees must relocate to Ocean City each season from their full-time residences and obtain seasonal housing. If you or someone you know would like to rent seasonally to Beach Patrol employees or become a host family, please contact our office 410-289-7556.

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

PAGE 41

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PAGE 42

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Above left, participants in the Kids Paint OC ages 6-9 are pictured with judges Sasha Mete and David Simpson. Above right, Fred Jackson is pictured with his first-place painting of the Boardwalk.

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Annual Artists Paint OC Festival, Competition held (Aug. 29, 2025) The Art League of Ocean City announces the winners of the 20th Annual “Artists Paint OC Festival and Competition” held Aug. 13-17.

During the festival, 52 professional plein air artists competed in the main event, painting local landscapes for four days, and 41 artists competed in Sunday’s two-hour Quick Paint event

on the Boardwalk. Local children joined in with their own competition.

The artists completed 262 paintings and competed for more than $11,000 in prize money.

On the weekend, the artists brought their best work to the Ocean City Center for the Arts to be judged by juror Sara Linda Poly. In the overall category, Fred Jackson took the

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PAGE 43

OC Today-Dispatch

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Among the award winners from last week’s event were Vicki Zhou for best nocturnal, top, and John Eiseman for best use of light.

Artists complete 262 paintings first place prize of $2,500, sponsored

by PNC Bank. David Simpson won second place and $1,000, sponsored by the Art League. Rajendra KC won the $500 third place prize, sponsored

by Longboard Cafe.

A special 20th Anniversary of Artists Paint OC Award of $2,000 went to Fred Jackson, sponsored by Emily Schwab. The $1,000 Spirit of Ocean City Award, sponsored by Ocean City Tourism, was awarded to Rajendra KC. John Eiseman won the Best Use of Light Award of $200, sponsored by Betty Huang. Vicki Zhou won the Best Nocturnal Award of $200, sponsored by Virginia Outten. John Schisler won the Best Maritime Award of $200, sponsored by Ed and Emmy Challenger.

Dennis Young won the Best Hospitality Award of $200, sponsored by OCHMRA. Vicki Zhou won the Best Agriculture Award of $250, sponsored by the Farming Community of Worcester County.

The Art League also awarded Honorable Mentions of $150 to Jose Ramirez, Jim Rehak, and Judith Loeber, sponsored by Marian Bickerstaff, Berta Maginniss, and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Assoc.

The Judges Spotlight Awards went See AWARDS Page 44

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PAGE 44

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Prizes handed out in Ocean City

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Continued from Page 43 to Mary Veiga, Stacey Sass, John Eiseman, and Lori Yates.

The Quick Paint two-hour painting competition was held on the Boardwalk Sunday morning, sponsored by the OCDC and judged by Kirk McBride. Liz Maynes won first place and $300; Vicky Zhou, second place, $200; Ann Crostic, third place, $100; and Amber McCubbin, honorable mention, $50.

The 3rd Annual Kids Paint OC drew entries from three age categories, with winners selected by judges David Simpson and Sasha Mete. Kids Paint OC is sponsored by the Art League, the Worcester County Arts Council, and John Sisson.

In the age 6-9 category, Austin Schisler won first place and $60; Olivia Silbaogh, second place, $40;

and Nora Ruch, third place, $25. Special “Rising Star” honorees Archie Martin, Annaleigh Martin, and Shiloh Gurung received $25.

In the age 10-12 category, Owen Schisler won first place and $75; Tobi Blaska, second place, $50; and Ellie Hall, third place, $25. Honorable mentions were awarded to Kaitlyn Guertler, Mason Wharton, and Markella Sfakianoudis.

In the age 13-17 category, Sam Guertler won first place and $100; Jordanna Smith, secSUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE ond place, $75; and Sydney John Schisler’s painting took home best painting in the Parker, third place, $50.

The public may view and pur- maritime category. chase the original paintings from the Artists Paint OC event in the ter for the Arts on 94th St. bayside Sisson Galleria of the Ocean City Cen- through Sept. 27.

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AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

Pink Lady Golf tourney planned (Aug. 29, 2025) The Ocean Pines Ladies and Men’s Golf Associations are once again teaming up for their annual Pink Lady Golf Tournament to support breast cancer care and research on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration is $45 and includes range balls, prizes, a buffet lunch, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Green fee is paid separated at the Ocean Pines Pro Shop on the day of the event.

The tournament supports the AGH Foundation and the Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center. Proceeds help provide mammograms and other lifesaving measures to help local women.

Over the past 13 years, the tourney has donated over $25,000 to the Atlantic General Women’s Imaging Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from Tee Sponsor to Gold Level.

The deadline to register is Sept. 15.

Checks should be made to OPLGA-9 and either dropped off with your registration form to the OPGCC Pro Shop or mailed to Donna M. Kelly, 28 Heron Isle Court, Ocean Pines, Md. 21811.

For additional information, contact Denise Stevens at 202-340-4656 or Denisestevens41@outlook.com.

MOVE-IN READY 3 BR, 2 BA CONDO with POOL & 1 BLOCK to the BEACH & BOARDWALK W !

NETING LIS

107 SOMERSET STREET UNIT 204 BEL MARE CONDO DOWNTOWN OCEAN CITY Highly sought after & rarely offered Bel Mare condo – this former model is in pristine condition, luxurious & professionally furnished. All 3 BRs have a private balcony plus extra living room balcony! Primary BA jetted tub & separate walk-in shower. Living room flat screen TV over gas fireplace. All BRs have flat screen TVs too. Large walk-in laundry room full size side by side washer & dryer. Fantastic location 1 block to boardwalk & beach. Walk to restaurants, shops, pubs, inlet & bayside water sports. 2 covered parking spaces. 2nd floor unit accessible by elevator & overlooks pool. Watch 4th of July fireworks from one of your balconies. Separate storage space in garage. Perfect for family's personal use or as investment with this year's gross rental income of $35,000 with Sept/Oct Owner blocked. Last year was $40K. Hurry, this gorgeous condo won't last!

$650,000

Joyce Melbourne Husman 410.490.0948

Associate Broker, GRI

Putting Buyers & Sellers Together for Over 40 Years joycemelbourne@comcast.net License # 39515

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty 11001 Manklin Meadows Lane Ocean Pines MD 21811 410.208.3500

©2025 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire HomesServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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PAGE 46

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

FLAG POLE DEDICATION The Town of Berlin hosted a dedication ceremony for the new flag poles at Stephen Decatur Park this month. The flag poles were gifted to the town by U.S. Navy veteran Jack Gillen, who is well known in the area for his radio background as well as his family’s hospitality legacy in Ocean City.

Gillen dedicated the flag poles to Commodore Stephen Decatur, a distinguished naval hero who was born near what is today Berlin. A memorial plaque recognizing Decatur is located along the park’s walking path near the new flag poles. Town officials and other dignitaries are pictured with Gillen and his family at the ceremonial opening of the new park addition.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

MOVE-IN READY Y OCEAN BLOOCK 1 BR, 1.5 BA CONDO with POOOL OON! S I N G 3 1 ST .

COM AU G

2 80TH STREETT UNITT 502 • OCEAN CITY

$ 317, 7,500

Beautifully decorated spacious condo comfortably sleeps s 4 (BR has 2 beds) but does have a queen sleeper sofa that sleepss 2 more & is perr-fectlly situated in a much sought after mid- ocean bloock location. Just steps to the beach & walk to restaurants & entertainnment. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax on the balconny. Tasteful decorr,, open layout & plenty off sleeping space - this condo makkes an ideal beach retreat or investment property. Don't miss your chance to own a slice of paradise in Ocean City!!

Ann Holtz Associate Brokerr,, REALLTTOR®

Cell: (443) 359-9863 E-Mail: ann.holtz@cbrealty. y.com

12207 Coastal Highway Suite S D • Ocean Cityy,, MD 21842 Office: 410-524-1203 4

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. © 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLS. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLLC.

PRINT WEB octodaydispatch.com • baysideoc.com

AUGUST 29, 2025

PAGE 49

OC Today-Dispatch

SHAWN KOTWICA

Realtor®, Associate Broker Licensed in Maryland & Delaware

724-840-0572 • Shawn.Kotwica@cbmove.com

www.theanchorsales.com #1 COLDWELL BANKER REALTY LISTING AGENT FOR OCEAN CITY & DE BEACHES IN 2024

4BR, 2 BA HOME with WATERVIEWS & BOAT SLIP

2 OCEAN BLOCK UNITS - PURCHASE 1 OR BOTH for MEGA PROPERTY

803 N BALTIMORE AVENUE UNIT A1 & B OCEAN CITY Unit A1 3 BR 3 BA ocean block unit is a 2006 Build. Currently renting weekly w/2025 Rentals that must be honored on the books yet helps pay for your mortgage. 1 block to Boardwalk & beach. Perfect for larger groups as these units sleep up to 15 guests.

T JUSUCED RED

12353 MEADOW DRIVE SNUG HARBOR BERLIN 4 Bed 2 Bath completely remodeled inside and out. Fully furnished all new in 2025. Waterfront slip with 10k lb. Boat lift.

$649,000

Unit B Very Spacious 3 BR, 3 BA Ocean Block Unit with proven rental history of over $55k/year over year.

$999,999

$649,000

PRIVATE PEACEFUL SETTING with POND VIEWS

9313 TEN POINT COURT DEER POINT • WEST OCEAN CITY

WATERFRONT 5 BR, 2 BA BAYSIDE HOME

152 OLD WHARF ROAD OCEAN CITY

Freshly painted 3BR, 2.5 BA home on cul-de sac. Lot adjoined by pond & unbuildable community-owned lot. French doors to in-home office & living room.

Interior Flows easily into Kitchen & Family room. Large fenced in yard, 2-car garage, low HOA fees & just 2 miles to beach!

Spacious 1-story home as coastal retreat or investment property. Direct water access from & a short stroll to the beach. Versatile layout: screened-in porch + open deck overlooks water. Lots of room for family or guests if you’re considering rental potential. 1-car garage & bonus storage room.

Weekend getaway, year-round residence, or renovation project, this home has potential!

$600,000

$750,000 DIRECT OCEAN FRONT 5 BR, 2.5 BA PENTHOUSE CONDO

MID-TOWN 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO

T JUSUCED RED

5907 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT 205 BOCA GRANDE OCEAN CITY Beautiful Ocean Front two bedroom located in the mid-town inside a midrise building with internet and cable provided in the Condo fees. This unit has an updated kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Never rented and lightly used. Just steps to the world famous Fager’s Island. This is a non-smoking property!

$459,000

MID-TOWN CONDO with UNBELIEVABLE VIEWS!

T JUSUCED D RE

13110 COASTAL HIGHWAY UNIT 91401 BRAEMAR TOWERS N. OCEAN CITY Stunning 9th floor unit with north, east & south facing balconies for panoramic views. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliders in living area. Modern kitchen granite countertops & breakfast bar. Primary suite has private BA & balcony access. 4 other BRs provide plenty of room for guests or family. Resort-style amenities: oceanfront pool with sundeck, Fitness center, Sauna, Game room, Tennis courts, Onsite security, building management, Assigned parking & guest spaces, Private beach access & outdoor showers. Well-maintained & designed building for both full-time living & luxurious vacation getaways.

Walk or bike to Northside Park’s 58 acres property w/walking trails, playgrounds, sports courts, bayfront fishing pier & seasonal fireworks. Close to shopping, dining & groceries. Enjoy the nostalgia & high energy destination of the Ocean City Boardwalk capturing the essence of Maryland’s beach culture.

$1,175,000

5104 COASTAL HIGHWAY UNIT 302S OCEAN CITY

BAYSIDE MID-TOWN 3 BR, 3.5 CONDO

Beautiful one-bedroom unit with unbelievable sunsets over the front porch and amazing ocean sunrises off your private back balcony. Enjoy the proximity to secrets, Macky’s, & Fager’s Island. Peace of mind with a brand-new central air unit in 2024.

111 76TH STREET UNIT 101 BAY 1 OCEAN CITY This stunning three-bedroom, 3 ½-bathroom condo is ideally located on 76th Street in Ocean City, Maryland. Perfectly designed for both comfort & luxury, the property boasts a spacious open floor plan with abundant natural light & coastal decor. The Private Coded entry elevator welcomes you to your enclosed entry door & adjoined vestibule for all your beach storage & extra items.

$259,900

$725,000

3 BR, 2.5 BA HOME – CLOSE TO OC ELEMENTARY

10305 TURTLE COURT OCEAN CITY

TOWNHOME with DEEDED BOAT SLIP

Home on large lot on Cul-de-Sac with waterfront land on the pond with fountain. Enjoy the sights & sounds from the custom pergola. Brand-new roof installed 2024 & new kitchen installed 2025. Home is perfect for anyone and has the benefit of being in walking distance to OC Elementary school. Master bedroom has walk in closest & bonus room for gym, office, storage, or safe room!

12907 SAND BAR LANE SEASIDE VILLAGE OCEAN CITY Multi-generational retreat, rental income opportunity, or a mix of both this is it! Each home has water views from multiple levels & deeded private boat slip included. Pontoon boat & jet skis included all with under 15 hours/engine. Minutes to beach, restaurants, boutiques & attractions.

$499,990

3 BR, 2 BA HOME with ROOM for BOAT PARKING

$739,000

26 MOBY DICK DRIVE OCEAN PINES Move-in ready beautifully maintained 1984 built home on spacious lot with driveway. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. 1st floor owner's suite + 2 BRs for guests or office. Screened-in porch & rear deck. Outdoor shower, tankless water heater, encapsulated crawlspace & storage shed. Minutes to OC & boardwalk + access to all Ocean Pines’ amenities.

$349,990

UPDATED 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO

T JUSUCED D E R

108 120TH STREET UNIT 58 CLUB OCEAN VILLAS OCEAN CITY Convenient 1st floor condo with tiled courtyard. Waterproof LVP flooring.

Updated kitchen with plenty of storage & spacious butcher block counter space.

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME on this 20,995 SF LOT

$299,990

10418 GOLF COURSE RD CAPTAINS HILL WEST OC

MULTI-UNIT PROPERTIES

Vacant lot ready to build. Large building envelope of 12,120+ Sq ft so you can build on 1 level or build up & enjoy OC skyline views. Plans will be to start in June for future home to be built - between 2,500-3,000 SF with 4BRs, 5 BAs, home gym office & 3rd floor entertainment area. Primary photo taken from 25’ high.

$350,000

DIRECT OCEAN FRONT 3 BR, 2 BA CONDO

6801 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT 2 OCEAN CITY Turn-key completely remodeled kitchen & living area with open concept & best ocean views. Brand-new sliders to private Oceanfront balcony.

1 assigned parking space & low-maintenance flooring. Looking for full-time residence, vacation escape, or rental opportunity, this property delivers.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own in prime midtown location!

$629,000

2701 JUDLEE AVENUE OCEAN CITY

204 12TH STREET OCEAN CITY

1617 SAINT LOUIS AVENUE OCEAN CITY

4 Units Each with 2 BR, 1 BA

6 Unit Multiplex with 12 BR, 6 BA

Direct Waterfront multifamily unit with 6 total units (10 BR, 6 BA).

$1,025,000

$1,575,000

$1,600,000

12207 Suite D, Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD 410-524-1203 Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. © 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLS. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.

PAGE 50

AUGUST 29, 2025

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. 29

ets: https://book.singenuity.com/469/activity/details/2284/rates. 302-829-1548

to vote. Category winners will be announced on Nov. 1 at a gallery event showcasing the winners. Contest details: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/oce ancitymuseumsociety. 410-289-4991

discuss selections from the Great Books Foundation. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BRIDGE

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.

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

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

DIY BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 2-5 p.m.

Come by to get a new folder or notebook and use the library’s supplies to make it your own. For ages 6-18 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PAIRING PARTY: ART X FURNISHINGS Bethany Resort Furnishings, 939 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, 5-7 p.m. Tickets $50. Stroll through beautifully curated room vignettes with artwork from ALOC. Enjoy wine, a gourmet charcuterie spread and meet the artists.

Tickets cost $50 at https://givebutter.com/ArtXFurnishing s. 410-524-9433

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. 30 FLEA MARKET AND BAKE SALE Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 8-11 a.m. The event will be held outdoors. Vendors, to reserve space, contact 443-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST, SLIGO BY THE SEA, SUMMER MINISTRY First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 10 a.m.-noon.

Pastor Rick Johns - Community Outreach & Discipleship, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Takoma Park, MD. sligochurch.org/sligobythesea, 301-2706777.

SIPPIN’ WITH SLOTHS Coastal Wilds, 34215 Peppers Corner Road, Frankford, 6-8 p.m. Music by Steve Kuhn. Cost is $40 and includes sloth encounter, self-guided tour, and one complementary glass of wine. Tick-

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. 31 MUSIC BY SONS OF THUNDER Bowen & Trinity United Methodist Church, 8355 Newark Road, Newark, 10 a.m. Special music by Sons of Thunder.

Fellowship and refreshments following service.

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited.

Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS Mondays - Worcester County Library Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., Sept. 2 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 fingerplays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Kittyback” (classic & country rock), activities and entertainment for the kids. Ice cream available for purchase. Bring picnic baskets & beach chairs. Followed by fireworks.

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., Sept. 1 LAST DAY TO ENTER THE LOUIS PARSONS III MEMORIAL PHOTO CONTEST Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave. Price is $5 to enter and $1

BEACH HEROES-OC Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round.

Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

PLAY TIME Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m Play with a variety of toys and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING CLUB Tuesdays - Worcester County Library Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE BABY TIME

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?

Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m.

Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring any questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m.

Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Sept. 3 PUZZLE SWAP

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m.

Featuring “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The group meets monthly to

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That’s

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OC Today-Dispatch

CALENDAR OK too. All puzzles must be in their original boxes. 410-641-0650

JUNIOR HISTORIANS Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 4:30 p.m. This month’s topic: Historic Maps. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

RAVENS ROOST #44 ANNUAL BAR-HOP CRUISE M.R. Ducks, 311 Talbot St., Ocean City, 5:40-10 p.m. The “Explorer” will embark at 6 p.m., making stops at Fish Tales and Teasers Bar before returning to M.R. Ducks. Cost is $40. Cash bar. Reservations: garywm1952@gmail.com. Rain date is Sept. 4.

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., Sept. 4 STORY TIME ‘IS THIS THE BUS FOR US?’ ‘Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: BACK TO SCHOOL Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Songs, crafts and a story. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, 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

PINE TONES CHORUS OPEN REHEARSAL Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 1-3 p.m. An opportunity for interested folks to try out the group.

Musical training/experienced are appreciated, but not necessary. Jenny Ander-

son, 443-655-5636; Dave Holloway, 610-213-7472; @pinetoneschorus.

LET’S MAKE … MONARCH MIGRATION WREATHS Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Make stunning monarch butterfly wreaths using paper, fabric and other materials in this adult craft program. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

Farm. A visit to Kuerner Farm is also available ($12). Cost is $95 for members and $115 for non-members and includes transportation and museum ticket. The bus will leave from the ACME parking lot (94th Street and Coastal Highway) at 8 a.m. and returns at approximately 7:30 p.m. Tickets: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org /classes/2630. 410-524-9433, frankie@artleagueofoceancity.org

CREATIVITY CORNER POCOMOKE BOOK CLUB: TEA & TALK (JANE AUSTEN’S NORTHANGER ABBEY) Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Join in for a lively discussion each month. Stop by the Pocomoke Branch to pick up a copy in advance. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.

Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years.

410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS BUS TRIP TO BRANDYWINE MUSEUM Sponsored by the Art League of Ocean City. The exhibit features 50 of Andrew Wyeth’s paintings inspired by Kuerner

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., throughout September. Students are invited to engage in STEAM-related projects and crafts. Activities change monthly. For ages 12-18 years. 410-6410650

LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout September. Take a selfguided tour of the library’s local history collection. For help with finding your roots or navigating historical records, contact the local history librarian at history@worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6323495.

HISTORY-TO-GO: CROSS STITCHING Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout September. Pick up a History-to-Go kit about the colonial art of cross stitch. Includes info sheets, recommended activities, supples and more.

410-632-3495

PAGE 52

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

AUGUST 29, 2025

53

OC Today-Dispatch

Call 410-723-6397 or email classifieds@octodaydispatch.com

by Monday, 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in OC Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week & online at octodaydispatch.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL

SERVICES

PT DENTAL HYGIENIST Ocean City, MD 410-213-1032

JOLLY ROGER Small Engine Mechanic.

Ride Maintenance.

Year Round.

Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience.

Benefits available.

410-289-4902

HELP WANTED BARBER wanted at Charlie’s Barbershop, Berlin, MD. With clientele. To rent a chair. 443-944-2240

AMERICAN LEGION Assistant Manager, PM Shift 2 Line Cooks, Part-time.

Exp. required.

Apply at Post, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue or call 410-289-3166

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

OCEANFRONT WINTER RENTAL 2BR/2BA, furnished Condo, Avail. Oct.-Apr. Direct ocean views, balcony, parking, WiFi incl.

Ideal for 2 mature adults w/strong rental history.

Ocean City, Md. Contact Mary Beth 410-241-3376

***Prime Location*** Commercial Storage Unit West Ocean City, 10’x12’ Garage Door opening with Small office and kitchen.

1,000 sq. ft. $1,500 per month plus utilities.

Call 301-748-1977.

Avail Oct. 1.

LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint.

Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Must have Tools, Transportation, Drivers License

RENTALS RENTALS

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YEARLY RENTAL 319 Robin Drive Available Immediately

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

2BR, 1BA, Unfurnished.

Dog friendly, ground floor.

Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history. $2,000/mo. + electric.

Call/text 703-819-7400

HELP WANTED

Experience preferred, but will train.

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS rhp510@aol.com 410-641-9530

Code Enforcement Officer I or II Full time with benefits Starting Salary: $39,061 to $50,779 (based on experience) The County of Accomack is seeking applications for a fulltime position of Code Enforcement/Building Inspector, in the Building, Planning & Economic Development department. The designation of Code Enforcement Officer I or II will be based on previous direct experience.

The position is responsible for enforcement of state, federal, & local laws and regulations, codes and ordinances related to residential and commercial structures, in a uniform and systematic manner. Applicants must be able to perform field work and may be assigned to do inspections in any location within the County.

Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma or GED; the ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications; Experience with enforcing building and zoning codes and ordinances; Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Preferred qualifications: Experience with Energov software program, ability to use mobile devices and platforms and/or bilingual capabilities.

Possession of a valid Driver’s License and the satisfactory completion of a criminal history, drug screening, and DMV records checks are required prior to employment. Job description and details are available online: http://www.co.accomack.va.us/residents/job-opportunities.

This position is open until filled with the review of applications to begin on Thursday, Sept 4, 2025.

The County of Accomack is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.

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 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft.

Call 443-497-4200 Classified Deadline is Monday @ 5pm

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Classifieds appear in OC TodayDispatch & Bayside Gazette each week and online at octodaydispatch. com and baysideoc.com

YARD SALE YARD SALE WHISPERING WOODS COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE (WOC, off Rt. 611) Saturday, Sept. 13th, 8am-noon.

Items for the whole family!!

MISC./OTHER As now slips past me, These moments, so important, Hold on, please hold me!

By your loving touch, I will always know!

www.baysideoc.com www.octodaydispatch.com

SERVICES

BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

FOR SALE Prepare for power outages MARYLAND STATEWIDE today with a GENERAC Home CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Standby Generator. Act now NETWORK to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purMISC. FOR SALE chase. Call 1-855-993-0969 Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited today to schedule a free Talk, Text and Data For Just quote. It’s not just a genera$25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G tor. It’s a power move.

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VEHICLES WANTED Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ 855-977-5719 RV - Lutheran Mission Society Get DISH Satellite TV + Inter- of MD Compassion Place net! Free Install, Free HD- ministries help local families DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On- with food, clothing, counselDemand Movies, Plus Limited ing. Tax deductible. MVA liTime Up To $600 In Gift censed #W1044.

410-228-8437 Cards. Call Today! 1-855-407www.CompassionPlace.org 6870

REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929 SERVICES DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

OC Today-Dispatch

www.octodaydispatch.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!

• Convenient • Quick • No Waiting, No Calls • Days, Nights & Weekends

PAGE 54

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY BLINDS / SHADES

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

HomePro Professional Carpet, Upholstery, Tile and Grout Cleaning

The best carpet cleaning you’ve ever seen!

443-623-9078 ELECTRICIAN

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Ra Raymo Raymond aymond ond O’Brocki O’B O’Bro Jr. Mast Electrician Master

443-691- 0544 0 Call or Text 40 Years s Experience Free Estimates!

Trouble eshooting!!

Replacements: Lightts • Breakers Switches • Detecto ors • Outlets MD Lic #2268 Worcestter Co Lic #M1337 HOME HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT

RISH A RBEACHMAN PHANDY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE

Exterior Home Repairs

“WE DO IT ALL” • Roofing R epai rs •• Raaiin Gutterrs • R oo f Cleaning • Guutterr Guuarrds

• Scr eenin g • Painttiing

• Sttaaining • Caulking

• Gutter Cleaning & Powerrwa shing •

• Deck Repairs •

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • MHIC 17433 “A Family Tradition Since 1935”

Phil Parrish

410-893-9707

Pat Parrish

Complete Home Improvement Contractor

• Licensed and Fully Insured • Free Estimates • Locally Owned • Cleaning Specials • Roofing • Maintenance

* NOW OFFERING * DISPOSAL ROLLOFF SERVICE Quick Reliable Service 7 Days A Week Clean Up Crews Available • 15 & 20 Yard

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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HOME, LAWN & PATIO SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT HOME

For All Your Construction Needs!

Licensed & Insured VA # 2705 101009A MD MHIC # 92091 MD MHBR # 5658 DE # 2000107333

Cox Building & Remodeling E. Chuck Cox

Home: 410-641-4304 Cell: 443-783-3972 stickframe@comcast.net

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PipeLine

Contracting, LLC

Home Improvement Services Company

“One stop shop for Home Improvement”

Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Flooring & Tile • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & • General Carpentry & Delaware Beaches Painting

US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

Specializing in Additions, Kitchens, Baths and All Types of Custom Remodeling.

Let’s schedule your Spring & Summer Projects!

11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!

We accept MC/Visa (410) 641-3762

(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

Atlantic Landscaping & More Property Management • Lawn Care Gutter Cleaning • Power Washing Leaf Removal • Hauling Services • Painting Stone & Gravel • Mulching • Cleaning Trailer Storage • Shed Demolition Stump Grinding • Firewood House/Shed/Garage Cleaning & More Call or Text for Free Estimates & Questions!

410-713-9159 • 904-468-8206

LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Paramount Lawn and Irrigation Specialists 3 Lawn Sprinkler Systems -Installation, repairs & service 3 Spring Start-Ups and Winterization service 3 Low Voltage Landscape Lighting 3 Residential and Commercial

LANDSCAPING • IRRIGATION HARDSCAPING • FREE ESTIMATES Full Service/Yearly Maintenance Contracts Available

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or email paramountsprinklers@gmail.com MHIC: #164045 - Fully Insured

AUGUST 29, 2025

PAGE 55

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY MEN’S HAIR SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

MVA LICENSED

BUDGET MOVERS The Area’s #1 Moving Company

LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home

Call Maria: 443-664-5797 Female Owned & Operated

www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers 40+ Years in Business

PAINTING

Licensed & Insured

PAINTING • CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING Painting & Powerwashing • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE Interior & Exterior

Zimmerman & Son LLC Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured

Free Estimates

10% Discount with this ad.

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

Bill Zimmerman cell 443-373-4539

PLUMBING

We do it all from ground work to rough in to final trim & fixtures.

We Install: Plumbing and Gas, LLC

Faucets/Sinks • Showers/Tubs/Toilets Water Heaters • Water/Sewer Lines

ROOFING

AMA Consulting & Business Svcs, Inc ROOFING & SIDING Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946

CALL FOR ANY OF YOUR PLUMBING OR GAS NEEDS

9240 Peerless Rd. • Bishopville, MD mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com • www.shoresidingmd.com

410-430-3490 • LMSPlumbingandgas.com

TRAILER RENTAL

DUMP TRAILER FOR RENT WE DROP. YOU FILL. WE DUMP.

We Deliver Mulch, Stone, Soil & More Call or Text for Free Estimates & Questions

410-713-9159

904-468-8206

Nick French • 443-783-8255 Nfrenchti@gmail.com TAX RESOLUTION / CREDIT SERVICES

Winterization Packages • Repairs

MD 62495 • DE 13060 • Insured

PIANO TUNING

*Licensed in MD, DE &VA

We Solve Your Problems

Mae Phillips (434) 382-8920 11806 Sheppards Crossing Road Whaleyville, MD 21874 amaconsultingandbusiness@gmail.com www.amaconsultingbusiness.com

YOUR BUSINESS

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Home Need Improvements?

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PRINT • WEB octodaydispatch.com baysideoc.com

PAGE 56

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

y

Nalu Kai No Now 50% OFF!

Summer Sale: Now 50 0% OFF!

Select Shor orts Now 50% OFF!

OCEAN CITY / REHOBOTH / VIRGINIA A BEACH / CHARLESTON / HILLTTON HEA

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Quiet Storm Savings!* • Unisex & Womens Fleece $20 OFFF** • Mens Shorts 50% OFFF** • Men’s Button Ups 50% OFFF** • Sandals 50% OFFF** Men’s & Women’s Styles

• Hats $5 OFF* F* Shop your favortie brands:

Now 25%% 50% OFF all Summ mer Styles!

123rd STREET / 410-390-5603 THE BOARDW WA ALLK / 410-289-7000 Shop your Quiet Storm favorites online @ QuietStorm.com The Big Summer Sale applies to our Quiet Storm gear onlyy..*

Quiet Storm Jacckets $20 OFF!

D / MYRTLE BEACH / DELRA AY Y BEACH / FT. LAUDERDALE / KEY WEST

PAGE 57

PAGE 58 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 18 SOUTHWIND COURT OCEAN PINES A/R/T/A BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated May 9, 2008, recorded in Liber 5107, Folio 27 and re-recorded in Liber 7778, Folio 112 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $444,000.00, 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 SEPTEMBER 16, 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 $24,000 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

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices 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. 370289-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000051 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 3:15 p.m., at the front door of Bay Winds II Condominium Unit No. 104, 511 Robin Drive, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Bay Winds II Condominium Unit No. 104, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and By-Laws, as amended, dated December 26, 1973, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 423, Folio 326, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 40, Folio 31, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8136, Page 247, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester

County, Maryland.

A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.

OCD-8/21/3t _________________________________

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000026 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, 16 64th Street, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and ByLaws, as amended, dated September 12, 2001, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 3122, Folio 573, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 171, Folio 28, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8417, Page 180, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes,

AUGUST 29, 2025 wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.

OCD-8/21/3t _________________________________

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 COURSE CLUBHOUSE. 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

AUGUST 29, 2025 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 PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 7:30 PM Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill Section 200-134 notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider an ordinance to amend: CHAPTER 200, ENTITLED ZONING, SECTION 200-41, ENTITLED RESIDENTIAL USE CATEGORY, AND SECTION 200-53, ENTITLED PERMITTED USES TABLES OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND to address new manufactured homes and new modular dwellings in residential zones.

The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the ordinance please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.

OCD-8/21/2t _________________________________ 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

PAGE 59

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices 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 _________________________________ 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 _________________________________ MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20774 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BARBARA ANN HENNING Notice is given that Joanne M. Lettis, 20 Coral Ln., Frankford, DE 19945-9682, was on August 12, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Ann Henning who died on June 29, 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 12th 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.

Joanne M. Lettis

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 21, 2025 OCD-8/21/3t _________________________________ 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 VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a virtual 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, September 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

TIME: 7:00 p.m. EDT PLACE: Virtual Meeting Anyone wishing to speak at the hearing may sign up through the Public Service Commission’s website, https://www.psc.state.md.us/ by Tuesday, September 9, 2025. To sign up, go to “Featured Topics” on the right side of the website, then click on Public Hearing Signup, click Case No. 9772, click September 11, 2025, select 7:00 p.m., then follow the prompt and click “Schedule Event.”

Once you have completed the sign up you will receive a zoom link for the hearing. Otherwise, you may view a live stream of the hearing 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,

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William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore MD 21202. All comments must include a reference to Case No. 9772.

OCD-8/21/4t _________________________________ MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20789 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD JAMES SWEENEY Notice is given that Kerry Jean Sweeney, 7 Lisa Ln., Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776-2915, was on August 12, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard James Sweeney who died on August 01, 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 12th 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.

Kerry Jean Sweeney 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 21, 2025 OCD-8/21/3t _________________________________ HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ. 9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE F12 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20788

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Brevard County, Florida appointed Joseph V. Drosey Sr., 1029 Royal Palm Dr., Barefoot Bay, FL 32976-7011 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Joseph V. Drosey Jr. who died on October 15, 2024 domiciled in Florida, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Hugh Cropper IV, 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy., #F-12, Ocean City, MD 21842-9349.

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.

Joseph V. Drosey Sr. 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 21, 2025 OCD-8/21/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 25-03 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 25-03 (Zoning – Multi-family dwelling units in the C-2 General Commercial District) was introduced by Commissioners Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on July 15, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § ZS 1-210(b)(21). (Amends the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to add a permitted use to allow detached multi-family dwelling units as an accessory use to a commercial development, provided at least sixty-five percent (65%) or more of the net lot area for a given parcel be developed with a commercial use or structure permitted in the C-2 District, and a minimum of 15% of open space be provided for the residential uses.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 25-03 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-8/28/2t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

B04-26 – Convention Center Landscaping Installation The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Convention Center Landscaping Installation and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Convention Center Landscaping Installation 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-proposal meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM, IN THE CONVENTION CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM, 1ST FLOOR, 4001 COASTAL HIGHWAY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842.

The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 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 30TH, 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

AUGUST 29, 2025 Solicitation (Convention Center Landscaping Installation) 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-8/28/5t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF EMERGENCY BILL 25-04 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Emergency Bill 25-04 (Zoning – Solar Energy Systems and Public Health - Nuisances) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on August 19, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § ZS 1-344(b). (Amends the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to revise several definitions including: solar energy system and utility solar energy system; replace large solar energy system with major solar energy system; replace medium solar energy system with minor solar energy system; and delete small solar energy system.) § ZS 1-344(d). (Repeal and replace Subsection (d), updating the solar energy system terminology; referencing applicability of the siting standards in § 7-218 of the Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland; amending lot requirements for major (formerly large) and utility solar energy systems; amending the utility solar energy system review process; establishing decommissioning and restoration plan and bond requirements.) § ZS 1 305(k)(1)D. (Amend the lot requirements provisions to remove small solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-105(c)(6). (Amend the uses permitted in all zoning districts with the new terminology for minor solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-201(b)(18). (Amend the A1 Agricultural District permitted use with the new terminology for major and utility solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-202(b)(19). (Amend the A2 Agricultural District permitted use with the new terminology for major and utility solar energy systems.) § ZS 1 203(b)(17). (Add major and utility solar energy systems as a permitted use in the E-1 Estate District.) § ZS 1-203(c)(15). (Repeal the E-1 Estate District special exception use for large solar energy systems.) § ZS 1 204(b)(12). (Add major and utility solar energy systems as a permitted use in the V-1 Village District.) § ZS 1-204(c)(17). (Repeal the V-1 Village District special exception use for large solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-209(b)(12). (Add major and utility solar energy systems as a permitted use in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District.) § ZS 1-209(c)(14). (Repeal the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District special exception use for large solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-210(b)(21). (Add major and utility solar energy systems as a per-

AUGUST 29, 2025 mitted use in the C-2 General Commercial District.) § ZS 1-210(c)(15). (Repeal the C-2 General Commercial District special exception use for large solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-211(b)(27). (Add major and utility solar energy systems as a permitted use in the C-3 Highway Commercial District.) § ZS 1-211(c)(10). (Repeal the C-3 Highway Commercial District special exception use for large solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-212(b)(21). (Amend the I-1 Light Industrial District permitted use with the new terminology for major and utility solar energy systems.) § ZS 1-213(b)(24). (Amend the I-2 Heavy Industrial District permitted use with the new terminology for major and utility solar energy systems.) § PH 1-101(a)(14). (Renumber existing Subsection (a)(14) and add a new subsection to establish a nuisance provision for abandoned major or utility solar energy systems that are not decommissioned.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Emergency Bill 25-04 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, September 16 at 10:35 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-8/28/2t _________________________________ VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20780 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUSANNE SCOTT PARKER Notice is given that Warren Scott Parker, 305 Snow Chief Ct., Alpharetta, GA 30005-7874 and Robert Everett Parker Jr., 148 Atlantic Rd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408-4602, were on August 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Susanne Scott Parker who died on July 08, 2025, with a will.

LEGALS Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@octodaydispatch.com

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices 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 19th 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.

Warren Scott Parker Robert Everett Parker Jr. Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: August 28, 2025 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________ B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20804 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KATHERINE D. PUSEY Notice is given that Kathy Debra Pusey, 7304 Greenbrier Swamp Rd., Eden, MD 21822-250, was on August 22, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Katherine D. Pusey who died on August 10, 2025, with a will.

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

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

of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Kathy Debra Pusey 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 28, 2025 OCD-8/28/1t _________________________________ COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A. RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20806 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Monroe County, Pennsylvania appointed Karen Bixler, 103 S. Broad St., Lansdale, PA 19446-3847 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Richard A. Waibel who died on May 31, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates, Jr., Esq., 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.

Karen Bixler

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 28, 2025 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________ MITCHELL I ALKON ESQ 6110 EXECUTIVE BLVD STE 300 ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-3903

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20801 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SURROGATE court of BERGEN, NEW JERSEY appointed DAISY B MACADAEG whose address is 194 VICTORIA AVE PARAMUS, NJ 07652-1945 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of RODERICK R MACADAEG who died on JUNE 03, 2024 domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is MITCHELL ALKON whose address is 6110 EXECUTIVE BLVD STE 300 ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-3903. 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 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 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-8/28/3t _________________________________ 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 To all persons interested in the estate of AURETTA BISIGNANI Estate No. 20800 Notice is given that YURI BISIGNANI whose address is 38 BEHM LN COLORA, MD 21917-1528 was on AUGUST 20, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of AURETTA BISIGNANI who died on AUGUST

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

01, 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 20th 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT PAUL VILASI Estate No. 20791 Notice is given that GAIL ANN VILASI whose address is 10624 SHIFTING SANDS DR OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-4823 was on AUGUST 20, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT PAUL VILASI who died on MARCH 30, 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 20th 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________ CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON 3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20794 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. DUVALL Notice is given that Nicole L. Kurpiel, 630 Edwards Ln., Ligonier, PA 15658-7201, was on August 20, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret M. Duvall who died on January 11, 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 20th 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.

Nicole L. Kurpiel 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 28, 2025 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________

JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20807 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JODI BOUNDS DANZI Notice is given that Richard A. Danzi Jr., 11026 Piney Island Dr., Bishopville, MD 21813-1458, was on August 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jodi Bounds Danzi who died on August 06, 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 22nd 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.

Richard A. Danzi 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: August 28, 2025 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20802 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER NEAL LARMORE Notice is given that James

AUGUST 29, 2025 Bradley Caine Jr., 10611 Sifting Sands Dr., Ocean City, MD 218424822 and Scott Wayne Nibblett, 3330 Blue Heron Way, Eden, MD 218222130, were on August 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Christopher Neal Larmore who died on August 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 21st 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.

James Bradley Caine Jr. Scott Wayne Nibblett Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: August 28, 2025 OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106 ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, September 11, 2025 2:00 PM

AUGUST 29, 2025 PW 25-059 A request has been submitted to install one 10’ x 20’ floating dock within an existing slip, maximum channelward extension 20’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 770 94TH ST UNIT D Parcel # 9650 -304 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Kelly Barr APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC PW 25-062 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift on existing pilings, maximum channelward extension 23’ not to exceed past existing slip. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2205 PHILADELPHIA AVE UNIT 202A – Slip 53Parcel # 4236 -A202 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Christopher Kernick APPLICANT: Kayla Short PW 25-068 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead not to exceed 18” channelward; to replace parallel dock in kind and extend existing pier from by 4’ for a total length of 34’; and to install one boatlift with associated pilings, maximum channelward 39’ The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 609 HARBOUR DR Parcel # 8020A-1552B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Christian Worch APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction PW 25-069 A request has been submitted to remove an existing boat lift and pier; to reconstruct a new 6’ x 50’ shared pier and install one (1) boat lift and two (2) PWC lifts with associated pilings not to exceed 50’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 609 BAYSHORE DR UNIT 39 Parcel # 5347 -39 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Adam Marcus APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart PW 25-070 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings not to exceed 28’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 118 HARBOUR ISLAND CM Parcel # 3486 -118 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Thomas Myers RT APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart PW 25-071 A request has been submitted to repair 265’ of deteriorated timber bulkheading with vinyl replacement not to exceed 18” channelward; and to install four (4) boatlifts with associated pilings not to exceed 30’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2101 HERRING WAY Parcel # 3264 -128 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Bahia Management, LLC APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart PW 25-072 A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement 50’ of deteriorated bulkhead 18” channelward; to remove existing parallel dock and construct a new 4’ x 14’ dock and install one boat lift with associated pilings not to exceed 48’ channelward extension.

The site of the proposed construction

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices is described as being located at 743 LAUREL AVE Parcel # 0074B-37 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Gregg Stoehr, TR APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart PW 25-074 A request has been submitted to construct a 17.5’ by 2.5’ finger pier extension with a 4.5’ x 2’ wide triangle shaped platform and install one boatlift with associated pilings not to exceed 23’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1207 EDGEWATER AVE UNIT 104 Parcel # 3536 -104 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER/APPLICANT: Keith Fisher PW 25-075 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings maximum channelward extension 27’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2003 HERRING WAY UNIT A Parcel # 3269 -125 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Richard Battista APPLICANT: Kayla Short PW 25-073 A request has been submitted to install 60’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead not to exceed 18” channelward; to add an 11.16’ pier extension to an existing 33.34’ pier; and to install one boatlift and two PWC lifts with associated pilings. All work not to exceed 50’ maximum channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10611 POINT LOOKOUT RD Parcel # 1742A-23 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Doyle Grabarck APPLICANT: Vista Design, Inc. OCD-8/28/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

Assateague State Park Replacement of Ranger Station Opportunity for Public Comment The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Maryland Park Service is seeking Critical Area Commission approval to replace the Ranger Station at Assateague State Park. The existing facility and associated outbuildings will be removed and replaced with a new building including a camper registration area, first aid station, offices and maintenance facilities. Additional work on the parking lot will include improved traffic circulation, designated RV parking, electric vehicle charging stations and stormwater management.

The Park is located at 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811. The entire project site is located on Assateague Island within the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area on property owned by DNR. Project plans may be viewed via a link on the Park’s website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/eastern/assateague.asp x.

Comments on the project can be sent to LeeAnne Chandler at leeanne.chandler@maryland.gov or to her attention at Maryland Park Service, 580 Taylor Ave – E-3, Annapolis, MD 21401 until Friday, September 12, 2025.

OCD-8/28/1t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live 6:30 p.m. Case No. 25-51, on the lands of Christina and Jeffrey Lank, on the application of Kristina Watkowski, requesting an after-thefact variance to the side yard setback from 20 feet to 18.5 feet (to encroach 1.5 feet) for a detached garage and an after-the-fact variance to the side yard setback from 20 feet to 7.7 feet (to encroach 12.3 feet) for a shed in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-201(b)(5) and ZS 1-305, located at 7109 Ayres Lane Road, Tax Map 72, Parcel 101, Tax District 2, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 25-50, on the lands of Build Pines, LLC, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a special exception to allow contractor shops in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-116(c)(4) and ZS 1-202(c)(13), located at 10529 Flower Street, Tax Map 25, Parcel 275, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 25-39, on the lands of Donald D’Aquila, on the application of Hugh Cropper IV, requesting two (2) variances to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Buffer (1) from 100 feet to 51.76 feet (to encroach 48.24 feet) for a proposed dwelling; and (2) from 100 feet to 12.83 feet (to encroach 87.17 feet) for a proposed driveway in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(m), ZS 1-202(b)(5) and ZS 1-305 and Natural Resources Code §§ 3104(d)(4) and NR 3-111, located at 8718 Grey Fox Lane, Tax Map 33, Parcel 206, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 24-71, on the application of Maryland Coastal Bays Program, on the lands of the State of Maryland, Ruark Family LP, and Assateague Island National Seashore, requesting a modification to extend four (4) waterfront structures in excess of 125 feet by 18 feet, 25 feet, 29 feet and 150 feet for construction of a proposed living shoreline project extending to a maximum of 275 feet channelward, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2102(e)(1) and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(n)(3), located at 7000 Rum

Pointe Road, Tax Map 42, Parcels 8, 36, and 40, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

OCD-8/28/2t _________________________________

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, September 11, 2025 AT 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2) and 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 11094(3)(a) and 110-95(1)(a) to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 2.9 feet from a front lot line; and (2) a variance of 3.5 feet from the 10-foot separation distance requirement for a proposed dwelling to be 6.5 feet from a neighboring dwelling. The property is described as Lot E-24 of the Isle of Wight Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the south side of Flounder Lane and is locally known as 251 Flounder Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: CRAIG REICHARD (BZA 2728 #25-09400012) 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-8/28/2t _________________________________ B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20797 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the COUNTY court of PENDLETON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA appointed NANCY RUTH BLANKENSHIP whose address is 148 GRACELAND DR P O BOX 460 FRANKLIN, WV 26807 as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of MICHEAL V BLANKENSHIP who died on APRIL 15, 2024 domiciled in WEST VIRGINIA, USA. The name and address of the

PAGE 64 Maryland resident agent for service of process is B RANDALL COATES whose address is 204 W GREEN ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1057. 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 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 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-8/28/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs, vs.

LEON T. SAMPSON TAMISHA L. SAMPSON 6 Sunset Island Drive, Unit 2C Ocean City, MD 21842 Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-24-000189

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 25th day of August, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 6 Sunset Island Drive, Unit 2C, Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 29th day of September, 2025, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 22nd day of September, 2025.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $499,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-8/28/3t _________________________________ IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS FOR THE PROPOSED ADOPTION OF: A MINOR CHILD IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA FAMILY LAW DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-DR-004060 DIVISION: I

NOTICE

OF ACTION AND HEARING TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS PENDING ADOPTION TO: Benjamin Vargas III or any known or unknown legal or biological father of the male child born on January 3, 2015, to

Katrina Sierra deOliveira Martin Last Known Residence Address: 304 Woodcreek Drive, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440 Last Known Location: Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Verified Petition for Stepparent Adoption has been filed regarding a male child born on January 3, 2015, in Richmond, Virginia, to Katrina Sierra deOliveira Martin. The legal father, Benjmain Vargas III, is Caucasian/Mexican, 34 years old, 5’ 5” tall, approximately 150 pounds, brown hair and eyes, facial hair (beard) if possible, thin build. All other physical characteristics and his residence address are unknown and cannot be reasonably ascertained. Additionally, the identity and all physical characteristics and the residence address of any known or unknown legal or biological father are unknown and cannot be reasonably ascertained.

There will be a hearing on the Verified Petition for Stepparent Adoption on October 1, 2025, at 9:30AM EST, before Judge Lindsay M. Alvarez (Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Courtroom 408, Tampa, FL 33602). The Court has set aside 15 minutes for the hearing, which will be held via Zoom at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/ 3704372256. The grounds for termination of parental rights are those set forth in Fla. Stat. § 63.089.

You may object by appearing at the hearing and filing a written objection with the Court. If you desire counsel and believe you may be entitled to representation by a courtappointed attorney, you must contact the Office of the Clerk of Court and request that an "Affidavit of Indigent Status" be mailed to you for completion and return to the Office of the Clerk of Court.

If you elect to file written defenses

LEGAL ADVERTISING 410-723-6397 legals@octodaydispatch.com

to said Petition, you are required to serve a copy on Petitioner's attorney, Tate Healey Webster, 418 W. Platt St., Suite B, Tampa, FL 33606-2244, (813) 258-3355, and file the original response or pleading in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 276-8100, on or before September 23, 2025, a date which is not less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date of first publication of this Notice.

UNDER § 63.089, FLORIDA STATUTES, FAILURE TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE WITH THE COURT AND TO APPEAR AT THE OCTOBER 1, 2025, HEARING CONSTITUTES GROUNDS UPON WHICH THE COURT SHALL END ANY PARENTAL RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING THE MINOR CHILD. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator, Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Room 604, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 272-7040, at least seven days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

DATED in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, this 12th day of August 2025.

VICTOR D. CRIST Clerk of the Circuit Court Hillsborough County Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs St. Tampa, FL 33602 By: Deputy Clerk Isha Tirado-Baker OCD-8/21/4t _________________________________

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OC Today-Dispatch

’ s g n Incl i h t ud y r Even T Th he — e ve — Ev

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E

AUGUST 29, 2025

BEAC ACH NEW HO OMES AT THE E BEACH BEAC FROM M THE $200S–$8 –$800S

Delaware Acadia Landing LEWES, DE Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

Bridgewater SELBYVILLE, DE Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Mid $500s

liber rty east MILLSBORO, DE

Somerton Chase

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $300s

MILLSBORO, O, DE Now Selling Single Family Hom mes from the Mid $300s

Milos Haven FRANKFORD, DE Now Selling Villas from the Low $400s

Newdale acres

Coming Soon Single Family Homes and Villas

ELLENDALE, DE Now Selling Single Family Homes and Townhomes from the Low $300s

Heritage creek MIL LTON, DE

Pelican Point MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $300s

Draper Farm MILFORD, DE

Plantation Lakes Golf & Countr ry Club MILLSBORO, O, DE Now Selling Single Family Homes, Villas, and T To ownhomes from the Low $300s

Schooner Landing SELBYVILLE, DE Coming Soon Single Family Homes

Marylan nd High Tide at lighthouse bay

lakeside at trappe

Tides at River Marsh

OCEAN CITY, Y, MD New Phase Townhomes from the Mid $700s

TRAPPE, MD Now Selling Single Family Homes and Townhomes from the Mid $300s

CAMBRIDGE, MD Now Selling Single Family Homess, Villas, and Townhomes from the Upperr $200s

LennarAtTheBeach.com | 888.214.2073 Images are solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. Yo You should never rely on the accuracy of photographs or videos in making any decisions relative to purchasing any property. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature, additional information, disclosures, and disclaimers relating to your home and its

never be relied upon. Yo You should never rely on the accuracy of this map in making any decisions relative to purchasing any property. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details and important legal disclaim mers.

Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2025 Lennar Corporation Lennar, the Lennar logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. U.S. Home Corporation, MHBR #316. Date 08/25

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OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 67

The Rite Aid in Berlin has been purchased under new ownership and is now proudly transitioning into an independent community pharmacy: Location & phone number remain the same Free complimentary delivery for all patients Co-pay assistance to help lower out-of-pocket costs We accept all major insurances At MedOne Pharmacy, our mission is to bring personalized service, community care, and hassle-free prescriptions to every patient we serve.

10119 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Maryland

410-629-0536

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OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Sushi 101, a smoked salmon roll

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Few things shape the art of cooking as profoundly or as pervasively as stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Ingenuity is a disposition involving the ability, motivation, and choice to produce dishes that are new and exciting. With that thought, let us turn to the subject of sushi.

Sushi originated in China, 4th century BC. Sushi of today is quite different from its humble beginnings. Fish was salted, wrapped in fermented rice, and stored for a few months. When ready for feasting, the rice was discarded and the fish

was the only part that was consumed.

Over time, sushi spread throughout China and eventually made its way into the Japanese diet at the end of the Muromachi period (8th century). The Japanese preferred to eat the dish with rice. As a result, raw fish wrapped in rice was no longer a form of preservation but rather a new cuisine.

Yohei Hanaya has been credited with creating nigiri (pressed) sushi.

Hanaya left home at the age of 19 and moved to Tokyo where he created the sushi that we know today. He started selling his sushi from a stand in 1828, where it became an instant hit.

Sushi is poplar year-round and the choices seem endless. That being said, has one ever considered making it yourself? Children are heading

back to school, and a sushi making party for adults can be a lot of fun.

The secret is practice, practice, and practice. Following is a simple, step by step guide for rolling sushi.

Lay the bamboo mat on a hard, flat surface. Cut the nori sheets in half.

Place the nori sheet with its rough side facing up. The longer sides are placed horizontally on the mat.

Use your fingers to carefully spread the rice over the nori. Make sure that you leave a 1-inch space at the top and bottom of the nori sheet. This prevents the rice from spilling out od the roll. You want the rice to be thin and consistent.

The rice can get sticky, so make sure you have a small bowl of water nearby so you can ash your fingers off whenever they get too sticky.

The next step is the filling and the choices are unlimited. Common ingredients include raw fish, shrimp, crab, tuna, eel, mango, asparagus, cucumber, and avocado.

It is imperative to purchase sushi grade fish or other grade seafood. To test the freshness, push down with your index finger on the flesh. If it is fresh, it should spring back. If it is not fresh, there will be an indentation.

Place your desired strips of vegetables and fish horizontally onto the rice in the middle of the sheet. Be careful not load too much or it will be difficult to roll.

Then place your thumbs beneath the bamboo mat and lift the edges a little. Then curve your fingers to make a rolling motion on the bamboo mat. Repeat this step a second time to make sure the roll is fully compressed. Once it is shaped properly, unroll the mat and pace the roll on the cutting board.

Using a very sharp knife, moisten the knife with water, and cut the sushi into even portions.

Congratulations, you have successfully completed a sushi roll.

But if one thinks this might be a little too far from their comfort zone, not all is lost. An easy version of smoked salmon sushi can be whipped up in a few minutes with ease.

Simply take slices of smoked salmon and line them up on a sheet of plastic wrap. Make sure the edges touch so you have one cohesive sheet of smoked salmon.

Using the back of a small pan, gently pound to make sure the salmon is thin and consistent. Spread a layer of flavored cream cheese or goat cheese onto the smoked salmon.

Add a few thin strips of cucumber, avocado, and chopped chives horizontally onto the cheese.

Lift the plastic wrap and gently roll the salmon until it is tight and compact. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then pace in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, cut the rolls into bite size pieces. Garnish with white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and chives.

Smoked salmon sushi is packed with flavor and an easier choice than your traditional sushi.

Whether one serves traditional sushi or smoked salmon sushi, your guests are going to love it. Enjoy!

Secret Ingredient – Education Education is not the filling of the pot but the lighting of a fire.

W.B. Yeats * If time is of the essence and you do not have time to make sushi rice, one can buy already prepared sushi rice from your favorite Asian restaurant.

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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Who’s Where When BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY 443-513-4647 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin Sat., Sept. 6: Lovelight Grateful Dead Tribute (Ticket Event)

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Seacrets: Fri., Aug. 29 & Mon., Sept. 1

On The Beach DJ PAPI Purple Moose: Wednesdays

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28 410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Fri., Aug. 29: Aaron Howell

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Tues., Sept. 2

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

CARIBBEAN POOL BAR 410-289-6181 In The Plim Plaza Hotel 109 N. Atlantic Ave. Fri., Aug. 29: Endless Ember Duo & The Runner-Ups Sat., Aug. 30: Lime Green & Permilla Project Sun., Aug. 31: Rogue Citizens & Groove Joose Mon., Sept. 1: DJ Bobby O

IT’S ALL GOOD Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, August 29 & 30

DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Fri., Aug. 29

COCONUTS BEACH BAR 410-289-6846 Oceanfront At Castle In The Sand Hotel 37th & 38th Streets Fri., Aug. 29: Darin Engh & Beg 2 Differ Band Sat., Aug. 30: Margot & Val & Beach Bandits Sun., Aug. 31: Carley Twigg & Colossal Fossil Sauce Mon., Sept. 1: The Rogue Citizens & The Dunehounds Tues., Sept. 2: Doug Kaetz Solo & Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama Wed., Sept. 3: Aaron Howell Duo & On The Edge Thurs., Sept. 4: Johnny Cardo & Chris Diller Trio

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

JASON LEE The Wedge: Sun., Aug. 31

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays & Wednesdays

CRUSHING DAY Fager’s Island: Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31

JIM LONG Coins Pub: Saturdays

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Fri., Aug. 29: Mercury Agenda Sat., Aug. 30: Jim Long Party & Chris Diller Band Mon., Sept. 1: Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Joe Esham The Wedge: Thurs., Sept. 4

LOST IN PARIS Seacrets: Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31

Sun., Aug. 31: Union Road Wed., Sept. 3: Bill Dickson

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Sat., Aug. 30

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

BILL DICKSON Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wed., Sept. 3

Sat. & Sun., Aug. 30 & 31: The Lucky Shoes

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Fri., Aug. 29: Groovealicious, DJ RobCee & Big Machine Sat., Aug. 30: Crushing Day, DJ Cruz & Vertigo Red Sun., Aug. 31: Crushing Day, DJ Vybe & Dixon Hall

BOND & BENTLEY Pickles Pub: Saturday, August 30

DJ WAX Fager’s Island: Mondays Pickles Pub: Tuesdays Fish Tales: Wednesdays

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

Who’s Where When Mon., Sept. 1: DJ Wax, On The Edge, DJ RobCee & In Too Deep Tues., Sept. 2: Bryan Clark Wed., Sept. 3: Latin Night Thurs., Sept. 4: TBA

FISH TALES 410-289-0990 22nd St., & Bay

AARON HOWELL DUO Dry Dock 28: Friday, August 29 Coconuts Beach Bar: Wednesday, September 3

Wednesdays: DJ Wax Thurs., Sept. 4: Joe Wood

TEENAGE RUST & THE FABULOUS RUSTETTES Coins Pub: Monday, September 1

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Fri., Aug. 29: TBA

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Sat., Aug. 30: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler Sun., Aug. 31: Pickin’ Party & Dust N Bones Wednesdays: DJ Billy T Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside: Sunday, August 31

THE LUCKY SHOES Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31

JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB 443-664-6147 98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium Fri., Aug. 29: First Class Sat., Aug. 30: Park Avenue Sun., Aug. 31: The Rockoholics Mondays: First Class Wednesdays: Joe Mama & Friends Thursdays: Beach Bandits

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

FIRST CLASS Jolly Jellyfish Beach Club: Friday, August 29 & Monday, September 1

ROGUE CITIZENS Caribbean Pool Bar: Sunday, August 31 Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, September 1

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Sat., Aug. 30: Bond & Bentley Sun., Aug. 31: 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. 29 & 30: It’s All Good Sat., Aug. 30: Fox & Travers (2pm) Sun., Aug. 31: Wayne Blake (2pm) & Alter Ego (10pm) Mon., Sept. 1: Ansh Goswmi (2pm) & Alter Ego (10pm) Wednesdays: Balkan Party w/ DJ Papi

MARGOTS & VAL Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, August 30

THE WAY OUTS Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, August 29 & 30

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Fri, Aug. 29: 4 DJs, Sky City Social, The Way Outs & Stealing Savanah Sat., Aug. 30: 5 DJs, Naked Nation, The Way Outs, Kono Nation & Lost In Paris Sun., Aug. 31: 4 DJs, South Penn Dixie, The Audio Files & Lost In Paris Mon., Sept. 1: 1 DJ & Blake Haley Tues., Sept. 2: DJ Davie Wed., Sept. 3: DJ Estate Thurs., Sept. 4: DJ J Spins

ALTER EGO Purple Moose: Sunday & Monday, August 31 & September 1

UNION ROAD Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, August 31

THE WEDGE 410-289-5121 806 S. Atlantic Ave. Sun., Aug. 31: Jason Lee Thurs., Sept. 4: Joe Esham

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AUGUST 29, 2025

31st Wine on the Beach to feature 13 state wineries

WATERFRONT LOTS NOW FOR SALE Sales Office 410-641-8400 www.RiverRunGolf.com/VIPLIST

#

11605 Masters Lane • Berlin, MD 21811

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(Aug. 29, 2025) The 31st Annual Wine on the Beach is counting down the days to when the Ocean City Inlet parking lot will be filled with wine enthusiasts and live music, Sept. 5-6.

The late summer wine and music festival is now the unofficial kick-off to a succession of popular weekend events that keep visitors coming to Ocean City throughout the fall.

As a result, more Boardwalk attractions and accommodations are open and ready to welcome guests.

This year 13 Maryland wineries will participate in the festival. Wineries will be pouring guests an unlimited number of samples, as well as selling favorites by the glass, bottle and case. As some wineries are not represented by distributors, the festival offers the best opportunity to load up on a newly discovered favorite.

“We still have the best date in the calendar,” said Chris Nokes, manager of the festival since its inception. “The water is warm, lifeguards are on duty, and cool breezes keep the beach pleasant for picnicking oceanside.”

Picnic tables, benches and tables are provided by Ocean City, and beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented.

The festival is an annual favorite for family reunions, friend and family gatherings and especially bachelorette

weekends.

“So much of the fun is sharing the experience with others as you taste and compare various wines” Nokes said.

In addition to unlimited samples, wines are offered by the glass, bottle and case. As many of the Maryland wineries have limited distribution, the festival offers the opportunity to purchase a supply of favorites in bulk.

In addition to the Maryland wineries featured, the festival has an assortment of food offerings and craft vendors.

Music on the oceanfront stage will be provided by Bird Dog and the Road Kings. Also featured this year will be local favorites Tranzfusion and Misspent Fortune, playing favorites from the 80’s and more.

A ticket includes a souvenir glass and unlimited samples in the hours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wine will be available for sale from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day, with the festival going until 7 p.m.

Bulk purchases can be stored at Will Call, and a nearby pickup is available for vehicles.

“Bring your blankets and wagons for a beach party,” Nokes said. “This beach party is not the end of summer, it’s the beginning of a new season of fun in Ocean City.”

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

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AUGUST 29, 2025

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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

29th 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.

AUGUST 29, 2025

■ 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.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ 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.

FENWICK ISLAND ■ 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

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.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ 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.

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Brooke’s Toy Closet opens at Berlin’s Atlantic General

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Atlantic General Hospital has opened a new toy closet for children receiving care in the facility’s emergency department and inpatient units as part of the Brooke’s Toy Closet program, an initiative inspired by a young girl’s battle with childhood cancer.

The toy closet, located in the Emergency Department at AGH, will house playthings for children admitted to and visiting the hospital. Children will have the opportunity to pick an item from the collection to brighten up what are often stressful and scary periods. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week at Atlantic General, signaling the opening of the facility’s new joy-focused project. Community members are urged to donate new toys to the supply.

The program will provide a little bit of fun to children and their families during hospital stays. The new Berlinbased toy collection follows three others along the East Coast. The first Brooke’s Toy Closet opened in 2014 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. The pantry was an effort spurred by the Brooke Mulford Foundation, kick-started for Brooke Mulford, a Salisbury native who, at the time of the organization’s conception, was a six-year-old girl diagnosed with neuroblastoma. The nonprofit’s goal is to raise funds for research and provide toys for children undergoing treatment, as well as offer financial assistance to Eastern Shore families with a child battling cancer.

Brooke’s own battle tragically came to an end in June of 2017. One year later, a second toy closet was opened at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees, New Jersey, according to the foundation’s website. A third was created at TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Delaware, in 2022. Now, the latest toy closet in Brooke’s honor has made its way to AGH in Berlin, following the hospital’s merger with TidalHealth this past May. According to Brooke’s mother, Amy Mulford McGladdery, her daughter was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the nervous system, in 2009 at four years old. Even at such a young age, Brooke’s passion for helping others was evident, and soon after her diagnosis, the idea for the toy closet to help other children experiencing frightening situations began to form.

“We had originally come to the hospital in Salisbury when her symptoms started, and it was before I had a smartphone or tablet or anything to entertain her, and we were there for eight hours,” McGladdery said. “And on top of being there for eight hours with no television, no toys, nothing for her to do, she also wasn’t feeling good.

So you have her not feeling good, and nothing to help her feel better. A week later, we wound up at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). It’s a children’s hospital, so they have child life specialists coming in and doing things. Every shift, she would get a new toy that she got to keep. Probably that first week of diagnosis, she said, ‘Mom, our hospital at home needs something like this.’ They don’t have anything to do when you’re in the hospital, not even watch TV. That was how the wheels started with it.”

McGladdery’s daughter’s diagnosis yielded immense community support, and toys and gifts started to flood in, to the point that many of the items were repeats of things she alSee AGH Page 78

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AUGUST 29, 2025

AGH Foundation donated first collection for offering Continued from Page 77 ready had. Brooke began setting aside some toys to donate to other children.

Brooke’s mom added that they first began giving the items to CHOP. However, Brooke was adamant that she wanted to offer these toys to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, their local facility, which was lacking in children’s entertainment, to help the kids there. Brooke and her parents began saving the gifts they received, which would eventually be part of the first Brooke’s Toy Closet that opened in 2014, just a few weeks before the family moved to New Jersey to be closer to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“We were just getting ready to move, so it was kind of bittersweet, but what better way to leave our community with this gift for everything that was done for us, to be able to give something back right before we left,” McGladdery said.

AGH’s toy closet will now be the fourth along the East Coast. Discussions about the Berlin addition began leading up to and during Atlantic General’s merger with TidalHealth, as toy collection sites inspired by Brooke are currently located at two other TidalHealth hospitals.

“When the integration conversations started happening, I knew it was something we needed to do,” said Jessica Hales, the president of the TidalHealth Foundation. “I received Facebook messages from people who worked [at AGH] that said, ‘When are we getting a toy closet?’ So we reached out to Brooke’s mom, and she was over the moon to be able to extend Brooke’s vision to Atlantic General Hospital. The wheels started turning from there.”

Toni Keiser, the vice president of public relations at AGH, found closetesq furniture at AGH’s thrift shop.

The piece was then painted purple, the color associated with neuroblastoma’s ribbon, and spruced up to house the toys. The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation donated items.

As toys get taken by the kids, the idea is that the families will replenish the closet with new items. Community members are also encouraged to donate. The playthings can be taken to the hospital in person, by contacting TidalHealth Foundation at foundation@tidalhealth.org to arrange a drop-off, or shopping from the Brooke’s Toy Closet Amazon Wish List.

Hales said that the wish list is especially helpful because it’s easy, and

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Brooke Mulford’s mom, Amy, delivered remarks prior to the official opening of the new Brooke’s Toy Closet at Atlantic General Hospital.

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OC Today-Dispatch

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You are likely to experience a week full of thoughtfulness and introspection, Aries. You are searching for a new source for self-fulfillment, and may be inspired by another’s ideas.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, now is the time to identify your priorities. Figure out what you want or would prefer to do before you start taking any steps forward. This is the only way to get satisfaction.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Prepare for a week that will pose some challenges, Gemini. A lastminute project at work may test your mettle.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 The plan may have been to stay isolated until you get all of your tasks done, Cancer. But those closest to you have some other ideas; they might invade your quiet cocoon.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, there’s more than one way to approach a project. Remain receptive to new ideas and take time to think things through before choosing a path forward.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, your independent streak may need to be tempered in the days ahead. Teamwork is the name of the game so make a concerted effort to be a good team player.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Right now you might not feel you are in the correct place in your profession, Libra. Is your current role too restrictive or does it not challenge your skills? You might want to start looking around for new challenges.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, now is a great time to take the bull by the horns. An opportunity to be assertive and take on a leadership role presents itself this week.

You’re ready.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you may be taking stock of your professional life and goals. Be sure you plan accordingly to balance the work side with your personal needs.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are Hillary Mozeik, Executive Assistant/Donor Relations Coordinator; Jackie Shockley, AGH Thrift Shop Co-Manager; Toni Keiser, AGH Vice President of Public Relations; Don Owrey, AGH President and CEO; Charleen Kuhblank, AGH Auxiliary President and Thrift Shop Co-Manager; Laurie Ondo, President, Brooke Mulford Foundation; Amy Mulford, Brooke’s Mother and Founder Brooke Mulford Foundation; Bud McGinnis, AGH Maintenance Mechanic; Jessica Hales, TidalHealth Foundation President and Chief Philanthropy Officer; Emily Tunis, Chairperson of the AGH Foundation; Michael Polito, AGH Plant Operations Manager; Laura Powell, AGH Community Relations Officer; and Tori Mueller, TidalHealth Donor and Data Analyst.

the hospital can choose what is most needed at certain times.

“You can choose which location, and the toys will be delivered to that location. That is really convenient,” the TidalHealth Foundation president said. “And we can say what we need more of, what we need less of. Some seasons we need infant toys, some seasons we need ten-year-old boy toys.”

Those interested in donating via Amazon can visit tidalhealth.org/toycloset to find the link for the wish list.

Hospital officials are ecstatic about what the closet will bring to the facility’s young visitors.

“It is a really great way to be able to support the people that need support,” said AGH Foundation Chair Emily Tunis. “So much of the foundation participated in this project, and it makes everyone really happy to know that it is going to help the patients, and it is going to go to good use.”

Donald Owrey, president of Atlantic General Hospital, added that the healthcare institution is grateful to be able to honor Brooke.

“The whole thing is incredibly inspiring, for this young girl who went

through a real ordeal herself, but through that, really felt that she could help others feel some sense of joy, peace, and take their mind off what they might be going through,” he said.

“We’re here to take care of folks, and people come here every day, and sometimes they’re in their darkest hour. Especially if they’re a child. To be able to … bring some normalcy to what’s not normal is good. It helps us to stay grounded. It’s people caring for people.

“That’s what healthcare is. At the end of the day, it’s one human caring for another. That comes in many different forms, and this is just another example of someone caring for someone else. Bringing in a toy that they may not ever know who will be the beneficiary of, but it is going to have an effect. It’s very moving.”

Brooke’s mom said that she is grateful to be able to bring the toy project to another area, continuing her daughter’s legacy of optimism and joy.

“It was so funny, she had no fear,” McGladdery said. “For her to get up and do something like this, she would be like, ‘bring it on!’ She was amazing … We would be out, just having dinner

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somewhere, and people would come up, like a waitress would say, ‘I didn’t want to come to work today. I was in a miserable mood, but the first table is your daughter sitting there with the biggest smile on her face, and she is clearly going through way more than I could possibly even imagine, and there she was with a smile, and I’m complaining about my petty things.’

“You couldn’t help but fall in love with her. It just puts a lot of things in your own life in perspective, seeing Brooke and how she carried herself through her journey…I know she would be thrilled to know that there is now a toy closet in Berlin, too.

What started as this one little idea has helped thousands of kids.”

In addition to donating new toys, community members may also make a financial contribution by visiting tidalhealth.org/donate and selecting Brooke’s Toy Closet as the designation.

Furthermore, checks can be mailed to TidalHealth Foundation, 100 E. Carroll Street, Salisbury, Md. 21801.

AGH’s Brooke’s Toy Closet marks the fourth of its kind in total, and the third in TidalHealth locations.

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

SURF REPORT

The Adventures

S

of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

enior pictures. College applications. Senior lunch permission slips. Senior parking space painting opportunities.

It’s all happening fast — perhaps too fast. I’m here for it, I truly am, but that doesn’t mean I feel ready. Or maybe I am. Maybe I’m just trying to keep up with time as it barrels forward, carrying with it this whirlwind of milestones, each one both exciting and bittersweet. I’m a mess in short.

Emotions are running high as Beckett, now 17, began his senior year this week.

There’s a strange duality to it all. On one hand, I’m thrilled for him. I’m proud to see him reach this pivotal point in his journey.

This chapter of his life is winding down, and while part of me aches at the thought of it ending, I also recognize that he’s earned what comes next.

I suppose this is true for many seniors and their families. Still, as his parents, Pam and I find ourselves encouraging him not to rush it. There’s no prize for getting to the end of senior year the fastest. We want him to soak it in, to savor it. This is a time unlike any other in his life, and it deserves to be experienced with presence and gratitude.

He’s understandably focused on the future — the freedom of college, the independence that comes with living on your own, the thrill of new beginnings.

That’s natural. But we hope he also finds a way to live in the now. These next eight months are filled with “lasts” — last first day of school, last homecoming, last sports seasons, last school lunch with longtime friends. Some of those moments will come and go without much fanfare. Others may hit us unexpectedly, lingering in our minds long after the moment has passed.

And while there won’t be sadness in the sense of regret or loss, there will be a certain weight to the closing of this chapter — especially when we reflect on the memories that span the last 14 years of his time at Worcester Prep.

I remember vividly the feeling of being ready to move on. I wanted what was

Locallyy F Famous For 47 Years!

next, eager to experience the world beyond those familiar walls. But with time, I came to see how precious that final year really was. That’s why I’ve tried to share with him that what lies ahead — this senior year — is more than just a countdown to graduation. It’s a collection of moments that, while seemingly routine now, will become some of the most cherished memories of his life. He may not see it just yet, but those “ordinary” days will take on extraordinary meaning in retrospect.

Over the last year, college visits have become a window into what’s coming next — and they’ve amazed me. I’ve been truly blown away by what today’s college experience looks like. So much has changed since I was a freshman at thenLoyola College in 1993. The infrastructure on campuses today is next-level. The facilities, the recreational offerings, the tech, the sheer investment in the student experience — it’s staggering.

And don’t even get me started on the food options. Compared to what I remember from my own college dining hall days, the choices students have today feel like resort-level dining. The same can be said for dorms, study lounges, and common areas—spaces thoughtfully designed to support and engage students in ways we never imagined 30 years ago.

All of this makes me incredibly excited for Beckett. So, here’s to the lasts, the firsts, and everything in between.

While scrolling social media, I think the artificial intelligence has been reading my “old timer” mind. A piece on grownandflown.com got my attention, headlined, “Ten Reasons College Was Better In the 90s.” Some of you may identify with it like I did.

1. Phones were attached to cords or in bags.

Phone numbers were written on elaborate lists and when we were out, we were talking, not staring at phones.

There was no trying to figure out who was where as we got off our asses and looked.

2. Social media did not exist.

Many of us would have been rendered

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unemployable.

3. Gas was cheap.

Like 99 cents a gallon. My college bestie and I could fill up her Mazda 323 and make it to the not nearby beach and back two weekends in a row for about ten bucks.

4. People did not wear tight clothes.

The baggier the better, the collegiate gypsy ensemble and my only regret is that my days of thinness were disguised by copious amounts of linen and babydoll dresses.

5. Answering machines provided cheap entertainment.

If one was willing to leave the phone unattended, you were rewarded with tiny filled tapes. The good and the bad to be laughed and cried over, rewind, rewind, rewind.

6. Life was less competitive.

College wasn't about internships and experience. No, I babysat and spent free time making mix-tapes and drinking Icehouse.

7. We got organic exercise.

An occasional step aerobics class, but we largely walked in those days before Uber, stopping only for a late night pizza.

8. No one was fancy.

Designer shoes, bags, sunglasses?

Nope, all considered silly accoutrements and excess in the days of fraternity tshirts and my dad's old rainbow flip flops.

9. The unknown was a grand mystery.

I mean, not knowing where you may end up, who you might see, unplanned late night antics a wonderful and terrible mystery.

10. Evidence of nonsensical behavior does not exist.

It was a major commitment to buy film, haul a big ass camera, take photos and develop a dozen terrible pictures for ten dollars, making official documentation very unlikely.

(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.)

Waves for days from Erin passing off Ocean City

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) We’re just about in the middle of the season, hurricane season that is.

So far, the season has been “good” with none directly hitting land although beach erosion has been an issue due to last week’s activity and Hurricane Erin. Huge swells and large waves that skirted the coast were a factor of Erin.

The center of the storm passed roughly 200 miles off our shores and featured winds over 40 mph right along the coast. Heavy duty storm surf toned down over the week but the swell was solid for most of the week.

Technically, hurricane season runs from June to November. This can coincide with a surf season though, in my opinion, the surf can happen at any time and isn’t subject to a season per se. If there is a surf season it’s going to happen in late summer and through the fall with winter coming in at a close second. Much has to do with water temperature and the benefit of warmer water although wetsuits work quite well for the colder months of late fall through early summer.

Tropical storms are named when wind speeds reach 39 mph and form a rotating organized wind pattern around a low-pressure system fueled by warm ocean waters. This wind pattern rotates counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and is referred to as “the eye.”

They’re called hurricanes when wind speeds reach 74 mph.

The scientific study of meteorology can become quite technical. The bottom line for the surfer, beach resident, and visitor should be one of caution. Also, the National Hurricane Center is a great source of information on these storms.

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

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

BERLIN CHILI PEPPER FESTIVAL

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BERLIN CHAMBER

Berlin turned into a spice lovers paradise last Saturday for the first-ever Chili Peppers Festival, hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. Hot Sauce Band, pictured above left and right, kicked off the live entertainment on Main Street followed by competitions and the Mariachi Los Mensajeros band, above left.

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2 Guest BRs & BA reconfigured for best use space, privacy & access. Amenity-rich Building: HEATED Outdoor Pool, Year-Round Indoor Pool, Exercise Room, Saunas, Tennis/Pickle Ball, Shopping, 24/7 Security, On-Site Maintenance Staff & plenty of EXTRA PARKING! Don't Miss this Opportunity! $

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PAGE 82

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

REC BOOSTERS DONATION In June, the Ocean City Recreation Boosters recently presented a generous donation to the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department in support of local programs and recreational initiatives. This contribution is a reflection of the Boosters' ongoing commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting active lifestyles within the Ocean City community.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ROTARY CLUB SPEAKER Cliff Berg, right, co-president of the Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club, presented the club's banner to Bugra Kilic, who was visiting from the Suadiye Rotaract Club in Istanbul, Turkey. The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at Don's Seafood at the South Gate of Ocean Pines. For more information on the club, email ocberlinrotary@gmail.com

NEW CLINIC CELEBRATED TidalHealth cut the ribbon to officially open Salisbury’s Edward Q. Wilgus Community Clinic on Aug. 14. On the ribbon cutting line were, from the left, Simona Eng, DO, Assoc. VP of Medical Education/Designated Institutional Official; Karinnet Montero Diaz, TidalHealth Teaching Faculty; Kurt Wehberg, SPARK Campaign Co-Chairperson; Jake Day, Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Steve Leonard, TidalHealth President/CEO; Ed Wilgus, Donor; Wes Moore, governor; Julius Zant, SPARK Co-Chairperson; Bryan LeCompte, SPARK Co-Chairperson and ohilanthropist; Susan Wilgus, donor; and Jessica Hales, Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer, President of TidalHealth Foundation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

UNITED WAY DONATION Worcester County Public Schools was recognized by United Way of the Eastern Shore at last week’s meeting for raising $65,632 for the nonprofit during the 2024-2025 school year. The dollars were raised as a result of employees designating a portion of their paychecks to the United Way. On its Facebook page, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore reported the county’s public school system is annually among the top five workplace giving campaigns for the charity.

AUGUST 29, 2025

PAGE 83

OC Today-Dispatch

It’s Time to Design Your

DREAM HOME! OPEN HOUSE TOUR THIS SATURDAY

August 30th from 11am-2pm Tour These Homes

Swann Keys 36989 Pintail Drive 36976 Pintail Drive 37851 Swann Drive

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Additional homes may be added to the tour. The homes are NOT For Sale but we are using them to showcase the many options available.

FREE CRAFTS OFFERED The Art League of Ocean City welcomed children and their parents to the bayfront courtyard of the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street for a free craft project on Saturday, Aug. 23. The children made paper roll pets. The last day for free kids' crafts at the Arts Center is Aug. 30, and everyone is welcome to walk in. Top left, Filomena and Ricky Ferrante of Baltimore are pictured Top right, Jesse and Caitlyn Macrae of Bryn Mawr, Pa. are shown. Above, Staten Island, N.Y. Jeffrey Miranda shows his creation.

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PAGE 84

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

Things I Like...

With BunK Mann

By Steve Green The first NFL Sunday of the season The ‘digital learning’ phrase being retired The early care for a new pair of shades Reading my favorite sports columnists Leaving a car wash Ocean City’s nightlife in the World War II era was centered on the 9th Street section of the Boardwalk. Within a block, the Blue Dahlia, the Beachclub and Jackson’s Casino provided music, dancing and a lively bar scene. A block north on 10th Street, the George Washington Hotel boasted a ballroom on its top floor where bands played on summer weekends. Slot machines were everywhere.

This photo shows the oceanfront from 9th to 11th streets. The large building in the center is the George Washington Hotel and to its immediate left is Jackson’s Casino.

The Beachclub is on the corner just south of Jackson’s and the Blue Dahlia is on the other side of 9th Street near the Lankford Hotel.

The cottages in the right foreground are still there today between 10th and 11th streets. This is the only Boardwalk block that has remained unchanged since World War II. To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishPhoto Courtesy of Ken Jordan ingoc.com.

An old laptop that still works great Addiction recovery stories Stress-free weekends Watching my sons goof around as teens Carryout on the weekends Queen’s lyric, “We’re all God’s people”

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

KID DS of the Summer

AUGUST 29, 2025

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

new homes IN OCEAN N CITY Jus t One Block fro om the Beach!

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Hom Home H

Lighthouse Bay is a brand-new communit m nity, just one block ck from m the iconic sand and surrf of Ocean City, MD—and MD—and close to th he beaches of Fenwick Islan an nd, DE, too! Here, ourr be n eautiful townhomes let yo ou live your best beach life every day, including p planned community amenities such as a pri p vate swimming pool and p picnic area.

Enjoy spa pacio ous open interiors with all the e rooms you need to work and play. And, A d, every ele e egan t 4-story townh home at Lighthous use Bay com mes m es with Lennar’s Everything’s Included® package, which inc nclude udes the h mos mo t desired new-home features at no n extra cost.

THE MAR RLIN 3 Beds d | 3 Full Baths | 2 Half Baths 2-Car Garage | 4 Levels | 2,559 Sq. Ftt. Priced from m the M Mid $700s

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Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. A Av vailabilit ability may vary. Please see a New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement ffo or actual ffe eatures designated as an Everything’s Included ffe eature. Plans to build out this neighborhood as propossed are subject to change without notice. Sq. ft. is estimated; actual sq. ft. will diff ffe er. Prices do not include closing costs and other ffe ees to be paid by buyer (including a builder ffe ee, if applicable, as described in the purchase agreement)and are subject to change without notice. Garage/bay sizes may vary ffrrom home to home and may not accommodate or be accessible to all vehicles. Scenes may be of locations or activities not on a Lennar property.

This is not an off ffe er in states where prior registration is required. V Vo oid where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2025 Lennar Corporation. Lennarr,, the Lennar logo and Everything’s Included are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CalAtlantic Group, LLC, MHBR No. 128; U.S. Home, LLC, MHBR No. 316. Date 08/25

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

County nears full internet coverage

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Worcester County is on the verge of having 100% coverage in rural areas for access to fiber optic cables and broadband internet access, county officials said.

The feat was made possible with a state grant that will subsidize the cost of installation in the most far-flung and isolated corners of the county, from marshy and coastal spots, to homes hidden away on middle-ofnowhere dirt roads.

Installation will be handled by internet service providers such as Talkie, Choptank Fiber, and Simple Fiber, said Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young.

“We would like high speed fiber in front of everybody’s home,” he said.

“This is all part of a longer process of connecting everybody.”

In the not-too-distant past, before fiber optic connections were mainstreamed or subsidized, municipalities and counties relied on coaxial cable providers like Comcast to install internet access infrastructure.

The issue became more serious when the COVID-19 pandemic locked communities down for months, forcing many to work or attend public school classes from home, Young said.

“We’d reach out to say, ‘can you run

internet to this subdivision?’ If they did not feel they’d get paid back, they just wouldn’t do it,” Young said. “There were whole subdivisions running off satellite dishes. That makes it really hard to do anything with education or teleworking.”

The latest round of grants for those last-mile locations, totaling $2.42 million, have been approved and the funding is pending, according to Brian Jones, Worcester County’s information technology director. It’s bumped residential saturation from about 70% in May to today’s full coverage.

He said the county’s efforts to collaborate with the state in the last few years – ahead of the state’s $3 billion revenue shortfall that lawmakers struggled to address during this year’s legislative session – got them to this point.

“If we didn’t start as early as we did, with the drive behind the [county] commissioners, we’d be hard pressed to get the funds we need. Now we can honestly say, we’re going to get there.

We have a little ways to go,” Jones said.

Money is coming from the state via federal pass-through grants. Officially, it’s called The Home Stretch - Difficult to Serve Properties Program, administered by the Office of Statewide Broadband within the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Jones said the cashflow will ultimately provide fiber optic access to 366 previously unserved properties, bringing the total of rural properties with new service to about 6,400. This doesn’t apply to municipalities like Ocean City or Berlin, who have their own agreements with Comcast to provide internet service.

One obstacle continues to be a matter of policy and permission: for homeowners alone Route 113, the highway frontage is technically state property, not county land. It means, for now, there’s still no official easement in place for install crews to operate.

Jones said the state had wanted to charge a monthly or annual fee for internet service providers to gain access.

The county is in touch with state lawmakers to possibly legislate around the hurdle.

In addition, internet service provider Choptank Fiber recently struck a fresh Memorandum of Understanding with the county after having handled similar work for more than 1,500 properties since 2022. The company’s latest round of work will provide high-speed internet service to 200 homes, according to spokeswoman Valerie Connelly.

“Choptank has completed all other grant work in the county in half the time allotted, so we expect many locations should have service by the end of this year,” she said.

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Great opportunity to own an affordable place in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in North OC. Put a little TLC into the existing home or tear it down and build your dream home! This 3 bedroom 1-1/2 bathroom home is conveniently located within walking distance to the beach as well as shopping, dining, bus stop, and Ocean City's 58 acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July fireworks). Home is being sold fully furnished and in as-is condition. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard court, 9 hole mini-golf course, 8 acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, a 5 acre pond with a blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $385.00 a year!! $269,900

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PAGE 90

NEW LISTING – LUXURY 4 BR, 3.5 BA OCEA AN SIDE CONDO

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Wow--a FOUR bedroom/3.5 bath floorr plan! Southern facing with lots of natural light. Oversized balcony faces oceaan & is closest unit to beach in west Meridian building! Very strong rental histo oryy, professionally managed by Seaside Vacations & GRI was nearly $56K in '24. Deluxe kitchen cabinets to ceiling, large pantry offf kitchen, custom tile baacksplash & breakfast barr.. Spacious living room has dining area, ample living space, lots of light & partial ocean view balcony with slider! 2 primary BRs, bo oth en-suite with huge walk-in closets! 1 of primary BRs has slider access to baalcony with luxurious primary BA -large double vanityy, soaking tub & sep parate oversized tile showerr. BRs 3 & 4 at rear of condo & share Jack & Jill BA A. Good-sized laundry room. Outside sizable, private lockable storage closeet. Brand new water heater with shut off valve installed Feb. 2025. Newer HV VAC unit installed Aug. 2021! Amenities include offf street parking, heated outdoo or pool with large sun deck facing west, fitness centerr, owners social room, traash chutes on every floorr, ground level secure bike storage room for owners & private beach access boardwalk with gate & beach showerr. Located in mid-town Ocean Cityy, just off Rt. 90 bridge & g close to everything OC has to offer! Buuyer will need to honor existing rentals.

BERLIN TOWN CENTER DISTRICT • B-1 Z ZONED LOT

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Unique opportunity to own a commercial/B-1 zoned lot in the heart of Berlin's Town Center District. This pie-shaped lot conveys with two EDU's a and will allow for various uses including retail, service estab blishments, hair salons, florists, restaurants, cafes (to include e outdoor dining), short-term rental/Airbnb, antique or gift sshops, etc. This zoning also allows for dwellings above street level floors where street mmercial, retail or other uses. level floors are utilized for com (See the town B-1 zoning cod de definition for more info.)

The property was most recen ntly operated as The Berlin Commons, a privately owned d community green space. The seller their ll iis willing illi tto share h th i renderings for a proposed building upon request.

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Berlin mayor will not run for reelection, mulling Congress Tyndall launches committee as he considers taking his Eastern Shore values to DC

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall is considering running for Congress against eight-term incumbent Andy Harris and won’t run for re-election as mayor.

Calling rural Eastern Shore communities “overlooked and underserved,” Tyndall said he’s formed an exploratory committee towards a Zack Tyndall campaign for Maryland’s First Congressional District seat in the 2026 election.

“The people of Maryland’s First Congressional District deserve a representative who is not only visible and accessible but also responsive and a partner,” he wrote. “I believe that I am the person to help bring Eastern Shore values back to Washington.”

In a statement Tuesday, Tyndall noted a “disconnect” between the Shore and Washington when it

comes to funding of public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. Berlin recently lost out on $950,000 in support when the federal government rescinded a transportation grant meant to explore bridging the town’s geographical and racial divides created by Route 113.

When it comes to running for federal office, election rules allow for a “testing the waters” committee, where a potential candidate can suss out their chances without actually filing as a candidate.

A candidate is no longer testing the waters when they raise more than $5,000 and begin to conduct campaigning in earnest, which would then require formally filing candidacy, according to Federal Elections Commission rules.

Jake Day, Maryland’s housing secretary and a former Democratic mayor of Salisbury, has also established an exploratory committee but has not yet publicly stated whether he’ll pursue a campaign. Day did not respond to a request for comment for this report.

Elected in 2010, incumbent Rep. Andy Harris is a 68-year-old anesthesiologist and veteran of the Navy Medical Corps. He came to office as part of a wave of “Tea Party” Repub-

Aug. 28 - Sept. 4 DA AY/TIME

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AUGUST 29, 2025

PAGE 91

OC Today-Dispatch

Tyndall launches campaign for federal seat licans and has since risen in the GOP ranks, now chairing the House Freedom Caucus. The only Republican from Maryland in Congress, Harris has handily held the First District seat without much real electoral competition.

A representative from Harris’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

For 2026, four Democratic candidates have filed to run against Harris. The only one who’s raised any money is Dan Schwartz, who has about $56,000 cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission records. A newcomer to electoral politics, Schwartz works in the field of consumer protection and hails from Talbot County, according to his campaign website.

The other three people who have filed as candidates for the First District seat include Rev. Terrence Rogers, George Martin Walish, Jr., and Randi White, online records show.

In an interview with OC TodayDispatch, Tyndall on Tuesday said public service is at the heart of what motivates him.

A Berlin native and Stephen Decatur High School graduate, the 35year-old Tyndall spent the last six years working for Salisbury University before starting his own consul-

tancy in the burgeoning field of medical simulations. Before that, he was a career firefighter/EMT with the towns of Berlin and Ocean City, having started in fire service as a cadet at age 14.

In 2013, Tyndall sued the Berlin Fire Company in federal court for discrimination and harassment.

Tyndall, now a married father of two with wife Chelsea, alleged in court documents that colleagues created a hostile work environment by bullying him with gay slurs and physical confrontations. The case was eventually dismissed in late 2015 after both sides settled out of court.

Less than a year later, Tyndall won a seat on the Berlin Town Council.

“I really never expected to even enter politics,” he said, “but some folks said, ‘hey, look, you’re good at serving the community and maybe you should take a look at this.’ I enjoyed the work and the things that I could do for Berlin as a council member that’s evolved over the years, to the work I can do as mayor.”

After an unsuccessful run for County Commissioner in 2018, Tyndall was elected mayor in 2020 and went unopposed for his re-election in 2024.

Tyndall won’t run again when his

current term expires in 2028, he told OC Today-Dispatch.

“I think many folks would agree that Berlin is doing very, very well under our leadership and the team that we’ve built,” he said. “A change in leadership is a good thing. … After 12 years of public service to Berlin, I think it’s time to pass that baton and get a fresh perspective.”

He’s has burnished his public image of late with an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning (about Assateague Island’s lifeguard shortage) and interviews in national press about the loss of the transportation grant.

Accusing Harris of being unresponsive to constituent needs, Tyndall added that he’s engaged with issues and hears from a lot of people throughout Maryland and throughout the Eastern Shore.

“I hear the frustrations and largely I think the frustrations come from the lack of cooperation and the lack of support that, really, you look to for this type of position,” Tyndall said. “Mayors are on the front lines dealing with issues that face everybody – kitchen table issues. And Congress is really not that different.

“It might seem like it’s so much further removed,” he added, “but the issues remain the same. People still want somebody they can see in their

district. You want to be accessible.”

When asked how he’d handle stepping into Washington’s tumultuous partisan divide, Tyndall, a Democrat, pointed anecdotally to the growing number of voters across Maryland who are quitting their party affiliation and registering as unaffiliated or independent.

Data from the Maryland State Board of Elections shows 22% of the 1st District’s 600,000 voters in 2024 were unaffiliated, with 42% registered as Republican and 33% as Democratic. In 2016, the electorate’s share of independents was about 18%, records show.

“So, when I see that,” Tyndall said, “it makes me think that people are disgruntled with both sides of the major parties and maybe they’re focused on more things that actually matter, right? We need more people that are focused on getting things done and not the bickering. That’s what we’ll bring to Washington, DC. “Let’s roll up our sleeves,” he added. “If we have a disagreement – I always say to the council when we disagree –that’s a good thing because we’re able to take that feedback, construct it into something that’s better for the people we serve.

And as long as you’re focused on that, I think that a really good work product comes out of it.”

LocalCrabcakes.com

PAGE 92

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Hurricane Erin impacts felt in Ocean City

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) The impacts of Hurricane Erin continued to be felt in Ocean City this week, even though it remained far offshore as it traveled up the Eastern seaboard late last week.

The passing storm kicked up rough surf and strong rip currents that kept area waters closed to anything except surfing and wading in the days that followed.

The dangerous ocean conditions also prompted city officials to urge swimmers to stay out of the water.

“The ocean is closed to swimmers and although we are allowing surfers, only the most experienced surfers should enter the ocean,” City Manager Terry McGean said last Friday. “Please do not place your life or the lives of our lifeguards at risk by making the poor choice to enter the ocean.”

In preparation for last week’s storm, the Town of Ocean City closed its seawall gates, removed its beach trash barrels, relocated lifeguard stands and placed barriers along the concrete portion of the Boardwalk.

And by Thursday morning, weather conditions onshore began to deteriorate as Hurricane Erin passed to the east of the mid-Atlantic region.

Ocean closures had already been announced ahead of the storm’s arrival.

However, by 10 a.m. last Thursday, the

Town of Ocean City began warning residents and visitors of rough surf, strong rip currents and periods of strong wind. Later in the day, city officials were forced to close the Inlet parking lot and a portion of Philadelphia Avenue from North Division Street south as flooding reached its peak downtown.

By Friday morning, the city began to take stock of the storm damage. A report from the public works department shows the Inlet parking lot was reopened to the public Friday morning, and that crews were out clearing sand and debris, replacing trash cans, and reopening the city’s sea gates.

McGean said the city experienced beach erosion, moderate flooding on downtown streets and at the inlet parking lot, damage to the dune fence, and damage to some of the wooden platforms, steps and ramps that connect the Boardwalk to the beach.

“In summary, a rough day but no major damage,” he said, “and everyone is safe.”

The poor weather conditions also led the Town of Ocean City to cancel its Sunset Park Party Nights, as well as its End of Summer Send-Off Festival. Ocean City Jeep Fest organizers were also forced to cancel Thursday’s beach crawl.

While ocean access was closed to both swimming and surfing last

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Flooding is pictured on South Philadelphia Avenue, near its intersection with Somerset Street, last Thursday evening.

Thursday, Ocean City Beach Patrol Public Education Coordinator Kristin Josen said lifeguard patrols followed their normal schedule, and even increased in the evening hours. However, the Beach Patrol had to move stands from the beach as the storm surge brought waves farther on shore.

“We had 61 personnel assigned to stands every day this past week, even Wednesday …,” Josen said in an

email last Friday. “There were also 4 area supervisors each day, so a total number of personnel working would have been at least 90 per day.”

On Friday, the Beach Patrol announced the ocean would reopen to surfing and ankle-deep wading. And on Monday, it amended those restrictions one more to include bodyboarding with flippers and knee-deep wading.

Ocean restrictions were lifted on Tuesday.

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OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 93

PAGE 94

OC Today-Dispatch

REAL ESTATE REPORT

AUGUST 29, 2025

Beach Patrol calls tent, canopy bans an “uphill battle” Rising inventory equates to sellers

Home listings surge in Worcester Housing inventory rising at a national level, as listing prices remain flat in 2025

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) latest housing report, the average homeowner’s wealth has increased by $140,900 over the last five years.

However, amid changing market forces and rising inventory, sellers are experiencing a limit on what they can command for their home. This shift in the market has put real estate professionals in the position of educating clients and cautioning against overpricing their homes.

“Certain markets are seeing some price declines, while other markets are seeing better than 2% appreciation,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist.

However, the “typical American homeowner ... has accumulated a sizable equity gain, and on average, it is still positive and rising,” Yun adds.

Nationally, housing inventories are rising, up about 16% in June compared to a year earlier, according to NAR data. Interestingly, the same statistic holds true for Worcester County with 742 actively listed properties in June of 2025 as compared to 639 in June last year.

facing more competition and in many cases having to make price adjustments. But even so, Yun dispels any fears that this equates to a dire trend for the housing market or any indicator of significant price declines soon to come. He points to historically low mortgage delinquency rates and rising appreciation.

NAR is forecasting existing-home sales to increase by the end of 2025 by 3% and surge by 14% in 2026, according to the association’s latest housing forecast. Also, median home prices are projected to moderate to a 1% growth this year and then jump 4% in 2026.

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

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 29, 2025) As the summer season concludes, Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) members continue to educate beachgoers on new tent and canopy regulations, with the hope that visitors will adjust their practices for next year.

As of Monday, the OCBP had made 9,000 contacts this summer regarding new restrictions on beach tents and canopies. However, Capt.

Butch Arbin acknowledged the challenges of this summer’s educational campaign.

“The problem is every week you have a new crowd,” he said. “Every week we are starting the process all over again.”

This spring, the Ocean City Council passed legislation to ban all beach tents, with the exception of baby tents. The ordinance also prohibits beachgoers from erecting beach canopies before 10 a.m. and then leaving those canopies unattended; prohibits beach canopies larger than 10-by-10 feet; requires a 3-foot separation around a canopy’s perimeter; and requires the anchoring for such canopies to be contained within the canopy’s footprint.

Arbin said each morning, OCBP members patrol the beach for unattended canopies. Those canopies, he explained, are then tagged, providing the owner with information on the ordinance. As of this week, the beach patrol has placed roughly 1,550 tags on unattended structures.

“Most people just didn’t know,” he said of the offenders.

Arbin said the goal is to contact canopy owners once they return to the beach. He added the OCBP is not making them take down their only source of shade but conversing with them about the new regulations.

While this summer is focused on educating visitors, he noted OCBP officers have been issued citation books to deal with repeat offenders. He said no citations have been issued so far.

“We did not issue any citations because we couldn’t issue citations to those who can’t correct the problem …,” he said, “and sometimes there’s nobody there to contact.”

Arbin said the OCBP has seen an improvement in the number of illegal canopy setups as the summer progresses. However, he noted the city continues to receive emails – and even 911 calls – from those reporting violations.

Despite the “uphill battle,” Arbin said the OCBP continues to educate.

He said he is hoping that visitors return next year knowing the new law.

“Again, it was a year of education and information and trying to get people to comply,” he said.

AUGUST 29, 2025

PAGE 95

OC Today-Dispatch

Snow Hill Police move to new headquarters

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Buzzing florescent lights resonate off 14-foot walls clad in knotty pine. The roof leaks in the evidence room. The bathroom doorknob falls off. Fuse box breakers pop.

There is no security system, no fire alarm, and no real personal space away from colleagues.

Welcome to Snow Hill’s police station, a warren of rooms housed in an abandoned postwar firehouse that’s mustier than an old book.

Police Chief Andy McGee, a big guy himself, noted how the doorways in the workspace he’s called home for the last six years are barely two feet wide. “We must have had skinny firemen back in the day, because you can’t even get a chair through that,” he said.

After the volunteer fire company moved out in 2002, the police department took over this portion of the building on Green Street. They’ve been here 20 years now. It’s never been suited to the needs of a modern law enforcement agency, according to McGee, a former county sheriff’s deputy who has 33 years of service under his belt.

But now, relief is on the way: McGee and his roster of eight officers are in the middle of making an historic move, packing up for a new headquarters on West Market Street, less than a mile down the road.

They just signed a lease for a modern space where every cop will have their own office, and the HVAC won’t struggle in icy winter or sweltering summer.

“The best part of it is just getting our feet down on the ground there and starting to work out of that office,” McGee said. “We've been working out of our car for about the last three weeks, so it'd be nice to, you know, put ourselves in seats and actually be able to do some work from an office setting.”

In the old building, the problems went beyond cramped workspaces.

Built in 1950, its wiring – which already was replaced, twice – just couldn’t support the electronics and

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computer infrastructure needed for 21st Century police work.

One big reason he wanted to move was to have a building capable of having an alarm system, McGee said, especially for their evidence room. The 14,000 square foot firehouse is now listed for sale by the town.

In the new office, Snow Hill’s police officers will enter using electronic keycards. They’ll have separate bathrooms for police and the public, and a proper entry foyer where a receptionist eventually will sit. Electronics will live in a server room. A spacious conference room up front is bigger than the entirety of the old police station.

“I tell people, I’m going from driving a Ford Pinto to a MercedezBenz,” McGee said.

What might be the most exciting news, though, is that this space isn’t even the department’s long-term solution.

McGee said a brand-new police headquarters is slated to be built just around the corner from here, on a grassy parcel is at the corner of Federal and Market Streets, across from a Methodist cemetery and a convenience store. Its slight incline makes it the closest thing to a hill most people will see on the Eastern Shore.

The two-acre lot was donated by the late Pete Scarborough, who died in 2021 at age 78.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Snow Hill Police Department is moving from its aging downtown office to this new headquarters space just a mile down the road. Police hope to construct a brand new building in the near future.

“He was very involved with the community here in Snow Hill,” McGee said, “and that was his goal, to have a police department there. What we're hoping to build is a 30-year police department, make it modernized, much like what Berlin did years ago, just on a smaller scale.”

But how they got here, to their new home, was by “sheer accident,” as McGee puts it. He and town leaders started putting out some feelers for a new location and found this spot after an officer on patrol noticed the space, part of a three-unit commercial

building, was empty.

The town made an inquiry of the owners, and within a manner of weeks, they were working on a rental agreement. They just signed a threeyear lease this month.

McGee’s officers couldn’t be happier.

“They were moved in before I was moved in, so I didn't have to ask them to do a whole lot. They brought all their stuff that they wanted, set up their offices the way they wanted to. You know, happy employees tend to work better. We're excited. I'm excited. The town's excited, which is a good thing.”

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PAGE 96

OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

Questions swirl around Pocomoke nonprofit

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Board members of a Pocomoke-based nonprofit that was supposed to have been the recipient of a nearly $100,0000 local grant have decided to disband, saying negative publicity soured the experience for those involved.

An Aug. 25 post to Facebook by the Pocomoke City Development Corporation (PCDC) stated the group has dissolved without having received the grant funds it had been promised by the Worcester County Commissioners.

“We wish Pocomoke the best in all its endeavors. We are rooting for you.

Respectfully, PCDC Executive Board,” it says, adding that other funds the group did raise went toward an automatic external defibrillator that was donated to the Pocomoke Little League.

As of Aug. 27, the group’s Facebook page appears to have been deleted or deactivated, though the PCDC is still listed as an active nonprofit by the IRS, online records show.

The history of the group and its heady plans for Pocomoke City began more than a year ago. PCDC founder Sara Chapman said the goal was to fill a gap where money was needed in their community. They wanted to fund home improvement projects for veterans and the elderly in Pocomoke City.

The plan that took shape was to approach the issue with a homegrown, mission-driven outfit, much like the public-private partnership that Ocean City has with the nonprofit Ocean City Development Corporation, or OCDC. They even worked with former OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin to get the process moving, according to Chapman, and he helped them incorporate as a nonprofit in May 2024.

“When we started it, we wanted to literally mirror what O.C. Development Corp. had done for the town of Ocean City. It would have been very simple to do. We weren’t looking for anything crazy,” she said.

At the same time, Worcester County government had set aside funding for Pocomoke City government as an infrastructure grant.

At the request of former Pocomoke district Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, that funding initiative was created by the county, for both Pocomoke and Snow Hill, in an amount equal to what the Town of Berlin had been receiving from its share of video lottery terminal funds, according to County Administrator Weston Young.

In this deal, both municipalities each got the equivalent of 10 percent of Ocean Downs Casino table games revenue as an annual grant. For Pocomoke, the grant was for $36,807

in fiscal year 2023; $49,959 in fiscal 2024; and $48,317 in fiscal 2025 Pocomoke City did collect on its fiscal 2025 grant money, but not the prior two years. The county tried to reach Pocomoke about its money but did not get a response, so unused grant money went back into county coffers, Young explained at a commissioners’ meeting on Sept. 17, 2024.

Five days earlier, Chapman had emailed District 1 Commissioner Caryn Abbott to ask, “if any funds are available for restoration projects in Pocomoke City, that (PCDC) be considered.” This email was included in the meeting packet and is part of the public record.

On a motion from Abbott, the commissioners voted to pledge the money to the PCDC. It ended up setting a small firestorm of controversy in Pocomoke and online. Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock sent a scathing letter the next day to county officials for failing to release the funds to the city, saying he’d already made a formal request in writing to recapture the money for the town that seemingly went ignored.

“The PCDC was not working with the city on this project prior to the commissioners' vote, and my office was not aware that they were even in consideration for the grant funds that had been earmarked for our town,” Nock wrote,

adding, “I am extremely disappointed in the county commissioners.”

Not only that, but the commissioners were later flagged for violating the state’s Open Meetings Act for failing to include Nock’s letter as a discussion item on the meeting agenda.

Ultimately, after the money was promised to the PCDC and not the town, the response was not kind from the community. Chapman says she and other members of the PCDC were excoriated online and in person.

“It caused a lot of hard feelings. Nobody contacted [our] people to figure out what the deal was. They said, if we’re getting nothing but negativity, then we’re going to step aside. They did everything right. Glenn [Irwin] set it up. They had a reputable attorney set up the paperwork. Everything was fine.

They went about it the right way and they did all they could do,” she said.

Chapman bristled at any implication that there was a backroom deal done in secret – it was all done in the open and using official county channels, she said.

Furthermore, she said hers and other board members’ businesses were unfairly targeted in the court of public opinion. For that reason, several PCDC board members stepped aside before they accomplished anything.

“It took a lot of wind out of people’s See GROUP Page 97

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 97

Berlin to sign agreement for countywide aid

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 28, 2025) Per a mutual aid agreement passed by the Town of Berlin this week, the municipality's law enforcement team will have the authority to assist jurisdictions across Worcester County.

The Berlin Town Council agreed to sign a mutual aid agreement this week, which includes the additional parties of the Worcester County Commissioners, the Mayor and Council of Ocean City, the Mayor and Council of Pocomoke City, and the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill.

The contract allows these jurisdictions to offer police aid across town lines without first needing to obtain county approval.

Each visiting law enforcement team will have the same power as the local crew.

The contract reads, “It is in the public interest that law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Maryland cooperate to the greatest extent possible to provide prompt, effective, and professional police services; and whereas the federal and state government encourages law enforcement agencies to employ regional approaches to public safety, planning, preparedness, and responses to public safety needs.”

The agreement continues, “whereas, the County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland, and the Mayor and Council of each municipality within Worcester County de-

sire to enable collaboration and communication across law enforcement agencies operating within Worcester County to enhance policing services and community safety…”

Currently, towns have agreements solely with the county. The new arrangement is instead a county-wide mutual aid agreement with all local governments, said Arnold Downing, chief of police in Berlin.

“It’s going to make our jobs a lot easier,” the chief added. “And the liability itself covers that. It allows for a municipality to ask for the help, and the helping municipality or county agency to go ahead and move forward.”

For example, during the annual

Berlin Christmas Parade, other local law enforcement groups, such as those from Pocomoke and Snow Hill, come to Berlin. When these jurisdictions host their own events, Berlin’s police department attends. With the new contract, rather than first seeking approval from Worcester County, these municipalities can request the additional aid directly, and the responding team may be dispatched.

“What we do now is have an agreement with the county,” Downing said.

“So, if we want to go to Pocomoke, we say, ‘County, can we go to Pocomoke?’ and the county says, ‘Pocomoke, do you want them to come?’ And we have power that way. This [contract] eliminates that.”

Group says its disbanding per grant dispute Continued from Page 96 sails,” she said. “Good people don’t want to deal with the drama. It’s tax dollars no matter what grant it’s coming from. If anybody was going to be crucified, it should be the people distributing the grant, not requesting the money. It’s just a blow for the community, because it could have been something great.”

According to Chapman, the real reason the PCDC didn’t collect the

grant was because it was structured as a reimbursement. That meant the PCDC would have had to spend its own money first and then submit invoices to the county for repayment, which Chapman said was not feasible.

“They did not know it was a reimbursement grant,” she said. “Immediately, they told the county, we can’t do it this way, we don’t have the funds. The board did everything right

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that they could. It just wasn’t reported [in the news] that way.”

Moving forward, County Administrator Young says there are several options: let the money roll back into the general fund; give what will be three years’ worth of grant money back to Pocomoke City; or potentially give it away as seed money to help the PCDC off the ground.

He also said there’s a developer, Davis Strategic Development, who’s rehabbed

a blighted old retail shop in downtown Pocomoke that may be a candidate for grant funding in the future.

Ultimately, Young noted, giving grants to Snow Hill and Pocomoke is still new to the county, and they’ll continue to work out the kinks in the process.

“We hope they spend it on improving their infrastructure and helping themselves,” he said.

Opinions

Aug. 29, 2025

Page 98

No right to put others at risk One of the most aggravating human traits is the inability to accept that an individual’s right to be stupid does not apply when it affects others. And yet, would-be swimmers, denied access to the stormy ocean and deadly rip currents last week, protested that the Beach Patrol’s directives denied them that right.

As Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin pointed out to these aggrieved parties, letting one person into the water because of their “expert” skills, invites others to enter as well.

On a day like last Thursday, that would be an invitation to calamity, which Arbin, after decades of guarding the beach knows all too well.

What foolhardy types don’t recognize is not only does their presence invite others to join them, but it also increases the risk to lifeguards should they be called on to make a rescue in rough conditions.

Although members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol are exceptionally well-trained, they are not immune to extreme conditions and shouldn’t be forced to endure them because someone feels their right to do as they please supersedes the lifeguard’s responsibility to protect the safety of everyone on the beach.

Besides, as good as the Beach Patrol is and as well-prepared as they are to deal with harsh circumstances, its members would rather not spend the day hauling people out of trouble and back to the beach when common sense dictates that these individuals shouldn’t have been out there in the first place.

Beachgoers should bear that in mind when similar situations arise again, and they will, and follow lifeguards’ direction. For those who believe they have the right to risk their lives, they can exercise that right somewhere else, possibly where no one is present to save them if things go wrong.

That would be a stupid thing to do, of course, but it would be within their rights to do it.

OC Today-Dispatch Stubbornly local, equally independent NEWS EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE Contact News Room: editor@octodaydispatch.com SALES ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN Contact Sales: sales@octodaydispatch.com PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS Web: octodaydispatch.com ~ Facebook: www.facebook.com/octodaydispatch OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2025

PUBLIC EYE

A perfect candidate

With everyone else thinking about running for Congress these days, I suppose I might as well investigate that possibility myself. After all, it’s not like a lifetime appointment or anything.

As a matter of fact, in terms of years in office, I’m reminded of the time my dentist tried to sell me on the idea of getting a couple of permanent teeth planted in my head, As it happened, I needed to replace two that I had ground into dust over the years as I edBy ited out the expression, “very Stewart unique,” several hundred times in various news releases.

Dobson “Our products are very unique...”

Delete, delete, grind, grind.

I mean, these products are either unique or they’re not. They can’t be more than unique, since “unique” means one of a kind.

Further, “unique’ also doesn’t mean “different,” or “unusual,” or even “rare.”

Unique means, “This is the only one there is, so don’t go looking for another one just like it that may be even more unique.”

Or, to put it another way, “uniquer,” as in, “My unique statue is ‘uniquer’ than your unique statue.”

And then, of course, there is “very unique,” which means not only is this thing one of a kind, but it’s also very one of a kind.

Suffice to say this is the how and why I ground two teeth down to the point that they

needed to be replaced, with me explaining to my dentist that a simple bridge would be just fine ... and not unique.

My dentist, however, suggested I consider the permanent implants because of their, well, permanence.

“See, the difference is,” he said earnestly, “the plate may last a few years, but the implants are guaranteed to last a lifetime.”

“Oh wow!” I replied at the time. “Seeing how I’m 75, that’s not what I’d call a powerful enticement. In fact, it’s like going to the car dealership and having the salesperson say, ‘If you buy the extended warranty now, you’ll be completely covered long after the state confiscates your license.’”

“On the other hand,” I continued, “if you can guarantee that I’ll last as long as the teeth, that would be a different story. It might even be unique.”

So, as I was saying, running for Congress at this time in my life would offer voters the opportunity to put someone in office who would accomplish very little, but who would pledge at the outset to be upfront about it.

Sure, the easy thing to do would be to blame the opposition party, which would lead to one side believing me no matter what and one side convinced I’m lying no matter what.

Now that, I contend would make me a unique candidate, because everyone would agree, “He said he would do nothing, and, by golly, he sure has delivered.”

More to the point, though, I would be not just unqualified to hold office, but uniquely unqualified.

www.octodaydispatch.com

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

Between the Lines

By Steve Green While driving Coastal Highway this week at 35 mph, a scooter rider was cruising in the bus lane keeping up with me. The difference was vehicles stopped at the red light, while the scooter rider slowed before proceeding.

Another instance had a scooter rider turn on a street before quickly curving back on to the highway to avoid the stop light. These sorts of situations play out daily during the summer months, as the scooters, mostly electric, are for transportation, not recreation. Before the summer is even over, Ocean City is right to be proactive on this issue. Two matters came before the council this week.

First, it’s a no brainer – confirmed by the 7-0 vote – for Ocean City to not follow the new state law, effective Oct. 1, allowing bikes and scooters on sidewalks. The city will soon draft an ordinance prohibiting bikes, scooters and e-bikes on sidewalks because it understands mixing these with pedestrians on the five-foot wide areas is dangerous.

Secondly, Ocean City officials want to explore a change in state law allowing each jurisdiction to ban electric scooters on state roads, such as Coastal Highway, Philadelphia Avenue and Baltimore Avenue. Current state law allows them on state roads, but the resort is seeking the ability to be more stringent, mirroring the move on sidewalks. This is a direction worth exploring. Even if the city moves ahead with the ban plan, Police Chief Ray Austin is correct in understanding enforcement will be an issue. He said, “No matter how you look at this, the police department is going to be in an enforcement standpoint of this, no matter what happens … I don’t know we can necessarily get them all.”

Therefore, the question becomes whether the juice will be worth the squeeze. I think so in this case because it’s a dangerous situation and scooter use will continue to grow if left unregulated. It’s worth the time to dive deeper into what other resort areas have done elsewhere, not just in Maryland. *** It’s a good thing there was a satisfactory ending for the charter boats looking to provide service to and from the music festivals in downtown Ocean City. I have never gone to the festivals by boat, but people who have say it adds to the experience of attending concerts at an oceanfront venue. It’s not cheap but worth the money they say for the convenience and the cool factor.

It’s clearly popular, as the four operators and their 18 boats predict they can transport between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees to the music festivals based on previous demand.

Though disappointed the county frowned on allowing the commercial harbor as the meet-up spot, the charter boat service operators, led by Captain Tony Battista, have come together to partner on ferrying concert-goers from multiple sites, including the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, north Ocean City and other West Ocean City locales.

In the end, it may be best to keep the pickup locations private. This operation is an example of private industry seeing an opportunity to profit while meeting a public demand. It’s a good thing. Having attended each of the new music festivals in Ocean City over the last few years, anything to assist in providing different transportation means should be viewed as a positive. *** Though it can be said data can often be manipulated to prove a point, there’s no disputing the most recent standardized test results of local students. In short, Worcester County led the state in mathematics proficiency and English/Language Arts (ELA) proficiency. The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is administered to students in grades 38 and high school students taking certain courses.

On the ELA portion, 69% of Worcester County students scored at the proficient level with the statewide average at 51%. On the math test, 48% of county students led the state again, hitting proficiency with the statewide average at 27%.

These are results worth celebrating for the county school system. *** More questions than answers this week in a disturbing report of foxes being shot by members of law enforcement in downtown Ocean City.

Though officials are mum on the details, there seems to be no dispute that at least one fox was shot with an air gun by member(s) of the Maryland State Police’s dive team while they camped out at the U.S. Coast Guard Station over the OC Air Show weekend in June. There also seems to be no disagreement over alcohol being involved.

MSP has launched an investigation, reporting in a statement an appreciation for the public’s patience while the matter is probed. The statement continued, “Accusations of conduct contrary to our core values, policies and tradition, are troubling and will be thoroughly investigated.” Disciplinary action after the probe will be handled by an administrative charging committee.

Letters to the editor Artists Paint OC festival a success Editor, We did it again – and that makes 20 times now. Our 20th Annual “Artists Paint OC” plein air festival and competition August 13-17 was another impressive success for us and the community. Thank you to the 52 professional artists and 41 Quick Paint artists who spread out around the area for five days and created 262 paintings of our iconic local landscapes. And thank you to the youth who painted “en plein air” to be part of our 3rd Annual “Kids Paint OC” program.

Our gratitude goes out to judge Sara Linda Poly who awarded prizes to our winning artists and also donated a painting she created for an Art League fundraising raffle. And our heart goes out to our festival sponsors who provided $11,000 in cash prizes for the artists and demonstrated their appreciation for the arts.

Thank you to PNC Bank for sponsoring the top prize of $2,500. And to our long-time supporter Emily Schwab, who sponsored the special $2,000 20th Anniversary of Artists Paint OC Award.

We truly appreciate the generosity of our sponsors Charles and Michelle Nichols, Shore United Bank, Maryland’s Coast, Reese Cropper III, Linda Guerrieri, Longboard Café,

Town of Ocean City, Laura Jenkins, OCHMRA, Ed and Emmy Challenger, Virginia Outten, Betty Huang, Farming Community of Worcester County, Marian Bickerstaff, Berta Maginniss, and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Assn.

Thank you to our Quick Paint sponsor, Ocean City Development Corp., who has supported us for many years, and to the sponsors of our Kids Paint OC program – Worcester County Arts Council and John Sisson. We also appreciate the support of the Dough Roller and Casual Designs Furniture.

Another big thank you to the art lovers and art collectors who came out to support the artists and purchase their work during the Wet Paint Sales. The best of the plein air paintings will be on display and available for purchase at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. bayside through September. The raffle for the painting continues until the drawing on Sept. 30.

Laura Jenkins Co-Chair, Artists Paint OC Virginia Outten Co-Chair, Artists Paint OC Board Member, Art League of Ocean City Rina Thaler Executive Director, Art League of Ocean City

Have an opinion?

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

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OC Today-Dispatch

AUGUST 29, 2025

WORLD WAR II

USS Missouri: a battleship’s role WWII, American history

By Nick Wahoff Contributing Writer This week, 80 years ago, the battleship USS Missouri sat in Tokyo Bay awaiting the arrival of a Japanese delegation. Appointed by the Emperor, this delegation was sent to sign the surrender document aboard the last American battleship ever built.

With the arrival of the Allied and Japanese representatives, the surrender ceremony began.

Allied Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur stated, “It is my earnest hope — indeed the hope of all mankind — that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past, a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfilment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice.”

After 23 minutes, the ceremony aboard “The Mighty Mo” concluded and a world war that lasted six years and one day came to an end.

In 1938, as the fumes of war in Europe were about to ignite, the United States Bureau of Construction and

Repair laid out the preliminary design for a class of fast battleships.

These new battleships, known as the Iowa Class, had a battery of nine 16inch guns, 20 5-inch guns and array of antiaircraft guns. The 16-inch guns could hurl a 2,700-pound shell (the equivalent of a Hyundai Elantra) 20 miles.

Construction of the Missouri began on Jan. 6, 1941 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Measuring nearly 900 feet in length and displacing 45,000 tons, the Missouri was launched on Jan. 29, 1944.

The daughter of the U.S. Senator from Missouri, Mary Margaret Truman christened the ship. Though there were two additional Iowa class battleships scheduled for production, both orders were cancelled.

In November 1944, Missouri left Norfolk, Virginia and entered the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal.

After leaving San Francisco Bay, she arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Christmas Eve, ready to take part in the fight against Japan.

Missouri departed Pearl Harbor, in January 1945, and sailed to the SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Author Nick Wahoff kneels at the spot, on the deck of the USS Missouri, where stood the table upon which was signed the Instrument of Surrender.

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Caroline Islands. She joined the Lexington carrier task force, as a screen, to launch naval air strikes against Japan (the first since the Doolittle Raid of 1942). After this action, she sailed to Iwo Jima where her main guns bombarded the island in support of the Marine landings.

On March 5, Missouri joined the Yorktown carrier group for strikes on the Japanese mainland. Entering Japan’s Inland Sea, she fired on targets along the coast. Missouri attacked naval bases and airfields on Japan’s main island of Honshu and shot down four enemy planes.

Missouri joined other battleships on March 24, to bombard the island of Okinawa. When the invasion began, “The Mighty Mo” joined with the carriers to act as a screen again.

On April 11, a kamikaze crashed into the ship just below the main deck level.

Fortunately, the resulting fire was quickly extinguished, causing little damage. After recovering the body of the brave Japanese pilot, Missouri’s captain, William Callaghan, decided to honor him with a military funeral.

On May 18, Missouri became the flag ship of the Third Fleet when Adm. William Halsey brought his command aboard the ship. She went back to Okinawa and again bom-

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OC Today-Dispatch

WORLD WAR II barded Japanese positions on the island. From Okinawa, she then shelled military installations on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Shortly afterward, “The Mighty Mo” rode out a typhoon before returning to Kyushu to attack additional targets.

After a brief respite in the Philippines, Missouri again headed towards the Japanese home islands. Adm. Halsey’s Third Fleet raided Tokyo and then attacked and heavily damaged steel and ironworks factories.

She then guarded aircraft carriers as their planes devastated the Japanese capital. By the end of July, Japan was nearly defenseless against American naval and air strikes.

The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on Aug. 6 and 9, helped put an end to Japanese resistance. After the Japanese agreed to surrender, on Aug. 15, Missouri transferred 200 sailors to the battleship USS Iowa, to enter Tokyo as an early occupation force.

Missouri entered Tokyo Bay, on Aug. 29, to prepare for the actual Japanese surrender. Representatives from the Soviet Union, Great Britain, France, China, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia boarded to await the Japanese surrender delegation.

On Sept. 2, the surrender documents were signed on board the deck of “The Mighty Mo” ending the bloodiest war in history. The Missouri left Tokyo Bay, for Guam, on Sept. 6, and proceeded to Pearl Harbor.

While Missouri’s service in World War II ended, it still was not done as a battle wagon for the U.S. Navy. She sailed to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean in 1946, showing the strength of the United States in the face of a surging Soviet Union.

Missouri travelled to Rio de Janeiro in 1947, where the Rio Treaty was signed between the United States

and many Latin American countries.

President Truman and his family returned to Norfolk aboard the ship.

As the only remaining battleship in the active U.S. Fleet, Missouri was sent to Korea when hostilities began there in 1950. Her guns bombarded Samchok to divert attention away from the United Nations Inchon landing.

She also conducted additional bombardments and protected aircraft carriers launching missions into Korea. “The Mighty Mo” served a second tour in Korea in 1952 and 1953, supporting our troops by bombarding the enemy.

With the end of the Korean War, Missouri was decommissioned in 1955 in Bremerton, Washington and became part of the reserve fleet. Still, she was not finished serving her country.

Nearly 30 years later, the Reagan Administration wanted to build a 600-ship Navy – and Missouri was part of the plan. The ship was towed to Long Beach Naval Yard for refurbishment in 1984.

The obsolete antiaircraft guns and some of the 5-inch guns were removed and replaced with state-ofthe-art weaponry. These included Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, Phalanx Gatling guns and new radar and fire control systems.

Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger re-commissioned the ship on May 10, 1986 in San Francisco Bay. Also in attendance was Margaret Truman, who had commissioned the ship more than 40 years earlier.

Missouri departed for an aroundthe-world cruise, becoming the first US battleship to circle the globe since the “Great White Fleet” of President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1987, she was sent to the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf to escort Kuwaiti oil tankers Continued on Page 102

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AUGUST 29, 2025

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 101 through the Strait of Hormuz.

While berthed in Long Beach in 1989, Cher filmed her video “If I Could Turn Back Time” on her deck.

A more serious mission soon awaited the ship and its crew.

In August 1990, Iraq’s Saddam Hussein invaded the small Persian Gulf country of Kuwait. As part of “Operation Desert Storm,” Missouri was sent to the Persian Gulf to support American and allied forces in its liberation.

She fired 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iraqi targets and followed that with naval bombardments. In response to these bombardments, the Iraqis launched two Silkworm antiship missiles at the battleship. One missile missed completely, and the other was shot down by a British destroyer.

A friendly fire incident occurred when Missouri was struck by stray

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rounds from a frigate. Only one sailor suffered minor injuries. The ship completed its mission after firing a total of 759 rounds from its large 16inch guns.

Marking the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II, Missouri returned to Pearl Harbor, where she hosted President George H.W. Bush.

With the end of the Cold War and the enormous expense of maintaining the battleship, she was decommissioned on March, 31, 1992 at Long Beach, California.

In 1998, Missouri was transferred to the nonprofit USS Missouri Memorial Association and towed to Pearl Harbor. Today she sits as a museum ship next to the USS Arizona Memorial – both symbols of when the United States entered and ended World War II. Next week: Allied Victory Parade in Berlin

AUGUST 29, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

OBITUARIES

Adil Yilmaz is pictured cutting a gyro in his later years.

Celebration of life planned for former OC businessman (Aug. 29, 2024) Adil Yilmaz, 88, of Ocean City, and Freeport, Maine, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Antalya, Turkey after a brief illness.

In keeping with tradition, he was laid to rest the following day in Istanbul, Turkey. His wife, children, as well as friends and family were in attendance. Since some family, and friends from the United States were unable to be there, a celebration of his life will take place at Micky Fins Restaurant in West Ocean City on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from noon until 3 p.m., with words of remembrance at 1:30 p.m.

Adil, affectionately known as “Chef” to many, was born in the remote, mountainous village of Alucra, Turkey, in the Black Sea province of Giresun. He was the son of Omer Elal and his wife, Seniha. In his twenties, he changed his surname to Yilmaz, meaning “fearless and indomitable,”

a name perfectly reflective of his spirit and determination. His given name, Adil, meaning “just, fair, and righteous.” Both names were equally fitting to the character he carried throughout his life.

Over the span of ninety years, Adil lived an extraordinary life, marked by resilience, hard work, and optimism which he channeled ultimately for the benefit of his family. From his humble beginnings in his village, where he worked as a shepherd after losing his father at a young age, and with no formal education, he proceeded to build a remarkable legacy in the United States, and specifically Ocean City, Md., that left many in awe. Adil worked tirelessly for his family to build a stable foundation, It was his wish that as a result of his diligent efforts, the following generations could live better, pay it forward, and most importantly, to not take it for Continued on page 104

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Memorial event to take place in West OC Continued from Page 103 granted.

Adil spent life through his twenties in Istanbul perfecting his skills as a chef of classical Turkish cuisine at Liman Restaurant and developing a reputation as talented cook. While in Istanbul, he met his first wife, Kismet, and welcomed their first daughter. By 1964 his dream opportunity of emigrating to the United States was realized with an offer to work in the kitchen of the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. He accepted, and rose to the level of head chef. He also worked outside of the embassy, mostly with Avignone Frères Catering, in an effort to maximize the great opportunities afforded by his newly adopted country. This was a special time in his life as he was building the foundation for a wonderful life to come.

In 1969, Adil moved to Ocean City, Md., and married his second wife, Carol, whom he met while in Washington. There they welcomed a son and a daughter, and also Adil’s eldest daughter from Istanbul who joined them later. Together, Adil and Carol ran the popular Golden Plate Pizza and Sub shop on 33rd St., two other restaurants over the years, as well as invested in rental properties. Ocean City became his adoptive hometown

in the states, where he welcomed his first two grandchildren and built amazing memories.

While living in Ocean City, Adil developed a life-long love of fishing and spent many days on the Rt. 50 bridge, or at the inlet jetty catching his beloved rockfish. He was always grateful for the stability, and great life and friendships Ocean City offered to him and his family.

Beginning in 2001, Adil and his wife, Nilgün, spent the last 22 years in Freeport, Maine, where they remained very active helping with his son and daughter-in-law’s family food and hospitality, and real estate business. Even as years passed, he continued to work daily, which was his trademark as well as his source of fuel to continue each day. When Adil was not helping with the business - or cooking, or fishing, or spending time with his grandchildren - his other “full-time job” was his 2,100-squarefoot garden, which brought him and his wife immense satisfaction.

Once Adil established a life in the states, he returned to Turkey every winter to spend time with family and friends and to recharge for the next season. From time to time, he would travel to Mexico or Europe, as he was fascinated by visiting new places and meeting new people. Being able to do

so was a result of his opportunity to emigrate to The Unites States. He always felt indebted to America for the opportunity to build a life, and to those who supported him along the way (too numerous to mention).

Among those he credited most were his father, whose strength provided a foundation he carried throughout his life; his mother and his greatest supporter, who endowed him with the same courage and determination that she displayed in the face of many obstacles; and the Enver Tekand family of Istanbul who treated him like a son since he was 15, and with whom Adil maintained a life-long friendship, which continues today. The Tekands offered Adil employment and stability, which also led to his opportunities in Istanbul and Washinton, D.C. Once in Washington, the Esenbel family, who were Turkish diplomats, were also very strong supporters of Adil as he began to establish his life in the states. They too, continued a life-long friendship. Adil was always grateful for the kindness that others bestowed upon him.

It goes without being said, that Adil was very proud of the accomplishments of his children, including those who founded and ran successful businesses, carrying forward his legacy as an entrepreneur, particu-

larly in food and hospitality. It gave him great satisfaction to work with his children in those businesses, and to spend time with them in the offseason either in Turkey, Maine, or Florida. Above all, he was protective and supportive of his family and found his greatest joy being “Dede” to his five beloved grandchildren. He was very proud to have been a big part of imparting his native language and culture, as well as his work ethic and other values, onto his grandchildren.

Despite not having any formal education and having lost sight in one eye as a child, Adil was bilingual. He never complained as he navigated life in a foreign country and his entrepreneurial path. Instead, he enrolled the help of others to handle details like managing an office, while he focused on leading the big picture of keeping his life and businesses running. He did so at full speed, hard-charging, for many years aided by his trademark energy and charming personality. Throughout his life, Adil had insatiable thirst to learn and was a voracious consumer of television news and political talk shows, keeping himself up to date on finance, national, and world affairs. As such, he was always interested in a robust disContinued on Page 105

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OC Today-Dispatch

OBITUARIES MARIE O’CONNOR MARTIN West Ocean City Marie O’Connor Martin, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at her home in West Ocean City, Maryland. Born in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Frances O’Connor and Mildred (Tucker) O’Connor.

Marie graduated Marie Martin from Bethesda Chevy Chase high school in 1957. Following that she worked For the National Institutes for Health (NIH) for a number of years. She met and married her husband (Lloyd, sr.) in 1964. A first child (Lloyd, jr) came in 1966 followed by a brother (James D.) in 1968. When not raising children Marie helped at local schools, played on a women’s soccer team, was a member of a bowling team and eventually became a star tap dancer with a local women’s tap group (Fairfax Counties “Snappy Tappers”).

When not engaged in these pursuits Marie found time for several parttime jobs and helped attend to a brother who was going through a serious illness. Marie won several awards with the Snappy Tappers and was given a citizen award by Fairfax County, VA. She was of course a homemaker for her family and also, when possible, traveled with her hus-

band. She was of the Roman Catholic religion.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd B. Martin, two sons, Lloyd B. Martin, Jr. (Julie), and James David Martin (Janice), a sister, Katherine Ann Wright (Terrence), and five grandchildren, Lloyd B. Martin, III, Connor Martin, Sarah Martin, Jackson Martin, and Matthew Martin.

Marie and Lloyd recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas O’Connor and Robert O’Connor.

A funeral service will be held on Sept. 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A visitation will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, MD. Letters of condolence can be sent to

the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

CAROLE ANN SWEENEY Berlin Carole Ann Sweeney (nee Gischel) of Berlin passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2025 at Guiding Hands Assisted Living in Berlin.

Born on June 25, 1940 in Baltimore Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Edward George Gischel Jr. and MarCarole Sweeney garet Gishel (nee Roder). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Daniel Sweeney.

After full lives in Baltimore, she and her husband Bill retired to their

favorite place: the beach of Ocean City Maryland, moving to Berlin. Carole worked for several businesses in the area including the Worcester County Commission on Aging where she eventually ran the Ocean City Center, before retiring again. Carole enjoyed spending her days reading and caring for her beloved dogs.

Carole is survived by her daughter, Jennifer; her cherished dog Mollie; close friends Richard and Shirley Ridgell, and Julia Pitts, and treasured friends and neighbors. The family is also grateful for the caring staff of Guiding Hands Assisted Living, Visiting Angels, and Coastal Hospice.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date to honor Carole’s wishes for her ashes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Coastal Hospice or the Worcester County Humane Society.

Celebration of life on Sept. 7 Continued from Page 104 cussion on national or world affairs, particularly if it pertained to Turkey.

Friends and observers would often comment in awe of Adil, especially regarding his keen insights into life and in business, especially real estate.

Adil leaves behind many loved ones, including his wife Nilgün, of 34 years who stood tirelessly by his side, daughter Yasemin Karaman (Ali), and their children Ye im and Ya mur Quillin (Ben), son Joseph Yilmaz (Jennifer), and their children Aidan, Alev, and Sophia, daughter Janet Rohrbach (Chet), as well as a younger brother, two sisters, sister-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Adil was predeceased by his parents, his first and second wife, his beloved brother Osman, as well as several brothers and sisters. I ıklar içinde uyu. Mekanın cennet olsun.

For those wishing to honor Adil’s memory, donations can be made in his name to the Worcester County Humane Society, PO Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Obituary Submissions E-mail: editor@octodaydispatch.com Submitted obituaries will cost $50.00 for print and online publications.

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OC Today-Dispatch Aug. 29, 2025

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Freshman Zachary McGovern heads the ball down field during the scrimmage against Sts. Peter and Paul School.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Prep soccer opens season with aim to defend crown

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior Caleb Walston looks to settle the ball at mid field during the opening minutes of the Mallards’ scrimmage against Sts. Peter and Paul.

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Aug. 29, 2025) Last year Worcester Prep captured its 10th straight ESIAC championship against the Royals of Delmarva Christian High School, 5-1. The six seniors were critical to the team’s success and ended the season with an 11-3 record.

Due to wet weather last week and poor field conditions, this year’s team has only had three full practices as a unit before Monday’s scrimmage against Sts. Peter and Paul of Easton.

The Mallards have eight returning players and seven new freshman.

Serving as captains for this year’s team will be Seniors Jake Campbell, Chase Ginnavan, Max Carpenter and Beckett Green, experienced players who each have logged significant minutes in recent years.

The scrimmage on Aug. 25 showed determination, though the score was a 5-0 loss. The scrimmage featured

four, 20-minute quarters. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 0-0 but by the end of the second it was 20 with the Sabres ahead. To start the fourth segment, it was 409 and the Sabres tacked on another goal for good measure in the final frame.

The Mallards defense was a highlight, holding strong and fighting hard throughout the game.

“The plan this year is to win. We definitely have some work to do,” Head Coach Jake Perry said. “We lost very important seniors last year, but I think we’ll be able to replace them and be just fine … today was only our third day as a group. So, we just got to get more practices in, and we’ll be good.”

The regular season kicks off Friday, Sept. 5 with an away game at The Salisbury School followed by homes against on Sept. 9 against Indian River and Sept. 16 against Delmarva Christian.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior co-captain Beckett Green overcomes a Sabre defender for control during the first scrimmage of the season for the Mallards.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior co-captain Max Carpenter battles against two Sabres in Monday’s scrimmage.

AUGUST 29, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 107

PHOTOS COURTESY MIDATLANTIC

Captain Chad Meeks and the crew of Reel Toy had the heaviest blue marlin in last week’s MidAtlantic with this 804-pound beauty, left. Second place in the blue marlin category of the MidAtlantic went to this 617 pounder, right, caught by Rob Gaultier on board his Bar South. Both beauties were weighed at Sunset Marina.

Big blue marlin rock marina for MidAtlantic (Aug. 29, 2025) The 34th Annual MidAtlantic Tournament, which featured boats from Cape May, N.J. and Ocean City handed out more than $3.2 million in prize money.

The tournament was extended to Saturday due to Hurricane Erin. The final day’s weigh-in session got started quickly when the scales opened at 5 p.m. as Captain Raul Gonzalez had York, Pa’s Rob Gothier and his BAR South at the scale at Sunset Marina waiting to weigh a blue marlin Gothier had battled that stretched the tape measure out to 118¼” once she was placed on the dock.

The fish weighed 617 pounds. No other blue marlin was weighed and as such Joppa, Maryland’s Danny Jones and his Reel Toy took the heaviest blue marlin award with the 804pounder caught on day three and received $706,219. BAR South finished in second place and won $301,962.

Since no third-place blue marlin was weighed the unwon prize money was split between Reel Toy and BAR South based on calcutta participation.

Though well over 300 were released, no qualifying white marlin was weighed on the final day. Stone Harbor, New Jersey’s Jamie Diller and his crew of the Canyon Lady finished with the heaviest white marlin at 75 pounds caught on day three and won $875,363. Jimmy Hahn of Pocomoke finished in second place with a 71-pounder on his Tail Chaser and received $394,144. Since no third-place white marlin was

PHOTO COURTESY MIDATLANTIC

The heaviest mahi of The MidAtlantic was caught by the crew of the Sushi when they landed this 35 pounder, pictured being weighed at Sunset Marina.

weighed, the unwon prize money was split between Canyon Lady and Tail Chaser.

The tuna category saw a major shake-up on the final day. Captain Ed “Cookie” Murray backed the Torta of Jupiter, Florida’s Joseph Posillico to the scale at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May with a big eye tuna to weigh which Posillico was also the angler. The 185-pound tuna moved Torta to the top of the leaderboard in the category. However, waiting in the wings to weigh a big eye for angler Dante Soriente was Captain Michael Yocco aboard his Cape May, New Jersey-based MJ’s with a 173-pound

beauty. Torta held on to take the heaviest tuna award and won $329,751 followed in second place by MJ’s who received $101,683. Third place went to Curtis Bay, Maryland’s Nick Neary on his Lit Up with a 103poud big eye caught on day one for which he received $135,148.

No wahoo came near the 94pounder Stuart, Florida’s Scott Abeel caught on day three on his Luna Sea and Abeel took the top prize of $37,835. Bobby Pastorius of Ocean City, on his Jenny Poo finished in second place with his 60-pounder caught on day one and received $49,059. Carmine Caruso of Ocean, New Jersey aboard his Pipe Dreamer

finished third with a 23-pound wahoo caught on Day Three and received $8,372.

In the dolphin category Mike Niedoba of Atco, New Jersey aboard his Mike’s Low Budget weighed a 26pounder on Saturday to move into third place. Charley Pereira of Nags Head, North Carolina on his Sushi took the heaviest dolphin prize and won $32,913 for the 35-pounder weighed on Day Three. Singer Island, Florida’s John Gudelsky aboard his Reel Joy finished in second place with a 26-pounder which was also weighed on day three and received $32,821. Mike’s Low Budget finished in third place and won $22,724.

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AUGUST 29, 2025

FISH IN OC WITH SCOTT LENOX (VIEW DAILY CATCH REPORTS AT FISHINOC.COM)

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Captain Tony Bautista of Saltwater Adventures put this group on a big pile of mahi. Above right, The Boss Hogg with Captain Alex Beane had 13 white marlin releases and a nice pile of mahi.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Andrew Zetzer found sheepshead of 18.5” and 21” while fishing the south jetty. Above middle, this beautiful mahi was caught on board the Morning Star with Captain Monty Hawkins. Above right, Captain Chase Eberle of Chasin’ Tides Charters had a nice day for these folks with flounder, sea bass and a couple of lookdowns.

Below left, Jason Sutton sent this photo in of John Reaser who was doubling flounder up while fishing behind Assateague Island. Below middle, this limit of flounder came over the gunwale of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing with Captain Marc Spagnola at the helm. Below right, Tim Bieleski hit some ocean structure around the Jackspot and found some nice sea bass to 19”.

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OP golf group celebrates 50th anniversary (Aug. 29, 2025) The Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a Sadie Hawkins western themed golf tournament.

Ladies invited the gentlemen for a two-person scramble, which kicked off at 9am at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

Tricinia Strong-Beebe and Ray Wankmiller came in first place, with second place going to Lisa and John McNamara, and Terri and Darin Stuiber placing third.

The ladies who came in closest to the pin were #5 Kitty Sawchak and #13 Lisa McNamara. Men awarded closest to the pin were #5 Mark Watts and #13 Dave McGregor.

Ladies Straightest Drive went to #4 Kitty Sawchak, while #4 Rick Scully won Men’s Straightest Drive.

Sherrie Clifford won the 50/50, and the Best Dressed awards went to Denise and Brian Stevens and Kathy and Jimmy Monaco.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Participants in the recent western-theme golf tournament put on by the Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association are pictured.

First bocce ball tournament planned for new club courts (Aug. 29, 2025) The Ocean Pines Bocce Ball Club will host its first-ever tournament on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Bocce Ball courts located at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

The bracketed tournament kicks off Friday evening for two-member teams.

Starting at 6 p.m., Seeds 2 and 5 will compete on Court #1, while Seeds 3 and 4 face off on Court #2. The winner of each will go on to face each other at 7 p.m., with that winner then playing Seed 1 at 8 p.m. for the two-member Champion title.

On Saturday, four-member teams will face off starting at 4 p.m., with Seeds

1 and 8 playing on Court #1 and Seeds 2 and 7 on Court #2. Seeds 3 and 6 will face each other on Court #1 at 5pm, with Seeds 4 and 5 playing on Court #2 at the same time. Competitions will continue at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., with the final two teams facing off on Court #1 at 8 p.m. for the 4-member Championship title.

Additionally, registration is now open for the Fall Bocce Ball League. The Fall League will play on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting on Sept. 29 and ending Nov. 18. Registration closes on Sept. 18.

For more on the OP Bocce Ball Club or the tournament, email mgalello@aol.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The recently installed bocce courts at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club are pictured.

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