11/10/2023 Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

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Veterans Day ceremonies, celebrations set for Sat. in Ocean City, Ocean Pines – Page 11

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WINTERFEST PREP

Ocean City’s Winterfest, a season-long celebration of the holidays and all things frosty, begins next Thursday evening, with light displays like the frog outline above nearly ready for the opening. Story on page 14.

County digs in to school financial issues Buckingham Elementary’s funding to be decided by BOE, but no figures yet

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a draft of the

county’s five-year capital improvement plan, which includes the replacement of Buckingham Elementary School, but not the project’s financial numbers.

Commissioner President Chip Bertino said the commissioners removed the board of education’s capital improvement plan at the board’s request, since board members must

still vote on their own capital improvement plan. Once the board approves its plan and the Buckingham school project, the commissioners can merge that into the county’s overall capital improvement package.

Since the county plan is still a draft, and will be scheduled for a public hearing, it can be changed and modified before final approval, Bertino

said.

The commissioners expect school board members to vote on their improvement plan and finalize Buckingham’s funding at their meeting on Nov. 21.

Bertino said the school board asked the commissioners on Monday to pull the Buckingham improvement See COUNTY on page 3

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

County remains committed to new school Continued from Page 1 plan from the agenda, because of the question of state funding.

At the commissioners Oct. 17 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young discussed how board of education members had known since February that the state wouldn’t fund the Buckingham project. Commissioners Eric Fiori and Bertino said the county is still committed to the replacement project, but Bertino expressed frustration at school board members’ failure to notify the commissioners about the funding problem.

At that meeting, commissioners voted to pause the Buckingham Elementary School replacement project and send a letter to Gov. Wes Moore asking for his support on state funding.

Later in Tuesday’s meeting, Young led commissioners through a presentation about funding formulas for Worcester County Public Schools in regard to the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

The county has funded Worcester County’s Board of Education through a “maintenance of effort” formula, which is calculated with two criteria, Young said.

First, county funding per student from the previous year sets the minimum required funding per pupil for the following year.

Five-year statewide averages also influence the funding formula, he said.

“If several counties overfund maintenance of effort, and the statewide average went up, it would then drag all the, let’s say, now underfunded, below-average counties forward,” Young said.

The blueprint added another school funding formula called combined local share. Local share is phased in over time, and its calculated amount is the estimated costs to implement the blueprint, Young said.

“Counties have to fund the greater of the combined local share and the per pupil based MOE (maintenance of effort), so whichever number ends up higher is what we fund,” Young said.

Worcester County’s combined local share was calculated at about $70.7 million, and the maintenance of effort was calculated at around $100 million, so the county is required to use the maintenance of effort funding, Young said. The maintenance of effort funding is what the county contributes to school funding.

One graph that Young presented showed the state’s Blueprint fund balance. It projected the state falling into a structural (as opposed to actual) deficit of up to $460 million, Young said.

A structural deficit means the entity is spending more than it is taking in, whereas an actual deficit means the entity has emptied its accounts and is in the red.

Maryland’s constitution prohibits it from operating at a loss, so the state must make up that structural deficit through more revenue, reduced spending, or both.

In the case of the Blueprint’s aggressive spending, “The state has shown in the past that it’s more than willing to pass these costs down to the counties,” Young said.

Another graph compared Worcester County’s per-pupil funding to the eight other Eastern Shore counties.

Worcester County had the lowest state contributions of all eight coun-

ties, but it also had the highest local contribution and the highest overall per-pupil funding.

Worcester County’s local contribution per pupil is about $5,000 higher than the next highest local contribution, which is Talbot County.

State and local contributions only make up about $19,500 of per pupil funding, according to the graph. The total county’s per-pupil funding comes out to about $27,300, when including things like state and federal restricted grants and county paid debt service.

Young said that while attending a recent Maryland Association of Counties Conference, he had the chance to meet with Rachel H. Hise, the executive director of the Blueprints Accountability and Implementation Board.

Young said that Hise stressed several times that the blueprint and its policy changes are not meant to be added on top of what school boards do now. She said that blueprint policies are meant to be replacements or reconfigurations of how things are done, Young said.

Worcester GOLD gears up for season (Nov. 10, 2023) Worcester County GOLD is accepting donations and shoppers for its Helping Hands for the Holidays program.

The program provides holiday gifts for more than 500 local children every year. All families are referred to GOLD by their community partners to verify needs and to prevent duplication of services.

Supporters can donate toys by shipping or dropping them at GOLD’s office at 201 River St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, or donate money by mailing a check to Worcester GOLD, P.O. Box 335, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

Those who wish to donate online or sign up to shop for local children can do so at WorcesterGOLD.org.

The deadline to donate or sign up to shop is Dec. 1.

The Greene Turtle in West Ocean City will also host the 25th Annual Chili Cook-Off to support the program.

Attendees will provide $10 or a new unwrapped toy and gain access to drink specials and unlimited chili samples from 12 of the best local restaurants.

The event is set from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3,

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care.

We want to help you keep that bright and beautiful smile all season!

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Commentary ....................51 Classifieds ........................32 Public notices ..................35 Sports ..............................56 Editor: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net News: editor@oceancitytoday.net Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net Classifieds: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net Phone: 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com and at Facebook/Ocean City Today Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Available by subscription at $150 a year.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Crowd marches in support of new Buckingham school Parents, teachers, students, others came out in droves in Berlin last Friday evening

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Parents, students, staff and others listen to a speaker during a protest over the state's decision not to fund a new Buckingham Elementary School last Friday in Berlin.

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Nov. 10. 2023) Main Street in Berlin was filled with marching parents, teachers and students chanting “Build the bear!” last Friday evening during a protest over lack of state funding for the construction of a new Buckingham Elementary School.

Hundreds of people attended the march, carrying signs reading “It’s time to use our outside voices,” and “teachers, staff and students are not political pawns.”

Buckingham Elementary School,

which was built in 1978, with no major renovations or additions in 45 years. It is the largest Title I school in Worcester County, with 60 percent of students coming from homes of poverty and qualifying for free and reduced-price meals.

It is currently using five portable classrooms and four instructional spaces in its media center. The bus parking area is not designed for bus traffic, making for a growing safety concern at the school, according to a letter to Gov. Wes Moore from State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38).

Last October, a capital improvement program was submitted to the state for the 2024 fiscal year. The package asked for and received funding approval from the Interagency Committee of School Construction for planning and design costs.

But later the Buckingham project was declared ineligible for cost-sharing because additional classroom space is available at other county schools with small class sizes.

On Oct. 17, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to pause the new Buckingham Elementary School construction project due to the lack of funds.

“The commissioners were unaware, even as plans moved forward, that no state funding was available,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “The loss of state matching funds places a significant burden on county taxpayers, who would shoulder one hundred percent of planning and construction costs if the county proceeded with the project as currently proposed.”

The county allocated $1.6 million in FY22 surplus funding for the project. The board of education reallocated the county funding to cover design costs, and the project was set to go to the bond market in FY25.

Bertino said that the school board needed to talk with the state and see how the project might proceed, stressing that the county taxpayers would not pick up the bill for the entire cost of Buckingham.

“We’re already disadvantaged because of the lack of funding that the state provides to us for the ongoing operation of education here,” Bertino said. “I don’t see how we can go forward with the lack of state funding.”

Correction In a story printed in the Nov. 3, 2023, edition about the Maryland State Highway Administration’s presentation to the City Council about local projects, it was reported that crosswalks that do not have a continental design will be replaced inkind as the streets are repaved. This is not exactly correct. The crosswalks will be restriped and the ladder style crosswalks will switch to the continental (piano keys) style once they are repaved.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 5

Ocean City Today

OVER $36.5 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2022 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203

NANCY REITHER-SMITH

#1 AGENT COLDWELL BANKER Realty 2022 Sales Volume, Listings & Closed Units Ocean City and DE Beaches

Realtor® • Licensed in MD & DE Office: 410-524-1203 Direct: 410-723-8574 / Cell: 410-603-5050 Email: nreither@cbmove.com

#1 LISTING AGENT FOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY MID ATLANTIC REGION WATERFRONT DREAM HOME This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is located in the sought after community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional 310 S. HERON GULL COURT storage. Off the kitchen is the OCEAN CITY • $2,499,900 dining area where you will love having meals with your family and friends. Off the family room and dining area there is a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee.

Off the screened-in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab feasts and grilling your favorites. Also on the first level of this home is the spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closets and a large bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There’s also a study on the first floor making remote work possible in a nice quiet area.

The first level also has another full bath, laundry room and a half bath. On the second level there are three additional bedrooms and two more full baths. This home has lots of room for everyone to visit and there’s also a bonus room over the garage which could be used as a fifth bedroom or game room. The home also has a wraparound porch, two-car garage and a deeded boat slip. The seller belongs to the Heron Harbour recreation association, which has tennis courts, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, Olympic size outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool. The home is located very close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Come take a look today.

This home is being offered partially furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDW02015676 HERON HARBOUR ISLE HOME WITH BOAT SLIP This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is located in the sought after community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional storage. Off the kitchen is the dining area where you will love having meals with your family and friends. Off the family room and dining area there is a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee. Off the screened-in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab feasts and grilling your favorites. Also on the first level of this home is the spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closets and a large bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There’s also a study on the first floor making remote work possible in a nice quiet area. The first level also has another full bath, laundry room and a half bath.

On the second level there are three additional bedrooms and two more full baths. This home has lots of room for everyone to visit and there’s also a bonus room over the garage which could be used as a fifth bedroom or game room. The home also has a wrap-around porch, two-car garage and a deeded boat slip. The seller belongs to the Heron Harbour recreation association, which has tennis courts, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, Olympic size outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool. The home is located very close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Come take a look today. This home is being offered partially furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDW02015676

304 S. HERON GULL COURT OCEAN CITY • $1,499,900

WATERFRONT WITH BOAT SLIP 2.03 ACRES! OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY NOON-3PM Breathtaking 5BR/4.5BA waterfront estate on 2+ acres is coming soon! If you are looking for an incredible home on a beautiful piece of property with breathtaking views overlooking Assateague Island, look no further. This home boasts 6,482 sq.ft. of lux11602 S. HILLS DRIVE • BERLIN MD ury. The family room over$1,699,900 looks the water with soaring ceilings and a beautiful custom fireplace. The chef's kitchen is amazing, with lots of room for prepping food and enjoying home cooked meals, and the spacious breakfast area is off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for family and friends. The kitchen has lovely granite countertops, a butler's pantry, mini bar, and plenty of cabinets for storage.

This home also has a formal dining room and formal living room, perfect gathering space for everyone to enjoy for years to come. The large primary bedroom suite is on the first floor with beautiful views overlooking the water. There are hardwood floors throughout the home. On the second floor you will find four additional spacious bedrooms and three baths, and a home theater/game room. There is also an additional room over the garage with a full bath. Off the back of the home there is a 40'x12' brick patio facing the water, which is perfect for outdoor dining and grilling. This home also comes with a Community Dock area with assigned boat slips. Slip number three is the owners. If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle, but you still want to be close to Ocean City, golf courses, and everything Assateague Island has to offer, this is the perfect home for you. Come take a tour today, put your finishing touches on it, and turn your dream of owning a Waterfront estate into reality. Your family and friends are sure to make memories that last a lifetime here. Come see for yourself. Schedule your showing today and consider making this dream home yours. MLS MDWO2015282

OCEAN MID-TOWN CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-NOON Professional photos to follow: Come take a look at this spacious 1BR/1BA Ocean Block beauty! This one-bedroom unit is over 700 sq. ft. and is on the ocean block side of coastal highway. This is an elevated building so there's a very nice view from the large deck off the family room. This is your 7704 COASTAL HWY #102 chance to own a slice of Ocean City and make memories that OCEAN CITY • $310,000 will last a lifetime. As you walk in the front door, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful dining area and kitchen. The family room flows off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for entertaining. There is a large balcony off the family room with access by a glass slider. The bedroom is very large and can accommodate two queen beds. There is one full bath as well. This condo located midtown Ocean City, close to plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Come take a look today and own your slice of Ocean City. This building is professionally managed and has low condo fees. The condo is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDWO2015968

RESIDENTIAL LOT

DIRECT BAYFRONT OCEAN CITY! Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant 733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY foyer with marble flooring $3,200,000 greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard.

On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level. You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714

SINGLE FAMILY HOME Stunning 4BR/3BA coastal home with garage in North Ocean City has just been listed! This home is located six blocks from the beach and across the street from Fiesta Park, which has walking trails and a pavilion. After walking through a gracious covered front porch, you are welcomed into this fabulous home. The first level of this beautiful home has two spacious bedrooms, one full bath and a den/study area perfect for working remotely from home. Beautiful hardwood floors lead to the second level where you will find a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainlesssteel appliances. There is a bright and airy dining room directly off the kitchen where you will enjoy making family meals and memories that last a lifetime. Adjoining the kitchen and dining room is a spacious family room with impressive cathedral ceilings.

The second level also has the primary bedroom and the primary bath with shower and soaking tub. The second level also has a 12x16 composite deck with vinyl railings.

On the third level you’ll find the fourth bedroom and another full bath. The fenced back and side yards have lots of grass for the dogs and kids to play. There is also a patio and grilling area. The home is being sold furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. The home also has a garage and multiple additional parking spaces and street parking. Come take a look at this very rare find before it’s sold! MDW02016242

4111 FIESTA RD OCEAN CITY • $739,900

Are you looking to build your dream home? Look no further than this beautiful residential lot in the community of South Point Farms. This beautiful building lot is in a prime location on the corner with beautiful bay views. The lot is approximately 2.76 acres and it’s located off 611 in Berlin Maryland. At the entrance of South Point Farms is a public boat ramp and public pier with water access for boating fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil location with unbelievable Bay views this is the prime spot. There are multiple world-class golf courses close by and Assateague National and State Park as well for days on the beach. No builder tie in required. Come take a look today and enjoy the good life on South Point Farms! MDWO2014122 OCEAN PINES

32 FORT SUMTER S. THE PARKE @ OCEAN PINES $389,000 Absolutely Stunning home in The Parke at Ocean Pines hits the market!

This home has 3BR/2BA with one level living.As you walk to the front door, you’ll be welcomed with a beautiful array of flowers leading to a nicely covered porch area. When you enter this well-kept home, you will see a bright airy table space kitchen with plenty of cabinets, perfect for having friends and family over for dinner. As you walk down the hall there are two bedrooms and a full bath. Continuing down the hallway you enter the living area which opens to the back yard. Off the living area is the beautiful primary bedroom suite with another full bath. Then there is a fullsize laundry room with washer and dryer and a very convenient oversize garage. This home is located in the awardwinning community of The Parke, a 55 and older community in Ocean Pines. The Parke has a fitness center, library, sauna, nature trails, clubhouse, indoor pool and billiard room. So there are plenty of activities to enjoy. This home has been meticulously maintained. The HVAC was replaced in 2023, new carpet was also recently installed as was a new dishwasher in 2022. This home is shown by appointment only, so please schedule your appointment today for a tour and make this beautiful home a reality. MDWO2016462

34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $2,500,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared.

Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528 LAND

1303 MCHENRY COURT BERLIN • $120,000 Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams! Large cul-de-sac (11,566 Sqft.) home site in the very desirable Colonial Village location in Ocean Pines. Close to the Yacht Club, Yacht club pool and marina and Mumford's Landing Pool, and located only a few miles from Ocean City’s famous beaches.

Ocean Pines is an amenity rich community w/restaurants, shops, tennis, recreational facilities, golf, ball fields, pickleball courts, basketball court, playground, 12 parks, 6 trails, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 marinas, beachfront beach club at 49th Street in Ocean City, and the farmer's market. There is also police protection, fire protection and excellent management.

MLS MDWO2008616

Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean. As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy. Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172

1 66TH ST UNIT 101 OCEAN CITY • $499,900

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

WATERSIDE DRIVE BERLIN • $475,000

OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3PM

32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $4,500,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978

THIS HOME IS A SHOW-STOPPER!

10615 POINT LOOKOUT ROAD OCEAN CITY • $5,599,900 JUST REDUCED! $4,899,900 Custom 6BR/6BA/3HBA/ new construction west facing bayfront estate designed and built by David Bradley of Bradley Construction w/ views of both Assawoman Bay and skyline from the property’s L-shaped pool and swim-up bar.

Features exceptional craftsmanship w/astute attention to detail, custom finishes/woodwork, and architectural details. A welcoming orange crush bar made w/Port Rush quartz and 1st-floor Den/bedroom ensuite complete w/Murphy bed. Expansive family room has a wall of windows and glass sliders overlooking the bay. Gourmet chef's kitchen just off family room includes plenty of bar seating w/endless bay views. Kitchen boasts GE monogram ss appliances including 6-burner gas range, expansive center island, custom farm sink, w/vegetable sink, hone marble and quartz countertops. White custom Fabuwood cabinets w/undercounter lighting, appliance garages and custom pull outs for easy storage. Floating shelves in kitchen made w/reclaimed wood, and a designer tile backsplash. An expansive butler’s pantry, mud room w/custom shelving, laundry room, half bath on the main floor. White oak stairs, and custom-made glass elevator. 2nd floor spacious ensuite Bayfront bedrooms, each w/its own private balcony. A 4th ensuite bedroom which has been designed as a bunk room w/custom bunk and trundle bed complete w/a port hole. A coffee bar, refrigerator, and full-size laundry on 2nd floor. 3rd floor primary bedroom ensuite w/bay views, cathedral ceilings, turret cupola, coffee bar, fireplace, exquisite tile work, two enormous closets w/wood detailing and shiplap, and expansive covered porch. Primary bath has insulated tub w/jets and faces the bay w/a 6’x6’ circular Anderson window. Bonus room w/soaring ceilings and cupola; separate refrigerator, bar seating, a private deck, half bath, and laundry. A saltwater pool and spa, cabana area complete w/2 outdoor TVs, 2 refrigerators, custom cabinetry/countertops, fire pit area, permits for three lifts and a transient boat, a 50ft pier, dock and ramp. Parking for 6 cars. MLS MDWO2012190

COMMERCIAL

TAXID 533-17.00-156.07

S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $890,000 Commercial land 3.94-acre prime location served by water and sewer from Selbyville.

This land is across from the new development of Coastal Villages. 1,000 feet of road frontage. Also available for sale is Tax ID 533-17.00-156.04 which has 7.29 acres for $490,000 (MLS- DESU2028756) this has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028754

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2023 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

City Council to discuss air rights, right-of-way policy Proposed draft document would require appraisals for development projects SATURDAY – Rockaholics 8:30pm

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By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 10, 2023) Developers who want to obtain air rights and rightsof-way for future projects may soon have more hoops to jump through as City Council members prepare to view a policy that could put a price tag on the currently unvalued assets.

“We’ve had a couple of recent projects that have requested air rights over alleys,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week. “And apparently this had come up a number of years ago and the council had asked for a policy on how to handle that and it was never done.”

In response, McGean said he developed a draft of a policy that addresses both air rights and rights-of-way that he plans to present to council members at their work session next Tuesday.

“It essentially lays out that we should have appraisals done whether it’s the actual alley or the air rights,” McGean explained. “But the council can waive having the appraisals done if they believe they are getting an

equal amount of property in exchange. That’s the draft we are submitting to council.”

Air rights refer to the space above a piece of property that would be occupied by constructing a tall building.

Historically, council members have relinquished air rights for projects, usually hotels, without any appraisal or compensation.

Recently, developers planning a Margaritaville resort, or similar smaller hotel project, proposed for the former Phillips Beach Plaza property between 13th and 14th streets downtown, requested air rights to build multiple stories high. The new owner of the former Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk made a similar request for air rights over an alley.

A couple of members of the public complained that the council was giving away the land, or air, too easily when they could be profiting from it.

McGean explained that the city’s existing property sale policy also does not specifically address rights-ofway, only real property. Rights-ofway are usually alleys and streets that connect or accompany properties, and many times are simply given away for free if it is proven the city does not need them.

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PAGE 7

Ocean City Today

City staff reiterates political speech laws Despite complaints, flags on beach protected by U.S. Constitution language

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 10, 2023) Complaints over the flying of pro-Trump flags on the beach have forced Ocean City staff members to reiterate details of a federal law that protects all political speech — regardless of how egregious or offensive some people may find it.

“I want to make it clear this is not a city policy, it’s the Constitution,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week in response to a complaint from a resident about political flags she recently saw flying on the beach downtown.

“The beach and the Boardwalk are public ways, they’re like public parks,” McGean continued. “Political speech is protected by the Constitution. Those flags are considered political speech, essentially.”

The resident, Estella Santos, attended a council meeting Monday where she shared a story about coming across the flags and attempting to remove them with the belief that they were posted illegally.

“Last week, I went on a walk on the Boardwalk,” Santos said. “I noticed many flags flying on the beach. I no-

ticed that some flags had been wired to the wooden railing on the steps on the Boardwalk leading down to the beach. I know no one can simply decide to place banners or flags or signs on public property. So I walked over and put the flags on the sand. I then walked away.”

Santos said a man confronted her and told her she had no right to touch the flags and that he was within his rights to fly them. Santos said the conversation proceeded to get heated, and she claimed that the man and others who showed up cursed at her and called her names.

Santos shared photos of the flags, which depict them flying on the public beach.

She said she wanted council members to address the flying of the flags and cited the city’s sign ordinance, which places permitting and insurance regulations on many public displays.

However, the city’s sign ordinance does not supersede the federal Constitution, which, as McGean pointed out, protects all political speech in public places.

McGean added that the flags cannot be attached to the Boardwalk or beach stand operator boxes and are required to be moved at night to not impede the beach tractors. But every-

PHOTO COURTESY ESTELLA SANTOS

A row of political flags flap in the wind on the beach near Eighth Street. Despite one resident’s complaints, city staff said this week that the federal Constitution protects all types of political expression, including these flags, on public property.

thing else is fair game.

“With what we can and cannot do in terms of regulating something like that is very, very, very restricted by the Constitution,” he said.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said during Monday’s meeting that political speech “possibly gets the most protection under the First Amendment,” and that there is noth-

ing that city staff can really do.

She gave an example of a vulgar political sign that someone was holding up on the Boardwalk recently that had to be endured because of the federal protection.

“It’s protected speech and been fought and fought and fought throughout the years well beyond you or I,” Stansbury said.

PAGE 8

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Code amendment will allow for smoother policy updates Council members voted to allow Police Commission to approve changes monthly

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 10, 2023) Updates to Ocean City’s police enforcement policies can be made smoother and swifter following approval this week of a city code amendment.

The amendment, which accompanies a new police policy manual, allows members of the Police Commission to approve changes to the document monthly and the City Council to approve them annually.

Council members voted 5-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed and Councilman Will Savage absent, in favor of the request Monday.

The new manual, which is a road map for regulations on everything from body worn cameras to public video surveillance, replaces what were previously called general orders.

The change was made in response to state legislative requirements passed in 2021, which called for a thorough

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review of all Maryland law enforcement agencies’ existing policies and procedures and required recommendations for changes and revisions.

The accompanying code amendment will allow staff and consultants from Lexipol, a national policy development company the city partnered with, to more easily update details of the manual with changes from the Supreme Court and other sources.

Staff have been working with Lexipol consultants for a while to put together the manual and code amendment request. And while the code amendment went through a first reading with no objection, Gehrig expressed some reservations before Monday’s vote.

He voiced concerns about City Council members not seeing changes to the policy until they are already approved by the Police Commission.

While City Solicitor Heather Stansbury explained that some, or possibly most, of the changes could be small and meticulous, Gehrig still expressed a desire to have more transparency.

“I don’t like it, I think it sets a bad precedence,” he said.

OCPD welcomes K9 Finn to force after Rocco retirement (Nov. 10, 2023) Following the recent retirement of K9 Rocco, members of the Ocean City Police Department has welcomed a new furry officer to the force.

According to a news release, K9 Finn, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois, will be partnering with Police Officer First Class Patrick Schob.

Schob has been a member of the police department since July 2018, serving on the Traffic Safety Unit for the past three years.

Schob and Finn have spent the last six weeks training together at Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. The release said they were trained in patrol and narcotics detection techniques.

Finn has received certification from the North American Police Work Dog Association and is now fully prepared for duty.

According to the release, Schob and Finn are committed to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of the town.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Worcester law enforcement, BOE release joint statement Sheriff, state’s attorney met with board members three times over safety concerns (Nov. 10, 2023) A disconnect between Worcester County law enforcement and public school officials seems to be smoothing out, according to a joint statement the parties released this week.

Carrie Sterrs, the coordinator of public relations and special programs for the board of education, issued the statement in a news release Tuesday.

The statement said the State’s Attorney Kris Heiser and Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli met with three board members — Katie Addis, Bill Gordy and Elena McComas — on three separate occasions over the past two weeks to discuss school safety.

Heiser and Crisafulli’s “ongoing safety concerns within Worcester County Public Schools” were addressed during the meetings, and Crisafulli and Heiser provided several recommendations to address their concerns, according to the statement.

“The Board acknowledges law enforcement’s concerns and will be reviewing and considering the recommendations presented this week,” the statement said. “The Office of the State’s Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Education are committed to participating in ongoing meetings and discussion and to taking actions

necessary to achieve the highest level of safety and security in Worcester County schools.”

The meetings came on the heels of Heiser and Crisafulli penning a letter to the school board on Sept. 11 calling into question the system’s practices on addressing student safety and communication with officials. The letter did not city any specific instances that led law enforcement officials to deem schools unsafe and Heiser said nothing happened to prompt the writing of their joint letter.

She explained later that law enforcement officials primarily wanted to improve communication with school officials so they know what is transpiring inside the schools.

The statement released Tuesday also addressed the importance of transparency and accountability between elected official and parents and members of the public regarding safety in schools.

“Therefore, while the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney and the Board of Education continue to work on these matters in private, we also look forward to a time in the near future when we can collectively present school safety information to the public to answer questions, eliminate confusion and confirm to our community that we are doing everything we can to make schools the safest places in Worcester County,” the statement said.

City Council to decide fate of unassigned funds soon Staff members set to bring recommendations for how to spend unexpected cash

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 10, 2023) Ocean City Council members could begin discussing how to spend millions of dollars in unexpected Fiscal Year 2023 revenue as early as their next regular meeting.

At a work session last week, Finance Director Chuck Bireley presenting details of the resort’s annual financial report, which showed an increase in the city’s unassigned fund balance from 30.4 percent of the general fund expenses in fiscal 2022 to 32.5 percent in fiscal 2023.

The balance is basically leftover money that is not allocated toward other expenses within the budget.

And thanks primarily to increases in room taxes and operating grants last fiscal year, the fund has millions more in it than it did in fiscal 2022.

City Manager Terry McGean said this week that he has met with Bireley and Budget Director Jennie Knapp and discussed options for spending the money.

“We will be coming to the council possibly as early as the next council meeting with recommendations as to how to assign that,” McGean said.

The council’s next regular council meeting is Nov. 20.

One idea that Ocean City resident Vince Gisriel suggested at a regular council meeting Monday would be to lower taxes. Gisriel, who is a former councilman, has been a consistent voice against most government spending for years.

He pointed out that revenues have been on the rise for the past nine years and he believes it is time for some of that money to be given back to the tax base.

He reiterated the concerns in a letter to the editor the following day.

“The $9.7 million found this last See RESIDENT Page 10

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Resident wants to see council lower property tax rate Continued from Page 9 fiscal year alone means that the [mayor and City Council] could have lowered the previous property tax rate by over 10 cents and still have had a balanced budget,” Gisriel said in the letter. “No one is asking that they do that, but a modest reduction of 2 to 3 cents in the property tax rate would be prudent and responsible.”

Gisriel called lowering the tax rate “a novel idea,” especially given how much costs are going up nearly everywhere.

Councilman John Gehrig responded to Gisriel at the end of Monday’s meeting.

“We’ll talk about it at budget,” he said. “Certainly all of us would love to lower taxes, right?”

He added, though, that the city has other expenses and contended that costs are going up everywhere, which makes the fact that Ocean City has not raised taxes a significant feat.

“You know how it is, you work like crazy not to increase it when everyone around you in the entire world is raising prices,” Gehrig said.

The city is currently in Fiscal Year 2024 and council members will begin discussing the fiscal 2025 budget sometime in March.

PHOTO COURTESY LEE WILKINSON

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Ocean City Today

Veteran’s Day services and memorials set for OC and OP (Nov. 10, 2023) People who want to celebrate and honor active and past United States service members will have chances on Veterans Day this Saturday in Ocean City and Ocean Pines.

Ocean City The American Legion Synepuxent Post 166 will hold its annual Veterans Day celebration at 1:30 p.m. at the post headquarters downtown.

The ceremony is open to the public and will include the array of activities and speeches the group presents each year to celebrate veterans.

Veterans Day is a commemoration of all military Veterans, past and present, as opposed to Memorial Day, a more somber observance that commemorates the loss of lives of military personnel serving in our Armed Forces during times of war,” Ed Pinto, the post historian, said in an email of the holiday.

Throughout the year, the members of the post host charitable giving programs and other activities for local veterans and the community.

Saturday’s event will be at the post headquarters at 2308 Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City.

For more information, call 410-2893166.

Ocean Pines The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation will host its traditional ceremony to commemorate the holiday on Nov. 11.

The tribute begins at 11 a.m. at the memorial grounds in Ocean Pines.

Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said in a news release that the ceremony will include patriotic music from the Delmarva Chorus, a color guard presentation of local American Legion representatives, and an address by guest speaker Col. David Cahn.

“Col. Cahn, USMC (retired) had a highly distinguished career spanning 35 years,” Gilmore said in the release. “He served in the Middle East, Granada, Panama, South Korea, and on major Marine Corps bases. He was actively involved in wars and conflicts during Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the Gulf War, Beirut, and Grenada. We are honored to have Col. Cahn as our Keynote Speaker.”

Some seating will be provided, but those who attend are encouraged to bring chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Ocean Pines Community Center.

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, visit opvets.org.

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Townhome project in West OC downgraded Proposed new development reduced to 19 units for first phase due to lack of water

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Developers and designers for the proposed 4 Seasons Townhome community split their building plan into two phases because there isn’t yet enough water service assigned to the West Ocean City plots to serve the project’s dwelling capacity.

At their Nov. 2 meeting, members of the Worcester County Planning Commission unanimously approved the concept plans for the townhomes, which were compiled by Vista Design Inc., an engineering consultant company from Showell. Tauhid Islam is

owner of the applicant company, Oceans 8, LLC. The review was the second step of concept plan review for Islam’s proposed townhome community and follows an Oct. 11 review by the Worcester County Technical Review Committee.

Islam plans to build 44 townhome units across lot 1B and lot 2A of parcel 445 and lot E1 of parcel 443 of the Worcester County tax maps, which are just south of the Green Turtle restaurant on Route 611. The combined lots make up about 6.42 acres.

In June, the county rezoned the lots from R-1 Rural Residential to R4 General Residential.

Because there are only 20 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) of water and wastewater service attached to the property, Islam and designers

from Vista are now proposing to construct just 19 of the units as the first project phase.

EDUs are a water and wastewater capacity measurement that is required for any development that intends to use or discharge water.

“Any single-family residence, not being used for any other purpose, shall be classified as one ‘equivalent dwelling unit’ rating,” according to the Worcester County Zoning and Subdivision Control Article.

After the meeting, Zoning Administrator Kristen Tremblay said that the planning commission set the maximum number of units at 19 so there was some buffer room with the EDU capacity.

The developers plan on building the rest of the proposed 44 units once they can acquire an adequate number of EDUs from the county, Tremblay said.

In the agenda packet for the Oct. 11 Technical Review Committee’s review of the townhome plans, the committee asked developers to talk to the county’s Environmental Programs department to find out the current and future availability of EDUs. “Also, note that developments with less than 20 units do not require RPC [residential planned communities] approvals,” according to the agenda packet from the Technical Review Committee. “In the event that 20 units or less are proposed as a basic subdivision action, this does not prevent future applications for additional units as part of a RPC,” according to the packet.

The county zoning and subdivision

code defines minor residential planned communities as having 20 or fewer units, while major residential planned communities have over 20 units.

When the project was proposed to be constructed as 44 units at once, it was classified as a major residential planned community, but now, at least for the 19-unit phase one of the project, it has been downgraded to a minor residential planned district.

Concept plan review processes differ for major and minor RPCs. Both designations must get approval from the Technical Review Committee and then the Planning Commission, but only major RPCs have to get approval from the county commissioners.

Since this project is now considered a minor RPC, it will go on to an implementation plan, where developers and designers submit subdivision plat drawings and site plans. After that, they can start applying for building permits, Tremblay said.

Had the project continued as a major RPC, it would have had to go through a process for master plan approval, then complete the implementation plan.

If or when the owners get enough EDUs to add the rest of the units, they will have to go through the full process of approval for a major RPC, Tremblay said.

At the Technical Review Committee meeting on Oct. 11, members also requested that developers change the name to something other than the 4 Seasons Townhome Community, which they said was too close to the title of other developments in the area.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Outlines of metal light displays are now visible all around Northside Park on 125th Street, along with a large christmas tree at the east side of the park. Pictured are the displays on Wednesday.

Ocean City Winterfest of Lights begins Nov. 16 Holiday celebration to open with performance from OC Elementary, tree lighting (Nov. 10, 2023) Ocean City’s annual Winterfest of Lights will officially kick off next week with the return of the holiday tram and several other

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new activities that span further than just the displays at Northside Park.

The opening ceremony, complete with a performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s OC Stars and the official tree lighting, will begin at 5:30 p.m., next Thursday, Nov. 16, at the entrance of the light show at Northside Park.

According to a news release, opening night is free. Mayor Rick Meehan is set to flip the switch to light the holiday displays and the 50-foot Christmas tree, signifying the official opening of the 31st event. Santa is also set to make an appearance at the opening ceremony.

Those who want to walk through the light displays can still do so, but this year the Winterfest Express tram will also be available to drive spectators through the park with multiple stops to allow people to fully view all of the lights and displays.

The release said the path will contain “several surprises along the way.”

There will be coffee and hot chocolate for sale at the boosters concession, as well as photo hot spots

throughout the venue, and holiday music available from Radio Ocean City or downloaded through the Radio Ocean City App. Spectators will have the chance to vote for their favorite tree decorated through the Art League of Ocean City’s Trees for the Arts Program. The trees will be on display inside the Winterfest tent and votes are $1 per entry. The release said each vote helps support the art league’s youth programs and classes and the tree with the most votes will win a $500 cash prize.

Winterfest organizers have also partnered with the Marine Corps League, OC Jeep Club, Sugar Planet and Toys for Tots to offer opportunities for giving, the release said.

The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Stuff the Jeep Toy Drive, set Nov. 18 and 19, will allow attendees to enter Winterfest for free on those nights with the donation of a new toy (one admission per person, up to four per group entry).

A parade of holiday-themed Jeeps will be on display on Nov. 18, driving from north Sixth Street to 130th,

where they will then go into the Winterfest of Lights and be on display from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The release said Ocean City’s Transportation Department will also display three colorful Boardwalk Jeeps inside the Winterfest Pavilion.

The Winterfest Train Garden will also return this year during the hours of Winterfest to the convention center’s welcome center.

Model displays will be available for viewing, along with literature recounting the history of the resort’s train station and railroad. Admission is free, however donations are accepted and benefit the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

The release said the Winterfest of Lights will also host a Furry Friends Day for leashed pets.

Winterfest hours will be 5:30-9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 16 through Dec. 31. Tickets will be sold on site and admission is $6 for attendees 12 years and older, and free for anyone younger than 11 For more information, visit ococean.com/events.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

Delaware man charged with stealing truck from OC Hotel Police find Elvis Gove with missing truck’s key after reviewing security footage

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Ocean City police charged Elvis Lee Gove, 42, of Delmar, Delaware, with car theft-related charges, after he allegedly stole a truck from a hotel, according to a police report.

On Oct. 31, around 8:30 a.m., police were called about a stolen vehicle by a downtown hotel. The caller, who was an employee of the hotel, told police that one of the hotel’s work trucks that’s used to transport laundry was missing.

The caller last saw the truck, which is a 2016 Ford E350 box truck, Elvis Lee Gove parked in the hotel’s overflow parking lot the day before.

The caller told police that security camera footage showed a man getting into the truck around 3 a.m. the morning of Oct. 31. The man then drove the truck out of the parking lot toward Philadelphia Avenue, he said.

The caller said that he did not recognize the man, and that only three people use the truck: the caller and two other employees. The caller told police that there were copies of the truck’s keys but he wasn’t sure where they were.

Police watched the security footage and saw the man had his hair in a ponytail and was wearing a gray sweatshirt that said “Milton,” gray sweatpants and tan boots. Police confirmed what the caller had told them about in the security footage, according to the report.

Police said that the man appeared to either know where the truck’s keys were or already had the key.

The caller reviewed more security footage of the previous night and told police in one video he saw the man exit a 2004 GMC Yukon SUV and walk to the hotel’s truck.

Police watched the video and saw that over the night, the man had driven to the truck in the SUV, went inside the truck for a few minutes and then left the area. The man later returned, got back in the truck and drove it away.

At one point in the video footage, police also saw the man taking linens from a fenced-in area at the hotel.

Around 11 a.m., an officer saw the SUV on 33rd Street, and the driver matched the description of the suspect. Police followed the SUV north

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on Coastal Highway until it stopped at a 120th Street convenience store.

Police arrested the man, who was identified as Gove.

At the booking facility, Gove allegedly admitted to police he had a blanket and pillow in his SUV, which police believed was consistent with the linen theft at the hotel.

Officers found the blanket and pillow in Gove’s SUV as well as an ignition key.

The caller who worked at the hotel confirmed the blanket and pillow belonged to the hotel, and police matched the key from Gove’s SUV with another key that was used for the stolen truck.

The caller also told police the key was kept inside the laundry truck.

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Pictured, from left, are new inductees Dorothy Beran and Joe Beran, and Past District Governor Norm Cathell.

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Mitrecic doubts planning comm. approvals Wor. commissioners deny two appications endorsed by recommending body

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the commissioners might need to reconsider who they appoint to the planning commission following their vote Tuesday to deny a rezoning application and an application for a solar energy project.

The planning commission sent both the applications to county commissioners with recommendations for approval, and both were struck down in 3-4 votes after going through a public hearing.

At the end of the meeting, Mitrecic said that commissioners should “maybe put people on [the Planning and Zoning Commission] that have their (the county commissioners) ideals moving forward.”

“You’re costing these applicants a lot of money to come in here with lawyers to turn them down. If possibly we could … reevaluate who you have on as your personal planning and zoning (commissioner),” Mitrecic said. “If we’re going to grind this county to a stop, let’s do it at the planning and zoning and not here.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed with Mitrecic, but said that the applicants and legal counsel shouldn’t be trying to rezone for major commercial projects next to agricultural zones or claiming there are mistakes in comprehensive rezoning plans as recent as 2009.

“I think it’s the responsibility of the lawyers as well not to bring in these outrageous rezonings and expect to become victorious,” Fiori said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said that commissioners don’t have the authority to replace planning commissioners or members of other advisory committees. Once the members of the groups are set, they have the right to serve their full terms, he said.

The rezoning request came from the Owners of Pin Oak Properties LLC. Ocean City attorney Hugh Cropper argued on behalf of the owners that a 5.5acre plot containing Sens Mechanical, an HVAC and plumbing company off of Route 113, was mistakenly zoned as a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District.

Sens Mechanical sits on lots 3, 5 and 6 of the Douglynne Woods Subdivision.

The planning commission also favored rezoning the adjacent lot 1, which is owned by Robert Riccio, and has a single-family home on it. While lot 1 was also technically part of the application, Cropper said he doesn’t represent Ric-

cio.

Cropper and his clients requested that the plot be rezoned to a C-2 General Commercial District so that the owners could eventually construct buildings that comprised too much square footage to be built in a C-1 zone.

Only three commissioners voted in favor of a motion to rezone the property, while four commissioners — Eric Fiori, Jim Bunting and Caryn Abbott and Commissioner President Chip Bertino — were opposed.

The planning commission approved the rezoning in August.

Cropper said there are two reasons the current C-1 zoning was a mistake.

The first mistake was that, after the area was rezoned in 2009 from a B-1 Neighborhood Business District to C-1, an existing contractor building on the property became non-conforming because the building exceeded the zoning’s square-footage limit, Cropper said.

The second mistake was that C-1 classified the plot as a “neighborhood” business, while Sens Mechanical is located in a low visibility area and isn’t very accessible to the public, Cropper said.

Paul Sens, representative of Pin Oak Properties LLC, said he planned to clean up and improve the property if the approval was granted.

Brian Zollinger, a landscape archi-

OCT

tect at Vista Design, an engineering consultant company from Showell, said that they are working on a new site plan for the Sens property. He confirmed with Cropper that Sens isn’t able to expand the site without the rezoning.

Sens wants to add more contractor shops and storage, Cropper said. The C-1 zoning limits the property to 2,500 square feet of the kind of contractor buildings Sens wanted to build, and if he went to BZA he could only get a special exception of up to 5,000 square feet, which isn’t adequate, Cropper said.

Fiori said that at the same time of the 2009 rezoning, many nearby properties were also “down-zoned” to C-1.

Fiori and Bunting both said that the property is close to apartments and other residential homes.

Surrounding properties are zoned as C-1 or A-2 Agricultural Districts, according to staff reports on the rezoning.

“All these other properties within 1,000 feet … were dropped back to C-1 from a C-2 designation,” Fiori said.

Cropper said the business isn’t local in nature, which is the intended purpose of a C-1 zoning as defined in the county code. He called Sens Mechanical a “destination” commercial business that people come from far away for, Cropper said. Cropper said that it’s not visible from the highway, which would make it less of a locally accessible business.

Fiori asked Cropper if he and his clients had gone to the State Highway Administration to get direct access to 113, Cropper said they had not.

Commissioners also struck down an application to build a 28.9-acre solar energy system on parcel 10 of the Worcester County tax record’s Map 56, which is on the northwest side of Timmons Road and is East of Route 113.

The Planning commission gave Chaberton Energy, a renewable energy company from Rockville, Maryland, its endorsement to place the utility solar project on the almost 104-acre parcel.

The parcel is zoned as an A-1 Agricultural Zoning District, a designation that allows for solar projects, according to a report from the planning commission.

The project would generate somewhere within the range of 7.54 megawatts of energy.

Commissioner Bunting raised concerns about a $582,372 decommissioning bond that the project requires. The bond is used for disassembling the solar project and restoring the site after the solar panels reach the end of their useful life.

Andrew Reese, a senior project manager from Chaberton, said that many materials in solar panels, like precious metals, have a high resale value.

Commissioners Purnell, Abbot and Mitrecic voted in favor of the project, while Fiori, Ted Elder, Bertino and Bunting voted against it.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Coastal Hospice now offering grief support (Nov. 10, 2023) Coastal Hospice now offers grief support to family and friends of loved ones who have lost their lives due to an overdose death.

According to a news release, the free program focuses on providing grief support and resources to people in the four counties the organization serves, regardless of whether they are directly supported by

Coastal Hospice.

“With this program, families from the four counties we serve will be able to receive specialized grief support for the loss of a loved one related to an overdose death,” Program Coordinator Alvin Harmon said in the release. “When a death of this nature happens in a family, it is often sudden, traumatic, and can be surrounded by stigma for survivors.

Our goal is to provide them with a safe space to process these losses and offer them resources to help them develop coping skills to deal with grief.”

Coastal Hospice Bereavement Counselors are available to provide: • Up to three sessions of private grief counseling • Grief support groups • Information about ongoing sup-

port and resources • Referrals to treatment, recovery, and/or harm reduction resources • Referrals to long-term peerbased, local grief support • Follow up with the family to coordinate support and resources • Compassion fatigue and sensitivity training • Mental health provider education

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Dress Ministry provides for needy children Join charity Saturday and learn how to make dresses, shorts for those in need

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) The Dress Ministry, a local effort that has made and delivered 6,800 dresses to girls in Guatemala and other needy communities since 2011, is inviting volunteers to join them this Saturday at the Berlin Library to learn more about its efforts and make dresses.

The coordinator and founder of the project, Barabara Entwistle of Berlin, came up with the idea when she was researching options for Girl Scouts looking for projects for their gold awards. She came across a magazine article about making pillowcase

dresses for needy children in Africa.

Within a week, she had pulled together some Girl Scouts and homeschoolers, along with her family and made 75 dresses and sent them off to Little Dress for Africa. She now works with missionaries in Haiti and Guatemala and has a small cadre of volunteers who sew dresses and shorts for children in need.

The missionaries meet with her and other members of the group. Entwistle said the missionaries tell us what they did with the group’s donations and how it benefited people in the community.

“I started asking the missionaries what else they needed,” Entwistle said.

That launched the idea of making sleeping mats for children. Entwistle said children in these countries fre-

quently sleep on the bare ground. Her volunteers can make four sleeping mats out of one quilt.

Entwistle does not just look overseas for need. Her group of volunteers also collects food for the needy right here at home.

During Saturday’s event, the Dress

“I started asking the missionaries what else they needed.”

Barabara Entwistle, coordinator and founder of the The Dress Ministry Ministry will also be collecting food for the Phoenix Youth Project in Salisbury, a group that works mainly with homeless people. The food is for children that go to Phoenix after school. The children are given something to eat and help with homework.

Entwistle said she is collecting food that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated, such as fruit cups and trail mix. The items will be delivered to Phoenix the week of Thanksgiving.

The volunteer effort is not just helping those in need of dresses and other goods, it’s helping the volun-

teers as well.

“It’s a gift for these countries and for these volunteers,” Entwistle said.

Some of her elderly volunteers have told her that they were just sitting around and now they are helping others. The volunteers sew and also visit thrift shops looking for fabric, pillowcases and other items they can repurpose. The group is also collecting funding to pay for water filters to cut down on contamination and disease.

People who want to help or just learn more can visit the Berlin Library from 1-3 pm. Saturday. Entwistle will have three to four sewing machines in place. Materials and instructions will be provided on how to make the dresses, which only take about 20 minutes to sew. Volunteers, age eight and older, are welcome. To learn more about the event, visit https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/e vent/11139246. To learn about the Dress Ministry visit https://www.facebook.com/DressMinistryMD The Dress Ministry accepts donations to help pay for shipping dresses and other donations. She is currently trying to get nonprofit status for the charity. Those interested in donating can contact her at 443-669-3781.

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Letters from Santa spreads joy to children Phillips to collect toys for Diakonia this season at Yacht Club event Dec. 16

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Everyone knows Santa has a magical workshop in the North Pole, but most people don’t know there is another workshop here in Ocean Pines headed by Colby Phillips, a special Santa Helper.

Phillips and Santa have been friends for a long time, and every year, she helps Santa write letters to special girls, boys and even adults who want to hear from him.

Anyone who knows of someone who would like to get a letter from Santa can send their name and address to SantaPhillips@Yahoo.com

by Nov. 15.

Phillips has been working with Santa for 12 years now and has helped him write hundreds of letters to children locally and as far away as California, Hawaii, Texas and even England.

She also helps Santa respond to children who write to him. In Ocean Pines, children can send a letter to Santa through the OP Post Office.

This year’s letter from Santa will include a coloring page featuring Peppermint, the reindeer and Gumdrop, the elf. Santa and Phillips introduced these two new members of Santa’s crew in a coloring book they produced a few years ago.

Phillips gets help from other friends of Santa, including the folks at Berlin’s Ace Printing, which provides all of the personalized printing as a donation to Santa. Little elves help stuff the envelopes and mail the letters, or so it is said.

“Some children have been getting letters since she started doing this,”

Phillips said. “It’s a tradition for some of the children. I love that.”

Phillips has saved all of the letters Santa has received over the years.

Some children ask questions, like “How does Mrs. Claus keep you so fat?”

One little girl provided a drawing of a doll house that she wanted. Others ask for Barbies, puppies and baby sisters. Some are written in crayon, some provide cut-outs from catalogs or pictures of the gifts they want.

“One story really touched my heart,” Phillips said.

She heard about a little girl who lost her mom. Santa and Phillips sent her an angel necklace. She heard later that the girl considered it one of her favorite memories after losing her mom.

Phillips said it is her goal is to spread joy during the holiday season — “It is something that I feel very blessed to be able to do.”

In order to ensure that everyone who wants a letter from Santa gets one before Christmas, Phillips asks that people send her requests (including the name and address of the recipient) to SantaPhillips@Yahoo.com by Nov. 15.

She welcomes stamps or donations, which can be dropped off at the Ocean Pines Post Office. Any additional donations that are not used this year will go to families in need through Worcester Gold.

On Dec. 16, Phillips will be hosting an event at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club at 5 pm. The Ocean Pines Fire Department will be bringing Santa by for a special appearance. The public is invited to attend and sing Christmas carols, have hot chocolate and cookies and, if able, bring a new toy.

“We are going to accept toys for the 16 children at Diakonia,” Phillips said. Diakonia is a shelter in West

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Dozens of letters are stacked and ready to go to Santa. Santa’s Helper, Colby Phillips of Ocean Pines, sends out hundreds of letters from Santa every year. This year, she will also collect toys.

Ocean City.

The event will honor the memory of Josh Alton, a teen from Ocean Pines who lost his battle with cancer

in 2022. His favorite holiday was Christmas and Phillips helped provide a special Christmas in July for him before he passed.

For anyone who wishes to donate to the Letters from Santa or for a toy for children at Diakonia, (she is happy to purchase toys with any donations) her Venmo is @santaphillips.

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

PHOTO COURTESY LEE WILKINSON

FROTHY SURF

Ocean waves splash onto the jetty near the Ocean City inlet during a recent sunrise. Mornings are quiet across the resort, especially now, as the weather gets colder in the offseason.

Mann to discuss OC mayors at genealogy society meeting (Nov. 10, 2023) At the Lower Delmarva Genealogy Society’s meeting next week, local author and historian Bunk Mann will host a discussion on “Three Famous Ocean City Mayors.”

The meeting is set for 2 p.m, next Thursday, Nov. 16 in the conference room of the Ocean Pines branch of the Worcester County Library.

Mann will discuss the achievements of Hugh Cropper Jr., Harry Kelley, Roland “Fish” Powell and the roles they played in Ocean City’s his-

tory. Mann is the author of “Vanishing Ocean City, Ghosts in the Surf,” and “Ocean City Chronicles.”

The genealogy society meets monthly in the spring and fall. The group’s special interest is the lower shore, but other families are also studied. The group maintains its own library and welcomes church histories.

The meeting in Ocean Pines is free and open to the public. For further information, contact John King at 410632-1751.

Shelter volunteers can still sign up at St. Peter’s Church (Nov. 3, 2023) Volunteers can still sign up to help oversee a cold weather shelter at St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

According to a news release, volunteers are needed to keep the shelter open. Those interested in donating their time and service are asked to call Jason Long at 443-513-1563 or email him at ocmdcoldweathershelter@gmail.com

There are also three upcoming training sessions for potential volunteers to learn more about how they can help. They are set for 1 p.m., Nov. 10; 1 p.m., Nov. 26; and 6 p.m. Nov. 28.All the sessions are at the cold weather shelter at the church at 1301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City and those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP.

PAGE 24

Land Trust fundraiser slated 3-6 p.m., Nov. 11, in Berlin

Cropper named ‘23 legacy award recipient by trust (Nov. 10, 2023) The Lower Shore Land Trust has named local attorney Hugh Cropper IV the recipient of the 2023 Stephen N. Parker Legacy Award recipient.

The award is given annually in honor of renowned conservationist, Steve Parker, to recognize a landowner or conservation practitioner for their contributions to private land conservation on the Lower Eastern Shore.

Cropper has served on the land trust's board since 2015, and has served as chairman since 2017. According to a news release, his strong commitment and significant investments have taken us far in land conservation, wetland restoration, reforestation, installation of grassland and pollinator habitat and improved water quality on the lower shore.

Cropper is a founding member of Booth Cropper & Marriner P.C., and is an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman.

The award will be presented to

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Flannel Formal event will feature live music, games, bonfire and silent auction

Cropper at the land trust's largest annual fundraiser, the Flannel Formal, on Nov. 11, and the public is invited to celebrate Cropper and the organization’s accomplishments this year.

Past awardees are Charles "Buddy" Jenkins, Larry Leese and John B. Long.

(Nov. 10, 2023) Tickets and sponsorships are still available for the Lower Shore Land Trust’s Flannel Formal this weekend.

The event, which serves as the organization’s annual celebration of land conservation, is set from 3-6 p.m., Nov. 11, at Merry Sherwood Plantation, 8909 Worcester Hwy., in Berlin.

Note the 3-6 p.m. time, as an earlier report had a different time listed.

According to a news release, the Merry Sherwood Plantation was built in 1869, and is on the Registry of both National and Maryland historic homes.

The release Flannel Formal attendees are invited to wear their favorite flannel, dressy or casual, to celebrate the season.

This year’s entertainment is live music by Margot Resto and Fil Rhythm Band, playing blues, Motown, funk and many other styles. Other entertainment includes yard games, a

bonfire, and a silent auction.

An array of artisan charcuterie, oysters on the half shell, Pit & Pub BBQ with all the fixings, and sweets by Baked Dessert Cafe will be offered.

There will also be fine wines, craft beers, and a George’s Mixes Bloody Mary Bar. Land Trust members will announce the winner of The Stephen Parker Conservation Legacy Award, given in honor of renowned conservationist, Stephen N. Parker, at the event. The award is given annually to recognize a landowner or conservation practitioner for their contributions to private land conservation on the Lower Eastern Shore. Past recipients include Charles “Buddy” Jenkins, Larry Leese and John B. Long.

Tickets are $95 per person after Nov. 3 and at the door. RSVP at lowershorelandtrust.org, at 443-234-5587 or email mresto@lowershorelandtrust.org.

Sponsorships are available by contacting Kate Patton at kpatton@lowershorelandtrust.org or 443-234-5587 or by visiting lowershorelandtrust.org.

Arts council set to feature ‘Small Treasures’ exhibition Total of 27 entries of work will be on display at Berlin gallery through Nov., Dec. (Nov. 3, 2023) During the months of November and December, the Worcester County Arts Council will feature the “Small Treasures” juried competition.

According to a news release, the exhibition includes 27 entries of original artwork submitted by 17 established and emerging artists, with work in all media.

Although the subject of the show was open to artists’ inspiration and interpretation, the main objective was to encourage and challenge them to become involved in the world of miniature art.

The guidelines required submission to not exceed 7 inches for 3-di-

mensional works and 11 inches for 2dimensional works. Despite the size limitation, artists submitted works that incorporate a diverse range of materials.

The winning artwork in the competition will be selected by Cynthia Byrd, the executive director of the Julia A. Purnell Museum in Snow Hill.

The winners will be announced and awarded at 5:30 p.m. during a public exhibit reception on Nov. 10 at the Arts Council Gallery at 6 Jefferson St. in Berlin. Light refreshments will be offered.

The exhibit is on display until Dec. 31. Artwork is available for purchase.

To learn about the Worcester County Arts Council's programs and community services, visit worcestercountyartscouncil.org

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HOROSCOPE

Squasho nachos keep Thanksgiving guests satisfied

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Thanksgiving is just around the corner and menu planning is in full swing.

Simplicity, creativity and tradition are the secret ingredients for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.

You do not want to spoil your hungry guests’ appetite but at the same time you want to keep them satisfied until dinner is ready.

Squasho nachos are sure to be a hit and fit in with the theme of Thanksgiving.

The squash is cooked until it is fork tender. Then the pureed squash is combined with an assortment of cheeses, cream and spices. The pureed squash adds texture to the sauce while the cheese and spices render the customary blend that is expected in a typical nacho dish.

Tomatoes, onions, scallions, bacon and cilantro are part of the utopia of toppings. But the bread-and-butter jalapeños will have your guests asking for more. The bread-and-butter pickling liquid is quite different from the standard pickled jalapeños that come in a jar.

Choice’s flavor personal preference. Following is a recipe for canned bread-and-butter jalapeños for the adventurous. If time is of the essence, jarred jalapeños can replace the bread-and-butter jalapeños.

Generally speaking, one pound of jalapeños will yield enough for one pint jar. If one is going to go to the

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Play to your strengths to reach your goals, Aries. You do not have to change much about yourself to get ahead. In fact, people will appreciate you being honest about who you are.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, do not worry about being passionate about what you do. If you weren’t this passionate, you may not be able to persuade others to listen up and follow your suggestions.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

trouble of canning, you might want to double the recipe. Canning takes time, but it brings me back memories of my childhood, and that alone makes it worth the effort.

Bread-and-butter Jalapeños Ingredients 3 pounds washed and sliced large jalapeños 1 small white onion thinly sliced 10 cloves sliced garlic (lengthwise) 1/6 cup of pickling salt 6 cups ice 1½ cups white distilled vinegar 2 cups granulated sugar 1½ tablespoons mustard seeds ½ tablespoon celery seed 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon coriander seeds ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¾ teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon water.

Place sliced jalapeños and onions in a large stainless-steel bowl. Sprinkle with pickling salt, mix well, and cover with ice. Refrigerate overnight.

Remove any unmelted ice, then rinse veggies in cold water several times, strain and reserve.

Combine ground cloves and

turmeric in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, mix well. Place the remaining ingredients, except for the jalapeños and onions, in a large, thickbottomed pot. Transfer to stove top and bring to a boil. Add pickles and onions and bring to a boil again for one minute before removing from heat.

In the meantime, submerge jars, funnel, ladle, tongs, lids and rings into a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Place clean canning accessories on a clean tea towel to dry. Then fill canning jar with veggies. Push them into the jar to eliminate any air bubbles.

Leave ¼-inch space at the top. Wipe with a wet paper towel to remove any ingredients from the rim. Tap jars gently to remove air bubbles.

Transfer filled jars to boiling water and process for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars from pot, place onto work surface and leave undisturbed for 24 hours. Wipe jars clean and store in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Now it’s time to move onto the squasho nachos. Make sure you peel all of the skin on the squash. Some squash skins are edible, but butternut squash skin is very tough and should be avoided at all times.

The bacon can be cooked in ad-

Gemini, you may not have had the entire story, but you certainly will get it this week. It’s up to you to make up your mind how you want to act on the information you gather.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 For some reason you are really interested in a friend or family member’s behavior and comings and goings, Cancer. Are you having trust issues?

Give them the benefit of the doubt.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, this week’s cosmic energy could see you pushing some boundaries. It’s fine to take risks as long as you have someone to pull you back if you go a bit too far.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 A romantic adventure may prove the catalyst for change in your life, Virgo.

Many exciting prospects are ahead if you allow yourself to get swept along in the momentum of your feelings.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Unchecked anxiety can lead you down a slippery slope, Libra. It’s not easy facing new situations, but worrying about things before it is necessary will not do right now.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you are no stranger to psychic feelings. This week you know what a loved one is thinking and want to help this person out in any way you can.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you cannot control the world or others’ behaviors. All you can do is control how you react to situations. Don’t be sidetracked by noisy distractions in the days ahead.

and Gifts

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

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Capricorn, you have been making pleasure and play time your priority of late. It’s now time to get down to business. Own up to your responsibilities.

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AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Unraveling old patterns or actions will be good for you right now, Aquarius. If you can’t do it on your own, work with a friend or therapist to get to the root of any issues.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

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Pisces, think about collaborating with others to bring out the best in yourself. In fact, you might find any group activity transformative. Don’t shy away from these ventures.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

NOW PLAYING

FOOD FOR THOUGHT vance or precooked bacon can be used in a pinch.

Blue tortilla chips are recommended over yellow ones. The contrast in the dark chips and the bright yellow cheesy sauce makes for a more striking presentation. They also contain more protein and less starch than yellow tortilla chips. Blue tortilla chips can be found in your favorite supermarket.

In closing, when choosing an appetizer, it is important it follows the theme of the meal. Squasho nachos is a creative, tasty prelude to you Thanksgiving meal. Who ever thought nachos could be healthy? Enjoy!

Squasho Nachos Ingredients 8-ounces shredded packed pepper jack cheese 8-ounces shredded packed sharp cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 cups chopped butternut squash 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup water 1 teaspoon chipotle powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder kosher salt to taste 1 cup half and half blue tortilla chips favorite toppings such as chopped

tomatoes, onions, scallions, cilantro, black olives, bacon, and bread-andbutter jalapeños ground nutmeg 1. In a small bowl, combine shredded cheese and corn starch.

2. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, add butter. When melted, add squash and sauté until squash caramelizes, about 7 minutes.

Add chicken broth and water, cover, reduce heat and simmer until very tender.

3. Remove from heat, using an immersion blender, blend until silky smooth.

Add cream and blend again.

4. Return to heat, add cheese, and cook, constantly whisking until cheese melts.

Adjust seasonings, pour cheese sauce over chips and garnish with your favorite toppings and a light dusting of nutmeg. *Credit must be given where credit is due. I was not familiar with breadand-butter jalapeños. I got the idea from a local farmer who wants to remain anonymous. Thanksgiving is about thankfulness. I am so appreciative that the local farmer added to my repertoire of ingredients.

Secret Ingredient – Spiciness “A good spicy challenge strikes a balance between flavor and fear.”

Adam Richman

PHIL PERDUE

Captain’s Table: Fri & Sat, Nov. 10 & 11 5-9 p.m.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspuboc.com Nov 11: Giddy Up sing-A-Long 4 – 6:60 p.m.

AND Rockohlics, 8:30 p.m.

SEACRETS 49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Nov. 10: John McNutt Duo 5:00PM – 9:00PM DJ Tuff 6:00PM – 2:00AM

Seacrets: Fri, Nov. 10, 5-9 p.m.

Element K 9:00PM – 1:30AM Nov. 11: John McNutt Band 5:00PM – 9:00PM DJ Bobby-O 6:00PM – 2:00AM DJ Cruz 9:00PM – 1:00AM Cherry Crush Band 10:00PM – 1:50AM Nov. 12: Football Sunday 12:00PM – 8:00PM Nov. 16: Full Circle Duo 5:00PM – 9:00PM DJ Connair 9:00PM – 1:50AM Sip On That Thursdays! 9:00PM – 2:00AM WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL In the Ocean City Square Shopping Center, 11805 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 410-524-2609 /www.whiskersbar.com Fri. Nov 10: Dance with Beats by followers, 8 p.m.

Mon. Nov 13: Industrial Night: 8 p.m.

Tues. 14: Ladies Night, AND Karaoke w/ DJ Wood

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©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire HomesServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of the HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

PAGE 28

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Art league celebrating local heritage day at Sunday event (Nov. 10, 2023) To celebrate Eastern Shore Heritage Day this Sunday, the Art League of Ocean City is hosting a special event with performances highlighting music, storytelling and film.

Eastern Shore Heritage Day, sponsored by the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, celebrates the history of the Eastern Shore.

The art league’s event in conjunction with the designation on Nov. 12 is free and open to the public at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. It will feature an array of performances along with complimentary refreshments.

According to a news release, the afternoon will feature a variety of heritage programming.

Charles Paparella, renowned local television photographer and reporter of “Travels with Charlie,” will perform music and share stories about the Eastern Shore.

Fiona O’Brien of Ocean City, cofounder of Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective, will show two movies she produced, directed, and choreographed. “The Way of the Shore” is a 6-minute short that is part

of a four-part film called “Roots: Maryland’s Nature to Nurture” about different environments across the state. “Hurricane Six” tells the story through dance of the 1933 storm and its impact on Ocean City.

The Tindley Family Choir will perform songs celebrating the legacy of Berlin-born Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, whose hymn, “I’ll Overcome Some Day,” written in 1901, became the basis for the song titled, “We Shall Overcome.”

Beth Deeley will guide a community weaving project. Cultural organizations will be represented including the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum and Furnace Town Historic Site.

An all-media art show, “Eastern Shore Heritage,” hangs on the walls of the arts center in the Sisson Galleria, celebrating the stories, traditions and heritage of the Eastern Shore, with special awards highlighting waterways, heritage sites, livelihood and best in show.

More information is available at OCart.org/events or 410-524-9433.

Charles Paparella performing at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

CROSSWORD

OceanCityToday.com

Answers on page 31

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, 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: closed Monday through Wednesday; Thursday through Saturday, 7:30-11 a.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon.

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 410-2893100, 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, 2-5:30 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. Closed Monday.

Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-2892612, 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 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-6646811, Papistacojoint.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Authentic Mexican restaurant

open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 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!

Don’t miss out on Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410289-1201, 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, 7:3011:30 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 410524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

PAGE 29

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick 302-5375882 Premier seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. Fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners.

Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Open Wednesday through Sunday.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT Located on the 8th floor of the Fenwick Inn, 13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-3907905, vistarooftopoc.com $$$ | Full bar Enjoy a beautiful ocean and bay view from the same restaurant.

Check out the menu on the website serving dinner, lite fare, Boozy Brunch every Saturday and Sunday, Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. Offseason daily specials available.

Open Monday through Thursday, 3–11 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

■ WHISKER’S PUB 11805 Coastal Hwy., Located in the Ocean City Square Shopping Center 410-524-2609, whiskerspub.com $$/$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Under new management. Serving lunch and dinner with new menu items. Finger foods, savory sandwiches, soups, salads, and delicious entrees. One of the highlights is the famous burgers.

High quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. Also, serving fresh seafood, steaks, and chef’s special dishes. Happy Hour, daily, 4-7 p.m. Dine in, carry out and curbside pickup. Come for the food and stay for the fun.

New Fall menu specials: Monday, Burger Night; Wednesday, Rib Night; Thursday, Grandma's Meatloaf Night; Friday, Fish and Chips

Night. NFL specials every game, food, and drink specials available. Check out our website for more details. Closed every Tuesday.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open everyday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out.

Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS 9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com $$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m.

Serving food until 2 a.m.

PAGE 30

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Calendar Fri., Nov., 10

and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

KNITTING, QUILTING, SCRAPBOOK RETREAT

SMALL TREASURES JURIED SHOW AND RECEPTION

Grand Hotel, 2100 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City. 443-235-2926. 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Held from Nov. 8-11. There will be demonstrations, classes and a large flea market of craft supplies. Support local 4-H. 443-235-2926.

AUTUMN HOME & CONDO SHOW & THE ARTS, CRAFTS & CRITTERS FAIR

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410213-8090. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Featuring the newest products for your home, talented artists and crafters and a pet contest (Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.).

Admission cost is $6 for adults. https://oceanpromotions.info.

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Stories, rhymes and finger plays. For children aged up to 2 years and their caregivers. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

The Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson St., Berlin. 410-641-0809. 5-7 p.m., 18 Artists entered 29 pieces of artwork to be judged by Dr. Cynthia Byrd, Exec. Dir. of the Julia A. Purnell Museum. Awards announced at 5:30. Original art on display, available for purchase.

Sat., Nov., 11 ART YARD SALE

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City. 410-524-9433. 8 a.m.-noon, Great bargains on art supplies, materials and excess art at deeply discounted prices. Held rain or shine. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-5249433, megan@artleagueofoceancity.org.

STORM WARRIORS 5K RUN/WALK

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 9-11 a.m., Day-of registration and pre-registration packet pickup opens at 8 a.m. Run takes place on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Awards. Cost is $30. Rain or shine. emma@ocmuseum.org, https://www.ocmuseum.org.

Willards Fire Co, 35356 Regnault St., Willards. 757-408-3170. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Featuring a variety of vendors, breakfast and lunch items for sale including BBQ chicken and baked goods. 757-408-3170.

TINKER TIME

Worcester County Library, Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Drop in to use the library’s supplies and your imagination to explore STEM concepts with the self-guided kits. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FRIDAY MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City.

410-957-0878. 2-11:59 p.m., What happens when a deadly assassin and a screw-up are mistaken for each other?

410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BOOK DISCUSSION: A RIFT IN THE EARTH

BY JAMES RESTON JR

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

CAREERS IN AVIATION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 4-11:59 p.m., Learn about aviation careers and design your own helicopter. For children aged 8 years

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410641-7662. 9:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Speaker will be Captain Ron Fisher, writer of "Capt. Ron’s Fish Tales" column in The Courier newspaper. He will discuss late fall fishing for Tautog, Striped Bass and Sheepshead. All are welcome.

DOCUMENT SHREDDING EVENT

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Individuals can bring up to 3 boxed of personal documents to the Shred-It truck. Light refreshments will be available. Tour the church. Bring a canned food item in exchange for the shredding.

AUTUMN HOME & CONDO SHOW AND THE ARTS, CRAFTS & CRITTERS FAIR Roland E. Powell Convention Center,

213-8090. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Featuring the newest products for your home, talented artists and crafters and a pet contest (Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.).

Admission cost is $6 for adults. https://oceanpromotions.info.

HERITAGE DAY PILLOWCASE DRESS PARTY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 1-11:59 p.m., Make dresses out of pillowcases to donate to those in need. No experience necessary. All materials provided. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

TEEN JACKBOX PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 1-11:59 p.m., Teens and their families are invited to compete in fun party games on the Nintendo Switch. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City. 410-524-9433. 1-4 p.m., Storytelling, art exhibits, informational tables and more. Live music and complimentary refreshments. Free and open to the public. https://artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

Mon., Nov. 13 STORY TIME & FALLING LEAVES

DIY TERRARIUMS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Story time about the changing seasons and all thing Autumn. Listen to stories, play games and sing songs about Autumn. For ages 2-5 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND VETERAN’S DAY TRIBUTE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 1:30-11:59 p.m., Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 1-11:59 p.m., Beautify your space with a succulent terrarium. Supplies provided. Limit 12. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

SHOPPERS FAIR

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Join in for a short structured activity and then socialize and play with other homeschool families. 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410213-8090. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Featuring the newest products for your home, talented artists and crafters and a pet contest (Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.).

Admission cost is $6 for adults. https://oceanpromotions.info.

Emmanuel Church Auditorium, 217 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury. 410-7491633. 3-11:59 p.m., The Magi’s Fund 30th Anniversary Christmas Concert, Veteran’s Day Tribute. Featuring The National Christian Choir & The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore. Tickets available by mail or local businesses.

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

SMALL SOCIETY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 1:30-11:59 p.m., Build your business from the ground up during this multi-day program, Nov. 13, 20 and 27.

For ages 7 years and older. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FLANNEL FORMAL

Merry Sherwood Plantation, 8909 Worcester Highway, Berlin. 3-6 p.m., Featuring live music, BBQ, oysters and other delicacies, beer, wine, Bloody Mary bar and bonfire. Wear your best flannel. Tickets cost $85 (until Nov. 3).

Tickets: www.lowershorelandtrust.org.

Sun., Nov. 12 FAMILY FRIENDLY WORSHIP FOR ALL AGES

Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church, 103 W. Market St., Snow Hill. 410-6321698. 9:30 a.m.- Jan. 7, 11 a.m., All new!

Starts with breakfast served by guest cook/crew, followed by simple, kidfriendly message from the book of Luke, hands-on activities and music. This is an experiment. Welcoming feedback.

AUTUMN HOME & CONDO SHOW AND THE ARTS, CRAFTS & CRITTERS FAIR Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin.

410-641-0157. 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.

ONCE UPON DEATH AND DYING: A DUSTIN PARI PRESENTATION

Worcester County. 443-783-6164. 711:59 p.m., Held via Zoom. An exploration of unique customs that pertain to the human transition from life to afterlife throughout various cultures and religious beliefs. 443-783-6164, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

Tues., Nov. 14 STORY TIME: UP, UP AND AWAY!

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410-

Continued on Page 31

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 31

Ocean City Today

CALENDAR Continued from Page 30 641-0650. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Stories, songs and finger plays. For ages 2-5 years.

410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

STORY TIME AT THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM: OTTERS

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City. 410-957-0878.

10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Join in every second Tuesday at The Delmarva Discover Museum to see, touch and learn about local animals and enjoy stories, songs and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MONTHLY MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 2-11:59 p.m., Catch a recent movie you might have missed in the theaters. Best of all, it's free. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Suite 104, Berlin. 410641-4765. 3:15-4 p.m., Discussions and mutual support, along with education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay Kinnikin, 410-641-4765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org.

BOOK CLUB: THERE THERE; BY TOMMY ORANGE

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 6-11:59 p.m., This month’s book is a Maryland Humanities community read. Stop by the library to pick up your book, then join the discussion. Must be at least 21 years of age. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSN. MONTHLY MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City. 711:59 p.m., Capt. Mark from "Dusk To Dawn, charters will speak about local bowfishing. Board members from the OC Marlin Club will speak briefly about cooperation on local issues. Open to the public. Refreshments.

Wed., Nov. 8 BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County. 410-641-9568. 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Takes place via Zoom the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-6419568.

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Drop in for a game of strategy that dates back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia and Persia.

Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

PUZZLE PANDEMONIUM NATIVE AMERICAN STICK GAME

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City.

410-957-0878. 4-11:59 p.m., Celebrate Native American Heritage month by crafting your own Stick Game and learning how to play. For ages 6-12 years. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MEDIA EXPO INFO NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 5-11:59 p.m., Learn about the Worcester County Public School’s Media Expo Event. Learn about the categories, rules and regulations and tools you can use. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

PANEL DISCUSSION WITH THE POCOMOKE INDIAN NATION Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 5:30-11:59 p.m., Facilitated conversation about the experiences of this Nation on the Eastern Shore and how their lives compare to characters in Tommy Orange’s There. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MARYLAND BASIC BOATING SAFETY COURSE

Worcester County. 410-935-4807. 6-9 p.m., Held virtually, Nov. 14, 15 and 16.

Cost is $20. Register: Barry Cohen, 410935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Put your puzzle making skills to the test. Will you and your team have the fastest time? 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin. 410-548-7880. 1-2 p.m., For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880.

TV SHOW TRIVIA CONTEST

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 34:30 p.m., Love vintage TV shows? Then you don’t want to miss our last FREE trivia contest of the year! Prizes awarded to top 3 finishers. Teams or solo. Refreshments served. No registration necessary.

make a beautiful work of art. For ages 6 years and older. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

genealogy research, followed by a Q&A session. Registration requested: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ANTIQUE GUESSING GAME

BUNK MANN TO ADDRESS LOWER DELMARVA GENEALOGY SOCIETY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City.

410-957-0878. 4-11:59 p.m., Learn about life on a farm more than 100 years ago by guessing what different tools were used for. For ages 6 years and older. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MEDIA EXPO INFO NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 5-11:59 p.m., Learn about the Worcester County Public School's Media Expo Event. Learn about the categories, rules and regulations and tools you can use. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

Thurs., Nov. 16 CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. 410-641-9726. 12 a.m.11:59 p.m., Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointments required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MID-MORNING CRAFT: GRATITUDE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., What are you grateful for? Make some wonderful crafts to celebrate the giving season. Prepare for a mess. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Come to the library and bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

INCLUSIVE MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Suite 104, Berlin. 410641-4765. 3-4 p.m., For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-641-4765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org.

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Fun-filled interactive session using rhymes, song, puppets, music and more to stimulate the learning process of babies and toddlers. Parents can receive tips from the service provider. 410-641-0650.

SALT ART

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 3:30-11:59 p.m., Carefully place grains of colored salt in patterns to

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 11 a.m.-11:59 p.m., This workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410632-1751. 2-11:59 p.m., Local Author Bunk Mann will speak on “Three Famous Ocean City Mayors”; he will discuss the achievements of Hugh Cropper Jr., Harry Kelley, Roland “Fish” Powell and the roles they play in OCs history.

THE SWEET WORLD OF HONEY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City.

410-957-0878. 2-11:59 p.m., Join Master Beekeeper, Crystal Lehmanking and take a look at honey. Honey tasting to follow.

410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

NATIVE AMERICAN STICK GAME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin. 410208-4014. 4-11:59 p.m., Celebrate Native American Heritage month by crafting your own Stick Game and learning how to play. For at 6-12 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

TONING DOWN

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 4:30-11:59 p.m., Class combines body sculpting, using light-weights (optional) while adding cardio moves infused with upbeat music. Can be done in a chair. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

MEDIA EXPO INFO NIGHT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., Snow Hill. 410-632-3495. 5-11:59 p.m., Learn about the Worcester County Public School's Media Expo Event. Learn about the categories, rules and regulations and tools you can use. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

ASSATEAGUE COASTAL TRUST 13TH ANNUAL WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL Seacrets – Morley Hall, 49th Street, Ocean City. 443-856-9309. 6-11:59 p.m., 14 short films, raffles, auctions and an atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Thursday, November 16, 7:00 pm.

Doors open at 6:00 pm.Cost - $25/pp, Bundles of 5 tickets $100.00 in advance.

Crossword answers from page 28

32

Ocean City Today

November 10, 2023 Call 410-723-6397

by Monday 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

FOH Manager for West Ocean City Restaurant. 410-213-1613

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR - BI-LINGUAL A PLUS

Year-Round Experienced Outboard Motor Mechanic Needed for basic out board service and winterizing outboards. Excellent starting salary. Call Harbor Marine W.O.C., 410-213-1383.

An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word & Excel, knowledge of Basic Office Procedures; Strong Math Skills are a plus.

WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

Email resume to Gherker@comcast.net or call 610-459-5857 POSITION AVAILABLE TOWN OF SNOW HILL CITY OF POCOMOKE GRANT WRITER/ADMINISTRATOR CIRCUIT-RIDER STAFF PERSON The Town of Snow Hill and City of Pocomoke City are the joint beneficiaries of a grant from the State of Maryland, Department of Housing & Community Development Circuit Rider Program to fund and hire a joint circuit-rider staff person. The position is a 40-hour per week obligation, half in Town of Snow Hill and half in Pocomoke City. Both locations report directly to the Town Manager. The Snow Hill position will include assisting the Executive Administrator to include attending meetings and taking and transcribing meeting minutes, posting and monitoring Facebook, posting to website and other clerical duties. The Pocomoke City involves extensive work in grant research, application and administration in addition to other duties as assigned.

Preferably applicants should have experience with grant writing and grant management, and clerical duties.

Please submit a letter of interest/resume, with application by Friday, November 24, 2023, to Carol Sullivan, Executive Administrator, P. O. Box 348, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

“Town of Snow Hill and Pocomoke City are Equal Opportunity Employers”

Outlets Ocean City Full-Time, Customer Service Representative Provide exceptional customer service to shoppers, tenants, vendors and visitors to our outlet shopping destination. This person will handle customer inquiries and successfully meet marketing and operational goals to ensure a positive experience. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule including some nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities include but not limited to: - Assist customers/retailers/vendors with questions, route incoming phone calls appropriately - Answer incoming phone calls, accurately maintain data bases, complete reports/logs, order supplies - Provide vendor waivers, assist with check-ins - Inform shoppers of promotions/special events, distribute coupon books - Participate in special events/projects - Able to navigate computers, complete documents in a variety of programs - Report all accidents/incidents according to policy in absence of GM Qualifications - Ability to accurately use math skills, type documents, maintain databases, demonstrate attention to detail, utilize a computer effectively, assist with customer situations, multi-task, etc.

Avison Young/Outlets Ocean City is committed to employing the best talent with the most fair and equitable recruitment practices. Additional information and apply at: https://us-avisonyoung.icims.com/jobs/3743/ customer-service-representative/job

Pool - General Maintenance Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic, pool pump & motors, CPO a plus/not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer, includes weekends and long hours; working alone and with others. 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.

Ocean City Florist Now Hiring PT Floral Designer.

2-3 days a week. Some Saturdays will be required.

Experience necessary.

Call 410-250-1636 or apply within.

Hiring Licensed MD cosmotologist Full-time or part-time.

410-390-3916 Town of Ocean View,DE RECEPTIONIST The Town of Ocean View is seeking a full-time Receptionist. Candidates must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and exhibit the ability to multitask and interact with people requesting information and services in a professional manner. Varied duties and responsibilities will be required. The Town offers an excellent salary and benefits package.

Submit resume by November 20, 2023 to: Town Manager’s Office 201 Central Ave – 2nd Floor Ocean View, DE 19970 The Town of Ocean View is an Equal Opportunity Employer ELECTRICIAN Full-time, year-round position. Established company.

5+ years exp.Service-type projects. Health, dental, paid vacation, 401K w/matching.

Company van.

Hawkins Electric Call 443-856-2001 Ask for John Ross

WE BUY CARS Running or not.

302-732-3529

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL

Winter Rental - Ocean City.

XL Master bedroom w/private bath. Fully furnished. $800/ month. Includes all utilities. No pets.

No smoking.

443-880-2486

Small Engine Mechanic Year Round Competitive Wages 443-754-1047

VEHICLES PUT COLOR IN YOUR CLASSIFIEDS! CALL 410-723-6397

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING!!

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

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Hiring Liquor Store Attendant, Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

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

Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR, 2BA, Living Room, Dining Room.

Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month.

Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21011.

410-456-0272

HOUSE SHARING Nice house. 94th Street area. Enclosed hot tub room, other amenities. Nice pets considered. Seeking employed males 20-30 years old who have their life together. Winter or year round. $600/month plus utilities. Text Rob, 410-726-5200.

House to Rent. YR. N.O.C. 4 Master BR, 1 Single BR. Plenty of parking, large kitchen, back porch, washer and dryer. $3200/month.

443-880-2486 WOC - YR Rental - 5BR, 3.5BA, 3600 sq.ft. on pond. $2950/month and one months security plus utilities.

Contact Lou, 410-713-0065.

www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!

561 sq.ft. on Main Street, Berlin.

Easy on-ground level access, plenty of parking.

Only $918/month including CAM and all utilities.

Call 410-641-0128 Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD Yearly Leases Only

Call 646-812-1212

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL

OFF SEASON RENTALS

Industrial Warehouse.

Space: 1500 sq. ft.

Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom.

Route 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft.

Call 443-497-4200 DONATIONS DONATIONS Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

SERVICES SERVICES Furniture repair and Refurnishing. Call Peter 410-6037582

RENTALS

Year-Round Room For Rent Ocean Pines $800/month and $200 security. Fully furnished.

All utilities included. 443-8802317 2BR/2 Bath Bayfront Condo at 56th St., 3rd floor walkup, 2 level condo. Fully furnished, full kitchen, W/D, 2-car parking, central AC. No pets, no smoking, occupancy 4. $2200 monthly, tenant pays cable and electric. 1st and last months’ rent plus security deposit to move in.

Resort Rentals, 410-524-0295.

Office/Retail Space For Rent

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

HELP WANTED

Now Hiring Director of Engineering Major mechanical experience. Plumbing and electrical experience.

Must be a hands-on candidate.

Major renovations scheduled for this off season.

Competitive salary and benefits.

Paid vacation + sick/ personal days.

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance.

401K/Profit sharing plan Apply to: joann@ princessroyale.com

SERVICES

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

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

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 33

Ocean City Today

DIRECTORY BLINDS & SHADES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN ElEctric

HANDYMAN

EmErGEncy

Raym Raymond mond O’Brocki O O’B Jr.

sErvicE availablE

410-251-3153

M Master Electrician

443 691 0544 0 Call or Text Electric Veh hicle Chargers

35 Years Exp perience

rEsidEntial & commErcial sErvicE Services Include additions • interior/Exterior lighting lamp & light repair • Generator installs

No Job Too Small! Frree Estimates!

Residential/Commercia al/Emergencies!

MD Lic #2268 Worcestter Co Lic #M1337

Call Turner Today 410-251-3153

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

G.T. CLIFT INC. Home Improvements Roofing Siding

Decks

Windows Doors

Chimneys Built Relined Swept

FireSafeChimney.com 410-360-8460 MHIC 65416 HOME IMPROVEMENT

BAYSIDE BUILDERS

COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK DONE BY OWNER

• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors

Cell: 410-713-8599 PAINTING • CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING Painting & Powerwashing • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE Interior & Exterior

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

Free Estimates

10% Discount with this ad.

Bill Zimmerman cell 443-373-4539

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

MD MASTERS LIC. #15438 M400

RISH A RBEACHMAN PHANDY THE

Exterior Home Repairs

“WE DO IT ALL”

• Roofing Repairs • Rain Gutters • Roof Cleaning • Gutter Guards

Contracting, LLC

Home Improvement Services Company

“One stop shop for Home Improvement”

Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • General Carpentry & Painting

• Flooring & Tile • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & Delaware Beaches

US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

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

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

• Staining • Caulking

• Gutter Cleaning & Powerwashing •

• Deck Repairs •

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

410-893-9707

BERLIN • OCEAN PINES • OCEAN CITY

PipeLine

• Screening • Painting

HOME IMPROVEMENT AN AFFORDABLE NEW BATH STARTS HERE!

Making Your Dream Bath Come True For 20 Years!

Specializing in Bathroom Remodels Tub to Shower Conversions Custom Tile Work Contact Garth for FREE Estimate! atminc4u@aol.com 410-641-8439

MHIC #94614 Licensed Insured

MOVING SERVICES

MVA LICENSED

BUDGET MOVERS

NEW TITLE AND TAGS AND MORE www.westoceancitytagandtitle.com

The Area’s #1 Moving Company

LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST

Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home

Call Maria: 443-664-5797

WEST OCEAN CITY

VEHICLE TAG & TITLE TRADER LEE’S VILLAGE 9935 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY #15 Open Mon., Fri., 9-2 & Wed. 9-5

Female Owned & Operated

JODY PALMISANO 410-629-5600

www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers

40+ Years in Business

Licensed & Insured

PAINTING

POWERWASHING / SOFT WASH POWERWASHING Atlantic Coast Powerwashing Services

Commercial & Residential • Complete Exterior Cleaning Hot Water, Powerwashing & Soft Wash Systems Year round ser vices • Deck Staining w/yearly & seasonal • Decks • Docks rates • Houses • Restaurants • Shopping Centers ices is ad!

• Roofs • & More h all ser v t w/ 410-603-3400

Joe Beran/Owner Operator acms1st@gmail.com

MHIC 97081 Ocean City 34629 • Delaware 2004 222 381 Licensed & Insured

PAGE 34

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

DIRECTORY REAL ESTATE

Kim Dixson REDFIN AGENT

Sell for more, pay a 1% listing fee when you buy and sell with Redfin Agents.*

ROOFING

ROOFING

REDFIN

190 W. Ostend St., #200 Baltimore, MD 21230 Redfin - Direct 410-868-5666 redfin.com

443-373-1328 kim.dixson@ redfin.com License #650977

Contact Kim for a no-obligation home-value consultation. *Sell for more based on difference between the sale and list prices of Redfin listings versus those of comparable listings by other brokerages, per a 2019 study. Sell for a 1% listing fee only if you also buy with Redfin within 365 days of closing on your Redfin listing. If you sell first we will initially charge a 1.5% listing fee and then send you a check for the .5% difference after you buy your next home with Redfin. Subject to $3,750 minimum Redfin commission.

Listing commission subject to change. Buyer’s agent commission not included. More info at redfin.com/disclaimer.

Information provided is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business.

Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com

*Licensed in MD, DE &VA

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19933 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CARLA BOND FIORE Notice is given that James Fiore, 404 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811, was on October 16, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carla Bond Fiore who died on September 22, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of April, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

James Fiore 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 26, 2023 OCD-10/26/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of HOWARD LEVIN Estate No. 17093 Notice is given that MINDY LEVIN MCGAFFIN whose address is 14268 FOXHALL ROAD, SOLOMONS, MD 20688 was on OCTOBER 16, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HOWARD LEVIN who died on SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 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

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today / Public Notices objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of APRIL, 2024.

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-10/26/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES OWEN ROUSE Estate No. 19942 Notice is given that THOMAS J. ROUSE whose address is 629 WOOD GLENN COURT, TIMONIUM, MD 21093 was on OCTOBER 25, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES OWEN ROUSE who died on OCTOBER 15, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25th day of APRIL, 2024.

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-11/2/3t _________________________________ Ralph J. DiPietro, Esq. Hofmeister Robinson & DiPietro 11350 McCormick Road, EP II. Suite 601 Hunt Valley, MD 21031 410-832-8822 RALPH J. DIPIETRO, ET AL Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v.

ESTATE OF THOMAS ETTZ c/o Catherine Ettz, Personal Representative Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY Case No. C-23-CV-23-000087

NOTICE Notice is hereby given this 25th day of October, 2023 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 103 123rd Street, Unit 381, Ocean City, MD 21842 n/r/t/a 101 123rd Street, Unit 381, Ocean City, MD 21842 will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 27th day of November, 2023, next, provided a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in said County before the 20th day of November, 2023, next.

The report states the amount of sale to be $171,000.00 to Global Tradings, LLC. Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-11/2/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF EMERGENCY BILL 23-07 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Emergency Bill 23-07 (Public Health – Cannabis establishments) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on October 3, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § PH 1-110. (Adds a new section to the Public Health Article to regulate cannabis establishments, establish minimum separation distances for dispensaries, and prohibiting onsite consumption establishments.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Emergency Bill 23-07 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the

main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/2/2t _________________________________

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ST. MARTIN’S BY THE BAY USDA GRANT APPLICATION WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The project proposes to replace the community's private supply well and distribution system by connecting the community to the Ocean Pines water system. Fifty-Four (54) residential EDU's will be served by extending an existing 8" water main along Beauchamp Road to St. Martin's Parkway and back into the community. There are no commercial connections planned as part of this project. The connection to Ocean Pines will alleviate concerns about salt water intrusion into the private well, provide fire flow protection (including new hydrants), and eliminate water shortage issues that have occurred since the system was installed in 1984. The Commissioners will hold a: PUBLIC HEARING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 at 10:35 a.m.

IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING ROOM WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER – ROOM 1101 ONE WEST MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 The cost estimate for the project is $2,519,000 for design and construction as of August 2023. This project will be funded via a USDA grant in the amount of $1,024,000 and a USDA loan in the amount of $1,495,000. The estimated quarterly water bill with the current USDA loan terms is $392. Upfront EDU costs for this district are $3,600 per EDU. Please note that the public hearing held May 17th, 2022 estimated the quarterly bill to be $358, which has since increased due to the increased interest rates and term associated with the USDA loan. Project specifications and cost projections are available on request to view electronically by contacting the Worcester County Department of Public Works, 6113 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (except holidays), at (410) 632-5623 as well as at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/2/2t _________________________________

LEGAL ADVERTISING legals@oceancitytoday.net

PAGE 36

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 At 7:00 pm Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-544, Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the SC-1, Shopping Center Commercial District to permit an 18-hole miniature golf course. The site of the proposed use is described as part of 6.890 acres of beach land, Map 0117, Parcel 5151A of the Fenwick Plat; further described as located on the west side of Coastal Highway between 128th Street and 130th Street; and locally known as the Montego Bay Shopping Center, 12901 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JAY TAUSTIN (FILE #23-12100004) No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.

Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.

For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JOSEPH B. WILSON CHAIRPERSON MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ. ATTORNEY OCD 11/9 3T Regan J. R. Smith Esq Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison Llp 3509 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Md 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19922 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY E. BOYD

Notice is given that Harold D. Boyd Jr., 14330 N W Belle Place, Beaverton, OR 97006, was on October 18, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary E. Boyd who died on August 6, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of April, 2024.

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.

Harold D. Boyd Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: October 26, 2023 OCD-10/26/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of KEITH ALONZO WINSLOW Estate No. 19949 Notice is given that KEITH C. WINSLOW whose address is 2370 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 was on OCTOBER 27, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KEITH ALONZO WINSLOW who died on OCTOBER 17, 2023 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 27th day of APRIL, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

sonal 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-11/2/3t _________________________________

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 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed for a variance to rebuild the southwest stair tower to building and life safety code, providing a minimum 1’9” setback instead of the required 5’ side yard setback as required by Code. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 11, Block 23, Plat of Fenwick, Maryland. It is further described as being on the south side of 144th Street and is locally known as The Galleon Condominium, 11 144th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: GALLEON CONDOMINIUM C/O STEVE KENNY (BZA 2665 #23-09500014) at 6:10 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(2) has been filed requesting a special exception to parking and loading requirements to allow a waiver or reduction of the parking requirements and design standards due to the character and location of the use of the building in order to extend an existing restaurant area, said exception

NOVEMBER 10, 2023 being required for 21 parking spaces and 1 required loading zone area, and to allow a waiver of design standards to allow 6 provided spaces to be located in a stacked configuration for employees only, applicant is providing 56 parking spaces of the 77 spaces required by Code. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 17, 18, 19, and 20 of the plat entitled “Plat of the Original Town of Ocean City.” It is further described as being located on the west side of Atlantic Avenue, the Boardwalk, and is locally known as Fun City and Purple Moose Saloon property, 100 South Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland APPLICANT: JELAR CORPORATION (BZA 2666 # 23-09400013) at 6:20 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(3)a has been filed to request a special yard exception for the enclosure of an existing covered dining area for yearround dining. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, Block 19 of the Oceanbay City Plat, further described as located on the west side of Coastal Highway and is locally known as Oceanbay Shopping Center, 6401 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland APPLICANT: JOSEPH E. MOORE, ESQUIRE, ATTORNEY FOR 1106 CAVU INC., t/a ANNABELLE’S BARBEQUE AND CREAMERY (BZA 2667 # 23-09400014) at 6:30 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request variances from side yard setbacks: 1) A 0.36-foot variance from the 5-foot side yard setback has been requested for a proposed porch. 2) A 0.22-foot variance from the 5-foot side yard setback has been requested for a proposed addition. 3) A 0.35-foot variance from the 5-foot side yard setback has been requested for a proposed addition. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 14, Block 21 of the Section One-C plat entitled Caine Woods. It is further described as being located on the west side of Fountain Road and is locally known as 13809 Fountain Road, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: TYLER BUILDING CO. (BZA 2669 # 23-09500015) at 6:40 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request variances from the side yard setbacks. A 5-foot variance from the 10-foot side yard setback requirement for a proposed stairway has been requested. A 2foot variance from the 10-foot side yard setback requirement for a proposed dwelling has been requested.

The site of the appeal is described as Lot 1 of the White Sands Village Plat. It is further described as being located on the east side of Wight Street and is locally known as 14400 Wight Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BEACHWOOD CONSTRUCTION, INC. (BZA 2670 # 23-09500016)

NOVEMBER 10, 2023 the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-11/2/2t _________________________________

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION Construction Manager at Risk Services Pocomoke Library Worcester County is seeking proposals from qualified Vendors to contract for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for the proposed construction of a new library to be located in Pocomoke City, Maryland in conformity with the requirements contained herein Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids.

Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, November 20, 2023. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than 2:30pm on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Envelopes shall be marked "Proposal Solicitation – Construction Manager at Risk Services Pocomoke Library" in the lower left- hand corner.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-11/9/2t _________________________________ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON JOSEPH E. MOORE ESQ 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19958 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, VA appointed Ellen B. Monaghan, 8400 Camden Street, Alexandria, VA 22308 as the Executor of the Estate of Michael F.X. Monaghan who died on June 28, 2023 domiciled in Virgina, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Joseph E. Moore

PAGE 37

Ocean City Today / Public Notices whose address is 3509 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Ellen B. Monaghan 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: November 9, 2023 OCD-11/9/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 19960 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT court of OKALOOSA COUNTY, FL appointed WILLIAM C KIRK whose address is 200 DIAMOND COVE DESTIN FL 32541 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of CAROLYN MARIE KIRK who died on MARCH 3, 2023 domiciled in FLORIDA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DWIGHT E THOMEY whose address is 153 EAST MAIN STREET ELKTON MD 21921. 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 COUNTYwith a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD 11/9 3T

John C. Seipp Esq 105 Camden Street Salisbury, Md 21801-4916

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JOANNE D. MASON Estate No. 19963 Notice is given that: RALPH L. MASON III 9740 BAYS END LANE BERLIN, MD 21811 was on November 3, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne D. Mason who died on September 1, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of MAY 2024.

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 One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, Md 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: November 9, 2023 OCD 11/9 3T Law Offices Codd & Codd Thomas C. Codd, Esq. 670 Ritchie Highway Severna Park, Md 21146

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM JOSEPH NICKERSON Estate No.19961. NOTICE IS GIVEN that: LAWRENCE O. NICKERSON, 202 SPRING MAIDEN COURT NO. 303, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21060 was on November 6, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Joseph Nickerson, who died on September 29, 2023 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of May 2024 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 One W Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, Md 21863-1074 Name Of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date Of First Publication: November 9, 2023 OCD 11/9 3T

OCEAN CITY TODAY Legal Advertising Call TAYLOR SLOAN 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@ oceancitytoday.net

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

PAGE 39

Ocean City Today

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

WPS HONORS

Pictured center, from left, are Coach Tom Heiderman and Assistant Coach Keith Neff posing with members of the 2002-03 undefeated Worcester Prep varsity boys’ basketball team at the school’s ninth annural honors ceremony on Oct. 5.

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2-BR home overlooks Walkers Pond. Most furnishings are included & it’s ready to be your beach get-away. Low HOA fees. Access to community's amenities: 3 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, 9-hole miniature golf course, shuffleboard, wildlife sanctuary pond/park area, 8-acre pond with walking/jogging path around it, bayfront boardwalk with 3 piers for fishing & crabbing or enjoying the sunset. Convenient to shopping, restaurants & Ocean City's beautiful Northside Park. Bring your beach cruisers & start enjoying the beach life! Make an appointment to see this gem today- It won't last long. Enjoy the beautiful water view of this coastal get-away. Offered at $399,000

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COMPLETELY REMODELED 3BR/2BA HOME

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Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this 3- bedroom/2-bathroom home features a completely remodeled interior and is being sold fully furnished...all furnishings are BRAND NEW! Upgrades include new a/c system, new stainless- steel appliances, new granite counters, new bathrooms, all new plumbing, all new lighting, new washer & dryer, new drywall, new interior trim/doors, new subflooring, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new insulated windows, new exterior doors, and new storm doors. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a shuffleboard court, a pickle ball court, an 8-acre wildlife sanctuary with large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year! $339,900

Call Bill Rothstein 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530 montegobayrealty@aol.com

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BRAND NEW and 2 BLOCKS to the BEACH!! Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this custom built 2 story home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with views of the canal out back from several different rooms. Interior features include a 2-story family room with cathedral ceilings, granite counters, white shaker-style cabinets, stainless steel appliances, full size washer & dryer, ceramic showers/baths, brushed nickel hardware, luxury vinyl plank flooring on first floor, and wall to wall carpet on 2nd level which includes a great room that could easily be used as a 4th bedroom. Great location within walking distance to shopping, dining, bus stop, the beach, Ocean City's 58 acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July fireworks), and all community amenities which include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard court, 9-hole minigolf course, 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, a 5-acre pond with a blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year!!

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12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

PAGE 40

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Three days of holiday farmers markets in OP Vendors provide pies and abundant ingredients for Thanksgiving Day feasts (Nov. 9, 2023) Shoppers can indulge in fresh produce, baked goods, home décor and more this month at three holiday farmers markets in Ocean Pines.

According to a news release, the three-day Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market’s annual Thanksgiving markets are set this year for Nov. 18, 21 and 25.

The market will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 18 and 25, and 9-11 a.m., Nov. 21.

The release said the holidaythemed offerings started roughly 11 years ago, when the market transitioned to a year-round operation. It has grown now into the largest offseason market event for merchants and shoppers.

Market Manager David Bean said in the release that fall is the perfect time to visit the market, obviously for all the fresh, local produce, baked goods, and other items available for sale, but also because of the scenic beauty of the marketplace itself.

“With the majestic tree canopy above the marketplace in autumn color and the brisk fall temperatures,

it makes for a very special time,” he said.

Bean said many visitors seize the opportunity to jump-start holiday shopping by exploring the various artisan boutiques and galleries at the marketplace.

“There are always some great finds, whether you are hosting dinner or in need of a hostess gift or just getting started on your holiday shopping,” he said.

Shoppers will find supplies of locally grown produce, including fresh greens like collards, cabbage, kale, turnip, and spinach, along with essentials like green beans, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

“Let’s be honest – we all know that the vegetable side dishes are what makes the holiday feast complete,” David Joseph Deacon of D.J. David Greengrocer said in the release.

“Those vegetable side dishes are always what we want seconds of. It’s the green bean casserole, the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans, and fluffy mashed potatoes that always manage to steal the spotlight from the rest of the table.”

Shoppers can also grab a pie from one of the many marketplace bakeries. Or, for those who prefer baking themselves, Stag Run Farm will sell apples from orchards in Sussex

DOWNTOWN OC MULTI-UNIT PROPERTY • NO HOA OR CONDO FEES Downtown multi-unit pro operty, NO HOA, large lot with elbow room, and garrage space! This property is zoned R-2 and offfers a 2 bedroom/2 bath unit on the upstairs, an effficie ency apartment with 1 full bath downstairs and amp ple garage/storage space on ground floor. The lot offfers 4,680 square feet with a large open grasssy area for your outdoor enjoyment, as well as futture addition of offff-street parking spaces, currentlyy the driveway allows for one car offf-street street. The sstructure dates back to 603 SAINT LOUIS AVENUE OCEAN CITY 1940, but it was extensive ely renovated in '98. Roof $649,900 approx. 5 years old. Grea at location one block offf the beautiful bayfront Edgewater Ave, and just 2 blocks offff the ocean. G Great opportunity to own your beach condo, space to store e your toys, and have a unit to rent o out for income!

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For the home cooks, the spice traders at JABBS Seasonings offer herb and spice blends just right for Thanksgiving. Many shoppers return each year for their apple and pumpkin pie blend.

“If you’re looking to discover something new, try our mulling blends, great when steeped in warmed apple cider or red wine,” JABBS owner Janice Curtis said in the release.

The market also carries supplies to help decorate the home and dinner table.

Merchants like floral artisan Terry Jordan creates stunning centerpiece arrangements. Jordan owns Longridge Gardens and has been at the Ocean Pines marketplace for 10 years. She also creates unique place setting favors and hostess gifts from items found from her gardens.

For many, the long Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to begin putting up holiday decorations.

At Snyder’s Produce and Beautiful Things, the focus has changed to seasonal greenery. Debbie Snyder and her team will bring their fresh, handmade wreaths and garland roping to the market throughout the winter holiday season.

“We source a mixture of pine types to make our holiday greens,” Snyder said in the release. “The greens are hand cut, bunched, and attached to wreath frames or strung on rope cording for the garlands.”

The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market is open 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in White Horse Park, next to the Ocean Pines Administration Building and Police Department.

For more information, visit oceanpines.org/web/pages/farmers-artisans-market.

OC art league seeking artists for women’s fund fellowships Nov. 4 deadline to submit applications in visual arts, dance, music and film (Nov. 10, 2023) The Art League of Ocean City is seeking applicants for three women’s fund fellowships that include $1,500 stipends and exhibit in the Thaler Gallery at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m., Nov. 20. The applicant must be a female artist, 18 years of age or older, and a resident of Worcester, Wicomico or Somerset counties.

According to a news release, the fellowship is designed to support the artistic endeavors of women through recognition, credentials and financial support. This program is made possible by the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

The selected fellows will be artists working with a distinct voice and clear mastery of their medium of choice, in any arts discipline, including but not limited to visual art, dance, music and film.

The release said members of the selection committee are interested in giving opportunity and a platform to underrepresented artists, as well as those in the early or middle stages of their career.

After the residency is finished, the art league will present an exhibition featuring the three fellows in on March 1 in the Thaler Gallery at the arts center on 94th Street. The opening will coincide with Women’s History Month. The fellows will also receive a complimentary membership to the art league.

More information is available at OCart.org or 410-524-9433.

Ocean City Today

ket has slowed measurably. The latest monthly job gains of 150,000 in October are one of the weakest in the past three years. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent, close to a twoyear high. Wage gains also slowed to 4.1 percent, compared to nearly 6 percent last year, which will lower inflationary pressures.

The bond market is reacting as if the Fed will be cutting rates in 2024.

The key benchmark 10-year treasury yield slid down to 4.55 percent and is below a recent high of 5 percent. That means mortgage rates will be coming down. The 30-year fixed rate will stick in the 7 percent range for this year but looks to move down into the 6 percent range by the spring of next year.

Moreover, if the spread between treasury and mortgage were to move from the current abnormal high to just the historical average, the mortgage rates today would already be in the 6.2 percent to 6.7 percent range.

Be ready for more home buyers and more home sellers.

Lauren Bunting is Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

Application period open for historic preservation loans (Nov. 10, 2023) The Maryland Historical Trust, a division of the Maryland Department of Planning, is accepting applications now for Fiscal Year 2024 financial assistance under the trust’s Historic Preservation Loan Program.

According to a news release, the purpose of the capital program is to assist and encourage efforts to acquire and preserve historic properties. A maximum of $300,000 in funding is available for fiscal 2024.

Eligible applicants for loans include nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions. Business entities and individuals may also apply for program loans when seeking funds for a preservation or development project that serves a high public purpose. For example, applicants must demonstrate an inability to obtain private financing.

Eligible loan projects include acquisition, refinancing, rehabilitation or restoration of historic properties. Loan terms are up to 20 years. A preservation easement must be conveyed to the trust on any assisted property. Loan application and loan closing fees are required.

Certain nonprofits are also eligible to apply for a non-repayable transfer of funds from the program. This component of the program is new for fiscal 2024 and is only available to a “quali-

fied cooperating nonprofit organization,” meaning a nonprofit organization that is based in the state, operates statewide, and has demonstrated experience rehabilitating historic structures, managing preservation funds and holding preservation easements.

Eligible costs under the transfer program are limited to the acquisition of historic properties or interests in historic properties for resale or lease; the rehabilitation or restoration of historic properties for resale or lease; providing loans to other nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions and business entities to acquire, rehabilitate, restore, or refinance historic properties; providing loans to individuals to rehabilitate or restore National Historic Landmarks; and certain administrative costs and programmatic expenses.

Applications for either a loan or a transfer are due by Jan. 15.

Interested potential applicants should contact Barbara Fisher, the trust’s capital grants and loans administrator, at 410-697-9574 or barbara.fisher@maryland.gov for assistance in determining project eligibility and additional guidance.

Copies of the loan program guidelines and application, as well as the transfer application, are available at: mht.maryland.gov/loans.shtml

OC Today recently featured an article on HB107 (House Bill 107), the newly enacted law mandating all cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowner’s associations to undergo a professional Reserve Study conducted by a qualified company.

This law aims to safeguard properties against potential asset failures and protect unit owners from costly assessments. For cooperatives and condominiums without a reserve study since October 1, 2018, compliance requires completion by October 1, 2023.

Originally, a minimum of 10% of an association’s annual operating expense was recommended to be set aside in a reserve account. Unfortunately, for many associations, this amount falls short of meeting the necessary maintenance and preservation requirements.

While the short-term costs may pose a burden, the study promises long-term advantages. Property Diagnostics collaborates with properties to establish a fair and equitable approach to raising reserve funds, ensuring proper planning for the future well-being of the property.

HB107 encourages the gradual buildup of reserve funds over time. This allows for a measured increase in association fees, reducing the need for larger one-time assessments, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Although the bill doesn’t currently impose penalties for noncompliance, some lending institutions have denied funding due to inadequate reserves, and property owners have faced challenges in selling.

Clarifications to the article: Associations are granted three years to fund at the recommendation of the reserve study provider. In most cases, associations will need to continue increasing reserve funding annually. The requirement regarding the management of common assets initially valued at a minimum of $10,000 applies only to homeowners’ associations. All condominiums and cooperatives are obligated to undergo a reserve study. It's important to note that Reserve Study laws vary. While Delaware and Virginia share a similar statute requiring a reserve study every 5 years, funding requirements differ significantly. Feel free to call for more information. Homeowners' associations with amenities like pools often face cyclical repair and replacement costs, which can reach substantial figures.

Property Diagnostics, with over 40 years of experience, has been Preserving and Protecting Properties Across America. As proud members of qualifying institutes and board members of APRA, our qualified professionals are ready to guide your association towards a financially stable future. Reserve to Preserve™.

We are the only professional Reserve Study company on the East Coast that has a board member on APRA. (Association of Professional Reserve Analysts) Ask us about our other services that compliment a Reserve Study: Contract Bundling Maintenance plans

For more information or proposals, please visit our website, www.pdireserves.com, email us at admin@pdireserves.com or call our main office at 301-261-8473.

Our new local office is open and can be reached at 410-251-8311 or gferber@pdireserves.com, ask for Glenn Ferber.

CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES

Real estate market reports two positive-leaning events

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Last week brought about two welcome events for real estate homebuyers and sellers— the fed kept the federal funds rate flat, and the 30year fixed mortgage interest rate had a minor reduction.

The housing industry is hoping this could be a turning point for relief the industry desperately needs.

Last week, the 30-year fixed had a minor reduction to 7.76 percent from 7.79 percent the week prior. At the rate of 7.76 percent, this equates to a typical monthly principal and interest payment of nearly $2,300 for a single family home priced at around $400,000.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, stated the following in his recent blog, Economists’ Outlook: The Federal Reserve will be pivoting from raising interest rates to current neutral to eventually cutting interest rates next year. The job mar-

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• CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES •

REAL ESTATE REPORT

CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

• CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES • CERTIFIED RESERVE STUDIES •

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Wor. plan.comm. OK’s boat-building facility Titan Custom Yachts project set for construction on Old Stage Road in Bishopville

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) The Worcester County Planning Commission on Nov.2 approved the site plan for a 13,600-square-foot boat-building facility at Titan Custom Yachts in Bishopville.

The planning commissioners unanimously voted to accept the facility site plan, which was submitted by the applicant RLG Properties, an LLC that owns Titan Custom Yachts on Old Stage Road, said Russell Garufi, president and founder of Titan Custom Yachts, after the meeting.

Garufi described the building as a new boat fabrication shop.

The building is set to be constructed on Parcel 59 of the Worcester County tax record, and it also includes plans for 14 parking spaces, construction material storage areas, surrounding roads, septic and stormwater management.

The Worcester County Technical Review Committee voted to recommend approval of the site plan to commissioners at the committee’s Oct. 11 meeting. Committee members added conditions for minor changes.

One such condition was to make sure that there is space for an additional septic system in the future, since that will be required if owners want to add buildings to the property beyond the new boat shop, Garufi said. For now, the new building will

be connected to the property’s existing septic system, he said.

“We still have a lot of land to build on, and in the future we’ll be developing another part of it,” Garufi said.

Titan’s 59.21-acre property already contains three buildings for boat building, maintenance, storage and office space.

Vista Design Inc., an engineering consultant company from Showell that is designing the project, requested and received 11 waivers of county design guidelines.

Vista’s request for waivers says that the building is meant for industrial uses only, and because it will be surrounded by a more than 250-foot forest buffer, it won’t be visible to the public or neighboring properties.

County design standards meant to accommodate the public are therefore unnecessary, according to the argu-

ments for the waivers.

The requests include waivers for code sections that mandate the screening of utilities, set restrictions for external lighting, prohibit the storage of vehicles, order the inclusion of irrigation systems and require ornamental landscaping.

Zoning Administrator Kristen Tremblay said that now the applicants have to make revisions based on the Technical Review Committee’s comments and resubmit the plans for a second review. Then committee members can decide whether to grant a final approval.

The project required a major site plan, since it included a building exceeding 10,000 feet. Major site plans require approval from both the Technical Review Committee and the Planning Commission per the county code.

OC Chamber of Commerce small biz summit on Nov. 14 Half-hour info sessions for small business owners to be hosted at Fenwick Inn (Nov. 10, 2023) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a small business summit for local and regional entrepreneurs next Tuesday at a north end hotel.

Set from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Nov. 14, at the Fenwick Inn on 138th Street, the event is aimed at people who have a passion for their business but find themselves overwhelmed by aspects of what it takes to day-to-day operations.

“We can all see that businesses are incredibly stretched, particularly with the staffing challenges they are facing,” Amy Thompson, the executive director of the chamber, said in a news release. “It’s difficult for business owners to access the free resources that are being made available, so we are gathering the resources in one place, at the same time, to meet people where they are and give them timely help.”

The event will consist of dynamic, interactive 30-minute sessions.

COMMUNITY NEWS Locally Sourced on Ne w s s tands t

Chamber members who are versed in their fields will be presenting on topics including human resources, IT, accounting, banking, recruiting, marketing and insurance.

For those thinking about starting a new business, there will also be a panel discussion comprised of professionals representing free resources available in the region to access more training resources, help develop a business plan, and secure funding through grants and other means.

Sponsors who will be presenting include BBSI, PNC, TechMD, Deeley Insurance Group, CG Accounting Group, LLC, The Law Offices of James A. List, LLC, Summer Jobs OCMD, Small Business Development Center, Maryland Capital Enterprises and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

The cost to attend is $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Continental breakfast is included.

Advance registration is encouraged at bit.ly/OCSmallBusinessSummit. Attendees may also pay at the door.

For more information on the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, visit oceancity.org.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

LEGION DONATION

Assateague Coastal Trust Executive Director Brenda Davis poses with Ray Kudobeck, the financial officer for Synepuxent Sons of the American Legion, and a $1,500 check the organization donated to the trust.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Brenda Davis poses with George Pickeral, the director of the American Legion Riders, and another $1,500 check. The organizations donated a total of $3,000 to the trust.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Trimper Christmas fundraiser set for upcoming weekends (Nov. 3, 2023) Trimper Rides will be open for two weekends this fall and winter, Nov. 25 and 26 and Dec. 2 and 3, for the company’s annual Christmas carnival fundraiser.

According to a news release, the carnival will run from noon to 5 p.m. each day and feature live holiday music, vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. Proceeds from the event will go to the Ocean City Development Corporation.

New and free this year is Elf Land Snowball Brawl Area which will consist of snow coming down on visitors as they tag friends with soft snowballs while hiding behind obstacles.

There will be lifesized board games and the Trimper Troupe Game as well, which attendees can also play for free.

Black Friday deals will be available in-person at Marty’s Playland Arcade and Trimper Rides.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Trimper Rides Guest Services shoppers can buy 2024 summer season and mega passes. Summer passes will be $100 off and mega passes are 25 percent off during the sale. The sale will stop online at the conclusion of Cyber Monday, but visitors of the Christmas carnival will still be able to take

advantage of the deals.

Also this year, Marty’s Playland Arcade will throw a Christmas carnival pre-sale event from 5-7 p.m. on Black Friday. The arcade will sell ride passes that will allow attendees to ride as soon as the doors open on Nov 25, along with other deals on games.

Both Saturdays of the carnival will offer roaming carolers and live holiday music performances. Father and daughter duo, Fragile Frame, will perform on Nov. 25 and Salisbury Children’s Choir will sing on Dec. 2.

Both Sundays will have contests to win 2024 summer season passes.

Nov. 26 will be Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and Dec. 3 will be Christmas Jammy Day. Attendees are encouraged to download the Trimper app and post pictures of themselves in ugly sweaters and footie pajama to win.

The event will also feature trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses for attendees to bid on, and a canned food drive for Diakonia’s food pantry.

Trimper Treats will have pizza slices and hot chocolate donated by Dough Roller for purchase.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Santa Claus awaits visitors during a past Trimper Rides Christmas carnival fundraiser event.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

Berlin Lions Club charters local Boy Scout Troop 225 (Nov. 10, 2023) The Berlin Lions Club recently stepped up to become the new Charter Organization for Boy Scouts of America Troop 225.

According to a news release, members of both organizations are excited about coming together to support each other and the community.

BSA Troop 225 was originally charted in 1994 and currently meets at the Berlin Fire Company on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Both organizations are currently looking for new members.

For the Lions Club, contact Russell Hammond at 410-726-8076. For Troop 225 contact Clint Bickford at clintscouting@gmail.org.

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Pictured, from left with a charter check from the Berlin Lions Club to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 226, are Grover Collins, Matt Balish, Sarah Woodward, Vincent Schicchi, Joe Andrews, Woody Woodward, Ben Stallings, Maddox Mitchell, Liam Balish, Bob Palladino, Diane Hurney and Clint Bickford.

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WCPS opens early learning center (Nov. 10, 2023) Worcester County Public Schools and representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education recently celebrated the opening of The Nest Early Learning Center at Worcester Technical High School with a ribbon cutting.

According to a news release, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor praised the opening of the new facility at the event.

“The Nest Early Learning Center is not only providing a valuable service to our community but is providing an incredible apprenticeship opportunity for students here at Worcester Technical High School through the Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship program,” he said.

The release said Coordinator of Instruction Brian Phillips shared how students in the technical high

school’s program will be career-ready after successfully completing their apprenticeship through acquiring a Child Development Associate credential.

“With the CDA credential, students who graduate from us can immediately begin working in the childcare field, which will in turn help to stimulate our local economy as our students will be fulfilling a critical need for many of our families here on the eastern shore,” he said.

The Nest’s Director Stephanie Timmons and Coordinator of Early Childhood Diane Shorts also said the childcare program is readying the system’s youngest children (ages 2 to 3) for successful entry into kindergarten.

The release said The Nest Early Learning Center is accepting 2- and 3year-olds in full and half day pro-

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Families seeking more information about the nest’s childcare services are encouraged to visit nest.worcesterk12.org. Students interested in the Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship program can talk to their school counselors about the opportunity, the release said.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

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FUTURE BOATERS A group of future boaters pose for a picture after recently completing a safe boating course presented by the Ocean City Power Squadron at the Berlin Intermediate School after school program.

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CEDAR CHAPEL DONATION Belinda Gulyas, the principal of the Cedar Chapel Special School, accepts a donation from Ocean City Lions' President Greg Cathell. Cedar Chapel in Snow Hill serves students from across Worcester County from birth to age 21.

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MARLIN CLUB DONATION The Marlin Club Crew of OC recently donated a $2,500 check to the SkillsUSA student organization at the Worcester Technical High School. Pictured, from left, with the check are Principal Thomas D. Zimmer, SkillsUSA Student Kloe Cropper, Marlin Club Crew representative Raye Simpson, and SkillsUSA advisors Crystal Holloway Bunting and Richard L. Stevens.

SUBMITTED/OCEAN CITY TODAY

TEXT LESSONS Ocean City Elementary School teacher Gabrielle Dolansky’s second grade class has been working to identify the main topic and key details within a text by using text features. The students, who are pictured, read the nonfiction book “Beavers” by Gail Gibbons to demonstrate the skill.

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WAGGIN’ DONATE

LEGION DONATION

Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill recently donated $5,000 to the Worcester County Humane Society through its recent Waggin’ Donate benefit. Pictured accepting the check from Macky’s General Manager Julie Hemp and Executive Chef Derek Cantwell are humane society board members, volunteers and caregivers.

American Legion Post 166 recently donated $2,000 to the Worcester County Development Center.

Pictured accepting the donation is Executive Director Stephanie James with Legion charity members Ben Dawson and George Spicer.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

Ashawnti Williams

McKenna Layton

WORKS OF ART Third and Fourth grade students at Buckingham Elementary School show off collage paintings made with squeegees during their weekly after school art club lead by teacher Carol Rydel. The club is a program of the Art League of Ocean City.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Marshall Chaney

London Reynolds

SCIENCE LESSON Students in Wendy Macrides' fourth grade science classes at Ocean City Elementary School applied the engineering design process to construct chain-reaction models using dominos and marbles.

Pictured, from left, are Jaidee Vitjathorn, Alfredo Castro-Gutierrez and Sarah Wall.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Pictured, from left, are Callum Hales, Honesty Lovin and Cooper Smith.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A Jolly Roger Amusement Parks employees greets guests at a past Black Friday sales event at the Speedworld building on 30th Street.

A Jolly Roger Amusement Parks employees checks out guests during a past Black Friday sales event.

Jolly Roger getting ready for annual Black Friday sale

(5) Obtain, at the operator's own expense, comprehensive general liability insurance coverage and products liability insurance coverage in at least the amount of $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, which insurance coverage shall name the Mayor and City Council as an additional insured, and a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage shall be furnished to the Mayor and City Council by the operator and be approved by Ocean City's City Clerk before contract endorsement.

(Nov. 10, 2023) Jolly Roger Amusement Parks will once again offer half-off all park passes and select merchandise on Black Friday.

The annual sale is set from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 24, at the SpeedWorld Building on 30th Street.

“Black Friday is a lot of fun for our team and my family,” Steve Pastusak, the vice president of Jolly Roger Amusement Parks, said in a news release. “There’s nothing better than seeing smiling faces of locals, guests, and friends saving 50% off their summer fun, especially knowing next year is going to be extra special as we’re going into our 60th season.”

Attendees can guy passes for the park’s pier and their 30th Street location, which includes SpeedWorld, Splash Mountain, the amusement park and mini golf. Big ticket, twohour armbands, unlimited daytime or unlimited nighttime armbands, and more all can be bought for 50 percent off.

The Block Friday event will feature music and live local coverage from Froggy 99.9 and Ocean 98, as well as free hot chocolate, fire pits and free cookies and pastries.

New this year, Jolly Roger Amusement Parks is also giving away a free 2024 calendar for the first 300 guests who spend $200.

For more information, visit jollyrogerpark.com/black-friday/.

(6) The second-highest bidder will have first right of refusal should the initial successful bidder neglect to meet credit, experience or management requirements. A sealed bid will be conducted if the second-highest bidder declines the award.

The Mayor and Council may reject any and all bids for any reason it deems appropriate and may rebid upon such terms, conditions and manner it deems appropriate.

Find a Local Business online

NOTICE OF LIVE AUCTION Beach Equipment Franchise / Mid-Beach Parcels $500 Minimum Bid Requirement for each Parcel A public auction will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. The following mid-section beach parcels will be auctioned: 38th - 41st Streets 42nd - 44th Streets 45th - 47th Streets 51st - 53rd Streets 57th - 59th Streets

60th - 62nd Streets 63rd - 65th Streets 69th - 71st Streets 72nd - 74th Streets 75th - 78th Streets

ON AUCTION DAY, the successful bidder shall: (1) Provide satisfactory proof of identity and legal age (i.e. Driver’s License or Government-issued Photo ID) (2) Pay a One Thousand Dollar ($1,000.00) non-refundable deposit for each successful bid. Please bring cash, cashier’s checks or certified checks payable to the Mayor and City Council. PERSONAL CHECKS NOT ACCEPTED. On the dates specified below, the successful bidder shall: (1) Submit a personal Credit Report on or before Monday, December 11, 2023 (2) Sign a statement authorizing the Mayor and Council to make inquiry of personal background, financial and credit worthiness on or before Monday, December 11, 2023.

(3) Pay 20% of the annual fee for each parcel less the $1,000.00 deposit to the Billing Office in City Hall on or before Monday, December 11, 2023.

(4) Provide a brief plan of management on or before Monday, December 11, 2023, clarifying if you will directly oversee the operation or, if not, how day-to-day operations will be handled; providing details of your experience with the beach equipment rental industry; and advising if you have obtained necessary equipment and boxes or of your arrangements to acquire necessary equipment.

(7) Sign a three-year contract (2024- 2026) for each parcel.

An auction bid packet can be found at http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-clerk/ or email dchavis@oceancitymd.gov to request the information. Please direct questions to 410-289-8842.

oceancitytoday.net baysideoc.com

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Commentary

Ocean City Today Nov. 10, 2023

Page 51

New school funds victim of politics?

Last week’s demonstration in support of building a new Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin brought out scores of residents and parents who obviously believe that the state’s denial of funding for the project was a political decision.

There’s no reason to believe otherwise, considering the flimsy justification the Interagency Committee of School Construction used to defend its rejection of the school board’s request for $17 million to help build the school.

The circumstances of the committee’s actions support that conclusion, since the state has the money and had awarded a comparable amount in aid to help build the new Showell Elementary School a few years earlier for the same reasons Buckingham needs to be replaced.

More curious, however, is that the committee in December agreed to give Worcester $1 million to design the new school only to reverse itself a few weeks later when, coincidentally or not, the General Assembly was in session.

Given the weak reasoning the committee employed to back up its rejection of the school board’s funding request — a new school isn’t needed because classroom space is available several miles away — the suspicion is that someone at the state level saw an opportunity to stick it to an increasingly conservative Republican county asking for help from a Democratically controlled government.

Add to that Worcester’s $18 billion tax base (next door Wicomico’s is less than half that at $7.5 billion), the lowest county income tax in the state, and the third lowest property tax rate, and it’s easy to understand why this county gets little sympathy in Annapolis on the matter of education spending.

The fact is, however, Buckingham Elementary school students don’t vote and have no political alignment. They’re kids, and they need the better learning environment that a new school would provide.

Otherwise, the thumb in the eye administered to Worcester County is nothing more than a political statement made at the expense of children.

Ocean City Today 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR............................ Mallory Panuska STAFF WRITERS ..................Cindy Hoffman, Hunter Hine ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier ..................................................................Renée Kelly CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ............ Taylor Sloan PAPER COMPOSITION/PAGE DESIGN ...... Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............ Kelly Brown, Jane Leibowitz PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com.

Copyright 2023

Reprint from Nov. 11, 2022

PUBLIC EYE

Mix-and-match genes

Well, well, well ... it turns out that many of the problems we’re experiencing these days could stem from ancestral hanky-panky many thousands of years ago, when early human sex education was limited to, “If it bites, stings or howls, don’t mess with it.”

That’s what recent research papers suggest, as numerous scientists have posited that early homo sapiens were, for the lack of a better term, horndogs, who fooled around more than a little bit and ended up passBy ing on something extra to Stewart modern humans.

According to this research, Dobson many of us carry gene sequences left over from romantic adventures between regular human, as in Humans 1.0, and now-extinct irregular humans, as in Humans, the limited time trial version.

The variations resulting from these mixand-match encounters might explain why some people today seem just a little different from others, such as a particular group of older men who think wearing plaid shorts with regular shoes and black socks is a good look.

Most of us would agree that the black socks and shorts ensemble is a big improvement over the once-favored prehistoric attire of leaves and body hair, although I did once see a guy on the late-night bus who ... never mind.

The thing is, evidently, the homo sapiens contingent of upright walkers mixed it up more than a little with the Neanderthals and

a group called the Denisovans, about whom little is known, except that they were apparently available at closing time.

Although the only evidence of these encounters is the presence of some of their genetic material in many of us, it is now assumed that early humans of a certain age were any-port-in-a-storm types who’d fall in love with a tree stump if it was “Saturday night and I ain’t got nobody.”

(For people younger than I am and don’t get it, this song came from the greatest soul man of all time, Sam Cooke, in 1963).

Anyway, our human ancestors’ propensity for sidling up to a Denisovan, and asking, “Sayyyy, you wouldn’t happen to have the time, would you?” could explain quite a bit about who we are today.

For instance, we all know someone who says, “I don’t care if you’re TX Super 19 cell phone will transport you to another time dimension, I’m sticking with my flip phone.”

I suspect this individual has something in the genetic network that dates back to, “Well, hello there, whatever you are, want to see my cave paintings?”

Likewise, anyone who thought the movie “Dumb and Dumber” was too sophisticated might just have a chromosome or two of “Ooga, ooga. Me like.”

Even though all these subsets of prehistoric people went extinct a long time ago, possibly because they couldn’t find affordable housing, their genetic remnants are still making trouble for us.

Take that left-lane driver, for instance ...

“Whoa!” a forebear of that individual observed, “I don’t know what that thing is, but if we have kids, they’ll have great knuckles.”

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NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Ocean City Today

Letters to the editor Boardwalk shops’ ‘unsavory’ items Editor, The following letter was sent to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and the City Council Dear Mayor Meehan and Council Members: As lifetime vacationers in Ocean City Maryland we find lots of entertainment values there.

In recent years one of the entertainment values that we have had to rethink is strolling the boardwalk. Its continual decline for families is very disheartening. The vulgar and offensive tee shirts and other literature has created an anti-family culture there.

This moral-less culture has attracted many moral-less behaviors especially near the downtown area between the inlet and approx. 9th street.

We have given this a lot of thought and are convicted and compelled to write to you and suggest some ideas.

First, clean up the front of the many stores on the boardwalk. No family with any aged children want them to be exposed to such moral decline. If they must sell those unsavory items, put them in the back of the

store, out of site for most people.

Secondly, make the Ocean City boardwalk that you have been entrusted to govern a clean, less offensive and enjoyable place. With more family friendly steps you will see the families coming back to this area.

It is well known in the Ocean City visitors community regarding the continued decline of your (our) boardwalk. Do something soon or you risk losing the “Family Friendly” place so many have enjoyed in Ocean City for many years.

Christopher P. Martin, Grace B. Martin Westminster

Suggestion for council’s unassigned fund balance Editor, It has happened again. A review of the Town of Ocean City’s Fiscal Year 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) reveals that the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) have found new money amounting to over $9.7 million dollars. It happens every year.

For the last nine years, revenue has exceeded budget estimates totaling over $22 million, while

expenses fall short of estimates totaling over $34.6 million. With other factors, the combined favorable variance over the nine-year period exceeds $57 million.

The $9.7 million found this last fiscal year alone means that the M&CC could have lowered the previous property tax rate by over 10 cents and still have had a balanced budget. No one is asking that they do that, but a modest reduction of 2 to 3 cents in the property tax rate would be prudent and responsible.

Some members of the M&CC often state that they do not want to raise the property tax rate as though it was a badge of honor, and yet they never take the bold move of reducing taxes.

Just recently, one member implied that because of inflation, they must continue to build their savings and reserves. What a novel idea it would be to lower taxes in these inflationary times, when everything else seems to be going up in price. The point is that they do not need these excessive funds.

A modest reduction in the property tax rate would help year round property owners, absentee property owners, tenants and business owners.

In my opinion, a more realistic tax rate would increase property values.

A lower tax rate would encourage people to live in town, for the last census shows that we have lost population. A property tax reduction would also encourage financial investment in Ocean City, as well as ease the burden of local residents on a fixed income.

The M&CC have recently adopted a revised Unassigned Reserve Fund Policy of maintaining 17 percent of General Fund expenditures. This was raised from a long standing policy of 15 percent. The latest CAFR reveals that the reserve fund is now at 32.5 percent, over $15 million more than their own policy.

Let us hope that candidates seeking public office in the 2024 town elections will not just simply promise to hold the line on taxes, but will have the courage to commit to lowering them.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel Jr. Ocean City

Ocean Downs only MD casino with revenue increase (Nov. 10, 2023) Ocean Downs Casino is hardly the biggest source of casino gambling revenue in Maryland, but it was the only one of the state’s six gaming parlors to show increased revenue in October.

According to a news release, the Berlin casino’s 861 slot machines and 19 table games took in more than $8.22 million last month to post a gain of $207,344 over October 2022. The other five operations experienced declines ranging from a 41.5 percent drop at MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County, where the $67.3 million take for the month was $47.7 million less than it was last October.

Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County came the next closest to matching last October’s numbers by collecting $57.8 million, instead of the $59.6 million it took in for the same period last year.

Overall, the monthly proceeds at the state’s casinos dropped $53 million from last year to close out October with $159.8 million in gaming income.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming officials said in the release that the state’s 9,698 slot machines and 562 table games had unusually high activity in October 2022, when the casinos set a singlemonth record of almost $213 million.

Ocean Downs was up then as well, reporting a little more than $8 million in revenue, an increase of $357,139 from October 2021.

County offices to close on Nov. 10 for Veterans Day (Nov. 10, 2023) Worcester County Government offices, including recreation and parks, will be closed today, Nov. 10, in observance of Veterans Day. The official Veterans Day holiday is Saturday, Nov. 11.

All five branch libraries, central landfill, and homeowner convenience centers will be open during standard hours of operation.

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Ocean City Today

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Love follows in family footsteps of service

By Steve Price Contributing Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) This week our Volunteer Spotlight will shine on past assistant chief and current life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Lee Love.

In September 2013, Love retired as sergeant after 40 years of service with the Maryland State Police. He recently retired as a deputy sheriff with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant Chief Love has a long and dedicated history in the volunteer fire service. His father and an uncle were both volunteer firefighters and Love grew up around the fire department.

He has two brothers who are also firefighters and his son, Ozzie Love, currently serves as a lieutenant in the Frederick County Fire and Rescue.

Love joined the Liberty Road Volunteer Fire Company (Baltimore County) in 1972. He then joined the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company in September

1983, following his assignment to the Berlin Barracks of the Maryland State Police.

During his 40 years of service in the OCVFC, Lee held a variety of positions including lieutenant, captain, and assistant fire chief. He also served the fire company as secretary and then president in 1999. He currently serves as deputy chief and secretary for the Marion Volunteer Fire Company in Somerset County.

Love recalls the Beachcomber Motel fire on June 12, 1988, as most the significant event of his firefighter career. The blaze resulted in the tragic death of two young women from Pennsylvania and injured 14 others.

Assistant Chief Love cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as his ability to provide over 50 years of service to the residents of the Eastern Shore. He has enjoyed working as an instructor for the Maryland Fire Res-

cue Institute, sharing his knowledge and experience with fire/EMS students. Love was humbled by his induction into the Eastern Shore of Maryland Volunteer Firefighters Hall of Fame on Sept.19, 2021.

Love’s advice to young men and women with an interest in joining the Fire Service: “America has a history of neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteer firefighters are an excellent example of this, giving their time and effort to assist neighbors in need. That tradition is important, you should always remember the responsibility you took on when you joined the fire service. Do the best job you can for your neighbors. Look out for your fire department family and BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU DO!” We salute and thank Assistant Chief Love and his family for their lifelong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our neighbors and the visitors to our community.

Lee Love

For membership information or to learn more about the volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

Magi Fund event benefits charities Nov. 11 Christmas concert and veterans day tribute tickets currently on sale (Nov. 10, 2023) Tickets are still on sale for the Magi Fund’s holiday performance, A Magi Christmas Concert & Veterans Day Tribute, on Nov. 11.

The show, which will feature the National Christian Choir and the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore, is set for

Berlin’s St. Paul’s hosting shredding event on Nov. 11 (Nov. 10, 2023) Anyone who wants to shred unwanted documents can do so at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin this Saturday.

Set from 10 a.m. to 1 p..m, Nov. 11, the document shredding event will take place at the church parking lot at 3 Church St., in Berlin.

According to a news release, individuals can bring up to three boxes of personal documents to the Shred-it truck to dispose of them.

Light refreshments will be available.

The church will also be open for free tours of the interior, which includes stained-glass windows that are registered with the Library of Congress.

Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to donate for a local charity in exchange for the shredding of their documents.

3 p.m. at the Emmanuel Church Auditorium on Beaglin Park Drive in Salisbury.

The Magi Fund, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, has for three decades staged musical events as fundraisers for the Joseph House Center and the Christian Shelter. The Magi Fund has devoted 100 percent of ticket proceeds and contributions to benefit the two charities, which provide housing and crisis intervention for the region’s needy.

“We are celebrating our 30th year and we’re planning a very special and slightly different concert,” Magi Fund Chairman Bonnie Luna said in a news release. “November 11 is a significant day of remembrance – Veterans Day – and in addition to our Christmas program, we will recognize and honor our Veterans with a special patriotic tribute. This will be particularly memorable as we celebrate the birth of Christ and honor those who have served our country.”

Committee Member Cynthia Williams added, “The National Christian Choir is returning for its 20th year of performing in the Magi

Fund’s annual holiday concert. The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore is making its debut appearance. They will perform separately, as well as together, to produce an unforgettable program of music. You don’t want to miss this concert.”

Williams said members of the community encourage the Magi Fund to continue providing this holiday event to kick off the Christmas season.

“Each year, God makes a way for us to do so,” she said in the release.

“We are often told by attendees that the concert sets the tone for their holiday, and many say it is the highlight of the season.”

Luna added that tickets for Magi concerts have always been in high demand.

Tickets are $20 and available at the Country House in Salisbury and all branches of First Shore Federal Savings and Loan in Salisbury, Ocean Pines, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Berlin and Ocean View, Delaware.

For more information about the event or the Magi Fund, call Luna at 410-749-1633 or visit the Magi Fund website at magifund.com.

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PAGE 54

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

WORLD WAR II

U.S. fights Japanese for Bougainville Island

By Lt. Col. Steven W. Rakow Contributing Writer This week, 80 years ago, U.S. soldiers and Marines were fighting the jungle and the Japanese to gain control of the island of Bougainville.

At 130 miles long and 30 miles wide, Bougainville is the largest island in the Solomon Islands Chain in the South Pacific. It is 600 miles northeast of Australia and about 300 miles due east of Papua, New Guinea, and lies at the western end of New Georgia Sound, otherwise known in World War II as “The Slot.”

The population of Bougainville Island hovered around 54,000 in 1942, when the Empire of Japan invaded the Solomon Islands to further their conquest of the South Pacific and to protect their main base at Rabaul, on New Britain Island, about 150 miles to the east of Bougainville.

The Japanese Empire invaded the lightly defended island of Bougainville in March 1942. At the time, the island was only defended by a small contingent of Australian troops and coast watchers, who were easily overrun. The mountainous island of Bougainville favors the defender and the Japanese would use this terrain and dense jungles along the coastal plains to great defensive advantage.

On their initial landing, the Japanese captured Buka Airfield, with its 2,300-foot runway. The Japanese would build four more airfields throughout the island. Once fully reinforced, Bougainville was home to 25,000 soldiers of the Japanese 17th Army and 12,000 sailors of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

By mid-1942, with the Japanese forces strengthening their foothold in the South Pacific, it became apparent to the U.S. planners that the only way

to defeat the Japanese and turn the tide of the war would be an “island hopping” campaign designed to cut off key strong points, such as Rabaul.

The other goal of the “island-hopping” campaign was to eventually capture islands that would provide advance airfields so that U.S. bombers could attack Japan’s home islands. The start of this campaign, in late 1942, was the Battle of Guadalcanal, which ran from August 1942 to February 1943. Bougainville became the next focus of effort for U.S. forces.

Operation Elkton, the beginning of the Battle for Bougainville, was led by Adm. William “Bull” Halsey’s fleet and the I Marine Amphibious Corps, commanded by Gen. Roy Geiger.

Gen. Geiger would later be awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his command of the I Marine Amphibious Corps during the Bougainville Campaign.

The Operation began with a full bombing campaign to destroy the airfields on Bougainville, which was completed in October 1943. The main attack on Bougainville commenced at 7:26 a.m. on Nov. 1, 1943. The 3rd Marine Division, led by Maj. Gen. Allen H. Turnage, was given the mission to attack and seize the area of Cape Torokina on Bougainville’s western side. By 9:30 a.m., more than 8,000 Marines had landed at Cape Torokina on the north end of Empress Augusta Bay, on the western side of the island.

Overall resistance was fairly light near Cape Torokina. The Japanese fought back with a single 75mm gun near the Cape, sinking six landing craft making their approach to the beach. The Marines lost 14 men from this action.

Ordered to silence the gun, Sgt. Robert A Owens led an attack to take

A Fijian medical orderly administers an emergency plasma transfusion during heavy fighting on Bougainville

out the Japanese 75mm gun. The attack cost him his life, yet secured the victory for the Marines during that brief, but intense, encounter. For his bravery, Owens received the Medal of Honor.

By early evening on Nov. 1, the Marines had 14,000 men ashore along with 6,200 tons of supplies.

While the 270 Japanese defenders in the area of Cape Torokina were killed, the Marines lost 78 killed.

The Japanese response to the U.S. landings on Bougainville led to the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, which began in the early morning hours of Nov. 2. In a strike to support a Japanese landing and counterattack, the Japanese sent four cruisers and six destroyers from Rabaul to attack the U.S. fleet and bombard the Marines.

Japanese Adm. Sentar mori led his ships in a desperate run against U.S. Adm. Aaron Merrill’s Task Force 39, consisting of four cruisers and eight destroyers. In a fierce, daylong battle, the Japanese lost one cruiser, one destroyer, and retreated to Rabaul with heavy damage to all remaining ships.

Task Force 39 sustained damage to two cruisers and two destroyers, but continued to provide support and protection to the Marines ashore. The battle delayed the Japanese plans to land their troops.

By Nov. 5, the Marines had expanded the beachhead inland by 2,000 yards. As the Marines continued to push inland and build up their supplies, the Japanese Imperial Army and Imperial Marines had plans of their own.

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Ocean City Today

WORLD WAR II On Nov. 7, the Japanese were finally successful in landing some troops to support their beleaguered comrades. Some 850 troops from the 17th Division landed at Koromokina Lagoon near Empress Augusta Bay on the north end of Cape Torokina and on the left of the Marine perimeter.

While the Japanese made it ashore, on Nov. 8, the Marines fired a massive artillery barrage killing more than 300 Japanese. At the same time, the Marine 2nd Raider Battalion held the north end of the U.S. perimeter and flank against attacks from the Japanese 23rd Regiment.

This short-lived battle ended in another Japanese defeat.

Between Nov. 8 and 13, the Japanese continued to sortie cruisers and destroyers out of Rabaul to attack U.S. shipping near the beachhead at Cape Torokina. The raids, however, failed to prevent the U.S. from landing the US Army’s 37th Division on Nov. 9.

Around Nov. 14, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 21St Marines engaged the enemy as they attacked north out of recently captured Piva Village. This action, known as the “Battle of Coconut Grove,” ground to somewhat of a halt as the terrain became nearly impassable and amphibious vehicles took a tremendous beating from the swamps and enemy action.

The Marines settled in for the next week, engaging the enemy in small skirmishes and patrols, while continuing to build up supplies and organizing for a major assault. That assault took place on Nov. 21 led by the 3rd Marines. Their fierce fighting enabled the 9th Marines and 21st Marines along with the U.S. Army’s 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, to move into new positions without opposition. Despite these U.S. victories, the Japanese would fight on in what would become known as the four-day “Battle of Piva Forks.”

One of the notable leaders during this battle was Marine Lt. Steve Cibik, whose platoon held a key ridge line for four long days under fierce and repeated Japanese attacks.

“Cibik’s Ridge,” as it became known, was essential for protection of the Marine perimeter and to success of the overall Marine advance.

For his bravery and leadership throughout the six-day Battle of Piva Forks, Lt. Cibik was awarded the Silver Star Medal. Once the dust settled, more than 1,200 Japanese had been killed during the “Battle of Piva Forks” with 333 Marine casualties.

The heavy jungle fighting would continue throughout the end of November and through most of December. One final, multi-day battle found the 21st Marines attacking a known Japanese strong point on Hellzapoppin Ridge on Dec. 9. The Marines were driven off the ridge on Dec. 12, but returned and finally defeated the Japanese on Dec. 24.

As more US soldiers arrived on the island, the Marines turned the campaign over to the Army on Dec. 15. By the end of 1943, the Marines had withdrawn the 3rd Marine Division to Guadalcanal, which was now a rear area.

For his leadership of the 3d Marine Division during the Bougainville Campaign, Maj. Gen. Turnage received the Navy Cross. Part of his citation read: “[l]eading his command with intrepidity and daring aggressiveness, Major General Turnage frequently exposed himself to heavy enemy gunfire throughout the landing and operations essential to the attainment and consolidation of the final beachhead line at Empress August Bay, Bougainville Island.”

While the entire island of Bougainville would not be captured until the end of the war, U.S. forces would operate from numerous airfields on the island and continue to battle with the Japanese defenders.

The U.S. handed over control of military operations to Australian troops in late 1944.

It is estimated that U.S. forces killed more than 8,000 Japanese troops during the period of Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, 1944, while ensuring another base of operations for U.S. forces to continue their attacks on the Japanese stronghold of Rabaul.

Next: Tarawa

Map of Bougainville and Buka, or the North Solomons, Melanesia

About the Author Steven W. Rakow has been practicing law since 1996. He is a retired Marine Corps Reserve lieutenant colonel and 1987 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

In 1989, while on deployment in the Western Pacific, then Lt. Rakow served as a forward observer for Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, which is one of the units that fought on Bougainville.

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Sports & Recreation

Ocean City Today Nov. 10, 2023

Page 56

www.oceancitytoday.com

Seahawks crush Warriors 49-7

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) Round one of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association competition played out last Friday night at Louis H. Taylor Stadium in Berlin, with the Stephen Decatur High School Seahawks crushing the Warriors of Easton 49 to 7.

The team is the first from Stephen Decatur to enter the state tournament with a perfect record, which stood at 10-0 in the Bayside 2A-3A Division.

In the matchup against the Talbot County team, the Seahawks again stuck to their playbook by scoring early and often and backing that up with a formidable defense.

Seahawk senior Waylon Hobgood began the romp by scoring the game’s first touchdown with 6:11 minutes left in the first quarter. The extra point kick was good. But then, with just 1:37 remaining in the first quarter, junior Davin Chandler carried the ball into the end zone for the Seahawks, while

junior Tybe Wise ran in the conversion.

The Easton defense then suffered through a tough second quarter that saw four more TDs by the Seahawks, two of them by Amarian Manuel, and one each by Ethan Bradshaw and senior Jamien Purnell.

By halftime, Stephen Decatur had amassed a 42-0 lead. According to MPSSAA regulations when one team builds this size of a lead, they play the remaining time with the clock running.

The advantage helped Easton score its only touchdown and the kick after with 3:16 minutes in the third quarter, making the score 42-7.

Seahawks’ junior Donavan Henry scored just before time expired in the third quarter for the game’s final touchdown and kick, making the score 49-7.

Round 2 of the 2A East Region will be at 6 p.m. tonight (Friday, Nov. 10) in Berlin, when Queen Anne’s County’s team comes to town.

“We play Queen Anne’s County

PHOTO BY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Number 11 Tybe Wise catching the ball in the end zone.

here next Friday” Coach Jake Coleman said after last week’s game. “I’m excited, they’re excited and it’s going to be a great game.”

Coleman added that he didn’t think his team would do anything differently in that matchup, aside from, “You’re

always trying to get better, but you’ve got to know who you are and we’re obviously going to be on the attack. “We would like to win the whole thing but at the same time we can’t get ahead of ourselves ... We just want to win tomorrow. Let’s be better tomorrow.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean Pines resident Laura Scharle kayaks in the Delmarva Peninsula. She spent 11 years trying to kayak around the entire area and reached her goal just short of 40th birthday.

Scharle kayaks around Delmarva Peninsula

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) It took 11 years, but she did it. Laura Scharle paddled 600 miles around the entire Delmarva Peninsula.

That includes nearly the entire coast of Delaware from Delaware City, down the Eastern Shore of Maryland, to Cape Charles in Virginia, and back up through the Chesapeake Bay all the way past Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Kent Island and up to Chesapeake City.

Her entire trip is documented on her blog, laurapaddlesdelmarva.com/ She did not paddle each leg in order around the peninsula, but

“bounced around based on the weather, my own schedule and how far I could drive on any given day, and where I could bike versus. find someone to shuttle me,” Scharle said.

Each leg required some serious logistics. She tried to not have to double back in the water. That meant either having someone pick her up, frequently her dad, husband, Brian, or Aunt Margaret Ann, or bringing her bike and dropping it at her destination.

“The first time I did that, I had to draw a flowchart on how it would work with the biking and kayaking,” Scharle said.

She started her trip in June 2012 at Wisharts Point in Atlantic, Virginia. The last leg she traveled was

under the bay bridge, ending at Terrapin Nature Park on Kent Island a few days before her 40th birthday.

Scharle was an avid paddler before she committed to this goal. She lived in Easton and did tours for the YMCA. Her boyfriend, now husband, lived in Chincoteague and they paddled together there.

“I had paddled all these different sections of Delmarva before I decided to do the whole thing,” Scharle said.

“I set this goal back in 2012 when Brian and I were driving northbound over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. As we approached Fisherman Island, I wondered what it would be like to paddle to some of Virginia’s barrier islands. And then I wondered what it would be like to paddle

around the whole damn peninsula.”

Some of her biggest challenges were the lack of public access, including a 25-mile no-access stretch near Cambridge. “An Airbnb let me launch from there for free. I got very creative,” she said.

Another area in Northampton County, Virginia had a stretch of 40 miles with no public access points.

There she met an oyster farmer who let her launch from his family’s property.

“There were a few trips with specific legs that had challenges I did not expect.” Even though she was a stickler for reading tide charts, one low tide left her stuck in mud.

“The mud was like quicksand, it See KAYAKING Page 57

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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Ocean City Today

SURF REPORT

Surfing provides lessons in life for students

by Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) This year’s Surf Into Integrity (SII) program has once again been completed with Stephen Decatur Middle School students.

Originally conceived by attorney Rich Brueckner, who sees it as a positive intervention for young and impressionable men and women, SII is conducted by the Ocean City Surf Club, headed up by lead instructor Tommy Vach. Vach is assisted by many members of the surf club, as well as former students and graduates of SII. All of the efforts that go into the program are totally on a volunteer basis.

The program/course consists of afterschool classroom sessions as

well as sessions on the beach and in the water. It is all extracurricular.

Yes, we are introducing the students to the basics of surfing but the program goes much further.

Coupled with the rudiments of surfing are lessons for life. The program is based on a book by champion surfer Shaun Tomson with Patrick Moser. The book is titled “Surfer’s Code, twelve simple lessons for riding through life.”

Shaun was world champion in 1977 and consistently placed in the top 16 through the 1970s and 1980s, competing against some of the finest surfers in the world. Not only is he a great surfer but also one of the best ambassadors the sport/art has ever seen. Born and raised in South Africa, Shaun now lives in Santa Barbara, California, close to Rincon, one of the best point breaks in the world.

The program is popular, enjoy-

able, and challenging to the students and even to the instructors. The students are expected to read each chapter, as each chapter is gone over in the classroom setting as well as on the beach.

Students are also expected to conduct themselves in a proper and civil manner. Instructors make every attempt to engage each student to reflect, comment, ask questions, and participate in a give and take discussion, as opposed to simply being lectured to. Students are generally stoked to be in the program in that more sign up than can be accommodated.

The beach sessions become weather dependent. Ocean conditions also come into play. Sometimes the shore break is just too heavy for quality in the water teaching but we try to do the best we can with the conditions that are presented to us. This

becomes a part of the lessons that hopefully every student learns.

Students are encouraged to invite family to the beach sessions to observe the activities. There is usually a good turnout which becomes even more encouraging for the students.

Use of surfboards and wetsuits was provided by K-Coast Surf Shop.

Graduation was held on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 9, with every student giving a short talk on their favorite chapter and receiving a plaque and goody bag. The ceremony was held at SDMS. Tons of thanks go out to all of those who helped out including surf club members, previous graduates of SII, the Ocean City Beach Patrol and especially Tommy Vach and Bill and Kevan Thomson, quartermasters par excellence.

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

Waterfowl hunting days for youths, military (Nov. 10, 2023) Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans and military personnel still have an opportunity to experience the tradition of waterfowl hunting on a special hunt day Feb. 3.

“The Department is very pleased to offer these special hunting days,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Director Karina Stonesifer said in a news release of the hunt days that were set for Nov. 4 and Feb. 3.

“We encourage Maryland’s waterfowl hunting community to share the legacy of conservation with youths and veterans not only on these two special hunt days, but many times throughout the season,” he continued. “The more new hunters we can immerse in our outdoor heritage, the more people will

appreciate, value, and conserve the diverse wildlife habitats that exist in our state.”

Hunters 16 years of age or younger and military veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) of any age, as well as members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training) could hunt ducks, geese, and coots on both public and private land on the two specified days.

Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel also participating in the hunt. All eligible hunters and adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses or

be exempt from hunting license requirements.

Any adult participating in the hunt will need to buy both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those possessing an apprentice license, must buy a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp but do not need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp if under 16.

The bag limits for the hunting days are the same as the regular seasons except: • Two black ducks may be taken • Two scaup may be taken • Two Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone

• Five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone.

Information on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas can be found on pages 60-63 of the 2023-24 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

Licenses, stamps, and permits may be bought online at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a Department of Natural Resources Service Center or at any one of the more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide.

Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.

Kayaking for adventure and mental health Continued from Page 56 was 90 degrees, greenhead flies were attacking me,” she said.

At first, she thought she would have to wait until the tide came in, but then, “I pulled myself together and shimmied across the slippery mud until I was in navigable water again. I was seven weeks pregnant at the time,” Scharle said.

She traveled through a variety of waterfronts. In Cape Charles Harbor, she passed giant barges and excavators. In Crisfield, Maryland, she passed by crab shacks. In Lewes,

Delaware, she went under the drawbridge and passed the big charter boats. And in the Delaware Bay, she paddled out on a beautiful day with a view of the giant power plant on the New Jersey side of the bay.

“The steam coming out of the cooling plants was actually calming to look at. It was nice to mix it up sometimes. But my heart and soul are with the very remote nature areas,” she said.

Not to say that nature doesn’t offer its own surprises, including an incident involving a rambunctious

stingray.

“One of the wings of the ray smacked the hull of my kayak. I screamed, it scared me so bad,” she said.

“I feel like Delmarva and the Chesapeake Bay should be an international paddling destination. The scenery is so beautiful and so untouched. Kayaking gets you into areas that boats cannot get to,” Scharle said.

Kayaking around the Delmarva peninsula was not just an adventure.

It was also therapy.

During the past 11 years, Scharle has had a lot happen in her life. She married, had a son with special needs, and lost her mom, who inspired her love of the outdoors.

“This was a form of self-care for me. There were some really stressful times over the years and I would go to it for stress relief.”

Scharle said she hopes that her journey inspires other people to get outside and explore.

“We live in a beautiful area, and I don’t want people to miss out on that.”

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Ocean City Today

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