10/10/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

Mailloux denied parole, jail case continues in Worcester

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) Tyler Mailloux, a Berlin man serving 18 months for a traffic offense in the hit-and-run accident that killed 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, was denied parole last week.

Following a hearing last Thursday, the Maryland Parole Commission denied Mailloux’s request for an early release. Mailloux’s eligibility for parole was met after serving six months in the Worcester County Detention Center.

Mailloux, 25, has been incarcerated since Feb. 25, when he entered a guilty plea to a felony count in Knupp’s death. As part of a plea deal, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office agreed it would not prosecute the remaining 16 traffic charges in the case.

In March, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge sentenced Mailloux to 10 years, with all but 18 months suspended, for leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident that resulted in Knupp’s death. Upon release, he will serve three years of supervised probation.

Administrative case ongoing

In the meantime, a case connected to Mailloux’s housing status at the detention center continues to move through the court system.

Earlier this year, Mailloux sought the jail’s permission to be moved out of a

more confined unit and back into the general population, which his attorney argued will give him an opportunity to earn credits for an earlier release.

When those requests were denied, Mailloux’s attorney filed a petition seeking a judicial review of the jail’s actions, arguing they were “an abuse of discretion” and a violation of his client’s rights.

He also alleged Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser had a private conversation with the warden regarding Mailloux’s housing status, and that he had been advised he could not share the conversations he had with jail staff with the state’s attorney. It was on these allegations that Psoras filed a motion to permit discovery in the case, which a circuit court judge granted earlier this year.

While mandamus cases, like the one filed on Mailloux’s behalf, are typically based on the records of administrative proceedings, the court can permit additional evidence if there’s a “strong showing” of fraud or extreme circumstances outside the scope of record.

The county has since appealed the judge’s decision, which was dismissed by the Appellate Court of Maryland this summer. A hearing on a motion to dismiss the case in Worcester County Circuit Court is scheduled for Dec. 9.

Mailloux has since been moved to a new housing unit.

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Beach equipment rental parcels will be auctioned off

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) An auction of several beach parcels will proceed following Ocean City Council approval this week.

The Town of Ocean City will soon seek bids for the 33 south-end beach parcels and one north-end beach parcel that are part of the city’s beach equipment franchise. On Monday, the council, as part of its consent agenda, voted to hold a live auction on Dec. 3.

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The city franchises 70 beach equipment parcels spanning the entire Ocean City beach, with the parcels divided into three sections –south end, mid-beach, and north end. Each year, one of those three sections is auctioned off, with the highest bidders receiving a three-year contract to rent umbrellas, chairs and cabanas on the beach. The city’s code also provides one option for first-term contract renewals at an annual fee of 10% greater than the initial term.

This year, south-end parcels, from the inlet to 27th Street, are scheduled for auction. Of 34 south-end parcels, 33 will be auctioned, as only one firstterm contract was renewed for a second three-year term.

One north-end parcel, between 128th and 130th streets, will also be included in this auction, as the current franchisee will terminate their agreement with two years remaining on the current contract.

Last year, 18 of 20 north-end parcels were auctioned off to the highest bidder. The auction resulted in revenues of $169,815, or $53,755 less than the previous north-end auction.

However, auctions for south-end parcels tend to attract higher bids. The most recent auction of south-end parcels resulted in revenues of $1,422,993. That year, the inlet parcel attracted the largest bid of $82,000.

Country Calling another hit for Ocean City, businesses

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) Ocean City officials say this year’s Country Calling went according to plan, with city staff and business owners remarking on the success of another festival weekend.

This year, an estimated 55,000 people gathered at the southern end of the beach and Boardwalk for the second annual Country Calling Festival, which was expanded to three days following the success of last year’s two-day inaugural event.

With sunny skies and a strong lineup, officials say this year’s festival was just as successful as last weekend’s Oceans Calling.

“The same electric feeling and viewing was evident at Country Calling,” Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said. “This was a tremendous tourism engine for the town. The viral nature of just our headline acts promoting the event reached over 28 million for just three performers promoting Ocean City. We heard nothing but positive comments from the community and look forward to the next event.”

This year’s festival was headlined by Carrie Underwood and Brooks & Dunn on Friday, Luke Bryan on Saturday and Luke Combs on Sunday, with support-

ing performances by dozens of other country artists, including Tyler Hubbard, Leann Rimes, Treaty Oak Revival and Wynonna Judd. One artist – Koe Wetzel – was forced to cancel his Sunday performance due to a safety issue with the band’s airplane.

Regardless, city staff praised this year’s production and its promoter, C3 Presents, which has spearheaded both “Calling” festivals and the spring’s Boardwalk Rock music festival. City Manager Terry McGean said “city staff and the promoter did a great job managing the event and things went off with no major issues.”

Anecdotally, there appeared to be more police activity for Country Calling, which bore out in the number of police reports filed throughout the weekend when compared to last weekend’s Oceans Calling.

However, Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said only a small number of arrests were made in or near the festival grounds and that the festival “proved to be another safe and successful” event for the city.

“With three days of perfect weather, thousands of fans enjoyed the concerts, local food, and boardwalk businesses without any major incidents or con-

City staff praise event success

Continued from Page 10

cerns,” she said in a statement Monday.

Miller added that transportation remained a top priority for the police department, and traffic flowed smoothly during peak evening hours each day of the festival. While postconcert congestion is expected, she said overall operations were “efficient and well-received.”

“Working with the C3 Presents team remains an absolute pleasure,” she said. “Their professionalism and coordination have contributed greatly to the success of all three festivals this year. We look forward to collaborating with them over the winter and spring as we begin

planning for the 2026 music festivals.”

Ocean City Transportation Manager Rob Shearman said ridership numbers for the festival’s transportation system were down from the previous Oceans Calling Festival, with the city’s transportation department recording an estimated 23,500 riders for both Friday and Saturday and around 19,600 riders on Sunday. However, he said operations remained unchanged.

“While there are a few key differences between Oceans Calling and Country Calling, the overall logistical layout for transportation is basically identical – so the improvements we saw for the previous weekend repeated themselves this

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Castellows play before a crowd of festivalgoers during last weekend’s

Businesses report strong sales

past weekend,” he said. “The main one was our own staffing level. We had more drivers on staff this past summer than we’ve seen since COVID, and that carried through for both festival weekends.”

Shearman noted that traffic in the lower downtown area was troublesome at times, but once it moved, the transportation system “had plenty of buses running to serve everyone as promptly as it would allow.” He also recognized transportation staff for their dedication throughout the weekend.

“Once again, my team really stepped up, including not only our drivers but also our supervisors, dispatchers, and especially our bus technicians for keeping us rolling,” he added.

Businesses in and around the festival grounds also remarked on the success of Country Calling. Bull on the Beach Manager Brad Wells said sales were higher than what was reported for Oceans Calling, and that crowds were “decent.”

“Our numbers were still down a little more than we anticipated,” he added. “I think that was due to them putting a wide path on the eastern side of the festival. I believe that kept people over in the festival area rather than going on the Boardwalk and walking around. But I think it was necessary for the festival to move people around better.”

Wells added that his business had heard more complaints about price gouging from Boardwalk merchants. He

said Bull on the Beach had to raise prices by a dollar or two to cover the cost of staffing and single-use carryout containers.

“There were some pretty high prices on basic stuff,” he said of other businesses. “Hopefully, it doesn’t affect us in the future.”

Doug Buxbaum, owner of Buxy’s Salty Dog and Dry Dock 28, said his businesses opened earlier and closed later. He added that the festival’s expansion from two days to three brought more people into his business throughout the weekend.

“It was beautiful weather and a great lineup,” he said. “Country Calling just had an excellent lineup, and the people were excited every day.”

While sales were strong, Buxbaum noted that staffing continued to be a challenge throughout the festival weekend. He said Country Calling’s placement in October made it difficult for businesses to find enough help.

“If I had one complaint, it’s that you are at the end of your rope with staff …,” he said. “I know I’m not the only one. It’s great they extended the season so much, but we all must get through it. It is what it is, and you learn to adapt.”

When reached for comment this week, Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said, “It was a fantastic weekend, great weather, crowds and country music.”

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) The Worcester County Commissioners this week agreed to set in motion the process that would allow them to formally consider a 1% increase to county’s hotel room tax.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan made the request of the commissioners at their meeting Tuesday in Snow Hill. He said raising the room tax from 5% to 6% could generate new revenue not only for Ocean City’s tourism marketing but millions in much-needed revenue for rising police salaries and public safety costs.

“Tourism is our only industry and it’s extremely important that we continue to support it, and we have a mechanism to cover those costs and increase what we do to promote Ocean City,” Meehan said.

Based on 2024 room tax revenue, the 1% increase could mean close to $5 million in new money for Ocean City.

The resort’s $25.6 million in room tax revenue represent 92.5% of total room tax revenue in fiscal 2025 for Worcester County, according to the county treasurer’s office. Ocean City dedicates 40% of room tax revenue for tourism and hospitality marketing, and the remaining 60% goes into the city’s general fund.

General fund contributions could be used for Ocean City to pay for a projected $13 million increase in police salaries over the next three years, the result of a new negotiated agreement with the police union.

The resort also is facing new public safety expenses like hiring new firefighter/EMTs, new firefighter equipment, and paying for state-mandated dispatcher training, Meehan said.

Because two-thirds of Ocean City’s roughly eight million annual visitors come from out-of-state, Meehan said that mean room tax revenue at Ocean City properties is generated mostly from visitors.

“This is something that doesn’t cost our taxpayers anything,” he said.

Implementing the new room tax rate is time sensitive, the mayor also said, because Ocean City’s hospitality industry wants it taking effect by Jan. 1. The reason for that is, when hotels start taking reservations for 2026, a new room tax rate could be wrapped into quoted hotel room prices online, Meehan told OC Today-Dispatch.

Increasing the county’s room tax also could generate another $360,000 in new county revenue, plus an estimated $22,000 for Berlin and $38,000 for Pocomoke City.

Commissioner Eric Fiori noted that the initiative had support not only from Ocean City’s trade association of hotels and restaurants, but also the backing of every elected official representing the Lower Shore in Annapolis.

“I’m fully in favor of this,” said Fiori

Mayor: Bertino holding city

‘hostage’

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

with quid pro quo County takes step toward 1% room tax rate increase

(Oct. 10, 2025) Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan accused a Worcester County Commissioner this week of trying to hold the resort “hostage” by linking support for a hotel room tax increase to a separate issue over wastewater capacity.

According to Meehan, Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) suggested a quid pro quo: the commissioners could back Ocean City’s request to raise the county’s hotel room tax from 5% to 6% – but only if the town agreed to double the county’s daily sewage allocation at Ocean City’s wastewater plant from 1 million to 2 million gallons, without restrictions on growth. Growth in

West Ocean City has been stifled in recent years due to the lack of available EDUs for residential and commercial development along Route 611.

“Commissioner Bertino really was up front with me about the fact that he believes that the county should get something in return for raising the room tax,” Meehan told Ocean 98’s Rude Awakening morning show on Wednesday. “I don’t believe that should be the case, because raising the room tax not only benefits Ocean City, but it also benefits the rest of the county.”

Added Meehan: “To just blanketly ask us to then allocate an additional million gallons a day to West Ocean City for a plant that was paid for by, you

See OFFICIALS Page 18

Continued from Page 14

(District 3, West Ocean City). “To vote this down without a unanimous decision, it just doesn’t make sense. It’s exactly what we need. We already have some of the lowest room tax around as it is. To come back up, close to even, with some of our counterparts in the tourism [industry] in different areas within the state, it just only makes sense.”

Procedurally, to enact the new tax rate, it’s a lot more complicated than just calling for a vote.

Instead, the commissioners have to jump through several regulatory hoops, according to Roscoe Leslie, the county’s attorney.

Here’s how: Right now, Worcester County law sets the room tax at 5%. To change that, the commissioners have

to introduce legislation that would raise the room tax cap to 6%. That itself requires a public hearing, which has to be advertised 10 days in advance, and then afterwards the commissioners can vote on that legislation. If that legislation is passed and goes into effect, then the commissioners would have to vote on a resolution in support of the tax increase. That vote must be unanimous, per state guidelines. The resolution requires a public hearing as well.

Leslie said he thinks this can all be accomplished by early January – but the mayor said he hopes county officials can move it along more quickly, because of the city’s intent to meet that Jan. 1 deadline.

To speed things along, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) suggested the commissioners take this on as emergency legislation – meaning, a law that goes into effect immediately and skips the usual 45-day waiting period. However, Leslie said it’s too soon for an emergency vote; they’d first have to proceed with those public hearings.

The commissioners ultimately voted on a motion by Mitrecic directing staff to draft a document that could, if approved, change the code. The motion passed 5-2.

While the “no” votes came from Commissioners Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino, in later conversation, Bertino told his colleagues that he misunderstood the motion and, in fact, does support sending the measure to a public hearing.

For things to even have gotten this far, it took state intervention: Maryland’s General Assembly had to approve enabling legislation.

Sponsored by Worcester County’s state delegate, Wayne Hartman, the 2024 bill allowed for Worcester County government to raise its hotel tax rate from 5% to 6%, but with a caveat that it would require the unanimous consent of all seven county commissioners. The commissioners did send a signed letter of support asking lawmakers to back that bill.

Hartman (R-38C, Worcester) recalled having to spend “a lot of political collateral” to convince his fellow legislators to pass the law, because it put him in the awkward position of asking his colleagues to support legislation that would make their constituents’ Ocean City vacations more expensive.

“My colleagues in the General Assembly certainly understood the need for the entire county to have this additional funding, and when we can have tourism pay for tourism-related expenses to the county, and to the town, I think it’s the right thing to do and a win-win,” Hartman said.

The mayor also said he believes the commissioners could pass a room tax increase with a simple vote and avoid other procedural formalities because, when Hartman’s bill became a state law, it already cleared the path for an 6% increase.

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Bertino seeking more OC sewer for tax vote

know, the Ocean City ratepayers for development in West Ocean City just isn’t something that would be the right thing for the mayor and council to do.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Meehan told the commissioners increasing the room tax would result in Worcester County government receiving about $360,000 in new county revenue. Additionally, Pocomoke could stand to get $38,000 and Berlin an estimated $22,000 from the increase. For Ocean City, it would mean about $5 million in new revenue due to the thousands of hotel rooms and rentals.

The mayor told OC Today-Dispatch that the conversation with Bertino took place Monday, a day before he appeared at the commissioners’ meeting to formally ask for the 1% room tax hike. He also said Bertino had floated

a similar tradeoff more than a year ago when Bertino served as the president of the commissioners.

At Tuesday’s meeting in Snow Hill, the commissioners voted 5-2 to have staffers draft a bill that would enable the county to raise the room tax rate, legislation that the commissioners eventually could vote on later. Bertino and Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) opposed the motion.

Because Worcester operates as a “home rule” county, any changes to the room tax rate start with state oversight. Last year, the Maryland General Assembly agreed to let the county commissioners raise the room tax cap from 5% to 6% increase, but that change has to come with a unanimous vote from the seven commissioners.

Meehan also said he believes that 2024 state statute gave the commis-

sioners power to proceed uninterrupted with a vote to move the tax increase forward, without procedural technicalities like public hearings or resolutions. County attorney Roscoe Leslie disagreed, outlining a longer process for two public hearings. The commissioners must vote unanimously on the room tax measure for it to pass.

The lack of consensus threatens not only Ocean City’s deadline of Jan. 1 to enact the tax increase, Meehan said, but jeopardizes the $5 million in new tax revenue for the city and the $360,000 for the county.

Commissioner Bertino in a written statement to OC Today-Dispatch called the question of a room tax increase “an important issue for Worcester County and Ocean City.”

“It became clear at [Tuesday’s] Commissioner meeting that there are quite

a few procedural requirements, including two public hearings, necessary before a final vote by the commissioners can take place possibly sometime after the first of the year. It is yet to be determined how I will vote,” he wrote.

“I will not comment on a private back and forth conversation between Mayor Meehan and me other than to say I am giving serious thought to what we discussed and that I offered, and am still willing, to meet with him," Bertino added.

The issue touches on a long-standing agreement between the city and county: because Ocean City has excess capacity at its midtown sewer plant, it lets Worcester County pipe over up to 1 million gallons per day of untreated sewage for processing, easing the burden on county facilities.

Last month, county officials formally asked to amend that 1994 memorandum of understanding to add another 170,000 gallons for its West Ocean Cityarea sewer treatment facilities. The mayor and council tentatively agreed to have their attorney draft an amendment to the agreement to increase capacity.

Now, Meehan told radio listeners, “the Town of Ocean City is not inclined to do that.”

“That was before yesterday's meeting,” he added. “You know, we would still like to accommodate that request and be good partners. But it takes two entities to make a partnership and both entities have to be good partners. Right now, I think, basically because of at least one, maybe two commissioners, that good partnership just doesn't seem to exist.”

The county’s room tax generated $25.6 million for Ocean City in fiscal 2025, and a 1% increase at that level would create about $5 more in revenue, according to the treasurer’s office. The town dedicates approximately 40% of room tax revenue to tourism marketing while the remaining 60% goes to the city’s general fund.

Meehan told county officials that Ocean City plans to use new room tax revenue to pay for future police salaries. Earlier this year, resort officials’ struck an agreement with its police union for pay raises that will cost $13 million over the next three years.

He also said some county officials privately suggested the city raise its own tax rate to cover costs – a notion he rejects.

“We’ve done a lot of things to make sure that we can balance our revenue and offset expenses,” he said. “For some reason, one individual that just wants to be a roadblock and wants to hold us hostage. This should not be that type of condition being place on us,” he said.

Meehan said Ocean City still plans to press for the tax increase.

“We’re going to move forward,” he said, “but at the same time, you know, we cannot be in a hostage situation in Ocean City. That’s just not the way government should work.”

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Illegal rideshare operations reported in OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) Ocean City officials say they are aware of illegal rideshare operations taking place in town during the fall music festivals.

The issue was brought to light on Monday, when Ocean City resident and local Uber driver John Biggs came before the Ocean City Council to complain about the proliferation of unauthorized individuals soliciting rideshare or “for hire” transportation services during the C3 Presents music festivals.

With pictures and screenshots in hand, he showed numerous examples of individuals advertising and operating such services without the appropriate licensing, inspections or background checks.

“We get a lot of people that are op-

portunists,” he said. “As an Uber driver, I have to have a vehicle safety inspection done on my vehicle every year, I have to have a background check done every year, and I personally have commercial insurance to cover me in case anything goes wrong. People like this, they wake up on Friday morning of the festival and decide they are going to go make some money.”

Biggs said he saw vehicles last weekend driving down the bus lane, soliciting rides from those waiting at bus stops. He showed pictures of some of those vehicles, which had expired tags. He also showed pictures of one vehicle involved in a rear-end accident.

“We don't know who these people are,” he said. “Predators? Murderers?

We don’t know.”

Biggs was joined by Jaclyn Crook,

another Ocean City resident and Uber driver. She said such operations not only hurt their income, but posed a safety threat.

“I don’t want it to become a breeding ground for predators,” she said.

When reached for comment this week, Ocean City Police Department Lt. Allen Hawk, who oversees special events and the traffic safety unit, said the agency was aware of community concerns involving the unauthorized rideshare and “for-hire” operations.

He noted that under the city code, any vehicle providing passenger transportation for hire is considered a taxicab, unless they are registered through another recognized service such as Uber or Lyft.

“The Ocean City Police Department enforces these provisions actively during the resort season and special events,” he

said. “Officers from the Special Events and Traffic Safety Units routinely monitor transportation hubs, bus stops, and high-volume pedestrian areas for unlicensed or suspicious for-hire activity.”

Hawk said the department takes the complaints seriously, “due to both the public safety and consumer protection implications.” He said those operating vehicles for hire without the proper licensing could be cited under the local taxicab ordinance, referred to the Maryland Public Service Commission (which regulates legitimate rideshare operations), or be subjected to criminal enforcement for unlicensed business activity.

The department reports no citations were issued for illegal rideshare or for-hire operations during the festival weekends.

Man injured at Country Calling Festival concert

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) A festivalgoer was airlifted from downtown Ocean City last week after suffering a severe neck injury at Country Calling.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, just before 9 p.m., venue medical crews at the Country Calling Festival responded to a medical incident that had occurred during the Luke Bryan concert. Bryan paused his concert for about 10 minutes due to the severity of the incident.

The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) reports a festivalgoer, a man approximately 60 years old, had severely injured his neck from a ground-level fall. Bystanders quickly alerted the concert venue’s medical team, and Luke Bryan paused the show to allow emergency personnel to provide care, according to OCFD Public Information Officer Ryan Whittington. Through coordination between the event’s Joint Command Center and the fire department, it was determined that air medical transport was necessary.

The patient was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Station in downtown Ocean City, where Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 4 transported the patient to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment.

“Our Town along with promoters, spends hours upon hours planning for every possible type of incident or emergency,” Whittington said. “This coordinated response – from the bystanders and venue medical staff to our paramedics, aviation partners, and the artist himself pausing the show –demonstrates how preparation, com-

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OC will move ahead with six capital projects via bond

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

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(Oct. 10, 2025) Despite pleas from a resident to postpone the vote, the Ocean City Council this week agreed to move forward with a $52 million bond sale.

On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of $52 million in general obligation bonds to finance six capital projects in the current fiscal year.

The vote came after Ocean City resident Vince Gisriel asked numerous questions about the nearly $42 million wastewater project included in the bond.

discussion,” he said.

After posing additional questions about the wastewater project and the city’s sewer agreement with Worcester County, Gisriel asked officials to delay their vote by at least two weeks so staff could review his comments.

Without any additional discussion, the City Council voted 7-0 to approve the bond bill. Mayor Rick Meehan asked that city staff provide answers to Gisriel’s questions.

While the six projects will cost a combined $50.4 million, an additional $1.5 million was added to cover the cost of the bond issuance and any project overages.

“I’m not being critical of the project,” he said, “but I wasn’t given the type of detail that satisfied me as a citizen.”

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Gisriel told officials he had reviewed a rate study an outside consultant had provided the city last year. That document, he said, detailed costs that did not align with the proposed project. He pointed to discrepancies in projected debt service, among other things.

Gisriel also highlighted plans for the wastewater project, which includes $6 million for administration building improvements. He asked if there was a way to lower the cost of the project, or to complete the project in phases.

“I think there are a number of issues here that probably need more

As proposed, $2.3 million in bond proceeds will pay for a radio read meter project, while $630,000 will fund a 14th Street generator project and $41.9 million will cover upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Last month, the council awarded the wastewater project to Ronca Inc., which submitted the lowest of the two bids the city received.

The city has also budgeted $3.3 million in bond financing for a tidal flooding remediation project at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, $1.5 million for fleet and garage renovations and $765,000 for new Boardwalk signage, which will feature the city’s new “Somewhere to Smile About” brand and color scheme.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Berlin Historic Commission not sold on proposed mural

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) The Berlin Historic District Commission opted to delay a vote to approve a mural proposed for a building in town, citing concerns about its historical character and unique design elements.

At a meeting last week, Berlin’s Historic District Commission reviewed a mural, to be painted by local artist Evan Fitzgerald, planned for the exterior side of the Poole Building at 10 South Main Street. The wall decoration would conceal the structure’s unattractive cinder block and further the town’s mission to highlight native talent and prioritize artistry, creating a colorful and attractive place to live and visit.

Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, was present at the meeting, requesting permission from the historic body for the mural’s placement on behalf of the municipality’s Arts and Entertainment Advisory Board. The mural would be funded through a grant.

The presented work showcases a marshy area familiar to the Eastern Shore, featuring wildlife such as a crab, a peculiar-looking fox, and a blue heron, alongside a visual of a young girl in a headdress strumming a guitar.

Wells highlighted Berlin’s commitment to local artistry ahead of the commission’s critiques of the mural.

“When we hire local artists, like [Fitzgerald], we’re not only showcasing authentic Eastern Shore talent, we’re also investing right back into our community,” she said.

Wells added that engaging pieces of creative work not only elevate the aesthetic nature of the town, but also have economic and community benefits. This mural in particular, she said, balances eccentric elements with a classic Eastern Shore scene.

“Art gives people a reason to come

downtown, to take photos, and to discover our shops and restaurants,” Wells continued. “It reinforces that Berlin is creative, vibrant, and very much alive…This mural has a sense of story and personality, connecting our musical spirit with the beauty of the shore, while also capturing the quirky, unexpected vibe that Berlin is known for. It’s eye-catching, and it’s not something you see just anywhere, and that's exactly why it’s wanted.”

The historic commission, however, was not entirely convinced that the mural is the right fit for Berlin. The body argued that the decor has aspects that are too “weird,” like the heron, which they said is much too large for the space, and a deer with a headpiece and a fox tail.

“What catches my eye is the blue heron, where everything is so real and alive, it’s almost like somebody just put it there,” said commission member Mary Moore. “Everything else is flowing … To me, with my art eye, with my background, what I see first is the blue heron. And he looks like something you buy at a garden center.”

The commission also noted that, to them, the scene does not align with Berlin’s goal of maintaining its historic appeal. The design references the Eastern Shore with its marshy backdrop, but fails to incorporate any traditional aspects.

The members note that the mural’s placement is on a cinder block wall and not in a historic building, and that this project would not fundamentally alter construction that needs to be preserved.

Wells pointed out that this initiative is similar to the Reverend Tindley mural on the Bruder Hill building that was completed a few years ago.

“It's just a cinder block, so it’s going to be painted directly on the cinder block,” Wells said. “Similar to

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Artist Evan Fitzgerald’s mural for a downtown building on Main Street is pictured above in a proposed schematic.

Group asks artist to tweak design

Reverend Tindley's mural, which was painted right on the cinder block, so this will be as well, because it’s not a historic building.”

The commission reiterated that, despite the structure’s non-historic material, as a team charged with safeguarding the town’s past, they are not comfortable approving a project that does not advance this mission.

Wells maintained that the mural would be a positive for the Town of Berlin and that, anecdotally, residents are delighted by the proposed mural. The economic and development director posted the mockup on Facebook last week, which has since garnered over 100 ‘likes’ and tens of comments praising the artistry.

For instance, Tony Weeg, founder of the non-profit We Heart Berlin, wrote, “Cannot wait to see this one.”

Main Street real estate company owner Jenny Sheppard commented, “Very tasteful and beautifully done.”

Towards the end of last week’s historic commission meeting, Fitzgerald, who had been watching the discussion live online, showed up in person to reveal his thought process for the design and give some insight into why he included the more controversial elements, like the heron and the deer-fox.

The artist said that in terms of the fox with antlers and a headpiece, it was to display animals acting in a human-like way: prioritizing beauty and aesthetics, and “projecting a sort of status.”

“It's a local scene with local animals, which is typically what I do,” said Fitzgerald, who also created the paintings on the interior of the 410 Social restaurant. “But also, the odd part of it is, it's animals choosing to adorn themselves with other natural elements just the way we all have in every part of the world, like the headdress. My work is kind of like what if animals did the same thing. My work is enhancing the natural beauty to then project the natural persona …”

“Anyone can come and look at it and have their own interpretation, and I love that - nobody experiences a painting the same way. These are just local scenes of the area … I’m part of the community, and I want people to find beauty in it. I want people to be drawn to the image. Take pictures in front of it …. you have a lot of people coming to town, walking around. It’s just another way to draw people in a certain direction.”

In terms of the heron that the commission criticized for being too large, Fitzgerald said that it was purposeful.

“That’s intentional,” he said. “Playing with scale to make things look more grandiose and larger. Think of the Parthenon, with its gigantic sculptures; there’s a power involved in that. It’s something incredible. When you play with scale, it does something to us.”

The commission asked Fitzgerald if he could make tweaks to the proposed mural. The body reiterated that they liked the girl playing the guitar and the marshy scene, but asked for an alternative that they feel may be more aligned with Berlin’s historic charm.

The artist said that he would be willing to make adjustments, but would not alter it to the point that it is stripped of his personal flair and signature. The changes will be presented and voted on at the historic commission’s next meeting.

“I would be happy to tweak it and show other examples of my work to a level I’m comfortable with,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m not doing this for the check. It's my town. I want to make the space beautiful so that my kids can be proud when they see it and enhance the street in the process. I can recreate something else, but it will still feel comfortable to me, and if you're still not feeling it, then that's just where it will end.”

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Salisbury airport adds Orlando to its destinations

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) Buckle your seatbelts and put your tray tables in the upright position – a new airline has finally touched down for a landing on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Breeze Airways is now flying nonstop from Salisbury Regional Airport to Orlando, Florida. Flanked by shiny letter-shaped balloons with the airport codes “MCO” and “SBY,” representing both destinations, Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano welcomed the low-cost carrier to the airport’s kickoff event on Oct. 1.

“We are thrilled to have you here, and we know that the community will embrace you with open arms. Let’s celebrate new partnership, new opportunities, and the bright future ahead,” she said.

After years of planning by the airport and months of preparation to open the route, Breeze officially launched twice-weekly flights to Orlando International Airport. The upand-coming airline has also invested in a fleet of 40 brand-new Airbus A220 planes, featuring spacious legroom, big windows, and Wi-Fi capability.

Elected officials and stakeholders said they hope Breeze’s new route, the carrier’s first in Maryland, will prove a game changer for regional air travel. Local fliers can now skip the hourslong drive to airports in Philadelphia or Baltimore and avoid layovers in hub cities like Charlotte or Cleveland.

The sheer popularity of the Maryland-to-Florida route is one reason that Salisbury airport officials decided to partner with Breeze: Orlando is one of the most-visited destinations for Delmarva residents, federal transportation records show.

But when airport officials learned they’d been losing Orlando-bound travelers to airports in Baltimore, Washington, and Philadelphia, they decided to start operating direct flights to Florida themselves, according to airport director Tony Rudy.

The airport sweetened the deal for Breeze by offering a hedge against early losses, Rudy said, with a $1 million safety net held in escrow that the airline can dip into, if need be, during its first two years of operation.

That “comprehensive revenue guarantee” was mostly sourced from a $800,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Another $217,000 in pledges came from local businesses and government, including $50,000 each from Worcester and Wicomico counties.

Rudy himself was among the 50 or so passengers taking the inaugural flight from Orlando, touching down in Salisbury just before lunchtime on Oct. 1. The midday Wednesday flight was a one-off, however, as Breeze will

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Breeze Airways, Salisbury Regional Airport’s newest airline, now offers flights from the Eastern Shore directly to Orlando, Florida. The first plane landed at the airport last Wednesday in an event attended by regional officials.

Breeze Airways to fly to Florida

be running flights to Orlando on just Mondays and Fridays for now.

“This’ll help boost our passenger numbers here at the airport,” Rudy said on the tarmac after stepping off the jet. “I think it’ll make people more aware of what we offer, not only with the Breeze service, but with American Airlines here. I think it’s just going to help boost the airport going forward.”

Launched in just 16 markets in 2021, Breeze has since expanded to 80 cities in 38 states. Its business plan calls for targeting underserved air travel markets and offering low fares, according to Trent Porter, chief financial officer for Breeze.

New Breeze routes typically fly two or three times a week. But if the demand is there, then Salisbury eventually could see more frequent departures, or even additional routes to other Florida destinations, he said.

“We’ve been encouraged by the bookings that we’ve seen here in Salisbury and the surrounding areas, and we’re excited for what we may be able to bring,” Porter said at the airport. “Come try us out. If you want more destinations, let’s build that by awareness and by actual flying.”

Florida fights aren’t just for families on a Disney vacation. The route also opens the door to lure new bookings to Ocean City’s convention center, and offers more direct access for NASA contractors headed to Wallops Island

Flight Facility, according to Melanie Pursel, Worcester County’s Director of Tourism and Economic Development.

There were regular folks flying into Salisbury, too, on the inaugural flight.

Wayne Gribble of Salisbury stood outside waiting on the tarmac for his sister Colleen Hendershot to arrive. She makes her home in Winter Haven, Florida, and booked a ticket to Salisbury for a month-long visit.

“She was coming in anyways,” he said. “So we said, why don’t you just wait until October 1, and fly in on the new airline, Breeze? It’s gonna be cheaper and it’s a straight flight. No stayovers.”

Chris and Mary Layman of Ocean City were headed back to the Shore after a Las Vegas excursion. They’d originally planned to fly through Charlotte – a hub for the Salisbury airport’s other regional carrier, Piedmont.

Instead, they snapped up airfare at half the price by going through Orlando on Breeze, after having caught a showing of “The Wizard of Oz” at a Vegas venue called The Sphere.

Turns out, there’s no place like home.

“Nice plane. Very comfortable. First time we ever flew first class,” Chris Layman said inside the terminal, luggage in hand. “Hopefully, they have some other destinations in the future. It would be great to fly from here to out west without having to connect in Philly or BWI. This is great for the whole Eastern Shore.”

Berlin’s tree project planned for this month

(Oct. 10, 2025) The “KEEP BERLIN COOL” tree planting initiative, supported by the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee and funded by a grant from Maryland Coastal Bays Program, will plant their first trees in late October.

The campaign aims to enhance urban tree canopy coverage and mitigate stormwater runoff in the town. Plantings will be done on private and

public properties, including a church, a business, and eight residences.

The tree planting begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, when the Mayor and Council will attend the planting of a grove of small bald cypress trees in Stephen Decatur Park. All are welcome to participate in the event.

The trees being planted were grown from the oldest tree in the eastern US – a 2,630-year-old bald

cypress living in the Three Sisters Swamp along the Black River in North Carolina. The importance of these ancient bald cypress trees was recognized by outdoor guide and explorer Charles Robbins, who collected the seeds, grew the trees, and donated them to the Old-Growth Forest Network in honor of its founder, Dr. Joan Maloof. Maloof, who lives in Berlin, donated her special trees to

the “Keep Berlin Cool” initiative. The grove will be dedicated to her forest-saving efforts.

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, at noon, a planting of four native trees will take place on the front lawn of the Buckingham Presbyterian Church (20 S. Main Street in Berlin). The public is welcome to join in planting trees and learning about proper tree planting techniques.

Annual Ocean City car show featuring classics underway

(Oct. 10, 2025) The 28th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show is now underway in Ocean City and runs through Sunday, Oct. 12.

The four-day automotive event began Thursday and continues to be one of the region’s best fall car shows with hot rods, cool classics, customs and more. The epicenter of the event will be the Inlet parking lot with activities at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street as well as businesses around town.

Scheduled to appear at Endless 2025 is automotive enthusiast Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage and Roadworthy Rescues. Bieri will be at the Inlet parking lot Friday and Saturday meeting fans.

Also joining the fun will be an Amer-

ican Graffiti takeover with cars and stars.

Meet Mackenzie Phillips and Candy Clark, stars from the hit classic movie and make sure to check out the largest collection of American Grafiti show cars on display, Thursday, Friday and Saturday inside the OC Convention Center.

Additional entertainment includes a pedal car show, a neon light car show, deejays, live music, and a beard contest.

Some of the top National names in the country will be on display at Manufacturer’s Midway located at the Inlet including Advance Auto Parts, AMSOIL, Bruno’s Classic Muscle, Cabela’s, Carroll Shelby Racing, Classic Auto Mall, Gateway Classic Cars, Maryland Lottery, National Parts Depot, Photo Magic OC, Wildfire Lifts and more.

Also inside the convention center there will be a vendor showroom with automotive vendors, jewelry, arts and crafts and a swap meet.

Another Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show highlight will be the special Boardwalk cruises that will occur Friday and Saturday mornings. Cruises begin at 8 a.m. leaving 27th Street and cruising along the Boardwalk to the Inlet.

Being held in conjunction with Endless Summer Cruisin is the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show taking place indoors at the Ocean City Convention Center Oct. 9-11. See some of the hottest show cars on display competing for cash.

Spectator tickets for Endless Summer Cruisin are $15/day, Friday & Saturday and $10/day Sunday. Four-day event passes are also available for $40 at the event. For more information on Endless Summer Cruisin or to register to be a participant visit www.EndlessSummerCruisin.com or call 410-798-6304.

“Endless Summer Cruisin has always held safety as our number one priority,” event organizers reported in a pre-event media release. “The event does not tolerate unlawful activities or the disrespect of Ocean City. During Cruisin the town of Ocean City will be classified as a Special Event Zone where there will be increased fines for speeding, negligent/reckless driving, spinning wheels and alcohol related offenses. We encourage everyone that comes to Ocean City for Cruisin, both participants and spectators, to respect the town and abide by the rules.”

Familiar face to many called Laughing Wolf

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) John Moore pointed to a towering maple tree in the backstage area at Frontier Town, its split trunks branching up to the sky. “I remember when that tree was just a twig,” he said wistfully. “And my dad says, ‘let’s let it go and see what happens.’”

For Moore, it's not just a tree, but a marker of time. At age 56, he’s been a part of Frontier Town and its famed Wild West shows for nearly six decades. As his family has shared its Native American heritage with countless park visitors over the years, their lives and legacy have grown along with the venue itself.

John spent so many summers here as a child that he was practically raised in Frontier Town. Quartered in seasonal cottages, the family joined a performance for tourists that grew to be a summertime spectacle of gunfights, train holdups, and rodeos. That maple tree, once a sapling, used to be part of a fenced-in yard near the staff bunkhouses where Moore and his sister Aimee, also known as Screaming Eagle, would play as children on the property.

Going by his Native American name of Laughing Wolf, John Moore the younger today hosts the park’s performances of ceremonial and tribal dances – ones that his own father, the late John “Red Bird” Moore, once led.

Red Bird taught him how to handle a whip, how to lasso and tie knots, and how to ride horses. But John doesn’t remember learning to dance, because those lessons pre-date even his own memories.

“He started us off early. My sister and I had to grow up a little bit faster, because we had to talk with people, and stuff like that, not run around and be crazy, or else we might catch a drumstick or an arrow,” John says with a laugh.

John’s tribe is the Waccamaw

Siouan people, a North Carolina tribe. He’s also part Cherokee. Even now, he said, tourists poke fun at his heritage. They’ll hoot a war cry while smacking themselves in the mouth, and they say how! when they meet him in costume. And they still call him an Indian.

“And that’s just the way it is, you know?” he said. “The word Indian has been around for a long time. I kind of grew up with it. There are people that, nowadays, have to be more correct about things. Sometimes that can just cause more problems than what it’s worth. We’re native, we’re indigenous, and a lot of people also call us Indians, you know? I don’t take offense to that.”

Frontier Town was founded in 1959 along Route 611 in West Ocean City at the height of America’s midcentury fascination with the Old West – when TV’s most popular shows were westerns like The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza.

Laughing Wolf says the park’s Main Street – he calls it simply “the town” – is basically unchanged since his family began performing here in the 1960s. Its campground opened in 1963 and today is more of a draw than the park itself.

Along the dusty boulevard, there’s still a cowboy store, saloon, post office, a bank, and a little white chapel (one where John actually got married in real life, but that’s another story). While buildings used to have living areas for cast and crew on the second floor, today they’re just storage areas and dressing rooms.

Someone from the Moore family has been performing at Frontier Town since the park’s opening in 1959-60, when Red Bird would have been about 18 years old. In old photos of a young, muscular, and costumed Red Bird, the resemblance to his grown son is uncanny.

John was born in Los Angeles, where his father had pursued a career in Hollywood as an actor and performer. His parents eventually moved he and his sister to Maryland after a 1971 earthquake rattled their neighborhood.

“My dad went out to L.A. to make it big, like everybody else in the ‘60s. He actually made commercials with Jay Silverheels – that’s the original Tonto from Lone Ranger. He made Wampum corn chip commercials with him,” John said.

John’s family bestowed his nickname of Laughing Wolf after a crosscountry trip, one of many his family took between Maryland and the West Coast when he was a kid. After hearing some wolves howling as they drove through Montana, for some reason, it got him laughing. The name stuck.

John’s earliest memories at Frontier Town start around age four: staying in cottages on the property with his parents and his sister, being the first one awake and riding his bicycle on dirt paths.

In the early days, even more extended family joined them here, too. He recalled the way tourists would treat them all – including extendedarm greetings of how! like the TV shows did it – and that some family felt it too distasteful.

But it didn’t bother his dad, who decided to stick around. Sure, there were stereotypes, but Red Bird used those as a starting place to share their culture, John said.

His mom danced with the family’s show at Frontier Town until John was about five years old, but she ended up working in an old motel, the Sandyhill at 18th Street, which is long since demolished.

John’s father died suddenly on

Nov. 4, 1989. He was on a welding crew building The Centre at Salisbury shopping mall when he fell about three stories and didn’t survive. He was 48 years old.

Red Bird for years had been a bigger-than-life guy and the face of Frontier Town’s Native American show. His death almost led the Moore family to leaving the park altogether.

“We thought about quitting it. A bunch of people had asked us not to. So, my sister actually took over all the talking in the show, and I was just dancing at that time,” he said.

It was about that time that John left Ocean City, at least for a little while. He booked a contract as a rider in a Wild West show in Montreal. Later, he moved to Florida for a riding gig at a dinner theater called Arabian Knights where he learned dressage, trick riding, and how to break a horse.

“It gave me a big jumpstart to meeting people,” he said. “I wanted to do my own type of show. I wanted to have my own name. My dad had his own name. I wanted to have mine.”

In its heyday, Frontier Town was a major tourist draw for Ocean City. The rodeos were well-attended. Riverboat rides coasted down a manmade lagoon. Kids could run through the wooden corridors of a pretend “gold mine” set back in the woods.

John especially loved the park’s authentic antique steam train, one that chugged through the forest on its own railway, where kids in train cars were given boxes of “gold” to guard carefully – until the parks’ costumed bandits showed up and tried to steal it. It’s still there, but hasn’t been activated in years, he said.

“We really packed ‘em in,” John said of the rides and the rodeo. “Now it’s not as much. We were doing

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

John “Laughing Wolf” Moore is pictured in the forest of Frontier Town where he and family members have performed since its opening in 1959.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Moore is pictured with an authentic steam train that no longer circulates around Frontier Town.

Moore proud to share his Native American culture

pretty good and then things just kind of changed over.”

By the mid 1990s, John’s sister left Frontier Town to pursue a career as a massage therapist in Hawaii. John decided to stay and took over the family’s Native American dance show in a wooded clearing hidden away from Main Street known as Red Bird Village.

“When I first started doing this and I had to start talking, that was the hardest thing,” he said. “My dad always said, ‘oh, you be the serious one.’ Because I didn’t care about smiling. So I recorded myself, started talking with my diaphragm, and pushing it out. Now it’s been so long, I can take the microphone at any time. It doesn’t even matter – what do you want me to announce?”

Felled logs are the seating in the dirt-floor arena where John puts on the same performance his father taught him. Pounding a three-footwide moosehide drum, he’ll demonstrate and explain each of several dances, share his native customs and languages, all while weaving humor throughout the show – one he’ll perform up to seven or eight times a day.

Most shows are 30 minutes, but “I can do an hour show all by myself, almost. I talk about the horses, the Appaloosa. All our native stuff – why we

wear the paint, why we dance, the difference dances we have and where they came from. Each dance that comes out, I explain.”

John in particular stresses the importance of native clothing and costumes, like bustles or long animal hide trains, many of which are made completely handmade.

“We wish that there was a Native American section at Walmart, but there’s not, so we have to make everything we get or we trade for. Nowadays it’s a little bit easier because Facebook, websites, you can find stuff a whole lot easier,” he said.

John also said he fills another important role for Frontier Town – that of caretaker. In the off-season, you’ll find him patching roofs, fixing windows, and painting buildings. Then, as a new summer gets closer, others on staff start to pitch in with maintenance and upkeep, too.

John said it’s a way for everyone who works there to build camaraderie ahead of tourists’ arrival. “By the time the people started coming in, they’d already get that family feeling, because we already had that family feeling,” he said.

In his private life, John is married to his wife Kirsten, who is a horse trainer and farrier. They have a farm on seven acres in Powellville and

offer riding lessons and horse training. He also does educational presentations to schools across Delmarva.

And, like his father, John has pursued some acting. He and his white horse Cochise have both appeared on TV’s “The Walking Dead.” He’s also been in a few other films as a stunt performer and actor in small parts.

“I got my SAG card and I just quietly try and do it. I wish that I could do more of it. It’s actually hard to get an agent nowadays; it’s not as easy as what you think. But I got a couple leads and I got a talent agency that’s picking me up, so we’ll see. I’d rather do more of the stunt work. I’m not sure I’m the best actor. You never know what you can do until you get put in that spot and paid to do it.”

At Frontier Town, things have changed. The allure of Old West culture is long since faded and the park’s cast of cowboys and can-can girls is smaller. Some attractions were lost when Route 611 was widened. A campsite corporation, Sun Outdoors, bought the property a decade ago from longtime proprietor Mitch Parker, whose family founded the park.

But Laughing Wolf hasn’t gone anywhere. For him, Frontier Town will always feel like home. He’s rooted to the land, like that maple

tree. His wife rides a horse in the rodeo, and his young children perform with him in his shows. He says he’ll keep dancing “as long as my knees let me.”

“We’re still here. We’re still putting on shows. We still have really good shows. These guys put on dynamite shows. There’s not as many gunfights, but the gunfights that they do are really entertaining. It’s not what it used to be, but what it is, is still good. It’s still entertaining.”

John Moore is pictured during a ceremonial performance years ago at Frontier Town.

Local competes in spooky contest

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) An Ocean Pines resident is seeking votes to advance to the next round in a spooky, Halloween-themed contest that raises funds for hospitalized children, offers $13,000 in prize money, and provides the opportunity to meet Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis.

Local Janet Stephenson has advanced through a series of six rounds of the fundraising competition Face of Halloween, showcasing her expertise in frightening special effects makeup and costuming. Stephenson continues to secure enough votes to advance to the subsequent stage each week. There are three elimination cycles left, with the contest concluding on Oct. 31.

The winner will be crowned the

“Face of Halloween” and will have contributed to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. This charity supplies toys, elevated hospital clothing, and gaming systems to seriously ill children. The victor will also get $13,000 for themselves, and will be flown to Los Angeles to meet Jamie Lee Curtis, a sponsor of the frightening competition.

The online event began on Aug. 25. Each round is designated by a name, like “The Quarter-Final Massacre.” Contestants post their Halloweenthemed special effects makeup looks on Facebook, where supporters can vote for the most impressive and scary costumes. Votes can be made for free or monetarily. Stephenson said that an individual can make a $25 donation to benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which would

translate to 25 votes.

The current round began on Oct. 6 and will end on Oct. 16. Stephenson has advanced to this stage, grouped with 15 other competitors. The top half will move on to the next cycle and will vie for the chance to break into the finals. The Ocean Pines resident is seeking votes to avoid elimination.

While Stephenson would love the chance to meet actress Curtis, her true mission is to raise money for a noble cause. She said that her goal is to accumulate $10,000 for the children’s charity. The Eastern Shore contestant is asking friends, family, and residents to think about donating votes for her Face of Halloween campaign.

“If you haven’t made your 2025 charitable contribution, please consider the Starlight Children’s Foundation,” she said. “The mission is spreading joy to se-

riously ill kids through toy deliveries, fun hospital wear, gaming, and more.” Stephenson added that last year, the gory makeup competition, then called Colossal Face of Horror, raised over $2.4 million, according to Adam Garone, the CEO of the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

“It’s truly a win–win: the kids receive happiness and hope, and if I’m lucky enough to win, I’ll get to fly to L.A. to meet Jamie Lee Curtis and receive $13,000 — which I plan to use to give back, throw a big Halloween celebration in 2026, and, yes, take care of a few bills along the way,” Stephenson noted.

Stephenson has always had an interest in Halloween-inspired hobbies, she said. Currently, in addition to being employed full-time in the Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development office, she works for Chesapeake Ghost Tours, conducting walking tours and sharing spooky stories. She began exploring special effects makeup and face painting about five years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued to hone her skills.

“I’ve posted pictures of my face, and people are always asking me, ‘Is that AI?’ And I’m like, no, that’s me,” the Face of Halloween-hopeful said. “I’m an artist. I use face brushes, sponges, face paint, and special effect makeup. I use latex to make myself look like I’m bleeding or flesh peeling off my skin. I use bald caps. I can turn myself into anything, whether it be cute and pretty or ugly and disgusting.”

Now, she is using these chilling capabilities to give back to a good cause.

Stephenson has long been passionate about fundraising. In the early 2000s, she and 25 other women raised $125,000 for the breast cancer awareness nonprofit, Susan G. Komen.

Stephenson asks that supporters visit her Facebook page to make a donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation and vote for her artistry. The page can be accessed by scanning the QR code.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

An example of Janet Stephenson’s face decorating skills is shown.

Annual Harbor Day features

blessing, music, exhibits

(Oct. 10, 2025) Celebrate maritime history during Harbor Day at the Docks on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival will take place along Sunset Avenue in the West Ocean City commercial harbor.

“Harbor Day at the Docks is one of our most unique Maryland Coast events,” Recreation and Parks Director Kelly Rados said. “It allows us to bring recognition to our local watermen and the commercial fishing industry. Our historic commercial maritime industry is a way of life on the Eastern Shore and should be celebrated and protected.”

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with the Blessing of the Fleet, followed by live musical performances by the Earth Jam, and Sons of Pirates-Big Buffet Beach Band will be taking the stage at 1 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. a crab cake eating contest sponsored by Hoopers will take place on the main stage, and participation is available on a first-come, firstserved basis where you can test your competitive eating skills.

Other activities will include local fisherman displays, touch tanks, vendor demonstrations, nautical artisans, educational exhibits, and tons of activities for children.

There will be plenty of vendors selling scrumptious foods and refreshing beverages including a crush bar by For-

gotten 50 and local brews from Burley Oak. The Coast Guard will provide onsite water safety information and Coast Guard boat tours.

For those seeking a unique water experience, there will be opportunities to tour the harbor on the Salty Siren and Bay Hopper.

“Come out and join us for some family friendly fun, as we honor Worcester County’s vibrant maritime past,” Recreation and Parks Deputy Director Jacob Stephens said.

Harbor Day at the Docks is sponsored by Worcester County Recreation and Parks and area partners. More information is available at www.harbordayoc.com or by contacting Kyle Jarmon at 410-632-2144, ext. 2519 or kjarmon@worcestermd.gov

Touch tanks will be on hand during the Harbor Day at the Docks event on

allowing attendees to explore wildlife like lobster, pictured.

WPS HOMECOMING BBQ

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Worcester Preparatory School’s Upper School dedicated the third week of September to celebrating Homecoming. Festivities included an alumni and family Homecoming BBQ on Sept. 12 featuring a Kid Zone with children’s games and activities hosted by the Class of 2029 and varsity Boys’ Soccer home game, followed by the annual Homecoming Dance. Top left, Head of School Dr. Betsy Hornung, Head of Lower School Travis Bower, and parent Joe Parker manned the grill, serving hundreds of hamburgers and hot dogs. Above, pictured around second grader Hannah Farr are freshmen Emery Hammonds, Caroline Burbage and Giuliana Frabizzio. Above right, kindergartner Izzy Hall and freshman Addy Wisniewski hung out together at the hair tinsel station in the Kids Zone.

Ocean Pines’ Marina Village may limit short-term rentals

The community’s board is seeking enough votes to pass the proposed change

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 2, 2025) Marina Village in Ocean Pines may restrict short-term rentals if it can secure an adequate number of voters to approve a change in its rules.

In a recent meeting, Marina Village Townhome Association’s board of directors discussed an amendment to its community rules. Marina Village is run by its own association as well as the Ocean Pines Association.

According to David Volrath, a Marina Village Townhome Association board member, the 25-year-old community needed to refresh its guidelines and bylaws, as many of the regulations were outdated, no longer applicable, or, in many cases, no longer accurate to the neighborhood today.

To resolve those issues, Volrath said he had created a work group to review the old documents. Once its work was completed, the the group re-

turned to the board with 50 potential adjustments to the governing documents.

Of those, 24 were compiled into an amendment that requires association members’ approval to push through.

At the association’s annual meeting last month, however, there was not enough community participation for a valid vote to occur, Volrath said. The board is now looking to attract enough voters to establish support or opposition to the proposed changes.

Restricting short-term rentals to a minimum of 14 days was listed as an item on the amendment for approval. Volrath said this recommendation was based on the high volume of violations committed by people staying in a unit for a limited period.

“In terms of nuisance violations, that’s why we’re doing this,” the board member said. “There are issues with noise, respect to neighbors, trash compliance, imposing on the marina down the street, and pet management.

Volrath said that two weeks had been decided as the magic number to meet residents on both sides of the debate in the middle, despite some claiming that the board “plucked it out

Community member split on potential rule modification

of the air.”

“We actually surveyed the board and people randomly,” Volrath said. “We found that there were people who didn’t want any rentals here, period. Then there were those folks, the rental folks, who didn’t want any limits on short-term rentals. On one extreme, they’re saying no one can rent at all, and on the other extreme, they’re saying go ahead and rent your house out 365 days a year, like it’s a hotel room. From those extremes, we worked to the middle.”

The board considered everything from a 30-day minimum to a sevenday minimum before landing on two weeks. Volrath added that the goal with the proposed restrictions is to ensure property values do not diminish, as some argue happens with an influx of quick stopovers, and to protect the quality of life for full-time residents.

“The shorter the term, the less likely the renters are going to care about you,” the board member said. “The shorter the term, the more frequent the turnover, and the more frequent the turnover, the more likely people won’t know the rules, or break them. To me, that’s common sense.”

However, those that rent out their property claim that setting a limit on

short-term rentals can throw a wrench into their income.

An Ocean Pines resident, Megan Mardiney, responded to a Facebook post by fellow OPA homeowner Amy Peck, soliciting discussions about the validity of short-term rentals.

Mardiney argued that short-term rental restrictions will not solve issues with violations and complaints, but would instead harm property owners.

“People behave badly, whether fulltime resident or guest,” she writes.

“We have wonderful guests who rent our house each summer. We could not afford to keep it without that income. Funny enough, they have complained about our neighbor’s noise, who is full-time.”

While the short-term rental issue is contentious, Marina Village’s proposed rule-modification amendment includes 23 additional action items. However, as these mainly include verbiage clarifications and language changes, they have not received the same level of attention from community residents.

At least 50 owners must submit a ballot for a final decision to be made, which they did not reach last month. The board is now seeking ways to reorganize a vote without corrupting the process, Volrath said.

JOLLY JELLYFISH

CLUB

CHESAPEAKE & CAPRI

Who’s Where When

BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY

443-513-4647

10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin

Saturday, October 11: TBA

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Friday & Saturday, October 10 & 11: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, October 10:

Darin Engh & Monkee Paw

Saturday, October 11:

Joey Fitz & My Dirty Little Secret

Sunday, October 12:

Carley Twigg & Rick & Regina

Thursday, October 16: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, October 10: The Boogiemen

Saturday, October 11: First Class

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Friday, October 10: True Country

Wednesday, October 15: Brian Bishop

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, October 10: Rogue Citizens

Saturday, October 11: Fuzzbox Piranha

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, October 10:

Making Waves, Bad w/ Names & DJ RobCee

Best Beats On The Beach

TRANZFUSION

Fager’s Island: Monday, October 13 (Last Deck Party)

IT’S ALL GOOD

Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, October 10 & 11

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Sat., Oct. 10

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Tues., Oct. 14

WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

BRIAN BISHOP Crabcake Factory Bayside:

JOE ESHAM The Wedge: Thurs., Oct. 16

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

TRUE COUNTRY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Fri., Oct. 10

JASON LEE The Wedge: Sun., Oct. 12

DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Fri., Oct. 10

CARLEY TWIGG Coconuts Beach Bar: Sun., Oct. 12 Cantina Los Agaves: Tues., Oct. 14

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Fri., Oct. 10

THE BOOGIEMEN

MAKING WAVES

Fager’s Island: Friday, October 10

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, October 12

Seacrets: Thursday, October 16

FUZZBOX PIRANHA

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, October 11

Who’s Where When

Saturday, October 11:

The John Frase Project, Social Drinking & DJ Vybe

Monday, October 13:

Last Deck Party w/ Tranzfusion & DJ TBA

Tuesday, October 14: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Friday, October 10: TBA

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, October 10: DJ Billy T

Saturday, October 11:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Harvey Cinco

Sunday, October 12:

Opposite Directions

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, October 11: The Dunehounds & Pistol Whipped Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, October 10 & 11: It’s All Good

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, October 10: John McNutt Duo, DJ Mary Jane, DJ E-State & The Audio Files

Saturday, October 11: Whiskeyhickon Boys, DJ Connair, DJ Davie & Tommi Boi

Thursday, October 16:

Opposite Directions & DJ Spin

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Sunday, October 12:

Jason Lee

Thursday, October 16: Joe Esham

Coins Pub: Friday, October 10

ROGUE CITIZENS

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, October 10

PISTOL WHIPPED Pickles Pub: Saturday, October 11

CECILIA’S FALL

Harborside: Saturday, October 11

WHISKEYHICKON BOYS

Seacrets: Saturday, October 11

BAD W/ NAMES

Fager’s Island: Friday, October 10

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA

Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, October 16

Marketing modifications

(Oct. 10, 2025) TidalHealth recently announced the promotion of Laren MacMillan to Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, recognizing her outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence over more than 13 years with the health system.

management have enhanced the health system’s digital footprint and patient reach.

MacMillan has also been at the forefront of numerous milestone moments for TidalHealth, including anniversary celebrations, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and community events. She has championed cornerstone initiatives such as LiveWell, GetWell Delmarva, Care, Coach & Connect, and Charting Your Course, each designed to connect people to better health and wellness across the region.

Throughout her tenure, MacMillan has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening TidalHealth’s brand presence across the Delmarva Peninsula. She led the launch of the health system’s new identity and oversaw a seamless renaming effort, creating a unified brand that reflects TidalHealth’s mission and community impact.

“Laren has been a vital part of our organization for more than a decade, leading with purpose and driving transformative initiatives that have elevated TidalHealth’s reputation,” said Chris Hall, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development/Chief Business Officer for TidalHealth. “Her creativity, strategic acumen, and data-driven approach have left an indelible mark on our health system and the communities we serve.”

Under her leadership, TidalHealth has implemented innovative marketing strategies grounded in analytics, resulting in measurable growth in brand recognition and engagement. Her advancements in search engine optimization, star rating strategy, and reputation

With a background in journalism, MacMillan brings exceptional storytelling skills to her role, crafting compelling narratives that highlight TidalHealth’s people, programs, and patient care. She is also an award-winning strategic marketer, earning multiple national honors for her work both in healthcare and journalism. Recently, she earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society recognizing academic excellence in business.

As part of this transition, several additional promotions within the Marketing and Communications Department were also announced:

Darren Wood has been promoted to Manager of Creative Strategy, overseeing the organization’s visual identity and creative team.

Rachel Webster has been promoted

Continued on Page 47

Fed government shutdown’s impact on real estate field

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

offerings.

During previous shutdowns, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have continued normal operations since they are not reliant on appropriated funds. There are four key areas of consideration:

court & wildlife sanctuary with walking path. Walk or bike to beach, Northside Park, shopping & dining. Streetlights & lamppost at each driveway. Ideal for vacation getaway, fulltime residence, or investment opportunity. Own in 1 of OC’s most sought-after bayside neighborhoods!

(Oct. 10, 2025) With Congress failing to approve funding for government operations by the Sept. 30 deadline, causing a partial government shutdown, many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding. The following is part of the summary on how key agencies and programs are expected to operate during a shutdown from the National Association of REALTORS® Environmental Protection Agency

Under EPA’s shutdown plan, most employees will be furloughed. This will affect various regulatory programs and compliance activities, such as wetlands determinations under the 404 program and enforcement of the lead-based paint disclosure and renovation, repair, and painting programs.

HUD Programs

HUD has a contingency plan that keeps many housing programs alive, though often in a reduced capacity, while others face serious disruption. The Federal Housing Administration, for example, will continue to endorse new single-family mortgage loans, except for certain types, such as HECMs and Title I, thereby keeping its systems running. But many actions needing staff input, such as processing certain types of condominium project approvals, are suspended.

Importantly, borrowers may turn to private flood insurance if the National Flood Insurance Program lapses during the shutdown. The FHA Resource Center remains open for questions, though with limited staff availability, possible longer wait times for assistance, and limited ability to answer case-specific questions.

For housing counseling agencies, services may continue—but only if grant funds have already been awarded and cash flow levels permit. New grants, renewals, or payment draws are paused except in emergencies, meaning some agencies may need to reduce or suspend

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 46

to Manager of Integrated Marketing & Communications, leading marketing initiatives and internal communications.

Sarah Yonker joins TidalHealth from Atlantic General Hospital as Manager of Practitioner Growth, where she will strengthen practitioner relationships and referral patterns across the network.

• Verification of Employment: For homebuyers employed by the federal government, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow for verification of employment to occur after closing but prior to delivery of the loan.

• Tax Transcripts: Freddie Mac requires all borrowers to sign a 4506T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) request form prior to close, but the request does not have to be processed prior to close. Fannie Mae requires the same unless the borrower’s income can be verified through Fannie Mae’s proprietary Desktop Underwriter verification system, in which case no 4506T is required. During past government shutdowns, the IRS suspended the issuance of tax return transcripts.

• Verification of Social Security Number: Sometimes, social security numbers are disputed and must be verified. Fannie Mae allowed lenders to verify the numbers prior to delivery in the 2018 shutdown as a precaution but did not allow delivery if the number was not confirmed. Freddie Mac does not require verification of social security number.

• Proof of flood insurance coverage application: Both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae require a completed application for flood insurance and a copy of a check for the first premium, or the settlement statement reflecting payment of the initial premium, or the assignment of an existing policy from the old owner.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.

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by Steve Green

The Adventures of Fatherhood

(The following is a reprint from Nov. 3, 2017)

Halloween is a big deal in Berlin.

I’m not sure my children will ever truly grasp the magnitude of it until they are older and experience a Halloween in another area.

To them, walking outside their door to thousands of people every Halloween is normal. Their mother working for weeks on Halloween props suitable for the chosen theme of the year on the street is expected. It’s commonplace for them to walk into a room around our house and find skeleton heads strewn about and mannequins dressed up for the occasion. Giving their mom their feedback on their costumes and having it become a reality is assumed. Having 2,000 trick or treaters to our home in Berlin is the norm for them. They don’t know any difference.

Additionally, they expect to see characters on stilts walking and dancing on their street, a funeral home becoming a haunted house, a neighbor serving as the music DJ for the entire night, another neighbor handing out cotton candy as their treat, their parents dressing up right along with them and having a mother who is a decorating genius and stops at no lengths to dress up our home for the big day.

Each year our street picks a theme for Halloween. In the past, we have done western, fraternity row, movies (twice), scary freak show and superheroes. This year circus was selected. I was the world’s strongest man, Pam was the ringleader, Beckett was a terrifying clown and Carson, 8, was the lion tamer who pulled behind him his makeshift lion and cage.

Because our street is the unofficial ground zero for Halloween in Berlin, we don’t do a lot of trick or treating. We usually hit a dozen homes in our immediate vicinity early on before stationing

ourselves at our house to give out candy and adjust any decorations or lights that may go awry due to the influx of crowds.

The kids don’t seem to mind missing out on a night of trick or treating. They understand it’s a busy night. In fact, when I was putting Beckett, 9, to bed on Tuesday night, I asked him if he had fun. He said he did and talked about what he enjoyed. He mentioned getting too old to trick or treat and that next year he might just want to wander around our street with his buddies. He sounded more like a teenager than a 9-year-old.

When I said what about getting candy, he reminded me that we buy 2,500 pieces of candy each year and that he could just eat some of that like he does every year, as he emptied his pockets of empty wrappers. At least he didn’t litter I guess.

For the last several years, Beckett has wanted to try out the Burbage Funeral Home, which goes all out to transform itself into a haunted house. Because it’s so crazy on our street, we have been unable to take him. We also weren’t sure if he was ready yet to try it out and still sleep that night. Thanks to him finding a buddy –whose family was willing to take Beckett with them – he was able to go while we stayed at the house. After he came back, he said it was great when we asked how it went. He said it wasn’t scary at all and that he was fine. The mom later told us he and his buddy walked through the funeral home slowly while hugging each other. We kept that little morsel under our hat. At bed time, it was interesting that he wanted me to hang with him a little longer than usual.

For Carson, it was a working Halloween. That makes sense if you know him because he likes to be kept busy and given a task. We never intended on him giving out candy the entire night. It just worked out that way. It was

serious business to him.

It may sound cheap, but our rule is one piece of candy per individual. It’s just the way it has to be when more than 2,000 trick or treaters come by. It turns out Carson was a stickler for the rule except when it came to little ones. He would place a piece of candy in his or her bag and then place another piece in the child’s hand in a covert fashion. It was their own little secret he seemed to think.

There were some unique aspects to this year’s Halloween for me. First, I don’t recall ever seeing so many photographs taken at our house. It was hilarious to watch children of all ages be put in front of a display featuring a twoheaded skeleton on a makeshift circus wagon with a sign that read, “Please don’t feed the twins.” Additionally, it was fun to see parents put their baby strollers up next to Pam’s jack-in-thebox creations with supped-up skeleton heads popping out.

The funny thing after each was watching the parents obviously edit the picture and post it online. Next year we need to come up with a hashtag to group them all together.

Along with the crowds that seem to grow each year, what was memorable about this year’s Halloween was a planned flash mob to Michael Jackson’s Thriller on our street. The group, numbering about 30, did this a few times at various different places around town but we loved having them in front of our house.

It was another wonderful Halloween experience. The only negative about the whole day comes in the cleanup effort. That’s why some of our decorations remain on display today as we are still waiting for the Halloween fairy to come and take care of it all.

(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.)

Favorable swells arrive with right storm directions

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) Do the names Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto, and Imelda sound familiar? These were all named hurricanes that affected the entire east coast. Fortunately there were no direct hits along the coastlines and yet we saw plenty of effects in the way of big stormy waves, beach erosion, and large rip currents as well as destruction to buildings in the North Carolina area.

All of these storms happened in roughly the last six weeks.

Hurricane season “officially” occurs from June to November so there’s quite some time left. Most of the storms in this time frame begin with weather coming off the west coast of Africa around the Cape Verde Islands and develop crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Regarding the forming of quality, surf able waves the ideal scenario is for the storms to move in a northwest to northerly direction, remain far enough from land masses, and produce a favorable ground swell.

There is also the hope that sand along shorelines, especially in Ocean City, will move and create sand bars farther away from the beach thus making waves that won’t be crashing so close to shore. Unfortunately, with beach replenishment, this has been the case for a number of years.

Once again, as is frequently mentioned in these columns/articles, weather is the starting point for surfing. It all depends on nature and how it reacts to swell, wind, tide, bottom contours, and yes; tropical storms. Jerry is the next name to be used for these storms. Hopefully, if it forms, it will follow a similar track as those previously mentioned. Stay tuned and stay informed.

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

Six former resort lifeguards join the OCBP Hall of Fame

(Oct. 10, 2025) Scores of former lifeguards, members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol from as far away as England and Hawaii, convened on October 3-5, at the 2025 triennial lifeguard reunion.

After an initial social gathering at Fishtails Friday night, former guards gathered on the beach Saturday morning for the Lucky Jordon Swim competition. The main event was the reunion banquet at the Grand Hotel where videos included an in memoriam recognition of former members of the beach patrol who had passed since the last reunion, a recognition of and panel presentation by OCBP officers who have served the beach patrol (and town) for over 40 years (Ward Kovacs, Skip Lee and Mike Stone) and a report and update on the current status of the beach patrol by Captain Butch Arbin (himself a veteran of 53 years).

A highlight of the evening was the induction of six former lifeguards into the Ocean City Beach Patrol Hall of Fame, bringing the number of Hall of Famers to 12. Former inductees included the earliest captains of the patrol: Edward Lee Carey, Harry Kelly, Robert S Craig, and George Schoepf. In addition, Lucky Jordan and Warren Williams were inducted six years ago.

This year inductees include Billy

Pacey (captain during the mid-1940s when watching the beach also including watching out for U-boats and possible German infiltrators) and Mitch Maiorana, a nine-year veteran lifeguard from the late 1950s -early 1960s, and one of only two officers under Captain Craig at the time (and thus second in command). Pacey’s and Maiorana’s recognitions were posthumous, although Mitch’s sister Jackie Degroft was present to receive his award.

Two new honorees were present at the reunion.

Robert M. Craig (son of former Captain Robert S Craig) was on the beach patrol from 1960-65 and is the patrol’s unofficial historian, having published two histories of the Ocean City Beach Patrol and several other books which include material about the lifeguard organization. He was instrumental in getting Captain Craig’s cottage on St Louis Ave listed on the National Register of Historic Places (one of only two properties in Ocean City so recognized nationally). Finally, while still a lifeguard in the mid 1960s he designed and had built an apartment which for 60 years has provided summer housing for members of the beach patrol. Also present was the new inductee See LIFEGUARDS Page 53

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

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 Thursday through Sunday 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 Thursday through Sunday, 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.

■ 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.

■ 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.

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

Lifeguards convene for reunion

Continued from Page 51

Steve Bachman, member of the beach patrol from 1982-1986, and an athlete who dominated lifeguard competitions during the period representing Ocean City at the national level. Steve brought home first place ribbons in the [nationals] flag competitions in 1984, 1985, and 1986, competed as well in other regional and national events, and helped put Ocean City on the map as a member of the town’s small team of elite lifeguards.

Finally, two female lifeguards were inducted in the Hall of Fame. Pat Carey [Everett] (OCBP 1980-87) rose in the ranks to become the first female officer on OCBP, serving as a lieutenant during the final years of Captain Craig’s tenure. Not mentioned, but of incidental interest, was the fact that Pat also taught Captain Craig’s grandson Christopher how to swim. Christopher Craig became historically the first third generation member of the beach patrol, serving on OCBP from 1999-2001.

The sixth Hall of Fame inductee was Colby Nelson, who joined the beach patrol in 1994. After her first summer season as a lifeguard, Colby was working at the Carousel Hotel in November when she saw a group of swimmers attempting unsuccessfully to come ashore in rough seas. Colby immediately sprang to the rescue, dashed from the hotel across the beach, and pulled nine people

to safety. She received the Key to the City from the Mayor and was nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Award for her actions. She remained on the beach patrol, rose in the ranks to become a sergeant, and became the longest serving woman in OCBP history.

Former lifeguards return to Ocean City every three years in a much anticipated reunion. Each is an alumnus/alumna member of a tight organization of aquatic first responders established in 1930, and characterized by an esprit de corps, international reputation, and knowledge that the job they did and continue to do is life changing and beyond adequate recognition. For each person pulled from a rip current, unspeakable tragedy is averted. And while the lifeguard declares “It’s simply part of the job,” for the parent whose child was saved from drowning, the action of the surf technician is never forgotten.

Former Ocean City lifeguards become lawyers and doctors, university professors, engineers, and scientists — even a member of Congress. Yet many say in later life: “OCBP—that’s the best job I ever had. The Captain set my moral compass, developed in me a life-long sense of responsibility and service.”

No wonder former members of the beach patrol want to return to reconnect with their fellow lifeguard and honor new Hall of Famers. The reunion will return in 2028.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

No, that’s not a scene from an early Cruisin weekend – it’s the original “State Roads Bridge,” a narrow, two-lane span built to handle Ocean City’s automotive traffic in 1916.

The bridge entered town at Worcester Street and was just a block north of the railroad’s trestle bridge that spanned the Sinepuxent Bay from the mainland to South Division Street. Prior to 1916, the few cars that visited Ocean City had paid a five-cent toll to cross the railroad bridge on wooden planks.

The 1933 hurricane that created the Inlet destroyed the railroad bridge, isolating Ocean City for several days. Hastily repaired, the State Roads Bridge continued as the auto route into Ocean City until replaced by the four-lane Route 50 drawbridge (known today as the Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge) in 1942. The photo here is circa 1938.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo courtesy of Bunk Mann collection

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The high road whenever possible

When optimism is easy

A long 4th down conversion in football

Our dramatic temperature swings

Driving by a house I lived in as a kid

When it’s confirmed my teens were listening

A quiet dishwasher

Time lapse videos of storms

The first couple days with a new computer

Dreaming about something, then it happening

When dogs first get to the beach

Grants now available

The Worcester County Arts Council Grants Review Committee is now accepting applications for local art events and projects to be presented in Worcester County between January 1 and June 30, 2026. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

The Community Arts Development Grant Program, funded and supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, is designed to assist local nonprofit, community-based organizations in producing and presenting high-quality arts activities that serve the residents of Worcester County.

Important Update: The Grant Guidelines have been recently revised to ensure equitable access to arts funding and to encourage diverse and inclusive artistic programming. To promote the responsible use of public funds, the updated guidelines now outline funding limits and clearly define eligible and ineligible uses of funds. All applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the revised guidelines before applying.

In the first 6-month grant cycle of 2025, the Worcester County Arts Council awarded $17,150 in Community Arts Development Grants to support nine local art projects and events presented by nonprofit organizations throughout the county.

Application form and the revised Grant Guidelines are available on the Worcester County Arts Council’s website: www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org

Student achievements

The following represent student announcements send to this newspaper.

More than 11,500 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean’s List for the summer 2025 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.

The following local students from the area were named to the Dean’s List: Jonathan Davis of Ocean City; Bridget Kemp of Berlin; Dawn Knighton of Berlin (21811)

Darby Moore of Ocean City; Angela Robinson of Ocean Pines; Dane Thurston of Ocean City; and Devon Tingle of Ocean City.

Allison Swift of Showell has joined Muhlenberg College this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree, as a member of the Class of 2029. A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, Swift is joined by more than 420 first year and transfer students.

The following Worcester County students completed their program requirements to graduate with a certificate (CT), associate of applied science (AAS), associate of arts in teaching (AAT), associate of science (AS) or associate of arts (AA) degree from Wor-Wic Community College this past summer.

Berlin: China Tiarra Blackmon, CT, Nursing; Rumina Bowers, CT, Nursing; Riley Calloway, AS, STEM; Sydney Brandt Charlton, CT, Nursing; Kelly R. Dellies, CT, Education; Guadalupe Espinoza Fonseca, AAT, Education; Alexis Marie Hudson, CT, Nursing; Emily Jaye Hyatt, CT, Nursing; Malia Nichols, CT, Nursing; Mahmood Y. Odeh, AA, General Studies; Timothy D. Stedding, CT, Criminal Justice; Matthew Swistak, CT, Criminal Justice; Cherie Loureen Williams, AS, Nursing; and Vincent Winger, AA, General Studies.

Bishopville: Ulyssa Virginia Jacobs, AA, General Studies; and Lauren Nicole Stanley, CT, Emergency Medical Services.

Girdletree: Konnor Joseph Stever, AA, General Studies.

Newark: Marysol Pereyra, AAS, Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Ocean City: Erin Alicia Claro, CT, Nursing; Jordanne Rochester, AAS, Chemical Dependency Counseling; and Ariella Witt, AS, Nursing.

Pocomoke City: Patty Cubbage, AAS, Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Steven Michael Hutchinson, CT, Criminal Justice.

Snow Hill: Jackson Wesley Blake, AS, Nursing; Alexis Harper, CT, Nursing; Victoria Lane Harper, CT, Nursing; and Tanesha La’Nae Hudson, CT, Nursing.

Charley Corey of Ocean City has been named to the President’s List at James Madison University for the summer 2025 semester. Corey is majoring in Finance - BBA.

24TH & 25TH

Try a S’mores martini?

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

Mother Nature can breathe a sigh of relief as the dazzling Eastern Shore returns to its natural habitat. Crisp cool air is a sign of normalcy as the crowds have once again dissipated with their yearly exit.

The desolate beaches are finally able to show off

CROSSWORD

their lovely beauty. Do not be fooled by the barren appearance, there is much life if one is willing to explore. The tide is calm, and the constant ripple to sea is indicative that change is in the air. Colorful foliage signals a shift in seasons, and with that I look forward to my favorite time of the year.

Comfy warm clothes and good friends go hand in hand with smokey aromas that bonfires are so famous for. The flickering flame turns the hands of time to when I was a child

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This week is all about fresh starts, Aries. The stars are aligning to give you the green light on a new project or personal goal. Don’t hesitate to jump on the first step.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Focus on building a solid foundation this week, Taurus. Whether it’s in your career or personal life, your hard work and persistence will pay off in a big way.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Your social calendar is buzzing, Gemini. This week you could be a magnet for interesting conversations and new ideas. Don’t be afraid to network and share your thoughts.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Expect a breakthrough in your personal life, Cancer. You’ll gain a new sense of clarity and emotional understanding, allowing you to move forward with confidence.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Your leadership skills are on full display, Leo. This week you’ll be called upon to inspire and guide others. Don’t be shy about stepping into the spotlight at work or in a group setting.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This is a week for practical improvements, Virgo. Take a look at your daily routines and find small ways that you can be more efficient. Organize your space or adopt a new health habit.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Harmony in your relationships is a prominent theme this week, Libra. Your diplomatic nature will help you resolve any lingering conflicts and form deeper connections.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

A powerful transformation might be underway, Scorpio. You might feel an urge to dig deeper and uncover hidden truths, both in yourself and in your life. Embrace the process of growth.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Expand your horizons this week, Sagittarius. You’ll feel a strong pull to learn something new, whether it is a skill or a different language. Your optimistic outlook is contagious,

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Your hard work is about to pay off, Capricorn. This week you may see progress on a long-term professional goal. Some well-deserved recognition may be on the horizon.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

This week you could find joy and inspiration by connecting with likeminded people, Aquarius. A collaborative project or a group event will be particularly successful.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, dedicate some time this week to new pursuits. You may be itching to try something new and this is the time to sign up for a class or get out and meet new people.

hovered around a campfire and devouring a gooey, lip- smacking S’more.

Toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey’s chocolate are the trinity of deliciousness. The act of licking one’s finger is part of the experience, a napkin will ruin this culinary treat.

History supports the future. S’mores were popularized by the Girl Scouts, with the first known recipe appearing in the 1927 Girl Scout guidebook, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.”

While the book was meant to give advice on how to be a good Girl Scout, its lasting legacy was the recipe “Some More.” Loretta Scott Crew developed this recipe to feed eight hungry scouts. The recipe called for 16 graham crackers, eight bars of plain chocolate, and 16 marshmallows. It is unclear when the name was shortened to S’mores. I can’t say for certain, but I am confident Crew never would have guessed that her recipe would create such a sweet sensation.

As far as I am concerned, the recipe is perfect, but variance keeps guests interested and makes for a more interesting menu.

For example, if you family is a fan of Nutella, consider Nutella S’mores parfaits. Simply place graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of each parfait glass, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Spread an even layer of Nutella and repeat this with one more layer of each. Top with marshmallow fluff and brown it with a kitchen torch.

S'mores with savory options are becoming the latest craze. Graham crackers, chocolate squares with a salted caramel filling, and the addition of bacon or cheese certainly stretchers the boundaries of creativity.

Crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, sauces, fruit, cookies, and favorite savory toppings are just a beginning to a whimsical S’mores charcuterie board.

Place small bowls filled with dips or spreads on the board first, leaving space between them. Arrange larger items like chocolate bars, crackers, and cookies, fanning them out or placing them in stacks.

Place marshmallows around the board, tucking them into spaces and filling gaps. Incorporate smaller items like M&Ms, berries, or fruit to fill in empty spaces and add pops of color. Add skewers or roasting sticks around the board.

If an adult S’mores beverage sounds enticing, look no more. A S’mores martini is a whimsical beverage that can be served as a cocktail or a dessert course.

First and foremost, purchase elegant martini glasses. Part of the appeal of martinis - - are the glasses they are served in. Rim the glasses in chocolate sauce and then graham cracker crumbs.

Baileys S’mores or Choco Lat Deluxe (Salted Caramel Chocolate Liqueur) are the only liqueur necessary for a S’mores martini.

If one is a vodka lover, consider three parts Chocolate Liqueur Godiva, three

parts Crème de Cacao, and 1.5 oz vanilla vodka for another version. Baileys S’mores and vodka can also be the foundation for a white Russian. Let personal preference and the theme of S’mores be your guide to a festive cocktail.

Toasted marshmallows, chocolate, and edible gold dust are the piece de resistance to your repertoire of drinks.

Secret Ingredient – Kid in You Great is the human who has not lost his childlike heart.

Mencius

(The writer is the author of "An Eastern Shore Special: Recipes from the Heart,” which can be found on Amazon.)

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

CASUAL DAY FUNDRAISER

Bank of Ocean City employees raised funds through a recent “Casual Day” initiative and are serving as a sponsor for the upcoming Clays for Kids tournament, scheduled for November 16 at Synepuxent Rod and Gun Club in Berlin. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center’s mission to provide critical services to children and families impacted by abuse.

ANTI-BULLYING ASSEMBLY

At their annual Stand Up, Speak Up assembly last month, Ocean City Elementary School fourth grade students and school counselor Linda McGean presented a skit to teach strategies for dealing with bullying situations. The skit was presented to the entire school and students had the opportunity to sing and dance to the Stand Up Speak Up song. Research shows that the key to eliminating bullying is in empowering people to stand up and speak up for themselves and others when confronted with bullying. Pictured are fourth graders, front from left, Juwan Wilson,

Molina, Emmett Snead and Colton Metcalf; and, back, Vivian Oladeji, Connor

and Carter Rios

NEW GROUP PRESIDENT

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Miranda

Atkinson, Baylee Howe, Reagan Emge, Niylah Collins

On Oct. 3, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City’s Installation Dinner included new Board of Directors being installed. Pictured, from left, are Mary Page, Terri Ulman, Lynne Waugh, Jim Ulman, Lt. Governor Darlene Phillips, New President Sarah Walker, Diane Denk and Kitty Wrench. SUBMITTED

Amy Allen’s second grade class at Ocean City Elementary welcomed fall with a special visit from two students' grandmothers, Mrs. Cropper and Mrs. Oltman. The guests read aloud the book, Otis and the Scarecrow and helped the students make a festive scarecrow craft.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH CREATIVE ARTIST SHOWCASED

Sherry Gamble, Ocean Pines resident, former owner of The Enchanted Tea Room in Berlin and talented multimedia artist, will have her works on display at the Ocean Pines Library through October. She has spent over 50 years combing thrift and collectible stores searching for unusual items she combines to create eccentric, humorous assemblages. Children of all ages enjoy finding Peacock Barbie transformed to a Las Vegas Showgirl, the old lady's 16 cats hiding and others.

On Oct. 3, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City held its annual Installation Dinner. Outgoing President Tom Southwell was thanked by the lieutenant governor before turning over the gavel, pictured, to new President Sarah Walker.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

MORNING BRIDGE GLOW

A Saturday morning light around sunrise is pictured with the navigation lights from the Verrazano Bridge to Assateague Island.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TYLER LAYTON

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., Oct. 10

28TH ANNUAL ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN AND 44TH ANNUAL HOT ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-798-6304. 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Also Inlet Parking Lot and locations throughout Ocean City. Car shows, boardwalk parades, live music, special guests and more. Schedule and tickets: https://specialeventpro.com/endlesssummer-cruisin.

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., A great opportunity for babies (0-2 years) and their caregivers to socialize, play, read and explore in the bright play space. Drop by and make some friends. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults welcome. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ALL AMERICAN & MRS. ALL AMERICAN PAGEANTS

Grand Hotel, 2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City. 609-224-3115. 1-4 p.m., ‚Äã‚ÄãHonoring women of all ages, sizes, and statuses for their personal achievement and community involvement. www.allamericanpageant.com, allamericandirector@gmail.com, 609-224-3115.

BOOK OF THE MONTH THE LONELY HEARTS BOOK CLUB BY LUCY GILMORE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 2-11:59 p.m., Copies of the book are available at the Ocean Pines Library circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

DISCOVERY DEN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 3:30-4:30 p.m., Come enjoy a new topic every week. Week 2: Theater. Best of elementary and middle school students, but all are welcome. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin. 4-6 p.m., One crab cake sandwich platter, $14; two crab cake sandwich platter, $24; and crab cake sandwiches, $10. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Bake sale table. Carryout or eat in.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT PUMPKIN PAINTING

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. 410-6416057. 5-8 p.m., Cost is $5 for Ocean Pines residents and $6, non-residents. All ages welcome. All decorations and paint provided. Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one at the event ($6). Registration: 410-641-6057.

GHOSTS OF THE EASTERN SHORE WITH ANDY NUNEZ

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City. 410-957-0878. 5:30-11:59 p.m., Local author, Andy Nunez, takes the group along to gloomy mansions and overgrown graveyards on Delmarva. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

Sat., Oct. 11

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City. 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Church rummage sale.

28TH ANNUAL ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN AND 44TH ANNUAL HOT ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-798-6304. 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Also Inlet Parking Lot and locations throughout Ocean City. Car shows, boardwalk parades, live music, special guests and more. Schedule and tickets: https://specialeventpro.com/endless-summercruisin.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN & 24TH

ANNUAL WALK FOR AWARENESS

The Centre At Salisbury, 2300 N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury. 410-548-7880. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Tickets $30. Registration at 9:30 a.m., walk at 10:45 a.m. Participants will do two loops around the inside of The Centre at Salisbury mall. Vendors set up throughout. Cost is $30. https://womensupportingwomen.org.

HARBOR DAY AT THE DOCKS Sunset Avenue, West Ocean City. 667-

286-0116. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Blessing of the Fleet (10 a.m.), live music, educational exhibits, boat tours, food trucks, a kid's zone, a crush bar, local brews and a crab cake eating contest. Free event. https://harbordayoc.com.

6TH ANNUAL FALL FEST

Windmill Creek Winery & Farm Kitchen, 11206 Worcester Highway, Berlin. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., A family-friendly day filled with bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin patch, a corn field, a bucket train ride, live music, corn hole and more. Benefiting The Parkinson’s Foundation.

BLOCKTOBERFEST

White Horse Park, Ocean Pines. 410641-5306. 3-7 p.m., Shine the spotlight on your service and talent. There will be food, music, vendors, games, beer wagon and more. https://business.worcestercountychamber.org, 410-641-5306.

ALL AMERICAN; MRS. ALL AMERICAN PAGEANTS

Grand Hotel, 2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City. 609-224-3115. 6-9:30 p.m., ‚Äã‚ÄãHonoring women of all ages, sizes, and statuses for their personal achievement and community involvement. www.allamericanpageant.com, allamericandirector@gmail.com, 609-224-3115.

Sunday, Oct. 12

2ND SUNDAY BERLIN ART; VINTAGE MARKET

Berlin Main St; Maryland Welcome Center Parking Lot, 14 S. Main St., Berlin. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Takes place during the Berlin Farmers Market. https://berlinmainstreet.com.

COLONIAL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Rackliffe House Grounds, 11800 Marsh View Lane, Berlin. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Featuring seasonal items/crafts, demonstrations, entertainment, Native American food, kids activities and more. Admission $10 (free to those 12 years and younger). Rain/shine. www.RackliffeHouse.org.

FALL CHICKEN DINNER

Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road, Bishopville. 443-880-4944. 1-4 p.m., 1/2 fried chicken, ham, potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, roll and dessert. Carry-out platter cost is $20. Pre-order by noon on Oct. 11: 443-880-4944. Limited amount of walk-ins and extra sides.

Tues., Oct. 14

STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City. 410-957-0878. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Stories, songs and crafts that feature one of the museum's special animals. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 2-11:59 p.m., View a remake of a spooky classic in 3D. Glasses and light refreshments provided. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

TED TALKS: STORIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 5-11:59 p.m., Explore stories about genealogy, the importance of having many stories and how one artist shows us if art can amend stories in history. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BOOK CLUB @ TIDES AND VINE: THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY BY ERIK LARSON Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 6-11:59 p.m., An evening of books and wine. Stop by the Snow Hill Library to pick up your book. Must be at least 21 years of age to participate. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FREE! MEET DANIEL BOWEN

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City. 410-524-9433. 6-8 p.m., Daniel Bowen of Salisbury is our 2025 Orem and Harriet Robinson Fellow for Contemporary Art and Community Engagement. Light refreshments will be served. Free admission. 410-524-9433.

Weds., Oct. 15

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59

CALENDAR

p.m., Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Drop in for a game of Backgammon, whether you're an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

WHAT WE COLLECT. WHAT WE TELL: SENIOR COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City. 410-957-0878. 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Share stories and reminisce about the past through prompts and activities. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 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 OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original boxes. 410-641-0650

STEM FEST: HERE COMES THE SUNEARTH'S ENERGY SOURCE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City. 410-957-0878. 2:30-11:59 p.m., Learn all about our solar system's only star. For ages 6-11 years. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY: THE LAST HURRAH

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 3-11:59 p.m., Prizes awarded to the top three teams and refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

VICTORIAN HALLOWEEN PARTY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 5-7 p.m., An outdoor Victorian Halloween party in the garden with Victorian themed games, scary stores, crafts and snacks. For families. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside. 410-632-3495.

KIDS PAINT NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. 410-6417052. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Cost is $22 and includes all materials and instruction. Open to ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required: 410-641-7052.

Thurs., Oct. 16

STORY TIME: ROOM ON THE BROOM

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Can a dog, a cat, a frog and a bird fit on a broom? With a little teamwork, they try to manage. For ages 2-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

STORY TIME; I AM WRIGGLY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

OC CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City. 410957-0878. 2-11:59 p.m., This is an all-levels chair yoga program. Handouts with poses and stretches you can do at home will be provided. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MUSIC LEGENDS MOVIE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 2-11:59 p.m., This film examines Bob Marley's departure from this homeland of Jamaica and his poignant return. Rated PG-13. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

SILENT BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 3-11:59 p.m., Bring your current read or borrow one of the suggestions. First 50 minutes will be spent silently reading, the last 10 minutes can be used to mingle and discuss your read. 410-524-1818.

HAPPY HOUR COLORING CLUB

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 4-6 p.m., Join in for "Happy Hour" and enjoy light refreshments while exploring new coloring trends in a relaxing atmosphere. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 4:30-11:59 p.m., Join in for a Lego challenge event and enjoy an afternoon snack. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

TOWN OF BERLIN PUMPKIN SCAVENGER HUNT

Held thru Oct. 30. Pick up and return your entry form in the Berlin Welcome Center. Peek in the participating shop windows to find all of the painted pumpkins. Enter to win $100. Drawing will be on Halloween.

BUS TRIP TO NEW YORK

Bus departs on Dec. 20 at 6 a.m. from Chuckie Cheese in Salisbury. Cost is $97 and includes driver’s tip. Arrive at Macy’s in New York at 11 a.m. Bus will be leaving from Macy’s at 6 p.m. Pay by Dec. 15 by check, money order or use the church’s cash app ($calvarychurch6607, to: Calvary Church, for: New York Bus Trip) Make payments to Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin. Info: Rosie Dennis, 443-614-7518.

BUS TRIP TO CHRISTIANA MALL

Bus departs on Oct. 22 at 8:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 6:30 p.m. Cost is $45. Sign up by Oct. 6. Contact Anna, akins10685@aol.com.

YOUNG HISTORIANS ESSAY CONTEST

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St. Open to middle and high school students. All entries that meet requirements will earn one hour of service larning. Winners in each age group will receive an extra prize. Reach out to history@worcesterlibrary.org for any local history research assistance. Stop in or call for full details. 410-632-3495 Due by Nov. 15.

THE BOO-K BAG

Pocomoke library, 401 5th Street, throughout October. Check out a mystery BOO-k bag. Each pack contains a surprise seasonal title, a sweet treat and a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Return the rating slip for a chance to win a prize. 410-957-0878

CREATIVITY CORNER

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., throughout October. Students are invited to visit the library’s Creativity Corner to engage in STEAM-related projects and crafts. Activities change monthly. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650

HISTORY-TO-GO: CROSS STITCHING

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout October. Includes info sheets, recommended activities, supplies and more. Pick up from the Snow Hill library. 410-632-3495

LEAF IDENTIFICATION GAME

Pocomoke library, 401 5th Street, throughout October. Find the falling leaves throughout the library and match them with their description to property identify the leaf. Complete the game and enter for a chance to win a new Peterson’s Tree Identification Guide book.

For families. 410-957-0878

PUMPKIN SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, throughout October. Find all of the pumpkins and solve the riddle, then choose a pumpkin recipe and a prize from the treasure chest. For families. 410-208-4014

PURNELL MUSEUM AT THE LIBRARY: TOYS Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout October. In partnership with the Purnell Museum, come see the history displays that will feature toys from the colonial era to the 20th century. 410-632-3495

TEEN TIME

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, throughout October, 3 p.m. to close. Craft a fabric covered pumpkin ad more pumpkin-inspired creation. All materials provided. For ages 12-18 years. 410208-4014

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Weekly virtual drawings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Winner receives 60 percent of jackpot. www.opvfd.com/queen-ofhearts. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

2025 KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE On sale every Saturday morning at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. One $20 ticket is good for all 365 drawings in 2025. Benefits the youth of the community.

OCEAN CITY-BERLIN ROTARY CLUB

Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Don’s Seafood & Chop House at the South Gate of Ocean Pines, 6 p.m. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com

OCEAN CITY CHAPTER OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY

Meets every month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Membership is open to individuals of Italian descent and their spouses. www.sonsofitalyoceancity.com

POLISH AMERICAN CLUB OF DELMARVA

Meets the second Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 2-4 p.m. A social organization of men and women of Polish or Slavic descent.

Crossword answers from page 56

TikTok® EXPERT PART TIME

Looking for help with TikTok Live® and to monetize.

I have millions of viewers! 410-206-6590

St. Matthew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church in beautiful Fenwick Island is looking for a PT ORGANIST/PIANIST to join our staff!

Learn more at smbts.org or call 302-537-1402.

AMERICAN LEGION

Assistant Manager, PM Shift

2 Line Cooks, Part-time. Exp. required. Apply at Post, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue or call 410-289-3166

JOLLY ROGER

Small Engine Mechanic. Ride Maintenance. Year Round. Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL 3BR, 2BA

Beautiful Townhouse with garage. Unfurnished. Off Rt. 54 in Atlantic Lakes. $2,600 per mo. + util’s. Owner pays HOA. Community pool. No pets/smoking. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

FOR SALE 39 ACRE FARM mostly cleared. Between Pittsville and Salisbury. Huge warehouse/barn w/concrete floor. Perfect for horse, vehicles, contractors.

Includes 2,200 sq. ft. house. Gourmet kitchen, liveable but needs updating.

$675,000

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

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 LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors,

2BR, 1BA, Small Condo 5th Street, 1 block to the boards. No smoking/pets.

$900/mo. + util’s.

1-month sec. dep. req. Oct. 10th-May 10th OCMD 410-952-5234

OC WINTER RENTAL

Downtown

2BD/2BA Apt. Furnished, central HVAC, W/D, WiFi, cable included. Occ. lmtd. to 2. No smoking/pets.

$800/mo. + utilities. 410-202-6353

TINY YORKIE PUPPIES

Home Raised 1 male left

Mother and Father on premises

302-934-8913

Classifieds 410-723-6397 www.baysideoc.com www.octodaydispatch.com

ESTATE SALE Sat., 10/18, 8am-2pm Furniture, Toys, Tools, Housewares, Books, Games, Fishing Gear, Supplies, Clothes, Shoes.

33 Fort Sumter South Ocean Pines

Estate Garage Sale held to clear out contents of a home. Huge variety of

BUDGET MOVERS

443-664-5797

LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK 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

Xmas decorations, kitchen gadgets, small appliances, home decor, collectibles, knick-knacks, clothing, kids items & more.

Everything must go! Sale held in garage if it rains at 12520 Ocean Reef Dr., West OC 8 AM - 2 PM Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 11 & 12

MISC./OTHER

Now, we, left behind, Must look to You again, Lord! Wipe away our tears! Consumed with sadness, Though we will follow,

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

FOR SALE

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MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

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Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-407-6870

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

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

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, October 27, 2025, at 3:30 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-10/9/3t

COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE

SALE

808 & 810 2ND STREET POCOMOKE, MD 21851

By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated August 25, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7968, Folio 440, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $99,000.00, and an interest rate of 20.990%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on October 20, 2025 AT 11:00AM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $9,800.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole remedy shall be the return of deposit without interest.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees

Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900

www.tidewaterauctions.com

CGD File #: 460586

OCD-10/2/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

357

TIMBERLINE CIRCLE BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated April 27, 2001, recorded in Liber 3033, Folio 147 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $38,700.00, 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 OCTOBER 21, 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 $5,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to

settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 376599-1)

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-10/2/3t

RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. P.O. BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-0062

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20830 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF AUDREY G. WILLIAMS AKA: AUDRY WHITEHEAD WILLIAMS, AUDREY GLORIA WILLIAMS Notice is given that Harry Guy Williams, 31906 Walter Johnson Rd., Westover, MD 21871-3110 and Gloria Dawn Herbert, 4075 Grosse Point Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804-2534, were on September 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Audrey G. Williams who died on August 09, 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 19th day of March, 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.

Harry Guy Williams

Gloria Dawn Herbert 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: September 25, 2025

OCD-9/25/3t

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.

JOSEPH R. SCHNEIDER (DECEASED)

18 Southwind Court Berlin, MD 21811

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-24-000138

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 18th day of September, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 18 Southwind Court, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 20th day of October, 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 13th day of October, 2025.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $350,000.00.

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-9/25/3t

TIMOTHY J. OURSLER ESQ. MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWWALTER & WALKER LLC 706 GIDDINGS AVE., STE. 305 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-1425

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH C. COURTNEY IV Estate No. 20829 Notice is given that LISA COURTNEY whose address is 9811 WINDING TRAIL DR., OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9332 was on SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH C. COURTNEY IV who died on AUGUST 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 18th day of MARCH, 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-9/25/3t

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20832

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR court of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DELAWARE appointed DENISE KATZ whose address is 209 APACHE CT., NEWARK, DE 19702-1903 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BEATRICE A. SMITH who died on JUNE 13, 2025 domiciled in DE, USA

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is DEBRA ERBE whose address is 3010 PHILADELPHIA AVENUE, UNIT N 206, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3898. 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 other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-9/25/3t

GORDON D. FRONK ESQ. EWING, DIETZ, FOUNTAIN & KALUDIS, P.A. 16 S. WASHINGTON ST. EASTON, MD 21601-3008

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of KATHERINE J. FARMER Estate No. 20835 Notice is given that BRIAN P. RECKORD whose address is 1017 VINEYARD HILL RD., BALTIMORE, MD 21228-5360 was on SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KATHERINE J. FARMER who died on AUGUST 22, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of MARCH, 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-9/25/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. CORA DANIELS NEELON,

GAIL E. NEELON, OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION, INC., WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 1300 OCEAN PKWY AND

Unknown Owner of the property 1300 OCEAN PKWY described as follows: Property Tax ID 03-105830 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO C-23-CV-25-000021

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights ofredemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean Pines, in the Third Election District of Worcester County, Maryland; More particularly described as LOTB-101129 7725 SQ FT OCEAN PKWAY PL, OCEAN PINES SEC 10; Parcel ID: 03-105830, 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this September 26, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of January, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT

OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC

Plaintiff vs. STACY-ANN NAGLE, BANK OF AMERICA, NA, MARK H. FRIEDMAN, TRUSTEE, ESTATE OF ALVIN E. FREIDMAN, TRUSTEE, ESTATE OF RAYMOND CONGOUR, ESTATE OF MAUREEN C. CONGOUR, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 135A JAMESTOWN RD, #18A AND Unknown Owner of the property 135A JAMESTOW RD, #18A described as follows: Property Tax ID I 0-214688 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000239

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

Parcel No. 10214688 Lot 18A S Side Jamestown Rd PL Jamestown Manor TNHS assessed to Nagle Stacy-Ann

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 25th of September, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 25th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 25th day of November, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley

CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC

Plaintiff vs.

ESTATE PHYLLIS A. DAVIS, ESTATE OF CARMELA DAVIS, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 51 BRANDYWINE DR AND

Unknown Owner of the property 51 BRANDYWINE DR described as follows: Property Tax ID 03-058433 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000238

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

LOT B-13-183 9750 SQ FT BRANDYWINE DR PL OCEAN PINES SEC 13; Assessed to DAVIS NICK WILLIAM & DAVIS PHYLLIS ANNE; Parcel 03 058433; 51 Brandywine Dr, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 25th of September, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 25th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 25th day of November, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in

the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE OF PASSAGE

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 passed by Commissioners Bertino, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on September 16, 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.)

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-10/2/3t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 25-05

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 25-05 (Taxation – Homestead Property Tax Credit) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on September 2, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ TR 1-210 Homestead Property Tax Credit. (Amends the subsection to reduce the homestead property tax credit from three percent to zero percent effective July 1, 2026.)

A Public Hearing

will be held on Bill 25-05 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 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, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20836 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MATHILDE LOUISE KHOM

Notice is given that Cynthia Marrufo, 112 Middle St., Berlin, MD 21811-1429, was on September 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mathilde Louise Khom who died on October 23, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of March, 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.

Cynthia Marrufo 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: October 02, 2025

OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIE MAE MYER Estate

No. 20833 Notice is given that DIANE N. RAYNES whose address is 571 MICHIGAN DR., FALLING WATERS, WV 25419-4217 was on SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIE MAE MYER who died on SEPTEMBER 03, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of MARCH, 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-10/2/3t

BETH B. MILLER ESQ. FOX ROTHSCHILD, LLP 1201 N MARKET ST., STE. 1200 WILMINGTON, DE 19801-1163

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20828

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS court of BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed ANDREW W. BONEKEMPER whose address is 400 KENNEDY RD., COLLEGEVILLE, PA 19426-1779 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of H. GEORGE BONEKEMPER AKA: H. G. BONEKEMPER, HAROLD G. BONEKEMPER, HAROLD GEORGE BONEKEMPER III, HAROLD G. BONEKEMPER III, GEORGE BONEKEMPER, H. BONEKEMPER who died on MARCH 10, 2025 domiciled in PA, USA

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is CRYSTAL BRADY whose address is 185 MARKWOOD DR., OAKLAND, MD 215507548. 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20656

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HOWARD R. SHAFFER

Notice is given that Christopher M. Shaffer, 10007 Mill Pond Dr., Bishopville, MD 21813-1274, was on September 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Howard R. Shaffer who died on April 12, 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 24th day of March, 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.

Christopher M. Shaffer

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: October 02, 2025

OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS,

LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. SCOTT WILLIAM ROEMER, ELIZABETH M ROEMER, OLYMPIC CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 15 40TH ST, #14 AND

Unknown Owner of the property 15 40TH ST, #14 described as follows: Property Tax ID I 0-238129 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000023 AMENDED

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District or Worcester County. Maryland: More: particularly described as U 14 40TH ST OLYMPIC CM: Parcel TD: I 0238129, 15 40th Street. Unit 14, Ocean City, MD 21842

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 26th of September, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of January, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS,

LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs.

GLENN E SHERMAN, BONNIE GALE SHERMAN, QUAY CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 10700 COASTAL HWY, #1005 AND Unknown Owner of the property 10700 COASTAL HWY, #1005 described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-125138 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000017

AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland; More particularly described as U 1005 BEACH HWY QUAY CM; Parcel ID: 10-125138, 10700 Coastal Hwy, Unit 1005, Ocean City, MD 21842

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months ( or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 26th of September, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of January, 2026 and redeem the property described above and an-

swer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t _________________________________

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. 20853

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Prince William County, Virginia appointed William S. Chakalos, 359 Fox Chase St., Warrenton, VA 20186-2371 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Spyridon V. Chakalos AKA: Spyridon Vasilios Chakalos who died on January 21, 2007 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

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

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.

William S. Chakalos 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: October 02, 2025

OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20815

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF

STEPHEN K. YOVANOV

AKA: STEPHEN KARL YOVANOV

Notice is given that Robert F. Yovanov, 840 Arden Ct., West Chester, PA 19382-7992, was on September 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen K. Yovanov who died on August 26, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of March, 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.

Robert F. Yovanov

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: September 25, 2025

OCD-9/25/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMISSION

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 Planning and Zoning Commission 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: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

AT 6:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the draft 2017 Comprehensive Plan Update, on October 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located in City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to direct and manage the future land use, development and natural resources conservation of the Town of Ocean City. The Town of Ocean City is required to update its Comprehensive Plan at least once every ten years by the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has completed a chapter-bychapter review and determined that updates are necessary to correct demographic data and analysis, and to confirm that policies and objectives are appropriate and still reflect the needs of the community. Once approved by the Mayor and City Council, the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update will replace the adopted 2017 Comprehensive Plan as amended on March 5, 2018.

The draft Comprehensive Plan Update and related documents can be viewed on the Town’s web site at the following address: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planning-community-development/comprehensive-plan/, or at the Department of Planning and Community Development. Written comments may be submitted to Joe Wilson, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 or online from the webpage. Contact George Bendler, Planning Director, at (410) 289-8973 or GBendler@oceancitymd.gov for more information. Public comment at the hearing is encouraged. Speaker sign-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. for those wishing to speak. The regular business meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the public hearing is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Citizens with special needs may call prior to the hearing at (410) 289-8855.

AT 7:00 PM

A public hearing for an ordinance to amend Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland; Article V, Supplemental Regulations; Division 3, offstreet parking; Section 110-935, entitled design standards, to require all garages to have a driveway apron of no less than five (5) feet between the garage door and the interior drive aisle.

APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Joseph Wilson, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-10/2/3t

JAMES L OTWAY ESQ PO BOX 446

SHARPTOWN, MD 21861-0446

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ARLENE OLIVE LINN Estate No. 20858 Notice is given that JAMES L OTWAY whose address is PO BOX 446 SHARPTOWN, MD 21861-0446, JAMES R BERGEY JR whose address is 8938 WORCESTER HWY BERLIN, MD 218113021 were on OCTOBER 01, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ARLENE OLIVE LINN who died on AUGUST 26, 2025 with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants 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 claims 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/9/1t

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

To all persons interested in the estate of RONALD CORRADO AKA: RONALD EUGENE CORRADO Estate No. 20808 Notice is given that CONNIE DAVIES whose address is 211 SNOW ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1246 was on OCTOBER 06, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of RONALD CORRADO who died on APRIL 24, 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 represen-

tative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants 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 claims 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-10/9/1t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20844 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES LEWIS

Notice is given that Patricia Gail Dean, 1739 Cedar St., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-9504, was on September 29, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Frances Lewis who died on September 21, 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 29th day of March, 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.

Patricia Gail Dean

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: October 09, 2025

OCD-10/9/3t

HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ. 9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE F12

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20848

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BETSY B. ROGAN

AKA: BETSY ANN ROGAN

Notice is given that Patrick Rogan III, 5926 Rockhold Dr., Deale, MD 20751-9743, was on September 29, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Betsy B. Rogan who died on February 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.

Patrick Rogan III 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: October 09, 2025

OCD-10/9/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20849 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DANNY M. BROOKS

Notice is given that Sheila Brooks, 10910 Sandy Ln., Apt. 105, Berlin, MD 21811-3051, was on September 29, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Danny M. Brooks who died on August 22, 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.

Sheila Brooks

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: October 09, 2025

1848, was on September 29, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Deborah Jean Fredo who died on August 05, 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.

Robert Grant 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: October 09, 2025

OCD-10/9/1t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20852

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DEBORAH JEAN FREDO

Notice is given that Robert Grant, 13 Moby Dick Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-

OCD-10/9/1t

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20854

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Delaware County, Pennsylvania appointed Stephen Todaro, 485 Doe Run Ln., Springfield, PA 19064-1103 as the Executor of the Estate of Dorothy F. Todaro who died on February 26, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Kathy Gotwalt, 7109 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 212121526.

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.

Stephen Todaro 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: October 9, 2025

OCD-10/9/3t

MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

P.O. BOX 910115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of KATHRYN WHITEHEAD Estate No. 20745 Notice is given that SHAWN WHITEHEAD PINKERTON whose address is 22 MIST FLOWER RD., OCEAN PINES, MD 21811-1697 was on SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of KATHRYN WHITEHEAD who died on JUNE 23, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-10/9/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ROSEMARY S. KEECH Estate No. 20847 Notice is given that MARGARET KEECH CUNNINGHAM whose address is 30589 CANARY WAY, OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970-4126 and KATHLEEN KEECH KOKOLAS whose address is 1503 SANDY GLENN PL., SANDY SPRING, MD 20860-3007 were on SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ROSEMARY S.

KEECH who died on AUGUST 02, 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/9/1t

JESSICA L WALSH ESQ LIFF, WALSH & SIMMONS

181 HARRY S TRUMAN PKWY STE 200 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7627

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the es-

tate of GEORGE ALLEN O'DELL SR Estate No. 20855 Notice is given that LILLIE S O'DELL whose address is 1 DOLPHIN DR NEWARK, DE 19702-4715 was on OCTOBER 06, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE ALLEN O'DELL SR who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2018 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of APRIL, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of APRIL, 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-10/9/3t

Land use, records cases reviewed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) A decision to either reverse or uphold two court decisions involving Ocean City now rests with the appellate court following oral arguments this week.

On Wednesday, the Appellate Court of Maryland heard arguments for two cases involving the Town of Ocean City – one involving public records and another involving land use.

The litigants now await the court’s decision to affirm or reject the decision of the Worcester County Circuit Court.

City seeks reversal in Washington Post case

In May 2024, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ordered the mayor and City Council to provide The Washington Post with use-of-force records and internal reviews it had requested from the Ocean City Police Department back in 2021. Less than a month later, the city filed an appeal of the lower court’s judgment.

The case centers on the police department’s failure to provide the newspaper information on three requests – one seeking use of force data from Jan. 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021, one seeking internal reviews of two use-of-force incidents that occurred on the Boardwalk in June of 2021, and one seeking all reviews and investigations of a lieutenant’s actions on the Boardwalk the night of May

31, 2020.

In court this week, Ocean City’s litigator, Bruce Bright, asked the appellate judges to reverse the lower court’s decision, opining the records requested constituted personnel records. He argued that while Anton’s Law, which was cited in the newspaper’s lawsuit, allows the public access to police misconduct records, he argued the records in question did not involve misconduct.

“The carveout, as it is adopted in the statute, is actually fairly clear, and we would say narrow,” he said. “It’s a carveout for records related to investigations of police misconduct and the discipline that may arise from that.”

Bright noted the police department had provided the newspaper with the use-of-force data, with the names of the officers involved redacted. He explained the names and data were gathered from a police database, which the department uses as a performance evaluation tool.

“Once you include the officer names in that spreadsheet, and because of how the use of force data collection is utilized by the Ocean City Police Department as a performance evaluating tool, then that record becomes a personnel record,” he said.

Bright added that the department had also provided the incident reports of the events in question, but not the useof-force reports. He said those are used as personnel records.

“Incident reports are generated differently,” he said.

Bright said that of the 20 or so Maryland Public Information Act requests filed by the paper, he said the department satisfied all but two categories.

However, Washington Post attorney Chelsea Kelly argued no exemptions under the Maryland Public Information Act applied in the case and that the Post had a right to access the records.

“The MPIA was intended to provide broad, wide-ranging public access to information about government operations,” she said. “Under the MPIA, public records must be disclosed unless the government can meet its heavy burden of establishing an exemption applies. The circuit court properly found in this case that no exemptions applied.”

Kelly argued the spreadsheets and use-of-force records did not constitute personnel records. She noted Anton’s Law was passed in 2021 to increase police accountability and transparency.

Kelly also went further to point to the public outcry over the uses of force reported in Ocean City in June 2021. She said video footage prompted an FBI investigation over potential civil rights violations and statements from former governor Larry Hogan, the attorney general, and the OC Police Department.

“The department itself issued a statement saying ‘we understand the public’s concern about the video circulating of

Court will uphold or reverse cases

the disorderly crowd, which is currently being investigated by the office of professional standards,’” she told the court.

“So they themselves use the term ‘investigate’ and yet now they are trying to withhold the use of force reviews, claiming they don’t follow under Anton’s Law because they’re claiming it is not a record relating to an administrative investigation of officer misconduct even though, in our view, that is contradicted by the public statements they made.”

Kelly said even if no misconduct was found, it still constituted a record of disciplinary decision. She asked the court to affirm the lower court’s decision.

“It’s certainly not a disciplinary decision not to impose discipline …,” she said. “If they never open up an internal affairs investigation, then we will never see what goes on with this entire process. And they can essentially avoid the call of Anton’s Law, which is to allow transparency into police investigations of misconduct.”

Parties make arguments in land use case

The appellate court on Wednesday also heard arguments on a case involving the site plan for a proposed 230-room hotel between 13th and 14th streets.

In September 2023, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved the site plan for the proposed Boardwalk hotel. The project included the same number of rooms as previously proposed for a

Margaritaville in 2021, but with less square footage and fewer amenities.

During a council meeting two weeks later, however, Harrison Hotel’s G. Hale Harrison and his attorney, G. Macy Nelson, shared their concerns about the development’s parking nonconformity and accessory uses. And later that month, Harrison Hall Hotel and nearby property owners filed an administrative appeal in circuit court.

The court case continued through June 2024, when a circuit court judge granted motions to dismiss the case, ruling that the surrounding property owners should have first appealed the decision to the city’s board of zoning appeals. Days later, the case was appealed to the Appellate Court of Maryland.

In court this week, Nelson argued his clients believed the case in question did not conform to the requirements of the law. He said the city ordinance doesn’t specifically address how one can challenge a planning commission approval of site plans.

“We do what the ordinance says,” he said, “and it gets complicated when the ordinance is silent, such as it was in this case.”

Nelson said the ordinance states a person can make appeals decided by an administrator – which he read to be the zoning administrator – to the OC Board of Zoning Appeals. However, said the planning commission approved the site plan.

“An administrator is defined as the zoning administrator,” she said. “The zoning administrator wrote the determination on the nonconforming use piece, but she did not write the decision for approving the site plan.”

Christopher Mudd, the developer’s attorney, disagreed, noting the city charter states appeals should be made to the Board of Zoning Appeals. He added that state statute defined the planning commission as an administrative officer.

“We think in any way, shape or form, this appeal is not appropriate before this court, if it’s appropriate at all,” he said. “If it’s appropriate, we think it belongs at the BZA. From a substantive perspective, it might be dismissed altogether.”

Bright, representing the city, said he did not believe the lower court erred in dismissing the case. He added he was not aware of any site plan approval that has been appealed to the court.

“We’re breaking new ground in this regard with someone appealing the approval of the site plan,” he said.

Nelson said if that was the case, he urged the appellate court to consider the arguments. He said the case could set a template cases moving forward.

“All the more reason for all of us to take a hard look at this question,” he said, “because this case is going to establish the path moving forward for how people challenge these decisions.”

High praise for career of judge, magistrate

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) Fair. Professional. Compassionate. Pioneering. Committed.

These are the words often used to describe retired Judge Peggy Kent — the first woman ever to serve on the Worcester County bench.

Kent made history in 2018 with her appointment to the Worcester County Circuit Court, marking a milestone in a career defined by service and integrity. Yet, for many in the community, her legacy extends be-

yond that groundbreaking achievement.

For 22 years as a family court magistrate, Kent earned respect for her ability to navigate complex, often emotional cases with both authority and empathy. In those moments, she became known not only for her command of the law, but for her rare talent in balancing justice with humanity.

“I have been blessed to have known Judge Kent my entire professional career. As a magistrate and judge, she has handled the most dif-

ficult dockets for Worcester County with grace, unimpeachable integrity and honesty,” said Worcester County District Court Judge Cathi Coates.

“She played an integral role in developing the Worcester County Family Services Offices, which has garnered respect across the state. As the first woman appointed judge in Worcester County, she has left a legacy that will serve as a guide to those that follow in her footsteps, as to what is required to be a great judge.

“Judge Kent and I have been close

friends as well as colleagues, for the past 40 years. I can think of no one I admire more than her, professionally and personally, and the citizens of Worcester County are better off from having had her service.”

For Kent, it was indeed her two decades of magistrate work before officially becoming a judge in 2018 that has left a lasting impact — or “legacy” as it was described — on many in Worcester County.

Officially retired in March when she reached the maximum age of 70 years old, Kent has still been hearing

Colleagues recognize Kent’s contributions

cases during the transition period as well as active cases predating her retirement mandate.

“Since her formal retirement in March, Judge Kent has continued to hear the most challenging cases, always with great care, competence and professionalism,” said Brian Shockley, administrative judge for Worcester County Circuit Court since 2017.

Shockley, who was appointed to the bench in 2011 to replace retiring Judge Theodore Eschenburg, said Kent’s mark will forever be on Worcester County through her role in creating new layers of services and court proceedings within the family law category.

“Perhaps of even greater benefit is the enduring legacy of the Family Services Division, the Drug Treatment Court, the Wellness Court, and other programs that she helped create and cultivate over the last 30 years. She leaves a legacy of excellence, commitment and service that will continue to work for the betterment of the court and our community,” said Shockley.

Kent was one of the first magistrates in Maryland’s First Circuit, spearheading the creation of the Family Law Division within Worcester County. She was integral in hiring the county’s first family services coordinator, Anne Turner.

The family division handles complicated, emotional cases involving child custody, substance abuse screenings, alternative dispute resolution for married couple in the throes of stalemated divorce proceedings, juvenile delinquency, child support cases and more.

Additionally, Kent was integral in the process of creating the Lower Shore Family Center through Life Crisis, providing supervised visitation for parents in distress and trauma circumstances.

Kent’s dedication to juvenile court was also addressed this month by those who know her work. Kent was a source of support for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, which provides juveniles

with unaffiliated support through individuals assigned to manage their cases through communication and care.

Additionally, Kent was instrumental in the creation of the first Juvenile Drug Treatment Court and the sole Family Recovery Court on the Lower Shore. It was also as a magistrate in 2004 when Kent implemented a new Truancy Court in Worcester, becoming the first in Maryland.

“What made Judge Kent such a remarkable judge was that she never lost sight of the human side of the law. She understood that life is often hard and unpredictable, and that the people who came before her were not always at their best; but she never let that define them as people,” said a Worcester County family law practitioner who wished to remain anonymous due to ongoing cases under Kent’s bench service.

“As a result, even when someone did not succeed on the merits of their case, they at least knew that they had been heard and treated with dignity. Judge Kent also showed unwavering respect for the lawyers who appeared before her, appreciating the weight of their responsibilities and the challenges of their clients. Her patience, kindness, and fairness made her courtroom not just a place of judgment, but a place where

justice was carried out with humanity.”

Kent demonstrated these abilities often while presiding over the county’s first Adult Drug Treatment Court, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year. It was through her supervision of these cases where individuals were given grace and opportunity to affect enduring change in their own lives.

Furthermore, Kent, along with Tracy Simpson, treatment court coordinator for Worcester County, created a Wellness Court in Worcester County, one of the first in Maryland.

"Working with Judge Kent over the last 20 years has been one of the bright spots in my career,” Simpson said.

“She is one of the most supportive and empowering people I know. Anyone who has had the opportunity to learn and be mentored by her should consider themselves lucky. Fostering excellence in others is just one of the many lasting impacts her professional legacy will have on our community.”

“Also, her genuine compassion for those struggling with behavioral health disorders was always present in her work with our treatment court participants. She tempered providing supervision and guidance with kindness and understanding.

“Judge Kent was tasked with handling people and situations where

most could have left the courtroom angry and frustrated, but with her unique ability to simultaneously provide redirection and support they would thank her instead hundreds of people, including children and families, have been positively affected by her presiding over our treatment courts. I will miss working with her on a daily basis, but I know she is looking forward to this next chapter of her life."

Back in April, Kent referred to her bench service as, “the best job in the world. Very, very grateful to have had this opportunity.” Kent said she was looking forward to spending more time with her grown daughters and her grandchild, while continuing to hear cases when needed as a retired judge.

Kent will be succeeded by Kristina Watkowski, who was named by Gov. Wes Moore to the bench last month. After many years as a public defender and becoming the supervising attorney for Worcester County’s office of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Watkowski began practicing in a civil capacity with Booth, Cropper & Marriner for the last three years, focusing on land use and zoning. Watkowski will be sworn in Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. at the Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill. Kent is expected to be in attendance for the investiture.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Retired Judge Peggy Kent

County to levy harsher fines for unlawful waste dumping

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) Trash haulers caught dumping non-local garbage at Worcester County’s landfill could face stiff fines or even a one-year suspension, under a new set of landfill rules approved this week by county officials.

The Worcester County Commissioners unanimously approved new penalties for commercial carriers caught disposing of out-of-county waste at the county’s central landfill in Newark. Hauling companies will be notified about the penalties through mail, public notices, and social media posts.

According to Public Works Director Dallas Baker, county landfill crews have seen a “noticeable uptick” in the volume of out-of-area trash. Spot checks –

meaning, someone rips open a trash bag and checks for locational identifiers like discarded mail – have shown a portion of this increase is from non-local trash.

Baker says he’s planning to start new, more rigorous spot checks for trucks entering the landfill. Upon arrival they’ll pull to the side, dump their contents, and let county landfill staffers pore through trash bags for identifying factors – which also prevents a trucker from trying to blame another driver for a violation.

They’ll take photos and collect evidence if the violation is challenged and ends up in court. Violators can either pay a fine or appear in District Court to appeal, a process that follows the same legal path as a zoning violation or animal control citations, according to county attorney Roscoe Leslie.

Worcester County targets increase in illegal dumping

County Commissioner Eric Fiori suggested to Baker that his staff draft a procedural manual, so all the spot-checks end up literally being done by the book.

Worcester County’s law is clear: it says no solid waste collected outside of Worcester County shall be deposited in any public landfill.

That means non-local trash haulers have been knowingly violating county law if their routes took them to the Worcester County landfill, said Baker.

He told the commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting in Snow Hill that the problem started when neighboring Wicomico County saw its landfill reach capacity faster than projected.

Wicomico then instituted its own set of escalating fines and suspensions to deter illegal dumping. But Wicomico’s crackdown has spilled over into Worcester County based on early spot checks.

It matters because there’s only so much room available in the current collection area, or cell, at the landfill.

“We have a very tight timeframe between when Cell 5 was going to get filled up, and when we’re going to get Cell 6 designed, built, and opened,” Baker told the commissioners. “If we start adding in Wicomico waste on top of that, we’re likely going to have Cell 5 filled up before we have Cell 6 ready.”

Leading hotspots for trash-dumping violators include Chincoteague, Virgina, and The Centre at Salisbury shopping mall, based on computer tracking software that uses cell phone data, County Administrator Weston Young said.

With the commissioners’ approval, fines for first-time violators are now $500. A second offense is a $1,000 fine and a one-week suspension. A third time gets you another $1,000 fine but a month’s suspension. A fourth suspension means you’re banned for a year.

All suspensions require at least 30 days’ notice to the hauler and a chance for a hearing before commissioners.

Legally, Worcester County is capped at a $500 fine because it’s a “home rule” county, which is less autonomous, instead of a charter county, which has more legislative power.

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Get ready to enjoy this unit year-round. It's not just a Summer thing. Within walking distance of Winterfest of Lights! Right now, enjoy Northside Park, fireworks & all their events. Make this your home-away-fromhome or Home. Either way, it's a win-win. Updates include building walkways & supports just redone, roof (4yrs old), fence (4yrs old), redone decks within past yr, new streetlights & parking lot. New hot water heater, HVAC less than 2yrs old, new countertops, backsplash, SS appliances, windows & sliders with blind inserts. BA renovated with new vanity & tub/shower surround. Just make an appointment and see for yourself. Owners are leaving most of furniture, all dishes, glasses, utensils, pots & pans. *See exclusions list for personal belongings, pics & furnishings.

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CHARLIE KIRK DAY PROCLAIMED

A group of students from Stephen Decatur High School were recognized Tuesday by the Worcester County Commissioners for launching a new chapter of Turning Point USA.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott (District 1, Southern) read aloud a commissioners’ proclamation recognizing the students, as well as marking Sept. 10 as Charlie Kirk Day in honor of the slain political commentator and free speech advocate who was the founder of Turning Point.

SDHS junior Wyatt Amsel, who accepted the recognition on behalf of his classmates, said the student group hopes to encourage students to voice their opinions and talk to people.

“We just want to honor Charlie,” said Amsel, 16, of West Ocean City. “The things he said about living your life for God, living your life for yourself and having your own opinions and being able to fend for yourself really got to me. It made me want to be better, and so we want to push people to be themselves, to get out there.”

OCEAN

OC Council reviews canopy for Dumser’s redevelopment

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 10, 2025) Plans are underway to redevelop a Dumser’s Dairyland location at Caroline Street and the Boardwalk.

On Monday, representatives of Ocean City Dumsers, LLC received approval from the Ocean City Council to extend a hard-fixed canopy at the Dumser’s Dairyland location.

Ocean City Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said the awning would extend over the Boardwalk and Caroline Street as part of a redevelopment project at the site.

“We have a legacy Boardwalk business that is proposing a redevelopment on the Boardwalk,” he told the council. “And this project’s first step is this request in front of you tonight.”

According to the city code, the mayor and City Council may permit such hardfixed canopies to extend over the public rights-of-way if they are deemed proper and in the best interests of Ocean City. Bendler said it would not be the first time Dumser’s Dairyland has sought the council’s permission to install a canopy.

“The application is for the extension of a 3-foot, 6-inch canopy over the Boardwalk,” he said. “This was previously approved back in Feb. 21, 1989 by the mayor and council for the original, current overhang on the Boardwalk.”

With plans to redevelop, Dumser’s is now seeking approval for a new overhang, which would run 53 feet along the Boardwalk and 30 feet along Caroline Street, Bendler said.

While the 1989 approval stipulated that no signs could be added to the canopy, he said the business was now seeking to have signs included. He said canopies at The Dough Roller and Park Place Hotel have signage included.

“Times have changed on the Boardwalk,” he said. “We have approved multiple different projects on the Boardwalk with signs on them.”

A motion was then made to approve the hard-fixed canopy with the signage that was presented in the council packet. When asked about the second floor shown on renderings of the redeveloped

Dumser’s Dairyland, Bendler said it would not be used for living space.

“The second floor is just going to be used as a facade,” he said.

Following a unanimous vote of the council, Councilman John Gehrig asked about the process for allowing canopies on the Boardwalk. City Manager Terry McGean said only “hard-fixed” canopies must receive council approval.

“Signs and awnings are already allowed to extend over the Boardwalk by a certain amount,” he said. “But because this is a fixed structure and not a temporary fabric awning, it has to come before you all.”

When asked if he thought the fixed structure looked better, McGean said he did. Gehrig then asked if such structures should be encouraged, rather than have them be an exception.

“If we think it looks better, we should at least discuss codifying it,” he said.

Bendler said staff plans to discuss Boardwalk outdoor displays at a future council work session. He said hard-fixed canopies could be included as a topic.

On behalf of the Berlin Police Department, we would like to thank everyone who participated in the 32nd Annual Golf Tournament on August 22nd. All of the proceeds from this event go to the crime prevention fund, which supports activities that include sponsored holiday events, little league baseball teams and youth football, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the Greater Berlin Minority Scholarships Fund, Worcester County Youth and Family Counseling Services, National Night Out, Coastal Hospice, and a host of other organizations in an effort to encourage community partnerships.

We would like to recognize all the organizations and businesses that were corporate sponsors, tee sponsors and those that donated door prizes. A special thanks goes out to Eagles Landing Golf Course for being a gracious host.

ABBA BAIL BONDS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 123

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BERLIN FOP LODGE 136

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DELMAR VFW 8276

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

This architectural rendering shows what a redeveloped Dumser’s Dairyland might look like with a hard-fixed canopy extending over the Boardwalk at the chain’s Caroline Street location.

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OC considers an adjustment to lineup of firework events

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 3, 2025) A request to extend a fireworks contract led to lengthy Ocean City Council discussion Tuesday about certain seasonal events in town.

The council voted unanimously this week to extend its contract with Celebration Fireworks through January 2027 for the city’s Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve events, as well as the seasonal Sundaes in the Park and the Monday night downtown fireworks.

However, officials agreed to incorporate some flexibility for the dates of its fireworks displays after Councilman John Gehrig expressed some desire to reevaluate the city’s “value added” events.

“My personal opinion is they may have lifecycled out …,” he said, referring to the Monday night fireworks displays. “I feel we can repurpose those funds for something else – that might involve fireworks.”

Gehrig said the Monday night fireworks were introduced as a value added event in 2009, during the Great Recession, and never went away. However, he said those events did not bring people to town. He then suggested the creation of a weekend kickoff.

“For a lot of people, we are the weekend destination, so let’s own that, let’s

dominate that …,” he said, noting a weekend kickoff could extend bookings from two days to three. “Things like that can really move the needle for businesses.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said he didn’t want to see changes to Sundaes in the Park or Monday night fireworks. He said he’d rather see the city add events than take them away.

“I think they are still productive,” he said.

Gehrig, however, said he wanted to use fireworks on a night that made sense for the city, like a Friday night rather than a Monday night.

Council President Matt James then suggested city staff talk to the vendor to see if it would be open to fireworks displays on other days of the week. He also suggested staff bring back ideas to a tourism commission meeting.

“We can come up with some ideas for you to consider,” Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo told the council.

After a motion to extend the contract with the current fireworks dates failed in a 2-5 vote, Councilman Jake Mitrecic moved to approve the contract, but to provide some flexibility when it came to the dates of the summer fireworks displays.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ocean City awards $8.3M bid for airport resurfacing

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor Council

(Oct. 10, 2025) Ocean City officials this week selected a Cambridgebased company to install new landscaping at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to select Marshalls Professional Property Management LLC to complete a landscaping project in front of the convention center. The company submitted the lowest of the four bids that were accepted at last week’s council meeting.

“The Procurement Department’s formal recommendation to the Mayor and City Council, Town of Ocean City Maryland is to fully award bid to Marshalls Property Management LLC with expenditure approval up to $77,948.00,” a memo from Procurement Manager Matt Perry reads.

Last week, the council accepted four bids for landscaping improvements at the convention center. In re-

sponse to the bid solicitation, the city received a $77,948 bid from Marshall Professional Property Management, a $99,789 bid from Chesapeake Landscaping, a $119,500 bid from Bridges Land Management, and a $125,000 bid from E&F Landscaping. A fifth bid was rejected, as it was submitted after the deadline.

The council’s selection this week means the project will come under the budgeted amount of $125,000.

Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said the project would include changes to both the perimeter landscaping and island landscaping areas.

“So, they will remove all of that and replace,” he explained last week, “as well as change out the existing mulched areas to stone.”

Bids for the landscaping project were reviewed last week shortly before awarding a $8.3 million bid to David A. Bramble for a taxiway relocation and runway resurfacing project at the Ocean City Municipal Airport.

The sole bidder initially came in roughly $3 million over budget when bids were opened in June. However, the city was able to work with the company to reduce the cost.

Opinions

OC should refuse deal with county

Maybe it’s time to revive the fantasy of Ocean City leaving Worcester County and, like Baltimore City, becoming its own subdivision of the state. Clearly, it would be better off.

As was made evident this week, the interests of Ocean City and Worcester County don’t just fail to intersect, they have collided, as the county’s never-ending quest to squeeze more out of Ocean City has fallen to the level of political extortion.

There’s no other way to describe County Commissioner Chip Bertino’s offer to sell his vote for the room tax increase Ocean City wants in exchange for wastewater treatment capacity from Ocean City so more of West Ocean City can be developed.

That would be contrary to Ocean City’s interests, but Bertino, who apparently fancies himself a shrewd political operator, believes he has Ocean City’s back against the wall. He has not, and the mayor and City Council should make that clear by replying forcefully to Bertino’s arrogant attempt to make himself look good at the resort’s expense. Any response that ends with “... where the sun doesn’t shine” would not be inappropriate.

The council should add to that a steadfast refusal to compromise. Here's why: Ocean City government certainly needs that one-cent increase in the room tax, but it can survive without it.

The county, on the other hand, has frittered and fumbled its way into a massively expensive corner by trying to patch together cheap solutions to West Ocean City’s wastewater treatment requirements instead of buckling up and taking care of the situation when it first appeared.

And now Bertino has made the problem worse by attempting to bully the mayor and council. The only way out for the commissioners, most of whom don’t agree with Bertino, is to rein him in now and pass the room tax increase or continue to pay the price for his attempted power play and get nothing from Ocean City in return.

A recent study that suggests some veterans may be taking unfair advantage of their federal benefits found that 332,000 of them are receiving disability payments for ... hemorrhoids.

By

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As a veteran myself, I have no cause or inclination to doubt the veracity of these claims, except to say Napoleon Bonaparte was wrong when he observed, “an army marches on its stomach.”

Apparently, it travels on other things as well.

It’s either that or this is a case of mass karma, and these 332,000 sufferers are former boot camp drill instructors who are finally getting payback for having been such a pain in the rear guard to millions of recruits.

I don’t know about anyone else’s drill instructors, but mine had L.O.V.E tattooed on the knuckles of one hand and H.A.T.E tattooed on the knuckles of the other, probably as a spelling tip, rather than as an artistic expression of his conflicting points of view.

That’s just a guess, since I only saw him read one thing in all my time around him and even then, he failed to make it to the end of the text.

“Arrghgh,” he said in his usual conversational tone as he rolled over a book of matches and read the back out loud, “Close ... C0ver ... Before ...” Whoosh! “Ayyeeeeeeeee!”

I honestly can’t say he was a bad person, because he was just, well, himself. To say he was one thing or the other would be like looking at a box of rocks and trying to separate the

good ones from the bad ones.

Rocks just are, and he just was.

I do doubt, however, that a man like him would file a false disability claim with the VA. That’s because he refused to acknowledge even the possibility of any physical injury or deficiency on anyone, including himself.

“Sir! Oh Sir! Your leg fell off about halfmile back.”

“Did not! I just like hopping.”

Or,“Sir, Oh Sir! I can’t drop down and give you 50 pushups because, inexplicably, I have been rendered armless. I don’t know what happened to them.”

“Drop down and give me 50 nose-ups then. I will not tolerate slackers!”

But given his intolerance of any physical frailty — “Pick up that eye, sailor, and stow it in its proper place! — I can only imagine how he’d react to the news that, according to the VA, 556,000 veterans are receiving disability for eczema and 81,000 for acne.

Of course, I do understand that an untimely skin eruption could be affect national security.

I want to re-emphasize, before people start accusing me of being an unpatriotic elitist nogood so-and-so, that I am a veteran and am therefore as qualified as anyone to comment on disability payments going out for what would seem to be mundane situations.

After all, my drill instructor did his best to make us impervious to the pain of minor wounds and injuries on ourselves and others.

“Sir! Oh Sir! Seaman Jones is operating on himself again.”

“Argggh. Just leave him alone and he’ll be back to walking normally before you know it.”

PUBLIC EYE

Stewart Dobson

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

With the room tax increase mired in silly politics, Ocean City should pause any action on Worcester County’s request to tap into the city’s sewer system to address failing systems in West Ocean City. Heading into Tuesday’s meeting in Snow Hill, the hope was the County Commissioners would unanimously be behind the room tax increase, which received legislative approval last year, to allow for a Jan. 1, 2026 effective date.

Despite the $360,000 in new annual revenue the county would see at a minimum, and increase every year thereafter, it's clear Commissioners Chip Bertino, and potentially colleague Jim Bunting, could block the room tax hike to gain leverage from Ocean City, which is the county’s fiscal backbone.

Bertino and Bunting voted against moving the room tax change ahead as emergency legislation this week. Bunting said he wanted to hear from the public first before deciding. Bertino said he voted no “because the motion as presented included approval of the rate increase and that puts the cart before the horse.” It’s game playing and hiding behind unnecessary procedural bureaucracy. These moves are all a ruse with ulterior motives connected to West Ocean City’s sewer problems.

In separate interviews with a reporter, Bunting and Bertino said after the meeting they want to meet with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan before proceeding. Yet, neither were present at last week’s meeting when Commissioner Eric Fiori and Administrator Weston Young made the request before the city council for Ocean City’s sewage flow to take failing West Ocean City private systems offline. Meehan is the mayor in a council-manager form of government. The work needs to be with the full council and in open session.

On the radio this week, Meehan put Bertino on blast for commingling the sewage flow issue and the room tax increase. Meehan said Bertino called him because he wants the county to get more out of the room tax increase than just revenue. The day before Tuesday’s meeting, Bertino told Meehan he wants the city to help the county free up more sewer to allow development to occur along Route 611 and surrounding areas.

“What [Bertino] wants is, he wants the Town of Ocean City to allocate additional sewage capacity from our sewage plant to West Ocean City and have it be for unrestricted use. The Town of Ocean City is not inclined to do that,” Meehan said. “… I was hoping that we could have a more open dialogue in the meeting. They didn’t seem to want to do that. We’re trying to keep the issues separate. We’re trying to request this on its own merit, which I think is the way it should be. It’s really unfortunate for those other commissioners that are so supportive and are working so hard to create partnerships that this could end up derailing other things we’re trying to do together … We’re going to move forward but at the same time, you know we cannot be in a hostage situation in Ocean City. That’s just not the way government should work …”

When given an opportunity to reply to that, Bertino, who did not deny Meehan’s claims on the radio, declined to talk specifics, saying, “It is yet to be determined how I will vote. I will not comment on a private back and forth conversation between Mayor Meehan and me other than to say I am giving serious thought to what we discussed and that I offered, and am still willing, to meet with him.”

The room tax bill is being held as “hostage,” as Meehan said, and risks the county getting $360,000 a year in new room tax revenue. Over 10 years, that’s $3.6 million the county could be risking with this foolishness. Worcester would be wise to use the new room tax revenue on addressing public safety compensation like Ocean City wants to do with its increased tax revenue. It’s an opportunity that will be squandered if the county — specifically Bertino and Bunting — do not get on the same page with their colleagues. It’s bad governance and abuse of power to do backroom deals.

In the meantime, it’s been said it would cost $30 million for Worcester County to address its failing sewer systems and add capacity in West Ocean City. Ocean City should let the county deal with its sewer issues if the room tax hike – which helps everyone in the county – is not approved unanimously.

No matter how large the school is, when there’s a death it’s a big deal. I saw this first hand at my nephew’s graduation from Parkside High School last spring when there were at least four mentions of a classmate who was killed three years earlier.

Last Wednesday was a sad day at Decatur when it was learned a freshman died unexpectedly. The details are not to be shared, but the school posted on social media about an effort to help the struggling family. The post read, “On Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, Gail lost her beautiful 14-year-old granddaughter, Aurora Hayward very suddenly. This terrible loss came three short months after losing her husband, Anthony Hayward Sr. Gail currently cares for several other grandchildren, and their home all by herself. We are hoping to help raise funds to assist with final expenses, as well as to help the family get back on their feet after two tragic losses in such a short time. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.”

Md. Economic Development Week activities eyed for Oct.

(Oct. 10, 2025) Residents and visitors alike are invited to join Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) to celebrate Maryland Economic Development Week, Oct. 20–24.

Throughout the week, WCTED, in partnership with the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), will showcase how local and state partnerships work together to strengthen communities by attracting new residents, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for growth and investment.

“Supporting business growth strengthens our entire community,” said Michele Burke, WCTED business development and retention specialist. “When our towns thrive, it builds a stronger sense of pride and connection to Worcester County and the State of Maryland.”

Kick off a week of activities with WCTED professionals, who will share resources, business success stories, and highlight local initiatives that help grow businesses and improve quality of life through in-person events and social media features throughout the week.

Monday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m., Burke will join Ocean 98.1 FM Irie Radio to share details about Economic Development Week and highlight Worcester County’s thriving business community.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., the

Worcester County Commissioners will present WCTED professionals with a proclamation honoring Maryland Economic Development Week during their monthly meeting.

Later that day, local business owners are invited to visit the WCTED office, located at 107 West Green Street in Snow Hill, to meet with Scott Hines, director of the Small Business Development Center. Hines will be available to provide confidential and free one-on-one assistance to help strengthen and grow small businesses.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, from noon to 4 p.m., WCTED will host a Community Open House at their Snow Hill office on West Green Street.

Residents and business owners are invited to attend this free event, to meet the WCTED team, to explore available resources, and to learn more about how the department supports economic growth and community development. Light refreshments will be served.

Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m., Economic Development Week wraps up with a networking mixer where local partners and business owners can connect and celebrate the week’s accomplishments.

To RSVP and receive event details, please contact the WCTED office at 410632-3112.

Ocean City’s Northside Park gets vibrant ‘Smile’ mural

(Oct. 10, 2025) The Town of Ocean City and We Are Limitless Studios, in collaboration with the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, have partnered to bring a new public mural to the east gym at Northside Park. The mural was created during the inaugural Let’s Make Murals Retreat.

Earlier this year, the Ocean City Mayor and Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with We Are Limitless Studios LLC to design and install a mural at Northside Park. In September, the council approved the design submitted by muralist Brandon Bell, founder of We Are Limitless Studios, noting its alignment with the town’s “Somewhere to Smile About” brand.

treat’s first location with purpose. The Let’s Make Murals program is designed to teach artists the business and craft of murals, while also highlighting the importance of place. Ocean City represents exactly what the retreat stands for: a welcoming coastal community rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, with vibrant public spaces that bring people together. Northside Park offered the perfect backdrop for artists to practice large-scale techniques while experiencing firsthand how murals inspire pride and connection.

Founded on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, We Are Limitless Studios (WALS) has developed a strong reputation for large-scale murals across the region, with projects for schools, municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses. The studio’s portfolio includes national organizations and Maryland’s own Baltimore Ravens. While WALS has created dozens of murals in neighboring counties, this project marks its first mural in the City of Ocean City—an important milestone in its mission to expand the reach of public art.

Ocean City was chosen as the re-

Over the course of the week, artists from across the country worked together to complete the mural using rollers, brushes, spray guns, spray paint, ladders, scaffolding, and scissors lifts—with all participants earning lift certification. Beyond the wall, they experienced sunrise yoga with Dana Fields of Meta Yoga, a sound bath from Chrissy Ehrhart of Zenna Wellness, nightly meals by Chef Skylar Crowley, and a graffiti workshop led by Joseph Isek, also known as BastaPaints.

Community response was overwhelming, with residents and visitors stopping to say “Thank you,” “It’s so beautiful, ”and “We hope we see more.” Paired with perfect weather—sunny skies and 70-degree days—the retreat itself was a great time and an amazing

First murals retreat a success

success.

Special recognition goes to Kayla Allen, who returned after serving as assistant to co-lead the mural installation. “Working alongside her again meant so much,” Bell said. “Her leadership, talent, and heart carried this project to the finish line.” Additional artists — Carrie Lane, Italia Venegas, Alison Speerbrecker, and Jackie Allen — contributed creativity and courage to every brushstroke, making the retreat’s first mural a collective achievement.

Deep gratitude also goes to Kate Gaddis, Susan Petito, Gary Collier, and Terry McGean for their support in moving this project forward from concept to completion.

“This retreat wasn’t just about painting a wall,” Bell added. “It was about connection, growth, and the power of art to bring people together. To see it culminate in a permanent public work in Ocean City, supported by the Recreation and Parks Department and the Town itself, is a dream come full circle.”

Pierre Laval’s trial, execution

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, former French wartime President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Information Pierre Laval was confined to Fresnes Prison, awaiting execution.

Monsieur Laval had been tried by the same tribunal that tried Marshal Henri Pétain in July and had sentenced the old marshal to die. However, Marshal Pétain was held in far higher regard than Monsieur Laval, and it showed in the quality of the proceedings — and in the fact that the marshal’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Marshal Pétain was a genuine war hero from the First World War, while Laval was looked upon as a mere opportunistic politician.

In 1913, Laval was living with his wife and only child, and working as a lawyer in Paris when he was elected as a Socialist to the French Chamber of Deputies, which seat he held for six years. He was elected mayor of Aubervilliers, in the northeastern suburbs of Paris in 1923, an office which he was still holding at the time of his execution. Aubervilliers at the time had a population of about 53,000.

The following year he regained his seat in the National Assembly. He was appointed minister of public works in 1925. For the next few years, as French governments came and went, he served as undersecretary to the Premier and Minister of Justice. He was elected senator in 1927 and became minister of labor on March 2, 1930. On Jan. 27, 1931, at the request of French President Gaston Doumergue, Laval formed a government, which lasted for three years. In the meantime, he had been named Time’s “Man of the Year” for 1931. After Laval’s government fell, he served in the new government, first as minister of colonies and then, in October 1934 as foreign minister. He was appointed prime minister again in 1936.

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As it became clear in the spring of 1940 that France would be defeated by Germany, Marshal Pétain was asked to form a new government. The marshal was serving as French ambassador to Spain when the call came. He appointed Laval as his vice president and minister of foreign affairs but dismissed him on Dec. 13, 1940.

In April 1942, the German ambassador to France “suggested” that Laval be brought back into the government. Reichsminister for Propaganda Dr. Joseph Goebbels wrote in his diary that, “Laval will enter the Government in a few days’ time as Prime Minister. This is a tremendous advantage for us . . . he is developing into the most sensational and mysterious personality of present day international politics. We could hardly find a better man than Laval for our policies.” (Emphasis supplied)

The France which Pétain and Laval governed was an emasculated, emaciated version of prewar France. It was emasculated because, according to the armistice which it signed with Germany, the Germans occupied three-fifths of the country, including the Atlantic and Channel coasts and Paris.

It was emaciated because it was defeated and much of its resources were appropriated by the Germans for their war effort. The capital was relocated to the resort town of Vichy in “unoccupied” France. Hence the name “Vichy France.” After the Allied invasion of French North Africa in November 1942, the Germans occupied the entire country, but the French still operated the civil government. The “Vichy” government was recognized by the U.S., U.S.S.R., Canada, Australia and other countries.

A few months after the Allied invasion of France, the Germans relocated the French government to Germany. As Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army approached their location, Laval and his wife were flown to Barcelona. After receiving intense pressure from Gen. de Gaulle, the Spanish Government sent him back 90 days later, where he and his wife were taken into custody by the Americans and turned over to the French.

Marshal Pétain and Laval were both accused of treason because of their self-confessed “collaboration” with the Germans. What most forgot, or did not want to remember, was that the Germans, initially, held more than 1,500,000 French soldiers as POWs. They were to be repatriated upon the execution of a peace treaty, when the war with Great Britain ended, which, both the Germans and the French expected would occur shortly after the Armistice between France and Germany. When it didn’t happen, Germany continued to hold that ace in any negotiations with the French government.

In addition, most of France, including Paris, was occupied by the German

OBITUARIES

LARRY ELLIS HOLDREN

Ocean Pines

Larry Ellis Holdren, age 83, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Bayhealth Hospital in Milford, Delaware. Born in Sedalia, Missouri, he was the beloved son of the late Dr. Kenneth Leroy Holdren and Geneva Marie (Ellis) Holdren. Larry was a highly respected figure in the coastal real estate community. As the founder of Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc., he faithfully served the region for 54 years, maintaining professional licensure in both Maryland and Delaware. Since 1971, he dedicated himself to the real estate market in Ocean City, Maryland, with particular focus on the Montego Bay Community. Through decades of service, he not only witnessed Montego Bay’s growth but contributed meaningfully to its development, including his service on the Montego Bay Civic Association.

Continued on Page 90

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 88

Wehrmacht. Pétain and Laval continued to maneuver as best they could to ensure the best conditions for their citizens. They even succeeded in getting some of the POWs released. That maneuvering required a certain amount of cooperation — or “collaboration” — with the Germans, such as the assistance in gathering and transporting Jews to the camps.

His trial began on Oct. 4, 1945. On the first day, Laval’s lawyers did not appear on his behalf, instead sending a letter to the court protesting the speed with which the case was proceeding, as they had not an opportunity to even meet with their client, let alone investigate and prepare a defense.

The defense lawyers charged that the purpose of the haste was political and asking to be discharged from the case. The proceedings disintegrated into shouting matches between the judge and Laval. The judge confirmed Laval’s lawyers’ allegations when he announced that the trial must continue, as it had to be completed prior to elections scheduled for Oct. 21!

Following the trial, Laval was, of course, convicted, on Oct. 9, 1945, and sentenced to die. He was executed by firing squad at 12:32 p.m. on Oct. 15, 1945. The execution had been delayed by an attempt at suicide, which required the doctors to save his life so that he could be executed.

Next Week: László Bárdossy Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

Who is Cruisin Away with $1000?!

Endless Summer Cruisin has teamed up with PIT & PUB for a fun game. Winner will receive the Game Award as well as a cash prize of $1000 thanks to Pit & Pub. Stop by 4 Pit & Pub locations and the Information Desk during Endless Summer Cruisin and get stamped. Once you receive all 5 stamps drop off your completed game sheet to the Inlet Office Trailer or the Information Desk by 5pm on Saturday. One lucky winner will be randomly selected and announced on Sunday at the Grand Finale Award Show. Must be present to win.

Larry E. Holdren

OBITUARIES

A man of deep Christian faith, Larry was a devoted and long-standing member of Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City, where he worshipped and served faithfully for over 52 years. His commitment to the church and its mission was a central part of his life. Larry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, professional excellence, and enduring love for his family, church, and community. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the community he helped build.

Above all, Larry was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his four children: Carrie Holdren-Serrell, Larry E. Holdren II, Scott L. Holdren, and Donna C. Holdren. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren—Hannah, Philip, and Erika; his brother, Robert L. Holdren; his son-in-law, Philip Serrell; and his daughter-in-law, Nery Holdren.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Donna K. Holdren, with whom he shared a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. A memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Atlantic United Methodist Church, located on 4th Street in Ocean City. An additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Expressions of sympathy and letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to The Burbage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Donna K. Holdren Prayer Shawl Min-

istry at Atlantic United Methodist Church, a ministry dear to both Larry and Donna’s hearts.

LAWRENCE KENNETH WILLIAMS Ocean Pines

Lawrence Kenneth Williams, age 85, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Ocean Pines. He was born in Eastport, Maryland, and was the son of the late Henry John Williams and Gertrude (Buser) Williams.

Larry lived a life rooted in faith, always putting God first and cherishing his church community. His family was the joy of his heart, and he showed his love for them daily. In his free time Larry found peace on the golf course and on the waters of Greenwood

Creek, where he spent countless days crabbing. He and his wife also shared a love of travel, spending many years exploring new places together. Larry was known for his warm smile, kind spirit, and for a gift of conversation--he never met a stranger. His presence brought comfort and joy to everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Betty (Payne) Williams; a daughter, Stephanie Walkley (David); four grandchildren, Natalie Ann Palmatary, Gabriela Victoria Williams, Logan Kole Williams, and Brandon Cross Williams, and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Lawrence K. Williams, Jr., and two brothers, Henry J. "Jack" Williams and Robert G. Williams

Services were held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at Taylorville Christian Church in Berlin. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Garden in Annapolis. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

CRAIG TIMOTHY BOONE

Ocean City

$1,845.

Craig Timothy Boone, 69, born October 14, 1955, died suddenly at his home in Fort Myers, Fla. on Oct. 4, 2025. He was the beloved little brother of Robert M. Boone and Carol A. Boone. Craig was a graduate of Towson High School and Essex Community College in Towson. A shopkeeper at heart, Craig’s first job was at Royal Farms Store and Cloverland Farms Dairy, the family business. Craig had his own convenience store, Miracle Market, in Ocean City. He was president of Sandy Pause Properties, a real estate management and development company in Ocean City before he retired to Florida. Craig was an active member of the RV community, entertaining and mortifying us all with tales of mishaps in his RV.

Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Robert E Boone and Doris K Boone. He will be sadly missed by his siblings and their families, Robert M. Boone and his wife, Patty Devlin Sutton, and Carol A Boone and her partner Chipp Jamison; his nieces and nephews, Nina B Cindrich and her partner John Conrad, Nicholas C Cindrich and his wife Kaytie Berard; Theodore A Boone and Dawn Boone, and Kristen E Boone; the late Ashley Sutton, Erin Sutton Moberley and Garrett Moberley, Kelly Sutton Reeves and Clint Reeves. He enjoyed being the “crazy uncle” to all the children of his nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his dear friends in Fort Myers, Judy Heath and Karen and Randy Hamilton, who were like family to him.

A memorial service will be held in Fort Myers, Fla. at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite animal rescue group.

Craig T. Boone

L. Williams

Sports & Recreation

Decatur wins three straight after early loss

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) After dropping its first game at home to Wi-Hi, Stephen Decatur’s varsity football has rebounded, winning three straight games heading into tonight’s Homecoming game.

On Sept. 19, Decatur took down North Caroline High School, 40-7. On Sept. 26, Decatur won a close game against Queen Anne’s County High School, 37-30. Last Thursday, Decatur crushed Snow Hill High, 5014.

Kyle Mumford scored the first touchdown during the first quarter with 5:28 left to play, but the Sea-

hawks did not get the point after. Mumford scored a second touchdown with the kick by Blake Wallace, bringing the score to 13-0. The Seahawks streaked again when Brain Chester scored two more touchdowns before the clock turned past 3:20 to go in the first quarter, bringing the score to 270.

After the game, Chester commented, “I just focused on what I was doing and locked in and my teammates had my back. Just put me out here …. I love football. I love just playing this game.”

Jasir Jackson took another into the end zone with 29 seconds to go in the first quarter. He had two recep-

tions and 36 yards at that point in the game.

In the second quarter, the Seahawks continued to show a good defense. With 6:22 on the clock Zach Dove brought one home for a touchdown.

The Eagles made the board with 2:58 to go in the quarter. The touchdown was made by Snow Hill player Boulware and they received two more points for the conversion. The score now rested at 43-8.

Still in the first half, senior wideout Bo Gehrig took the pig skin into the end zone, bringing the halftime score to 50-8.

When the teams came back out for

the third quarter both showed strong defense. Snow Hill was able to score to bring scoreboard to 50-14, which is where the game would end.

“I think the fire has always been there. It’s never going out. Kids came out, and they played well,” said Coach Jake Coleman. “They had a week of practice. They’re very, very focused and they definitely were motivated and they came out and they played like it. We got every kid on the roster in, that was one of the goals that we had before the game. We wanted to make sure we got everybody in and we were able to do that. “

Tonight, Oct. 10 is homecoming against James M. Bennett.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Caden Shepard and Gunnar Ketner are pictured on the tackle of a Snow Hill running back last Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Kyle Mumford, who scored the first two touchdowns for the Seahawks, is pictured on the carry against the Eagles.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Running back Joe Field on the carry against the Eagles.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Gunnar Ketner and Nemo Dale combine to stop a Snow Hill rushing attempt.

Decatur wins thriller over Parkside to stay unbeaten

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Oct. 10, 2025) Under a Harvest moon, Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team nipped Bayside rival Parkside, 1-0, at home Monday.

The win extended Decatur’s unbeaten streak to nine after wins over Crisfield (6-0), Kent Island (5-0), Washington (11-0), North Caroline (30), Snow Hill (3-1), Wicomico (1-0), Queen Anne’s (5-0) and Mardela (3-0).

On Monday, Decatur and Parkside represented two evenly matched teams with many club players – who are familiar with each other -- on both sides of the ball.

With 28:12 on the clock, junior defenseman Micah Hill put in the first goal for the Seahawks after a lose ball came to him. Hill crushed the shot in the top left corner for the only score of the game.

After the game, Hill said, “It felt

great. I just, it was a banger. Best goal I’ve ever scored in my life … just cleared my head when I took that shot and it just went right in.”

At the half, the Seahawks had five shots on goal. The Rams managed one shot on goal in the first half. Both defenses dug in during the second half.

When asked for the team’s secret sauce this season after the game, Head Coach Jamie Greenwood said, “I couldn’t tell you. A defender scores and it’s been that kind of season. Unlikely heroes this year. But again, the job is never done. Three more to go in the regular season, and then six through the playoffs. We got to keep working … but this is what we’re made of. This shows what we’re made of. So, no give up. I’m pleased. I’m happy with the performance.”

Decatur will take on perennial nemesis Bennett in Salisbury on Oct. 13.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Seahawk defender Micah Hill, above left sending a header back to the offense, was the player of the game for Decatur on Tuesday, scoring the lone goal, celebrating above right with teammates.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior defender Gannon Eastlack heads the ball out of the zone against Parkside.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

This week marks our last page of the season. I look forward to seeing you all again in the spring. Above left, the team from Playdate won first place in the 2025 OC Inshore Classic with a 10.6-pound rockfish worth over $7,000. Above right, this big 12-pound sheepshead from team Bait R’ Up was good for first place in the OC Inshore Classic.

PHOTOS COURTESY FISH IN OC

Above left, Team On the Run with Captain Dave Ca ffrey won first place in the flounder category of the OC Inshore Classic with this nice 7.4 pounder. Above middle, the second and third place rockfish in the OC Inshore Classic were caught on the Shore Thing at 10.3 pounds. Above right, Top junior angler in the OC Inshore Classic was won by Colin Kinna and his 2.3 pound flounder. Below left, Captain Willie Zimmerman and the crew of RoShamBo made the run to the Hudson Canyon for an overnighter where they boxed 18 yellowfin tuna and a boxful of mahi. Below middle, the heaviest tautog in the OC Inshore Classic was caught on board Bait R’ Up and weighed in at 3.6 pounds. Below right, Lucky Break with Captain Jason Mumford had a great OC Inshore Classic with flounder and a bunch of sheepshead that included the third place, 10.4 pound fish.