11/20/2020 Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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OC BikeFest could expand to two weeks

OC boat show another victim of coronavirus

It could flow into weekend used by car pop-up rally

Optimist’s major fundraiser canceled as virus spreads

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) While nothing is official yet, some Ocean City officials see an opportunity to take the offensive against the annual tuner car popup rally by extending the Ocean City BikeFest to two weekends — a move that would cost the city $250,000.

Event promoter Chase Micheal made the request to the Ocean City Tourism Commission on Monday, and began by highlighting the Chase Micheal event’s selling points.

“Over the past decade, we’ve produced what we like to think of as a nationally recognized event and one of the premiere events of Ocean City,” Micheal said.

OC BikeFest, which is produced by OC Jams LLC, is one of the biggest motorcycle and concert series in the country, drawing anywhere from 150,000 to 170,000 participants each year.

Micheal said the event has a proven record of success and has required less in the way of public services such as police each year.

“We conservatively estimate that 80 percent of all of our 150,000-plus annual attendees have attended at least four times, since the inception of the event in 2011,” Micheal said.

One of the event’s greatest contributions to the resort’s economy is room stays, as Micheal said it has led to 98 percent hotel occupancy rates during its weekend run.

He also pointed out the event’s contribution to the monthly occupancy rate during September.

Last September saw an average See DOUBLE Page 5

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The annual Seaside Boat Show has become the latest victim of covid-19, as its sponsor, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, announced Sunday that the February event will not be held this year.

“The key thing is the safety of our exhibitors, the safety of our visitors and the safety of those who work the show,” Boat Show Co-Chairman Charlie Dorman said.

The show, which has warmed this one weekend in the dead of winter for the past 38 years, routinely draws thousands of boat buyers and boating enthusiasts to the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street. Organizers’ estimate of last year’s crowd was about 16,000.

The show is the Optimist Club’s primary fundraiser. All of the proceeds — typically in the tens of thousands of dollars each year — go to Worcester County youth programs, schools and organizations.

Past beneficiaries include Worcester GOLD, Diakonia and the Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services to name a few.

Over the last three decades, the club has provided millions of dollars in scholarships to Worcester County seniors at Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill and Pocomoke high schools.

“All of our funds are oriented to children,” Dorman said. “That’s why we are the ‘boat show that works for children,’ because nobody at the boat show gets paid, we’re all volunteers.”

While the goal of the show is youth-oriented charity, the event is a big economic driver during the resort’s winter season.

Sixteen-thousand guests means See BOAT Page 2

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

The Winterfest of Lights displays, including the 50-foot tree, at Northside Park on 125th Street were tested on Monday night. The event, a walk-through this year, officially opened yesterday.

Rise in covid-19 cases sends kids back home for learning

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) All public schools in Worcester County returned to distance learning Monday, as the number of positive tests for covid-19 locally mirrored an overall rise in cases in the state. The reimposition of the remote learning program will remain in effect until Dec. 1.

“As outlined in the guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of Education, our leadership team has been closely following the community statistics for covid-19,” Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor wrote to families on Sunday.

See SCHOOLS Page 4

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Boat show canceled because of coronavirus Continued from Page 1 thousands of hotel rooms booked, full dining rooms at local restaurants and shopping at local stores.

“What is devastating is that the funds raised from this event are a huge source of scholarships for the local students,” said Susan Jones, Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association executive director. “Historically, this event has always been a welcome addition to the winter dol-

drums, as it brings thousands of visitors for a weekend at the beach. So, there will be a financial hit to our members as well. That being said, it is understandable that the Optimist Club made the decision they made.”

The Seaside Boat Show joins a long list of events sidelined by the virus so far: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Springfest, Sunfest, OC BikeFest and most recently the Ocean City Christmas Parade.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club announced this week that its annual Seaside Boat Show, scheduled for February, has been canceled because of covid-19. Boat show Co-Chairman Charlie Dorman said the safety of guests, vendors and volunteers is the top priority.

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Although the virus was the primary factor for the show’s cancelation, Dorman said other factors contributed, too.

“The National Marine Manufacturers Association canceled nine big shows,” he said.

This included shows in Miami, Florida, Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

“We [Dorman and Co-Chairman Wayne Scott] said, ‘These guys are the big guys. I mean they are the big guns out there, and if they know they’re canceling their shows … what can we do?’” Dorman said.

Plus, the organizers had to consider Ocean City’s and the Worcester County Health Department’s covid19 restrictions, such as capacity limits, mask requirements, social distancing and health screenings.

“We can’t monitor keeping people six-feet apart,” Dorman said. “We’re lucky when the boats are here to keep them one-foot apart.”

There was also the issue of boat supply.

“The dealers have sold so many boats that they don’t have a stock, because the manufacturers aren’t building them [boats] because they’re shutting down,” Dorman said. “All of these dealers are calling and saying ‘We don’t have the inventory, it’s coming in slow. We hope we’ll have it, but we don’t know.’”

Another, perhaps less important, factor considered had been construction work at the convention center, and how it would affect vendor space and restricted entryways for larger boats.

“Most of the Optimist [Club] members working the boat show are over 70,” Dorman said. “All of those factors combined, we were just like we can’t take that chance of making our people sick and anybody coming through sick.”

However, while the show won’t take place, Dorman said he and other organizers were devising a raffle to keep the charitable efforts alive.

“What we’re going to do now is that we’ve sent a letter out to the exhibitors and we’re going to do an auction,” he said. “North Bay Marina, as always, stepped up and they’re going to give us a pontoon boat to raffle off, and Bayside Jet Drive has given us a Wave Runner to auction off.”

North Bay Marina in Fenwick has donated boats to the show for more than 30 years.

Dorman said other dealers also have offered to donate items to help the club maintain its charitable efforts.

“They’ve been great to us, the dealers have just been fantastic,” Dorman said.

While the raffle is still being planned, Dorman said tickets would be $10 each and $25 for three.

The raffle drawing will be done live on television, and Dorman said he hoped to see the event take place before Memorial Day weekend.

“We wanted to have the boat show so bad, because we know it’s like the opening of the season for Ocean City,” Dorman said. “But for the safety of everybody involved, we decided we couldn’t do it.”

Handling of riverboat bills clarified, county in charge

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Confusion over who is responsible for paying for bills associated with the Black Eyed Susan riverboat was clarified at the Worcester County Commissioners meeting Tuesday.

Tom Perlozzo, director of recreation and parks, economic development and tourism, and Snow Hill Town Manager Gary Weber pitched Chip Bertino the idea to purchase the Black Eyed Susan back in August as a means to revitalize the economies of Snow Hill and Pocomoke.

Last month, the commissioners approved a $400,000 no-interest loan to the Town of Snow Hill to buy the 111foot paddle wheel boat, which was done two weeks later at a final cost of $324,900.

“This is the opportunity to revitalize not one, but two downtown areas that have been struggling, honestly,” County Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom said in October. “Everyone seems to want to try to figure out how to make our downtowns vibrant again.”

On Tuesday, County Commissioner Chip Bertino wondered why the county had paid for the paddleboat’s insurance.

“Did we not give $400,000 to the Town of Snow Hill to handle the expenses for the paddleboat?” Bertino asked. “Why is the county paying the bills for all of this?”

Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said administrative staff believed the county would have better control over those bills if the county processed it, which would ensure it did not exceed the allotted $400,000.

“The Town of Snow Hill is also a See LOAN Page 3

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 3

Loan amount will not exceed $400,000 limit Continued from Page 2 fairly small operation,” Higgins said.

“They do not have the ability to direct wires to any of the payees, so we often get involved as a middleman for that.”

Furthermore, the original loan document required certain insurance coverage to protect the county’s interest, he said, so having a personal hand in the payment process added another layer security.

“We made it clear even within the loan documentation that the loan amount would not exceed $400,000,” Higgins said.

Bertino said he did not remember discussing how these payments would be handled.

“It was my understanding that the lump sum of $400,000 would be turned over to the Town of Snow Hill for them to handle it,” Bertino said. “So that was a change in the administration of that loan.”

Higgins said he would not have made such a recommendation.

“Typically … you control your disbursements to verify either that you’ve made the payments or that you’ve reviewed all of the expenditures prior to

that approval,” Higgins said.

Otherwise, the county would handle loans through reimbursements, which was less desirable because of the aforementioned lack of control.

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COOL STROLL

As winter’s chill creeps in, residents and guests don heavy coats and long scarves to enjoy a stroll on the Ocean City Boardwalk Monday evening.

Bertino asked about expense overage, and Higgins reassured hime that any expense beyond the $400,000 would be the responsibility of Snow Hill.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Schools close classrooms until December Continued from Page 1 According to the Maryland Department of Health, the daily positivity rate of Worcester County on Sunday was 6.43 percent and 21.86 cases per 100,000.

“These numbers are above the metrics these agencies have recommended for a reexamination of our ‘Responsible Return,’” Taylor continued.

All after-school activities and athletics will be virtual until Dec. 1 as well.

“We will be monitoring our community statistics closely throughout this two-week period, and we will communicate to you any changes to our return as soon as decisions are made,” Taylor wrote.

Parents were advised to contact schools to pick up electronic devices

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or other materials for virtual instruction.

Last Monday, 62 percent or roughly 4,000 students were engaged in in-person instruction among the 14 public schools in Worcester County.

Stephen Decatur High School switched to virtual instruction last Wednesday because of three positive covid-19 cases. Worcester Technical followed with its closure last Thursday.

“We were having an increase in some of our cases,” Taylor said on Monday. “They were all unrelated to in-school types of exposures.”

He added that there was a slight increase in cases between the first and second weeks of November at the county schools.

“We’re going back to Phase One, which is everyone is in virtual learning, and so we will be doing that right now until Dec. 1,” Taylor said. “In the meantime, I will be taking a look every single day at how things are, what the county and state metrics are.”

As of Tuesday, Worcester had recorded 1,377 cases since last spring, with last week marking the beginning of an upward trend in infections.

“Although kids aren’t the highest number of ones who contracted covid-19, we still have kids in our school system that were positive with covid-19,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the Dec. 1 return date “gives us some time to come back from the holidays to re-examine where we are and what’s taking place.”

Taylor said the decision to return to virtual instruction was difficult because schools are more than an institution of learning.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he said, pointing out that education remains the schools’ most important job, “but

they’re also a place where we love kids, we take care of a handful of needs, from social, emotional, feeding, all those types of things that have to take place. And when we close, I also make sure our staff is focused on those areas as well.”

Taylor said he ensures that students have access to nutritional food either from feeding sites or deliveries.

“I worry about that as much as I worry about the instruction of young people,” he added.

With the sudden shift of instruction, Taylor reminded Worcester County families that preventing the spread of the coronavirus is a community effort.

“If we’re going to defeat this and we’re going to get back where we have our kids in school, it is more than important that our community teams with us and does three basic things,” he said. “1) Wear the mask. Wear the mask. 2) Hand washing and hygiene as well as social distancing and 3) Please do not associate or plan or get involved in large gatherings.”

As Worcester County Public

Visitors not allowed at AGH because of rising virus cases (Nov. 20, 2020) Due to an increase in community spread of covid-19, Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will no longer allow visitors, effective as of 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

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Schools celebrates American Education Week this week, Taylor encouraged families to post on social media, send a note, send an email or call educators to thank them for their diligence to meet the needs of all students during these challenging times.

“This has been the hardest time on our educators, and my heart goes out to them,” Taylor said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them more than ever before. They have had a difficult task, first and foremost to make sure their environment is safe and healthy, and the second thing is to change their instruction in ways that they never dreamed, or I dreamed or my team dreamed possible.

“I hope our community joins me in thanking teachers for what they’re doing,” he continued. “Even though this has been very challenging for me as a superintendent, I’ve never been more proud to be an educator and watch the educators who are working every single day to help our young people.”

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cumstances in accordance with the organization’s CARE values, allowing for: Personal caregivers in accordance with ADA guidelines for all patients with physical, intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities; one accompanying family member/significant other for patients in the emergency room around the clock (no visitation for those patients known to have covid-19 or those under investigation for the virus); parents of a minor child; and special arrangements for visitation of dying patients.

“The support of loved ones is very important to the healing process, so the decision to suspend visitation once again was not an easy one,” said Matt Morris, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Atlantic General Hospital. “Keeping our patients and staff safe is the primary concern.”

According to Atlantic General Hospital and Health System’s covid-19 visitation policy, a seven-day rolling average community positivity rate of 5 percent or greater requires closure to visitors.

Loved ones are encouraged to stay in touch with hospitalized patients by phone or video chat. Staff are available to support communication with friends and family.

For more information about Atlantic General’s visitation guidelines and covid-19 response, visit www.agh.care/COVID19.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Ocean City Today

Double OC BikeFests could block car rally Continued from Page 1 hotel occupancy rate of 71.5 percent, according to Smiths Travel Research metrics, which puts the city above competing markets such as Virginia Beach, Virginia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Jersey Shore, New Jersey, Micheal said.

A huge event already, OC BikeFest could be more, and the Wisconsinbased OC Jams want to see it gain fur-

ther national acclaim comparable to Coachella or Bonnaroo music festivals.

To do so, Micheal said organizers wanted to add an additional weekend to the schedule, either the weekend before or the one after Sept. 15-19.

Micheal also said organizers hoped to strike a four-year commitment with the city, with an annual dollar-to-dollar match of $250,000.

Micheal said he is confident that the

event’s expansion would not dilute the number of participants, a concern expressed by Michael James, managing partner at the Carousel Group.

To avoid such an outcome, however, Micheal said OC Jams needed approval soon, so it could begin contacting high-profile bands and create a lineup worth staying for.

Councilman John Gehrig said he only cared for the weekend following the original date, as it would collide with the pop-up rally, assuming it occurs when it normally does.

Gehrig said filling that weekend with motorcycle riders would drive up lodging rates and essentially “squeeze” out the unruly car enthusiasts.

“They [pop-up rally participants] were complaining about high rates this year,” Gehrig said. “If there are fewer rooms to book, it puts pressure on that group.”

Councilman Matt James concurred, although some members of the tourism commission pointed out a flaw to the strategy.

“Do you think it would be a possibility that they [pop-up rally participants] would just move to a different weekend?” asked Stephanie Meehan, operator of Funcade on the Boardwalk.

Meehan also said she was concerned that OC BikeFest coinciding with the pop-up rally could harm the

reputation of the motorcycle event.

Kevin Gibbs, president of the Ocean City Development Corporation, said the mashed events could escalate into physical confrontations between the motorcyclists and the car enthusiasts.

Gehrig said the move would be a victory in itself, as the pop-up rally group had taken over that third weekend of September.

“They have private ownership of that weekend. They’ve taken us over,” Gehrig said. “I don’t think they’re going to be anxious to move. Frankly, if they move that’s a major victory, and then phase two kicks and we figure out how to deal with them if they move.”

James and Gehrig said the promoters must have the confidence to put on a successful second weekend and to gauge how its guests would fare.

“As far as escalation, this thing is so big now, this pop-up [event], that I don’t think any of us expect that any solution will be easy or convenient or perfect,” Gehrig said. “There’s going to be risk in anything, and we already have police in riot gear.”

Commission members agreed that communication would be key, but if the additional weekend proved a successful offense against the pop-up rally, the expense would be worth it.

The request will be sent to the full mayor and City Council.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Second wave here, Md. and Wor. not spared

By Josh Kim and Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) It’s here — the second wave of the novel coronavirus is spreading rapidly across the nation, and neither Maryland nor Worcester County has been spared.

To fight the surge in this state, Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday new dining and capacity restrictions.

“I’ve always been a straight shooter, so I’ll give it to you straight,” Hogan said.

“The sad reality is that all across America more people are getting infected with covid-19, more are being hospitalized, more are going into intensive care and

more people are dying.”

Effective at 5 p.m. this Friday, all dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other food and alcohol establishments must close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and a new 50 percent capacity rule will take place.

Carryout and delivery services may continue beyond those hours.

Hogan also reiterated that bar and restaurant patrons must be seated at all times — a directive he issued back in May. Entities affected by the 50 percent capacity rule are retail stores, religious institutions, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, skating rinks, fitness centers Larry Hogan and social clubs.

The capacity rule brings these facilities in-line with indoor dining and personal service business restrictions.

Recent data shows alarming growth in all areas of covid-19-related metrics.

There have been more than 1,000 new cases of covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, for 13 consecutive days.

Last Saturday, the state saw the largest new daily case rate since the pandemic began, with 2,321 new cases, Hogan said. As of Thursday, that record has been eclipsed, as there were 2,910 new cases.

The statewide, seven-day positivity rate, the number of positive test results,

climbed to 6.8 percent, which is the eighth straight day it was over 5 percent.

Twenty out of 24 jurisdictions in the state are above the 5 percent benchmark.

Average daily case rates have climbed to 29 per 100,000 people statewide, which is a 46 percent increase in one week, and each jurisdiction is now seeing new daily case rates above 10 — 18 jurisdictions have reached case rates above 20 per day.

Thirty-four Marylanders died this week, and 4,220 have died since the spring.

Hogan took a jab at conspiracy theorists and virus naysayers who claim the virus is a hoax or similar to the common flu.

“We’ve lost more Marylanders to covid-19 than we lose each year to car accidents, gun violence and the flu combined,” Hogan said.

Nationally, more than 247,000 Americans have died, which is greater than American lives lost during the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars combined.

For the first time since June 7, hospitalizations in Maryland have surpassed 1,000, and are up 100 percent since Nov. 1.

Intensive care unit stays are up to 260, as of Thursday morning, the most since June 19.

“Even with the additional 6,000 beds that we provided for in our hospital surge plan, Maryland hospitals are now reaching capacity,” Hogan said.

Of particular concern was western

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Maryland, Hogan said, adding that 19 hospitals in the state were already at 90 percent capacity.

“Today the Maryland Department of Health is issuing an order which will restrict hospital visitations statewide until further notice, with the exceptions of end-of-life care, parents or guardians of minors, obstetrics and support for patients with disabilities,” Hogan said.

Hospitals and medical facilities are encouraged to avoid elective, non-urgent or life-saving procedures.

Furthermore, hospitals reaching capacity may transfer patients to hospitals with more space and available equipment.

Nursing home facility visitations also have been limited to compassionate care visits, and all visitors must provide proof of a negative covid-19 test result within 72-hours prior to their visit.

All nursing home staff must get tested twice weekly, and all residents once a week.

On Monday, Maryland courts returned to phase three of the state judiciary’s reopening plan.

Under phase three, all criminal and civil trials, save for grand juries already in session, will be suspended until at least Jan. 1, 2021.

Active jurors must contact the court.

All court of appeals and court of special appeals matters remain operational.

District and circuit court operations have been limited, but clerk’s offices will See NATIONAL Page 7

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Ocean City Today

National death toll reaches 250,000 mark Continued from Page 6 remain open to the public.

Circuit courts will be allowed to continue civil cases such as settlement hearings, attorney disciplinary hearings and motions requiring witness testimony. As for criminal cases, courts would be limited to motions, expungements, violations of probation, non-jury trials and sentencings previously deferred.

District courts are allowed to continue some criminal and traffic cases, as well as some civil actions and landlord/tenant cases in limited capacity.

Masks are required at all times in courthouses for all above the age of 2, and all visitors must have their temperature taken and fill out a health screening.

For more information visit https://www.mdcourts.gov/coronavirus phasedreopening .

Perhaps in preparation for surging metrics, Hogan announced last Thursday an additional $70 million of federal CARES Act relief aid.

Twenty-million dollars will help ramp up the state’s 90-day supply of personal protective equipment; $15 million to the Maryland Department of Labor for staffing; $10 million for rental housing assistance; $10 million for vaccine research; $10 million for food banks; $2 million for foster care providers; $2 million to the Department of Human Services; and $1 million to fund a wastewater sampling program that will aid in covid19 detection.

Medical experts and scientists have warned of a bitter fall and winter for months, but patchwork nationwide protocol and open defiance to health guidelines have caused those grim projections to become a reality.

“We have seen widespread failures to follow orders and public health advisories statewide, and again we are calling on the counties to implement strict enforcement of all existing and new orders and directives to ensure closures are not required,” Hogan said.

He urged the public to wear masks, to limit holiday gatherings, and urged college students and out of state travelers to get tested.

Hospitalizations and intensive care unit numbers as of midweek were at 1,192 and 260, respectively, both the highest since June.

As of Thursday, Maryland’s sevenday positivity rate was at 7.49 percent — almost a whole point above yesterday’s 6.82 percent and two points above last week’s 5.6 percent.

Worcester County’s positivity rate was 6.13 percent as of Wednesday, an almost two-point increase from last week’s 4.37 percent.

Since last Friday, at least 74 new cases have been confirmed in the county, according to the Worcester County Health Department. Last week, 53 new cases were confirmed.

This brings the county’s total cases since March to 1,385 as of Thursday.

Thirty-three coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Worcester, with 18 of them at the Berlin Nursing Home.

As of Thursday, the state had 174,733 cases. In this area, 502 cases have now been reported in the Berlin and Ocean Pines 21811 zip code area, 406 cases were listed for the Ocean City 21842 zip code, 132 in the Snow Hill 21863 zip code and 233 in the Pocomoke City 21851 zip code.

A zip code must have at least eight cases to be listed.

A total of 1,199 people have been released from public monitoring. Worcester has conducted 32,852 coronavirus tests as of Thursday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, two patients with coronavirus were in Atlantic General Hospital – one in the medical/surgical unit and one in the intensive care unit, according to Sarah Yonker, director of marketing at the hospital.

Hospital staff has cared for six patients who have come off a ventilator. Atlantic General has discharged 71 patients

WCPS provides update on covid symptoms, protocols

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Lauren Williams, the coordinator of school health services at Worcester County Public Schools, provided a covid-19 update on Tuesday to the Worcester County Board of Education, and included information on safety guidelines and protocols for positive covid-19 tests.

Worcester County’s coronavirus positivity rate increased by 3.15 percent from Oct. 31 to Nov. 14.

When the county school system made the decision to close for two weeks last weekend, the seven-day moving average

of new case rate per 100,000 people in the jurisdiction was 18.31 cases.

Showing a slide presentation on the metrics governing the stages of students’ return to school, she said the critical measures are a testing positivity level (the percentage of tests that show positive for an infection) of above 5 percent and an infection rate greater than 15 new cases per 100,000.

Gov. Larry Hogan also advises school systems to reassess their return plans if the positivity rate in the jurisdiction increases 1.5 percent within two weeks.

Williams shared the Maryland DeSee CLOSE Page 8

with coronavirus who are recovering.

As of Thursday, next-door Wicomico had 3,033 cases, and Sussex County in Delaware has 9,257 cases as of Wednesday.

The Worcester County Health Department will host drive-thru covid-19 testing on Friday from 12:30-3:30 p.m., at the Worcester County Commission on Aging Facility located on 4764 Snow Hill Road.

From then on, additional testing will take place every Monday at the same time and location.

All Worcester County residents and employees 8 years and older who are experiencing covid-19 symptoms are eligible for testing.

Health department designated close contact of a known positive covid-19 case are eligible, as well.

People who suspect they may have

the virus should call their primary care providers or the health department.

The Worcester County Health Department has a hotline Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to determine if a person should be tested. Call 410-632-1100 and select option eight.

For general information on the coronavirus call the health department 24/7 at 410-632-4321 or visit worcesterhealth.org. View updates from Atlantic General at atlanticgeneral.org/patientsvisitors/covid-19-updates/.

To track Maryland cases, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov/.

To report a restaurant or bar for not following safety guidelines, call the county environmental health department at 410-352-3234.

To donate plasma, go to delmarvablood.org/cpdonor or call 1-888-8256638.

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Close contacts notified by letter Continued from Page 7 partment of Health’s definitions of a classroom outbreak and a school outbreak.

A classroom outbreak is when two or more laboratory-confirmed covid-19 cases occur among students, teachers or staff within a two-week period in one classroom, according to the state health department.

A school outbreak is defined as three or more classrooms with cases from separate households within 14 days, or five percent or more of unrelated (at least 10) students, teachers and staff have confirmed covid-19 cases within a two-week period.

“In Worcester County, we did have one classroom outbreak at Stephen Decatur High School, but our swift action and adherence to our safety protocols kept us from having a further outbreak,”

Williams said.

Protocols for students, teachers and staff with covid-like illnesses and positive covid-19 tests as well as the covid-19 screening form are available on worcesterk12.org.

“When an individual does test positive for covid-19, we work very closely with our health department,” Williams said.

The county school system’s contact tracing notification process balances transparency and individual privacy.

If a student is identified as a close contact, the child and the family will likely be informed by a member of the Worcester County Public Schools staff as well as receive a letter indicating that the child must remain out of the school building for 14 days from their last close contact with the ill person and monitor symptoms during the two-week period.

Superintendent to negotiate with board for new contract

CHARTS COURTESY OF WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

During the Worcester County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Lauren Williams, mental health coordinator at the county public school system, reviewed the definition of a covid-like illness and the protocols for students, teachers and staff who experience symptoms.

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By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor is seeking a second term, the Worcester County Board of Education announced at its meeting on Tuesday.

“On behalf of our board, I’m very happy to announce that Mr. Taylor has expressed his intent to stay another four years,” said Sara Thompson, the Lou Taylor board’s vice president.

“Mr. Taylor has done a phenomenal job in leading our school system. Mr. Taylor is a lifelong resident of Worcester County, Worcester County Public Schools graduate and a [37]-year employee of our school system. We are thrilled that he wishes to continue a second term.”

Over the next few months, Taylor and the board members will negotiate a new contract.

“First of all, I want to thank the board for the confidence in me and willingness to offer me another contract,” Taylor said.

Thompson added that the board hopes to announce at the Feb. 16 meeting that a contract has been signed.

“I want to see us through this mess that we’re living in today,” Taylor said.

He promised to work with the board to enhance the school system over the next four years.

“We will continue to make Worcester County proud,” Taylor said. “I give you that commitment. We will continue to put Worcester County on the map in every category that we are judged on.”

Board members praised the superintendent for his leadership and improvement of the county schools.

“Everybody has one thing in mind.

It’s what’s best for kids,” Taylor added.

“As long as Worcester County stays what’s best for kids, we’ll continue to be an exemplary county of what educating people [and] building schools … It’s truly an honor to be a Worcester County citizen and Worcester County employee and, most importantly, the opportunity to lead our school system, so I thank you.”

Crossword answers from page 38

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

PAGE 9

Ocean City Today

New Showell Elementary facility showcased Bill Moschler, project manager for Oak Contracting, led the tour with Brad Hastings of Becker Morgan Group architects, and the county school system’s Facilities Planner Joe Price, Assistant Construction Manager Rick Martens, Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert and Showell Elementary School Principal Diane Shorts.

The project began on Sept. 29, 2018 and was substantially completed in August 2020.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, the project finished on time.

School design focused on natural light, modernization and reducing energy waste

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Although the ribbon cutting for the Showell Elementary replacement school was postponed because of covid-19, Worcester County Public Schools invited local media outlets to tour the 102,409-square-foot facility last Friday.

“We didn’t miss one day of construction,” Price said.

He added that the construction team followed all safety measures from frequent hand washing to social distancing.

The total construction cost for the new building was slightly more than $40 million.

The original building was constructed in 1976, then additions were incorporated in 1990 for a total of 52,610 square feet.

The total construction cost for the former building was $3.2 million.

Showell Elementary School now contains 47 classrooms, including six pre-kindergarten classrooms, six kindergarten classrooms, six firstgrade classrooms, six second-grade classrooms, seven third-grade classrooms and seven fourth-grade classrooms.

The new school eliminates the need for the nine portable classrooms that were used over the years.

The replacement building is staterated to enroll 910 students, which it is locally rated to hold 692 students.

See ADDITIONAL Page 10

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Ocean City Today

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Additional classrooms in building Continued from Page 9 That is significantly higher than the original building’s capacity.

Currently, 653 students are enrolled at Showell Elementary.

Shorts and Moschler added that each classroom has a sink and its own HVAC system.

Shorts also highlighted the school’s energy efficiency, which includes automatic shut-off lights in classrooms.

Only 15 students are allowed in each classroom at this time for physical distancing requirements. Extra furniture has been taken out of classrooms to accommodate students.

Currently, common areas house the excess furniture, but Shorts said they are great spaces for assembly speakers or inside recess when it rains.

Teacher resource rooms are located off the common areas.

In addition, the building contains one and half art classrooms, two and half music classrooms and one sensory room, which the original building did not have, as well as two special education rooms and two technology labs.

The sensory room is primarily for special education students, but all students are welcome to visit and use the equipment, like therapy putty or

the sensory swing.

“Kids can come in here when they need a break,” Shorts said.

The Showell Elementary replacement project focused on a modern design and natural light.

From the media center to the cafeteria to classrooms, large windows let in light.

Throughout the building, the corridors lead to an expansive courtyard, which features a cistern. Moschler said the cistern collects rainwater that will be used to water plants on the property.

Shorts said students recently have been frequenting the courtyard for mask breaks, but a vegetable garden will be located there come spring.

The playground for ages 5 to 12 on the right side of the building contains a compressible safety material under

the equipment as well as a larger asphalt area than the original playground.

Another playground for ages 2 to 5 has been added to the rear of the building.

Shorts said the buddy benches on the playgrounds encourage students to play with others who are sitting alone.

At the end of the tour, Hastings said the school has been constructed to LEED Silver certification standards.

“LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it just recognizes that the facility has been designed with energy efficiency, environmental thoughts, across the board,” he said.

For more information, visit www.showellelementary.org/.

ALLY LANASA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The media center, like classrooms and the cafeteria, in the Showell Elementary replacement school off Route 589 features large windows to let in natural light.

ALLY LANASA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The cafeteria and gym space at the new Showell Elementary School has been organized to socially distance students for in-person instruction when they hopefully return on Dec. 1.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 11

Accessory structures amendment moves on

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Amendments to residential accessory structure height regulations in A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts will move forward, after a majority of Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday elected to add their names to the legislation.

According to the agenda memo, the zoning amendment would allow property owners to seek a special height exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals for residential accessory structures.

Currently, only non-habitable roofed superstructures, such as cupolas, flagpoles and smokestacks may exceed the

height regulations in any zoning district.

Applicants may seek special exceptions for non-residential structures, as well.

For A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts, Ed Tudor the height restriction is no more than two stories or 25 feet.

“Originally, she [applicant Donna West] sought to increase the height of accessory structures in all districts to unlimited heights,” Review and Permitting Director Ed Tudor said. “We obviously had some concerns.”

Rather than allowing that, the depart-

ment staff proposed permitting residential accessory structures in the A-1 and A-2 districts to be increased to a maximum height of 35 feet by special exception only, and would have to comply with applicable setback regulations.

County Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom, West’s representative, gave some background on her request.

Nordstrom said his understanding was that the original zoning ordinance was put into place to prevent outbuildings from being built to a certain height to protect adjacent property owners.

“In this case, the property in question is protected lands that will never be built on and therefore does not apply and that’s

why this text amendment was applied for in the first place,” Nordstrom said.

Tudor said the county does not usually write text amendments for individual properties.

“We were trying to write something that applies in the entire zoning district, and because the A-1 and A-2 are generally larger lots, more open space, so on and so forth, we thought it was appropriate for that 10-foot increase by special exception,” Tudor said.

Commissioners Nordstrom, Chip Bertino, Bud Church, Ted Elder, Diana Purnell and Joe Mitrecic agreed to sign on to the measure, thus allowing it to be voted on in a future meeting.

Zoning amendment eliminates dwelling law

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The outdated zoning requirement that obligated owners of an accessory apartment to live on site if they were renting that unit has been eliminated by a zoning code amendment approved by the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday.

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing applicant Kathy Clark, said they wanted to see the stipulation removed

for three reasons.

“First, since this was enacted, you have enacted a fairly detailed and strict licensing requirements for rental units,” Cropper said.

Applicants must purchase a license and submit detailed contact information, which was not the case when the code was enacted.

“Secondly, more and more people are owning properties in the name of a corporation or an LLC,” Cropper said. “This

is an LLC, and the question is who is the owner of the residential unit if it’s in the name of an LLC?” Cropper said if a corporation owned the unit, the dwelling requirement could be easily circumnavigated through stock allocations, which would make pinpointing a single owner extremely difficult.

As for the third factor, Cropper used the example of a friend who moved away for a year and rented his property.

“This would have prevented that,” Cropper said.

Cropper added that the restriction only penalized new property owners, as there was no way to police existing property owners.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked why the dwelling restriction had been enacted in the first place.

Ed Tudor, planning and permitting director, said the goal had been to ensure See NOT Page 12

PAGE 12

Not all on board with amendment Continued from Page 11 somebody was on site to take care of the other unit and be available for contact.

Tudor agreed with Cropper, and said the new licensing regulations negated this concern, since the county had easy access to property owners.

Commissioner Jim Bunting said he did not approve of the amendment, as it would allow for the property to be used as an Airbnb, or similar short-term rental, unit and exceed parking restrictions.

Hugh Cropper He asked if anything could be added to prevent parking from being abused.

“This would still be an accessory apartment and the parking requirements would still apply,” Tudor said.

“This wouldn’t eliminate the parking requirements that you have.”

The property currently is allowed four parking spaces.

“If you have 10 or 15 people there with 10 cars, where are they going to get to?” Bunting asked, expressing his frustration with the amendment’s supposed lack of parking safeguards.

The commissioners passed the amendment, with Bunting and Bertino in opposition.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIEFS

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The following took place during Tuesday’s Worcester County Commissioner’s meeting:

Board nominations The commissioners voted to install Commissioners Josh Nordstrom, Joe Mitrecic, Ted Elder, Diana Purnell and Bud Church to the Tri-City Council Executive Board.

Elder will serve as second vicechairman, Nordstrom as treasurer and Mitrecic as immediate past chairman.

The motion passed six to one, with Church in opposition.

Christmas gift cards The commissioners agreed to use money from the canceled annual holiday luncheon to increase gift cards for county staff from $30 to $40.

The gift cards may be used to purchase a turkey or a ham at the Walmarts in Berlin and Pocomoke City.

Administrative staff requested 660 gift cards for a total expenditure of $26,400.

Mines The commissioners approved a resolution to adopt reclamation standards for county-owned borrow pits to qualify for an exemption from the state surface mine law.

The exemption is provided for borrow pits maintained solely in connection with the construction, repair and maintenance of the public roads system of the state or of the county.

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Ocean City Today

The commissioners accepted the bid by Murtech Inc., of Salisbury to handle the Public Landing boat ramp and finger piers project. Murtech made the lowest bid of $74,717.

Other companies that submitted bids included Berlin-based Brittingham Construction, $94,950.12, and Baltimore-based Marine Technologies, Inc., $359,924.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom asked why there was such a large gap between the bids.

Tom Perlozzo, director of recreation, parks, tourism and economic development, suggested it could be an issue of proximity, as Marine Technologies would have further to travel and transport equipment, but “I have no idea why the third bid is that high,” he said.

Nevertheless, the bid amount was 100 percent reimbursable through a Department of Natural Resources waterway grant. The project is scheduled for completion by next April.

Consent agenda The commissioners voted to approve items one through three on the consent agenda, which included a speed study on Greenbriar Drive, a Newark spray irrigation, and small project agreement for River Run. The county public works department did a speed study on Greenbriar Drive from Oct. 20 to Oct. 27, at the request of resident Tiffany Nichols.

The study found 408 vehicles traveled through the area at an average speed of 23 mph. Thirty-five percent of vehicles went above 26 mph, while 65 percent went below or at 25 mph.

John Ross, public works deputy director, recommended posting a 25 mph speed limit on Pin Oak Drive, which would cover Greenbriar Drive.

Newark Spray Irrigation Facility contractor Bunting and Murray Inc. requested a change order to add 42 days to allow for the delivery of a package suction lift pump station.

The company had placed the order on March 23, but later learned that production was delayed because of covid-19-related staff reductions at the manufacturing facilities.

The package is expected to arrive by the end of this week.

Later in the meeting, the commissioners approved closing documents for Maryland Department of the Environment funding for the county’s spray project.

It is a 50 percent loan, 50 percent loan forgiveness deal.

River Run Development Associates LLC submitted a small project agreement for improvements to the River Run pump station number one.

The work will increase the station capacity needed for the final build-out of the River Run Development, as well as to accommodate the Windmill Creek subdivision on Beacuchamp Road, Ross said in a letter.

Special events Several special event applications were approved on Tuesday, including a USA Softball contract, powerboat race request and a Ride Maryland’s Coast request.

The softball contract is for the Girls 18U National Eastern Championship Tournament slated for July 28 through Aug. 1. It will be held at John Walter Smith Park, Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, Showell Park and Newtown Park fields.

Because of its reoccurring nature, the county administrative staff requested the contract be approved by administration, as long as there are no changes to the contract.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked for clarification on the request to ensure it applied to only the softball contract, and Perlozzo confirmed that it did.

The Power Boat Race is scheduled for April 30 to May 2, at the West Ocean City commercial parking lot and boat ramp, while the Coastal Bike Festival is slated for April 10, and will begin and end at the West Ocean City Harbor and the commercial parking lot.

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REQUESTED Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan FY 2022 through FY 2026 Worcester County, Maryland The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the REQUESTED Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal year (FY) 2022 through FY2026. The CIP is a planning document the County will use in preparing future operating budgets, to anticipate future financial needs of the County and to identify possible funding resources. Inclusion of a project in the CIP does not constitute a guarantee of funding from the County. Some capital projects will be added, deleted and/or amended as necessary. As with the Operating Budget, the projects for each fund have to be balanced with the resources available in that fund.

Copies of the Worcester County REQUESTED Capital Improvement Plan for FY2022 through FY2026 summary may be obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us. For additional information, please contact the County Administration Office at (410) 632-1194.

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

County approves loan request from St. Martins group

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The St. Martins by the Bay Homeowners Association can let out a sigh of relief, after the Worcester County Commissioners approved on Tuesday an intergovernmental loan to aid the development of its newly established water sanitary service.

The commissioners approved the water sanitary service request back in June, after receiving a petition filed by at least 67 percent of property owners at the subdivision to do so.

The St. Martins by the Bay Home Owners Association pro- Bob Mitchell posed a water connection for public water with the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area, and in doing so, it would abandon its private water plant and supply well.

To pay for the project, the association is seeking United States Department of Agriculture funding.

However, as part of the loan application process, the association must prepare a preliminary engineering report (PER) and an environmental report (ER).

While the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs could do the environmental report in-house, a third-party engineering firm would have to conduct the preliminary environmental report, Environmental Programs Director Robert Mitchell said.

“We got our bids and they came a little higher than expected and the community cannot front this cost,” Mitchell said. “They’re taking care of their water treatment plant right now and are trying to hopefully limp on by until they get water from Ocean Pines.”

The lowest bid came in at $9,640, according to a letter Mitchell wrote to the commissioners.

The Worcester County Sewer Committee met in November to review the matter, and found that an intergovernmental loan could cover the preliminary report costs.

Mitchell said the loan would be added as a project cost to the loan amount it would receive from the federal agriculture department, and that the association would pay it back.

Ocean City Today

PAGE 13

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Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Legendary Sports Group eyes OC Lacrosse standouts seek to revive existing event, maybe add new winter tournament

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) New things may be on the horizon for Ocean City’s lacrosse scene, as first-class promoter Legendary Sports Group is hoping to establish a three-year agreement with the resort to amplify the sport’s presence.

Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) Chairman Steve Pastusak told Ocean City Tourism Commission members on Monday that the board had met with Legendary Sports Group Sr. Lacrosse Advisor Dave Cottle and Lacrosse Advisor Dave Pietramala.

Cottle is one of the most successful collegiate and professional lacrosse coaches in history, with four Major League Lacrosse Championships, 22 NCAA Tournament appearances and five NCAA Final Fours, while Pietramala was the former head coach at Johns Hopkins University, as well as a three-time All-American, Most Outstanding Player and a National Champion.

Cottle also helped create, alongside Greene Turtle owner Steve Pappas, the Ocean City Lacrosse Classic

event.

“What they are proposing is similar to an event in Lake Placid, New York, late summer in the August range around the same time as the Ocean City lacrosse tournament,” Pastusak said.

The goal would be to create an event geared toward youth players that would extend the existing lacrosse tournament.

“Currently, our tournament is [Thursday], Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and they want to go with a [Monday], Tuesday, Wednesday … type of thing to make it a whole week,” Pastusak said.

Pastusak said Legendary Sports’ had powerful partners, such as M&D Lax, which recently ranked as the number one girls program in the country, and HoganLax, which manages 30 teams in Annapolis and Richmond, Virginia.

With HoganLax, Legendary Sports created the Naptown Challenge in Annapolis in 2016, and last year the tournament resulted in 1,070 hotel room stays and $2.4 million in economic impact in Anne Arundel County.

Pastusak said ESPN covers three of the age groups that participate in the Naptown tournament.

The new tournament would be

branded as OC Lax Fest, and Legendary Sports Group hoped to have its inaugural tournament next August in conjunction with the OC Lacrosse Classic.

“When TAB talked about it, we talked about making them add a winter event, which is box lacrosse, or indoor lacrosse,” Pastusak said, which would be held in the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street.

The deal would consist of a threeyear period in which the city would allot $50,000 the first year, $40,000 the second year and $30,000 of TAB funding the final year.

“While we don’t love the August date, what we did love was that it was Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and it was building on an event that was already here that had actually shrunk … because of the Lake Placid event,” said Susan Jones, Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association executive director.

Jones said Cottle’s goal is to bring the event back to the glamor it once held among lacrosse players and send families to the resort.

“What we also like was that he (Cottle) did not want to use the housing group,” Jones said. “He said he would want the teams to work directly with the hotels, so that was very appealing from a hotel side.”

JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Tourism Advisory Board Chairman Steve Pastusak informs the Ocean City Tourism Commission of a pitch made by lacrosse promotion company Legendary Sports Group on Monday.

Legendary Sports Group also was open to alternative dates, although this coming year would have to occur in August.

“I don’t really care for the August dates,” Councilman Matt James said, preferring it to be held in June to block out unrulier guests associated with the month.

Worcester County Tourism Director Melanie Pursel said June could prove tricky, as some schools would not end for summer break until midmonth.

“Dave Cottle is tied to that [tourSee COUNCILMEMBERS Page 15

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Councilmembers prefer June date Continued from Page 14 nament] because he started it with Steve Pappas … so he’s invested in it already,” Pastusak said. “Part of it is getting that tournament to stay, and the other part of it is he feels like that week was stolen by Lake Placid….”

Jones, Pursel and Pastusak said Legendary Sports Group had seemed more than willing to work out new dates, following the initial year.

“I’m hung up on the dates,” James said. “If they can’t change it this year I would want it to be June next year, if we’re going to enter into a multiyear agreement.”

Pastusak clarified that he was only there for informational purposes, as the Tourism Advisory Board already had decided to present the request to the full mayor and City Council.

GREG ELLISON/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Scoutmaster Ken Nichols oversees members of Boy Scouts Troop #261 and Cub Scouts Pack #261 removing the blue field and white stars during a flag retirement ceremony at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines on Saturday.

Scouts conduct proper U.S. flag retirement in OP

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Although fewer members took part this year than last because of pandemic concerns, a sizable contingent of Boy Scouts from Troop #261 and Cub Scouts from Pack #261 performed a flag retirement ceremony at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines last Saturday.

Scoutmaster Ken Nichols said the annual ceremony typically involves up to 50 scouts but that count was cut in half last week.

“The girl troop was on a camping trip that weekend, so we were minus that troop,” he said. “There are still some parents with covid that are leery to have their kids out, so the numbers were down.”

Nichols said everyone taking part in the event followed covid-19 health safety advisories.

“All the participants, if they were in scouting, they were wearing a mask,” he said.

In accordance with U.S. Flag Code, the ceremony involves scouts placing worn and torn Stars and Stripes in a fire for a respectful burning.

In an effort to be environmentally friendly, this year the ceremony eliminated burning non-cotton materials, such as nylon or synthetic polyester.

“For years, we were burning all the American flags that were donated,” he said. “Of course, trying to be enviSee ANNUAL Page 16

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Annual ceremony occurs after Veterans Day Continued from Page 15 ronmentally friendly since we are scouts we were basically burning all cotton.”

The annual retirement ceremony generally involves thousands of flags.

“We probably average around 3,000 flags and we still have quite a few,” he said.

Of that number, a percentage were held back from the fire pit for further use.

“In order to dispose of them effectively, what we do is cut the blue field, the stars, off of the stripes,” he said. “As far as flag etiquette, once you do that it’s no longer considered

an American flag so at that point you can just throw it away if you are so inclined.”

In prior years, Scouts removed white stars from cloth flags to produce commemorative keepsakes.

The stars were attached to a notecard that said in part, “the sun and wind have caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are remembered.”

Tattered and torn U.S. flags were collected at American Legion Posts #166 in Ocean City, #123 and #231 in Berlin, as well as the Ocean Pines Community Center. Assisting with the ceremony were Ocean Pines Pub-

lic Works and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Company.

“It’s usually just a once-a yearthing because we do it in conjunction with the American Legion and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial,” he said.

The American Legion Post in Ocean City, which helped found Boy Scout Troop #261 in 1952, has continued to sponsor the local chapter.

The flag retirement ceremony, which has been held at the veterans’ memorial since it opened in 2005, has been held locally for decades, Nichols said.

“There’s a few different entities in-

volved with getting this together,” he said. “The Ocean Pines Fire Company is usually there and Ocean Pines Public Works digs the pit and covers it back up.”

The ceremony customarily takes place after Veterans Day. “It’s usually mid-November, give or take,” he said. “That’s what works well with us.”

Safety precautions also involve the seasons.

“As far as Ocean Pines is concerned, we’re over the hot, dry season of summer,” he said. “With that open fire, we wouldn’t want to do that in the summer.”

County Board of Edu. election official results

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Donald Smack Sr. and Dr. Jon Andes are officially members of the Worcester County Board of Education, following the verification of the vote count from the Nov. 3 elections.

The final results were posted on the Maryland State Board of Elections website last Friday after all mail-in and provisional ballots were counted. Reelected to the board in that contest was Elena McComas.

Smack, who was elected to the District 2 seat, received 1,863 votes, for 62 percent of the votes. He received 639 votes from in-person early voting, 664

3,039 votes, for 73.3 percent of the votes. He received 1,586 votes from in-person early voting, 601 votes on Election Day and 768 votes by mail-in ballots and 84 votes by provisional ballots.

His opponent Anjali Donald Smack Sr. Jon Andes Elena McComas “Angie” Phukan-Chatelle revotes on Election Day and 483 votes by ceived a total of 1,093 votes, and anmail-in ballots and 77 votes by provi- other 16 votes were counted for sional ballots. write-ins.

Smack’s opponent Rodney Bailey McComas received 98.8 percent of received 1,112 votes, and another 28 the votes for District 5 with 1,974 votes votes went to write-ins. from in-person early voting, 529 votes Former Superintendent of Worces- on Election Day, 1,474 votes by mailter County Public Schools Dr. Jon in ballots and 143 votes by provisional Andes won the District 3 seat with ballots.

About 1 percent, or 50 votes, went to write-ins.

The Maryland Association of Boards of Education is hosting a new board member orientation on Dec. 1011. Registration is $150.

According to the association’s website, the orientation will introduce new board members to the work of school boards and teach them about the basics of school law, policy, finance and advocacy.

For more information, visit www.mabe.org/training/#orientation.

The elected Worcester County board members will be sworn in at the regular board meeting on Jan. 19, 2021.

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Beat other buyers in multiple bid situations

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) In a strong real estate market with lower inventory, we are experiencing numerous multiple offer situations, especially on the lower price point category of homes that first-time homebuyers would be seeking.

So how can a firsttime homebuyer strengthen their chances of beating out other buyers?

This is one of the hardest, but preplanning and saving is one of the best ways to be a strong buyer in a seller’s

market.

This might mean years of preparation to get to save 20 percent for a down payment. But even if you can improve your down-payment situation, let’s say from 3.5 percent down and using FHA, to a 5 percent down conventional loan, this can help improve your chances with a seller who is comparing buyers offers and looking at the financing closely.

The reason conventional buyers many times win out in multiple bid situations over a USDA/no-money down loan or an FHA 3.5 percent down loan is due to the additional layers of scrutiny for both USDA and FHA that can sometimes cause problems during

Looking for a eck Ch new home? out the

transactions.

Another important concept to keep in mind is that buying a home in real life isn’t like buying a home on HGTV. Rarely do you go see three homes and find the perfect home, and even if you did, in this type of tight inventory market, buyers sometimes have to try on numerous homes before winning the bidding war. And, it can be discouraging when you’ve placed offers on two or three, or especially six or seven homes (no joke, it’s happening).

So, learning from each experience and figuring out where your offer came up short in the bidding war can help you ultimately win.

Buyers may not like the answers they

get when asking who won the bid process and how, because in many cases it means taking away normal buyer protections, such as removing contingencies.

A buyer who needs to get a mortgage usually can’t compete with a cash buyer willing to pay the same price. However, there are ways to increase your odds making other contractual changes; for example, a financing buyer up against another financing buyer can include changes such as As-Is inspections (which allows for the right to inspect or As-Is with no-inspections).

— Lauren Bunting is an Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.

E D I U G E T A T S E L COASTAL REA

On newsstands and online at Oceancitytoday.com

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Rural legacy grants will aid county eco efforts

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to sign off on two state grants that will fund the county’s property conservation easement programs.

Worcester County Environmental Programs Planner Katherine Munson said the program focuses on environmental conservation through the purchase of property development rights.

“The purpose is to protect in per-

petuity, contiguous, productive and valuable farms and forests [by] working with private landowners,” Munson said. “The properties remain in private ownership — all that we are doing is removing the development rights.”

There are two programs: the Coastal Bays and the Dividing Creek Rural Legacy areas.

The county handles all components of the former, but works with Somerset County for the latter in a

50/50 cost share agreement. The Lower Shore Land Trust handles the administrative, accounting and reporting responsibilities for easements in Somerset County.

In Worcester County alone, these regions account for 10,900 acres of land.

To be eligible for the programs, a property must be 40 acres and have developmental rights available for purchase, Munson said.

The program does come with stipulations: property owners must create a land stewardship plan, a water conservation plan for farmland and, in

some cases, create buffers on streams or other waterfronts to protect water quality.

“We also do restrict CAFOs — concentrated animal feeding operations — for rural legacies,” Munson said.

“So they cannot build large-scale chicken houses.”

Impervious surface area is restricted as well, meaning landowners cannot develop numerous structures on these lands.

The county prioritizes certain properties based on a set of criteria, such as proximity to protected lands, See LAND Page 19

RENDERINGS COURTESY KATHERINE MUNSON

Two rural legacy grants will allow the Worcester County Commissioners to purchase easement rights for farm and forest lands to help protect it from improper and harmful use.

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OCEAN CITY TOURISM COMMISSION BRIEFS

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The following took place at the Ocean City Tourism Commission meeting on Monday:

Special events Special Events Director Frank Miller said O.C.Toberfest had been a success with record crowds.

Winterfest of Lights opened on Thursday, with a half-mile path along the lagoon, Miller said. Santa Clause will be inside, as will the gift shop.

New Year’s Eve fireworks remains on schedule, Miller said, and masks will be required.

Chamber Ocean City Chamber of Commerce interim-Executive Director Nancy Schwendeman said the chamber had joined Wor-Wic Community College, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association and the county to use leftover grant money for a Wor-Wic essential skills training program.

Schwendeman said two sessions had been filled already, and produced great responses from the participants..

The chamber is a sponsor for the Southern Delmarva Financial Forecast, which remains on schedule for Dec. 4 at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street, Schwendeman said.

The 2021 trip planner is being developed, which Schwendeman said has been a challenge.

Schwendeman also announced the new Executive Director Lachelle Scarlato would begin her new role on Nov. 23.

Stephanie Meehan, operator of Funcade on the Boardwalk, said the

annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast event would likely be moved to the convention center, as the Clarion Hotel had closed its dining facilities for the winter.

Meehan said the annual award celebration would remain at the Clarion, but rescheduled for March 19. Applications will go out shortly.

OCDC Ocean City Development Corporation President Kevin Gibbs said this year’s golf tournament had been the biggest ever.

He mentioned the Shorecraft Beer Festival that took place on Oct. 24 and how, despite capacity limits, it proved to be a success. Data collected from the event showed 93 percent of the people at the affair had traveled at least an hour to attend.

The annual corporation board retreat will occur soon, and board members will discuss the model block, downtown and the potential merger with the Ocean City Downtown Association.

Lastly, Gibbs said new grant funding should be on its way for the corporation.

HMRA Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said Tuesday would be the annual Tourism Coalition meeting.

The association canceled a dinner meeting after Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement last Thursday, but Jones said she’s working on a way to collect toys for children for the Noel Project.

The association is collecting hotel deals for the month of January and February, and that will be a part of the Winter Wellness promotion the asso-

Land preservation benefits Wor. Continued from Page 18 waterfront properties and properties with unique features.

The county applied for $1 million of state money for both programs, and received $538,749 for the former and $813,749 for the latter.

The money is derived from state real estate transfer tax, Munson said, which the state established specifically to fund conservation projects statewide.

Currently, there are 66 properties that the county considers eligible for the Coastal Bays program.

With roughly $600,000 to spare — Munson said the county had about $100,000 left over from last year — the county could purchase three property easements this year.

“We do anticipate that we’ll incorporate every landowner who wants to participate, but they might have to wait for a while,” Munson said.

So far, the county has purchased 53 conservation easements in both programs since 2001.

“Land is a limited resource, and if the agricultural economy is going to continue, we need large expanses of land,” Munson said. “People … think that all growth is going to lead to an increased tax base or an improved economy for a local jurisdiction and that may or may not be the case … rampant residential development does not generally pay for itself. There are many studies that show that. So protecting land instead is fiscally responsible for the county.”

ciation is working on with its partners.

The annual trade show is on schedule for March 7-8, but Jones said she is still working out the details.

Convention center The convention center had to cancel the OC Gift Show, slated for Nov. 15-17, but the first live performance since March will take place. On schedule this Saturday is the sold-out Christmas with the Rat Pack music and comedy show.

The Holiday Shopping Fair will take place on Thanksgiving weekend.

Construction is progressing faster than anticipated because of covid-19related cancelations and restrictions.

Tourism Worcester County Tourism Director Melanie Pursel said the county had

developed a grant program for restaurants.

Worcester County Economic Development and an independent review board will award funds based on the number of full-time employees — Up to 10 equals $5,000; 11-25 equals $7,500; and 26 or more equals $10,000.

To learn more or to apply visit http://www.choosemarylandscoast.or g/ Pursel said the county recently chose to merge its tourism and economic development departments, which she will now oversee.

The Maryland’s Coast 2021 Visionary meeting was canceled, Pursel said, and the rescheduled meeting likely will be held online.

Pursel said the county also is using leftover grant funding to update its familiarization tour video showcasing all of the region’s assets.

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Heating oil spill cleanup on West Street nearly complete

ALLY LANASA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Chesapeake Environmental Services has removed the contaminated soil on West Street in Berlin after a heating oil tank spilled on Oct. 30. After digging up the driveway of 105 West St., Chesapeake Environmental Services has replaced the stones.

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Chesapeake Environmental Services completed the main excavation of a heating oil spill on West Street in Berlin last Monday after the contents of the tank were released when someone apparently tried to remove it from 107 West St. on Oct. 30.

As of Tuesday, the people who attempted to take the oil tank and caused the spill have not been identified.

Beau Williams, operations manager at Chesapeake Environmental Services, added that the contaminated soil has been removed and replaced.

Brad Conlan, the homeowner of 105 West St., said a portion of his gar-

den had to be dug out because the soil was polluted.

In addition, his driveway had to be repaired following the spill.

Conlan said Chesapeake Environmental Services put the topsoil back down and spread grass seed in the area as well as placed stone in the driveway.

However, his shrubs have not been replanted.

Oil has been extracted from the storm drain on the street and residue in the ditch that runs from West Street to Main Street is being soaked up with absorbent socks.

Williams added that Chesapeake Environmental Services will continue to monitor the site and the stormwater drainage after a few rainfalls.

WCPS instructors teach math with digital resources

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) From Dreambox Learning to Khan Academy, local public school math teachers are using digital resources and platforms for in-person and virtual instruction.

Math teachers in the school system explained the approach to the Worcester County Board of Education on Tuesday.

Kirsten Danisavich, coordinator of matheK. Danisavich matics instruction, along with Regina Dashiell, instructional math coach for middle and high schools, and Julie Hanenfeld, instructional math coach at Buckingham Elementary School, discussed how the digital programs enhance math instruction during the covid pandemic.

The Worcester County school system’s math vision is that “all students will learn mathematics at a high level with conceptual understanding when afforded powerful learning experiences that encourage engagement and student ownership and when the teacher purposefully uses formative assessments to drive and differentiate instruction.”

To meet this vision, educators use Schoology, a learning management system.

“It is the place where students go each day to find their lessons,” Dashiell said.

“The teacher posts the daily agenda so that the students know when they will be working synchronously on their main lessons and when they will be working asynchronously on independent work and individualized work.”

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BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The following took place during the monthly Board of Education meeting on Tuesday:

Superintendent’s report Superintendent Lou Taylor reminded the Worcester County Board of Education that all 14 county schools will remain in distance learning until Dec.1.

“We will be continuing to monitor the community statistics regarding covid-19, and we hold out hope that we will be able to move forward once again into Phase Two of our ‘Responsible Return’ model on Tuesday, Dec. 1,” Taylor said.

He said the school system tries to allow as much time as possible for families to plan with shifts of instruction.

Taylor also urged the community to wear face coverings, maintain six feet of social distancing, practice good hygiene and honestly complete health screenings.

“As we head into the holidays, as painful as it is, please I’m begging you

Virtual, in-person lessons enhanced by math programs Continued from Page 20 Teachers can ask multiple form, short answer and essay questions on Schoology, Dashiell added.

“Teachers also create questions that ask the students to write on their iPads,” she said. “The teachers can then go back … in Schoology and replay the inking, so that they can see exactly what the students were thinking.”

For the main lesson, math teachers engage students via Zoom.

Bags of hands-on images, such as color tiles, color counters and number lines, have been provided for pre-k to sixth grade students for conceptual understanding.

Virtual “manipulatives” as the movable images are called, are also available for students participating in distance learning.

Worcester County Public Schools purchased another digital tool, Pear Deck, through CARES Act funding.

“It is an interactive PowerPoint that allows the students to write on slides,” Hanenfeld said. As the students write, teachers can watch students’ inking in live time, so they can determine who may need help during the lesson.

Through the CARES Act funding, the county school system was also able to afford more programs that can be adapted for independent work for virtual instruction, including Dreambox Learning, iReady, ST Math and Khan Academy.

For more information, contact Danisavich at 410-632-5042.

today, don’t hold gatherings as the statistics show that this is how the majority of cases are spread,” Taylor said. “Please continue to educate yourselves before making decisions about travel.”

Student reports Riley Leonard, a senior at Snow Hill High School, said the annual Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports [PBIS] Thanksgiving Feast will take place on Nov. 24 to celebrate students who have received positive office referrals. Then, on Dec. 3, the high school will offer a make-up day for senior portraits with Lifetouch Inc. She added that Snow Hill High School’s after-school academy programs have switched to virtual while all county public schools are closed until Dec. 1.

Dasia Conner, a senior at Pocomoke High School, said students are completing college applications and college acceptance letters are arriving.

“Each one of our scholarships are now on Navient for easy accessibility,” she added. “Our counseling office updates Navient daily with new scholarship offerings.”

She also expressed gratitude on behalf of her school for a grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to finance activities for

Worcester County Public Schools’ “MADE (Men Achieving Dreams through Education) Men” program. “MADE Men” a partnership between University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and Pocomoke High School, aims to inspire young men of color to pursue careers in education and provide support and mentorship throughout high school, college and their careers.

Conner added that students will soon meet via Zoom with Janice Bryant Howroyd, the first Black woman to build a billion-dollar company.

Eric Cropper Jr., a senior at Stephen Decatur High School, said furniture has been moved in the building to use space to accommodate students for in-person instruction in December.

“Our custodial staff has done an outstanding job of cleaning and disinfecting our school each day,” Cropper said. “By the end of the month, we hope to have most of our students participating in in-person instruction.”

Proclamations The board recognized Dr. Dwayne Abt, chief safety and human relations officer for the county school system, and Cpl. Shawn Goddard with a proclamation in honor of National Safe Schools Week from Oct. 18-24.

Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teachers Association, accepted a proclamation for American Education Week at the Worcester County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.

the Worcester County Teachers Association, accepted a proclamation for American Education Week this week.

She also received a proclamation for National Educational Support Professionals Day on Nov. 18 on behalf of Worcester County NAACP President Continued on Page 22

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BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS Continued from Page 21 Ivory Smith.

Showell Elementary Worcester County Public Schools Facilities Planner Joe Price said the Showell Elementary replacement project was substantially complete in August, but building commissioning will continue throughout the fall.

“Sod and planting at the front of the building and in the courtyard are complete,” Price said. “We’re doing miscellaneous site clean-up and restoration.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Worcester County Board of Education recognized Dr. Dwayne Abt, chief safety and human relations officer for the county school system, right, and Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Shawn Goddard with a proclamation in honor of National Safe Schools Week, Oct. 18-24, during its meeting on Tuesday.

The architect’s punch list is 95 percent complete and building commissioning is 75 percent complete.”

Thanksgiving Break Taylor said Worcester County Public Schools are closed Nov. 25-27 for the holiday.

Upcoming meetings The public budget hearing will be held via conference call on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The next board meeting will be held on Dec. 15. Two retiring members, Barry Brittingham Sr. and Sara Thompson, will be recognized.

Holiday shoebox gifts drop-off at church in Berlin (Nov. 20, 2020) As Thanksgiving Day approaches, many families are already thinking about Christmas.

For those who are including Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts as part of their holiday, more than 4,000 drop-off sites are now open.

The only drop-off location in Worcester County is Coastal Community Church, 10900 Ocean Gateway Berlin, Maryland 21811.

Shoebox gifts prepared by donors and filled with toys, hygiene items and school supplies may be dropped off now during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23.

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for more than two decades.

This is a project everyone can still be part of, even with covid-19 restrictions.

There’s still time for individuals, families and groups to transform empty shoeboxes into gifts.

The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.

Individuals and families making plans to visit a drop-off location in their area can learn more about what to expect in this year’s curbside drop-off experience on the organization’s covid-19 updates webpage.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

Those who wish to donate online can do so year-round at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

Gift program stays alive this year, will bring joy to many

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee will carry on with this year’s Christmas Spirit Campaign by adapting it to meet novel coronavirus safety standards.

“This [Christmas Spirit Campaign] is still important for us,” Young Professionals Chair Megan M. Rynkiewicz said. “It’s our big event that we work toward all year long and this year, of all years, the need [for it] is even greater.”

The young professionals partner with businesses, schools, churches and nonprofit organizations to take underprivileged children in Worcester County to the Berlin Walmart for a tax-free, $100 shopping spree.

Rynkiewicz said the committee works with local school counselors who identify eligible youth and connect them to the program.

Since its inception in 2011, the campaign has grown exponentially — from 30 children the inaugural year to 97 in 2019.

The event takes place annually on the first Saturday of December.

Families drop off their children at 5 a.m. at the Outback Steakhouse in West Ocean City, and once all of the kids have gathered, they are transported to the Walmart, where they meet their chaperones.

The kids spend an hour or two with their chaperones, picking out their gifts. In addition to the shopping, there are usually activities such as games, crafts and a visit with Santa.

The day ends with a free breakfast at Outback Steakhouse.

As has been the case for many events this year, the Christmas Spirit Campaign will look different in light of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

To mitigate the virus’ spread, the committee is eliminating all in-person activities.

Volunteers will go shopping alone from Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 with the children’s shopping list in hand and drop gifts off at the chamber located in West Ocean City.

On Dec. 5, families will drive to the chamber where volunteers, wearing facemasks, will find their gifts and drop it in the trunk of the vehicles.

There is no age restriction for volunteers, as the committee encourages families to get involved with the shopping. Guardians of younger volunteers should sign up for the children.

As of midweek, the committee had 91 volunteer positions filled, and is seeking nine more. The deadline to submit a volunteer application is the

More than 100 volunteers joined the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee for the group’s ninth annual Christmas Spirit Campaign last year.

end of this week.

The committee is also seeking donations such as wrapping paper, scotch tape, scissors, gift tags, sharpie markers, name tags and contractor tags, which are due by next Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Furthermore, the committee hopes to find more sponsors of the event and offers four sponsorship levels: Toy Soldier — $100, funds one child Rudolph — $250, funds two children and includes company logo featured on event banner Elf — $500, funds five children and includes title sponsorship with larger logo on the banner and event material Santa — $1,000, funds 10 children and includes title sponsorship with larger logo on the banner, event material and additional marketing opportunities.

For the young professionals, keeping the event alive was of the utmost importance.

“Canceling just wasn’t an option for us because we know how important this is for these kids, and if we didn’t have this event they may have not been able to get some of these items,” Rynkiewicz said. “… We were like, ‘We’re going to make this happen, we just have to adjust it,’ and with a lot of the work going virtual it inspired us to be a little creative with how we do it.”

To volunteer visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/ 409094ea4ad2ea2f94-2020 or contact Ashley Rodriguez or Sara Simon at Ashley.Rodriguez@marriott.com and Ssimon@Harrisongp.com, respectively.

To become a sponsor visit https://occhamberfoundation.org/sp irit-christmas-campaign/

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Kiwanis homemade lanterns support Worcester G.O.L.D.

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Looking to illuminate the holidays, while also providing funding for infants in need, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean PinesOcean City is selling handmade lanterns at the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market.

Available in two sizes, the woodcrafts will be on sale through the end of December at the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon in White Horse Park The lantern fundraiser is the brainchild of Kiwanis member Jim Spicknall.

“I just started it up during the pandemic,” he said. “Originally, it was for gifts for friends and family.”

Large lanterns, which are batteryoperated with a remote power control and alternating light patterns, are available for $40, while a slightly smaller solar model cost $30.

“The larger ones I designed to either have a battery candle in them or … what they call sprinkle lights or fairy lights,” he said. “They go in the big lanterns and give different light patterns.”

The design, in addition to remote on-and-off capabilities, also includes four-sided lenses that can display

decorative patterns.

“We also did some holiday cutouts to put on and spice them up a little bit,” he said.

Spicknall said inserts could be swapped out to mark seasonal moments or holidays.

“Usually, I have about six or eight cutouts for one to two dollars,” he said. “You can buy some cutouts along with the lantern.”

Spicknall has two designs for the battery-powered lanterns: “Peace on Earth,” with a red bow and fir tree, and “Fall,” with a brown bow and leaves.

Searching for a way to spur community support for the club’s charitable endeavors, Spicknall thought the DIY craft item might prove popular as a holiday gift.

“I looked into doing retail sales to donate back to our fundraisers for Kiwanis,” he said. “We’ve really been cut out off from fundraising by the pandemic.”

Lantern sale proceeds are being dedicated for the Kiwanis “Priority One” program, which supports Worcester G.O.L.D. [Giving Other Lives Dignity] in distributing items for parents of infants and young children.

“It’s for infant children that are in

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City member Jim Spicknall will be selling handmade lanterns to raise funds for Worcester G.O.L.D. every Saturday through December at the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market in White Horse Park.

GREG ELLISON/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

need in Snow Hill,” he said. “It’s something that Kiwanis has been doing with Worcester G.O.L.D. and we donate directly to the county.”

Spicknall said whipping out the custom made lanterns was relatively easy after obtaining project schematics online.

“I would call myself a handyman,” he said. “I’ve been making some small woodworking projects for my grandkids over the years.”

The creative undertaking also provided an excuse for Spicknall to buy additional woodworking tools.

“I have a chop saw, which you can

cut cross-cuts with, and then I bought a little table saw, which I can cut angles with and all kinds of different cuts,” he said.

Spicknall said the expanded tool shed roster might inspire distinctive handicrafts in the future.

“I may be doing more now since I have bought some equipment,” he said. “It’s trial and error, but you have to be a little bit of a handyman so that you don’t cut your fingers off.”

Lanterns can be purchased at the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by calling Spicknall at 301-580-0377.

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 25

Commentary

Ocean City Today Nov. 20, 2020

Page 26

Two-week BikeFest has more upside than down There are a couple of ways to look at the possibility of a two-week OC BikeFest next fall, one would be the positive way, while the other … that would be positive as well.

Although some complaints from the citizenry about an extra weekend of noise are to be expected, that is the only downside we can see to approving the proposal pitched this week by show Marketing Director Chase Micheal to the Ocean City Tourism Commission.

As City Councilman John Gehrig said during the meeting, the second weekend for OC BikeFest would occur when the uninvited and unwanted tuner car rally normally takes place, possibly preventing it from happening.

As anyone who has experienced both bike week and that so-called pop-up rally will attest, it’s an easy choice between the two: the somewhat noisy one, or the incredibly, out-ofcontrol noisy and dangerous one.

It’s true, as commission member Stephanie Meehan pointed out, that the generally despised tuner car crowd could simply shift to another weekend, thus bringing no real relief to residents.

But that’s where the other way of looking at a bike week double-feature comes in, especially in 2021. Simply put, restaurants, hotels and other interests tied to the tourism industry in Ocean City desperately need the money after being all but run out of business this year by the covid-19 pandemic.

Considering the restrictions on gatherings, bans on interstate travel by neighboring states, and extreme unemployment that ate up the disposable income of thousands of potential visitors, it’s a wonder that most Ocean City businesses survived at all.

Adding one more week of BikeFest won’t change all that, but it will be a help to the many operations that will still be climbing out of the big financial hole left over from 2020.

So, yes, there would be some extra noise, but there also would be some extra room reservations, extra dinner reservations and extra incidental spending. Add that to the possibility of crowding out the car pop-up rally, and this proposal looks like a winner.

Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS....................Greg Ellison, Joshua Kim, ........................................Elizabeth Bonin, Ally Lanasa ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, 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 2020

PUBLIC EYE

How to stop covid spread

If you wanted to stop the coronavirus, and you wanted to stop it right now, there’s an easy way to get the attention of the people who can do something about it: start the rumor that covid-19 infections could lead to the reduction or even elimBy ination of Stewart “male perDobson formance.”

You know I’m right. If there’s one thing that would capture the undivided attention of male voters and the nation’s predominately male leadership, this would be it.

I’m telling you, Mitch McConnell would have something on the Senate floor so fast that it would leave a vapor trail behind it as it jetted out of the Committee on Health or, possibly, Armed Services, depending on where your mind goes on something like this.

I’m not making fun of anyone, but we all know that it’s a male bravado thing that causes some men to laugh at the prospect of death, but cringe at the thought that

even a slight chance existed that their other bravado thing might be rendered somewhat less so.

Many men — and women, for that matter — choose not to believe covid-19 even exists, because they’ve heard that false rumor over and over. And that’s the key to making this work — capitalizing on that same susceptibility to plant that one little seed of doubt in the male mind.

In a matter of days you’d have half the country’s population wrapping themselves in giant Seal-A-Meal bags for protection and taking up residence in the darkest corner of their closets until next summer.

“Bobby Ray! Bobby Ray!” says the wife. “You get out of that closet right this minute!

The house is on fire, your car has been stolen, camels are trampling the lawn, and the dog has exploded.”

“Not doing it!” he yells through the door. “It’s not worth the risk!”

You think I’m kidding?

The $41 million the U.S. military spends every year on Viagra suggests that this business is considered a matter of national security, al-

though it’s doubtful that anyone would say before an impending battle, “I’m not up for it today.”

Or, for that matter — “Pvt. Jones?”

“Yeah, Sarge?”

“The bayonet … it goes on your rifle.”

It’s a readiness issue, I guess, although that doesn’t explain why it also covers military retirees whose field artillery is no longer rolling along.

Don’t get me wrong, men do care deeply about other things — hardware stores, drinking out of the kitchen sink faucet, golf course jokes and beer, to name a few — but this particular business would rank so high up the scale that it is not inconceivable that our male-dominated Congress would swiftly impose a mandatory 10-foot pole rule of social distancing and, instead of masks, require us all to wear diving helmets.

Obviously, there would be one obstacle — getting a male personal protection law past House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who might be inclined, given the animosity between her and McConnell, to say, “Unless you pass my economic stimulus package … I’ll have to leave you hanging.”

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

PAGE 27

Ocean City Today

OP Thanksgiving family walk ‘Just Walk’ scavenger hunt in collects toys for youth, pets Wor. Co. parks this weekend

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Supporters of two Worcester County nonprofit endeavors will be able to get outdoors for fresh air and exercise before tying on the holiday feedbag next Thursday, as the inaugural Thanksgiving “Family Gobble Wobble” stroll will take place around the South Gate Pond in Ocean Pines starting at 8 a.m.

The event is being organized through the Facebook group, Local Help For You, Worcester County, which is asking participants to consider bringing toy donations for children or pet supplies for furry friends.

Teaming up to arrange the free walk to solicit support for the Worcester County Humane Society and local Christmas toy collections are Colby Phillips, Kathy McDaniel and D.J. Donnie Berkey.

“We’re asking if people can bring an unwrapped toy and/or something for the humane society for the dogs and cats,” Phillips said.

Unwrapped toys and gifts will be distributed to area children who might otherwise get skipped by Santa this year, while dog and cat food donations will aid animals being cared for by the Worcester County Humane Society.

Philips said the outdoor event would

be conducted in accordance with coronavirus health safety mandates currently in place.

“We ask people to wear masks and socially distance with their families,” she said.

Phillips said participants should wear masks when they are around people outside of their immediate group.

Phillips said “gobble wobble” participants can walk however many laps around the South Gate Pond they want.

One lap is about three quarters of a mile.

To get the blood pumping further, organizers will also have exercise stations set up at various points along the trail.

The optional stop-off areas will be staffed and feature exercises such as jumping jacks and squats.

Phillips said volunteers are being sought to oversee the exercise areas.

“If there’s any local kids that are looking for service hours they can email,” she said.

Inquiries should be sent to, localhelp4youwc@gmail.com.

Music will be provided during the event to heighten the festivity.

“DJ Donnie will be spinning tunes as you walk,” she said.

To this point, the event posting on the Local Help For You Worcester County Facebook page has about 20 people attending and nearly 100 interested.

By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) The Worcester County Health Department is inviting people to participate in the free “Just Walk” fall scavenger hunt this weekend from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The scavenger hunt was originally scheduled for last weekend, but it was postponed because of rain.

Crystal Ball “[Walking is] a great way to get the physical activity needed to reach your health goals,” said Crystal Bell, the chronic disease and tobacco supervisor at the health department. “It doesn’t require special equipment or skills and no gym membership is required. It’s also great for our mental health. Walking can improve sleep, memory, and the ability to think and learn, and it also reduces stress and anxiety.”

Walkers can choose between Byrd Park in Snow Hill, Cypress Park in Pocomoke and Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin.

Participants will walk through a park, Phillips said the charity walk would also be contingent on Mother Nature.

“If it rains, it will be postponed,” she said.

searching for 20 “Just Walk” wellness rocks.

“A total of 60 rocks were created with messages that relate to physical activity, healthy eating, stress management and covid-19 safety tips,” Bell said.

The scavenger hunt is a self-directed event and social distancing and CDC safety guidelines should be followed.

“The Berlin Fall Walk was canceled this year due to covid-19,” Bell said. “This walk is something that was added to encourage residents to be physically active during these unprecedented times.”

Participants are encouraged to report to Bell how many wellness rocks they found with photos of them walking to be included in a raffle drawing.

The prize is a wellness basket with a cookbook, water bottle, T-shirt and hat.

The scavenger hunt was organized through the Worcester County Health Department.

“We collaborated with the town of Berlin, Pocomoke City and town of Snow Hill to make this event possible,” Bell said. “We appreciate their continued support and partnership.”

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-just-walkscavenger-hunt-tickets-127743882391 or worcesterhealth.org.

For more information, call 410-6321100, Ext. 1108.

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thanksgiving tips for juicy turkey, side dishes

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays of the year.

Chefs labor for hours to finalize their menus, homemakers spend sleepless nights as they prepare the notorious spread, and the perfect host makes sure no one will spend Thanksgiving Day alone.

We as a society are prone to habit and one must be aware when change is in the air. Reality in itself is a digestible condition, the difficulty arises in actually accepting it.

The coronavirus numbers are rising, but panic should not permeate your daily routine. That being said, one should not feel insulted if your invitation is respectfully declined.

Needless to say, the virus affected the crowds that would have normally flocked to the Eastern Shore.

This past summer was challenging for business owners and workers alike. As we head into the winter, unfortunately the numbers of those being laid off will be on the rise.

As a result, Thanksgiving may not be the customary celebration with all the trimmings. We are all cutting back in many different ways and tradition may have to be put on hold for another year.

Just remember, a memorable meal is not about the size of your celebration or the amount of people at your table.

Cherished moments are about fellowship with loved ones and the deliciousness of every dish. And with that thought in mind, we will go over a few tips to ensure a fantastic feast.

There are two secrets to a juicy, mouthwatering turkey.

Always brine your turkey before cooking it. One quart of water to oneeighth cup of salt is all it takes to bring out the natural juices. I brine

my turkey for two days and change the brine after 24 hours.

Believe it or not, but soy sauce is the best kept secret for a flawless turkey. The soy sauce acts as a natural dye when it comes in contact with the heat. The high sodium also reacts with the heat and helps seal in the natural juices.

Simply brush one coat of soy sauce over the entire bird and season according to your favorite recipe. The dark brown turkey will wow your family and guests and there is no hint of soy sauce at all. Everyone who has tried this step is a true believer.

I have applied soy sauce to a chicken and it tasted like chicken and soy sauce. The bird has to be at least 13 pounds so the flavor of the soy sauce does not come through.

What would Thanksgiving be without mashed potatoes? A ricer is a must and can be ordered online. It breaks down the texture of the potato to a perfect consistency.

Milk and butter are standard additions when preparing mashed potatoes. The addition of sour cream gives the mashed potatoes better structure.

Finally, do not be stingy with the sodium, potatoes need a lot of salt.

Semi-homemade and semi storebought can come in hand during busy and stressful times.

Jarred gravy that has been simmered with onions and garlic and fortified with homemade chicken stock is tasty. Using a hand-held emulsifier, blend the ingredients. Make a slurry to thicken the mixture, add the drippings from the cooked turkey and you have a decadent gravy.

Who does not love stuffing?

Homemade chicken stock will add such a great flavor to the starchy delight.

Instead of stuffing your turkey or baking a batch in a casserole dish, consider stuffing muffins.

Using an ice cream scoop, fill a muffin pan with individual portions.

Every stuffing muffin has the perfect ratio of a crunchy exterior to a soft

center.

Sauteed greens has always been a favorite in our family. Make sure you remove the thick vein in the center; otherwise, it will take forever for the vein to become tender.

Bacon drippings and a smoked ham hock are preferred for deeper flavor.

When purchasing bacon, check out

the weight. Bacon basically comes in 12- and 16-ounces packs, so a sale on a 12-ounce package may not be such a great deal.

I find a combination of greens produces a more interesting presentation.

Collards, kale and turnip greens are all very tasty. I would suggest you See SAUTEED Page 29

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PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WORLD WAR II

Sauteed greens with ham hock, bacon drippings

Sir Dowding removed from position

Continued from Page 28 cook each green separately since the cooking time differs for each one.

Garnishing your greens with crumbled bacon gives the greens more depth of flavor and a contrast of texture. A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the richness of the greens.

It is hard to believe Thanksgiving is here. There is no question 2020 has been a difficult year, but we still have so much to be thankful for.

I wish all of you and your families a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.

Sauteed Greens Ingredients 1 large bunch collard greens 1 large bunch kale 1 large bunch turnip greens 6 tablespoons bacon drippings 4 ½ cups chicken broth ¼ cup rice vinegar 1 smoked ham hock 2 tablespoons minced garlic in a jar few pinches dried crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt to taste lemon zest for a garnish chopped crispy bacon as a garnish 1. Remove the tough veins in the collard greens, cut into smaller pieces and place in a large bowl filled with cold water. Rinse several times and set aside.

2. Repeat this process for the kale and turnip greens.

3. In a large Dutch oven or pressure cooker, combine collard green, bacon drippings, chicken broth, vinegar, ham hock, garlic, pepper flakes and salt.

Cook with the lid on until very tender. Remove greens, not the broth, and place in a large bowl, and set aside.

4. Repeat this process for the kale and turnip greens. Place the cooked greens in the same large bowl.

5. Mix the greens so they are evenly distributed and heat for serving.

6. Garnish with chopped bacon and a dash of lemon zest.

Secret Ingredient – Thankfulness.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

– William Arthur Ward

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Nov. 20, 2020) This week, 80 years ago, one of the great injustices of the war was imposed by the British Government on one of its country’s heroes, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh C.T. Dowding, as he was unceremoniously removed from his position — a position from which he had, literally, saved his country.

During the just completed Battle of Britain, the Air Chief Marshal had defended his island nation day after day and night after night, as Germany’s vaunted Luftwaffe tried to break it. He had assembled the pieces that allowed the island to defend itself by organizing the functions of land communications, operations rooms, chain of radar stations, air defense artillery, the home observer corporation, and above all, the fighter aircraft.

The development of weapons capable of fighting the battle was an important advance in this period, as first the Hawker Hurricane and later the Supermarine Spitfire entered service. Although Dowding cannot be credited for such technical developments, it was his energy, and urgency, that ensured that Britain had enough fighters to conduct the battle

in 1940.

Britain’s savior was born and educated at St. Ninian’s Boys’ Preparatory School, founded by his father, Arthur John Caswall Dowding. The school was located in Moffat, Scotland. In 1987, the RAF Association and the RAF Benevolent Fund purchased the building and renamed it the Dowding House, which is now used to house former RAF veterans.

The small town is 59 miles southeast of Glasgow, 51 miles south of Edinburgh, and 44 miles north of Carlisle.

By the time World War I began, Dowding had served almost 20 years in the Army with postings at Gibraltar, Ceylon, and Hong Kong. He had transferred to the Royal Flying Corps about a year earlier, and was appointed temporary brigadier general on June 23, 1917. He served in Iraq in 1924 and became air vice-marshal in 1929.

Four years later, he was promoted to air marshal and in 1936 became commander of the new RAF Fighter Command. During his early years at the Royal Artillery Staff College, he was nicknamed “Stuffy” for his always-serious attitude. The name stuck and many of the pilots who fought for Dowding in the skies over Britain in 1940 were accustomed to

calling him by this name.

He began creating an integrated air defense system, which included radar, human observers, raid plotting and radio-controlled aircraft. This became known as “Ground Controlled Interception,” or GCI. He is credited with, among other things, insisting on the installation of bulletproof wind shields on the fighters. He had the sort of stubborn tenacity and scientific mind capable of achieving the task at hand. In the course of the conflict, his skills were to be tested to the limit, but he ultimately emerged as the victor in the first decisive air battle in history.

Dowding’s basic approach was the integration of various capabilities under one command structure. To create an efficient air defense system Dowding had to organize the functions of land communications, operations rooms, the chain of radar stations, Air Defense Artillery, the Home Observer Corp, and above all, the fighter aircraft.

He divided Britain into groups, or areas, of responsibility. The most important was 11 Group, since it comprised most of southern England, including London, which was the closest to the French coast. Keith Continued on Page 31

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PAGE 30

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

PHOTO COURTESY DAVE LANDIS

DONATIONS SOUGHT Every Wednesday in November the Kiwanis Club is accepting donations of new and used coats and unwrapped new toys from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Ocean Pines Community Center.

Pictured are Co-chair of the Coat Drive, Sue Winekek, and Dave Landis, chair of the Toy Drive. Last collection of toys and coats will be Nov. 25.

SPIRIT AWARD As part of History Week, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum presents an annual Spirit Award, which recognizes a person or organization that has made strides in preserving Ocean City’s cultural or natural history. This year’s Spirit Award went to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Pictured, from left, are Sandy Hurley, Bunk Mann, Donna Santoni, Rev. John T. Solomon and Nancy Howard.

GRANT Nelson Kelly, president of Ocean City Chapter 1091 of Vietnam Veterans of America, presents a Vietnam Veteran’s State Council Grant check for $2,000 to Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore. The grant will be used to support its education program.

RAFFLE Ocean City Lionesses Club members, from left, Patti Murrell, Kathy Hayman and Donna Greenwood sell tickets for the organization’s $2,000 Holiday Gift Card Raffle, which will be drawn on Dec. 1.

Restaurants, businesses and golf are included. To purchase tickets, which cost $5 each or five for $20, call or text 410-726-6877. All proceeds donated back to the community and local charities.

PUMPKIN PATCH In lieu of their annual fall field trip to a local farm, Pre-Kindergarten through second grade students were treated to an in-house activity when Oakley’s Farm Market brought its outdoor Mobile Pumpkin Patch to Worcester Prep. Wesley DeVito poses for a photo in the tractor booth.

BOOK BUS Berlin Intermediate School's Media Specialist Stacy Lloyd brings the library to the students. Tyliah Collins from Ashley Miller's fifth grade class, checks out the Book Bus mobile library.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 31

WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 29 Rodney Park commanded 11 Group.

Park was born in Thames, New Zealand, on June 15, 1892, the son of a couple who had immigrated from Scotland.

When WWII began, 11 Group was commanded by Air Vice-Marshal Leslie Gossett. Its neighbor, 12 Group, was commanded by Trafford Leigh-Mallory, who had commanded that group since 1937. In April of 1940, Marshal Gossett was appointed Air Member for Personnel. Although the obvious choice to replace him as commander of 11 Group was LeighMallory, Marshal Dowding appointed Keith Park. The appointment created enmity on the part of Leigh-Mallory toward both Park and Dowding, which was to have long-lasting and unpleasant repercussions on both their careers.

While the Battle of Britain was raging, between the RAF and the German Luftwaffe, another battle was being fought. This battle was being fought between Dowding and Park, on one side, and Leigh-Mallory, Sir William Sholto Douglas, and ace Sir Paul Bader, on the other side.

Leigh-Mallory began espousing the “Big Wing Theory.” In this theory, the British fighters did not attack the Germans until the British had achieved a mass of fighters. Of course, it worked for Leigh-Mallory, because his group was not on the coast! His group had

the time to form the “Big Wing.” But 11 Group only had minutes in which to react to the Luftwaffe. It got into the air what fighters it could get into the air as soon as possible, to attack the enemy before the enemy had dropped its bombs.

Quite often, under the “Big Wing Theory” the attack was made after the enemy had dropped its bombs. In addition, use of the “Big Wing” meant that all of the planes would be returning at the same time, getting refueled at the same time, and getting rearmed at the same time. This, of course, would result in significant periods when there was no protection.

Another cause of friction between the two Group commanders occurred when fighters from 11 Group’s bases near 12 Group would be scrambled and 12 Group was asked to provide protection for their bases. Several times, Leigh-Mallory’s 12 Group did not provide the requested protection, with the result that the 11 Group’s bases were damaged.

Leigh-Mallory took his complaints to the Air Ministry. After the Battle of Britain had been won, and Dowding and Park should have been celebrating, and feted by all, they were summoned to an inquisition at the Air Ministry. This charade was used to force Dowding out of his position in November, to be followed by Park the next month.

Shortly after the RAF’s victory in

the Battle of Britain, the Air Ministry’s Air Historical Branch published a 31-page history extolling the triumph of the RAF over the Luftwaffe. Incredibly, neither Park nor Dowding were mentioned!

Dowding’s statue now stands watch outside St. Clement Danes Church on the Strand in London.

There, on a plaque, he is credited with the, “... wise and prudent judgement and leadership [that] helped to ensure victory against overwhelming odds and thus prevented the loss of the Battle of Britain and probably the whole war. To him, the people of Britain and of the Free World owe largely the way of life and the liberties they enjoy today.”

A plaque was also unveiled at his former residence in Southborough in 2012. He died on Feb. 15, 1970, but lived long enough to see himself portrayed by acting great Sir Lawrence Olivier in the movie “Battle of Britain.”

Next week: 100 Regiments Offensive Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own.

He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com

Hugh Dowding statue in London

PAGE 32

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Smith eyes Eagle Scout rank with finished project

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Nov. 20, 2020) Fifteen-year-old Connor Smith spent six months working on his Eagle Scout project, and celebrated its completion with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 5.

“At the beginning of the summer, I had a conversation with one of the firearms instructors who teaches at the Worcester County Firing Range. [He] said that there was a need for a structure for shooters to shoot from at the 100yard line. I then decided that it would be a great Eagle Scout project for me to build,” Smith said.

The Worcester County Firing Range is located in Newark, Maryland, and is open to the public and local, state and federal police agencies.

“The purpose of the firing range is to help train police and the public to shoot guns in a safe environment. I led the construction of a three-sided structure with a cantilever roof. I also built a shooting bench and a gun rack,” Smith said.

“This Adirondack will allow the public and police to train in all sorts of weather, because when they go to the range, they must sight their weapons that day … It will also give them a covered area to shoot at the table I made, or prone (a laying down shooting position that is the most stable), to help keep the sun glare out of their gun optics/sights. [They can also] use this building to scope in their rifles in a controlled environment.”

Smith, a freshman at Stephen Decatur High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop #281 out of Ocean View, Delaware, had assistance to complete the project. It took 360 hours to build the 9-foot wide by 14-foot long by 8-foot high structure, with a concrete floor and four windows.

“I have been at the range multiple times in the past and I ran into Ret/Lt. Mark Doyle (OCPD), who is an instructor at the range and also a family friend, and he said that he and Lt. Rick Moreck had discussions in the past that this was a very needed structure at the range,” Smith said. “I did lead this proj-

PHOTO COURTESY JENNIFER DEGIOVANNI

Connor Smith spent six months working on his Eagle Scout project at the Worcester County Firing Range in Newark, and celebrated its completion with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 5.

ect with a lot of help and direction from design and the attention to detail that Lt. Rick Moreck. Several people helped went into the final product,” Lt. Moreck me from my Boy Scout troop and vari- said. “In my opinion, the result of the project was a very ous police officers ‘professional’ shelfrom several depart‘I am super proud of my ter. Connor was on ments in Worcester accomplishment in finishing my his game every step County.”

Smith wants to project and now my plan is to of the way as the thank family, friends, complete what is needed to earn project proceeded.

“I know for a fact local businesses and the rank of Eagle Scout.’ he learned a lot not organizations that doConnor Smith, only about how to nated to his project. ‘build,’ but how imWithout their help, he Boy Scout portant planning said he would not have and organization been able to build his are to the ultimate result,” he added. project.

Lt. Moreck said Smith was “hands Lt. Moreck, Ocean City Police Department Human Resources Division, com- on” throughout the project and had to mander Quick Response Team, said he make decisions regarding all aspects of the construction schedule. was pleased with the final results.

“The result of his project is an excellent “The finished product was excellent and we have received many positive addition to the firearms training facility. comments on its design and quality. The time and effort put into the compleConnor was responsible for much of the tion was impressive,” he said. “All of the

adults who have seen the completed structure have nothing but the highest compliments about its quality and functionality. I can assure you the structure will last many years because of the quality of Connor’s workmanship and attention to detail, as well as the pride he put into its construction. The public users of the range will enjoyed the benefit of Connor’s work for many years to come.”

Smith’s mother, Jennifer DeGiovanni, was also pleased with her son’s work and said she is proud of his accomplishment.

“He has never built anything like this before and he faced the challenge and accomplished it. He had some ups and downs, but he adapted and overcame the challenges he faced, which will help him be successful later in life,” she said.

“His step-father, Lt. Greg DeGiovanni (OCPD), is a firearms instructor along with Lt. Rick Moreck and Ret/Lt. Mark See PROJECT Page 33

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Ocean City Today

Ocean City church to provide dinner on Thanksgiving

Project included structure built at Wor. firing range

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Nov. 20, 2020) Ocean City Baptist Church will again provide its annual Thanksgiving dinner this year, but all meals will be served for carryout because of covid-19.

“This year especially, people need a sense of community,” Pastor Sean Davis said. “It’s not just about feeding people.

For us, it’s a sense of community and normalcy. What society needs right now is togetherness.”

The church, located at 102 North Division Street in downtown Ocean City, next to the 7-11, will offer the free dinner for pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Davis said anyone looking for a homecooked meal this Thanksgiving Day is invited to 41st annual dinner.

Church and community members as well as some restaurants will cook the dinner, which includes turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, string beans and dessert. Leading the group will again be chef Paul DeHuarte Sr. of Ristorante Antipasti.

Call Ocean City Baptist Church for information at 410-289-4054. Dinner will also be delivered to shut-ins. Those who would like a meal delivered should call the church to request one by Nov. 24.

Volunteers will also be delivering din-

Continued from Page 32 Doyle. We have taken Connor and his twin sister down to the range numerous times in the past and Ret/Lt. Mark Doyle and Greg have taught them how to shoot.”

His step-father also participated, helping Smith build the shooting table and gun rack.

“Lt. Rick Moreck was an excellent instructor in how he taught Connor the process of building a structure like this,” she continued. “When Connor started this project he was only 14 years old and he had no idea the steps it took to build something like this. Connor had just turned 15 when he was on the verge of finishing his project.”

Smith, who has been a scout for nine years, is completing his paperwork, which he will submit for review. He will then have an interview in front of an Eagle Scout board, he said.

“If I pass the interview, then I will become an Eagle Scout,” he said. “I am super proud of my accomplishment in finishing my project and now my plan is to complete what is needed to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.”

To learn more about Worcester County Firing Range, visit https://worcestersheriff.com/service/p ublic-firing-range.

PHOTO COURTESY SEAN DAVIS

The Ocean City Baptist Church will offer a full meal for carryout on Thanksgiving Day.

ner to first responders and others working that day including Ocean City Police Department, Ocean City Fire Department, Ocean City Coast Guard Station and Public Works Department.

Davis said last year 631 dinners were served. A total of 218 meals were provided to guests dining at the church, 238 dinners were taken out and 175 were delivered.

Davis said he is anticipating to prepare 500-600 dinners this year.

Donations are always accepted. While

the food is taken care of, monetary donations will be used to purchase to-go containers, bottled drinks and cutlery.

Davis’ father, Terry, a pastor of the church for 31 years, came up with the idea for the dinner, because “nobody should be alone on Thanksgiving,” Sean said.

Sean Davis grew up at the church and became the pastor in 2010. He wanted to keep the Thanksgiving tradition going after his father retired.

See CARRYOUT Page 34

Ocean City Today

PAGE 34

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Text-messaging ‘Holiday Wrappings’ goes virtual Carryout only for holiday dinner system launched (Nov. 20, 2020) Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will roll out a new text-messaging system on Nov. 24, that will improve patient-provider communication and put important healthcare information right at a patient’s fingertips.

The secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile patient experience platform (MPE) includes features for inpatients as well as patients of Atlantic General Health System that will be rolled out in three phases over the next eight months.

During the first phase, inpatients who furnish their cell phone number at the time of registration with receive a text when they are discharged that includes links to pertinent patient education and the details of their care while in the hospital.

They will be texted again 24 hours after discharge to make sure they’re staying on the path to recovery in the critical period between their hospitalization and the follow-up appointment with their physician.

In subsequent phases, patients will be able to check in electronically through the MPE platform, and discharged patients will receive texts with secure links to their care plans.

In addition to appointment confirmations and reminders and the ability to cancel appointments via text, patients of Atlantic General Health System will receive texts with secure links to their care

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Nov. 20, 2020) The annual American Cancer Society “Holiday Wrappings” Luncheon and Fashion Show will be virtual this year because of covid-19 restrictions.

“We’re in a pandemic, but cancer hasn’t stopped and neither can we,” said Dawne Pappas, event chair and member of the American Cancer Society for over 25 years. “We need to continue to push to finding a cure and better treatment.”

Close to 800 guests attended the 2019 event at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street and more than $60,000 (net) was raised for the American Cancer Society.

This year, funds raised will benefit ResearcHERS, a women fighting cancer movement to support female cancer researchers. Nearly 50 percent of the American Cancer Society’s grantees are women.

summaries and patient education materials during Phase 1.

In future phases, health system patients will be able to schedule appointments online, fill out pre-appointment forms, and check in for appointments through text messaging.

Many of these features mirror tools available in the FollowMyHealth (FMH) patient portal, but will be readily accessible to more patients who have provided a cell phone number.

“It’s a women’s event, so we wanted to make it a women’s movement,” Pappas said.

The virtual event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from noon to 1 p.m. The cost for a virDawne Pappas tual seat is $20. The deadline to purchase a ticket is Monday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. Tickets include a private online viewing of local boutique fashions and tutorials, access to an auction, goody bag and a chance to win prizes.

Ten local clothing stores will be highlighted. Pappas said representative from each businesses have put together either a video fashion show or overview of their store.

“I’ve watched the videos and I’m impressed,” Pappas said. “We need to support local retailers. They’ve been hit hard.”

There will also be an opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket for $10 for the chance to win a 2020 Mazda CX-30 or $20,000 cash.

Several successful business owners will also be showcased, including Master of Wine, Michele Anderson.

“We put together a show to empower women and support local retail stores,” Pappas said.

In addition, there will be a virtual tribute scroll where loved ones touched by cancer can be recognized.

A number of event sponsorships are

Continued from Page 33 Typically, there are at least 75 volunteers helping out that day. But this year, because of covid-19 restrictions, there is a limit of only 10 people inside the church to prepare the platters for carryout.

“It will make it more difficult on our core group, but it’s worth it,” Davis said.

“Some come every year to volunteer that aren’t members of the church. We’re going to miss them this year.”

Anyone interested in volunteering to deliver meals should call the church. available. The deadline to become a sponsor is Nov. 30.

TidalHealth is the presenting sponsor this year. John H. “Jack” Burbage Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center at Atlantic General Hospital is the gold sponsor.

“We’re trying to keep it going and make sure cancer is not forgotten, and how important research is,” Pappas said.

For more information, to purchase a seat or to make a donation, visit www.acsholidaywrappings.org.

Ticket information, contact Beth Riley at 443-880-0511 or bethwhippler@gmail.com. Event and sponsorship information, contact Pappas at 443-880-2310 or dpappo@aol.com.

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

DOWNTOWN South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast served Monday through Friday, 8-11 a.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner served 7 days a week, 5-9 p.m. Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Early Bird served Monday through Friday, 5-6 p.m.; daily chef specials.

■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.CoastalSaltOC.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-524-3100, www.coinspub.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Causal dining atmosphere for families. Crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood. Everything homemade. Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. and early bird 4-6 p.m. Daily specials.

■ DUNES MANOR 2800 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City 800-5232885, www.dunesmanor.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Victorian Room Open seven days a week. Breakfast served 7-11:30 a.m. Lunch is only available on our Zippy Lewis veranda. Dinner served 4-9 p.m. Seating inside dining room is limited.

Milton's Deck Open seven days a week. Dinner

served 4-9 p.m. Take-out available.

■ THE VIEW AT CROPPER’S LANDING Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-373-4095 $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining with beautiful bay view. Open 7 days. Breakfast served Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7-11 a.m. Light fare, small and large plates menu items served Monday through Thursday, 410 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; and Sunday, all day. Happy hour 7 days a week, 4-7 p.m.

Featuring local craft beers and signature cocktails.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites.

■ BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street, Ocean City 410-524-7575, www.bjsonthewater.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Entire dining menu served Thursday through Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round. Dine in or carry out. Daily specials, daily duck feeding.

Bayside venue with deck seating. Serving pub grub and seafood.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-5249254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410524-7981 Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday. See description under downtown location.

Breakfast served daily at 41st, and 70th streets.

Carryout available at all locations. Order online for 41st, 70th and WOC at www.TheDoughRoller.com.

■ DRY 85

12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-664-8989, www.dry85.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to last call. Open bar with 120+ whiskies, craft beers and wine. Gourmet Lowcountry style cuisine with pulled pork, crab cakes, seafood mac and many more specialties. Take out and deliveries are available.

■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surf-themed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Closed on Tuesday. Dine-in and curbside pick-up.

■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.to 10 p.m.

Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cocktails.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Island atmosphere. Soups, salads, Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood. Outdoor dining.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Serving breakfast, Friday through Sunday 7-11 a.m.

Featuring a breakfast buffet or special order from the regular menu. Enjoy our delicious 3 Course Dinner for $25 served every Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. with the choice of appetizer, entree and dessert.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER West Ocean City, 12849 Ocean Gateway 410213-7655 Hours are Friday through Monday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (no breakfast). See description under midtown location.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, 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 through Sunday at 11 a.m.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

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Ocean City Today

First Semper Fi Bike Ride in OC successful (Nov. 20, 2020) RGF Environmental Group, First State Marines and the Town of Ocean City held the inaugural Semper Fi Bike Ride on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Sunday, Oct. 18.

The event was not a race, but a family friendly, fun bike ride open to all ages and types of non-powered bicycles.

It was a huge success with over 150 individual riders, pairs, families and business-sponsored bike teams participating.

Riders brought their own bikes or rented one to ride from event sponsor Bike World.

Ocean 98’s Bill Fuhrer, DJ Stevie J and DJ Magellan spun tunes along with live music from the First State Detachment’s One Night Stand Band.

There were games and prizes for the best decorated bike and the most funds raised by a team.

The American Legion Post 166 Color Guard led the parade of riders with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Councilman Tony Delucca in

Delmarva Birding Weekends offer waterfowl events (Nov. 20, 2020) With covid protocols in place, Delmarva Birding Weekends has announced the firstof-their-kind Waterfowl Weekends, slated for Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 12.

Late fall offers high numbers of species for nature lovers to enjoy as waterfowl, hawks and eagles arrive on the scene. Registration for the event is available at http://delmarvabirding.com/welcome-waterfowlweekends/.

Nature lovers can register for just one field trip, or multiple field trips each day of the three days of events.

In the morning on Nov. 21, participants can search for sea ducks, loons, eiders and purple sandpipers at select locations in southern Delaware, before embarking on an afternoon trip to the nearby 2,200-acre private Newport Farms to find white pelicans, eagles, and a cornucopia of dabbling ducks.

On Nov. 22, local birders will guide a secret sojourn to four of the best winter birding spots along South Point. The trip takes a unique turn as participants stroll down the private Por Fin Drive, known for its iconic locust trees that grace the gateway to the National Seashore near the Assateague Market. Here, waterfowl enjoy two restored ponds nestled in 130 acres of woods and farmland.

On Dec. 12, in addition to a second trip to Newport Farms, bird lovers will visit Cape Henlopen State Park, where pitch pine forest, tidal marsh, See BIRDERS Page 36

front of the pack up the Boardwalk.

Event sponsors included RGF Environmental Group, the Town of Ocean City, North Bay Marina, Bike World, i.g. Burton, Office Partners, North American Marketing, Ocean City Elks Club, Morgan Associates, Live Wire Media & Events, Sage Financial, Engel & Volkers Annapolis, Fenwick Island Bike Shop and Mission BBQ. The event was a fundraiser benefiting the “Semper Fi & America’s Fund,” which provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

This year’s Semper Fi Bike ride raised $10,000 that will provide much needed relief to those military

families that need assistance.

The main promotion in months leading up to the event was a commissioned military-themed custom bike that was raffled off and awarded the day of the event.

It was designed with a unique military paint job and classic WWII insignia. The winner of the bike was Matty Wisor.

Special prizes were awarded the day of the event to: Margaret Hoffman, who was celebrating her 89th birthday, for the oldest participant, and to Esther Lupton for the team raising the most, totaling $2,135.00.

There were many decorated themed bikes, one of the goals for this event.

Event coordinators Bob Broderick and Brad Hoffman of Live Wire Media will be working with the Town

of Ocean City and growing list of sponsors for next year’s event, including title sponsor RGF Environmental Group who will be returning for 2021.

Plans are to expand the event to include a fat tire bike ride on the beach and a road rally from the Ocean City inlet to the Indian River, Delaware inlet and back, adding to the event a long-distance ride to attract the serious cyclist.

Hoffman said, “Expanding the scope of the event will benefit by appealing to bike enthusiasts and regional bike clubs from the tri-state area,” Hoffman said.

Sponsors and riders interested in participating in next year’s event can follow Marines at First State Detachment on Facebook, visit www.firststatemarines.org or email Broderick at websergeant@firststatemarines.org.

NOTICE OF LIVE AUCTION

Beach Equipment Franchise – Mid-Section Parcels $ 500 Minimum Bid Requirement for each Parcel A public auction will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 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. Pre-auction discussion begins at 9:30 a.m. Auction begins at 10:00 a.m. The following south-section beach parcels will be auctioned: 28th, 29th & 30th Streets 31st, 32nd & 33rd Streets 34th, 35th & 36th Streets 38th, 39th, 40th & 41st Streets 42nd, 43rd & 44th Streets 45th, 46th & 47th Streets 48th, 49th & 50th Streets

51st, 52nd & 53rd Streets 54th, 55th & 56th Streets 57th, 58th & 59th Streets 66th, 67th & 68th Streets 72nd, 73rd & 74th Streets 79th, 80th & 81st Streets 82nd, 83rd & 84th 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 7, 2020.

(2) Sign a statement authorizing the Mayor and Council to make inquiry of personal background, financial and credit worthiness on or before Monday, December 7, 2020.

(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 7, 2020.

(4) Provide a brief plan of management on or before Monday, December 7, 2020, 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.

(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.

(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.

(7) Sign a three-year contract (2021-2023) 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.

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Ocean City Today

Birders must register for field trips Continued from Page 35 dunes and beaches may produce Brown-headed Nuthatches, Snow Bunting, loons, scoters and other bay and sea ducks.

Guided by local fun-loving birders with decades-long experience, the walking tours accommodate visitors from the curious nature lover to fowl fanatics. Every year, birdwatchers from surrounding states flock to Delmarva in the fall.

“These are great nature-oriented weekends,” said Melanie Pursel, tourism director for Worcester County. “People will be amazed by the number of eagles and ducks, but they will see a lot more than that walking with guides in the wilds around South Point, Berlin and Ocean City.”

Social events for the waterfowl weekends have been canceled due to the pandemic. Typically these “Tally Rallies” would be held at local breweries, bars and restaurants, and allow participants to add to the species checklist and swap nature stories with new friends.

The Delmarva Peninsula is one of the country’s premier birding areas, thanks

to an extensive variety of habitat protected by our coastal parks, refuges and wildlife management areas. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the region and previous Weekend tallies have topped 200 species.

If boasting that many species isn’t enough, participants should feel even better knowing that they’ve helped Delmarva’s birds by promoting birding and habitat conservation.

Birders, both novice and experienced, make an important statement about the economic value of birds and their habitats through the money they spend in local hotels, restaurants and shops.

“It’s our vast shallow bays and large tracts of protected marshes and bald cypress forests that make the Delmarva Peninsula one of the finest birding regions in the nation,” said guide and organizer Jim Rapp. “During the weekend, our guests will hike on private farmland and woodland that are normally off-limits to the public.”

Co-organizer Dave Wilson added that most trips are not physically tax-

Donations, sponsors sought for county holidays program (Nov. 20, 2020) Worcester County GOLD, Inc. (Giving Other Lives Dignity), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance for Worcester County residents is accepting donations and sponsors for its annual Helping Hands for the Holidays Program.

Since 1998, GOLD has run its Helping Hands for the Holidays Program, which provides gifts for children and vulnerable adults in

Worcester County living at or below the poverty line.

Visit WorcesterGOLD.org to donate, view a list of gift ideas, or sign up to sponsor those in need. Last year, GOLD provided holiday gifts for 658 children and 80 vulnerable adults.

Call 410-677-6830 or email WorcesterCountyGOLD@gmail.com for more information. Donation deadline is Dec. 11.

ing and that the event provides a rare opportunity to tally 100 species in a day in places that are normally inaccessible.

For the weekends, mask wearing and social distancing will be the rule.

There will be no carpooling and numbers of seats will be reduced.

Sponsors for the events include Worcester County Tourism, Southern Delaware Tourism, the Boardwalk Hotel Group, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, the Delmarva Almanac, My Backyard, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. Special thanks also go to the private property owners who allow us access to their properties for this weekend.

Additional sponsor and registration information, field trip descriptions and other resources for Delmarva Birding are available at www.delmarvabirding.com.

For additional information, contact Rapp at 443-614-0261 or Dave Wilson at 443-523-2201, at Conservation Community Consulting or email conservationcc@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Dean’s List Alexander Wright of Berlin, was named to the Dean’s List at Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies for the term ending Sept. 30.

Bethel University is a private, not-forprofit university affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church located in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, creative energies may be high this week. You will have to find a way to channel them into something productive at work. Many ideas will come your way.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Emotionally you should be feeling quite well this week, Taurus. It could be a perfect time for spending moments with a sweetheart or relaxing with the kids.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 The week ahead certainly will not be boring, Gemini. The adventurous side of you wants to take some risks and try something that is normally offlimits. Move ahead slowly.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 It is important to let others have their moments to shine, Cancer. This week, give others their due time, and do not interrupt when someone is offering his or her opinion.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, at some point this week you may find yourself involved in a project that has piqued your interest for some time. As long as it doesn’t consume all of your energy, it can be productive.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Use extra care with your words, Virgo.

Some people may not pick up on your sense of humor. There’s a possibility that people may take things personally.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may find yourself in the perfect position to meet the right person. This person can be a love interest or a new friend. Invite him or her in with open arms.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 The planets may activate your subconscious mind which could play out in your dreams. Try to pay attention to your dreams this week and log the important details.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Restlessness might be consuming you, Sagittarius. You may be tempted to get outside more often or plan a getaway, but unfortunately tasks at home and at work dominate.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Of course you may want to get everything correct on the first attempt, Capricorn. But that does not always happen. Keep trying because practice makes perfect.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 You may be feeling a little blue, Aquarius. Make a few minor changes to shake things up. A little change may be all you need to get over the blues.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Increased pressures at work may strain your nerves a bit, Pisces. Time with your spouse, children and/or friends can help.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 37

OBITUARIES Yes, it’s true. Yes, you heard correctly. We at the Purple Moose Saloon are reeling, dealt a second blow within four short months.

Our young bartender gone in an instant. Tyler Chesney, 29 years young, well-liked and a huge part of the Purple Moose family.

He is greatly respected not only by his staff, but by his peers. Tyler has many friends. His customers loved him, and he had quite the following.

He was always upbeat, pleasant and smiling. We are all going to miss him.

From our bartenders’ standpoint it won’t be the same behind “A bar,” where Bobby trained him and especially behind “E/F bar,” where he and Jude started a movement.

Go in peace Tyler, we love you.

- The Purple Moose Family

JOHN J. GILMORE Berlin John J. “Jack “ Gilmore, a retired broadcasting executive, who had worked at WBAL-TV, Maryland Public Television and National Public Radio, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, from cancer at his Berlin, Maryland home.

The former Lutherville resident John Gilmore was 81.

John Joseph “Jack” Gilmore, son of George Dewey Gilmore, a Baltimore-based district manager for the Automatic Sprinkler Corporation of America, and his wife, Margaret Travers Gilmore, a homemaker, was born in Cranford, New Jersey.

He was 7 years old when he moved with his family to Rodgers Forge in Baltimore.

He is a graduate of the old Towson Catholic High School and attended the University of Maryland, College Park. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1962 from the University of Baltimore.

Mr. Gilmore spent 35 years as a media executive working in sales at WBAL-TV from 1971 to 1991, spending his last decade there as vice president of sales.

He was vice president of local and regional marketing at Maryland Public Television from 1994 to 1998.

Jack retired in 2003 from National Public Radio where he had been director of Sponsorship and Marketing for five years.

After leaving NPR, Jack retired to Ocean Pines in Berlin, Maryland.

An avid waterman, in his youth he spent his summers working as a first mate on fishing boats from the Talbot Street docks in Ocean City, Maryland, and eventually got his captain’s license. He continued to enjoy boating

and fishing in his retirement.

Mr. Gilmore passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family on Nov. 8, 2020.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Margie Gilmore (nee Smith); beloved children, Kathy Miller (Mark), Kelley Gilmore (Angela), Margaret Gilmore (Stacey) and John Gilmore (Natalie); cherished grandkids, John and Abbey Harriss, Madison, Anna, Haley and Jack Miller, Anabelle, Mason and Georgia Koff-Gilmore, and Lili Gilmore.

He was treasured by a bounty of dearly loved family and friends.

A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church in Towson, Maryland.

Donations may be made in memory of Jack Gilmore to the LGS Foundation at lgsfoundation.org; or to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21802.

PATRICIA P. CAMPBELL Ocean Pines Patricia P. Campbell, of Ocean Pines, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on Nov. 13, 2020.

She was born on March 8, 1938 to Sarah (Ruff) and Herman Schreiber in Baltimore.

Patricia was united in marriage to William (Bill) Campbell on June, 22, 1957 in Baltimore. They moved to

Ocean Pines in 1998 to enjoy their retirement.

Patricia was the loving wife of William for 63 years, and the most wonderful P. Campbell mother to Deborah Campbell (David Tahami) of Pasadena, Maryland, and Kimberly Sumrell (Charles) of New Bern North Carolina; and grandmother to Scott and Jaimee Townsend, and Erik Hagan.

She is also survived by her greatgrandchildren, Bruce and Clover; her sister, Sarah (Sis) Mooney; several nieces and nephews, and her ‘adopted’ daughter, Stephanie Holderfield (Robert).

In addition to her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her sister, Laverne Malkiewicz.

Patricia retired in 1998 after 30 years at Locke Insulators in Baltimore.

She enjoyed her family, especially her great-grandchildren, luncheons with friends, and her daily phone calls with her sister.

Patricia was a devoted member of St. John Neumann Parish in Ocean Pines, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.

A private Mass will be held for immediate family. Due to covid-19, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

ANGELA NORINE KRAUSE Ocean Pines Angela Norine Krause, age 85, passed away on Nov. 14, 2020, at her home.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Jerome Krause, and children, Louis Reichart and his wife, Lisa, David Krause and his wife, Gina, Patricia Reichart, Kathy Reichart, Dianne Dvornicky and her husband, Joseph, and Michele Brown and her husband, Steve.

There are nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was her son, Stephen Reichart.

Angela was a graduate of IND (Baltimore) and had worked as an administrative assistant for Xerox before retiring in 1994.

In 1997, she and Jerome moved to Ocean Pines, where shortly after, she began working for the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, which she greatly enjoyed.

She was a member of St. John Continued on Page 38

PAGE 38

Ocean City Today

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 37 Neumann Catholic Church. In her spare time she liked to go to the beach, loved crocheting, playing cards and Mahjong.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church near Ocean Pines. Rev. Edward Aigner will officiate.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Interment will be in Maryland Eastern Shore Veteran’s Cemetery in Hur-

lock, Maryland.

A donation in her memory may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

NORMA JEAN KIRSCH Berlin Norma Jean Kirsch, age 70, passed away on Nov. 13, 2020, at her home in Berlin.

She was born June 20, 1950 to Samuel Carpenter and Hazel Shupp

POLICE/COURTS

Assault Police arrested Ivan A. Morales, 29, of Ocean City, after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend last Wednesday.

Police went to a 27th Street residence that afternoon and met with the alleged victim, who told police that Morales became enraged and slapped her because he saw a photo of her ex-boyfriend. The alleged victim’s daughter confirmed her mother’s account.

Morales allegedly acknowledged an argument had occurred, but denied hitting his girlfriend. Police arrested him and charged him with second-degree assault.

DUI/drugs Police arrested Raymond F. Bredlau, 57, of Williams Town, New Jersey, after allegedly finding him in possession of drugs last Saturday.

That evening, police went to a downtown convenience store after a clerk reported a drunk driver, who apparently had driven over the median on Philadelphia Avenue and 23rd Street.

After a witness identified the truck, which was in the parking lot, police spoke with the driver, Bredlau. He allegedly told police that he had hit curb and that he had too much to drink before driving.

Police reported that Bredlau had called a friend to pick him up because of his intoxicated state.

Police arrested Bredlau and discovered his license had been sus-

pended.

At the Public Safety Building on 65th Street, police found cocaine in his wallet, and later a glass smoking pipe in his truck.

He was charged with driving under the influence, driving while impaired by alcohol, negligent driving, failure to drive on the right half of the road, failure to stop after unattended, drug possession and drug paraphernalia possession.

Carpenter.

She married in 1990 to Kevin Kirsch and worked as the coowner of The Key Lock Smith Company.

Norma Kirsch She is survived by her beloved husband, Kevin; son, Mark Gonzalez; daughter, Michelle Gonzalez; brother, Timmy Carpenter, and the late Samuel Carpenter II; and sisters, Rita and Bobby Robinson, Marie and Glen Leonard, Linda and Gary Yost; grandchildren, Zachary and Joshua Gonzalez; and her five Coton de

Tuléars, Abbey, Hannah, Simon, Sadie and Wiggles.

Norma was a smart businesswoman, great homemaker and a fantastic cook.

Celebration of Life services will be announced by the family at a later date. Check Burbage Funeral home web site for updates.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Worcester County Humane Society (https://worcestercountyhumanesociety.org).

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

CROSSWORD

Car theft Police arrested Derek J. Young, 32, of Millville, Delaware, after he allegedly stole a vehicle last Wednesday.

The victim, a housekeeper at a 138th Street hotel told police she had her cleaning cart out in the hallway and that her jacket and keys were on it..

She told police she went on lunch break and looked for her keys, but they were missing. She then went to the parking lot and saw her car was gone.

She accused Young, a new employee, of the theft, and another employee told police he saw Young getting out of the stolen vehicle and removing property.

Police said they saw Young walk with several bags from the vehicle toward the back door of the hotel and then arrested him. Young refused to speak with police, according to the police report.

He was charged with vehicle theft, theft $1,500 to under $25,000, theft $100 to under $1,500 and driving on a suspended license.

Local News • Enter tainment • Spor ts Classifieds • Obituaries • Business Legals • Calendar • Lifestyle • Opinion www ww.oceancity itytoday. t d y.com Answers on page 8

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

PAGE 39

Ocean City Today

Calendar Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., Nov. 20 NEA BIG READ: BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘IN THE HEART OF THE SEA’ BY NATHANIEL PHILBRICK Meeting via Zoom, 1:00 PM. The book is available on Libby or contact Elena Coelho, 443-783-6164, for a copy. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

BINGO WITH THE KNIGHTS Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway.

Doors open at 5 p.m.; bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Cash payouts for each game as well as the Big Jackpot coverall. 410524-7994

Sat., Nov. 21 WATERFOWL WEEKENDS Participants can register for just one field trip or multiple field trips each day of the event, held Nov. 21, 22 and Dec. 12. Register: http://delmarvabirding.com/welcomewaterfowl-weekends/. For field trip descriptions and other resources go to www.delmarvabirding.com. For additional information, call Jim Rapp, 443614-0261 or Dave Wilson, 443-523-2201 or go to conservationCC@gmail.com.

FREE TENNIS LESSONS FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS Ocean Pines Racquet Center, 11443 Manklin Creek Road. Greg Gunther will lead a free Doubles Centric clinic for Worcester County first responders beginning at 1 p.m. There is no need to register. Additionally, Terry Underkoffler will host a free tennis instruction program for local veterans, starting at 10 a.m. RSVP to optennistraining@gmail.com by Friday morning. Terry Underkoffler, 215808-6457, http://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/r acquet-sports

VIRTUAL WALK WITH A DOC Join the group at 9:00 AM for a virtual Walk with a Doc on the Atlantic General Hospital Facebook page, where there is a short presentation by a doctor on a current health topic. Participants can then walk wherever they like and share a selfie on social media with the hashtag #walkedwithagh., , , ,

THANKSGIVING MARKET White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Those planning to cook up a Thanksgiving feast will find fresh produce, meats, baked goods and

more. There will also be community groups and nonprofits attending. The green market merchants will offer a selection of sustainably grown fruits and vegetables, humanely raised beef, pork and chicken, and handcrafted pies, pastries and breads. In addition, pantry items like spices, seasoning, olive oils, jams, jellies, marinated olives and a variety of pickles are offered by the gourmet merchants. Also featuring locally produced spirits and locally roasted coffee. Snacking options include toffees, brittles and popcorn. The 12’ Christmas tree will be decorated with hundreds of colorful lights. http://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/ farmers/artisans-market

TURKEY TROT OPEN Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, 12367 Eagles Nest Road, 9:30 AM. This is a 4person modified scramble golf tournament featuring more than $1,000 in prizes and a turkey feast following play. Cost is $60 per person. Sign up: 410-213-7277 or RCroll@oceancitymd.gov. https://www.eagleslandinggolf.com

FRIED CHICKEN DINNER New Hope United Methodist Church, 7338 New Hope Road, 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Menu includes mashed potatoes, greens, string beans, biscuit and dessert.

Cost is $13 for adults. Drive thru pick-up only. 410-543-8244 or 443-235-0251

Frank LeLucco and Harry Burkett for their final installment, which covers Eastwood’s past 40 years in Hollywood.

The group will examine his impact as an actor, director, producer and storyteller. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Turkey Finger Puppet Craft Kit at https://worcesterlibrary.libwizard.com/ f/ProgramToGo.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING

41ST ANNUAL FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER

The meeting will be held via conference call, 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Dial 605-4725789, wait for voice command, then press 944874. TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

Tues., Nov. 24 MINI POP-UP FARMERS MARKET White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Select merchants will be on hand for customers to pick up special orders. Participating merchants include D.J. David & Company, Gourmet Soutionz, Toute de Suite, Pies Etcetera, Cropper’s Farm, Brightman Farm, Lyon Rum and Rainbow’s End Tack Shop. http://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/ farmers/artisans-market

STORY TIME - TEDDY BEARS Recorded, 10:00 AM. Teddy bear stories, poems, finger plays, movement and a craft for 2- to 5-year-old children. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Wed., Nov. 25 TURKEY FINGER PUPPET CRAFT STORYTIME Online, 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM. Join the group as they use the Turkey Finger Puppet craft to tell a story. Request a

Thurs., Nov. 26 Ocean City Baptist Church, 102 N. Division St., 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Come and receive a Thanksgiving dinner at no cost.

This year will be carryout only. RSVP: 410-289-4054 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dinners will also be available for delivery to shut-ins.

ONGOING EVENTS WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS This walking event will take you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along the half-mile paved path in Northside Park, through Jan. 2. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa and visit the gift shop located in the Northside Park Community Room. Cost is $5 for adults and free to those 11 and younger. On Nov. 19 the opening ceremony and tree lighting will be virtual, airing live on Facebook. Masks are required inside and outside. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. 410-250-0125, 800-626-2326, www.ococean.com/events

LETTERS TO SANTA Shore United Bank encourages children to drop off their letters to Santa in the mailbox located inside the lobby of the bank’s Ocean City location, 12905 Ocean Gateway, during business hours. Letters will be accepted through Dec. 18. Santa’s helpers will take care of the rest. Info: 443-856-2180.

Sun., Nov. 22 WATERFOWL WEEKENDS Participants can register for just one field trip or multiple field trips each day of the event, held Nov. 21, 22 and Dec. 12. Register: http://delmarvabirding.com/welcomewaterfowl-weekends/. For field trip descriptions and other resources go to www.delmarvabirding.com. For additional information, call Jim Rapp, 443614-0261 or Dave Wilson, 443-523-2201 or go to conservationCC@gmail.com.

Mon., Nov. 23 MUSIC & MOVEMENT Meeting via Zoom, 10:30 AM. Children, ages 2-5 years, dance and sing to the music of silly songs. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CLINT EASTWOOD AT 90 - PART 2 Meeting via Facebook, 2:00 PM. Join

PHOTO COURTESY RYAN WHITTINGTON

TRASH FIRE Ocean City firefighters extinguish a flame that sparked in a city trash truck on Monday morning.

Trash from the truck, located on the 8000 block of Caribbean Drive, was dumped on the street to prevent the truck from being severely damaged. Ocean City Public Works staff cleaned the debris and restored the area. The source of the flame remains unknown.

40

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Classifieds now appear in Ocean City Today & the Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com and baysideoc.com.

HELP WANTED

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Hiring ALL Positions!!

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Tour Guides & Full Time Year Round Welders ————— Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES!!

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $17.50/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

Become a Better You in 2020!

To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www.

ChristinesBeautyShop.com

Large automotive center with auto parts / marine stores, service centers and used car dealership, is now hiring for: - Exp. Tow Truck Drivers - Service & Parts Advisors -Technicians - Maryland State Inspector

RENTALS

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Seeking Year-Round & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-555500

1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City.

Call 443-497-4200

RAMBLER MOTEL

Classifieds 410-723-6397

Yard Sale Saturday Nov. 21st.

8am-1pm.

Antique furniture, lamps, tools, new household items, Beach & Farm Décor and much more.

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9942 Elm Street, WOC (Behind Starbucks) Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764

WEEKLY RENTALS AVAILABLE NOW Pool Front Room ...$215/wk Efficiency..............$245/wk 2BR Apartment.....$350/wk 3BR Suite .............$400/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581

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2BR TOWNHOUSE Accepting Applications Central AC/Heat & major appliances in each unit.

Laundry & Playground on site. This institute is an equal opportunity provider & employer.

Please call 410-835-2951 TDD/TTY 1-800-738-2258

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

BUSINESS SERVICES Increase the digital presence of your business! Contact MARYLAND STATEWIDE MDDC Ad Services to receive a FREE Digital Footprint ConCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING sultation for your business NETWORK from a TOP PERFORMING advertising agency! Call 443AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS 508-1936, www.mddcadserDONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, vices.com.

RVs Lutheran Mission Society of MD. Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044.

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

The contents of mini storage units will be sold at Lockerfox.com. Units to be auctioned; B28, L1, O118, O129, O155, O29, O115, O164, S24, S35, S44, S45, S185, S223, S501. Units are being sold due to nonpayment of rent. Common items in units are, household items, furniture, tools, fishing equipment, paintings, antique and vintage items.

Date: Friday, Nov. 20th Time: 10:00AM This will be an online auction. Please go to Lockerfox.com and register.

Feel free to call 410-213-2029 for any questions regarding the online auction.

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Contact Mark Mayers @ 410-289-4444 mayers@harrisongp.com It’s not too late to advertise your winter rentals.

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PAGE 41

Ocean City Today

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PAGE 42

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

NOTICE

OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE WHEREAS, on August 26, 2009, a certain Deed of Trust was executed Luther T. Truitt, and Virginia L. Truitt as Grantor(s) in favor of Generation Mortgage Company as Beneficiary, and Genuine Title, LLC as Trustee(s), and was recorded on September 15, 2009, in Book 5346, Page 282 in the Office of the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated May 6, 2016, and recorded on May 23, 2016, in Book 6772, Page 14, in the office of the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Deed of Trust in that the payment due on July 14, 2017, was not made and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this notice, and a Borrower has died and the Property is not the principal residence of at least one surviving Borrower, and no payment has been made sufficient to restore the loan to currency; and· WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of October 31, 2020 is $204,358.95; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, notice is hereby given that on December 8, 2020 at 3:20pm local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises ("Property") will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: Commonly known as: 309 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 Tax ID: 02-022974 The sale will be held at the courthouse entrance for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $205,420.96.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling $20,500.00 in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not

accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of $20,500.00 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check.

If the Secretary is the highest bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveying fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment.

All extensions will be for 15-day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of a certified or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the foreclosure commissioner after consultation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD representative, offer the property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder.

There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein. HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant.

The scheduled foreclosure sale shall be cancelled or adjourned if it is established, by documented written application of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Commissioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not exist at the time of service of this notice of default and foreclosure sale, or all amounts due under the mortgage agreement are tendered to the Foreclosure Commissioner, in the form of a certified or cashier's check payable to the Secretary of HUD, before public auction of the property is completed.

The amount that must be paid if the mortgage is to be reinstated prior to the scheduled sale is N/A (Full Balance Due), plus all other amounts that would be due under

the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner's attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

Tender of payment by certified or cashier's check or application for cancellation of the foreclosure sale shall be submitted to the address of the Foreclosure Commissioner provided below.

Date: November 6, 2020 Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC Foreclosure Commissioner BY: /s/ Christianna Kersey Christianna Kersey CPF#1012150116 Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC 600 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 208 Towson, MD 21204 410-296-2550 ckersey@cgd-law.com

IF YOU ARE A DEBTOR, OR AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A DEBTOR, THIS COMMUNICATION IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED HEREBY WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. However, if you are either a debtor in a pending bankruptcy case, or have obtained an order of discharge from a United States Bankruptcy Court, which discharge includes this debt, or an attorney representing such a debtor, and you (or your client), has not reaffirmed liability for this debt, this office is not attempting to obtain a judgment against you (or your client) nor are we alleging that you (or your client) have any personal liability for this debt. We may, however, take action against any property which may have been pledged as collateral for the debt, which action may include repossession and/or foreclosure of the property, if otherwise permitted by law and/or order of court.

OCD-11/19/3t _________________________________ Law Offices of Jeffrey Nadel 4041 Powder Mill Road, Suite 200 Calverton, Maryland 20705 240-473-5000

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

1510 Cedar Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Scott A. Mitchell, dated March 17, 2006, and recorded in Liber 4668, Folio 603 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Substitute Trustee will sell at public auction at Circuit Court for Worcester County, Courthouse Door for Worcester County, Snow Hill, MD on December 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND KNOWN AS 1510 Cedar Street, situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust, carrying Tax ID No. 01-028952.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, agreements, easements, covenants and rights of way of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $8,700.00 will be required at the time of sale in the form of cash, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustees determine acceptable. No deposit shall be required of the noteholder where the noteholder bids in the property at auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, time being of the essence for purchaser. In the event that settlement does not occur within the said ten days, the purchaser shall be in default. Upon such default the Trustees may file a Motion and Order to Resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, and purchaser(s) hereby consent to entry of such resale order without further notice, in which case the deposit shall be forfeited and all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then readvertise and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser; or, without reselling the property, the Trustees may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser. Interest to be paid on the purchase money less the stated deposit called for herein, at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustee. There shall be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason, including but not limited to exceptions to sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, Court administration of the foreclosure or unknown title defects. All taxes, ground rent, water rent, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges/assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if applicable, are to be adjusted to the date of auction and thereafter are to be assumed by the purchaser.

Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, agricultural transfer

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 tax, if any and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of damage to the property from the date of auction forward. If the Substitute Trustee does not convey title for any reason, including but not limited to the Secured Party executing a forbearance agreement with the borrower(s) described in the above-mentioned Deed of Trust, or allowing the borrower(s) to execute their right to reinstate or payoff the subject loan, prior to the sale, with or without the Substitute Trustee’s prior knowledge, or if the sale is not ratified for any reason including errors made by the Substitute Trustees, the foreclosure sale shall be null and void and of no effect, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy in law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. Further terms and particulars may be announced at time of sale, and purchaser may be required to execute a Memorandum of Sale at the time of auction. (Matter #23255) Jeffrey Nadel, Scott Nadel, Daniel Menchel and Doreen Strothman, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 305 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 105, Towson, Maryland 21204 410-825-2900 Tidewater Auctions, LLC www.tidewaterauctions.com Ad #74470 OCD-11/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE WHEREAS, on October 5, 2005, a certain Deed of Trust was executed Ronald K. Thomas as Grantor(s) in favor of Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of Indymac Bank, F.S.B. as Beneficiary, and Princeton Title Company as Trustee(s), and was recorded on October 21, 2005, in Book 4561, Page 590 in the Office of the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated March 23, 2017, and recorded on April 10, 2017, in Book 6973, Page 347, in the office of the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Deed of Trust in that the payment due on October 1, 2019, was not made and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this notice, and a Borrower has died and the Property is not the principal residence of at least one surviving Borrower, and no payment has been made sufficient to restore the loan to currency; and· WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of September 30, 2020 is $198,489.76; and

Ocean City Today / Public Notices WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, notice is hereby given that on December 1, 2020 at 3:20pm local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises ("Property") will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: Commonly known as: 35 Rabbit Run Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 Tax ID: 03-068536 The sale will be held at the courthouse entrance for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $198,872.08.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling $20,000.00 in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of $20,000.00 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check. If the Secretary is the highest bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveying fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment.

All extensions will be for 15-day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of a certified or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the foreclosure commissioner after consultation with the HUD

representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD representative, offer the property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder.

There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein. HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant.

The scheduled foreclosure sale shall be cancelled or adjourned if it is established, by documented written application of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Commissioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not exist at the time of service of this notice of default and foreclosure sale, or all amounts due under the mortgage agreement are tendered to the Foreclosure Commissioner, in the form of a certified or cashier's check payable to the Secretary of HUD, before public auction of the property is completed.

The amount that must be paid if the mortgage is to be reinstated prior to the scheduled sale is N/A (Full Balance Due), plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner's attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

Tender of payment by certified or cashier's check or application for cancellation of the foreclosure sale shall be submitted to the address of the Foreclosure Commissioner provided below.

Date: October 27, 2020 Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC Foreclosure Commissioner BY: /s/ Richard E. Solomon Richard E. Solomon CPF#9112190178 Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC 600 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 208 Towson, MD 21204 410-296-2550 rsolomon@cgd-law.com

IF YOU ARE A DEBTOR, OR AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A DEBTOR, THIS COMMUNICATION IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED HEREBY WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. However, if you

PAGE 43

are either a debtor in a pending bankruptcy case, or have obtained an order of discharge from a United States Bankruptcy Court, which discharge includes this debt, or an attorney representing such a debtor, and you (or your client), has not reaffirmed liability for this debt, this office is not attempting to obtain a judgment against you (or your client) nor are we alleging that you (or your client) have any personal liability for this debt. We may, however, take action against any property which may have been pledged as collateral for the debt, which action may include repossession and/or foreclosure of the property, if otherwise permitted by law and/or order of court.

OCD-11/12/2t _________________________________

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

The Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, November 23, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., at the front door of Harbor Lights Condominium, 722 Anchor Chain Road, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Condominium Unit No. 14 in the “Harbor Lights Condominium” together with an undivided interest in the common elements as established by Declaration and Bylaws recorded among the land records of Worcester County in Liber FWH No. 2159, folio 191, et seq., as amended, and as further described in a deed recorded at Liber 2180, folio 355, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $15,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater, water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation taxes, transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Ryan D. Bodley, Trustee, 410723-1400.

OCD-11/5/3t _________________________________

LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

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Ocean City Today / Public Notices

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

The Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, November 23, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Bluewater East Condominium, 13400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Bluewater East Condominium Unit No. AS-205, together with an undivided interest in the common elements as established by Declaration and Bylaws recorded among the land records of Worcester County in Liber FWH No. 440, folio 656, et seq., as amended, and as further described in a deed recorded at Liber 6402, folio 455, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $15,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater, water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation taxes, transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Ryan D. Bodley, Trustee, 410723-1400.

OCD-11/5/3t _________________________________ CARRIE M. WARD, et al.

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

EMILY WARD (DECEASED) 805 Second Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant(s).

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.C-23-C V-20-000084

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 29th day of October, 2020, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 805 Second Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before

the 30th day of November, 2020, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 23rd day of November, 2020.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $20,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test : Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-11/5/3t _________________________________ JAMES H. PORTER JR, ESQ 111 VINE STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18486 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BILLY BRIAN POWELL Notice is given that Norma Powell Adkins, P.O. Box 32, Horntown, VA 23395, was on October 30, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Billy Brian Powell who died on September 4, 2020, 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 30th day of April, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Norma Powell Adkins 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:

November 05, 2020 OCD-11/5/3t _________________________________ Christianna Kersey, Esquire Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC 600 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 208 Towson, Maryland 21204 Office Phone: 410-296-2550 x3155 Email: ckersey@cgd-law.com Edward S. Cohn Stephen N. Goldberg Richard E. Solomon Richard J. Rogers Michael McKeefery Christianna Kersey Kevin Hildebeidel 600 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 208 Towson, MD 21204 Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v.

Richard Daniel Poist, Personal Representative for the Estate of Patricia B. Poist 7 Clubhouse Drive Berlin, MD 21811 Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-20-000225

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 4th day of November 2020, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 7th day of December, 2020, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 30th day of November, 2020.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $425,000.00. The property sold herein is known as 7 Clubhouse Drive, Berlin, MD 21811.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-11/12/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a "B" B-W-L 7 Day license and Request to designate as multiple license #2. Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Ralph John DeAngelus, 9421 Lake View Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Matthew Jerome Ortt, 10216 Willowbrook Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Matt Ortt Management II, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Coastal Smokehouse 12513 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Cen-

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 ter, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: November 24, 2020 @ 1:00 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-11/12/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "A" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Parth Dipakkumar Patel, 100 Berwyck Circle, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851.

For: Manalis Corp.

For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Shore Liquor 122 Newtowne Blvd.

Pocomoke, Maryland 21851 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: November 24, 2020 @ 1:15 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-11/12/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer application and Upgrade from 6 Day to 7 Day. Class: "B" BEER-WINELIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Heather Lynn Welch, 6834 Shockley Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Justin Michael Miller, 6220 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Stephanie Nicole Miller, 6220 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

For: Mill-Wel, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Oaked 110 300 North Washington Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: November 24, 2020 @ 1:35 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-11/12/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Upgrade in Type from Beer-Wine to a Class: "A" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Saroj Pratap Kc, 702 North Surf Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Oceans Market, Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Oceans Market 14107 Coastal Highway

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Ocean City, Maryland 21842 There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: November 24, 2020 @ 1:55 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-11/12/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

of Public Hearing Amendment to Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan for a Text Amendment The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider applications filed by Joseph Moore, on behalf of Jim Latchum, owner, for a proposed text amendment to the Worcester County Master Water and Sewerage Plan. The application for amendment to the Water and Sewerage Plan seeks to add language to Section 1.2.2 of The Plan to include the potential for a large flow septic system without a groundwater discharge permit, located in the critical area, to be afforded the opportunity to seek a point source discharge permit should they comply with certain additional requirements including advanced treatment. The amendment would also include the requirement the applicant not contribute to degradation of any impaired waters. The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Water and Sewerage Plan amendment at its meeting of October 1, 2020 and found it to be consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan and the zoning category for the subject property.

The public hearing on this application will be held on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020 at 10:45 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 The case file for this application may be reviewed on the on the County Website at http://www.worcester.md.us. Questions may be directed to Robert Mitchell, Director of Environmental Programs, by calling 410-632-1220, or by email at bmitchell@co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-11/12/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18482 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD JAMES KVECH SR. Notice is given that Laurie Kvech Schroeder, 8 Flintlock Court, Perry Hall, MD 21128, was on October 26,

PAGE 45

Ocean City Today / Public Notices 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald James Kvech Sr. who died on September 30, 2020, 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 26th day of April, 2021.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Laurie Kvech Schroeder 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: November 05, 2020 OCD-11/5/3t _________________________________

NOTICE TO BIDDERS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS BUILDING WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting sealed bids for construction of a new single story 3,500 GSF Operations Building for the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Worcester County Department of Public Works – Water and Wastewater Division. The new building shall house a laboratory, offices, training room, breakroom, toilets, equipment storage and associated support spaces. The construction will consist of masonry load bearing exterior cavity walls, wood trusses, metal roof, windows and doors, drywall, steel stud partitions, acoustical ceilings, resilient flooring, painting, and MEP. Bid documents are available from DiCarlo Precision Instru-

ments, Inc., 2006 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 (410-7490112). Interested bidders are encouraged to attend a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference at 2:00 PM (EDT) on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Worcester County Department of Public Works – Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Sealed proposals will be accepted until 1:00 PM (EDT) on Monday, December 21, 2020 in the Office of the County Commissioners of Worcester County at Room 1103 Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, at which time they will be opened and the results posted online shortly thereafter. Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Enclosed – Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Building" in the lower left-hand corner. After opening, bids will be forwarded to the Public Works Department for tabulation, review and recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration at a future meeting. In awarding the bid, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bid they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate.

Inquiries can be directed to Morgan H. Helfrich, Vice President, Senior Project Architect, GMB at 410-7423115.

OCD-11/19/1t _________________________________

NOTICE TO BIDDERS CONSTRUCTION OF PUMP STATIONS 2, 3, 4, AND 5 ELECTRICAL UPGRADES WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting sealed bids for construction of Pump Stations 2, 3, 4, & 5 Electrical Upgrades for the Worcester County Department of Public Works – Water and Wastewater Division. The Project generally consists of relocating the existing electrical power distribution and controls system equipment from the existing dry pit below grade to a new location above grade.

The new SCADA Pump Control Panel, provided by the County, will be installed on a concrete equipment pad at each pump station. The existing power distribution equipment within the existing enclosure located above grade shall be upgraded. The remaining upgrades for the four pump stations will also consist of wet well modifications, wiring, conduits, equipment upgrades, testing, start-up, site restoration and closeout, and includes furnishing all equipment, material, and labor for the work described in the bid document drawings and specifications.

Bid documents are available from DiCarlo Precision Instruments, Inc., 2006 Northwood Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 (410-749-0112). Interested bidders are encouraged to attend a non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference at 10:00 AM (EDT) on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Worcester County Department of Public Works – Mystic Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant at 9624 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Sealed proposals will be accepted until 1:00 PM (EDT) on Monday, December 21, 2020 in the Office of the County Commissioners of Worcester County at Room 1103 - Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, at which time they will be opened and the results posted online shortly thereafter. Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Enclosed – Pump Stations 2, 3, 4, & 5 Electrical Upgrades" in the lower left-hand corner.

After opening, bids will be forwarded to the Public Works Department for tabulation, review and recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration at a future meeting. In awarding the bid, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bid they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate.

Inquiries can be directed to Darl Kolar, P.E., Project Manager, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC at 410-641-5341.

OCD-11/19/1t _________________________________ MORGAN A. FISHER 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. 18497 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN EDWARD LARRICK Notice is given that Peter S. Buas, 3509 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on November 13, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen Edward Larrick who died on July 8, 2003, 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 13th day of May, 2021.

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

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the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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.

Peter S. Buas 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:

November 19, 2020 OCD-11/19/3t _________________________________ FAMILY COURT FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE

NOTICE

OF FAMILY COURT ACTION TO: Thomas Patrick Hanagan II, Respondent(s) Petitioner, Mary Helen Waltjen has filed a Custody petition against you in the Family Court of the State of Delaware for Sussex County on September 29, 2020. If you do not file an answer with the Family Court within 20 days after publication of this notice, exclusive of the date of publication, as required by statue, this action will be heard in Family Court without future notice. Petition# 20-20743 OCD-11/19/1t _________________________________ Ann G. Jakabcin, Esquire Stein, Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 700 Rockville, MD 20852

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18495 Notice is given that the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Commonwealth of Viginia appointed Michael Patrick Murtha, Jr., 44735 Audubon Square, Apt. 202, Ashburn, VA 20147 as the Executor of the Estate of Diane Fortna Murtha who died on August 1, 2020 domiciled in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Loudoun County.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Adam S. Abramowitz whose address is 1101 Wootton Parkway, #700, Rockville, MD 20852.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or de-

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Every Week

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 livers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Michael Patrick Murtha, Jr. Foreign Personal Representative Honorable Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County, Maryland 1 West Market Street, Room 102 Snow Hill, MD 21863 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: November 19, 2020 OCD-11/19/3t _________________________________

TOWN OF BERLIN

PUBLIC NOTICE CASE NO. 9508 (o)

IN THE MATTER OF THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION OF THE ELECTRIC FUEL RATE AND PURCHASED POWER COST ADJUSTMENT CHARGES OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SYSTEM OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF BERLIN PUBLIC UTILITY LAW JUDGE’S NOTICE OF HEARING A Public Hearing in the above entitled matter will be conducted by the Maryland Public Service Commission virtually, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The hearing can be accessed via the Public Utility Law Judge’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/U CYK5mu0UMAUOqSQowRq2TIQ OCD-11/19/3t _________________________________

PUBLIC NOTICE

Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals

Advertise in the and Service Directories Call Nancy at 410-723-6397 for more details!

Pursuant to Sections 108-165 and 108-191 0f the Code of the Town of Berlin, MD, the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Mayor and Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD to hear a Request for a Variance received from Donald and Helen Ferguson for the property known as Worcester County Tax Map No. 300, Parcel 1231, Lot No. 3, Broad Street to place a covered rear porch approximately 9 feet beyond the platted Building Restrictive Line.

OCD-11/19/1t _________________________________

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Ocean City Today

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NOVEMBER 20, 2020