10/24/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

Boardwalk tram ends 60-year run

An auspicious beginning for the tram in 1964 ends ignominiously in 2025 after a fatal accident on the Boardwalk points to inadequacies in the equipment and tough state highway safety standards. — PAGE 13

Faced with time and money constraints, City Council agrees to look at doing less with project. — PAGE 22

Commissioners delay discussion on sheriff’s office request. — PAGE 10

Ocean City’s first Boardwalk tram is pictured 61 years ago.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBREY SIZEMORE

BAYSIDE CONFERENCE WINNERS

Members of the Stephen Decatur High School boys and girls soccer teams are pictured on Monday night in Kent Island. The girls team secured its Bayside Conference title with a 1-0 win over Queen Anne’s County, while the boys squad defeated Kent Island 2-0 for the crown. Both teams will now advance to the regional playoffs. See page 99 for more photos.

Council extends short-term rental ban for another year

Following a heated debate, city officials narrowly voted to lengthen the moratorium

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) Despite pleas to resolve short-term rental issues before a moratorium expires in January, an Ocean City Council majority this week agreed to the first reading of an ordinance to extend the ban another year.

On Monday, the council voted 4-3, with Council President Matt James, Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, to extend a moratorium on the issuance of short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods through Jan. 3, 2027.

While supporters argue the ban would give the city more time to create new regulations for vacation rentals in R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts, those in opposition say they felt a solution could be reached before the current moratorium expires in January.

“Because so many people spoke for so many hours, multiple times, and for everyone on both sides this is critically important, and everyone wants clarity, I think we owe everyone to work as quickly as possible to come up with a solution,” Gehrig said. “And the problem I have with the moratorium extension is that it gives us time to be lazy and not do the work.”

censes issued in single-family neighborhoods.

“I want to make sure we have the time to talk this through and implement it,” he said.

From there, the discussion quickly turned into a shouting match, with Gehrig accusing Mitrecic and other council members of “punting” the issue rather than dealing with it. He then told Mitrecic to “have the balls to stand up to the people blowing your phone up.”

“Both sides want shit done, and we sit up here and punt it for a year,” he said.

With the argument intensifying, James called the discussion back into order, accusing Gehrig of “screaming like a child.”

“Everybody can talk like an adult,” he said. “You don’t need to yell at each other.”

‘Everybody can talk like an adult. You don’t need to yell at each other.’ Council President Matt James

James said he understood where both sides were coming from, but argued extending a moratorium was not the solution. He has contended that the moratorium on R-1 and MH rentals created two different classes of homeowners – those with grandfathered licenses and those with no license at all.

“The one thing that a lot of people said that was consistent was the argument about the health, welfare and safety of the community,” he said.

After nearly an hour and a half of public comments from property owners for and against a moratorium extension, Gehrig voiced his support for letting the moratorium – enacted as emergency legislation earlier this year – expire on Jan. 3.

He said the council owed it to the property owners to find some solution, which ranged from banning all short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods to having no restrictions at all.

“Maybe it gives us extra juice and motivation to answer some of these questions,” he said.

Gehrig said the city is to blame for creating the problem, but that now was the time to fix it. James said he agreed, noting his goal was to discuss potential restrictions at the Nov. 25 work session, with some solution passed by Dec. 15.

“You’re right, there is time,” he told Gehrig. “For what? I’m not sure, but we can figure that out.”

For his part, Councilman Jake Mitrecic said he wanted more time for the council to consider potential solutions. He said one solution could be a cap on the number of rental li-

“You can't tell me on one hand that short-term rentals negatively impact the health, welfare and safety, and then on the other side say, ‘Well it's OK for some people to do it. We're gonna let the people that do it now violate or negatively impact the health, welfare and safety of our neighborhood, but we don't want anyone else to do it.’ So, with no avenue to get a license at any time in the future, I can't support the moratorium.”

James said he thought the council would accept the results of this summer’s special election when residents voted down an ordinance to ban short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods by 2027. However, given the narrow election results, James said he was open to making another attempt.

“It almost feels like a cheap shot to let us sit on not having to make a decision,” he said, “which is a tough decision.”

With no further discussion, the first reading of an ordinance to extend the moratorium another year passed in a 4-3 vote. Gehrig later apologized to Mitrecic for his behavior during the discussion.

“Regardless of how I feel, I shouldn’t lose my cool,” he said.

and

OC council rejects third annual Jeep Week

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) It was déjà vu this week after a City Council majority, for a second year in a row, voted down a request to hold Ocean City Jeep Week at the inlet next spring.

In a split vote on Monday, the council rejected a request from OC4WD, LLC to hold the third annual Jeep Week event at the inlet parking lot and beach May 28-31, 2026. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, who cast one of the four dissenting votes, shared his concerns about the success of the event.

“I mean, it seems it was a real failure,” he said.

In 2023, the city’s special events department received applications from organizers of both Jeep Week and Jeep Fest to hold separate events

on the same week in August 2024.

To settle the issue, city staff asked for an extensive proposal from both groups to determine which event would be approved for the August dates. However, it ended up being a moot point, as the promoters of the Jeep Week event opted to change their 2024 event to May.

In February 2025, following their inaugural event the year before, the promoters of Jeep Week came back before the City Council with a request to hold a second event during the spring.

That request was initially denied in a 3-4 vote, with a council majority questioning the success of the inaugural event and the safety of new 2025 components, particularly the inclusion of monster truck rides.

More than a month later, the organ-

izers came back with a modified event, which was approved in a 5-1 vote.

On Monday, DeLuca asked that the promoters’ private event request for a third annual Jeep Week event be pulled from the council’s consent agenda – which typically contains routine or non-controversial items that are approved with a single vote –and further discussed. For a second year in a row, he told organizers he would not be supporting their request, highlighting the low turnout of this year’s spring event.

“The numbers were very low,” he said. “It was probably 200 or less.”

Promoter Will Lynch agreed this year’s turnout was low, but that a coastal storm had led to cancellations. He also noted the challenges of creating what he called a new event

on a different date.

“It was, due to weather, pretty much, half a disaster,” he said. “But we are willing to give the spring a try again and would like to go again.”

DeLuca, however, pointed to the estimated lodging numbers for next year’s event, calling it “a waste of our time and a little bit ridiculous.” He also highlighted the parking revenue the city lost by hosting the event at the inlet.

“I mean we could replace it with an event that is successful,” he said.

Lynch noted that the 2025 Jeep Week event did not come before the council until February of this year, leaving organizers a few months to put the event together. He also highlighted the dispute between the promoters of his event and the promoter of Jeep Fest.

“I want to put on record that that is a private vendetta,” he said.

DeLuca moved to disapprove the event, which failed for lack of a second. Council President Matt James said he wouldn’t support the motion, as the Jeep Week organizers were not at fault for the coastal storm that hindered their event.

“I hear what you are saying but I don’t think we should be picking winners and losers based on one bad rain date,” he said.

Both Councilmen Will Savage and John Gehrig agreed, with Gehrig noting that any revenue the parking lot lost by hosting the Jeep Week event was covered by private event fees.

“I don’t see the downside to this,” James concluded. “They are contributing to cover the expenses, they had a bad year, they didn’t have a full year to get their engagement up and tickets sold. I think it’s very fair for us to give them another shot and for them to prove themselves. It’s not fair to call it unsuccessful when weather was a factor.”

A motion was then made to approve the event as presented. The motion failed in a 3-4 vote, with DeLuca, Councilwoman Carol Proctor and Councilmen Jake Mitrecic and Larry Yates opposed.

County asked to fund private school officers

“While public schools in our community have long benefited from the presence of SRDs, private schools are not consistently afforded the same level of safety and security,” he wrote.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Worcester County officials this week sidelined public discussion of a proposal by the sheriff’s office to put deputies on patrol in private schools.

In an Oct. 14 letter, Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters pitched the county commissioners on hiring new school resource deputies, or SRDs, to cover Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, Seaside Christian Academy in West Ocean City, and Most Blessed Sacrament, located outside Ocean Pines. The latter two are parochial schools with a religious curriculum.

“With the continued increase in school-related safety concerns nationwide, it is critical that we provide a consistent equitable approach to student protection across all educational institutions within Worcester County.”

Four deputies would be hired under the proposal, with one for each of the three private schools and another as a backup. The estimated start-up cost to Worcester County for the start of the 2026-27 school year would be $840,000, including deputies’ salary, patrol car, and all equipment, the letter said.

However, on the advice of their at-

torney, the county commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting voted unanimously to table the issue.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic made the motion to postpone discussion at the outset of the meeting, saying several questions needed answering “before we can actually consider this with any seriousness.”

“There has been no criteria put forward as to what would qualify as a private school – are these going to trickle down to nursery schools and day care centers also?” he said.

Mitrecic added that the commissioners should pursue fact-finding about how other jurisdictions handled the same issue, and that liability issues with the county’s insurance company also bear review.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office currently posts one deputy to each of the county’s 14 public schools. Two additional deputies are assigned as floating SRD supervisors.

Deputies on this detail are working overtime, and the coverage is paid for with a $90,000 grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety, Passwaters told OC Today-Dispatch. This grant only covers public school coverage, which also includes extracurricular events.

Passwaters in his letter to the commissioners also said the sheriff’s office struggles with SRD staffing because deputies can be pulled away “almost daily” for job-related demands like training, court appearances, as well as sick leave.

Overall, the sheriff’s office is shortstaffed by at least nine deputies, including two on long-term medical leave, Passwaters also said. He and Sheriff Matt Crisafulli have long petitioned county leaders to increase deputy pay to remain competitive in hiring against other agencies.

Despite being pulled from the meeting agenda, several people showed up to voice their support on the matter – including Katie Addis, an elected member of the Worcester County Board of Education.

Addis also serves on the board of Seaside Christian Academy and wore a sweatshirt with that school’s logo when delivering her remarks.

school budget does not fund school resource deputies.

“Some of you are also of the mindset that our taxes should not pay for private school security because some of the children are coming from outof-county or out-of-state,” she said. “God forbid there was a catastrophic event that happens at one of these private schools, the news is not going to be worried about what the population breakdown is per school … Do you want that on your conscience, that you had the chance to vote ‘yes’ for something like this, and you voted against it?”

Several others commented in support of the proposal. Ocean Pines native Bryan Murphy has two daughters, ages 7 and 10, who attend Most Blessed Sacrament. He alluded to the Aug. 27 shooting of Minneapolis church where two Catholic school students were killed while attending Mass.

“We live in a world where violence happens way too often at our schools,” Murphy told the commissioners, “but even more so at our religious institutions, where we have children getting shot literally in their churches, in their pews praying. This is completely unacceptable. I shouldn’t have to worry about my children being safe.”

“Now more than ever, schools of faith and private Christian schools are under attack,” she told the commissioners. “We as taxpayers of Worcester County should not have to worry that our children will not be safe and protected because we choose to send our children to a different Worcester County school. The most equitable thing that you can do is to ensure across the board that all children in Worcester County schools are guaranteed the same protection as children in public schools.”

Asking private schools to pay for police coverage out of their own pockets is “discriminatory,” she added, because the county’s public-

Commissioner Eric Fiori, whose West Ocean City district includes Seaside Christian Academy, said he would support the proposal, but also said the topic should have been researched further before bringing it to the floor for public discussion.

“If you’re in the public school system and you argue for safety for children, how do you argue that it’s entirely too much money for the safety of children in a private school? I don’t understand that argument,” Fiori told OC Today-Dispatch. “If we’re arguing for the safety of our children, it shouldn’t matter. That safety standard should be the same. If it’s within legality, I would absolutely be in favor of it.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Seaside Christian Academy representative

Katie Addis, a member of the Worcester County Board of Education, speaks to commissioners Tuesday in support of the county funding new school resource officers for private schools.

Fall in Love!

Planners debate driveway apron for new development

Code proposal would affect 50 ft. wide properties in OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) Resort planners say a change to the city’s design standards could improve parking and safety in new developments.

Following a public hearing, in which local developers shared their opposition, the Ocean City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a code amendment that would require all garages on lots larger than 50 feet wide to have a minimum five-footwide driveway apron between the garage door and an interior drive aisle.

Officials say the added space would give residents more room to park and access their residential units, among other things.

“That gives you a little bit of room to store your trashcans in, have a turning radius and other sorts of things to give you additional space,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said.

Pointing to new uptown developments as an example of what they don’t want future projects to look like, planning commissioners last month voted to hold a public hearing on a code amendment that would require developers to install at least a five-foot apron between a garage door and interior drive aisle. At the time, they pointed to examples of drive aisles that were too narrow and created problems for motorists attempting to turn or park.

However, developers and their representatives told the commission this week the proposed apron requirement would be challenging to accommodate on smaller lots. Attorney Regan Smith pointed to the setback, landscaping and stormwater management requirements developers must already incorporate on a property.

“When you have a 50-foot lot, you don't have enough room to put it all now,” he said.

Commissioner Palmer Gillis, however, said he saw the apron requirement as a way to improve the off-street parking situation. He argued that garages at newly developed townhomes in Ocean City were not being used for parking, but for storage, and that it negatively impacted the neighborhood.

“We know the garages are not used for parking,” he said. “So when we know that, it’s incumbent upon this commission, this body, to make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to provide for good design that promotes off-street parking.”

Smith noted that it was not a de-

OC officials to do away with Boardwalk tram operations

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) The Ocean City Boardwalk’s tram service, long a staple of vacations for possibly millions of people over the years, will not return next year, or any year thereafter. Tram service was suspended last year in the wake of a Boardwalk fatality and now the mayor and City Council see no way forward.

Ocean City Manager Terry McGean said this week a decision has been made to pull the plug on the trams, which have operated on the Boardwalk since 1964. The tram service has been suspended since last August, when a toddler from Princess Anne was struck and killed by a tram traveling south on the Boardwalk near Dorchester Street.

“The Town acknowledges the longstanding tradition and the fond memories many residents and visitors have of the Boardwalk tram, however after thoughtful review and extensive discussion, the trams will not return in their previous form,” he said in an email Monday. “That said, the Town is actively exploring ways to reimagine the Boardwalk without the trams and the goal is to introduce new attractions and experiences to connect visitors along the Boardwalk in a safe and enjoyable way.”

On Aug. 20, 2024, just after 8 p.m., first responders were called to the Boardwalk near Dorchester Street for a fatal pedestrian collision in the concrete tram lane. The initial investigation revealed the victim, a two-year-old boy from Princess Anne, was struck by a tram while running from the beach toward the wooden portion of the Boardwalk, also known as Atlantic Avenue.

However, an incident report issued Dec. 9 delves deeper into the tram fatality on what police consider to be a public roadway. Investigators concluded various equipment violations –including improper braking systems and towing capabilities – played some role in the fatality, according to files obtained through a Maryland Public Information Act request filed by this newspaper last December.

“The combination of vehicles and braking systems involved in the collision played a consequential role in the death of [child’s name redacted],” Cpl. Michael Karsnitz, an investigator in the case, reported. “The Jeep and both trailers it was towing was in violation of the Maryland Transportation Article.”

When reached for comment Monday, McGean said the Jeeps used for the Boardwalk trams have been repurposed and that the city was looking to sell the trailers. Later that day, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to authorize the sale of the 11 tram trailers.

McGean also acknowledged that the

city had been notified by the victim’s family of a potential lawsuit, but that the “matter is now resolved and no litigation was ever filed.” He did not comment when asked if the legal resolution involved a private settlement amount.

At the end of Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan acknowledged that both he and council members wanted to see the trams continue, but that challenges surrounding state transportation laws and licensing “became insurmountable.”

“But what we are doing is the council is looking at – through the city manager and transportation and public works – different options, other things we might be able to do,” he said. “So, the book is open. If there is ever a path for the tram, I think it’s something we’d all want to pursue.”

Investigation reveals tram violated transportation laws

The future of the Boardwalk tram service has remained in question since last December, when an investigation into the Aug. 20 fatality concluded. Investigators with the Ocean City Police Department reported the tram, while operating on a public roadway, did not comply with certain transportation regulations, which they argued contributed to the toddler’s death.

“After reviewing evidence on scene, video evidence and the medical examiner’s report it is clear to me [victim’s name redacted] did not receive injuries that caused his death until the Jeep had almost come to a complete stop,” Karsnitz wrote in his report. “Had the Jeep been in compliance with the Maryland Transportation Article and had functioning brakes on the rear tram trailer I believe it would have been able to stop before causing the fatal injury to [the victim].”

Specifically, investigators concluded that the Jeep pulling the tram trailers was towing more than three times the weight permitted under state and federal law.

They also found the rear trailer had no braking capacity, a rear brake actuator had no brake fluid, and that both tram trailers were equipped with “surge brakes,” all of which are violations of the Maryland Transportation Article. Surge brakes, which are activated by the movement of the towed vehicle and not by the vehicle operator, are not permitted under state law if the towing vehicle and its load exceed the manufacturer’s weight rating.

Police also noted that the height of the Jeep had hindered the driver’s ability to see the young victim. Both the tram driver and tram conductor told police they did not see the victim crossing the tram lane at the time of the incident.

As a result, the tram continued driving south after hitting the child with

Town decides to axe iconic Boardwalk trams

Continued from Page 13

the Jeep’s front bumper. The victim’s father also told police the tram driver failed to see him and other witnesses, who were standing to the right of the Jeep, trying to catch the driver’s attention by waving their hands.

“[The driver] stated he did not know he hit the child until he felt the Jeep go over something,” Cpl. Harry Miller, another investigator, reported. “[The driver] stated he then immediately applied the brakes. [The driver] advised people began running over to the front of the Jeep and he realized what happened.”

Problems emerge with tram operation

The tram service has undergone many iterations throughout its six decades of operation, with the most recent changes taking place in late 2017, when the Mayor and City Council opted to replace two of the trams’ old towing units with Jeeps. The vehicles, which were also used for the Boardwalk trams in the 1990s, were chosen for their efficiency and lower price tag.

However, this decision was contrary to the opinions of Ocean City Transportation Department members, emails obtained by the OC Today-Dispatch last year show. Transportation Operations Manager George Peake wrote on Sept. 3, 2024 that tram driv-

ers had expressed concerns about the safety of the Jeeps prior to their purchase.

“The majority of the tram drivers preferred NOT to drive this Jeep, due to forward and right front visibility … ,” he wrote. “Although the least costly of the alternative(s) Transportation recommended against the option due to line of vision.”

Peake wrote that the city’s transportation department had presented several alternatives, including electric, diesel- and gas-powered towing vehicles. He also said the Jeeps were acquired against the department’s recommendations.

“If the City decided to go with the Jeeps as an alternative, Transportation did make recommendations as to their configuration,” he wrote in his email to department heads. “The City chose the Jeeps and NOT the configuration recommended.”

In the fall of 2018, the mayor and City Council instituted additional tram upgrades, approving the purchase of eight new Boardwalk tram trailers and new Jeeps to pull them at a cost of $1.4 million. The purchase also included another $83,000 to elevate the ride height of the Jeeps.

Alternatives explored for Boardwalk trams

Discussions on the future of the

trams began as early as the day following the tram fatality, according to emails provided to the OC Today-Dispatch. And since that time, city staff have acquired options and pricing for a new, road-legal tram design.

However, lead times to build and deliver new trams could take more than a year, and replacement could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for each new tram vehicle. Complicating those efforts, officials say, are the

licensing requirements to operate the tram vehicles.

While the city has not required tram drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), Ocean City police, in their incident report, concluded that a CDL with a double/triple endorsement is required to operate the trams on the Boardwalk. Police reported that the tram driver involved in the fatality had a CDL, but without the required endorsement.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City’s Boardwalk trams have operated since the 1960s, with its most recent iteration being towed by Jeeps. Due to a fatal collision in 2024, the service will not return to the resort.

Driveway changes highlight safety concerns for OC

Continued from Page 12

sign issue that needed to be addressed, but an enforcement issue. He added that the city’s code meets typical standards for construction.

“You are asking the developer to be responsible for the behavior of the unit owner you sell it to, or three owners later, and that’s not reasonable to them as a builder,” he said.

Nolen Graves, developer of one of the townhome projects called into question this week, argued the proposed code amendment would harm future development. He noted that if the apron requirement was already in effect, his townhouse project would not have been able to accommodate the needed space.

“When you start changing this, you change what can be built on this island,” he said.

Developer Jeff Thaler agreed, sharing an example of how the apron requirement would have eliminated a row of townhouse units at one of his sites. He said those sorts of changes impact his bottom line.

Thaler also noted that this was not the first time the city had discussed the apron requirement, as a proposed amendment had been rejected on two other occasions. He questioned why the commission would revisit the issue.

“Why do we keep coming back here?” he said. “We’ve answered this question before. I don’t understand at all.”

Following the public hearing, the commission voted 6-1, with Chair Joe Wilson opposed, to approve the code amendment, with 50-foot-wide lots exempted from the apron requirement. Commission members also highlighted the safety concerns surrounding the narrow drive aisles at newer townhouse developments.

“I can’t imagine a fire engine or ambulance getting down the street in an emergency …,” said Commissioner Tony Butta. “I understand it’s about dollars and cents, and I would much rather have townhouses in Ocean City than more high-rises … but it’s something we definitely have to discuss more.”

The ordinance amendment will now advance to the Ocean City Council.

Homestead tax drops to zero in Worcester

County Commissioners vote takes effect next July for homeowners’ prop. tax bills

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Worcester County elected officials unanimously voted this week to lower the county’s homestead property tax credit from 3% to zero, effective July 1.

The County Commissioners voted for the change at Tuesday’s meeting, though the decision was tentatively made earlier this year when the commissioners were drawing up their fiscal year 2026 budget.

Ted Elder, President of the County Commissioners, predicted Ocean City businesses owners who also own property will see “overwhelming savings” on their tax bill.

“I think it’s a boon for their businesses,” said Elder (District 4, Western). “It’s something we did as County Commissioners to support and help our businesses in Ocean City, and I think we need to use that going forward to help keep our lines

of communication and back-andforth with Ocean City, keep it open and keep it healthy.”

Designed to protect homeowners from the tax burden that comes from increased property assessments, the Homestead Property Tax Credit program puts a ceiling on how high your property tax bill can go in Maryland.

A zeroed-out homestead tax credit means eligible homeowners would effectively lock in their property tax rate until they sell their home.

And, because Maryland’s state income tax is going up for higher earners, wealthy Marylanders could move to Worcester County full-time and take advantage of a lower tax rate.

When it takes effect, the tax rate decrease represents an estimated revenue hit of about $900,000 for the county.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the lowered tax rate – which he introduced – now gives him pause over how nonresident owners might play it moving forward.

“We have a tremendous amount of nonresident taxpayers that, you

know, pay the freight, for lack of a better word,” said Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City). “My concern is that there will be, at some point in time, a group of those nonresident taxpayers that decide that they want to go to Annapolis, and they want to be heard in Worcester County also.”

Commissioners held a public hearing to accompany the code amendment. The only member of the public to speak was Vince Gisriel, a former Ocean City councilman.

“I’m hard-pressed to imagine a better action that you could do for your local residents that own property here than this action today,” he said. “I think it’s a fair thing to do.”

The homestead tax plan was hatched in the spring along with the commissioners’ decision to cut income tax by a quarter percent, from 2.25% to 2%.

Officials said they hoped the moves would offer some financial relief to residents and taxpayers, given the county’s multimillion-dollar budget surplus.

Worcester County has about 12,000 property tax accounts en-

rolled in the program, according to deputy county administrator Candace Savage.

State law says counties and municipalities set their own tax cap, which cannot exceed 10%. Homeowners can only qualify for the tax credit on their primary residence, and they must apply online with the state.

Because Ocean City’s municipal homestead tax credit is also set to zero, it means an Ocean City property owner gets double the protection. Seven other municipalities statewide, including Salisbury, offer the zeropercent cap.

Locally, Berlin’s cap is 5%, Snow Hill’s is 3% and Pocomoke City’s is 10%. Elsewhere on the Eastern Shore, Talbot County’s homestead tax rate is 0%, Wicomico and Dorchester counties are 5%, and Somerset County’s is 10%.

Other Maryland municipalities with 0% caps include Salisbury in neighboring Wicomico County, College Park and Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, and the Talbot County hamlets of St. Michaels, Trappe, and Queen Anne.

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Commissioner introduce bill to increase hotel room tax

OC officials want legislation enacted by Jan. 1, so new rates can be set for

2026

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) The Worcester County Commissioners are proceeding legislatively to consider an increase in the county’s hotel room tax, a move requested by Ocean City officials to generate millions in tourism revenue.

Five of seven commissioners raised their hands at Tuesday’s meeting to affirm their support of a bill that would increase the room tax collection limit from 5% to 6%. Commissioners Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) and Chip Bertino (District 4, Ocean Pines) did not raise their hands.

Ocean City wants the tax increase enacted by Jan. 1, so hotel and motel operators can set new room rates ahead of summer 2026 bookings, according to Mayor Rick Meehan.

While the county and its other municipalities also would benefit financially from a 1% increase, the resort stands to gain the most: Ocean City could see an estimated $5 million in new room tax revenue, based on fiscal 2025 data, which resort leaders say will mostly go toward tourism and hospitality marketing. It also would help fund new public safety expenses.

To meet that Jan. 1 deadline, however, the commissioners would have to adhere to a strict timeline: legislation to authorize a room tax increase would have to be introduced at the board’s Nov. 18 meeting, along with a public hearing.

The commissioners would have to pass that authorization bill as emergency legislation, meaning it would take effect immediately, instead of the usual 45 days.

While such a bill would authorize

the county to increase its room taxation cap by 1%, it doesn’t enact the change. That will require the commissioners to vote again, and it has to be unanimous to take effect.

The county had needed permission from the Maryland General Assembly to authorize changes to the room tax cap, which state lawmakers did grant during last year’s legislative session. Part of that state approval included the caveat for unanimity; for now, it’s unclear if all seven votes will be there for a consensus.

Citing that state approval, Meehan has said he doesn’t think the commissioners need to go through a prolonged procedural process and are within their rights to just go ahead and vote for the increase. However, the county’s attorney, Roscoe Leslie, has stated the county code dictates adherence to this procedure.

Meehan has also been publicly critical that some county officials are playing politics with the room tax decision.

He said in an Oct. 15 radio interview on Ocean 98 that Commissioner Bertino presented a quid pro quo situation: he would vote to approve the room tax increase, but only if Ocean City gives the county increased capacity for sewage treatment at its midtown wastewater plant.

Bertino, in a statement to OC Today-Dispatch, declined to comment on any private conversations he had with the mayor and said he still hasn’t decided yet which way he’ll vote on the room tax. He also didn’t deny the mayor’s claims.

With increased capacity to treat its wastewater at Ocean City’s plant, the county could free up space at its failing sewage treatment plants in the West Ocean City corridor. County officials have said it could cost an estimated $30 to $40 million to rectify ongoing systemic sewage treatment issues.

Berlin man charged with sex solicitation of a minor

(Oct. 24, 2025) Maryland State Police arrested a man Wednesday on charges he solicited sex from a minor over a smartphone app in Worcester County.

Alexander Crum, 29, of Berlin, is charged with sexual solicitation of a minor, solicitation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, knowingly permitting sexual solicitation of a minor, and contributing to the condition of a child. He was transported to the Worcester County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division Eastern Region and Berlin Barrack, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Crum at his place of employment in Berlin, Maryland.

The arrest followed an investigation by a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving financial transactions linked to child sex abuse material.

According to a preliminary investigation, a search warrant was executed on Crum’s residence, where investigators seized multiple electronic devices for forensic analysis. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Court records show back in November of 2021 Crum was charged with a fourth-degree sex offense (sexual motivation), which involves a sexual act with a minor by someone at least four years older or a person in a positive authority.

Project work may shrink in scope

Continued from Page 22

right-of-way. While acknowledging that plan called for an extensive redesign of the project, Adkins said it would ease the tight timeline to obligate federal funds.

“I would like to move forward with that plan,” Gehrig said.

With a motion on the table, the council voted unanimously to move the revised plan to a future work session. For his part, Councilman Will Savage said the scaled-back version addressed his concerns about cost and conveyance, an action he said was petitioned back in 2022 when the City Council voted to give right-of-way to the developers of the proposed Margaritaville project.

“Some of my colleagues may argue that was a petition on Margaritaville. The people that did the petition – and ultimately won the referendum –

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would say otherwise,” he added. “The same individual that did that petition vows to do it again. They are also backed by a successful business company in town that has both the money and the resources. So, I just don’t see a path forward that way.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said he believed the $40 million streetscape project to be the best course of action, so long as it was financially feasible to do so. However, he said he would entertain the idea of a scaled-back project.

“The very worst thing we can do is nothing at all,” he said.

With a new direction voted upon this week, staff will now be tasked with gathering information for a future work session and determining if the city could still use the federal funds for a scaled-down version of the Baltimore Avenue project.

Alexander Crum

Surfers fighting for Olympic representation

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) Signing petitions. Sharing online support. Gathering letters from elected representatives.

These are just a few of the steps USA Surfing officials – including those with connections to Ocean City – are taking in the organization’s fight against U.S. Ski & Snowboard to represent their sport in the 2028 Olympics.

“The only ones suffering while we are fighting this fight are the surfers,” said Laura Bren, an Ocean City local and board treasurer for USA Surfing.

As the recognized national federation for the sport in the United States, USA Surfing oversees the development of young surfers, holds the annual USA Surfing Championships, and selects surf teams to compete internationally in International Surfing Association Cham-

pionships and Pan American Games. Five member organizations – including this region’s Eastern Surfing Association – send their top athletes to the USA Surfing’s national championships each year.

Bren, whose kids participate in youth surfing, said the organization formally submitted its bid last year with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to regain certification as the national governing body for Olympic surfing.

While the organization voluntarily decertified itself in 2021 – following an audit that revealed financial mismanagement and other issues – officials say USA Surfing has made numerous internal changes in its bid to take over the sport once more.

“Currently, Olympic surfing is governed by USOPC …,” Tracy Axel, USA

Surfing’s high-performance director, explained. “One of their departments – internally managed sports – has been overseeing only the Olympic shortboard surfing discipline.”

While Axel now splits her time between Berlin and Santa Monica, Calif., she has joined Bren as one of two area residents advocating for USA Surfing in its quest to oversee the Olympic sport, which will be held at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif., at the 2028 Olympic Games.

However, USA Surfing now faces off against U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS), which is also seeking the committee’s approval to bring the Olympic surfing team under its umbrella.

“No one can support these athletes to help them achieve their Olympic dreams better than USSS, which has a proven, long-term record of high-performance

support and podium success for athletes,” USSS’s application reads. “With the growth and popularity of surfing, it’s critical that a well-managed organization take responsibility to help the sport, and these athletes reach their full potential at the Games, and we are best positioned to do so. Team USA will win more medals with surfing under USSS than it will under any other organization.”

USA Surfing has since launched an aggressive public relations campaign, which has included support letters from the International Surfing Association, World Surf League, Surf Industry Members Association and numerous professional surfers and Olympic athletes.

As the organization that handles the various components of competitive surfing, it argues it should also oversee the Olympic team.

“In an unprecedented move, U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) – a winter sports NGB with no history governing surfing – has also applied to take over Olympic surfing governance,” the USA Surfing website reads. “USSS already manages 10 winter sports and has no surf competition infrastructure, no dedicated surf coaches, and no connections to the athlete development pipeline. They have also applied to become the NGB for the sport of skateboarding.”

Bren argues that selecting U.S. Ski & Snowboard would violate the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, federal law that specifies requirements for national governing bodies for individual sports. She added that selecting USSS would give the organization leverage to commercial rights.

USSA did not immediately respond to this newspaper’s requests for comment. However, its application did acknowledge the commercial benefits of adding a summer sport.

“In addition, from a commercial perspective adding a summer sport to our 10-winter sport portfolio gives us yearround assets and programming to sell,” the application reads. “In recent years, our commercial engine has demonstrated its ability to drive significant revenue and by including surfing in our portfolio we’re best set up to drive upside in the commercial business for surfing.”

Officials say a final public hearing is set for Nov. 18. In the meantime, USA Surfing has circulated a petition to keep Olympic surfing under the leadership of surfers.

Bren said that each day they fight a battle for governance is another day surfers are losing to train and prepare for the next Olympic Games. However, she said they are up to the challenge to have a team ready by 2028.

The surfing component of the 2028 Olympics will be held in San Clemente, Calif., the headquarters location for USA Surfing. However, Bren said the committee’s decision will impact generations of surfers to come.

“Nobody realizes how our town is connected to this story,” she said. “Our own kids go through this program.”

GOOD BUY SUMMER

CLEARANCE

County learns from escrow error

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) The Worcester County treasurer’s office will take “full responsibility” for letting a developer’s escrow account fall six figures into the red and plans to implement new oversight policies to keep the contingency fund flush, a finance official said.

County staff have implemented corrective actions and procedures to “not have this happen again,” Quinn Dittrich, the county’s enterprise fund controller, told the county commissioners at their Oct. 7 meeting in Snow Hill.

“We acknowledge the deficiencies in the treasurer’s office throughout this process and …have worked towards improving it going forward that it will not occur again. Transparency above all is the main goal here,” he said.

With the commissioners’ approval, Dittrich said he hopes to replenish the total fund deficit of $323,913 – which includes $231,913 in transfers and $92,653 in unpaid payroll costs – using cash from the county’s general fund.

The commissioners say they will wait until more outstanding invoices could be repaid before looking for a public vote to move all the money back.

County Commissioner Chip Bertino lauded Dittrich for publicly acknowledging the errors and commended him for formally acknowledging the deficiencies

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in the oversight of the escrow fund.

“It’s refreshing to see, finally, that somebody’s stepping up to the plate in the finance office to take responsibility for the oversight,” said Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines). “Good people make honest mistakes. The only way we learn is when we accept responsibility and we find a way forward, and it seems like you’re starting to do that.”

County administrative staff learned about three months ago that $231,000 was moved from Ocean Pines’ wastewater accounts to cover shortfalls in an escrow account for developers’ projects, known as Fund 505.

In a Sept. 29 internal memo, Dittrich wrote that the problem with Fund 505 started in mid-2022 and continued through last year. He said a “full reconciliation of escrow activity has been completed, including a review of developer contributions, project expenditures, and internal transfers” going back to 2009.

Bertino brought forth the issue during the commissioners’ Sept. 16 meeting. He criticized the treasurer’s office as “being asleep at the switch” when he learned money had been moved from his district’s sewerage accounts to rectify the negative balance in Fund 505.

The fund is specifically an escrow account for property developers, who are asked by the county for set-asides to cover the cost, if need be, of third-party

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However, when the county’s former enterprise fund controller encountered situations where the account needed funding, they decided to pull money from Ocean Pines’ water-sewer enterprise account, according to County Administrator Weston Young.

Young also said county staffers fell behind on chasing down developers to pay invoices for projects in escrow and told the commissioners as soon as they knew. They’re now trying to collect on past due amounts from developers to replenish the account, a projected repayment period that could take one to six months.

Projects that have led to negative escrow balances include the Windmill Creek residential community off Beauchamp Road, Triple Crown Estates in Ocean Pines, as well as projects from Ocean Downs Casino, according to Dittrich.

Moving forward, county staff will implement new solutions to keeping Fund 505 from going into the negative, according to Dittrich.

Developers will have to deposit in escrow 7.5% of estimated construction costs instead of the usual $2,500 deposit. County staff also will review the fund monthly for low balances and will require verification of account balances before project turnover is approved.

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Civil suit against ex-bookkeeper in fraud case settled

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) A lawsuit against a former Resort Homes bookkeeper and her husband has concluded.

Last week, attorney Steve Rakow confirmed a civil suit against his clients, Tammy and Ron Barcus, had settled earlier this month. The news comes roughly a year after Resort Homes filed a lawsuit against the couple, accusing them of defrauding the business.

“The case settled,” Rakow said in an email. “The terms are confidential.”

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

The suit claimed that Tammy Barcus wrote unauthorized payments – totaling more than $200,000 per year – to Ron Barcus and concealed the transactions as payments to other companies. Resort Homes alleged Ron Barcus had then endorsed the falsified checks and deposited them into the couple’s bank accounts.

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

Proceedings in the civil suit came to a standstill in February when it was discovered that federal prosecutors were considering criminal charges against Tammy Barcus. That criminal case reached its end late last month, when Tammy Barcus entered a guilty plea to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and tax evasion in federal court.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tammy Barcus admitted to embezzling at least $1.79 million and concealing the embezzlement from both her employer and the Internal Revenue Service. Rakow says her husband was not the target of any criminal investigation.

“From 2016 through 2024, Barcus used her position of trust to embezzle money by issuing more than 500 fraudulently authorized checks from the home builder’s business bank account,” a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office reads. “Barcus forged the signature of one of the owners on the face of the business checks and then deposited the checks into bank accounts she controlled. She then used the money for her personal enrichment.”

While Tammy Barcus awaits sentencing in the criminal matter, the two parties in the civil suit have reached a settlement, which was entered in Worcester County Circuit Court on Oct. 1. The consent judgement was entered in favor of Resort Homes, against Tammy Barcus, in the amount of $1,760,370, according to court records.

Library board looks to fill vacancy

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) The Worcester County Library Board of Trustees is seeking a new member to fill a vacant position.

With Nancy Howard, a nine-year member, stepping down later this year, the Board of Trustees will have an open seat, beginning in January 2026. To that end, it is now seeking a community-minded individual to serve a five-year term.

“We do our best to help the library perform its functions all over the county,” Howard said in an interview last week.

The Worcester County Library Board of Trustees governs the library to ensure community needs are met. A trustee’s obligation, according to the library, is to act in the best inter-

ests of the library by advocating for adequate funding, assisting in planning future library services and facilities, and supporting the mission and vision of the library system.

The Worcester County Library Board of Trustees consists of seven members appointed by the Worcester County Commissioners from nominees submitted by the Board of Trustees. Members serve for a term of five years, for no more than two consecutive terms, and until a successor is appointed.

A trustee will also commit to monthly board meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday of each month – except for July and August – at 9: 30 a.m. Meeting locations are rotated among the five library branches.

A trustee must be a resident of

Worcester County and act as a liaison between the public and the board. They must also be knowledgeable in library operations and be involved in the continuing effort to improve library services, among other things.

Information, as well as an application, has been posted to the Worcester County Library website, worcesterlibrary.org. Completed applications can be emailed to Library Director Jennifer Ranck at jranck@worcesterlibrary.org or sent to the Worcester County Library, 307 N. Washington Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

A review of applications is ongoing and will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.

“We are just a board that supports, works with, enhances and hopefully gets people to appreciate the libraries,” Howard said.

Berlin Fire Company announces open house

have on display its antique engine, the 1924 Mack Engine 601; the newest engine, a 2025 Pierce Engine 6; and its old 1988 Mack Engine 607.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 23, 2025) The Berlin Fire Company invites the public to an open house this weekend, where the crew will have new and old apparatuses on display and fire prevention material available.

A ceremony will also be held to retire an outdated engine and replace it with a much-needed upgrade.

David Fitzgerald, president of the Berlin Fire Company, said that the department will welcome town residents to its headquarters at 214 North Main Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The fire group will

For the first time, the department will also hold a “housing ceremony” to retire its outdated apparatus. According to Fitzgerald, to officially let go of the 1988 engine and replace it with the 2025 engine that the BFC received just last month, one of the oldest living former chiefs will be present to help facilitate “pushing out” the outdated device, while another previous chief will simulate driving the new one into the department.

The fire president added that this type of ceremony will be the first-ever performed by the BFC, as it's not a typical practice on the Eastern Shore. However, he noted that the tradition is popular in places like Pennsylvania

and New Jersey.

A member of the Berlin department suggested hosting the housing ceremony, and the fellow firefighters thought it would be a good way to give the public a look at the new and expensive apparatus, which Fitzgerald said cost about $977,000.

“That’s for the engine with no equipment, that’s just the engine,” he maintained.

The housing ceremony will kick off at noon.

“It’s an opportunity [for the public] to see what this apparatus costs,” Fitzgerald said. “When they see us ask for donations, or they hear us asking for more government funds, whether that's county or town taxpayer funds, that’s why we’re asking. These apparatuses are not cheap. We’re replacing something from 1988. That’s how long we’re keeping the apparatuses, which is much longer than we should. We want the public to see the difference between the new and the old, what the safety features are, and what technology has been brought up from 1988 to 2025.”

The fire president added that, since the company is mainly made up of volunteers, this open house is a way to inform the public about the hard work their fellow citizens put into keeping the community safe.

“It also provides an opportunity to see what the volunteers do,” Fitzgerald said. “People don’t realize that with fire and rescue, the 55 volunteers that are giving their time, it saves the taxpayer money in that you don’t have to employ people for full-time fire crews.”

Also at the open house will be fire prevention materials, particularly prompting the public to regularly check that their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operating as they should. Members of the fire company will be on-site for any residents who may have questions.

Furthermore, Fitzgerald said that handouts appealing to children, such as coloring books, will be available for kids to take home so they can help inform their families about fire prevention and protection strategies.

Berlin residents are encouraged to make their way to the fire company’s open house this weekend. Organizers hope to welcome as many members of the public as possible.

“It looks like good weather, plus it's the last week of the farmers market on Sunday, and usually our parking lot is full from farmers market participants, so we’re hoping between the farmers market and the ceremony, we’ll have a good turnout,” Fitzgerald said.

Sunfest, Halloween events scheduled for Ocean City

(Oct. 24, 2025) Ocean City is not only celebrating 150 years as a town, but also the 50th Anniversary of Sunfest, the town’s signature end-ofsummer celebration.

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26, the Inlet Parking Lot will be transformed into a festival ground filled with live entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, and fun for all ages.

Since its debut, Sunfest has grown into one of the East Coast’s most popular festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

“Celebrating 50 years of Sunfest is a remarkable milestone for Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “What began as a way to extend the summer season has become one of our most treasured traditions. Sunfest brings together residents, visitors, and generations of families who return year after year to experience the music, food, and fun that make Ocean City so special.”

The idea of Sunfest was first introduced as a way to draw visitors to

Ocean City after Labor Day and extend the resort’s season beyond the traditional summer months. What started as ‘Save Six for September’ with vendors selling hot dogs, seafood, funnel cakes, and a few arts and crafts, quickly grew into a nationally recognized festival known today as Sunfest. Over the past five decades, Sunfest has showcased thousands of artists, musicians, and vendors, all while creating lasting memories for generations of families.

This year’s festival will feature nationally recognized performers headlining the main stage each night, offering a mix of legendary acts and today’s favorites. More than 200 artisans will showcase their unique treasures and one-of-a-kind creations. Guests can savor the flavors of Ocean City with an array of mouthwatering dishes and treats.

Families will enjoy kid-friendly activities and entertainment including the Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-OWeen Pet Parade, Great Pumpkin Race, bonfires on the beach, and the high-flying Delmarva Dock Dogs. This year for the 50th anniversary, special highlights include an interactive mural by We Are Limitless Studio, festive photo ops, and an

expanded fireworks show.

To view the full schedule of events, visit www.ococean.com or download the Ocean City App by searching “Discover Ocean City” in App stores.

It is advised visitors take advantage of the Town’s Park and Ride services as parking is restricted at the festival grounds. The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 just west of the bridge provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and affordable shuttle service

to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $4 to ride all day.

The Special Event Express Shuttle is also available at the Convention Center on 40th St. Park for free in the south lot and ride the shuttle directly to Sunfest. The fare is $4 to ride all day. Passes purchased for these services are also valid each day aboard the Coastal Highway Beach Bus.

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Halloween-themed events, like the haunted beach maze,

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Grant brings 30 native trees for planting in Berlin

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) A tree grown from seeds of an over 2,000-year-old bald cypress in North Carolina, the oldest of its kind in the Eastern United States, found its way to the Town of Berlin’s Stephen Decatur Park earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, with help from environmental activists and professionals, planted a tree at Stephen Decatur Park as part of the “Keep Berlin Cool” initiative, led by the municipality’s Horticultural Advisory Committee.

The sapling is a bald cypress, grown from seeds of a tree from North Carolina’s Black River Swamp, which is estimated to be about 2,630 years old.

The planting is part of a tree growth project, known as “Keep Berlin Cool.” The initiative was the brainchild of Berlin resident Lara Mulvaney, who brought the idea to the municipality’s Horticultural Advisory Committee, a group charged with promoting sustainable landscaping in town.

Horticulture committee member Victoria Spice was present at Tuesday’s tree-planting, where she provided some insight into Keep Berlin Cool. Soice said that the project was made possible by a grant from the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. The organization awarded the team $2,890 to plant 30 native trees at 10 sites across Berlin.

Spice said that her group’s vision is for these plants to “increase urban tree canopy to literally ‘Keep Berlin Cool’” and absorb stormwater runoff in town.

“Our goal was really twofold,” she added. “It was not only to teach folks how to plant a tree properly, which can be tricky, but also how to maintain it and to have these really important, meaningful conversations around why native trees are so important, why native landscaping is so important in these urban spaces we have here.”

A specific collection of trees was selected for Stephen Decatur Park: the young sprouts of the thousands of years old bald cypress from North Carolina. The ancient plant’s donation was facilitated by Joan Maloof, a Berlin citizen and founder of the OldGrowth Forest Network, an organization that describes itself as “the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature,” and whose goal is to “locate and designate at least one protected forest in every county in the United States that can sustain a native forest,” its website reads.

Effort keeping town cool one tree at a time

One of the trees of that bald cypress collection was saved to be planted in a ceremonial presentation by Maloof and Tyndall on Tuesday morning, surrounded by community members and a few Town Council representatives. That planting was in honor of Maloof for her efforts in securing the prehistoric seeds.

As part of the work with her organization, Maloof said that she had the opportunity to take a kayak trip into the Tree Sisters Swamp in North Carolina’s Black River with guide and outdoor explorer, Charles Robbins, who recognized that the trees there were special.

Maloof said that Robbins contacted scientists, “the best in the country,” and took them back to the swamp, who then determined one of the trees was around 2,630 years old.

“That is the oldest tree in the Eastern US,” Maloof said. “Think about it, that’s BC that that tree was growing. That’s before Christ, that’s before Buddha, before Muhammad that tree was growing in that swamp in North Carolina.”

A few years later, Robbins returned to that location and discovered the old tree had a reachable branch with seeds. He collected the seeds, grew them, kept them potted, and then donated them to the Old Growth Forest Network.

For the past few months, Maloof has looked after the young plants and has now handed them over to the Keep Berlin Cool project. The trees will sprout up at Stephen Decatur Park, where town officials and local environmentalists hope they will remain for hundreds of years.

“These trees hopefully are going to outlive all of us here,” Maloof said.

More trees are planned to be set throughout town, Spice said, includ-

ing eight private residences, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, Henry Park, and Atlantic General Hospital’s Healthway Drive Community Garden.

At noon on Oct. 28, four native trees are scheduled to be planted on the front lawn of the Buckingham Presbyterian Church. Community members are invited to participate. Berlin’s forestation efforts do not end with Keep Berlin Cool. Horticultural Advisory Committee member Georgianna McElroy, who was at this

week’s planting, said that the group is looking to make Stephen Decatur Park a level two arboretum. This accreditation would require the implementation of at least 100 species of woody plants.

“We need support to get that done. Some trees might need to be replaced. There’s lots of room for more trees,” McElroy said. “We have talked to [public works], they're working with us.”

The horticultural team member added that the committee is working on a plan to aim for this distinction, which will be presented to the Berlin Mayor and Council in the future.

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum is currently classified as a level one arboretum, meaning it has 25 or more woody tree species.

Sara Gorfinkel, the mayor's executive administrative assistant, added that the town was recently approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, “to suggest that Berlin is already well on its way to becoming a Tree City USA.” A Tree City USA is a community recognized for its effective urban forestry programs. A bit more work and coordination are needed to secure the honor, but Gorfinkel maintained that Berlin will soon achieve membership in the Tree City USA project.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left at Tuesday morning’s planting, were resident Lara Mulvaney, Horticultural Advisory Committee member Georgianna McElroy, Councilman Jay Knerr, event honoree Joan Maloof,

Mayor Zack Tyndall, Council members Steve Green and Jack Orris and Horticultural Advisory Committee member Victoria Spice.

Oyster shells to adorn town Christmas tree

able for any town residents who want to contribute to the project.

be Christmas-themed, Gorfinkel added.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 23, 2025) Berlin’s Christmas tree will be a little different this holiday season, with brighter lights and, as part of a community-wide effort, Eastern Shore-themed decorations.

At the Berlin Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14, the municipality’s mayor, Zack Tyndall, and his executive administrative assistant, Sara Gorfinkel, announced that the community’s Christmas tree will this year be adorned with oyster shell garlands. The shellfish will be painted by students from the surrounding schools, and a few extra will be avail-

Gorfinkel said that the oceanthemed tree is Tyndall’s vision. The mayor’s assistant has taken on the initiative and has started contacting the art teachers at schools in Berlin, including Berlin Intermediate School, Buckingham Elementary School, Worcester Preparatory School, Stephen Decatur Middle School, and Stephen Decatur High School.

The oysters were donated by Dan Worrell, owner of Fallen Pine Oyster Company, and will soon be distributed to the learning facilities. Students who want to decorate a shell will have the option to do so. Extras will likely be available at Town Hall for other Berlin residents who want to get in on the action.

The painted oysters do not have to

“They can be any piece of art that moves you or that you’re motivated to paint on your shells,” she said.

The shells, once the decorations are finalized, will be assembled into garlands to be wrapped around the town’s official Christmas tree.

Furthermore, Tyndall said that the municipality has received feedback in years past that the Christmas tree could be a little brighter. To create a more festive decoration that illuminates the town even more, the mayor said that Berlin Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence and his team will wrap extra string lights around the holiday greenery this time around.

A new topper is also planned for Berlin’s Christmas tree. Tyndall said that the town has partnered with Worcester Technical High School to create a new crown, which is likely to be an anchor, or a similar icon aligned with the vibe of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“The topper will hopefully be changed this year,” Tyndall said. “We are working with the tech school to build an anchor, but we’re going to give them some creative freedom.”

The town’s Christmas tree will officially be lit at Berlin’s annual Ice Ice Berlin. The event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28, and will kick off at 5 p.m. The actual tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m.

An Oct. 2 Facebook post by the Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District notes that Ice Ice Berlin, in addition to the tree lighting, will include “dozens of authentically hand-carved ice sculptures created by award-winning artists,” “festive sounds” by Ocean City Pipes and Drums, a visit from Santa at Kringle Cottage, and hot chocolate for sale to benefit the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. Downtown shops and restaurants will also be open late, welcoming patrons throughout the holiday-themed event.

Making Strides run set for Boardwalk this Saturday

(Oct. 17, 2025) For more than 30 years, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities across the nation in an effort to end breast cancer for everyone. This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ocean City will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the intersection of the Boardwalk and South 1st Street.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events in communities across the country have raised approximately $1 billion to support breast cancer research, patient programs, and direct services.

The presenting sponsor this year is Tidal Health Medicine. The Pink Village will open at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies and survivor picture scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and the walk following at 9 a.m.

Making Strides Against Cancer was founded in 1984 by Margery “Margie” Gould Rath, a breast cancer survivor in Massachusetts, as a "move-along-athon" to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

The event officially became known as the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in 1993 and has since inspired millions of people to participate in events in com-

munities across the country. Rath remained a dedicated volunteer until her passing in 2001.

Ways for the public to be involved include:

• Signing up for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Community members can join in saving lives, remembering loved ones and funding the future of breast cancer research and programs by joining this movement. Leading up to October, participants can raise funds to reach a suggested personal goal of [$100] or more, then attend an event in celebration of those efforts.

• Sponsoring the Making Strides movement. Participants can also become corporate leaders in their community to ensure local survivors and thrivers are celebrated and honored during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

• By donating. Community members can also help fund the important work of the American Cancer Society by making a donation. Every dollar received is dedicated to ending breast cancer as we know it. Donations can be made by visiting MakingStridesWalk.org.

Registration for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ocean City MD opens at 8 a.m. on Oct. 25. For more information or to register a team, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/Ocean City, MD.

Watershed grant’s focus should help Berlin

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program has secured millions of dollars in state funding over the next five years to restore the Newport Bay watershed. This project will prioritize stream restoration, stormwater improvements, and community and educational engagement.

During a presentation at a Town of Berlin Mayor and Council meeting this week, MCBP Director Kevin Smith said that the funding was made possible by the Whole Watershed Act, a program that passed during the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly. The goal of the Whole Watershed endeavor is to tackle restoration work in five watersheds statewide.

MCBP applied on behalf of the Newport Bay watershed, citing declining water quality based on measurement data from nutrient levels, clam behavior, and other factors. That submission was approved. As part of the initiative, the coastal bays program will receive $2 million per year, for five years, to be put towards projects that will improve the health of the waterway. Additionally, MCBP must also obtain a funding match on a 1:1 basis. Representatives said that they have a few things under their belt that should provide this money.

Smith added that the coastal bays program chose to focus attention on Newport Bay in part because of its proximity to the Town of Berlin and MCBP’s positive working relationship with the municipality. The Newport Bay watershed includes Berlin, the western half of South Point, the village of Newark, and “extensive farms and forest to just south of Langmaid Road,” cites the MCBP website.

“Over the years, we have had declining health in Newport Bay,” Smith said.

“There are a number of reasons for that. One is land use in the area and agriculture. The other thing is the stormwater management. Knowing that over the years, Berlin has worked to improve stormwater management and improve situations with flooding, we thought there would be an opportunity there to address those issues, which is why we chose the Newport Bay watershed.”

One such project that MCBP is planning as part of the Newport Bay effort is a Hudson Branch stream restoration. Smith said that while they are at the beginning stages of this work, he and his team are hopeful that they will finish the design phase in the next few months so they can move onto permitting.

According to the MCBP director, the site is more of a ditch now, and “not really a stream” anymore.

Location: St. Andrew Catholic Center 14401 Sinepuxent Avenue Ocean City, MD Saturday, November 8, 2025 9AM—4PM

Smith said that the goal of the Hudson Branch stream restoration is to return the area to a more natural coastal plain stream, which would allow water to be filtered and nutrients to be processed before flowing into Newport Bay, ultimately improving the shed’s overall water quality.

A highlight of the Newport Bay project is community engagement. MCBP representatives said that their restoration work could be integrated into the environmental curriculum at Berlin’s schools, and that they are looking for aid from farmers, businesspeople, and

CROSSWORD

stormwater folks.

“We’re really excited to get everyone together, working in the same direction,” said Roman Jesein, MCBP’s science coordinator.

The Berlin Town Council expressed excitement at the project and promised to be a partner during the multi-year restoration process.

“I got excited when you mentioned community involvement and education, like going into the schools,” Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said. “You couldn't get more involved than reaching out to a student body.”

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Timing is everything, Aries. Even though you are anxious to start something big, this might not be the right moment for it. You’ll benefit from stepping back to reassess.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

You are craving comfort, but growth is just outside of your range, Taurus. This week, a financial focus pays off. Don’t ignore your gut when it comes to a financial matter.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You may be charming and magnetic right now, Gemini, but are you paying attention to what other people are saying? It’s time to listen more than you’re speaking.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Emotions are running strong right now, Cancer. It is alright to be passionate. Your intuition will be heightened, but do your best to take a measured approach in the days ahead.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, it’s important to remember that, while the spotlight loves you, not every stage is meant for a solo. Share the attention midweek and others will love you even more for it.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, perfection can wait right now, even if you are craving ultimate order. Embrace progress even if it doesn’t come in a polished form. Say yes to a new opportunity.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you are balancing a dozen things. This seems like a pattern for you, but avoid overextending yourself. Speak up and advocate for your needs.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You are focused and quiet working behind the scenes this week, Scorpio. Some people need to be flashy with fanfare, but that’s not you right now. Relish in the quiet success.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You might be fired up with fresh ideas, Sagittarius. Just be sure your vision is rooted in reality. Write it down and stay open to feedback. It’s best to avoid spontaneity right now.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you’re bound to tire out if you don’t pace yourself. Delegate things when you can, especially by the end of the week. A surprise compliment at work brings joy.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, let your curiosity lead you somewhere new. Someone different from your usual crowd could offer unique insight that you hadn’t considered previously.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, creative energy is high right now, especially around Wednesday. You’re close to a creative breakthrough, but you might need a practical play to get there.

FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION

Art League of Ocean City held its free monthly First Friday opening on

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The

Oct. 3. The Thaler Gallery hosted a solo show by Berlin artist Deborah Rolig entitled "Visionary Voyage." The Sisson Galleria featured a group show expanding on that theme, and Rolig selected the winners. The exhibit continues through Nov. 1, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside. Pictured, above from left, are Jocelyn Briddell, David Hollander, Carol Bell, Arthur Gutkin, Pat Lang and Art League President Crystal Collins.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Deborah Rolig is pictured with her pieces in the Thaler Gallery.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Jocelyn Briddell received Honorable Mention for her painting.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

David Hollander took home first place honors for his work.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Carol Bell achieved an Honorable Mention at the First Friday opening.

BFC VISITS WITH STUDENTS

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) recently hosted the Berlin Fire Company for a Fire Prevention Assembly to raise awareness of fire safety

WPS’s Lower School attended the assembly, where the Berlin Fire Company highlighted the importance of establishing fire safety practices, such as having an escape plan with your family in case of an emergency. Students listened intently to the presentation and, following the assembly, were excited to meet Sparky the Fire Dog. Pictured are members of the kindergarten classes taking a break with Sparky.

Calendar

Fri., Oct. 24

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Music, arts and crafts, food, kid-friendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. www.ococean.com/sunfest/

PUMPKINS IN THE PARK

Stephen Decatur Park - Nature Trail, Tripoli Street, Berlin, 7-9 p.m. Glow sticks provided. Flashlights encouraged. Family friendly. Proceeds benefit the Taylor House Museum.

5TH ANNUAL 2025 TRAIL OF HORRORS

White Horse Park Boat Ramp Trail, Ocean Pines, 7-10 p.m. Cost is $8. (Actors and volunteers needed: Debbie Donahue, 410-6417052, ddonahue@oceanpines.org) https://www.oceanpines.org

OC MAHJONG CLUB

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

DISCOVERY DEN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

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

FALL NIGHT AT THE GALLERY MONSTER MASH

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-8 p.m. Kids, ages 6-13 years, enjoy light dinner, pumpkin decorating, mask making, slime making, dance party and costume parade. Tickets: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org/classes/2637.

LOCALS WEEK - FROM BANK TO MUSEUM: THE STORY OF AN OCEAN CITY LANDMARK Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave., 5 p.m. Documentary follows the transformation of the 1910 building that now houses the Museum of Ocean City. Free admission for Delmarva locals to both museums (Oct. 20-26).

FUNDRAISER FOR THE 32ND ANNUAL AGH PENGUIN SWIM

Ocean Pines Yacht Club, 1 Mumfords Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy cocktails & conversation with the OP Board of Directors, GM, & various department heads and staff. Happy hour prices on select food and drinks, 50/50 raffle. Ravens Roost 44 Penguin Swim Team

THE GHOULS GROVE: A HAUNTED GAME

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 6 p.m. Journey into the haunted grove for a spooky life-sized game. Game, crafts and activities. For fami-

lies. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901

Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994

Sat., Oct. 25

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Music, arts and crafts, food, kid-friendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. www.ococean.com/sunfest/

SUNFEST’S BICYCLE SHOW-N-SHINE & SWAP MEET

Sunfest Event Grounds, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring your vintage, modern, custom bikes to show and compete. Show, sell, trade bicycle products and parts.

https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/sunfest-bicycle-show-n-shine-and-swap-meet/

HALLOWEEN BOWL BASH

Ocean Bowl Skate Park, Third Street, Ocean City, 2-6 p.m. Halloween Bowl Bash includes a best trick contest with prizes and music. Also prizes for best costumer. Must be 6 years and older. Register: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/. 410-289-2695

BERLIN TOUCH A TRUCK N TREAT

Stephen Decatur Park, Tripoli Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about Berlin’s trucks. Kids get to see fire trucks, garbage trucks, utility trucks and more. Dress in your best Halloween costume for treats. Free event. berlinmainstreet.com/touch-atruck, 410-641-2770

HALLOWEEN/FALL FESTIVAL

White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Carnival games, costume contests, face painting. Food and refreshments for sale. https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/n ews_content?announcementId=2769&am p;backURL=%2Fblogs1&_jsfBridgeRedirect=true, 410-642-7052

HALLOWEEN SPOOKY SWIM

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 5-8 p.m. Dress in your best costume for a chance to win. Halloween crafts, games, music and food for purchase. Cost is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents, $8 for swim members and $3 for non-swimmers. 410-641-5255

5TH ANNUAL 2025 TRAIL OF HORRORS

White Horse Park Boat Ramp Trail, Ocean Pines, 7-10 p.m. Cost is $8. (Actors and volunteers needed: Debbie Donahue, 410-6417052, ddonahue@oceanpines.org) https://www.oceanpines.org, 410-641-7052

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Buffet includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Ocean City Boardwalk, 801 S. Boardwalk, 8-11 a.m. Walk on the boardwalk to support breast cancer survivors and remember those we have lost. Funds raised benefit the American Cancer Society. https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg= entry&fr_id=110823

LOCALS WEEK - BOOK SIGNING

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet author Corinne Litzenberg, her books “Ben and the Brass Check: A Lewes Life-Saving Station Story” and “S is for Sea Glass” sold. Free admission for Delmarva locals to both museums (Oct. 20-26).

REIMAGING THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Renowned jazz guitarist Abe Ovadia brings new life to classic jazz standards in a modern, captivating way. Explore the creative process behind jazz improvisation. 410-208-4014

HORROR FILM NIGHT

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 7-9 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m., films start at 7 p.m. Join in for a night of horror presented by the Ocean City Film Festival. Free movie night. Viewer discretion advised. 410-5249433

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-641-7052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/fa rmers-artisans-market

Sun., Oct. 26

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Music, arts and crafts, food, kid-friendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. www.ococean.com/sunfest/

SUNFEST YOGA ON THE BEACH

Ocean City Inlet, 807 S. Atlantic Ave., 8:309:30 a.m. Whether you’re a seasonal yogi or just looking to stretch it out before a day of music, food and fun, this is your chance to connect, recharge and shine. Sign up: https://www.ococean.com/sunfest/. 410289-2800

HALLOWEEN ‘SPOOK OUT’ PARTY

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 13 p.m. Featuring an inflatable corn maze, carnival games/prizes, festival photo spots, selfie stations and costume parade. Bring one full bag of individually wrapped candy per child. https://oceancitymd.gov, 410-250-0125

BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE - ROLL ON DOWN THE HIGHWAY 2025

Roland E. Powell Convention Center - Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Featuring Randy Bachman for a night of timeless hits. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/98928760/ bachmanturner-overdriveroll-on-down-thehighway-2025-tour-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

HALLOWEEN BMX & SKATE JAM

Ocean Pines Skatepark, 239 Ocean Parkway, 12-5 p.m. BMX stunt show, open ride, skate & BMX contests, costume contests, prizes, food and refreshments and DJ NoDoubtNate. Free event.

FREE - OCFF HORROR NIGHT!

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 6-9 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. for an hour of refreshments, followed by the film screening at 7 p.m. After the films, there will be a Q&A with filmmakers in addition to a Halloween costume contest. Viewer discretion.

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, May through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market featuring more than 50 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat and more. Also featuring a petting farm (9-11 a.m.), free kids art station and live music. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

Mon., Oct. 27

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING

Worcester Technical High School, 6270 Worcester Highway, Newark, 10 a.m. Heather Mizeur, former Maryland State Delegate, will speak about WeAreOne Alliance, the non-profit she founded to “restore faith in the heart of humanity, one connection at a time.” https://dwcmd.org

STORY TIME: SPOOKTACULAR!

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Continued on Page 46

Continued from Page 45

GAME DAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Drop in to play games all afternoon. From Mario Kart to chess, challenge yourself. Light refreshments provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

THE DARK HISTORY OF PATTY CANNON

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m.

Historian Mike Dixon delves into the chilling history of Patty Cannon, one of the most notorious figures to prowl the Delmarva Peninsula in the early 1800s. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Elissa, 410641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 78 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., Oct. 28

STORY TIME: HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for Halloween stories and crafts. Come dressed in your favorite costume and parade through the library while Trick or Treating. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878.

SENSORY STORY TIME

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

BABY TIME

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

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-5:30 p.m. Walk the road to the mad doctor’s lair; You’ll see many things to give you a scare: A dinosaur here! An alien there! A zombie horde! Walk

on by - if you dare! 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FRANKENSTEAM: SPARK OF LIFE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Build your own wiggly drawing machine while learning about motors and basic engineering. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-6414882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Oct. 29

MURDER MYSTERY

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

Help solve an elaborate mystery. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original boxes. 410-641-0650

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-5:30 p.m. Walk the road to the mad doctor’s lair; You’ll see many things to give you a scare: A dinosaur here! An alien there! A zombie horde! Walk on by - if you dare! 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS

Wednesdays (through Aug. 20) - Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumford's Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Food available for purchase. Admission is $3 for OP swim members, $5 for OP residents, $7 for non-residents and free for non-swimmers. Cash only. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

CASH BINGO

Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443-605-5028

Thurs., Oct. 30

OC RV & VAN LIFESTYLE SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12-7 p.m. Explore the latest RVs, custom vans, kayaks, fishing gear and outdoor accessories. Enjoy BMX and skateboarding demos, test ride the newest e-bikes, bay cruises and more. Tickets: https://ocrvshow.com.

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE LIBRARY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Come in costume, create your trick or treat bag, and then go around the desks to collect your candy. For ages 0-18 years. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘NOT SO SPOOKY STORIES’

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

STORY TIME: HALLOWEEN STORY TIME AND COSTUME PARADE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come dressed in costume for a story and a parade through the library. Trick or treat around the different areas and make a craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC CHESS CLUB

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

DOCTOR MADDOCKTER’S HAUNTED LABORATORY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2-5:30 p.m. Walk the road to the mad doctor’s lair; You’ll see many things to give you a scare: A dinosaur here! An alien there! A zombie horde! Walk on by - if you dare! 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MUSIC LEGENDS MOVIE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Elton John’s music provides the soundtrack for this biopic about the performer’s extraordinary life. Rated R. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAIR YOGA

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

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HALLOWEEN STEAM!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for some scary good crafts and experiments. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DRY PANTRY

Thursdays - St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For those in need of resources such as paper products, laundry products, baby items, and personal care items. Limits apply. 410-641-0270

Crossword answers from page 42

OCTOBER 24, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch

Experienced

YR SOUS CHEF

Mancini’s Restaurant

907 Coastal Hwy Fenwick Isle, DE

302-537-4224

JOLLY ROGER

Small Engine Mechanic.

Ride Maintenance. Year Round.

Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Ocean City, MD

410-213-1032

YR APARTMENT

8th ST. 1 BR, Sleeps 6 Fully remodeled.

3rd Floor, No elevator

$1,850 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675

YR APARTMENT

28th ST.

Large 1 BR, Fully remodeled.

3rd Floor, No elevator

$1,500 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675

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

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL

3BR, 2BA

Beautiful Townhouse with garage. Unfurnished. Off Rt. 54 in Atlantic Lakes.

$2,300 per mo. + util’s. Owner pays HOA. Community pool. No pets/smoking. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

YEARLY RENTAL

2BR, 1BA Unfurnished

319 Robin Drive

Available immediately Dog friendly, ground floor. Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history.

$2,000/mo + electric Call/text 703-819-7400

WINTER RENTAL

North OC

1BR, 1BA Condo

3rd Flr walk up, furnished, WD, Parking, Walking distance to restaurants

$1,100 per mo + sec. dep. Incl’s Util & WiFi 412-965-4079

ROOMMATES

ROOMMATE

North Ocean Pines Room for rent. Furnished, Private bath $850 + 1/2 Utilities. Text 410-726-2451.

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

39 ACRE FARM

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.

Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within. $2,400 per mo. 410-430-7675

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

SERVICES

LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

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. $650,000

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

SEEKING

ATTENTION

All relatives of restaurant owners in the OC MD area that are interested in preserving our little towns restaurant heritage. Contact Kelly Carney 410-251-6694 Or KaCarney7@gmail.com

FOR SALE

For Sale - 2 Lectric E-Bikes New, never ridden, health issues happened. Looking to get $1,200 for both and also a tow along cart that attaches to the bike to carry a small dog. Please call 717-440-2168. ESTATE SALE SAT., 10/25, 8AM-2PM SUN., 10/26, 8AM-NOON Indoor/Outdoor Dealers, collectors and

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

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

November 10, 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 rem-

edy 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

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BWW Law Group, LLC

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

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

128 B NEWPORT BAY DRIVE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated March 23, 2006, recorded in Liber 4670, Folio 399 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $428,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on NOVEMBER 4, 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 $26,000 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. 372188-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees.

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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES' SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

10531 HARRISON ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811

Trust dated June 16, 2009 and recorded in Liber 5292, Folio 033, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with a maximum principal balance of $179,250.00, and an interest rate of 5.750%, 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 November 3, 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 $25,000.00 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. Ifpurchaser 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.

Potential Bidders:

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 2802832.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com www.Auction.com OCD-10/16/3t

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000051 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, 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

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B06-26 – Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. BID Documents for the Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regu-

lar business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM, IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM, 1ST FLOOR, CITY HALL, 301 NORTH BALTIMORE AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST, 2025, BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2025, AT 6:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-10/16/3t

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

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 estate 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

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

Daniel Tregoning Esq. 352 W Patrick St Frederick, MD 21701-4887

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of TAMARA H GABRIELLI, ESTATE NO. 20863

Notice is given that: DANIEL K TREGONING ESQ., 352 W PATRICK ST FREDERICK, MD 21701-4887, was on Oct. 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of TAMARA H GABRIELLI, 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 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 7th 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 the7th 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.

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-10/16/3t

WORCESTER COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing and will receive public comment on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland:

To provide information on the progress of the Housing Study which was funded under the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program which is a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services.

A copy of the Housing Study is available to view online at www.co.worcester.md.us or during normal business hours at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD. Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with 3 days advance notice to Candace Savage, Deputy Chief Ad-

ministrative Officer at 410-632-1194.

The Worcester County Commissioners

WORCESTER COUNTY

OCD-10/16/2t

BWW Law Group, LLC

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-25-000153

ANDREW J. BRENNER, ET.AL.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/Plaintiffs, vs.

AMBER M. RAY

113 North Collins Street Snow Hill, MD 21863

Defendant(s)

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 9th day of October, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 113 North Collens Street, Snow Hill, DM 21863, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 10th day of November, 2025, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in said county, once in each of three successive weeks before the 3rd day of November, 2025.

The report state the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $106,920.00.

SUSAN BRANIECKI True Test Copy Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland OCD-10/16/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of SYLVIA M ONIONS Estate No. 20866 Notice is given that TARA PATTERSON whose address is 53 MARTINIQUE CIR, BERLIN MD 21811-1703 was on OCTOBER 08, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SYLVIA M ONIONS who died on SEPTEMBER 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 8TH 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-10/16/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARION S PIERCE Estate No. 20851 Notice is given that BARBARA ANN JONES whose address is 10115 GERMANTOWN RD, BERLIN MD 21811-2852 was on OCTOBER 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARION S PIERCE who died on SEPTEMBER 12, 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 7TH day of APRIL, 2026

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objectionto the appontment of the personal respresentative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th 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-10/16/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B05-26- Worcester Street Comfort Sation Renovations

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Worcester Street Comfort Station Renovations may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.org or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.org, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular or business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents. A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on FRIDAY, OCOBER 17TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM, IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM, 1ST FLOOR, CITY HALL, 301 NORTH BALTIMORE AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last day for questions will be on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted posted by close of business on MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST, 2025 BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2025, AT 6:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk’ Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue. Ocean City, MD 21842, and thename of the Solicitation (Worcester Street Comfort Station Renovations) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Soliciation.

OCD-10/17/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PAUL A MOSCATT AKA: PAUL A MOSCATT JR Estate No. 20859 Notice is given that GAETANO ROMANO LOTRECCHIANO whose address is 209 W MARKET ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1058 was on OCTOBER 09, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL A MOSCATT who died on AUGUST 28, 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 of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th 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 9th 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-10/16/3t

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 estate 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

JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN F JARVIS JR Estate No. 20875 Notice is given that ROBERT BRAD JARVIS whose address is 10109 PEBBLE CT OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-8805 was on OCTOBER 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN F JARVIS JR who died on SEPTEMBER 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 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 14th 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 14th 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-10/23/3t

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

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20876 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STANLEY HANSEN

Notice is given that Michael G. Fitch, 1105 Manito Rd., Manasquan, NJ 08736-2016, was on October 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stanley Hansen who died on September 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 14th 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 14th 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.

Michael G. Fitch

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 23, 2025

OCD-10/23/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, November 6, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(1), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed by Peter Buas, Esquire, on behalf of Kozmas, Inc., to appeal the Zoning Administrator’s determination of legal nonconformity related to the Sea Cove Motel which is dated September 9, 2025. The property is described as Lots 1 and 12, Block 78N, of the Sinepuxent Beach Plat. It is further described as being located on the southwest corner of Baltimore Avenue and 27th Street and is locally known as the Sea Cove Motel located at 105 27th Street and 2611 Baltimore Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: PETER BUAS, ESQUIRE, ON BEHALF OF KOZMAS, INC. (BZA 2729 #25-09300003) AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 110-94(3)(a) to request a special yard exception for a proposed dwelling to be 1.0 feet from a side lot line. The property is described as Lot E-24 of the Isle of Wight Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the south side of Flounder Lane and is locally known as 251 Flounder Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: P.E. MOORE AND SONS CONSTRUCTION (BZA 2730 #25-09400013)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be exam-

ined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman

Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-10/23/2t

STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ. SCALES LAW GROUP

12417 OCEAN GTWY STE 11

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GARRY WAYNE SNYDER Estate No. 20839 Notice is given that DANA BRADLEY BABEL whose address is 1768 SHADYSIDE RD DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335-3723 was on OCTOBER 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GARRY WAYNE SNYDER who died on SEPTEMBER 15, 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 of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th 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 15th 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-10/23/3t

QUINN MCGINNES ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20843

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

IN THE ESTATE OF BETTY H. KELLEY

Notice is given that J. Michael Kelley, 12339 Back Creek Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1737, was on October 14, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Betty H. Kelley who died on June 30, 2019, 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 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.

J. Michael Kelley 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 23, 2025 OCD-10/23/1t

SMALL ESTATE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20861

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JUNE ZOLLICKOFFER

Notice is given that Marlene Schmuff, 246 Windjammer Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-1831, was on October 16, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of June Zollickoffer who died on July 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their ob-

jections 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.

Marlene Schmuff

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 23, 2025

OCD-10/23/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20877

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH T. SHAHADY

Notice is given that Patricia D. Shahady, 12 Hidden Lake Ct., Berlin, MD 21811-1256, was on October 15, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Joseph T. Shahady who died on March 28, 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 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.

Patricia D. Shahady 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 23, 2025

OCD-10/23/1t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20825 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FRANK LANTELLA

Notice is given that Leonora Lantella, 2525 Scravel Rd., Myersville, MD 21773-9203, was on October 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frank Lantella who died on July 30, 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 15th 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 15th 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.

Leonora Lantella

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 23, 2025

OCD-10/23/3t

TOWN OF BERLIN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # 2025-08

Berlin Lead Service Line Replacement—Phase 1

Due Date: December 3, 2025 Time: 2:00 pm EST

The Town of Berlin is seeking Proposals for approximately 183 lead services to be replaced in its entirety along William Street, Broad Street, and Bay Street. The existing services are required to be replaced as part of the “The Lead and Copper Rule” mandate the project is funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund through the Maryland Department of the Environment, and is subject to the required DBE efforts, BABAA, and Davis-Bacon wage rates.

Qualified contractors are encouraged to visit the Town of Berlin website at berlinmd.gov/government/requestfor-proposals/ or contact Director of Water Resources Jamey Latchum at 410-641-3845/ jlatchum@berlinmd.gov for the official RFP. EEO.

OCD-10/23/1t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MELVIN FISHER Estate No. 20868 Notice is given that CHERLY FISHER whose address is 201 15TH ST., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-1311 was on OCTOBER 09, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of MELVIN FISHER who died on SEPTEMBER 08, 2024 without a will.

Further information can be ob-

tained 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 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-10/23/1t

HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C.

313 LEMMON HILL LN SALISBURY, MD 21801-4238

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20882 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARK RAY EPPERSON

Notice is given that Harold Dean Epperson, 23 Brookside Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-1819, was on October 21, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Mark Ray Epperson who died on June 19, 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.

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.

Harold Dean Epperson 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 23, 2025

OCD-10/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-26

RE: Bicycles, Skateboards and Similar Conveyances

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-26 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 20, 2025. Second reading is scheduled November 3, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 20, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance addresses the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, EPMADs and pushcarts on the roadway, boardwalk and sidewalks.

OCD-10/23/1t

nance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 20, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance increases the maximum monetary penalty for civil infractions and for misdemeanors from $1,000 to not more than $5,000 as permitted by State law. It also amends the maximum length of imprisonment for misdemeanors from 90 days to not more than 6 months. Additionally, code sections are being added which are necessary to provide consistency and clarity to the penalties and fines.

OCD-10/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-28

RE: Moratorium for Issuance of New Short-term Rental Licenses

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-28 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 20, 2025. Second reading is scheduled November 3, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 20, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance extends the moratorium on the issuance of new short-term rental licenses through January 3, 2027. OCD-10/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

Call: 410-723-6397

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

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

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-27

RE: Fines and Penalties

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-27 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 20, 2025. Second reading is scheduled November 3, 2025. A complete text of the ordi-

RE: Tourist Courts and Tourist Homes

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-29 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 20, 2025. Second reading is scheduled November 3, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 20, 2025, agenda packet. The concept of tourist courts and tourist homes no longer exists. This ordinance removes reference to both terms and replaces them with rooming house or lodging house and/or boardinghouse. OCD-10/23/1t

Delaware

Acadia Landing LEWES, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

ballenger creek HARBESON, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

Bridgewater SELBYVILLE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Mid $500s

deer creek LINCOLN, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

forest landing ELLENDALE, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes Toownhomes

four winds farm LTTON, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

High Tide at lighthouse bay

OCEAN CITY, , MD

Heritage creek LTTON, DE

Final Opportunity Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

rtty east MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

Milos Haven FRANKFORD, DE

Final Opportunity Villas from the Low $400s

Newdale acres ELLENDALE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Toownhomes from the Low $300s

Pelican Point MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

rtton Chase MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $300s

lakeside at trappe

TRAPPE, MD

the oaks GEORGETOWN, Coming Soon Toownhomes

vines creek crossing FRANKFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Ho Toownhomes, and Villas

Plantation Lakes ryyClub

MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Ho Villas Toownhomes from the Low $300s

Westwood MILFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family H and Villas

Maarylan

Tides at River Marsh

CAMBRIDGE, MD

Final Opportunity Toownhomes from the Mid $700s and T

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Toownhomes from the Mid $300s

Now Selling Single Family Home Toownhomes from the Uppe

Hotels awarded

(Oct. 24, 2025) The Harrison Group Hotels and Restaurants is proud to announce that four of its Ocean City properties have been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Readers’ Choice Award from ConventionSouth, the leading national multimedia resource for event and meeting planning in the South.

The honored properties include Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront, DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Holiday Inn Oceanfront on 67th Street and Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites.

“ConventionSouth readers and fans have once again voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it’s no surprise that these Harrison Group properties have been selected,” said ConventionSouth Associate Publisher Tiffany Burtnett. “This recognition comes directly from the nation’s top meeting

professionals, those who demand the highest levels of service, creativity, and facility quality. These Ocean City hotels clearly exemplify that commitment.”

The ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the most outstanding hotels, venues, and CVBs across the Southern United States. This year, over 7,000 meeting professionals participated in the nomination and voting process, making it one of the most engaging award years in the publication’s 40-year history. The four Harrison Group properties were selected among 502 distinguished hotels, event spaces, and destinations throughout the South.

In addition to highlighting award-winning properties, ConventionSouth’s upcoming Awards Issue will feature its annual “Meeting Professionals to Watch” list, showcasing some of the industry’s most innovative and inspiring planners. Celebrating more than four decades as a trusted resource for meeting plan-

ners, ConventionSouth reaches over 18,000 professionals nationwide who book events across the Southern region.

The Harrison Group Hotels & Restaurants owns and operates 19 hotels and 16 restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, including several premier properties in Ocean City.

Canakis joins TidalHealth

TidalHealth has welcomed Andrew Canakis, DO, a gastroenterologist specializing in advanced endoscopic procedures, to TidalHealth Gastroenterology in Ocean Pines, Maryland.

A native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, he is proud to bring cutting-edge care back to his home community.

Canakis earned his bachelor’s degree

in history from the College of William and Mary and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received the prestigious 2018 Mason Pressly Award. He completed his internal medicine residency at Boston University Medical Center, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center and an advanced therapeutic endoscopy fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with focused training in therapeutic EUS.

Board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology, Canakis has authored more than 140 publications and presented at national and international conferences. His work appears in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks, and he has held leadership roles in academic scholarships, including chairing residency scholarship committees in both Boston and Maryland. He is passionate about education and currently serves as Associate Program Director for the TidalHealth Gastroenterology Fellowship, mentoring students, residents and fellows.

In addition to general gastroenterology, his clinical interests include pancreaticobiliary disease, management of early-stage gastrointestinal cancers, and minimally invasive approaches to complex hepatobiliary conditions.

Planner joins firm

Comprehensive Financial Solutions (CFS, Inc.) has announced that Matthew Danmyer, CFP®, has joined the firm as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®professional. Matt brings more than nine years of experience in the financial services industry and a strong reputation for helping families build secure, confident retirements through thoughtful, long-term financial strategies.

<Q" =RMP ! !P 6MT !P!

Known for his supportive and goaldriven approach, Matt works closely with highnet-worth individuals and families, offering tailored financial planning and continuous oversight. His clientcentered philosophy and deep commitment to comprehensive, personalized planning align perfectly with the values and mission of CFS.

“Matt brings the client-first mindset we value deeply at CFS. His fiduciary approach, proactive planning style, and strong moral compass align perfectly with our mission. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®professional, Matt adds tremendous expertise to our team—particularly in tax planning, which we believe truly sets CFS apart. We’re thrilled to welcome him and confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to both our firm and his clients,” said Michael Sise, Vice President.

Danmyer holds a Bachelor of Science from Messiah College, where he was also a member of the men’s lacrosse team. Outside of work, he enjoys being with his wife and three children.

Andrew Canakis

Matt Danmyer

Guidance to avoid attempts with real estate wire fraud

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) As part of their consumer guide series, the National Association of REALTORS® provides information on a variety of real estate topics. A recent release focused on “How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud”.

Wire fraud is a scam using electronic communications to divert money to the bank accounts of cybercriminals. Cybercriminals target the participants in a real estate transaction, including buyers, sellers, real estate attorneys, title companies, and real estate brokers and agents. These scammers hack into email accounts, monitor the progress of the transaction, and wait for just the right moment when the transfer of funds is necessary for the closing. Then, they send the buyer an email with a change in payment type (from check to wire transfer) or a change from one bank account to the cybercriminal’s account. How can you protect yourself against wire fraud?

• Be Informed: At the beginning of the

homebuying process, talk with your real estate agent about each step — including all transfers.

• Verifying wire instructions: If possible, get wiring instructions from the fund recipient in person. If the instructions are received through a different method, confirm in person or through a phone call with the recipient using a trusted phone number.

• Be suspicious of last-minute changes by email or voicemail: Title companies and lenders have processes in place that shouldn’t suddenly change. Examine any last-minute change or request for information carefully.

• Call a trusted source before and after you wire funds: When you are responding to legitimate funding instructions, call to confirm receipt of funds immediately using a known number.

• Act fast if you suspect fraud: If, despite your best efforts, you suspect you’ve been a victim of wire fraud, contact your bank to try to stop the fund transfer and report it immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3).

— Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City

• The history of Ocean City, Md., from its beginning in the

to the present day. Over 500 photo images.

• A hardbound, 220-page coffee table book featuring cover by noted artist Paul McGehee.

• Over seven years in the making with personal memories of Ocean City’s locals and visitors. Recall your own favorite memories of Maryland’s famous beach resort.

• Revisit the old restaurants and long-vanished hotels, relive summer nights on the Boardwalk, go fishing on the ocean or the bay, and learn about the fires and storms that changed the town forever.

Vanishing Ocean City is available for $49.95 at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and Salisbury. It can also be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

All Three Of Bunk Mann’s Books A “Must Have” For All Who Love Ocean City!

1870s

Berlin electric rates to increase first of ‘26

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) Consumers in the Town of Berlin should expect their electric bills to increase early next year, after the Town Council this week approved a new energy contract to secure the municipality’s power supply through the end of the decade.

Craig Kleinhenz, vice president of power supply planning from American Municipal Power (AMP), a nonprofit energy agency that buys power on behalf of more than 130 municipal electric systems, was present at Tuesday’s mayor and Town Council meeting.

He informed informed the governing body that two main electricity contracts expire at the end of 2025, requiring the town to lock in new agreements. These updated deals will

result in higher costs.

To ensure that electricity continues to flow to the town’s consumers, AMP recommended that the municipality approve a new “requirements deal,” which will supply 52% of the municipality’s energy needs at a cost of 7 cents per kilowatt hour ($70 per megawatt hour), an increase from the current contract’s fee of 3.5 cents per kilowatt hour ($35 per megawatt hour). That existing agreement was purchased in 2020 and extends through the end of 2025.

Kleinhenz said that his team will have the authority to buy this updated deal through 2030, but the energy agency will commit only to 2026 and 2027 at this time. They may secure the remaining years if favorable pricing becomes available. The representative said that this

plan allows the town to secure stable rates while remaining flexible if market conditions improve in the next few years.

The requirements deal guarantees that Berlin’s power needs will be provided at a fixed rate, even during peak demand. Officials maintain that while the new contract will nearly double wholesale costs, it protects the town from extreme market volatility, like spikes that may occur on hot summer days.

“The nice thing about this contract is that it will provide exactly what you need, at a fixed price,” Kleinhenz said. “So, if it's a really hot day in the summer where the air conditioners are working really hard and the price of power is really expensive, it provides that as $70 per megawatt hour. To give you an example, this summer,

we saw prices over $1,000 per megawatt hour. On a day like today, the market’s closer to $50 per megawatt hour. This contract, instead of buying from the hourly market at $50, you’re buying it at $70, but it's providing you with that certainty that in those really expensive times, you guys have protection from that.”

AMP is also preparing to purchase power through a second contract, set to run through 2028, for around 5 cents per kilowatt hour, or $51 per megawatt hour. That agreement is expected to be underway within the next few weeks and is an increase from the current deal of 4.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

Kleinhenz added that Berlin will continue purchasing renewable energy at a fixed price from Blue Creek Wind Farm in Ohio through a contract that will expire at the end of 2029.

With the two updated contracts outlined by Kleinhenz, AMP estimates that the town’s overall wholesale power costs will increase from 6 cents to 7.7 cents per kilowatt hour. For consumers, that will translate to about a 2.5 to 3 cent per kilowatt hour rise on electric bills beginning in January 2026.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that staff will compile information on how that will exactly shake out on residents’ statements, to be soon communicated to the community.

Officials emphasized that while customers will be hit with the price hikes, Berlin’s rates will remain below neighboring utilities such as Choptank Electric and Delmarva Power. The AMP representative attributed these rising energy costs to increasing natural gas prices, growing demand, and other factors.

“It's good news and bad news,” Kleinhenz said. “Bad news is that there is an increase. The good news is, it's a lot less than it could be. You guys are definitely below the surrounding areas, but that doesn't take away from the pain of an increase.”

Offseason events, activities planned for Ocean Pines

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 23, 2025) The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department is gearing up to host new offerings this offseason for all age groups.

Advertised as “for new recruits and squires,” a Dungeons and Dragons club will be held for ages eight to 12. The meetings will take place each Tuesday in November, from Nov. 4 to Dec. 23, at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Residents can join for $10. Non-residents can participate for $15.

Ocean Pines will also host Dungeons and Dragons clubs for participants a little older, as players from ages 13 to 17 can join the mythical group as well. Meetings for the teenagers will take place on Wednesdays from Nov. 5 to Dec. 10. Residents must pay $15, while non-residents incur a cost of $25. Similar to the group for the youngsters, members will meet at the Ocean Pines Community Center, and dice will be provided.

An adult Dungeons and Dragons will also be available this autumn in OP on Fridays in November, advertised as “for veterans and new adventurers.” Residents can pay $25 to join, and nonresidents will be charged $30. The meetings will take place at the community center in White Horse Park.

To continue the community’s lineup of spooky season-themed events, a Halloween BMX and Skate Jam is scheduled for this weekend, on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Ocean Pines skate park at White Horse Park. The event is free to attend and will take place from noon to 5 p.m. The jam will include a BMX stunt show, an open ride, skate and BMX contests, costume competitions, food and refreshments, and prizes.

A “Hoopsters” basketball clinic will soon be underway for kids of all ages. According to the Ocean Pines Association’s Recreation and Parks Department website, the lessons will take place on Saturdays from Nov. 8 to Dec. 13. The advertisement says that participants will “learn the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting, game strategy and rules. Each week will consist of skills and drills that progress into scrimmaged games.” To register, call rec and parks at 410-641-7052.

Coming up soon is the annual Pup of the Pines Photo Contest. Residents will have until Saturday, Oct. 25, to submit a picture of their dog for the chance for their pet to be the “Pup of the Pines” for the entire year. Residents who would like to submit their dogs for consideration can do so for a $5 fee. Official entry forms will be available at the OPA Community Center, and the top eight pets will be on display at the Ocean Pines Halloween Fall Festival scheduled for Oct 25. Attendees at the event will be able to vote for their favorite.

Local students recognized after high test scores

(Oct. 24, 2025) Head of School Dr. Betsy Hornung from Worcester Preparatory School has announced that seniors Kain Crossett of Berlin and Jude Damouni of Lewes have been named Commended Students. Additionally, Anisha and Ansh Batra of Rehoboth Beach, and Paxton Mault of Ocean City have been named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC).

Approximately 34,000 Commended Students across the country are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students are among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishment, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

In addition, 16,000 students were selected as semifinalists out of 1.3 million juniors who entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

As semifinalists, Anisha Batra, Ansh Batra and Paxton Mault have a chance to continue in the competition for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be awarded next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must meet several requirements to advance to Finalist. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist status, and roughly half of the Finalists will receive a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, front from left, are WPS Head of Upper School Carol Evans, National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students Kain Crossett and Jude Damouni and Head of School Dr. Betsy Hornung. Back, from left, are National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists Paxton Mault and Anisha and Ansh Batra.

Who’s Where When

BURLEY OAK

BREWING COMPANY

443-513-4647

10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin

Saturday, October 25: TBA

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Friday,October 24: 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 24: Darin Engh & The Beach Bandits

Saturday, October 25: The Jamn Brothers & Monkee Paw

Sunday, October 26: Lime Green Band & Coconuts Closing Party

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, October 24: Cup Of Joe

Saturday, October 25: Chris Diller

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Friday, October 24: Endless Ember

Wednesday, October 29: Dawn Williams

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, October 24: The Lucky Shoes

Saturday, October 25: Mercury Agenda

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, October 24:

Deadeye Stare & DJ RobCee

Best Beats On The Beach

DEADEYE STARE Fager’s Island: Friday, October 24

ALTER EGO

Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Fri., Oct. 24

CUP OF JOE Coins Pub: Fri., Oct. 24

DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays

ENDLESS EMBER Crabcake Factory Bayside: Fri., Oct. 24

RYMACK & AJ Greene Turtle West: Fri., Oct. 24

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Sat., Oct. 25

JASON LEE The Wedge: Sun., Oct. 26

DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Fri., Oct. 24

CARLEY TWIGG Cantina Los Agaves: Tues., October 28

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Fri., Oct. 24

BEACH BANDITS

PICKIN’ PARTY

Harborside: Sunday, October 26

THE LUCKY SHOES

Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, October 24

TURNING THE TIDE

Seacrets: Saturday, October 25

Who’s Where When

Saturday, October 25:

Sugar Jack & DJ Vybe

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Friday, October 24:

Rymac & AJ

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, October 24: DJ Harvey Cinco

Saturday, October 25:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sunday, October 26:

Pickin’ Party

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, October 25:

Cecilia’s Fall

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 24 & 25: Alter Ego

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, October 24: Naked Nation, DJ Mary Jane, DJ E-State & Screaming Monkeys

Saturday, October 25: DJ Connair, Full Circle, Lights Out By 8, DJ Bobby O, DJ E-State & Turning The Tide

Thursday, October 30: Carley Twigg & DJ Davie

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave. Sunday, October 26: Jason Lee

Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, October 24

NAKED NATION

Seacrets: Friday, October 24

SUGAR JACK

Fager’s Island: Saturday, October 25

THE JAMN BROTHERS

Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, October 25

SCREAMING MONKEYS

Seacrets: Friday, October 24

MERCURY AGENDA

Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, October 25

MONKEE PAW

Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, October 25

New coastal bays exhibit unveiling set for next week

(Oct. 24, 2025) The public is invited by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the unveiling of the new coastal bays exhibit located at the south end of the Boardwalk. The unveiling will take place at the benches that face the Inlet.

The exhibit honors the history of our waterways, the people who work them, and the rich ecology that makes this place a true treasure.

The exhibit features a 16-foot mural of the bay’s habitats that literally paint a vibrant picture of the Coastal Bays estuary. The mural was completed by local artist Leslie Belloso. The exhibit also includes 3D models of the marsh and the animals found in our bays’ waters and interpretive signage to spark interest to visitors to learn more about the watershed.

Visitors can also scan QR codes to continue learning long after they leave the exhibit space. In the future, the exhibit will have that English and Spanish audio and more online resources such as an interactive mural tour.

Representatives extend a special thanks to Beach to Bay Heritage Area, Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Harrison Group, the Windrow Group, Old Pro Golf, and Leslie Belloso whose contributions have brought this exhibit to life to be enjoyed for years to come.

A new mural proposed for the south end of the Boardwalk in Ocean City is pictured.

Service group gearing up for yearly holiday charity drives

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 23, 2025) With Halloween just around the corner, the service group Ocean Pines Get Involved is gearing up for their holiday drives to give back to community members in need.

Esther Diller, a former Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors member, founded Ocean Pines Get Involved, which hosts charitable events throughout the year. This holiday season, the team will hold its annual Toys for Tots drive, a food drive in collaboration with Diakonia, and, for the second year in a row, Senior Helping Hands, which aims to provide gifts to elderly folks who live alone.

These fundraisers have begun, or will begin, before the end of the month. Diller, whose husband is Stuart Lakernick, a current OPA board member, said that boxes for the food drive will be set up at the community’s Administration Building at White Horse Park the weekend of Oct. 31.

The OP Get Involved representative said that the group is looking for nonperishable foods like dry goods and canned goods. All the food will be donated to Diakonia, to benefit families and individuals on the Eastern Shore struggling financially this winter.

Furthermore, Ocean Pines’ Toys for Tots has already started. According to

Diller, boxes to drop off the playthings are now at the community’s Administration Building, the Yacht Club, and the Clubhouse. A local representative for the Toys for Tots effort will periodically visit the sites to empty the baskets to make room for more goodies. That program will run through mid-December. Diller added that toys must be new and can be intended for any age group, from little kids to teenagers.

Children won’t be the only priority for Ocean Pines Get Involved this Christmas.

Returning is the Senior Helping Hands program, an initiative started last year to give presents to the Ocean Pines’ elderly population who may not have much family nearby. Diller said this dive is one of her favorites.

“We focus on collecting names of seniors who are by themselves,” she said. “They may have lost a loved one or have no family in the area. Last year, I believe we got 15 names, and went around delivering bags of presents to them. I realized last year that Christmas is always about the kids, but what about the seniors who have lost a significant other and are by themselves? It's really sad, and everyone kind of forgets about them. So, it's really wonderful to get to do this.”

Water Aerobics Aerobics

Gifts include large-print crossword puzzles, fuzzy socks, gloves and scarves,

See PINES Page 70

Pines group seeking donations

Continued from Page 69

treats like candies and cookies, and reading glasses.

“We try to think of things they would use on a daily basis,” Diller said.

The Ocean Pines Get Involved founder noted that last holiday season, Senior Helping Hands’ inaugural year, she got to witness the impact a program like this can have on its beneficiaries. Diller said that she went to deliver a bag of gifts to an older OPA resident, who, when she opened the door and learned the nature of the visit, cried and said, “I didn't think I would have anything to open this year.”

“I said, ‘Well, you do now,’” Diller added. “When she said that, I was stunned. She was so cute. I remember getting back in the car, and I said to my husband, ‘This is why we do this.’ She was just beaming. It was really lovely.”

Another man expressed his appreciation for the goodies but asked that they be given to someone who may need them more than he does. Diller said that the effort moved him so much that he will be involved in its organization this year.

Diller is now seeking information on seniors who can benefit from the project. Anyone who knows the names of older folks living in Ocean Pines and who will be alone this holiday season can email Diller at esmatt4@aol.com. In addition to a name, the nominated person’s address and any specific interests they may have should be included.

Ocean Pines Get Involved is hoping to grow Senior Helping Hands and kickstart some projects for other times of the year, not just Christmas.

Diller said that her group is also hoping to again host its coat drive in January, in collaboration with local shelters in Berlin. That initiative was skipped last year due to a lack of time, but it will likely be back up and running in early 2026. Diller said that the previous time the event was held, almost 200 winter jackets were donated.

More information on the coat drive will be available as the date approaches. Diller added that any donated jackets should be brand-new.

While some people may be struggling financially themselves this year, any size contribution to the holiday giving-back programs is helpful. Ocean Pines Get Involved hosts fundraisers throughout the year, and noticed during a recent summer food drive that it was harder than ever to collect items. Organizers maintain that any little bit helps, even if it's just one can.

“One of the other problems that we’re dealing with, and we saw it with the summer food drive, is economically speaking, people are very tight right now with the cost of everything,” Diller said. “It’s very, very difficult for a lot of people... I think people are financially strapped, but we look at it this way: even if you can do a little bit, I don’t care if it's one can of food or a pair of gloves for Seniors Helping Hands, everything is appreciated and matters.”

Thanksgiving dinner

(Oct. 24, 2025) The 46th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner will again be held at the Ocean City Baptist Church on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The church is located at 102 North Division Street in downtown Ocean City right next to the 7-Eleven. Anyone who is looking for a good home cooked meal this Thanksgiving Day is invited to dinner. Come and receive a great meal at no cost. The men and women of the church and community will be preparing and serving the dinner. The menu includes turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, string beans, corn, cranberry sauce, different pies, rolls and butter.

Sign-up online at OCBaptist.com. Dinners can be delivered to shut-ins.

Symphony plans concerts

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra continues its 28th season with a program of masterworks by Beethoven, Mozart, and Mendelssohn, led by acclaimed guest conductor George Jackson, Music Director of the Amarillo Symphony.

The concerts, titled Echoes of Greatness, will be performed on Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 PM at Easton Church of God (Easton); Friday, November 7 at 7:30 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church (Rehoboth Beach, Del.); and Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 PM at The Community Church (Ocean Pines).

The program features Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor—three works that together trace the evolution of classical form, drama, and youthful brilliance across generations.

Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture (1807) captures the moral conflict and tragic fall of the Roman general Coriolanus, with fierce rhythmic drive and emotional depth that mark Beethoven’s mature style. Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, written just three years before his death, stands as one of his final symphonic masterpieces—a work of grandeur and grace, blending rich orchestral texture with moments of humor and tenderness. Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1, composed when he was just 15, showcases the composer’s astonishing precocity and boundless energy, revealing the early voice of a genius who would become one of the great symphonists of the Romantic era.

Guest conductor George Jackson brings an international perspective and a dynamic energy to the podium.

“George Jackson is a conductor of rare insight and vitality,” said MSO Music Director Michael Repper. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the MSO for this program that celebrates the lineage of great symphonic craftsmanship.”

Film showcase for teens

The Ocean City Film Festival announces The Maryland High School Film Showcase, a platform for Maryland high

schoolers to submit films for the upcoming festival in March 2026, the 10th anniversary of the festival in the resort.

The Maryland High School Film Showcase is exclusive to high schoolers from all across the state. There is no cost for students to submit their films, as this showcase is an effort to highlight young artists. No themes are required, and films should be short, under 15 minutes in length.

“This showcase is a new initiative to bridge the gap between emerging young artists and film industry professionals,” B.L. Strang-Moya, creative director of the OC Film Festival, said. “It’s an opportunity for young filmmakers to have their films screened at a major venue and be inspired by others.”

Films will be screened in a special block at the 10th Anniversary of the Ocean City Film Festival, coming to the resort March 5-8, 2026.

To submit films to the festival or for

more information, student filmmakers or leaders of an academic institution must receive a password verifying their high school status. Email Oceancityfilmfest@gmail.com to receive the password. When emailing, ensure that submission(s) were made for or by a high school academic institution.

Safety reminders

With Halloween less than two weeks away, we would like to remind residents that trick or treating is not permitted in Ocean Pines due to the community’s lack of streetlights.

For local Halloween fun, families are invited to attend the Halloween/Fall Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 11am–2pm at White Horse Park. This free event will feature carnival games, face painting, and a costume contest for all ages. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Kiwanis Club.

Additionally, the Trail of Horrors continues Friday and Saturday, October 24th and 25th, at the White Horse Park Boat Ramp Trail. The trail is open from 7-10pm both days, and admission is $8 per person.

For those interested in trick or treating, the Town of Berlin will hold trick or treating from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson reminds everyone to make safety a priority this Halloween season.

“We would like everyone to remain safe this season,” said Robinson. “This means knowing your surroundings, wearing a comfortable and well-fitting costume that allows proper visibility for the wearer and make sure there is proper supervision for our young ones.”

“While we will not have trick or treating in Ocean Pines, we encourage everyone to come to Ocean Pines’ Haunted Trail or attend other events offered in our area,” Robinson added.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

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.

■ 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. Closing for season Oct. 26.

MIDTOWN

■ 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.

Season closing party Sunday, Oct. 26.

■ 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.

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

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-6646147, jollyjellyfishbeachclub.com

Oceanfront bar with casual island style outdoor dining with awesome ocean views focused on cool beach vibes. Open for lunch and dinner and suitable for the entire family. Diverse menu available for every type of diner and featuring a cocktail menu with six housemade kegged cocktails. Every Sunday all summer features a “big deck energy party.” Entertainment daily, 4-7 p.m. Located in the Plaza Condominium with plenty of free parking.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

“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.

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 everyday, 12 noon to 9 p.m., kitchen and bar.

■ 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.

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

FENWICK ISLAND

WEST OCEAN

Students field trip to memorial

(Oct. 24, 2025) On Thursday, Oct. 9, the fifth grade class of Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) embarked on a meaningful field trip to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines. The goal of the visit was to educate students on the significance of the Memorial and to instill a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans in service to their country.

During the trip, students participated in a variety of educational activities, including a guided tour of the Patriot’s Pathway, where they learned about major American conflicts throughout history. They also explored stories of local heroism and gained insight into the creation and

purpose of the Memorial itself. Volunteer docents shared the history of the U.S. flag and discussed the meaning behind the commemorative pavers that line the pathway.

To broaden their understanding, members of the Stephen Decatur High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (SDHS NJROTC) met with students to teach flag etiquette and demonstrate the proper techniques for displaying and folding the flag.

The memorable experience provided Worcester Prep students with valuable lessons in American history, service, and patriotism — lessons that will stay with them for years to come.

The WPS fifth grade class is pictured during a field trip to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines with their teachers, Camille Jenkins and Lisa Rill, parent chaperones, memorial volunteers, and members of the NJROTC. Above, WPS 5th graders follow drills led by the Stephen Decatur High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Below, from left, are Daxton Fones, Q Durrell, Auggie Hall, Alice Diorio, Hristina Gjoni, Finley Hanna and Hadley Hagner.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ALOC HOLDS ‘PARTY OF THE YEAR’

The Art League of Ocean City held its annual “pARTy of the Year” with the theme of Aladdin’s World on Oct. 9, 2025 at Kalamata Meze Bar in West

The

is a

fundraiser for the Art League and celebrates the nonprofit’s commitment to creativity and community engagement. Above left, committee members include, from

party chairperson

Stamnas, Art League Executive Director Rina Thaler, Mary Ann Wangemann, Art League Development Director Jessica Bauer and Heather

forming.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City.

event

major

left,

Courtney Blackford, Eileen

Ross. Above right are members of the Clockwork Band per-

Pictured above left, are Christopher Lee and Crystal Collins; middle, the crew from Nock Insurance; and above right, Sara and Gavin Aquino and Rina Thaler.

Above left, Brook Rider and Jocelyn Briddell are pictured with Jasmine, left, and Aladdin, right. Above right, Jim and Jan Perdue are pictured with Jaci and Greg Ueker.

Pictured, above left, is Emily Nock; middle, Jim Perdue, Jaci and Greg Ueker and Jack Burbage; and Hannah Kate Grobin as Jasmine and Owen Shockley as Aladdin.

BERLIN HOSTS OKTOBERFEST

The streets of downtown Berlin were packed last Saturday for the annual Oktoberfest event featuring live music by The Edelweiss Band and The

town’s annual sidewalk sale; a petting farm; kids’ crafts; Cascading Carlos; themed food and drinks; and a beer

All

performing on

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOWN OF BERLIN

Dunehounds, pictured

the stage; the

garden.

by Steve Green

The Adventures of Fatherhood

(The following is a reprint from Nov. 5, 2020.)

There are certain moments a parent never forgets.

Last Sunday afternoon was one of those for me. I had a decision to make. It was 1:15 p.m. and Beckett and I were sitting in my truck watching the Ravens game on my phone with rain flooding the ground all around us. Beckett, 12, never said anything about the weather. It was certainly on his mind as he watched the rain pour on the ride to his soccer game. When it was time to get out of the vehicle for the game, he seemed surprised when I didn’t join him immediately. “You good?,” he asked. He really wanted to know if I was coming out with him. I told him I was going to wait until the game started. He turned his head as a confused dog would and murmured something about me being “lucky.”

I advised a good route to the field to avoid the standing water. Then he hopped down out of the truck directly into a puddle. “Too late,” he said as he ran through standing water all the way to his field.

It was quite clear to everyone this game should have been cancelled hours ago. As one parent said during a period of heavy wind and rain, maybe this is a test of love and commitment to our kids. One dad jokingly said, “well then it’s clear I love my kid more than his mom because she’s not here.” As I laughed, my umbrella blew inside out, marking the end of its days as an effective shield from the rain.

The game was a mess. It was cold, wet and windy. Everyone who was out in the mess had frozen feet and the field became so immersed with standing the water the ball was no longer rolling 10 minutes into the game. Visibility was low, and there were some tears on the field. The conditions were getting worse. It was absurd and unsafe.

At halftime the refs huddled with the coaches and decided to end the game finally. As luck would have it, the skies began to clear on our drive home. At that point, Beckett and I were soaked. He jumped in a hot shower and I dried off to watch the rest of the RavensSteelers game.

As if the conditions were not enough to make it a memorable afternoon, my phone no longer holds a charge due to the rain. I learned that day the little cover over the phone’s charging hole is important in a monsoon.

t seems appropriate Halloween 2020 was unlike any other.

Halloween in Berlin is a big deal. It’s been this way for a long time, but in recent years Halloween night has attracted thousands of children from all around to town for trick or treating. It’s become such a wonderful evening in Berlin because the town, the residents and businesses embrace it and often decorate their homes and get dressed up in the spirit.

Halloween was much scaled down this year. It was appropriate with concerns over the pandemic. Every household views this entire COVID-19 crisis differently. I like to think Pam and I are in between the extremes. We were not willing to lock down the house, keep our kids from trick or treating and ignore Halloween. We knew we could do it in a safe manner.

At our house this year, we decorated for the occasion. It was a nice release to focus on something fun. We also welcomed trick-or-treaters. With the town discouraging them, we knew the crowds would be much lighter than usual. We had about 100 trick-ortreaters as opposed to the typical 1,500 to 2,000 in previous years.

Being the crafty and handy one of the house, Pam created a candy shoot featuring a six-foot long PVC pipe covered in cloth. We were able to send

the candy down the shoot in a safe fashion. Carson was in charge of that, while Beckett tried to scare the kids from a distance. Being 12 years old and seeing friends he knew, he wanted to go trick-or-treat to nearby homes.

This entire world is all so weird right now. There’s a constant sense of not knowing what to do including whether it’s right to let your kid trick-or-treat with neighbors. Knowing the homeowners around us, we knew they would do it safely. In fact, he reported back seeing about a half dozen candy tubes on his travels. He said more often he came across huge buckets of individually bagged candy at the end of driveways for kids to grab on their way. Nearby were the residents wishing them well on their way.

I have grown to detest the phrase, “new normal.” It tops the list of abhorred common sayings followed closely by “out of an abundance of caution.” I think everyone wants to do the right thing while also not ruining our children’s lives. They are aware they need to be cautious, but they also should not be holed up all the time either. Their lives have already been tremendously impacted. I think my kids should be playing sports, going to school and doing what kids do. On the last day of October, they should be trick or treating.

Things started to feel normal on Halloween, especially when I stopped Beckett from walking upstairs that night with a huge bag of candy close to bedtime. He said he wanted it nearby for easier access. I told him take a handful of pieces instead. He said he wanted to keep “his candy” under his bed for emergencies. It was a normal Halloween night talk. It seemed right.

(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.)

Stormy weather is oftentimes good for surfable waves

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Northeastern storms, or Nor’easters, as they are commonly known, can be very significant in this area. This column/article alluded to them in last week’s issue but the logic is that these storms are worthy of another mention and maybe more into the future.

Also, in last week’s issue, a feature article was written to describe the Nor’easter that occurred during the first part of the previous week. Even after the brunt of the storm had passed high tides affected areas that are normally vulnerable with flooded streets. We “dodged another one,” as was mentioned in the article.

To add more credence to the event were fantastic photographs that appeared on a full page, plus one that made the front page. The old adage that a picture tells a thousand words was shown.

Nor’easters can be compared to minimal tropical storms or even hurricanes which can often result in not so minimal damage. As low pressure systems move across the mainland from west to east or develop to our south in the ocean and move north they can set up off our coast and last for many days. The wind will blow in a counterclockwise circular motion around the center of the low pressure system. If affected by a nearby high-pressure system, which will have circular winds blowing clockwise around the center of the high pressure, the scenario will be exacerbated in what is described as a pressure gradient as the two systems combine.

Surfers, in time, can become elementary meteorologists. These days, with many available forecasts and cameras, a lot of the anticipation of possible good surf is almost too easy. Still, it’s interesting for a lot of us to know the how and why of quality, surf able waves.

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

A twist on ordinary pumpkin soup

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Ruby red, amber orange, and golden yellow leaves perform magnificent pirouettes as cooler weather sweeps the Eastern Shore.

This colorful mirage of Mother Nature is a sign that October is here. The tenth month of the year is a time where families look forward to pumpkin patches, sipping on hot apple cider, and nibbling on pecan pie.

As seasons change, one should be thinking about variation to their menu. Every component of a dish is precisely planned and influences each intended ingredient.

Cooking is similar to a symphony; the key is balance and harmony. Think of a chef as a conductor, it is their responsibility to create a melody of synchronized flavors. On that note, let us delve into the fundamentals of creamy pumpkin soup.

Pumpkin soup is delicious and a festive way to start out a meal. This appetizer can be simple or complex; it is up to the individual and their personal preference.

For example, if you are pressed for time, canned pumpkin can be used as an alternative. This saves a lot of time not only in the cooking but also in the cleaning process.

If you are a purist and prefer to start from scratch, stick to the smaller pumpkins. They are sweeter and easier to work with.

The next decision is to determine whether you should steam or bake the pumpkins. The process of steaming will incorporate more moisture into the meat of the pumpkin which is easier to work with but can lead to a watery finish.

Roasting pumpkins eliminates some of the extra liquid and intensifies the flavor of the pumpkin. It is more labor intensive but yields a thicker, tastier consistency.

The flesh of the pumpkin has a gorgeous, orange hue that is pleasing to the eye. However, the meat of the pumpkin itself is on the bland side and it is up to you to season accordingly.

Stock or broth is imperative when making pumpkin soup. Vegetable is the most popular but cutting it with chicken stock adds depth of flavor and is highly recommended unless you are preparing a vegetarian dish.

Pumpkin soup can be enhanced with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and brown sugar to please those who have a liking for the sweeter side.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and parsnips can be pureed into the soup for more flavor and consistency. Embellishment is a must in the art of entertaining. Soup is often ignored and deserves equal rights. Garnishing not only adds beautification, but also gives the soup contrast in texture. Toasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, and pome-

granate seeds are great options.

Typically, pumpkin soup is made with heavy cream. Replacing the cream with coconut milk is a simple step. The addition of Thai red curry paste and fish sauce takes the soup to a whole new level.

Finally, a touch of heat makes for a more delectable and memorable soup. Red crushed pepper seeds, Chinese hot oil, and thinly sliced Fresno chilis will get the job done.

In closing, if pumpkin soup tickles your taste buds, consider Thai coconut pumpkin soup for a delightful, fragrant alternative. Variation is the spice that keeps guests coming back for more. Enjoy!

Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste

3 ½ pounds fresh or canned pumpkin

1 ½ cups vegetable broth

1 cup chicken broth

1 (14 oz.) can coconut milk, reserve ¼ cup for garnishing

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add red curry paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Add pumpkin and incorporate ingredients thoroughly and cook for another 3 minutes.

4. Add coconut milk, broths, and fish

sauce. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Using a hand-held immersion blender, puree until velvety smooth.

6. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro, crushed red pepper seeds, and reserved coconut milk.

* A standard bowl of soup is typically 8 to 12 ounces. Thai coconut pumpkin soup can be served in an espresso cup, a small bowl as an appetizer, or a main course.

Secret Ingredient – Basics

With good basics, you’ll have endless options.

— Anonymous

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

John Dale Showell Jr. built Ocean City’s first swimming pool in 1917. Located on the Boardwalk between North Division and Caroline streets, it was a salt water pool with water pumped in from the ocean.

Showell charged 25 cents to swim in the pool and cleaned it once a week, re-filling it at night. The beach was very narrow in those days and at high tides the ocean came within 20 yards of the Boardwalk. It did not take a long pipeline to connect the pool with its water supply.

The Hurricane of 1933 heavily damaged Showell’s pool and the following year Edwards 5 and 10 was constructed on the site. The remains of the famous salt water swimming pool were boarded over and it faded into Ocean City’s unique history.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard photo from Bunk Mann’s collection

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

A Sunday without a Ravens game

How Berlin residents costume their homes

Playoff baseball game 7’s

When a feared change turns out to be good

Old shoes that look new

Remembering Tom Petty concerts

New shoes that feel old

Berlin’s Oktoberfest vibe

The view south from the Inlet

Funerals that brings tears, laughs

Sleeping through a night storm

Berlin plans fall glow walk Nov. 14 around downtown

(Oct. 23, 2025) The public is invited to participate in the Fall Glow Walk in Berlin on Friday, Nov. 14.

The walk begins at Stephen Decatur Park and follows a scenic 4.5-mile route through downtown Berlin. Participants are encouraged to bring and wear glowin-the-dark gear to light up the night — a limited supply of glow items will also be available at registration.

Enjoy an evening of health-focused fun! Representatives from the Worcester County Health Department and Atlantic General Health System will be on-site offering blood pressure checks, prediabetes screenings, health information, and free giveaways.

Admission is free. Register on Eventbrite by searching “Berlin Glow Walk” or contact Special Projects Administrator Kate Daub at kdaub@berlinmd.gov or 410-6414002. Day-of registration opens at 5:00 p.m. at Stephen Decatur Park (130 Tripoli Street), and the walk begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.

This family-friendly event welcomes strollers and leashed dogs. All participants will receive a free raffle entry for a chance to win a Berlin Bas-

filled with

OCES HEAVENLY HATS

Ocean City Elementary School held its annual Heavenly Hats Spirit Day on Oct. 8. For a $1 donation, students, faculty and staff had the privilege of wearing a hat to school. This year, $602 was collected for the Heavenly Hats Foundation. Since 2001, the Heavenly Hats Foundation has donated more than six million brand new hats to hundreds of hospitals and clinics around the United States. Heavenly Hats wants to help every patient who is in need of headwear for warmth, comfort, courage and strength. It’s the foundation’s hope and prayer that one day a cure for cancer and the many other illnesses that affect families and friends will be found and eventually no one will be in need of a heavenly hat.

goodies.

SUBMITTED

Bonus for city staffers living in OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) Officials last week agreed on new incentives for city employees and volunteer firefighters who live in Ocean City.

Last Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted to create a property tax credit for active-duty volunteer firefighters, as well as an annual bonus for city employees who own their primary residence within municipal limits.

While state law provides a tax credit for public safety employees, City Manager Terry McGean said staff also proposed a bonus for city employees, which would be equivalent to their annual city property tax.

“In the recently ratified memorandum of understanding with the fire company, one of the conditions in that MOU was that we extend a property tax credit to all active volunteer members of the fire company,” he explained. “During that discussion – and actually, I think two years ago when this initially was brought up – there was a desire by the council to extend that to city employees.”

Earlier this month, the City Council approved a new memorandum of understanding with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, which, among other things, requires the city to provide a property tax credit to all active

volunteers who reside within city limits. As part of that discussion, city officials reiterated a desire to have a property tax credit apply to all city workers, not just those within the fire company.

To that end, McGean came before the City Council last week with a proposal to enact a property tax credit for volunteer firefighters and city employees. While state law would allow the municipality to provide such a credit to active-duty volunteer firefighters and public safety employees, it did not provide such a provision to other city employees.

With that restriction in place, McGean proposed drafting an ordinance that would provide a tax credit to active firefighters with the volunteer fire company, and to create a policy that provides annual bonuses to all other city employees who reside in Ocean City.

“We try to treat everyone as equally as we can, although we're not always able to do that,” he said. “The difference, obviously, is as a bonus, the additional funds are taxed, whereas a credit off your tax bill is not taxed.”

When asked if there was another option to avoid the tax implications, McGean said there wasn’t. He said if a city employee’s tax bill was $1,500, they would receive a $1,500 annual

bonus, which would be taxed.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to draft an ordinance creating a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and to draft a policy to offer annual bonuses for city employees who own a primary residence in town. The council agreed to cap tax credit and annual bonus at $2,500.

“The state law used to have a cap. It no longer does,” McGean said. “The state law used to be $2,500. I don’t think we had a single one that was above that.”

To receive a property tax credit or bonus, the employee or volunteer must be listed as an owner and have lived at the property for a minimum of one year, the employee must be fulltime, and the property must be a primary residence and cannot have a rental license.

The incentives, McGean added, would cost the city roughly $37,000 per year – $6,000 for volunteer firefighters, $8,000 for police and fire employees, and $23,000 for all other city employees. There are an estimated 20 city employees residing in town.

“I think it speaks to our desire to have our city employees live in town,” Councilman Jake Mitrecic said. “It’s great for them, and it’s great for us.”

ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Police activity for classic car event reviewed

Enforcement stable during fall Cruisin’ festival, but up for town’s recent Bike Week

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) While seeing upticks in a few key data points, Ocean City officials say police activity during this month’s fall Crusin’ weekend remained consistent with previous editions of the classic car rally.

Last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a review of police statistics for Endless Summer Cruisin’, which was supposed to run from Thursday through Sunday. The pending arrival of a nor’easter on Sunday, however, caused some participants to stay off the road.

He noted that officer calls for service, when compared to last year’s event, declined from 726 to 721 while citizen calls for service declined from 178 to 162.

That slight decline was also recorded in traffic stops, which decreased from 382 to 258. However, total traffic enforcement – including warnings and citations – jumped from 703 to 856.

Austin added that the police department recorded an uptick in weapons arrests, which increased from one arrest in 2024 to four arrests in 2025. He noted that two guns were recovered from separate traffic stops.

“One of them was a road rage incident, where somebody got out, pointed a gun at somebody,” he explained. “We ended up stopping them and arresting them for that. So, we had two arrests there, which is unusual for Cruisin.”

town during Cruisin’, he said Maryland State Police were mainly handling areas on Route 50 and Route 90.

“They mainly handled out-of-town traffic enforcement,” he said.

Unlike Cruisin’, which saw a slight decline in police activity, Bike Week activity increased, Austin said. A review of data during last week’s commission meeting revealed traffic stops reached a five-year high, increasing from 179 in 2024 to 305 in 2025.

‘One of them was a road rage incident, where somebody got out, pointed a gun at somebody. We ended up stopping them and arresting them for that. So, we had two arrests there, which is unusual for Cruisin.’

Austin also reviewed data on crashes, which decreased from nine to three, exhibition driving, which decreased from 31 to 20, and total arrests, which decreased from 26 to 18.

Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin

When asked if the police statistics included those of allied agencies in town for the Cruisin’ event, Austin said it did not.

While the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office provided some statistics for their enforcement measures in

“Basically everything was up,” he said.

Austin said overall traffic enforcement increased from 262 to 538, drug arrests increased from two to five, weapons arrests increased from four to six, and DUI arrests increased from four to 10. However, crashes decreased from 19 to 14, and total arrests decreased from 31 to 20.

Data from last month’s Bike Week festivities were also reflected in overall police activity for the month of September, which saw increases in

Oct. 23 - 30

both officer calls for service and traffic stops.

“I attribute a lot of that to Bike Week,” he said.

During the month of September, traffic stops increased from 788 to 947, disorderly calls for service decreased from 160 to 118 and calls to assist fire/EMS decreased from 256 to 113. However, Austin said he expects those EMS assists to increase in the coming months, as the department has now made the decision to respond to all EMS calls.

“When they get there, if they need to call us off, they’ll call us off,” he said.

“We started triaging calls when we were low on manpower …,” Capt. Dennis Eade added. “We just decided now that our manpower is up, we’ll go to EMS calls.”

Under September enforcement, custodial arrests increased from 101 to 115 and weapons arrests increased from nine to 11. Austin noted that half of the incidents related to weapons arrests occurred during Bike Week.

“Keep in mind we really made a push during Bike Week with the vendors,” he said. “So we had a couple of vendors where we seized weapons from during Bike Week. They were charged for that.”

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Bill introduced to ban bikes on city sidewalks

opened up Pandora's Box of some code cleanup we needed.”

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) In an attempt to prohibit bikes and scooters on Ocean City sidewalks, City Council members last week agreed to move forward with several code revisions.

On Oct. 14, the Ocean City Council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to amend sections of the city code and advance an ordinance to a first reading.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said substantial revisions will allow the city to ban the use of bicycles and scooters on sidewalks.

“We started off to do something rather simple at the direction of the council,” she said, “and it really

In August, the City Council agreed to move forward with an ordinance to prohibit the use of bikes, e-bikes and scooters on city sidewalks, except for areas approved by a resolution of the mayor and City Council.

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

The council’s decision was supported by recommendations from both the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Ocean City Police Commission.

“This conversation has its genesis really starting from the police commission, and then it came over to the mayor and City Council relative to something called Jay’s Law, which was a law passed by the state in the

legislative session in 2025, which pushed all conveyances – when I say that, I mean bikes, scooters, everything – onto the sidewalks,” Stansbury said. “And through the police commission and then by recommendation of the mayor and City Council, you all have decided, as you are able to under state law, to pass an ordinance to push all those items onto the street and into the bus lane.”

Back on the agenda for last week’s work session, Stansbury said to enact the ban, several changes must be made to a section of the city code entitled “Bicycles, Skateboards and Similar Conveyances.” That code section, she added, addresses where such “conveyances” could be driven –the roadway, the Boardwalk and the sidewalk.

On roadways, bicycles, e-bikes,

skateboards, rollerskates, Segways and pushcarts would be allowed. On the Boardwalk, bicycles, class one ebikes, nonmotorized skateboards, rollerskates, segways and pushcarts would be allowed, so long as they follow date and time restrictions set by resolution. And on sidewalks, all conveyances except Segways and pushcarts would be banned.

However, the code revision included one provision – that children under the age of 16 would be allowed to use traditional, nonmotorized bicycles on the sidewalk.

“The [police] officers believe that this was a life safety measure and the best interest of the residents,” she said.

After a brief discussion, the council voted to advance the ordinance to a first reading.

Area, state reps remember late delegate Charles Otto

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Charles Otto, a farmer who represented the Lower Shore in the Maryland House of Delegates since 2011, has died. He was 61.

“He didn’t say much,” remembered Del. Wayne Hartman, his Republican colleague representing Worcester County in the House, “but when he said something, it was usually very relevant and spoton. When he talked, people listened. Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, people relied on him, because he was one of just a few true farmers” in the General Assembly.

cans said in a statement. “He was unceasingly generous and hilariously funny. We were lucky to know him, to serve with him, and to call him our friend.”

His colleagues in the Senate chamber remembered Otto as someone who “brought common sense and integrity to every discussion in Annapolis.”

“He worked across party lines to ensure that rural Maryland’s needs were heard and respected,” the group of GOP senators said in a statement, “and his leadership and friendship will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to serve alongside him.”

Hartman (R-38C) said his fellow legislators used to gently tease Otto by editing his face onto the state seal – the one showing a farmer and a fisherman side by side – with Otto, naturally, as the farmer.

“I don’t know if we could ever get somebody to fill his shoes with the knowledge that he brought of agriculture,” Hartman added.

Two days before his death on Oct. 17, Otto had declared his candidacy for a fifth term in the House. His District 38A included Somerset County, a portion of Wicomico County and, ever since a 2014 redistricting, about a third of Worcester County.

In the House, Otto served as deputy minority whip. His committee assignments included Environment & Transportation and Environmental Matters. He was the chair of the Somerset County delegation and previously had chaired the Eastern Shore delegation from 2015-18.

Other Republicans in the legislature recalled Otto as a tireless advocate for his constituents and a steadfast voice for farmers, rural communities, and small businesses.

“A rarity in politics, Delegate Otto was never someone who was in love with his own voice,” House Republi-

A host of other officials extended their condolences publicly last week, including Gov. Wes Moore, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, and Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock, who lost a bid to unseat Otto in 2022.

Nock recalled standing beside Otto when both attended former Gov. Larry Hogan’s second inauguration in 2019. When some in Nock’s cohort left the ceremony and went inside, Nock was stuck waiting out in the bitter cold – but Otto stayed with him.

“Because we couldn’t go in, he chose not to go in either, at least not right away. I never forgot that moment. That was the kind of person he was. If he saw you, he knew you. His passing is a tremendous loss for the Shore, and I pray that whoever follows him will carry some of those same Charles Otto qualities,” Nock wrote in a Facebook post.

Born on Feb. 15, 1964, Charles James Otto was a third-generation farmer who still lived in the Princess Anne house he was raised in. He only left home once, for college, when he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Tech in 1986. He also attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

In addition to growing wheat and soybeans on his family farm, Otto also worked for 30 years as a crop

See DELEGATE’S Page 85

Charles Otto

Local process underway to fill Otto’s seat in Annapolis

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Republicans on the Lower Shore are up against a tight deadline to name a new delegate to replace the late Charles Otto in District 38A.

When a seat in the General Assembly goes vacant – whether it’s the result of a death in office, or a resignation, disqualification, or removal – it triggers vacancy provisions as defined by the Maryland Constitution.

State law gives the outgoing member’s political party 30 days to make a recommendation to the governor for a replacement. Typically, this falls to the local Central Committee of the political party that decides who to recommend.

But because Otto’s District 38A covers three counties on the Lower Shore, that means Republicans from all three counties are involved, according to Tammy Truitt, chairwoman of the Republican Central Committee of Somerset County.

District 38A includes all of Somerset County voters, 34% of Worcester County voters, and 4% of Wicomico

County voters, Truitt said.

All three county GOP committees are in communication now about running an advertisement in all three counties to solicit for Otto’s replacement. Applicants will have to submit a résumé and biography, followed by an in-person interview.

There are eligibility requirements: applicants must be 21 years old, registered Republicans, Maryland residents for a year, and District 38A residents for six months.

Once a recommendation is submitted, that person will serve out the duration of the unexpired term.

Because Otto died Oct. 17, Republicans have until Nov. 16 to submit their recommendation. From there, Gov. Wes Moore has 15 days to appoint a replacement.

Should the central committee fail to make a recommendation, the governor still has to name a replacement from the same political party, state law says.

Truitt said the Somerset committee would prefer applicants to have a background in farming and fishing –two major industries for the district – just like Otto did.

Delegate’s advocacy recognized

Continued from Page 84

consultant for Salisbury-based Farmers & Planters Co., Inc.

Outside of government, Otto had a wide range of civic involvement and served in leadership roles on many boards and bureaus for agriculture, including the Maryland Farm Bureau.

He had agriculture in mind when he made the jump into public life at age 46. A seat in the House came open in June 2010 after Otto’s delegate, 71-year-old Page Elmore, died in office. While Elmore’s widow was named to fill his seat in the interim, Otto’s friends and family encouraged him to run.

“I saw who had filed and I didn’t feel like my interests were being represented as they had been when I was growing up,” he said in a 2014 interview. “I didn’t think the candidates I saw represented the values and interests or had the expertise in the areas that were being threatened, knowing the business aspect, and the blood sweat and tears that go into growing a crop.”

Otto successfully fended off four Republican challengers in a September primary and defeated Michael McCready, a Democrat, in the general election.

In a 2021 interview, Otto said he was proud to have helped bring about new libraries in both Berlin and Crisfield after a state aid formula was

changed to benefit local governments. He also passed legislation to allow golf carts on public streets in Crisfield.

“Relationships do matter,” he said of his time in the legislature, “and telling the truth – integrity – is the only thing I have up there.”

Otto is survived by a brother, Bill Otto, of Princess Anne, and a sister, Vera Tyler of Crisfield. No cause of death has been released. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Oct. 24, at Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will follow at Allen United Methodist Church cemetery.

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Deal reached in malpractice case

Plaintiff alleges county jail, medical providers negligent in man’s death in 2021

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2024) A $5 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Worcester County Jail and its contracted medical provider, Wellpath, has been settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Plaintiff Jennifer Albero sued Wellpath, Worcester County, and several jail employees in federal court after her 36-year-old son hung himself in his jail cell. The suit alleges that Kyle Arthur’s 2021 death could have been prevented if guards and medical staff had followed proper protocols.

Worcester County did not handle the lawsuit directly nor does any settlement come from taxpayer dollars. The county handed the case off to its insurance carrier, Local Government Insurance Trust, or LGIT. Generally, a settlement isn’t an admission of negligence, according to county attorney Roscoe Leslie.

Arthur was on probation for prior burglary charges when State Police pulled him over outside Ocean City for erratic driving on Sept. 9, 2021.

He was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Within 24 hours of arriving at the Worcester County Jail, he was found hanging from his bedsheets.

The lawsuit alleged that a guard only checked on Aruther three times during an eight-hour shift instead of the required 30-minute checks.

Albero’s suit argued that Wellpath failed to provide “medication-assisted treatment,” the state-mandated withdrawal protocol for inmates. It accused medical staff of giving Arthur aspirin and motion-

‘We appreciate the County’s willingness to participate in a settlement that brings a measure of closure to a family who has endured unimaginable loss.’ Thomas Kielty, attorney

sickness pills instead of anti-withdrawal medication as he went into opioid withdrawal and his heart rate soared to 160 beats per minute.

In a motion to dismiss, four medical staffers named as defendants argued that Arthur underwent an initial screening 90 minutes after booking by a medical professional, during which he denied suicidal thoughts. They also claimed he was placed on a standard opiate withdrawal program and was checked twice more by medical professionals.

Defendants also said in their rebuttal that jail workers are not liable because government employees doing their job are immune from prosecution.

“There are simply no plausible factual allegations which would establish that the nurses’ administration of the facility’s opiate withdrawal proto-

col rose to the level of deliberate indifference to Mr. Arthur’s serious medical needs,” the defense argued in its Aug. 25 motion.

US District Court Judge James K. Bredar on Oct. 9 signed off on the settlement, court records show.

“We appreciate the County’s willingness to participate in a settlement that brings a measure of closure to a family who has endured unimaginable loss,” said Albero’s attorney, Thomas Kielty, in a statement.

“At the same time, we remain deeply frustrated by the corporate tactics employed by Wellpath to maneuver our clients’ claims – and indeed, nearly all personal injury and civil rights cases against the company – into bankruptcy. We will continue to fight for accountability and justice for this family and others,” he added.

Owned by private equity firm H.I.G. Capital and based in Nashville, Wellpath had employed 15,000 people at more than 130 facilities in 37 states. On its website, Wellpath calls itself a “national leader in developing and offering MAT services to prevent and treat substance abuse disorder.”

According to published reports, Wellpath had been the target of more than 1,500 lawsuits alleging negligence or substandard care. With $644 million in debt, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024.

By May of this year, the company announced it had completed a financial restructuring process and emerged from Bankruptcy Court having agreed to pay $15.5 million to creditors.

The company also spun off its behavioral health division, providing services at inpatient psychiatric hospitals and rehab centers, to a lender in exchange for canceling about $375 million in debt, according to reports.

Worcester County Jail enters into new medical contract

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) The Worcester County Jail plans to contract with a new medical care provider that will offer additional inmate services at a lower cost, jail officials say.

Not only does new provider CFG Health Systems offer a long list of specialty care that outgoing provider Wellpath did not, but CFG will provide services in-house that had frequently had required driving inmates to outside doctor appointments, according to Warden Tim Mulligan.

“If we could centralize all this to the jail, that would save us, big-time, on personnel. That would save us in gas getting to and from appointments,” Mulligan told the county commissioners at their Oct. 7 meeting in Snow Hill. “Overall, I think it’d be a really good move.”

CFG will provide 24-hour medical care and offers additional services like wound care, podiatry, and dental care – meaning inmates won’t need to leave the jail and be driven in county vehicles to doctor and dentist appointments, which Mulligan said occurs nearly on a daily basis.

The new three-year contract will be $1,799,992 for its first year, with consecutive 3.75% increases for years

two and three. From there, CFG offers an option to extend the contract year-to-year at an additional 1.75% increase for years four and five.

CFG’s contract is flat-rate and does not include any pass-through costs. However, if the jail’s average daily population exceeds 132 inmates, then CFG reserves the right to charge a higher daily rate of $3.17 per inmate.

The commissioners approved this extension and the new contract unanimously.

Wellpath’s year-to-year contract, first inked in 2011, expired on June 30. The company had proposed a contract renewal for fiscal year 2026 at a rate of $1,899,740. Its most recent contract for fiscal year 2025 was $1,822,336.

Mulligan said CFG will onboard in the next few weeks. To ease the transition period, Mulligan asked the commissioners to extend Wellpath’s contract through Dec. 1, creating an overlap period of about two months.

To extend the contract, Wellpath will charge the jail $22,855 a month in management fees and another $129,006 per month in pass-through costs.

In November 2024, the commissioners approved an over-expenditure of $280,323 to cover the increase in the Wellpath contract

TALK

from $1,542,013 to $1,822,336.

This overage was paid for using revenue generated from the jail’s contract with the US Marshal’s Office, which pays the jail $80,000 per month to house detainees, Mulligan said at the time.

Wellpath emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings last spring.

The Nashville-based company, which provided healthcare to correctional facilities in 39 states, filed for bankruptcy last November with a reported $644 million in debt.

The company had been the target of more 1,400 lawsuits alleging negligent care, according to published reports.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

POWER SQUADRON

Executive Officer Lino Cressotti, left, and Fred Stiehl, commander of Ocean City Power Squadron, receive a welcome from Ocean Pines Anglers Club Moderator Frank Fiori Jr. at October’s meeting. They spoke on the Power Squadron’s

Local chefs represents at World Food Competition

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Chefs from the Eastern Shore restaurant Roadie Joe’s represented Berlin last week at the World Food Championship in Indiana, where they competed against cooks from around the world and learned a few new techniques to bring back to Maryland.

Josh Morrison, the head chef of Roadie Joe’s Berlin, and Daniel Burke, the chef from Roadie Joe’s Salisbury, sparred off against roughly 20 other teams in the tournament’s general chef category at the World Food Championships (WFC), one of the largest-ever live cooking competitions that took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oct. 16-19.

The Roadie Joe’s pair’s stellar duck dish earned them eighth place, landing them less than a point away from moving to the final round, a feat that Morrison said is “awesome” for their first large-scale contest.

“Scoring eighth place in your firstever serious competition is big, and now we get to learn from that,” Morrison added.

The two chefs and a few owners and representatives of Roadie Joe’s flew to Indianapolis last week to

watch Morrison and his chosen teammate, Burke, prepare and present a dish live, in under an hour and a half.

The creation that landed the duo in the top half of competitors was a pink peppercorn crusted duck breast. Morrison said that to take it over the edge, the meal included miso roasted pumpkin seeds, fondant potatoes, a sweet, caramelized beet and fig glaze, with Eastern Shore pumpkin seeds and microgreens. To give it a local flair, pumpkin seeds were tossed in duck fat and Old Bay to top off the dish.

While Morrison and Burke were just shy of earning a spot in the final round for the chance to win thousands of dollars, tournament organizers did reach out after the first match, offering them the opportunity to go head-to-head in a “super qualifier” to secure a spot to compete in next year’s WFC. The Roadie Joe’s team was just one of a select few given the honor to vie for the ticket.

Morrison said that in the “super qualifier,” they prepared a pistachio and Old Bay crusted white fish over a “silky smooth” beet and taro root puree, Anaheim pear gastrique, and apple fennel citrus slaw, topped with crispy prosciutto and microgreens.

Chefs score in top half of food contestants

Unfortunately, the Roadie Joe’s pair were not given a guaranteed spot for 2026’s event, but Morrison maintained that they are hopeful they can make it to other qualifier events that take place around the country, many in Maryland, throughout the year leading up to the multiday WFC in October.

“It was beautiful,” the Berlin chef said. “We were not a winner, but to create a dish in less than an hour and a half is awesome. It was really cool to be one of the ones to go in there and create a dish. It was a really fun experience. Hopefully we get to do it again.”

Part of what made the experience so worthwhile, Morrison noted, was having the opportunity to learn from peers across the United States and the globe. Contestants were from places like California, Texas, Ohio, and Japan, among others. The Roadie Joe’s crew can now take things that they learned at the WFC back to the Berlin and Salisbury establishments.

One such skill, Morrison said, was shaping and cultivating puff pastry. Morrison added that his abilities do not typically fall within the baking side of culinary arts, but a general chef participant, whom he competed against, crafted pastry dough around

a metal bowl to create a cool, presentation-forward effect. The Berlin professional said it was something new he witnessed that he can add to his repertoire.

Additionally, the general chef category winner, who was from Japan, prepared a "phenomenal" Beef Wellington and demonstrated a few new techniques to Morrison and Burke.

Morrison added that the networking and educational aspects were the highlight of the competition.

“It was just so cool getting to meet people, getting to see how they go about doing things,” Morrison said.

“We were surrounded by people who have been there five, six, seven, eight years and have competed so many times. There were some awesome people we got to know, and I exchanged information with some of them…We got to learn patience. We got to see how bakers do it, appreciate the artistry, and see how the barbecue chefs do it. It was amazing.”

The Roadie Joe’s chefs were given the opportunity to attend the contest after a qualifying event at the Berlin Farmers Market in August. During that preliminary match, local Berlin chefs, including Justine Zegna of Blacksmith Berlin, Toby Gilbert of Gilbert's Provisions, Yancey Carapico

of The Cap’ns Slice, and Morrison of Roadie Joe's Bar and Grill, participated in a Guy’s Grocery Games-style competition.

The victor of that challenge was promised a ‘golden ticket,’ or a guaranteed spot to attend last week’s WFC. According to Roadie Joe’s owner and executive chef, Jason Myers, technically, Zegna of Blacksmith Berlin was the winner of the farmers market occurrence. How-

ever, because she was unable to attend the Indiana tournament, the honor to represent the Eastern Shore was passed to Morrison. Morrison was allowed to bring a partner and chose Burke, Roadie Joe’s Salisbury’s head chef.

The Roadie Joe’s team hopes to return to the WFC in the future, but for now, they will take what they learned back to the beloved Eastern Shore eateries.

Roadie Joe’s chefs created two dishes at a food contest last week, including a pistachio crusted white fish, pictured. SUBMITTED PHOTO/

Opinions

Tram was easiest decision to make

The most difficult questions sometimes seem to elicit the simplest answers, because it often seems easier to answer assertively with an air of finality than to explore unexpected complexities and gray areas.

In other words, just decide and be done with it. Hopefully, it will all work out.

A couple of things happened this week in Ocean City and Worcester County that fall into this category, and it does appear the push is on for black-and-white answers.

For instance: should county taxpayers cover the cost of providing safety resource officers for private schools? One might argue that parents who demand it made a conscious decision to move their children out of the publicly funded system but now want some of its benefits. But these parents also contend their children have a right to feel safe at school and that the county is in the safety-providing business.

Is this an easy yes or no question, or are there considerations to weigh in the public forum?

Another instance: should short-term rentals be limited in single-family home neighborhoods? Obviously, there’s a great deal of intransigence on both sides of this argument, with the great divide being between those who want to sell, those who want to invest, those who want to know who their neighbors are every day and those who want a second home.

Where is the simple yes or no answer for that?

Ironically, the most troubling question of the week is the only one that qualified for a simple yes or no: the end to tram service on the Boardwalk.

It’s been part of the Ocean City postcard for 60 years, an anchor to crazier times when things were popping, young entrepreneurs began building, and the resort grew into its own.

And yet, as Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out, this service finally ran up against insurmountable problems, such as costs and stricter regulations. It was a difficult call for the mayor and council to make, but at the same time, it wasn’t as if they had a choice.

PUBLIC EYE

One flu over the line

By Stewart Dobson Editor

It’s been said that I could suck all the oxygen out of a room by saying something stupid, but it had never been said that I would need a room full of oxygen to get over the flu.

Well, maybe someone did say that, but I must not have been paying attention because there I was last Thursday, riding my high horse through Marlboro Country when Ol’ Smoky went head-over-hindquarters, from fetlock to feedbag, and took me down with him. And yes, I do know what a horse’s fetlock is — it’s like the middle knuckle of your hand, which, when fully extended, tells you where to go and how to get there.

world’s medical wire and tubing reserves.

This would include the replacement of a certain little plastic jug that wasn’t for carrying tea, if you know what I mean, but happened to have an imperceptible crack in the bottom, from which ...

“Hey! Hey! This is Room 223 calling. Over.”

“Yes, Room 223, this is mission control. What is the nature of your distress?”

“We have a leak! Cleanup on Aisle 5 ... and six ... now seven. There’s a crack in the ... run for your lives, everyone!”

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In this particular instance, that would have been the emergency room to see: 1. why breathing is better than not breathing; and 2. how much wire it takes to harness an average size human to eight monitoring devices at the same time, WHILE allowing that individual to serve as a charging station for staff phones.

I was so well wired they could have screwed a light bulb in me and it would have glowed.

“Hey, guys!” I heard one of them say as he clamped on a 60-watter, “Watch this... CLAP ON/CLAP OFF! Hahahahahahahaha!”

Just kidding. They did no such thing ... that I recall, although I wasn’t exactly with it, according to those who accompanied me on this adventure.

“So, how many fingers am I holding up,” she asked me.

“All of them?” I responded hopefully.

The absence of a response notwithstanding, the next thing I know, I’m in my very own little room, where, for the lack of anything better to do, I will spend five days trying to calculate how much of a dent I’ll put in the

About this time, a flurry of people arrived. The RN shot some steroids in me — “Will this pump me up like Conan the Barbarian?” “Shut up.” — hooked me up to an IV carrying wonder drugs — “Hey! My spider sense is tingling! I can feel it!” “Shut up.” — techs took vitals, and the dietitian asked what I wanted for dinner.

“Veal chop?”

“Guess again.”

“Something with gravy over rice, a nice salad, cup of saltless soup, tea and ...?”

“Have you eaten here before?” she asked.

“Lucky guess, I suppose.”

But really, given my circumstances and tendency to be a little trying when forcibly restrained (again just kidding. I could have freed myself whenever) that was one of the nicest and most accommodating groups of people I’ve ever been around. In fact, I’d say if your horse throws you up there in Marlboro Country and you come down hard, you could do a lot worse than land there. Incidentally, this is the first thing I’ve written in 50 years without going through a pack of smokes. After this little outing, as interesting as it was, my ash has been kicked for me.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Though it seemed an inevitable reality for the last year, Ocean City has officially ended the Boardwalk tram. The decision comes after the August 2024 death of a toddler in a tram collision and the subsequent lawsuit threat. The service was immediately suspended for the rest of the summer and will not return.

The challenges to restoring the tram service “became insurmountable,” according to Mayor Rick Meehan. City Manager Terry McGean said, “after thoughtful review and extensive discussion, the trams will not return in their previous form … the Town is actively exploring ways to reimagine the Boardwalk without the trams and the goal is to introduce new attractions and experiences to connect visitors along the Boardwalk.”

It's an unfortunate end to the 60-year history of the tram, but this was the only logical outcome for the city. After all, a legal matter will most likely need to be settled, if it has not already, because the incident report essentially found the city at fault. In his incident report last year, an investigator, Ocean City Police Cpl. Michael Karsnitz, detailed how the Jeeps and trailers violated Maryland transportation laws. The most damning conclusion being, “After reviewing evidence on scene, video evidence and the medical examiner’s report it is clear to me [victim’s name redacted] did not receive injuries that caused his death until the Jeep had almost come to a complete stop … Had the Jeep been in compliance with the Maryland Transportation Article and had functioning brakes on the rear tram trailer I believe it would have been able to stop before causing the fatal injury to [the victim].”

There was some talk this week about new ways to move people around on the Boardwalk, especially seniors and the handicapped. It will be interesting to see what comes about from those discussions, but the reality is it could be some time before any of that comes to fruition.

***

With Delegate Charles Otto’s passing last week, an interim candidate will soon be chosen by the central committees of Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico counties with Gov. Wes Moore needing to confirm the appointment. The chosen candidate will need to be Republican, matching Otto’s party.

This is not the first time there has been a passing of a local delegate in office. On the local front, Delegate Bennett Bozman passed in April of 2006 in his 15th year of service. Then-Ocean City Mayor Jim Mathias was appointed as interim delegate and then won the seat in the next election, setting off a lot of changes in Ocean City as then-Council President Rick Meehan became interim mayor and secured the full seat in the next election. In June 2010, Otto’s predecessor, Page Elmore, died in office. The central committees at the time appointed Elmore’s widow to the seat to fulfill the last six months of the term. Otto won the seat in the fall of 2010 and has held it until his passing last week.

District 38A is a unique one, including Somerset County, a portion of Wicomico County and about a third of Worcester County including municipal Berlin. The district includes all of Somerset’s voters, about 34% of Worcester’s electorate and 4% of Wicomico County voters.

The guess here is an individual with an agriculture background from Somerset County, where Otto resided, will be tapped for the seat. Resumes are now being accepted with the recommendation to the governor due Nov. 16. About two weeks later, Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, is expected to name the Republican successor to Otto.

***

It seems evident all seven Worcester County Commissioners do not support increasing the room tax rate. Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino did not raise their hands this week in support of the resolution. The question then becomes what Worcester County will do to address its emergent sewer issues in West Ocean City without Ocean City meeting the request for help. If there’s no room tax increase, Ocean City will most likely not move ahead with providing capacity from its sewer plant to help the county. Ocean City can live without an increase to the room tax, though it could use the boost to help with rising public safety costs. What’s unknown is what the county will do and how much money it will cost to address with the service areas in West Ocean City.

The hope here is rational minds will prevail. The county has a lot on the line with this vote.

***

While the resistance to the room tax increase epitomizes poor leadership, the move to reduce the Homestead Tax Credit for Worcester County primary homeowners and businesses should help many folks.

Dropping the Homestead Tax Credit from 3% to zero will cost the county about $900,000 in property tax revenue annually, but it’s a minimal ding compared to the county’s projected $20 million budget surplus from the previous fiscal year. In its simplest terms, a 0% Homestead Tax Credit essentially protects existing homeowners from massive swings in assessment increases. Barring a property tax rate increase (or decrease), current property tax bills should remain flat at the county level moving forward.

It’s a solid move that will impact primary homeowners at varying levels due to their respective property values and the individual assessment increases. About 12,000 property tax accounts will be affected in the county.

Community to thank for Art League party success

Editor,

On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who made this year’s “Aladdin’s World: pARTy of the Year” a wonderful success. The magical evening was filled with fun and surprises at the exotic Kalamata Meze Bar & Restaurant in West Ocean City and supported the 62nd anniversary of the Art League, helping our nonprofit continue our community outreach programs.

Thank you to the more than 150 guests who attended to support the arts. Our Aladdin’s World committee did an outstanding job of coordinating the occasion and creating sparkling décor and live entertainment. The committee includes chair Courtney Blackford, and members Eileen Stamnas, Heather Ross, Mary Ann Wangemann, Jessica Bauer, and Rina Thaler. A special shoutout to Virginia Burbage who created the stunning Aladdin’s lamp.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes out to our party sponsors. At the Magic Carpet $5,000 level: Atlantic Planning & Development, Bank of Ocean City, Jack Burbage Foundation, Nock Insurance Agency, Patti and Jerry Selig, and Rina and Jeff Thaler. At the Bazaar $2,500 level: Marjorie Givarz, Joanne Kirby, Jim and Jan Perdue, John Sisson, and Sunsations.

At the Cave of Wonders $1,500 level: Bruce Campbell and Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury. At the Oasis $1,000 level: Oasis Travel. At the Mirage $500 level: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Duffie Boat Works, and Valentine Accounting.

Our gratitude goes out to our

hosts, Kalamata Meze Bar & Restaurant, plus our in-kind sponsors: Nori Sushi, Candy Kitchen Shoppes, Gregory Poulos Photography, Innerbloom Floral, and Nightmares and Dayscreams. We also thank the Lower Shore Performing Arts Company for bringing live performers, Aladdin and Jasmine, to the party.

And to those many artists, local companies, private individuals, and organizations who donated to our auction, thank you for your generosity and your creative spirit.

Our $5,000 raffle for the trip of a lifetime or cash, sponsored by Oasis Travel, was won by Mike Day of Frederick, Md. Thank you to all of those who purchased a raffle ticket.

The board and staff of the Art League are grateful to the many members of the community who came together in support of the arts. Rina Thaler Art League Executive Director Courtney Blackford pARTy of the Year Committee Chair Jessica Bauer Art League Development Director

Boardwalk rally sends message to leaders Editor,

Oh my, what a joyful and fun day we had last Saturday as members of Indivisible Worcester MD chapter held a rally on the Ocean City boardwalk to show the world that America has no kings and power belongs to the people.

Indivisible is a non-partisan, allvolunteer, non-violent group engaged in peaceful political action. Indivisible’s co-leader Ezra Levin called for a Continued on Page 92

Continued from Page 91

second, nationwide “NO KINGS” protest on Oct. 18 to protect our Constitutional rights. Our local “NO KINGS” rally convened at the inlet tram station at noon and later marched to the Fireman’s Memorial and back. Members of Indivisible Worcester MD who spoke at the rally included Worcester County Democratic Central Committee chair Dr. Roxie Dennis, Co-President of the Worcester County Democratic Women’s Club Carol Pauley, and Worcester Indivisible co-leaders Susan Buyer and Toby Perkins. Dr. Dennis also led us in songs including “we shall overcome”. Did you know that Berlin’s Pastor Charles A. Tinsley wrote “I’ll overcome someday” in 1901 which inspired our march anthem?

Why did we peacefully protest? The current administration is sending masked agents into our streets and terrorizing communities. They target immigrant families, arrest and detain people without warrants, threaten to overturn elections, and call for the revision of jurisdictional maps to silence voters. Environmental protections and healthcare are being gutted when families need them most. Mass shootings at our schools and in our communities are ignored. The cost-of-living increases while the Big Ugly Bill provides massive giveaways to billionaire.

Have an opinion?

The first “NO KINGS” event last June to counter the President’s birthday parade included 5 to 6 million people in 2,169 peaceful protests in 27 countries worldwide. Levin hoped this demonstration would top it. “NO KINGS” represents the “foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together,” Levin says. “The best way to defend your rights is to exercise them.”

Levin got his wish. Over 2,700 rallies were held across all 50 states and in other countries. This was most likely the largest single day protest in the past 50 years with preliminary estimates of 7,000,000 protesters. I talked to several police at the rally; they thought we had at least 2,000 people supporting our No Kings O C rally.

“No thrones, no crowns, no kings” was the theme of our march and also includes no dictators or presidentsfor-life. Our community showed up in solidarity and mutual love for our country. We the people are responsible for the strength and survival of democracy. Political analyst, Eddie Laude said “we are the leaders we’ve been looking for” and I concur!

Tish Michel Ocean City

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‘Dan the Man’ bowled over by kindness of local league

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 24, 2025) Every Tuesday night, from September through May, 38-year-old Danny Wheeler can be found at Ocean Lanes, where he and his teammates participate in their weekly bowling league.

But what makes him unique is the fact that he does not let Down syndrome stop him from playing a game he has come to love and making friends along the way.

“Every time I hear a lot of commotion down at the other end of the alley, I know Danny must have gotten a mark,” said Marge Wheeler, Danny’s mom, “because everybody roots for him.”

In 2019, the Wheelers moved from Baltimore – where Danny had participated in several Unified sports – to West Fenwick. Six months later, COVID hit.

To pass the time, Marge said she joined a bowling league in Ocean City, where members would gather each Tuesday night for games. By the second year, she started participating in informal practice meetups at the alley, bringing Danny along with her.

“Danny really liked it, he really enjoyed bowling,” she said. “And it got to the point where he would say, ‘Mom, bowling Sunday? Mom, bowling Thursday?’ He was asking me

when we were going to go practice.”

But everything changed last year, when the Wheelers visited The Country Store in Fenwick. The owners, as members of the league, were looking for a person to fill an open spot on their team and had asked Danny to join.

Now, for the second season in a row, Danny and King Pins set up at Ocean Lanes for their weekly league night. Marge said her son now has his own team shirt, team socks, bowling shoes and bowling ball.

“He really is bowling better with his own bowling ball,” Marge said.

“In fact, in his last game this week, he bowled better than me.”

Nancy Windsor, a league member, remarked how Danny was recognized as the “Most Improved Bowler” at their annual banquet. She also noted the enthusiasm “Dan the Man” brings to weekly bowling nights.

“Danny is just improving steadily,” she said, referring to his bowling scores. “They’ll even announce it.”

Marge added that Danny’s participation in the bowling league has also improved his social skills. She said it is inspiring to watch her son be part of a team.

“It really does warm your heart when everybody is clapping for him,” she said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Danny Wheeler, 38, is a member of the King Pins bowling team at Ocean Lanes bowling alley.

ART LEAGUE FELLOWSHIP NIGHT

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Musician and composer Daniel Bowen of Salisbury, Md., performed for a capacity crowd on Oct. 14, 2025 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Bowen is the Art League of Ocean City's 2025 Orem and Harriet Robinson Fellow for Contemporary Art and Community Engagement, funded by Laura Jenkins in honor of her parents. The free evening introduced Bowen and his "Symphony 21" project to the Art League community. He performed several original compositions, accompanied by Grammy-award winning cellist Eru Matsumoto. Bowen's goal for his fellowship is to bring a free Symphony 21 concert to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center for all Worcester County school children and to raise the $35,000 needed to accomplish that. Donations are being accepted at OCart.org/donate.

DAR TRIP

Members of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently enjoyed a field trip to the Teackle Mansion in Princess Anne. Docent Don Sigrist described the history, architectural style, and furnishings of this grandiose 200-year-old dwelling. After the tour, members lunched at Sugar Water Restaurant in the historic Washington Hotel. Pictured, from left, are Dianne Disharoon, Jane Bunting, Shirley Moran, Chris Nanna-Lieb, Betty-Jane Cain, Beth Sise, Carol Mongelli, Pat Arata and Sharon Moak.

United Nations marks 80th anniversary of its founding

UN headquarters on East River in New York City bought by Rockefellers

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Today, 80 years ago, the United Nations was officially formed, as the governments of China, U.S.S.R., United States, United Kingdom, and France, and a majority of the other 50 signatories, ratified the Charter of the United Nations.

The charter had been signed by representatives of the 50 nations on June 26, 1945, in the Herbst Theatre Auditorium of the Veterans’ War Memorial Hall. October 24 is celebrated as “United Nations Day.”

On April 25, 1945, delegations from 46 nations arrived at the United Nations Conference on International Organization, which came to be known as the San Francisco Conference. The U.S. delegation was chaired by Secretary of State Edward R. Stettinius Jr. The conference was chaired by Baltimore-born Alger Hiss.

The conference soon invited four (4) more states— Byelorussian Soviet

Socialist Republic, Ukranian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark and the Republic of Argentina. Belarus and Ukraine were invited as the result of the agreements reached at the Yalta Conference.

A total of 3,500 people, which included the Conference Secretariat, 850 delegates and their advisors and staff attended. In addition, 2,500 press representatives and observers from many societies and organizations also attended. Poland did not attend because there was no generally recognized Polish government at the time. It would execute the charter on October 15, 1945. China, being the first victim of Axis’ aggression, was given the honor of signing first.

The creation of the United Nations was the fulfillment of a dream of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was the first to use the term “United Nations,” to describe those at war with the Axis. When, in December 1941, the president suggested the use of the term to British Prime Minister Sir Winston S. Churchill, the prime minister immediately agreed, noting that the phrase had been used by Lord Byron in his poem, “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” to describe the forces arrayed against Napoléon at the Battle of Waterloo.

The term was officially used on Jan. 2, 1942 when the following 26 governments signed the “Declaration by United Nations”: U.S.A., United Kingdom, U.S.S.R., China, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panamá, Poland, South Africa and Yugoslavia. At the Yalta Conference, in February 1945, “The Big Three” had agreed to establish, “...a general international organization to maintain peace and security.”

Other than the United States, the United Kingdom, U.S.S.R. and China, the rest of the countries fall into three groups. (1) the Commonwealth countries of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and South Africa; (2) those countries that were occupied by German forces and whose governments in exile were domiciled in London; (3) the Western Hemisphere coun-

tries under the thumb of the U.S. Original charter members of the United Nations were China, France, U.S.S.R, United Kingdom, United States, Argentina, Brazil, Belarus, Chile, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Haiti, Iran, Lebanon, Luxemborg, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, Yugoslavia, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iraq, Liberia, México, Netherlands, Norway, Panamá, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay and Venezuela.

There were two requirements to be a charter member. One, of course, was that the country had to apply and sign the charter; and (2) that country had to have been at war against the Axis prior to the Axis’ defeat. Some countries such as Turkey and Argentina only entered the war when it was obvious that all was lost for the Axis. Turkey entered on Feb. 23, 1945, and Argentina on March 25, 1945. Neither made any contribution to the defeat of the Axis.

On June 27, Secretary of State Stettinius resigned to become the first U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Former Supreme Court Justice James F. Byrnes was appointed to succeed Stettinius.

Each section of the charter had to

be, and was, adopted by a 2/3 majority of the nations. On July 6, 1945, Nicaragua became the first nation to ratify the U.N. Charter. The U.S. Senate ratified it on July 28, by a vote of 89 - 2. President Truman signed it on Aug. 8, 1945.

The UN’s General Assembly met for the first time in Westminster Central Hall, in London, on Jan. 10, 1946. On Feb. 1, 1946, Trygve Lie, of Norway, was elected the first UN Secretary-General.

John D. Rockefeller Jr., in a deal negotiated by his son, Nelson, purchased land, on the East River in Manhattan for $8,500,000 from William Zeckendorf Sr., and donated it to the new organization. Construction began on a permanent site for the organization, with the cornerstone being laid on “United Nations Day,” 1949. Although construction continued until Oct. 9, 1952, the building, officially, opened on Jan. 9, 1951.

Today, 193 countries are members of the U.N.

Next week: Trial of Hungarian Prime Minister Láslò 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.

U.S. President Harry Truman delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of the United Nations General Assembly in San Francisco on June 26, 1945.

OBITUARIES

ALAN MICHAEL LEE

Ocean City

Alan Michael Lee, age 77, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at his home in Ocean City, Maryland. Born in Falls Church, Virginia, he was the son of the late Stokley Swanson Lee and Rosalie Ann (McKendrick) Lee. During his life, Alan held various roles within his community. He obtained a college education and went on to serve as a priest at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington for 17 years. Along with that, he also served as the director for the Eastern Shore Red Cross for 12 years.

He is survived by his wife, Evonne Lee, two brothers, Chris Lee and Cameron Lee (Debbie), a sister, Sheila George (Jim), and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Erin Zelazny (Don).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City, Maryland. A viewing will take place 30 minutes prior to the mass. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are

in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

ROSCOE NELSON JR.

Ocean City

Family and friends are sad to report that Roscoe Heath Nelson, Jr. of Ocean City, passed away on September 29, 2025, at the Deer’s Head Hospital Center, in Salisbury, after a lengthy illness. He was 79.

He was predeceased by his parents, Roscoe Heath Nelson, Sr. and Josephine Sobotka Nelson, as well as his brother, George Thomas Nelson, and sisters, Virginia Lee Parsons, and Dorothy Mae Timmons.

He is survived by his nephew, Travis Donaway (Brittanie) and a great-nephew, Coulter Donaway, both of Snow Hill. Also, very dear to Roscoe were special friends Judy Whalan and Caitlin Whalan Jones.

Roscoe attended Stephen Decatur High School. While in junior high, Roscoe lost his left arm in a hunting accident. However, that did not deter him from continuing to hunt. Roscoe was also an accomplished pitcher in the Ocean City slow-pitch softball leagues. Roscoe attended Woodrow Wilson

School of Drafting, and became a fine draftsman,providing plans for many local construction projects.

After high school Roscoe held many different jobs that would all leave lasting effects on the local community. Roscoe was a skilled carpenter, and he helped design hotels that still line the beach and boardwalk today.

In 1996, Roscoe leased the Alamo Motel on Route 50 in West Ocean City. The Alamo was the first motel in the Ocean City area, and was built by the Harmon family. At the time Roscoe leased it, it had been closed for several years. But through hard work, Roscoe got it running, and became a successful hotelier.

He eventually opened a bar and a barbecue restaurant, at Alamo. He advertised the restaurant by purchasing a Volkswagen “Beetle,” painting it pink with a pig’s snout, attaching pig’s ears and parking it in front of the Alamo.

Roscoe operated the Alamo until illness forced his retirement. He will be remembered for always giving a helping hand, his quick wit, and giving everyone a smile and a wave from his “nub.” Roscoe touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from

12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at Sorriano’s Coffee Shop, 306 South Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City.

The family of Roscoe would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff of Deer’s Head Hospital in Salisbury for the care that Roscoe received over the past few years.

Donations can be made, in Roscoe’s name to Worcester County Humane Society.

RICHARD HEARNE PARSONS Salisbury

Richard Hearne Parsons, age 88 of Salisbury, MD passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2025. He was born in Salisbury, MD to the late Frank and Ruth Hearne Parsons.

$1,845.

Richard is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Carol Parsons; his daughters, Lisa Reed (Roger) and Elizabeth Whittington (Daniel Childers); his son, Doug Whittington (Carol Anne); and his sister, Shirley Parsons. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Benjamin Wattay, Jessica Wattay and Krista Drescher and great-grandson, Drake Stolba.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Terri Wattay and his brother, Frank Parsons (Barbara).

Richard had owned Parsons Amusements in Salisbury for many years. He was an active member of his community, serving as a Past President of both the Ocean City and Salisbury Lions Clubs. He also contributed to the Wicomico Jaycees, the Wicomico Yacht Club, and the Marina Commission, where he devoted his time and talents to improving the lives of others and enhancing the beauty of his beloved Salisbury. He was also a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Wicomico County Humane Society at HSWC, 5130 Citation Drive, Salisbury, Md. 21804 or Wicomico High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund C/O Community Foundation of The Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave, Suite 401, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

A viewing was held at Bethesda United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. where a service began at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Parsons Cemetery. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Obituary Submissions

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Submitted obituaries will cost $50.00 for print and online publications.

Alan M. Lee

R. Nelson Jr.

Richard Parsons

PHOTOS COURTESY STEPHEN DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL

DECATUR BOYS, GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS WIN BAYSIDE TITLES

For what is believed to be the first time in school history, both Stephen Decatur High School varsity teams took home the Bayside Conference championships on Monday at Kent Island.

For the boys team, pictured top, Decatur, which won the Bayside South division, defeated Bayside North winner Kent Island, 2-0, in the Bayside championship. Both goals for Decatur came in the second half by Blake Wallace and Jay Konyar. The clean sheet was recorded by sophomore goalie Jonah DeVito, who has not allowed in between the pipes. The win improved Decatur’s record on the season to 12-1 ahead of the state regional playoffs.

In the girls matchup, Decatur (Bayside South champs) was able to win a tight contest over Bayside North winner Queen Anne’s, 1-0 with the lone goal of the game coming from senior Samantha Ruppert, who converted off a goalie deflection from a shot by senior Caitlin Shimko. Heading into the regional playoffs, Decatur’s record stands at 11-2.

UNIFIED TENNIS TEAM HEADED TO STATES

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Stephen Decatur High School’s Unified tennis program, pictured top with Coaches Lyndsay Owens and Shannon Bone and assistant Hunter Powell, featured three teams competing in Monday’s regional meet against other schools on the lower shore. Decatur secured first, second and fourth place out of seven competing schools. Decatur’s top scoring team, above left, will advance to the state tournament in November in College Park.

Prep golfers win fifth straight ESIAC crown

Team continues conference dominance, set new school record with 9-hole score

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Oct. 24, 2025) Worcester Prep’s varsity golf team won its fifth straight ESIAC Conference Championship this week at the GlenRiddle Golf Club with an undefeated conference record and an overall 14-1-1 record on the season.

In the ESIAC championship meet, the Mallards’ final score was 154, Salisbury Christian School shot a 201 while The Salisbury School score was 230. Worcester Prep has shot far lower than any conference opponent all season.

Prior to meet beginning, Coach McMullen introduced the Mallards foursome that broke the school record on Sept. 24 at the GlenRiddle Golf Club. The record-setting team was juniors Karriagn Russell-Wood and Isha Garg and seniors Kain Crossett and Dawson Davis. In that match, Russell-Wood shot 35, Crossett shot 36, Davis shot 35 and Garg shot 37 for a combined score of 143, one under par for nine holes against The Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian.

On October 21st Kain Crossett from

In this week’s conference final, Worcester Prep’s Crossett was the medalist with a low score of 35. He was also the ESIAC Player of the Year with an average score of 37.33. The

ESIAC Conference Team was Crossett, Russell-Wood, Davis, Garg, John Laviola of The Salisbury School and Jacob Graves of Salisbury Christian.

of Salisbury Christian School.

All

Honorable mentions went to Chase Thompson of Worcester Prep, Kenzie Briddell of The Salisbury School and Brady Comolli

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

A highlight of the Worcester Prep fall golf season was when the team set a new school record for lowest nine-hole score with a combined score of 143. Pictured, from left, are members of the record-setting foursome, Karrigan Russell-Wood, Isha Garg, Kain Crossett and Dawson Davis.

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