RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT CONFIRMS RUN
Former Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor and incumbent Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic filed their candidacy papers Tuesday for the 2026 election. Taylor, who retired from the school system in June, seeks to fill the District 6 (Bishopville/Ocean Pines) seat held by Jim Bunting. Mitrecic has decided to pursue another four-year term representing Ocean City. Story on page 12.
The state Department of Education released its report card on schools Tuesday, with Worcester County’s system once again the only one in the state where all schools eligible for rating earned four or five stars. — PAGE 28
Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter. — Page 69
It isn’t closed, but its office isn’t exactly open either, as cuts back for the off-season and considers what steps it will take once spring rolls around. — PAGE 68
Ocean City mayor and council make it clear, cyclists, scooters, etc. should not ride on the sidewalk. — PAGE 72
UNIQUE THANKSGIVING EXPERIENCES AT ALL FIVE OF OUR YEAR ROUND LOCATIONS
Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) An offshore slow zone for boaters will remain in effect through Nov. 10 after endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted east of Ocean City last week.
Last Tuesday, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries issued a notice to boaters of a newly enacted right whale slow zone. Speed restrictions remain in effect through Monday.
“Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the area where right whales have been detected to reduce the risk of vessel strikes,” the notice reads.
Atlantic right whales are at heightened risk for vessel strikes be-
cause they spend much of their time at or close to the water’s surface, according to NOAA Fisheries. As such, vessel strikes are a primary threat to the species.
In addition, right whales can be difficult to spot from a boat because of their dark color and lack of a dorsal fin. Environmental conditions like bad weather, murky water, and low light can affect boaters’ ability to see these whales.
To rebuild the North Atlantic right whale population, NOAA Fisheries is enacting management measures to help reduce the risk of vessel strikes. That includes speed restrictions on marine
vessels underway off the coast of Ocean
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) Officials say Country Calling is the reason Ocean City saw an uptick in lodging numbers for the month of October.
On Monday, Bill Obreiter of Zartico – the city’s data research firm – presented members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission with an update on lodging performance from Oct. 1 through Oct. 30.
He noted that chain hotels reported $8.3 million in revenue, while shortterm rentals reported $2.2 million. Average daily rates (ADR), he added, had increased roughly 4% for hotels and 20% for vacation rentals, when compared to the same period last year.
“While paid occupancy was up ver-
sus October 1, we did see a decrease in overall paid occupancy of about a third of a percent in market,” he said. “We did see an increase of 4% on ADR, overall stay nights did increase and revPAR (revenue per available room) shows an increase of 4% as well.”
Obreiter attributed the strong lodging data to the October music festival, held Oct. 3-5. He noted that hotel revenue increased 25% from last year, and that occupancy increased 21%.
“What we saw overall was an increase of 25% in collected revenue for that time period through the chain hotels and market, and amazing occupancy – especially for October – at almost 85%,” he said, “one of the highest occupancies we’ve seen in a shoulder or off-season to date.”
While the average daily rate was projected to reach $268 for chain hotels during Country Calling, the rate reached $273, Obreiter said. He also noted that occupancy remained strong, particularly on the last day of the festival. Sunday’s occupancy rate increased from 53% in 2024 to 78% in 2025.
“People didn’t just drive home,” he said. “So really good success there.”
Looking at the month of November, Obreiter noted that bookings are down, when comparing pacing reports collected in October. However, from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30, projected daily rates, occupancy, revenue and revPAR have improved.
“November has been looking difficult for a while, but we’ve actually cut some of the gap …,” he said. “That deficit was reduced in the last 30 days by 50%.”
Specifically, Obreiter noted that lodging numbers increased in the middle of the month and decreased toward the end of the month, near Thanksgiving. For December, Zartico is projecting a large deficit in bookings.
“But we have 30 days to start to fill that time period,” he said.
Jenkins, Gordy & Almand.
“These are all paid from the city general fund,” he said.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) With a lawsuit still in court, Ocean City continues to rack up legal bills in its fight against offshore wind, with more than $350,000 spent so far.
City Manager Terry McGean said the city has paid $332,815 in legal fees to its outside legal counsel, the Washington, D.C. firm Marzulla Law, which was hired last year to fight the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s approval of the US Wind project off Maryland’s coast. Another $24,372 has been paid to the city solicitor’s law firm, Ayres,
Last year, the Town of Ocean City announced it had retained Marzulla Law – a firm known for its expertise in environmental and property rights litigation – to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and National Marine Fisheries Service, or BOEM. The lawsuit, which lists several co-plaintiffs, challenges the agency’s process for approving the US Wind project, which would involve the construction of 114 wind turbines starting roughly 10 miles off the coast of Ocean City.
From the outset, the city manager estimated the total cost of the lawsuit to be somewhere between
$300,000 and $400,000. However, with litigation continuing, it remains to be seen what the total bill will be.
Last week, staff within the finance department presented the Ocean City Council with the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2025. The report notes that budget amendments increased general government expenditures by about $644,000, mainly due to legal fees and consulting services related to stopping the construction of the US Wind project.
In addition to a federal lawsuit against BOEM, the Town of Ocean City and the Worcester County Commissioners have filed a petition for judicial review in Worcester County Circuit Court, claiming the Maryland Department of the Environment erred in issuing its air quality permit to US Wind. A hearing in that case is scheduled for January.
Legal fees aren’t the only thing the city has spent money on in its fight against offshore wind. In 2023, the City Council agreed to spend $175,000 on a consultant to research and comment on US Wind’s plans for its Maryland project.
Local dollars are also being donated to Stop Offshore Wind, a coalition created through the sup-
port of the Worcester County Commissioners and the Ocean City Council and backed by private residents, businesses and community organizations. A gala celebrating Ocean City’s 150th anniversary will be held next month, with the proceeds going to support the nonprofit’s mission.
For supporters of offshore wind, the US Wind project represents an opportunity to generate renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support thousands of jobs over the next seven years. However, the project’s approvals are now at risk of being vacated by the Trump administration while the city-backed lawsuit plays out in federal court.
US Wind has stated its approvals for the Maryland offshore wind project followed applicable laws and that efforts to vacate those approvals violated both its rights and federal statutes.
The company’s efforts have been backed by state leaders, who have shared their support for the project despite local resistance.
Just last week, for example, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown filed an amicus brief supporting US Wind’s attempts to seek a preliminary injunction against the Trump’s administration’s halt.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) Saying he wants Worcester County to move in “the right direction,” former school superintendent Lou Taylor this week filed to run for county commissioner.
Taylor was at the Board of Elections in Snow Hill on Tuesday, signing the papers that make his campaign official. He said the idea to run took shape after people in the community began asking him to consider public office.
“The more they reached out to me, the more I thought about it,” he said. “And I just enjoy being in public service. I’ve had four months right now to rest, get recharged, rejuvenated, and I think I’m ready to roll my sleeves back up and give this a run. I’m 65 years old but I still think I’m young enough to give of myself.”
Taylor retired from a four-decade career in public schools in June. If elected to the Bishopville area in District 6, Taylor said he wants to focus not only on education issues, but law enforcement staffing and the future of offshore wind.
He said other issues of concern include the tenuous state of the county’s sewerage system, as well as the commissioners’ relationship with elected officials in the Town of Ocean City.
“Ocean City is the goose that lays the golden egg for this county,” Taylor said. “I don't think presently, the (commissioners) as a whole have been very cooperative with Ocean City. Without Ocean City, Worcester County would really struggle in a lot of ways.”
Taylor’s candidacy had been the subject of speculation after incumbent
District 6 Commissioner Jim Bunting, 74, said he was “99 percent certain” he would not pursue a fifth term.
Born and raised in Worcester County, Taylor started his public school career in 1983 as a physical education teacher at Berlin Middle School. In 1989, he went into administration, serving as a vice principal at Berlin Middle and then Stephen Decatur High School.
Taylor took over as principal in 1995 and served 17 years in that role before being promoted to assistant superintendent in 2012. The school board appointed him superintendent in 2016. Taylor is also the owner of his family business, the Bali Hi campground in Bishopville.
“I've had the opportunity to run the school system for the past nine years and that's a $125 million business,” he
said. “I hope that I have the skills, and I think I do, that will be able to make some good business decisions along with some of the other commissioners. I'm just excited about the opportunity to be a part of that team and make good decisions for the area of which I've lived my entire life and really love.”
Notably, Taylor’s grandfather Louis J. Hickman also served on the county commissioners from 1962-1974. Mitrecic files for reelection
Taylor was accompanied at the Board of Elections by Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who filed for reelection. Mitrecic, 63, is a four-term incumbent representing Ocean City in District 7.
One of the Lower Shore’s longestserving public officials – he previously served eight years on Ocean City’s City Council before joining the commissioners in 2010 – Mitrecic said he almost decided not to run again.
“You know, I wasn't going to. I really wasn’t. I kind of thought I was done,” he said. “But things got turned around and went backwards so far in this last term, I felt that it was necessary for me to come back and try to move the county forward again.”
Added Mitrecic: “We've been nothing but reactive for the last three years. We haven't been proactive. We haven't looked to the future at all. My idea when I became a county commissioner was to leave the county better when I was gone than it was when I got there. And I'm not sure that it's there right now. So, that's why I filed again.”
Other candidates who have filed for county commissioner in next fall’s election include Roxie Dennis for District 2 and Berlin Councilman Steve Green for District 4. Taylor and Mitrecic are Republicans, while Dennis is a Democrat seeking Diana Purnell’s seat. Green is running unaffiliated for the seat held now by Ted Elder.
Several incumbents have filed for reelection in other races, including Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, Clerk of Circuit Court Susan Braniecki, and Register of Wills Terri Westcott. Kathy Cater is the only candidate to file for school board.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) In an attempt to create some incentive for volunteer firefighters who reside in Ocean City, officials this week voted to pass a property tax credit for active members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company who live in town.
Earlier this month, the Ocean City Council approved a new memorandum of understanding with the fire company, which, among other things, requires the city to provide a property tax credit to all active-duty volunteers who reside within city limits. As part of that discussion, city officials shared their desire to have a that same incentive applied to all city workers, not just those within the fire company.
With that said, at the council’s last work session, officials agreed to create an annual bonus for city employees who own a primary residence in Ocean City, as state law only allowed a tax credit for public safety employees. They also agreed to move forward with a property tax credit, up to $2,500, for active volunteer firefighters.
“For the current members that are active, the total [cost] right now would be slightly under $6,000,” City Manager Terry McGean told council members this week.
During Monday’s meeting, the coun-
cil voted 5-0, with Councilmen Will Savage and Larry Yates absent, to approve the first reading of an ordinance to establish the property tax credit. But first, Mayor Rick Meehan asked what the qualifications were for an active member of the fire company.
“It says it’s to be determined based on current active volunteers that meet all qualifications,” he said. “Do we know what those qualifications are, so that they would be the standard that we would use?”
City Solicitor Heather Stansbury noted that the definition of an active member was defined in the fire company’s bylaws. However, she said a minimum definition appears in both the ordinance and the memorandum of understanding ratified by the City Council last month.
“I think it is clear to a member what would make them eligible,” she replied.
The property tax credit voted on this week applies to volunteers who are active members of the fire company; volunteers listed as the owner of their property; volunteers whose primary residence is within town limits and who have lived at the property for a minimum of one year; volunteers who receive the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit on the property; and property that does not have a rental license.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) Five finalists have been nominated to fill the House of Delegates seat vacated by the death of Del. Charles Otto, the Republican Central Committee of Somerset County announced.
Applicants for the District 38A opening include C.L. Marshall, Tim Howlett Sr., Mike McCready, Kevin Anderson, and Julia Salvas-Landon. The district, which Otto had represented since 2010 before his Oct. 17 death, includes all of Somerset County, a third of Worcester County, and a sliver of Wicomico County.
Because Otto was a Republican, state law dictates his party gets to choose from a pool of replacements. Applicants will be interviewed Nov. 8 before the nine-member central committee makes a recommendation to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, who will select an appointee to serve out the duration of Otto’s term. The General Assembly session starts Jan. 14 in Annapolis.
“Whoever gets the appointment, they’re going to have a lot of legwork
to get ready for the session,” said Somerset GOP chair Tammy Truitt. “It’s going to be a lot for them to learn in a relatively short amount of time. It’s a learning experience. Usually when you run for office you’ve got months preparing.”
Truitt shared the following about the candidates, who each submitted a resume and biography in their candidate application, as well as their issues of greatest concern:
Howard Kevin Anderson, 58, who goes by Kevin, is a grain and seed farmer with leadership roles in multiple farming organizations. He has also had experience on boards of government and resource agencies, including as a member of the Somerset County planning and zoning commission. His focus is agricultural legislation and public policy.
Timothy Harold Howlett, Sr., 64, served in the Coast Guard as a machinery technician and station engineer. He’s also worked as a correctional maintenance officer/manager at Eastern Correctional Institute.
Howlett is also the owner of an HVAC business specializing in commercial refrigeration and runs a country store in Crisfield with his wife. His focus is on fiscal management, and supporting farmers, water-
men, and small businesses.
Carroll Lee Marshall, 62, who goes by C.L., is a city councilman in Pocomoke City. He’s worked in logistics and operations for the food service company Holt out of Salisbury. He’s also a fishing charter boat captain. His focus is on economic development, stewardship of natural resources, and improving public education.
Michael Kevin McCready, 66, is a former two-term Somerset County Commissioner. A lifelong farmer, he’s been an owner/operator as well as a service technician and flock supervisor with multiple poultry production companies. He’s also a licensed commercial fishing boat operator with experience as a commercial fisherman. His focus is on farming and fishing while supporting small businesses and families.
Julia Salvas-Landon, 48, who goes by Julie, is a child advocate who works on improving outcomes for vulnerable children. In her career she’s also worked at the Life Crisis Center and Department of Social Services. She now works for Lower Shore CASA.
Moore will have 15 days to appoint a replacement after the committee sends along its final recommendation.
501 S MAIN ST, BERLIN, MD 21811
This 4-bedroom home offers unmatched craftsmanship and quality throughout. The spacious interior includes 10-foot ceilings, solid cherry hardwood floors throughout, built-ins including kitchen seating, solid brick wood burning fireplace, tile walk in showers, granite countertops, six burner gourmet stove, built in oven, wine cooler, large soaking tub and quality moldings throughout. In addition, there is a full basement that has a rear entrance that opens to spacious and functional outdoor space including a brick patio, workshop shed and a 44' x 22' pole building/garage. The abundance of private outdoor enjoyment space is impressive and adds to the character of the home. The front of the home has a grand porch with several mature trees and landscape that exemplifies its charm. This impressive property is located within walking distance of downtown or just a short drive to Ocean City, Assateague Island and all the area has to offer. $789,000
240 CHARLESTON RD, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811
a beautiful 100+ acre neighborhood nestled in the amenity enriched community of Ocean Pines. The Sanctuary has over 50 acres of open space with just 64 homesites. The neighborhood is quiet, peaceful and is ideal for long walks with your person or pet. Wildlife abounds. This delightful home is situated on a 1/3 of an acre that is easily managed with minimal care. The exterior of the home is maintenance free and offers both a covered front porch and spacious rear deck. In addition, there is plenty of space to park your car with additional guest parking on the concrete driveway. As you enter the home you will notice solid hardwood floors throughout most of the first floor. This custom-built home has a nice circular flow with an open kitchen living room concept. The home was designed for first floor living only if desired or can expand for the whole family with 2 additional bedrooms, another ensuite and large bonus room upstairs that could be a 5th bedroom. The first floor has an oversized laundry room, spacious office, dining area, eat up kitchen bar, eat in kitchen nook overlooking the deck and back yard, built in reading area, built in display and storage, cozy living room with a wood burning fireplace that can easily be converted to gas, oversized owner suite and bathroom. There is plenty of convenient storage throughout the home including a fully finished oversized two car garage. This 4 bedroom - 3.5 bath home will not disappoint and is being offered at a very reasonable price. $648,500
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) Substandard? Who you callin’ substandard?
The Worcester County Commissioners publicly grilled a pair of housing consultants Tuesday over the results of a new study that deemed more than half of homes countywide as “substandard” or having lower quality construction.
At issue was the ramification that the study results, if taken seriously by the state of Maryland, could force Worcester County into building new higher-density residential properties, officials noted.
Commissioner Chip Bertino said he found the assertion “absolutely bizarre” and pressed the consultants to define what they meant.
“What does it mean? Insulation,
windows? I mean, what is it?” said Bertino (District 4, Ocean Pines). “You’re labeling our county as having 54 percent, in this report, as lower quality. That’s crazy. And you’re not able to define that. I’m assuming we paid for your services.”
The 127-page report, funded by the state, from the Colorado-based Matrix Design Group, released Sept. 22, found that Worcester County’s housing market is in an affordability crisis. It painted a stark picture of a housing market where prices are outpacing incomes, and young families are stretched thin by skyrocketing rents.
The study took from census statistics, planning documents, and online real estate website data. Its results also sourced a survey of 673 residents and stakeholder interviews.
It also found that, based on an as-
sessor’s 9-point scale, that 54% of county homes scored 4 or below – into the realm of a “substandard” rating.
A mention of that scoring methodology is where things suddenly got contentious between the commissioners and analysts Christian Caron and Colin Lowe, who came to present their findings in person.
Caron stressed that the scoring system was a countywide average based on multiple variables, and lower scores were concentrated to hotspots.
It didn’t ease commissioners’ minds.
“Why are we being so critical? Fifty-four percent of our housing being substandard?” said Commissioner Eric Fiori at the board’s Nov. 4 meeting. “Look at the average home cost. I sure hope people aren’t buying substandard houses at a half million dollars a clip. The idea that we’re this short on housing is pretty much a shock to most of the commissioners.”
Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) wanted to know, “is that talking about a person who has a house that’s 100 years old? Is that included in that statistic?” Caron replied that it’s likely that older homes would score lower on their scale.
When Caron mentioned how 21% of homes relying on heating sources like wood-burning fireplaces or liquid
propane also get classified as substandard, Commissioner Ted Elder piped up.
“Many of the commissioners here might have substandard housing, I guess,” said Elder, the board president, dryly. “I burn fuel oil. So, mine is considered substandard, I guess.”
Caron seemed to sense Elder’s irritation. “Not substandard. Non-standard, I guess,” he said, laughing awkwardly.
Elder (District 4, Western) also called the “substandard” moniker a slap in the face to the many home builders who operate in Worcester County.
Lowe, the other consultant, noted how a key recommendation in the study was the increased need for maintenance and rehabilitation funding – meaning, it encouraged affordable housing “by preserving existing units rather than causing some mandate for new higher density housing everywhere.”
He added that the study’s policy recommendations suggested affordable housing solutions like developer incentives like tax deferrals, waivers of permit fees, fast track permitting, and parking reductions.
County Administrator Weston Young ended up clarifying why the
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) Worcester County officials denied a funding request for a children’s outdoor space at the new public library under construction in Pocomoke City.
County library Director Jennifer Ranck on Tuesday told the county commissioners that the gazebo-like “treehouse porch” had previously been struck from the project’s original budget to save money. However, after having raised $35,000 privately toward its $110,000 cost, she asked the commissioners to fund the remaining $75,000 to build it.
While Ranck said there was some urgency to the request because trades workers already were on-site, the commissioners ultimately declined to entertain any motion to fund the gazebo.
Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) urged Ranck and library foundation President Carol Rose to keep fundraising or do more cost-cutting to meet their goals.
“We give you an amount we could live with,” he said. “We’ve done everything we could for you.”
Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City), a home builder by trade, pointed out that 412 square foot gazebo was coming in at a price per square foot of $266.
“I mean, they build houses for that,” he said. “I support it and I think that the Pocomoke library deserves everything else that every other library has. However, I just think that, as a builder, if I was on site already this number seems awfully high to me.”
Mitrecic noted in particular that the 6x8-inch, 16-foot vertical wood posts to support the gazebo roof were quoted by builder Keller Brothers at $57,600 – more than half the price of the bid.
Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) noted how an uncovered porch recently built at the Ocean Pines library had been paid for with donations, not county taxpayers. He suggested the library build an uncovered gazebo and then raise money
to pay for a roof.
“I think coming to the county to ask us to pay for something with the square footage rate that is almost equivalent to building a school is a little bit out of line,” Bertino said, adding, “I like the concept, I just have a problem with the cost.”
After more than five years of planning, crews finally broke ground in January to build the new library. The 12,500-square-foot facility will be constructed on the same Market Street property as its 55-year-old predecessor, which had been the county’s oldest library branch.
It will include a large community room, study spaces, a room dedicated to local history, and a children’s section from which an outdoor yard will be accessible – which, originally, had included the “treehouse” as designed by architect Jeff Schoellkopf.
Rank said the project is on pace to be substantially completed by April, with a planned opening for June. It will cost about $8.4 million, with half that coming from the State of Mary-
land. The state also will give $275,000 toward furnishings and equipment, she added.
After the meeting, Ranck said the library foundation is grateful for the county’s financial support and will continue to fundraise.
“We are fortunate to have wonderful outdoor spaces at all four other library locations and certainly want that for the Pocomoke community as well,” she said. “I'm hopeful we can get the children's porch built during the construction phase, but time is definitely a factor, as the other aspects of the project need to progress and take precedence.”
Continued from Page 16
study was conducted in the first place.
Last year, the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development said Worcester County would not receive any more grant funding unless the county updated its housing study, according to Young.
“All the concerns that have been mentioned, about pulling from census data that we generally don’t agree with, and the threat of the state then using it to set some sort of arbitrary goals, those are all valid.”
Ultimately, the state paid Matrix Design Group $49,900 to conduct the study so Worcester could keep the door open to future grant funding.
While Worcester now owns the data from the study, state officials can still use it to make decisions that will impact the county down the line, noted Commissioner Bertino.
“Now, this is a state document that could be used to rate, rank, or in some way hold Worcester County to a level that’s really not consistent with reality,” he said. “Anytime the state’s involved in anything, it scares me, because they use a cookie-cutter approach, as we have found. What works in urban areas doesn’t work here.”
Wish list includes public safety facility, projects at schools over five years
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) Worcester County’s sheriff is pitching elected officials on an ambitious new public safety headquarters that would put prosecutors, emergency services, and the sheriff’s office under one roof.
“We feel that it strengthens the partnerships where we have that one-facility approach, where we’re all under the same roof,” Sheriff Matt Crisafulli told OC Today-Dispatch. “It’ll be better for facilitating ideas, management of personnel, and just that inter-cooperation and collaboration.”
This proposal was included as part of Worcester County’s latest capital spending plan, a 175-page planning document full of department heads’ wish lists for the next five years. Overall, the fiscal 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan includes projects totaling more than $345 million.
Crisafulli’s ask comes with an estimated $46 million price tag, which would account only for his agency’s share of the potential design and construction cost.
The sheriff’s office is now housed in a warren of crowded, windowless offices in the basement of the county’s Snow Hill headquarters. A new facility for the sheriff and his 96 sworn deputies also would be home to 911 dispatchers, the fire marshal’s office, and the state’s attorney’s office.
Crisafulli also said it could be located along Route 113 in Newark, on an empty parcel near the board of education and county landfill, for easy public access.
“There’s obviously going to have to be a lot of further discussion with the different partners as we move forward with this project,” Crisafulli said.
State’s Attorney Kris Heiser has previously stated how her agency’s current building, next door to the government center, is too small for current and projected staffing. In last year’s capital improvement plan, she proposed a 6,000 square foot addition to the building but that ask did not appear in this year’s document.
The plan includes other big-ticket funding requests, including millions for two new public schools.
Buckingham Elementary’s $71.3 million replacement is still in the works. Plans also call for a new Berlin Intermediate School, budgeted at $80 million, though a feasibility
study is still underway to determine whether renovation or full replacement is the most viable option.
It’s not the only request for school spending. The Board of Education wants money to replace roofs at three schools in each of the next three years: Worcester Technical High School ($11M), Stephen Decatur High School ($15.3M), Ocean City Elementary ($6.2M).
Also in the education realm, WorWic Community College wants $5.8M for a local share of a proposed 50,000 to 80,000 square foot student center on campus. It also would include an outdoor multipurpose athletic field with a track and fieldhouse. The state would fund 75% of the project’s proposed $84.5 million cost, with Worcester and Wicomico counties splitting the remaining 25%.
Renovations to the Family Court facilities were requested for Snow Hill Circuit Court, at a projected cost of $1.68 million. Judge Brian Shockley wrote in his proposal that renovations are needed because Family Court is small, overcrowded, and unsafe for judges and attendees. Work in two phases would reconfigure the first floor of the historic courthouse and steal space from the existing Register of Wills office and other court-
house offices.
Another courthouse proposal from Judge Shockley asks for $955,630 toward construction of a major exterior change: adding a 672 square foot vestibule to the Washington Street entrance. The same request last year came in at about $600,000.
For the health department, a joint facility to house both a new senior center and health department offices in Pocomoke City is proposed at a cost of about $10 million. The existing senior center in Pocomoke was built in 1947 as a school, and its deteriorating condition doesn’t meet safety or accessibility codes.
The Public Works department has several projects on the list, including $2.13 million to expand a recycling building, $9 million for five years’ worth of road paving, and $16 million to build a new storage cell at the landfill. Another landfill project on the list would cost $4.6 million for the construction of a state-mandated gas collection system.
Another dozen more proposed Public Works projects concern upgrades or replacements to water and sewer infrastructure, including millions of dollars for new sewer main connections between different treatment plans.
More rooms will replace an eatery on the seventh floor, new event venue added
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) Resort planners this week supported a developer’s request to reconfigure the interior layout of the Kyma Luxury Resort Hotel, an 83-unit facility to be built in downtown Ocean City.
On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted 5-0 to sup-
port two changes to the hotel’s approved site plan. George Bendler, the city’s planning and community development director, said the developer has plans to replace a seventh-floor restaurant and bar with additional guest rooms and swap out amenities in the second-floor lobby area with a new event space.
“The footprint is not changing; there’s not an increase to the footprint. They are just reconfiguring the current hotel …,” he told the commission. “This is just an effort by the hotelier – who is ready to start building
– to reconfigure this to go with market conditions.”
Bendler said the previously approved site plan for 700 S. Philadelphia Avenue called for 71 hotel units, with amenities on the lower floor and a restaurant and bar on the seventh floor. One of the amendments presented to the commission was to replace the restaurant and bar with 12 additional hotel units.
“Primarily, it’s difficult to service a seventh-floor restaurant and bring things up and down elevators,” he explained. “So they thought it was in their best interest to just place hotel rooms up here.”
The second proposed amendment, Bendler added, was to remove a VIP lounge and spa the second-floor lobby area, reallocate accessory square footage for a health and fitness area, and replace an approved banquet room with a larger event venue.
“They’ve removed the spa and put a venue space here with a kitchen and moved the health and fitness,” he said. “The lobby stays the same, the restaurant stays the same, the pool area stays the same and there is still a venue space outside.”
Because of the proposed changes, Bendler said the developer would add two additional spaces to the onsite parking lot, for a total of 113 parking spaces serving the hotel. He noted
that all previously approved agreements and variances would remain unchanged.
“Tonight we are revisiting a site plan amendment to an approved site plan,” he said.
Hugh Cropper, attorney for the property owner, noted that the original site plan was approved in a split 4-3 vote. He said the opposing commissioners were not against the project, but had concerns about the lack of a public easement to a bayside boardwalk on the property.
Now that the developer has reached a deal with the mayor and City Council – which will allow the hotel to use the neighboring Sunset Park as a fire lane in exchange for an easement – he said the public would have access. He noted that the development of a bayside boardwalk was a pillar of the city’s comprehensive plan.
“I think it’s huge …,” Commission Chair Joe Wilson said, thanking the developer for allowing the public easement. “I think in the future of Ocean City it will be even more important for the movement of pedestrian traffic downtown.”
The motion to extend the developer’s site plan by 18 months, and to approve the changes to the hotel passed 5-0, with Commissioners Palmer Gillis and Kevin Rohe absent.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Ocean City convention center is on track to exceed last year’s sales numbers, even though eight months remain in the city’s fiscal year.
Convention Center Sales Director
Kim Mueller told members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission this week that staff have booked 87 events so far in fiscal year 2026, which would result in $101 million in economic impact and attendance of 229,000.
With those early numbers, she said, the convention center is projected to exceed sales from 2025, which recorded 93 events, $137 million in economic impact, and roughly 250,000 attendees. Economic impact is estimated via a formula that considers attendance, per person spending, room nights and other factors.
“Our pace is amazing,” she said of this year’s sales numbers. “We definitely are set to top 2025.”
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, Mueller
said 47 events have been scheduled, resulting in an economic impact of $80 million and 184,000 attendees. In 2028, the convention center has booked 27 events, resulting in $54 million in economic impact and 119,000 attendees.
“We’re looking really strong at the convention center,” she concluded.
Convention center officials this week also remarked on various improvements taking place at the facility, including a project to install Taraflex flooring. Mueller said the new shock-absorbing surface would be installed ahead of a field hockey event, set to take place at the convention center in late December.
“All of our clients are really excited about using it – volleyball, basketball,” she said. “We’re charging, of course, for the rental of the floor, but our rental is still much lower than them bringing in floors. So it’s very desirable, and our clients are thrilled.”
Earlier this year, the Ocean City Council agreed to waive the bidding process for a project to replace flooring at the Ocean City convention center with a specialized surface and to purchase the material through Sourcewell, a cooperative that helps
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) Ocean City government staff will review bids after numerous proposals came in under budget for renovation projects at the Worcester Street and Caroline Street comfort stations.
On Monday, the Ocean City Council accepted bids from six companies, each of which submitted prices for renovation work at the two Boardwalk comfort stations. With a budget of $722,000 for each project, quotes ranged from $297,602 to $569,000.
“Many people want to do this work,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said. “It’s good to see.”
Open 4pm Friday & Saturday
For the Worcester Street comfort station renovations, the city received a $470,469 bid from Bimini Construction, a $490,000 bid from Gillis Gilkerson, a $569,000 bid from Harvey Construction, a $562,650 bid from Keller, a $569,000 bid from Henley Construction and a $572,871 bid from PBI Commercial.
For the Caroline Street comfort station renovations, the city received a $297,602 bid from Bimini Construction, a $358,480 bid from Harvey Construction, a $407,000 bid from Henley Construction, a $423,000 bid from Gillis Gilkerson, a $430,092 bid from PBI Commercial and a $474,800 bid from Keller.
With the bids received the council this week voted 5-0, with Councilmen Will Savage and Larry Yates absent, to accept the bids and remand them to staff for further review.
Once a company is selected, work on the two comfort stations are expected to conclude in April, ahead of the 2026 summer season, according to bid documents.
Continued from Page 23
governments secure products and services at the best price. A municipal bond issued last year paid for the $782,000 project.
As part of the original discussion on the floor replacement, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo told officials that promoters who use the convention center for indoor sporting events must rent flooring to cover the facility’s concrete base, resulting in additional costs for users. He said a rubberized flooring could increase usage at the facility.
“The flooring itself is going to be one of the largest in the U.S.,” he told the council, “and we should really see some economic opportunities with that flooring installation.”
(Nov. 7, 2025) The family of George Purnell revealed plans this week to donate a black marlin mount to the Ocean City Marlin Club.
Purnell, who passed away at the age of 86 this year, was a developer, general contractor and hotel owner. He built The Spinnaker at 18th Street on Baltimore Avenue in 1973. His black marlin head mount caught on the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia has hung in the lobby since 1973 captivating tourists, guests and children.
This past summer, Franny Purnell, his wife of 46 years, was pleased to sell the Spinnaker to Spiro and Marianne Buas and family.
With the help of long-time boat captain David “Coconut” Hedges, Sean Coughlin of Talbot Inn, who worked as a bellhop at the Spinnaker its first year, and George’s stepson Jeff Phillips, the huge mount has been moved. It will go to Duffie Boatworks for refurbishing and new coating and then to the newly renovated clubhouse of the Ocean City Marlin Club in West Ocean City.
Purnell joined the Ocean City Marlin Club at age 15 where he worked summers as a mate at Talbot Street Pier, the hub of activity for the fledgling sport fishing community and Ocean City Marlin Club’s first home. Purnell’s love of fishing became a lifetime pursuit, and he became recognized
as an international world-class fisherman.
Franny said this week her late husband would be so pleased his black marlin will hang in the clubhouse of the Ocean City Marlin Club where he remained a member since those early years.
For years, Franny and George Purnell traveled to Australia, catching hundreds of black marlin. The mount was from George’s first trip and represented the biggest fish he had ever seen.
separate laundry room with laundry tub. Kitchen updated 2021-2022 with granite counters & appliances. Hardwood floors throughout 1st floor & tile in kitchen, sunroom & baths. IMPRESSIVE stone façade exterior & long, paved driveway with lots of parking! Great room vaulted ceiling with skylights,
Town staff will confiscate any placed before 5 p.m., can be picked up next day
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Nov. 6, 2025) Berlin parade spectators will have to wait until two hours before an event begins to secure their spots with chairs and blankets, the town announced last week.
The policy will be strictly enforced by Berlin staff to ensure safety and accessibility don’t falter, even on the days of the town’s more lively celebrations.
Each year, residents and visitors flock to the downtown for events such as the Bathtub Races and the Christmas Parade, and many of these individuals bring beach or lawn chairs to secure their spots along the sidewalks.
Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said that for the more popular festivals, like the annual Christmas Parade, it's not unusual to see dozens of blankets and seats lined up before sunrise, placed by citizens who want to guarantee a front-row viewing position even though the event doesn’t kick off until about 7 p.m.
Now, per the new rules, spectators can’t reserve their spaces by plopping
down chairs and blankets on the sidewalks until the roads are officially closed by the Town of Berlin. Wells said that for parades, this is usually about two hours before the start time.
For the Christmas show, scheduled for Dec. 4 this year, this means that seating is not permitted along any pedestrian paths before 5 p.m.
The decision to enforce such a policy did not arise from a single incident, but was the result of a pattern town staff members had noticed over the years.
“People love the parade and want to get a good viewing spot early, but that’s led to chairs and blankets being placed out on the sidewalks as early as 6 a.m.,” Wells said. “Over time, it’s created some real safety and accessibility issues, especially for folks using wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers who suddenly can’t get by. The number of complaints kept our phones ringing all day last year.”
The economic and community development director added that the chair placement rule has always existed, but that it was never enforced.
The town’s official regulation reads, “It shall be unlawful except with the permission of the mayor and council for the owner or occupant of any premises within the corporate limits of the town to place, erect or store, or
to cause or permit to be placed, erected or stored on the sidewalk abutting his premises any articles, chattels, tables and chairs or merchandise of any type…
“The mayor and council shall not permit any articles, chattels, tables, and chairs, or merchandise of any type to be placed on a sidewalk unless said obstructing items comply with and meet the minimum sidewalk accessibility standards contained in the Maryland State Highway Administration's Accessibility Policy and Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities Along State Highways.”
From here on out, that code will be properly enforced, officials say. The policy comes just in time, with the annual Christmas Parade on the horizon, one of Berlin's most attended festivities
“When chairs are placed too early, they sometimes blow or get knocked into the street, people trip over them and vehicles have to stop in the middle of Main Street to move them,” Wells said. “It makes it impossible for people with mobility devices or parents with strollers to safely use the sidewalks, they end up walking in the street, which isn’t safe. It’s really about safety and accessibility for everyone. We know our community loves this parade, and we just want to make sure
they’re enjoyable and safe for all.”
Not everyone is embracing the change. Under a Facebook post on the page We Heart Berlin, user Terry Bezold Ferguson wrote, "Ridiculous to penalize those who bother themselves to get there early.”
Some argue that the guideline could be a detriment to the parade’s older attendees.
“This is gonna be interesting,” MaryAnn Cropper-Hickman said, under the same We Heart Berlin posting. “We put our chairs out early just to get a spot for my handicapped mom, so we didn’t have to go uptown as early with her.”
Even with some negative feedback, many acknowledge that the town’s choice to delay chair placement will increase safety at Berlin events.
“I’ll miss this … always thought it was cool to be able to do it, but I get it. Safety first,” Amy Field, a resident, commented on Facebook.
Chairs placed along the sidewalk before the road is closed will be removed by town staff and secured in a designated location, the policy announcement said. Owners may pick up their seats the day after the event. These individuals should contact the Berlin Police Department’s non-emergency line or the town at 410-6412770.
(Nov. 7, 2025) Yet again, Worcester County’s public school system stood out for its high ratings in the Maryland State Department of Education’s annual update to the Maryland Report Card.
The data, released on the department’s website Tuesday, contains performance measures for every school in the state, including 11 schools in Worcester County.
In Worcester, all eligible schools earned a four- or five-star rating, placing it as the only school system in the state to earn that distinction. Particular standouts in this year’s release are the performance of comprehensive high schools: all three high schools topped the Eastern Shore while Pocomoke and Snow Hill high schools were the 12th and 14th ranked high schools in the state, respectively.
Also notable is Pocomoke Middle School, which increased its star rating from three to four over last year by increasing its
total earned percent by over five percentage points. Pocomoke Elementary School also saw significant progress over last year’s report with an increase of 4.2 percentage points. The gain marks progress in both academic markers as well as performance for multilingual learners.
While Ocean City Elementary (OCES) slipped just under the threshold for five stars in this year’s report, an important contributing factor to the school’s score is chronic absenteeism.
Over 26 percent of OCES students who were chronically absent (missed 18 days or more) during the 2024-2025 school year included at least one vacation. In response, the school system will reinforce its messaging to families on the importance of regular school attendance.
The full breakdown of the 11 schools eligible to receive star ratings in Worcester County ratings is below.
• Berlin Intermediate, 64.5 points earned out of 100, 64.5%, four stars.
• Buckingham Elementary, 49.1 points earned out of 73, 67.2%, four stars.
• Ocean City Elementary, 53.6 points earned out of 73, 73.4%, four stars.
• Pocomoke Elementary, 32 points earned out of 48, 66.7%, four stars.
• Pocomoke High, 69.7 points earned out of 90, 77.5%, five stars.
• Pocomoke Middle, 108.2 out of 180 points, 60.1%, four stars.
• Showell Elementary, 41.9 out of 63 points, 66.5%, four stars.
• Snow Hill High, 69.2 out of 90 points, 76.9%, five stars.
• Snow Hill Middle, 115.8 out of 180 points, 64.3%, four stars.
• Stephen Decatur High, 70.6 out of 100 points, 70.6%, four stars.
• Stephen Decatur Middle, 63.3 out of
90 points, 69.1%, four stars.
To receive a star rating, a school must have 45 or more possible points. Some schools may not have possible points for every measure or indicator. In Worcester County, Snow Hill Elementary School did not reach this possible point threshold, which is why the school was not issued a star rating.
Additionally, Worcester Technical High School and Cedar Chapel Special Schools do not meet the qualifications for a star rating.
These scores reflect school performance on multiple components. For elementary and middle schools, the system includes academic achievement, academic progress, progress in achieving English language proficiency, and measures of school quality and student success.
For high schools, the system includes academic achievement, graduation rate, progress in English language proficiency, readiness for postsecondary success, and measures of school quality and student success. All schools’ calculations incorporate school composite scores on a statewide School Survey, which is based on input related to safety, community, environment, and relationships.
“I am incredibly proud of our schools for earning four- and five-star ratings across the board,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette Wallace. “These results reflect the unwavering commitment to excellence by our educators, staff, students, and families. Worcester County continues to be an educational leader in Maryland, and today’s report card release is yet another reminder of how our community’s investment in public education is transforming lives.”
Wallace added, “While data tells part of the story, what inspires me most is how our schools are helping students rise above barriers every single day. Research may suggest that poverty predicts performance, but in Worcester County, we are proving that when every child is known by name, strength, and need, potential—not circumstance—defines success.”
Maryland introduced School Report Cards in 2018 for students, parents, educators and community members to better understand how their schools are performing, just as report cards help parents understand how their kids are doing. The goal of the School Report Card is to bring together school data in an easy-to-understand and usable format to help us ask questions, find answers, make decisions, and act.
The School Report Cards can be found on the Maryland Report Card website, MdReportCard.org, as well as more information and data about schools and districts. An update on the latest release of the Maryland School Report Card was made to the State Board of Education on November 4, 2025. The presentation materials for the meeting, which provide statewide context to Worcester County’s performance, can be found at https://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Pages/Meetings-2025.aspx.
The Germantown School Community Heritage Center, a restored Rosenwald School located on Trappe Road in Berlin, has announced the newest station on its walking tour: a mural by local artist Patrick Henry depicting the history and legacy of the Germantown School. The final design of the mural, which includes vignettes depicting the history of the school, will be installed on the south facing school wall in November with a ribbon cutting planned for the holiday open house on Saturday, Dec. 15. Henry is pictured displaying his color rendering to the Germantown School Community Heritage Board. Pictured with the artist are Velda Henry, Tom Pitts, Carolyn Purnell, Diana Purnell, Barbara Purnell and Gabriel Purnell.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) has announced a significant donation of automotive supplies, valued at $15,000, from NAPA Auto Parts. The donation, which includes essential items such as oils, fluids, and various other shop consumables, is expected to provide a major boost to the students’ learning experience. For the WTHS Automotive Program, this donation is transformative, program spokespersons said. The program can now realign its projected spending, freeing up funds that would have been used for these consumable materials and allocating them toward other critical needs, such as automotive parts for complex repairs and projects.
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Art League of Ocean City will have five new shows opening on First Friday, Nov. 7, 5-7 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside.
The Sisson Galleria is home to the “Feast for the Eyes” group art exhibit, a visual celebration of food, flavor, and form. In conjunction with the exhibit, the Art League asks artists and patrons to bring canned or packaged food items that will be donated to Sarah's Food Pantry at the Community Church in Ocean Pines.
John Schisler who paints in the classical/contemporary realism style is featured in the Thaler Gallery in November. He began painting at the Conrad Miller Studio in Fells Point at age 17 where he studied the use of Maroger Mediums and the techniques of the Dutch Masters.
In 2011, Schisler began a full-time career in art, later expanding from still life painting to plein air. In 2020, he was juried into Plein Air Easton, one of the most prestigious outdoor painting events in the country and has won numerous awards in juried exhibitions.
Gwen Lehman of Ocean Pines, is the artist-in-residence in Studio E in November. Working in acrylic painting, photography, collage, and cold wax, the long-time educator at Stephen Decatur High School will exhibit her “Stage Door”
series of abstract landscapes and photography of deteriorating landscapes.
Jamey Krebs and B.K. Slocum share the Schwab Spotlight Gallery in November. Krebs specializes in water and landscape scenes, and her style is characterized as realistic and detailed, with a photographic quality.
Slocum is a plein air and studio painter, and her paintings are created from observation, catching the moment with emotion that touches on subjects as varied as the natural world, cultural events, and social statements.
The artisan for the month is JoAnn Stratakos, who owns and operated three small art studios in Chincoteague Island, Va. Her work includes pottery, fused glass, painting, and felting.
Aria Islam continues her exhibit in the Burbage Staircase Galley. Art League class instructors will be on hand with demonstrations and previews of upcoming learning events. Complimentary refreshments are sponsored by Montgomery Financial. In the satellite galleries, Anabela Ferguson presents her artwork at the Princess Royale, 9110 Coastal Hwy. Gail Stern exhibits her artwork at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Highway.
Exhibits at the Arts Center run through Nov. 29, with satellite galleries running through Dec. 27.
5pm-9pm
BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY
443-513-4647
10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin Saturday, November 8: TBA
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy. Friday, November 7: Full Circle
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, November 7: Dueling Pianos Saturday, November 8: First Class
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, November 7: Tony Mowen
Wednesday, November 12: Uncle Ward
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, November 7:
Chicken Charlie & The Biscuits
Saturday, November 8: Mercury Agenda
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay Friday, November 7: Mark Bray & The SSC & DJ Cruz
THE AUDIO FILES
Seacrets: Saturday, Nov. 8
ROGUE CITIZENS
Pub: Saturday, Nov. 8
FULL CIRCLE
Dry Dock 28: Friday, Nov. 7
FALL
Harborside: Saturday, Nov. 8
DUSTIN SHOWERS BAND
Fager’s Island: Saturday, Nov. 8
KONO NATION
Seacrets: Friday, Nov. 7
Saturday, November 8:
Sweet Leda, Dustin Showers Band & DJ RobCee
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Friday, November 7: TBA
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Friday, November 7: DJ Billy T
Saturday, November 8:
Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler
Sunday, November 9: Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By Deogee
Saturday, November 8:
Rogue Citizens
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess Thursdays: Beats By Connair
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, November 7: DJ Mary Jane, Carley Twigg, Trivia Night & Kono Nation Saturday, November 8: John McNutt Duo, DJ Connair, DJ E-State & The Audio Files
Thursday, November 13: Carley Twigg
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) Homemade goodies will be the focus of Berlin’s multi-day Christmas shopping event that will place on the four Saturdays after Thanksgiving.
The annual Merry Marketplace, as promotion is known, is slated for downtown Berlin from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20.
The shopping Saturdays will feature a variety of items, including homemade soaps, flower arrangements, and baked goods. For the second year in a row, the markets are being hosted by the Ocean City/ Berlin Rotary Club.
The group’s co-president, Margaret Mudron, said that the organization uses the marketeplace as a fundraiser for charitable causes, such as its annual scholarship program, which provides funds for college expenses to Stephen Decatur High School students.
Shoppers this year can expect appearances from two local authors, coffee and roasted chestnuts from Cast 26 Coffee (formerly known as Iron Skillet Coffee), floral arrangements from Little Miss Lovely, homemade soaps from Beehouse Soaps, Lyon Rum, and a few returners from the Berlin Farmers Market. Mudron added that she will have a tent with jams, jellies, and biscuits.
In addition, the Rotary Club will be selling hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
Event organizers have a few vendor spots left, either for one day of the market or all four. Items must be homemade. Any sellers who want to get in on the holiday action can email ocberlinrotary@gmail.com for more information.
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club is looking to make a few adjustments to this year’s schedule. Mudron said that they hope to have some type of entertainment in the middle of the events. They will also have festive characters, such as Olaf from the Disney movie “Frozen,” walking around the fair spreading holiday cheer.
The Rotary Club will use the event’s proceeds to fund its scholarship program for high school seniors in the area. Additionally, Mudron said that the organization has adopted pre-K classrooms at Ocean City Elementary School, Showell Elementary School, and Buckingham Elementary School.
The service team supplies these teachers and students with books and healthy snacks as often as possible.
Organizers hope that residents and visitors of Berlin and the surrounding areas use the fair as a way to stock up on Christmas and Hanukkah presents.
“[The markets] are a great place to do your holiday shopping,” Mudron said.
by Steve Green
ast week I got into my feelings a bit about my high school senior and the emotions that are coming along with all the “lasts.”
A friend of mine – who happens to have a senior in an Annapolis high school -- reached out and shared this piece from Grown and Flown contributor Victoria Duffy on the same topic:
The last soccer game was particularly brutal. As the referee blew the whistle, bringing the post-season playoff game to an end, tears began to fill my eyes. I kept it together while at the game, but I swear when I walked in the door at home, the waterworks began.
I’d watched that little boy, now a young man, play soccer since he was five years old. By my calculation, I’d probably sat through well over two hundred games in his career. In rain, snow flurries, cold, brutal heat…there I was, cheering him on…his biggest fan.
I’d driven to and from SO many practices….at least four times the number of games I sat through. I’d washed grassstained, mud-covered, odor-filled uniforms and socks more times than I could ever count. I’d dealt with the lost shin guards and the stinky cleats (ugh, that smell!) again and again over twelve years.
And when that last whistle blew this October, I’d instantly yearned for another lifetime of ALL of it. Stinky cleats and all. It’s so hard to imagine not sitting in the bleachers cheering him on any longer. That overwhelming pride I felt like his mom when he took the field…I will surely miss that. He will, of course, give me so much more to be proud of in his lifetime, but I will miss my soccer player.
Then came the senior pictures. Why must they take and send them so early in Senior year? Seeing that grown-up child in that cap and gown is just tear-inducing. It’s a reminder of what’s to come in a few short months, in case I’d had the good fortune to put that thought out of my mind for a while.
And in the midst of all of my nostalgia and anxiety and anticipation of next fall, we find ourselves knee-deep in college applications. I had previously thought we were well-prepared for this process, but oh, how wrong I was!
My intelligent, well-equipped-for-this son has melded into the world’s biggest procrastinator, missing early action deadlines and opportunities to apply for honors programs at his chosen universities. The stress levels are high. And it’s disappointing for both of us to spend any portion of his last year at home in this state of mind.
Like so many moms of teens have written before me, the angst of teenage boys is palpable. My previously huggable, affectionate, and kind son often turns into a growling, door-slamming, “you’re so annoying” yelling beast more often than I could imagine was possible. And hidden in those moments of insanity are calm and rational conversations with him. And what teens don’t get is that, regardless of which of those personalities are on display, you love them unconditionally.
… We’re encouraging our son to go away to college, to spread his wings and see that there’s more to the world than the few square miles he’s grown up in. But I have to be careful what I wish for as I’m terrified of how I will handle it if he chooses a school that’s hundreds of miles away.
I can already anticipate coming home from moving him into his dorm only to find an empty bed in his room. The empty seat at the dinner table crosses my mind often, too, although the times we eat together as a family are becoming few and far between in this busy life.
… It’s funny how the roller coaster of parenting works. Eager young newlyweds yearn for a baby desperately. Then that little newborn arrives and melts your heart. It takes only a matter of days for that new parent bliss to turn into full-on exhaustion and stress due to endless feedings, sleepless nights, and, in my case, colic.
You finally get them to sleep through the night and find yourselves amid the terrible twos. And threes. Boy, are those terrible, torturous threes underrated! And finally, at four, they seem to turn a corner. They’re potty-trained, more rational, and easier to take out in public and to restaurants with much less effort.
For the next thirteen years, you continue to deal with the highs and lows. Sure, there are the joys of their achievements academically, athletically, and socially. There are the milestones they accomplish. There are their ever-changing appearances. … Bigger kids, bigger problems.
They’re suddenly, as if right before your very eyes, full-grown adults applying to colleges and preparing to leave the nest. And ironically, you’d give anything to have the chaos of the past 17 years back. Because through all the stress and complaining, you were needed. The independence a child is about to gain is often terrifying to us as parents. Will they be safe? Will they be successful? Will they make smart choices? Will they come back home? Will they still need us? The emptiness starts to set in, hitting you like a ton of bricks.
So here we are, in the midst of senior year. I want to hug him, yet he’s not huggable. I want to spend time with him while I can, yet friends are so much more fun and cooler than Mom. I want to smile, but my heart wants to cry. It is the epitome of bittersweet.
… The year of tears has been tough on me. But I am confident I raised a smart, kind, humble, and driven human being. He’s going to do great things. My work here is nearly done. And the tears, well, I’m positive they’ll eventually be tears of happiness again as I take pride in all that life has in store for him.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Stephen Decatur Middle School’s Surf Into Integrity (SII) program has been in session since September and culminated with a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The program was conceived by Rich Brueckner, former Wicomico County District Attorney, now practicing locally. It’s conducted and taught by the Ocean City Surf Club (OCSC.) Sessions are held twice a week with one after school classroom meeting and one, on the beach, in the water class, each week.
The SII program is based on a book by world champion surfer Shaun Tomson with Patrick Moser. The book is titled “Surfer’s Code-12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life.” Shaun Tomson is one of surfing’s great ambassadors. The “Surfer’s Code” is fine evidence of Tomson’s prowess as an author.
Ironically Tomson was in town this past July, on a tour, as a motivational speaker. His appearance and inspirational speech was coupled with a showing of the movie “Bustin’ Down the Door.” Many former students of SII were in attendance as well as OCSC members and the surf community in general.
Each student is required to read two chapters or lessons, per week. The classroom sessions and beach sessions are based on the book’s lessons and, as was mentioned, taught and monitored by OCSC members.
The SII program has been held each fall for about the last 10 years. It’s one of the highlights of the OCSC.
Surfing is a central point, of course, but even more important is the help that hopefully can be offered to each student for “riding through life.”
— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
from left, are, Bridget Desaulniers, President, Junior Auxiliary Board; Palmer and Sandy Gillis, donors; Katherine Rodgers, Director, Community Initiatives and Community Wellness; Jill Stone, Sr. Director of Physician Medicine, Respiratory and Rehabilitation and breast cancer survivor; Katherine Fiddler, Vice President of Population Health and breast cancer survivor; Jessica Hales, Vice President, President TidalHealth Foundation and Chief Philanthropy Officer; Joe and John Zimmer, donor; and Cindy Lunsford, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, President of TidalHealth Primary Care and Specialty Practices.
(Nov. 7, 2025) TidalHealth’s state-ofthe-art mobile mammography unit has reached its $1 million fundraising and the “rolling imaging center” is getting prepped to hit the road, the TidalHealth Foundation announced last week.
Once completely outfitted by early 2026, the unit will bring advanced breast cancer screening services directly to all women, including the medically underserved, across Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester counties in Maryland and Sussex County, Delaware.
With the assistance of GIS mapping technology and electronic medical record data, TidalHealth is identifying neighborhoods, workplaces, and community centers with the highest medical needs, according to a statement released this week by the foundation. It is the only unit of its kind traveling Delmarva to provide this style of specialized care.
The 38-foot motor coach will offer comprehensive 3D breast cancer screenings, performed by a certified mammographer, which provides superior image quality for accurate detection of breast abnormalities. Images are transmitted and interpreted by a boardcertified TidalHealth radiologist.
“With this mobile mammography unit, we are breaking down barriers to care, reaching women who need it most, and saving lives across Delmarva through earlier detection and intervention,” said Jessica Hales, vice president/chief philanthropy officer, president of the TidalHealth Foundation.
A multidisciplinary team of community health workers, a nurse navigator, a social worker, and a nurse practitioner will accompany the unit to address the social, environmental, behavioral, and medical needs of each patient, she said.
This team will connect clients with primary care physician offices and offering wraparound social and communitybased resources.
Last week’s ribbon cutting for the unit highlights the success of the “Drive for Mobile Mammography” campaign, where more than $1 million was donated by TidalHealth team members and the public. Every donor who made
a gift in honor or memory of a loved one is recognized on the back of the van.
A donation of $125,000 in matching funds has been pledged by Joseph Zimmer LLC to establish the “Sheila Zimmer Breast Screening Fund.” If matched over the next five years of the pledge, it will provide a quarter of a million dollars annually for screening assistance.
Additionally, as one of the largest donors to the mobile unit with a $100,000 contribution, the Perdue Foundation has been honored with the naming of a virtual scanning room.
With Bunk Mann
The original Boardwalk Tram went into service on June 6, 1964 and featured a tractor that looked like a train. Most locals and summer visitors actually called it "the Train." There were five trailer-cars that each carried up to six people; the cars had just two wheels with an axle in the middle. It was a bumpy ride but only cost 25 cents for a one-way trip down the Boardwalk.
As the years went by the tram changed appearance with the train-engine giving way to futuristic tractors and finally Jeeps. The cars changed too, carrying more passengers and no longer using a single axle. The cost of a ride increased to $4 by 2024.
On August 20, 2024, a tragic accident occurred, resulting in the death of a two-year-old child. Service was suspended for the rest of that season and for the entire summer of 2025. On October 20, 2025, the Town of Ocean City confirmed the popular tram would no longer run again in the future. After 60 years the Boardwalk Tram had passed into history.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard from Bunk Mann's collection
By Steve Green
This year’s incredible World Series
When my both teens are asleep early
The last grass cut of the year
Hearing good economic reports
A smooth road trip
Saving money at a grocery store
Coming across a binge-worthy show
Finding unopened batteries
Old hardwood floors in a kitchen
Harper Lee’s story
An old man’s hard hands
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA) has announced the redevelopment of a National Recreation Trail, formerly known as the Beach to Bay Indian Trail.
Working with Somerset and Worcester counties and the Pocomoke Indian Nation, BBHA has created a more robust, accurate, and authentic traveler experience — now renamed the History, Heritage & Homelands National Recreation Trail, according to a statement issued by the organization.
Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1993 by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the route spans more than 100 miles through Worcester and Somerset counties, stretching from the Atlantic Coast to the Chesapeake Bay.
The new guide offers visitors a selfguided journey through 25 sites — from museums and parks to walking and water trails — exploring the stories, people, and natural wonders that define Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.
“This project was a true partnership and really opened my eyes to the rich Native American heritage we have here on the Lower Shore,” said Lisa Challenger, executive director of the Beach to Bay Heritage Area.
“The guide booklet will help visitors explore the history and heritage of the region, with a special focus on Native American homelands.”
“As a Pocomoke descendant, I am proud to have worked with our tribal historians to collate and share this comprehensive homelands project with the public.
“We are grateful for the vision of the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, as they continue to be committed to preserving the heritage of this region,” said Cheryl Doughty, council member and treasurer of the Pocomoke Indian Nation.
Developed in collaboration with Native American descendants of the Pocomoke Indian Nation, the guide draws on primary sources to foster a genuine and inclusive exploration of the region’s shared heritage.
Funding was provided through multiple avenues including the Rural Maryland Council, MD250 Commission, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and Worcester and Somerset counties.
Visit beachesbayswaterways.org to learn more or to order a free copy of the guide sending an email to Challenger at info@beachesbayswaterways.org
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club volunteers took their Youth ID/Fingerprinting Safety Program to Showell Elementary School to fingerprint six kindergarten classes on Wednesday, October 29. Pictured, from left, are Kevin O’Rourke, Larry Campbell, Former Vice President George Solyak, Mitch Frances, Former President Bill Hickey, Treasurer and Regional Lt. Governor Cynthia Malament, Eddie Fooks and Judi and Harry Haag.
On Friday, Oct. 31 members of the Delmarva Leathernecks Foundation met at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. to place American Flags on the graves of service veterans. Although a newly formed foundation, members of the Delmarva Leathernecks have participated in the placement of flags on every grave at the Dagsboro Veterans Cemetery for many years. The Delmarva Leathernecks meet the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Residence Inn located at 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
On Worcester Wednesday, Sept. 29, students and faculty at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) came together to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink dress-down day fundraiser. Participants donated $5 to benefit the Beebe Medical Foundation and its program offering free and reduced-cost women’s health services. Each month, students nominate charitable organizations for the school’s Worcester Wednesday fundraiser. Student Olivia Soares sparked the effort to support Beebe Women’s Health Services. Pictured, from left, are girls varsity soccer players Addy Wisniewski, team captains Cora McClanahan, Emma Nordstrom and Olivia Soares and Coach Carol Hartnett.
Department of Social Services (DSS) staff gathered to celebrate at their Halloween pizza party. This annual event is sponsored by the DSS Advisory Board in keeping with one of the board’s goals to show staff appreciation for their commitment to strive to provide timely services to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in Worcester County.
OCEAN EXPERTS
Third graders
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Nov. 6, 2025) Students at Stephen Decatur High School looked into the possibility of college life this week as part of a program designed to encourage the next generation to consider a career in education.
The effort is part of Worcester County Public Schools’ “grow your own” initiative to respond to teacher shortages and to foster academic talent in the county.
According to Kristina Cosgrove, an educator at SDHS and Salisbury University, Worcester Technical High School offers a Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program to high school juniors and seniors that, according to its website “aligns with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and the Maryland Essential Dimensions of Teaching (EdoTs).
“The program prepares students for further education and careers in the education profession.”
Cosgrove said she began teaching a similar dual enrollment course last year at Decatur, called EDFN 210: School in a Diverse Society, to recruit more students to enroll in the tech school’s TAM program.
The class at SDHS also allows students to earn three SU credits through hands-on classroom experience and exposure to the craft of teaching.
“In addition to completing syllabus assignments, the high school students complete a 30-hour field experience where each is paired with a mentor teacher from [Berlin Intermediate School] and [Buckingham Elementary School],” Cosgrove added. “The high school students spend three class periods a week coteaching, working with kids in small groups, one-on-one and other tasks as assigned by their mentors.”
The young learners have an opportunity to obtain an extra fourth credit if they complete an additional 15 hours of fieldwork.
Cosgrove also teaches a literacy course at SU on Monday nights, which has enabled her to foster collaboration between her high school and college students. On Monday, Nov. 3, the high schoolers had the opportunity to audit the undergraduate course and work as partners with college students on a project.
The project paired college and high school students to create a lesson plan, detailed on a poster, for writing in a specific content area. The undergraduates came into the endeavor as “experts” in writing instruction. The high schoolers were “experts” in educational philosophies, a recent unit they had learned.
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
South end to 28th Street
■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON
DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily
7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR
2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com
There is more at District 24. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee at Jay’s Cafe. CRAFT Pizza, Beer & Cocktails at CRAFT Lounge. Fresh Seafood at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. Enjoy an elevated dining experience with great chophouse dishes and charcuterie boards, along with a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine Menu at Embers Rooftop Restaurant. There is something for everyone at District 24 like live music in the courtyard, mini golf, arcade play and axe throwing.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Celebrating our 41st anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Familyfriendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
29th to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available.
Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, lo-
cally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ CHESAPEAKE & CAPRI
9800 Coastal Highway Plaza Condominium, Ocean City 443-664-6147
Enjoy oceanfront dining, mouth-watering dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Our menu is designed to delight. Amazing food with an ocean front view. Thursday and Sunday, $21 entrée specials like blacked rockfish and several pasta dishes. Open Thursday through Sunday at 4 p.m. Happy hour offered in the offseason from 4-6 p.m. Located on the first floor of the Plaza with plenty of free, convenience parking.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside
seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Phillystyle cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu
“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL
9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com
$$ | Full bar
Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 1-6 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open everyday, 12 noon to 9 p.m., kitchen and bar.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; FridaySaturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
To further the collaborative efforts, the writing activity poster required identifying an educational philosophy—perennialism, progressivism, social constructionism, existentialism, or essentialism—that fit best. Additionally, the students pondered how they would modify the lesson for students who require extra support, such as English language learners, and for gifted students who would benefit from a challenge.
This project was a “capstone,” Cosgrove said, to a semester-long partnership where the high school students were assigned a “big sister/big brother” college student mentor.
“The project was an authentic, collaborative activity where the students got to see the textbook come to life,” Cosgrove said. “They have to think about real-life teaching activities and have them come to fruition. The strength of the activity was that not only did they come up with the activity, but then they had to think about, ‘Who am I serving? What students aren’t being served?,’ because of different needs, strengths, and weaknesses.”
Cosgrove added that for the high school kids, Monday night’s visit to Salisbury University gave them a taste of college life and college
courses. For the college students, the project provided insight into how a high schooler thinks, preparing them for when they enter the real world, where they will be the teachers in charge of a high school classroom.
In addition to the SDHS students enrolled in the EDFN 210 class, Cosgrove invited a few leaders of Educators Rising, a club she co-advises.
“Ultimately, the hope is to encourage my [high school] students to continue in this journey by going through the TAM program at the tech school where they will earn more college credits and enter college already ahead of the game,” Cosgrove said.
Cosgrove’s high school course is a recruitment effort to encourage more students to enroll in the TAM program at WTHS, which is part of a years-long effort to inspire kids to pursue a profession in education. The hope is that students graduating from WCPS will go on to obtain a degree and then return to this community to teach.
Cosgrove believes that WCPS’s “grow your own” initiative has been successful.
“I have a student who I taught in the class last year who is currently in the TAM program and had a conversation with me recently about wanting to teach at SDHS one day,” she said.
McDaniel College has awarded Evie Eggers of Berlin a Military Legacy Scholarship valued at up to $132,000, or $33,000 annually over four years. Eggers is a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and is a member of the McDaniel class of 2029.
All military veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their children can apply for this guaranteed scholarship to attend McDaniel College.
The Military Legacy Scholarship is among the largest scholarships offered at McDaniel. To apply for the scholarship, students must complete and submit a Military Legacy Scholarship eligibility form and provide verification of military service.
St. Peter's Lutheran Church at 10301 Coastal Highway is the only overnight cold weather shelter in Ocean City, and volunteers there play a vital role in keeping its doors open for those who need shelter on the those freezing nights this winter.
The shelter needs help with overnights, registration, and dinners. Anyon who wishes to learn more about being a volunteer and how they can help, plan to attend one of the upcoming training sessions at the church.
The shelter is located at the far end of the building, with a ramp leading up to the door. Please send an email with
any questions or to RSVP to Jason Long at ocmdcoldweathershelter@gmail.com.
The three training sessions will be Thursday, 11/13 at 1 p.m., Sunday, 11/16 at 12:30 p.m., and Thursday, 11/20 at 6 p.m.
Wells of Laurel, Del., with a time of 22:55.
The Ocean City Police Department, with the team of officers Joshua Glaub and Timothy Chaykosky, won the First Responder Team Cup Challenge.
Participants ranged in age from eight to 78. Proceeds will benefit the students of Wor-Wic.
The event has raised more than $350,000 since 2011, spanning 14 races.
University of Maryland Global Cam-
The Wor-Wic Community College Foundation recently held its annual 5K Hero Run and two-mile walk, along with the 2025 First Responder Team Cup Challenge, at the college campus in Salisbury.
With a time of 19:29, the overall male winner of the 5K race portion of the event was Garrett Higdon of La Plata, Md.
The overall female winner was Keely
pus graduated more than 3,800 students worldwide in the summer 2025 term including the following local students.
Dane Thurston of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude in Business Administration.
Madeline Connick of Berlin, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Katherine Hoos of Berlin, Master of Science President's List in Management: Project Management.
Bridget Kemp of Berlin, Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Graphic Communication.
Darby Moore of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
This is a great week to start a new project or hobby, Aries. Your energy is very high right now. Just be careful not to bite off more than you can chew.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
This week is all about treating yourself, Taurus. You have been working very hard and it’s about time you indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Think about ways to unwind.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, your social calendar is buzzing. You will be the life of the party this week, so get ready for some fun conversations and exciting invitations in the days to come.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
You might be feeling particularly cozy and creative this week, Cancer. Your home is your sanctuary, so consider a DIY project to make it even more restful and comfortable.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
People may be drawn to your confident and playful nature this week, Leo. This is a great time to express yourself creatively or take the lead on a group activity.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you are a master of small details. This week you may find joy in organizing and perfecting something you care about. Tidying up may feel therapeutic right now.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, get ready for some surprises. The universe is giving you a little nudge towards fun and adventure. Keep in mind a casual outing could turn into an exciting experience.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Pay attention to your gut feelings, Scorpio. Your intuition is sharp this week. You may be able to navigate a tricky situation with surprising ease and do so in a good mood.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
A funny misunderstanding will lead to a lot of laughter with a close friend, Sagittarius. Don’t be afraid to tell jokes, even if they aren’t the best. Humor will land well this week.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Your hard work is paying off, Capricorn. Take some time to celebrate your wins, big or small. You might find a new way to make a routine task more enjoyable.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Creativity is flowing this week, Aquarius. You may have some innovative ideas, so don’t be afraid to share them with others. A brainstorming session with coworkers can be rewarding.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, right now your imagination is your best friend, so let it guide you to some fun and whimsical activities. This is a great time to listen to music or to learn to play an instrument.
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) The art of cookery is based on ingenuity and originality. As a result, we can assume variation is inevitable and change becomes the norm. With that in mind, let us delve into the benefits of the unassuming pressure cooker as opposed to the popular slow cookers.
Before we begin, allow me to clarify a slight misunderstanding. Inexperienced cooks tend to use the terms “Crock-Pot” and “slow cookers” interchangeable, but this is incorrect. While all Crock-Pots are slow cookers, not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots. In essence, a Crock-Pot is a brand name for a slow cooker, while a slow cooker is the generic term for the appliance.
Slow cookers, pressure cookers, and Dutch ovens are used for moist-heat cooking techniques that consist of braising, simmering, and stewing. But there are fundamental differences in the way that they heat, which can affect the outcome of a dish. For the purpose of this article, we will compare slow cookers and pressure cookers.
One of the biggest factors that can affect the taste and body development in braises and stews is the temperature at which they are cooked. The temperatures in slow cookers can vary greatly from brand to brand, but in most cases, the range of heat is below a pressure cooker and therefore it takes a considerable amount of time to complete the process of cooking.
In addition, the moisture that evaporates from the food being cooked condenses on the lid and drips back down, simultaneously slowing the rate of reduction which incorporates tenderness but
can also reduce the essence of the dish.
Pressure cookers function on a different principle than slow cookers. Pressure cookers are tightly sealed and the boiling point of liquid is much higher. As the pot heats up, pressure begins to build. This pressure makes to more difficult for water molecules to turn to vapor. The steam generated in the cooker makes food cook faster.
And because the pot is sealed, it requires less cooking liquid which enhances the flavor. As a bonus, once the pressure is reached, you cook with the heat turned down as low as possible, and the cooking time is very brief as opposed to a slow cooker.
Before we call it a day, let us review a tips for tasty pot roast. Chuck roast with the bone or boneless are your options. If you have a choice, opt for the bone.
A savory broth is the foundation for this dish. Beef and chicken will create balance and depth. Veal stock will take this dish to another level but it is very pricey.
Tomatoes and mushrooms add an umami twist to the pot roast. Adding a few pepperoncinis kicks it up a notch.
Whether to add potatoes directly to your pot roast is up for debate. Do you want a complex broth to be soaked up by boiled potatoes? The solution: a base of velvety mashed potatoes incorporates potatoes but the pot roast remains the star.
3 ½ to 4 pounds bone-in chuck roast
4 teaspoons olive oil
6 cups beef broth
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups dry white wine
1 cup red wine
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 large yellow onions, peeled and quar-
tered
7 large carrots, peeled, and quartered
2 stalks celery, sliced at a 45-degree angle
2 green peppers, diced
2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, strained, seeds removed, and coarsely chopped
8-ounce package of whole Baby Bella Mushrooms, washed and stems removed
4 pepperoncinis
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons each black pepper, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, Herbs de Province
1 package McCormick Aus Ju
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 rounded tablespoons tomato paste kosher salt to taste
1. In a pressure cooker, over medium high heat, sear the chuck roast on both sides in olive oil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 1 ½ hours, or until meat is tender.
2. Add remaining ingredients and cook until vegetables for another 45 minutes.
3. Remove bay leaves and pepperoncinis.
4. Place a generous portion of mashed potatoes on the serving plate, and smother pot roast over it.
Mashed Potatoes
10 cups of your favorite mashed potato recipe
* If you want to thicken the pot roast a bit, since it will be going over mashed potatoes, simply add a corn starch slurry. Secret Ingredient - Taking Chances If you risk nothing, then you risk everything.
— Unknown
Saturday, November 8th 10:00 am till 2:00 pm
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Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus
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Antlitz’s second grade class has been raising money for Ocean City Elementary School’s PTA Boosterthon. As a reward for reaching one of their goals, students had the opportunity to bring in a board game of their choice to play with their classmates. Top are Eoin Gray, Alden Holsinger, Ryleigh Horn, and Ella Sparta and at left are Arlo Smith and Graham Artrip. SUBMITTED PHOTOS/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH
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“The Martha Circle”
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Location: St. Andrew Catholic Center 14401 Sinepuxent Avenue Ocean City, MD
Saturday, November 8, 2025 9AM—4PM
Credit will be Ope UMAU
Proceeds support local missions AUMC Thrift Shop will be Open 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
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Credit Cards Accepted ($10 minimum)
Raffles, Pictures with Santa, Craft Table, Christmas Room, Chinese Auction, Jewelry, Silent Auction, Books, White Elephant Gifts, Bake Sale, Wine Pull, Food St. Luke Catholic Parish 24 th Annual
Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
YOGA BASICS FOR BEGINNERS
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 6 p.m. Build confidence and familiarity with foundational yoga poses. Bring your own mat. 410957-0878
SOLAR POWERED PAPER HOUSES
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m.
Craft a simple solar-powered paper huse with a solar cell and LED and discover how sunlight turns into electricity. For ages 6-18 years. 410-641-0650
CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Celebrate your favorite books and characters with crafts and games. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014
OC MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
DISCOVERY DEN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:304:30 p.m. Come enjoy a new topic every week. Week 1: Art Studio. Best of elementary and middle school students, but all are welcome. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. The Art League of Ocean City unveils its new exhibits. Come out for food, drinks, and to meet the artists! https://artleagueofoceancity.org
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994
15TH ANNUAL AUTUMN HOME SHOW WITH ART & CRAFT FAIR
Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Home Show features the newest
products and services for your home and helpful advice from the pros. Art & Craft Fair features a wide variety of creative and unique gifts. https://oceanpromotions.info, 410-213-8090
PRAYING 4 THE NATIONS & VETERAN’S DAY EQUESTRIAN BEACH RIDE
Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The event begins at Cape Henlopen State Park and travels to Bethany Beach, Ocean City, and the Chincoteague Inlet. Josie Whale, josiewhale777@gmail.com
11TH ANNUAL STORM WARRIORS 5K WALK/RUN
S. End of the Ocean City Boardwalk, 813 S. Boardwalk, 9-11 a.m. Registration kicks off at 8 a.m. Top competitors will receive awards. Cost is $30. Register: https://www.ocmuseum.org/5k-walkrun. Benefiting the OC Life-Saving Station Museum. 410-289-4991
SATURDAY WRITERS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop-ins welcome. 410-641-0650
OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Captain Tom Ottenwaelder will be discussing al things boating from winterization, inspections ad marine regulation changes. All welcome. Jack Barnes, 410641-7662
TOWN HALL
Tyree AME Church, 10049 Germantown Rd, Berlin, 10 a.m. MD State Democratic Chair, Steuart Pittman will hold a Town Hall immediately following the Worcester County Democratic Central Committee meeting at 9 a.m. All are welcome. Dr. Roxie Dennis, 410-726-4381
47TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Atlantic United Methodist Church, 4th Street, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring Mr. and Mrs. Clause and elves, Christmas Home Place, vintage and new jewelry, bakery delights and gifts, silent auction and Friar Gary’s Fries. BBQ Chicken lunch available. 410-289-7430
OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS
MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop
for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market
15TH ANNUAL AUTUMN HOME SHOW WITH ART & CRAFT FAIR
Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Home Show features the newest products and services for your home and helpful advice from the pros. Art & Craft Fair features a wide variety of creative and unique gifts. https://oceanpromotions.info, 410-213-8090
MOVIES AT THE MUSEUM
Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin. Intro at 6:30 p.m., showtime at 7 p.m. Featuring “Night at the Museum.”
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, May through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market featuring more than 50 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat and more. Also featuring a petting farm (9-11 a.m.), free kids art station and live music. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
WHAT COLONIAL RECORDS TELL US ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND HOMELANDS OF THE POCOMOKE INDIAN NATION
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. From maps, treaties and court cases recorded by the pens of colonists and early Marylanders, we can learn much about a once thriving vibrant culture whose descendants continue to live in our region today. 410-632-3495
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
3-D PRINTING 101
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about 3-D printing from a local
high school student. Watch him as he creates his own 3-D sculptures. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014
WRITING FOR WELLNESS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health & psychological well-being. This group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014
STORY TIME: FARM ANIMALS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Elissa, 410-641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.
BOOK CLUB @ TIDES AND VINE: ‘A RIFT IN THE EARTH’ BY JAMES RESTON JR. Tides and Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. An evening of books and wine. Stop be the Snow Hill Library to pick up your book, then met for a great discussion. Must be at least 21 years of age. 410-632-3495
FILM SCREENING
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join in for one of Jane Austen’s novels in movie form. 410-524-1818
STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St, Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts that feature on eof the museum’s special animals. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories,
Continued on Page 52
songs and fingerplays. 410-641-0650
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495
ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MEETING
American Legion Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, 7 p.m. Refreshments served after 6:15 p.m. Benjamin Daringer will speak about the lates and great marine technology to increase your catch. All are welcome.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COMMUNITY SUPPER
Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City (behind St. Luke’s Church), 4:30-6:30 p.m. “Celebrate Veterans” and enjoy a wonderful Italian supper. Cost is $15 and $8 for Vets. 410524-7994
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. Group meets every Tuesday. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning
more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
PAJAMA STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6:30 p.m. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffie to snuggle while you enjoy stories and songs to wind down to bedtime. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650
LET’S GET COOKING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Get Thanksgiving ready with pumpkin and homemade whipped cream. Make it and take it home to enjoy. For ages 1218 years. 410-208-4014
FAIRY MINI GOLF
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. Design, build and test your own tiny tabletop golf hole. Once you’ve finished, add it to part of the library fairy golf course and take a whirl. For families. 410-524-1818
JANE AUSTEN TRIVIA
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Test your knowledge about all things Jane Austen. 410-641-0650
MERRY MAKERS: SANDWICH BAG STARS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. White sandwich bags are tranformed into beautiful stars that can decorate your windows or wall just as we herald in the holiday season. Registration required: 410-208-4014.
BOOK CLUB @ 50PLUS CENTER: ‘JUST AS I AM’ BY CICELY TYSON
50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, 11 a.m. Stop by the Snow Hill Library or the 50plus Center to pick up a book, then meet for a great discussion. 410-632-3495
PINE CONE FLOWERS
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 11 a.m. Learn. how to turn pine cones into flowers and crafts a small decorative item to take home. Register: 410-957-0878.
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines
Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014
OC LIONS MEETING
Ocean City Lions Club, 12534 Airport Rd, Berlin. Social gathering begins at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner meeting at 7 p.m. Open to all who are interested in serving the Ocean City community. Reservations: 443-880-8729.
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original boxes. 410-641-0650
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Wednesdays (through Aug. 20) - Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumford's Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Food available for purchase. Admission is $3 for OP swim members, $5 for OP residents, $7 for non-residents and free for non-swimmers. Cash only. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
CASH BINGO
Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443-605-5028
LET’S MAKE … PINE CONE WREATHS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Create a beautiful and rustic pinecone wreath, perfect for seasonal dcor, gifting, or a cozy addition to any home. All materials provided. Registration required: 410641-0650.
BINGO
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join in for a lively gam eof Bingo and win fun prizes. 410-524-1818
AROMATHERAPY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Participants will create their won custom fragrances and will use these to create 3 personal aromatherapy items. Registration required: 410-957-0878.
STORY TIME: ‘JUMP!’
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495
STORY TIME: DINOSAURS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Get ready for a dino-riffic story. Songs, stories and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014
VISION BOARD + HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING SESSION
Residence Inn by Marriott, 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City, 10-11:30 a.m. Designed to help participants reflect, reset and envision their ideal path to wellness. Cost is $35. Register: https://givebutter.com/MaryRupinski. Benefiting the Art League of Ocean City.
OC CHESS CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
DRY PANTRY
Thursdays - St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For those in need of resources such as paper products, laundry products, baby items, and personal care items. Limits apply. 410-641-0270
YOUNG HISTORIANS ESSAY CONTEST Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St. Open to middle and high school students. All entries that meet requirements will earn one hour of service larning. Winners in each age group will receive an extra prize. Reach out to history@worcesterlibrary.org for any local history research assistance. Stop in or call for full details. 410-632-3495 Due by Nov. 15.
CARDBOARD CITY - 3-D MURAL Pocomoke library, 401 5th Street, throughout November. Materials are provided to design your own house or building to add to our cardboard city 3D mural. For ages 6-18 years. 410-9570878
HISTORY-TO-GO: CROSS STITCHING Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout November. Includes info sheets, recommended activities, supplies and more. Pick up from the Snow Hill library. 410-632-3495
Crossword answers from page 48
Experienced
YR SOUS CHEF
Mancini’s Restaurant
907 Coastal Hwy Fenwick Isle, DE
302-537-4224
JOLLY ROGER
Small Engine Mechanic. Ride Maintenance. Year Round.
Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Ocean City, MD
410-213-1032
OC WINTER RENTAL
Downtown
2BD/2BA, Apt., furnished. Central HVAC, W/D, WiFi, cable included. Occ. lmtd. to 2. No smoking/pets.
$800/mo. + utilities. 410-202-6353
YR APARTMENT 8th ST.
1 BR, Sleeps 6 Fully remodeled. 3rd Floor, No elevator
$1,850 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
YEAR-ROUND RENTAL
3BR, 2BA
Beautiful Townhouse with garage. Unfurnished. Off Rt. 54 in Atlantic Lakes. $2,300 per mo. + util’s. Owner pays HOA. Community pool. No pets/smoking. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555
YEARLY RENTAL
2BR, 1BA Unfurnished 319 Robin Drive
Available immediately Dog friendly, ground floor. Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history.
$2,000/mo + electric Call/text 703-819-7400
WINTER RENTAL
North OC
1BR, 1BA Condo
3rd Flr walk up, furnished, WD, Parking, Walking distance to restaurants
$1,100 per mo + sec. dep. Incl’s Util & WiFi 412-965-4079
ROOMMATES
ROOMMATE
North Ocean Pines Room for Rent. Furnished, Private Bath. $850/mo. + 1/2 Utilities. Text 410-726-2451.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
39 ACRE FARM
mostly cleared. Between Pittsville and Salisbury. Huge warehouse/barn w/concrete floor. Perfect for horse, vehicles, contractors.
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
Commercial Space for Lease. ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT!
2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 1000 sq. ft. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.
COMMERCIAL SPACE
Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.
Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within. $2,400 per mo. 410-430-7675
Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
QUALITY FISHING REELS WANTED Professional buyer, pays fairly. Cash, easy friendly service. Text pictures to 856-426-4940.
Includes 2,200 sq. ft. house. Gourmet kitchen, liveable but needs updating.
$650,000
Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555
Rosenberg & Associates, LLC
4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 907-8000
www.rosenberg-assoc.com
STOCKTON, MD 21864
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Khalid A. Hindi dated November 4, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7864, folio 461 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
NOVEMBER 18, 2025 AT 3:55 PM
ALL THAT FEE żIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #08-008256.
The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $17,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, re-
captured taxes (including but not limited to agricultural taxes), 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 loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale. If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, subject to order of the court, the entire deposit (including any amount received over the advertised deposit amount) shall be forfeited to the Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. 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 and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 25-004043-MD-F-2.
Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees
OCD-10/30/3t
Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000 www.rosenberg-assoc.com
OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
35 TAIL OF THE FOX DRIVE
BERLIN A/R/T/A
OCEAN PINES, MD 21811
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from William J. McGraw dated May 20, 2022 and recorded in Liber 8393, folio 494 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on NOVEMBER 18, 2025 AT 3:57 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #03-039560.
The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $19,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, recaptured taxes (including but not limited to agricultural taxes), 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 loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.
If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, subject to order of the court, the entire deposit (including any amount received over the advertised deposit amount) shall be forfeited to the Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. 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 and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and se-
cured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 25-003808-MD-F-2.
Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees
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JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
6401 ATLANTIC AVENUE, #407 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-25-000253, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 6401 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025 AT9:00AM
ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, being more particularly designated and distinguished as Unit No. 407 in the "Surf's Edge Condominium", together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and ByLaws, dated July 5, 1984, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Uber W.C.L. No. 1000, folio 555, et seq., and pursuant also to the plats described in said Declaration, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book W.C.L. No. 91, folio 50, et seq.
The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Mortgage recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Uber No. 8299, folio 36, said Mortgage having had an original principal balance of $457,500.00 on January 14, 2022. The balance owed on the Mortgage will be announced at the sale. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars
($20,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier's or bank check, with the balance to be paid in cash at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney's fee of $350.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the purchaser's sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.
For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-10/30/3t
COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales
OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
808 & 810 2ND STREET
POCOMOKE, MD 21851
By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated August 25, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7968, Folio 440, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $99,000.00, and an interest rate of 20.990%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on November 10, 2025 AT 11:00AM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling. Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and
agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $9,800.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole remedy shall be the return of deposit without interest.
Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees
Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com
CGD File #: 460586 OCD-10/23/3t
JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ
AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN F JARVIS JR Estate No. 20875 Notice is given that ROBERT BRAD JARVIS whose address is 10109 PEBBLE CT OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-8805 was on OCTOBER 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN F JARVIS JR who died on SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal rep-
resentative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of APRIL, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of APRIL, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-10/23/3t
HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ 9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE F12 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20876 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STANLEY HANSEN
Notice is given that Michael G. Fitch, 1105 Manito Rd., Manasquan, NJ 08736-2016, was on October 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stanley Hansen who died on September 09, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-
tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Michael G. Fitch Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication:
October 23, 2025
OCD-10/23/3t
STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ. SCALES LAW GROUP
12417 OCEAN GTWY STE 11 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of GARRY WAYNE SNYDER Estate No. 20839 Notice is given that DANA BRADLEY BABEL whose address is 1768 SHADYSIDE RD DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335-3723 was on OCTOBER 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GARRY WAYNE SNYDER who died on SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of APRIL, 2026
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of APRIL, 2026
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of
Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET
ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-10/23/3t
of Public Hearing
Worcester County Proposed Increase in Hotel Rental Tax Rate
Pursuant to Section 1-601 of the Taxation and Revenue Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the Worcester County Commissioners are considering adopting a resolution to raise the Hotel Rental Tax from 5% to 6% as authorized by Worcester County Code, TR 1-601(a).
The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed resolution on:
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCD-10/30/2t
OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAP AMENDMENT
ATLANTIC COASTAL BAYS CRITICAL AREA
10702 ASSATEAGUE ROAD
Worcester County, Maryland
Pursuant to Section NR 3110(b)(3) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, a request has been submitted to the Worcester County Commissioners by Mark Cropper Esquire on behalf of Buck Browns, LLC for the reclassification of 2.19 acres of land from Resource Conservation Area to Limited Development Area. The subject property is located at the corner of Route 376 Assateague Road and Harrison Road in Berlin and is shown on Worcester County Tax Map 25, Parcel 298.
Pursuant to Section NR 3110(b)(4) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing.
At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the request for a map amendment based on a mistake for the above referenced property, any staff reports and recommendations, comments of other agencies, and testimony offered before them.
The public hearing on this application will be held on TUESDAY, November 18, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 –Government Center One West Market Street, Snow
Hill, Maryland 21863
The file containing the request for reclassification and other pertinent information which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available for inspection at the Department of Environmental Programs, Worcester County Government Center, Suite 1306 (3rd floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Questions may be directed to David Bradford, Deputy Director, by calling (410) 632-1220, extension 1143 or email at dbradford@co.worcester.md.us
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCD-10/30/2t
Worcester County, Maryland
Pursuant to Section NR 3110(b)(3) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, a request has been submitted to the Worcester County Commissioners by Mark Cropper Esquire on behalf of the Estate of Olivia Harrison Phillips for the reclassification of 6.60 acres of land from Resource Conservation Area to Intensely Development Area. The subject property is located along the northerly side of Center Drive and the westerly side of North Road in West Ocean City and is shown on Worcester County Tax Map 22, Parcel 268.
Pursuant to Section NR 3110(b)(4) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing.
At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the request for a map amendment based on a mistake for the above referenced property, any staff reports and recommendations, comments of other agencies, and testimony offered before them.
The public hearing on this application will be held on TUESDAY, November 18, 2025 at 10:35 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 –Government Center One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
The file containing the request for reclassification and other pertinent information which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available for inspection at the Department of Environmental Programs, Worcester County Government Center, Suite 1306 (3rd floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Questions may be directed to David Bradford,
Deputy Director, by calling (410) 632-1220, extension 1143 or email at dbradford@co.worcester.md.us
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-10/30/2t
Worcester County, Maryland
Pursuant to Section NR 3110(b)(3) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, a request has been submitted to the Worcester County Commissioners by Mark Cropper Esquire on behalf of Island Resort Park, Inc. for the reclassification of 30.7 acres of land from Resource Conservation Area to Intensely Developed Area. The subject property is located along the northerly side of Croppers Island Road in Newark and is shown on Worcester County Tax Map 40, Parcel 240.
Pursuant to Section NR 3110(b)(4) of the Natural Resources Article of the Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County, Maryland, the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing.
At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the request for a map amendment based on a mistake for the above referenced property, any staff reports and recommendations, comments of other agencies, and testimony offered before them.
The public hearing on this application will be held on TUESDAY, November 18, 2025 at 10:40 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 –Government Center One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
The file containing the request for reclassification and other pertinent information which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available for inspection at the Department of Environmental Programs, Worcester County Government Center, Suite 1306 (3rd floor), One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863 during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Questions may be directed to David Bradford, Deputy Director, by calling (410) 632-1220, extension 1143 or email at dbradford@co.worcester.md.us
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-10/30/2t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20825 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FRANK LANTELLA
Notice is given that Leonora Lantella, 2525 Scravel Rd., Myersville, MD 21773-9203, was on October 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frank Lantella who died on July 30, 2025, without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Leonora Lantella Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: October 23, 2025
OCD-10/23/3t
PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2025
Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.
The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live
6:30 p.m. Case No. 25-62, on the
lands of Lois and Donald Kline, requesting a variance to the rear yard setback from 5 feet to 1 foot (to encroach 4 feet) for a proposed deck in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-202(c)(18), ZS 1-305 and ZS 1-318, located at 8553 North Longboat Way, Tax Map 33, Parcel 347, Lot 11, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:35 p.m. Case No. 25-60, on the lands of the Giglio Family Revocable Trust, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 50 feet from a minor collector to 27.3 feet (to encroach 22.7 feet) for a proposed addition in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) & ZS 1-305 located at 10508 Keyser Point Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 8, Section A, Block 14, Lots 10 and 11, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:40 p.m. Case No. 25-61, on the lands of Paul and Theresa Michalski, requesting a total of four (4) variances, including two (2) after-thefact variances for an existing mobile home and attached sunroom, from the 10 foot front yard setback to 3.62 feet (a reduction of 6.38 feet) and from the 3 foot right side yard setback to 2.84 feet (a reduction of 0.16 feet); and two (2) variances for proposed landings with steps, from the 10 foot front yard setback to 4.35 feet (a reduction of 5.65 feet) and from the 5 foot rear yard setback to 0.19 feet (a reduction of 4.81 feet) in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-202(c)(18) and ZS 1-318(d)(1)B, located at 452 Timberline Circle, Tax Map 16, Parcel 94, Lot 452, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:45 p.m. Case No. 25-63, on the lands of Kimberly and Shannon Mills, on the application of Mark Spencer Cropper, requesting a variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 22.9 feet (to encroach 7.1 feet) for a proposed covered deck with steps associated with a proposed residence in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 12636 Torquay Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 8, Section A, Block 6, Lot 22, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.
OCD-10/30/2t
J. HARRISON PHILLIPS III ESQ 8705 E BISCAYNE DRIVE
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20887 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN WILLIAM FORMWALT
Notice is given that Belinda Hardesty Formwalt, 153 Nautical Ln., Ocean City, MD 21842-4665, was on October 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John William Formwalt who died on September 03, 2025, without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in
the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Belinda Hardesty Formwalt Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street
Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication:
October 30, 2025
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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P. O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20888
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HENRIETTA H. MAIZE
Notice is given that Matthew Charles Maize, 4915 Pennewell Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863 was on October 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Henrietta H. Maize who died on October 15, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the dece-
dent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Matthew Charles Maize Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: October 30, 2025
OCD-10/30/3t _________________________________
MAURICE L. OFFIT ESQ. 1954 GREENSPRING DR., STE. 605 LUTHERVILLE TIMONIUM, MD 21093-4130
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20890
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDWARD M. ZIMMER
AKA: EDWARD MICHAEL ZIMMER
Notice is given that Jane M. Zimmer, 6981 Five Mile Branch Rd., Newark, MD 21841-2309, was on October 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward M. Zimmer who died on September 14, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the ear-
lier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Jane M. Zimmer Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: October 30, 2025
OCD-10/30/3t
COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.
RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20885
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Boone County, Kentucky appointed William David Bramble, 245 Main St., Florence, KY 41042-2027 as the Executor of the Estate of Leona Lou Seabolt Bramble who died on April 30, 2025 domiciled in Kentucky, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
William David Bramble Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: October 30, 2025
OCD-10/30/3t
OF INTRODUCTION OF EMERGENCY BILL 25-06 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Emergency Bill 25-06 (Taxation – Hotel Rental Tax Credit) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on October 21, 2025.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
§ TR 1-601 Hotel Rental Tax. (Amends the subsection to increase the hotel rental tax percentage that may be imposed from five percent to six percent.)
A Public Hearing
will be held on Emergency Bill 25-06 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852
ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852
Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs.
JAMES R. KENNEDY
357 Timberline Circle Berlin, MD 21811
Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-25-000176
Notice is hereby given this 23rd day of October, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 357 Timberline Circle, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 24th day of November, 2025, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each
of three successive weeks before the 17th day of November, 2025. The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $86,000.00.
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-10/30/3t
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P. O. BOX 293
SNOW HILL, MD 21863
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20865
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT LEE WEBB JR.
Notice is given that Chandler Webb Sterling, 2646 Bunting Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2944; and Kristi Leigh Webb, 1912 Groton Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2800 were on October 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Lee Webb Jr. who died on September 14, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Chandler Webb Sterling Kristi Leigh Webb Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by
personal representative:
Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: October 30, 2025
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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY,
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 At 3:00 PM
BAAV 25-086 - A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) Minimum Elevation Requirements, to reduce the minimum 3’ freeboard elevation requirement above the AE-6 flood zone by approximately 2.7 feet for an interior remodel, including a lateral and vertical addition to the front of an existing interior townhouse unit. Locally known as 601 Bayshore Drive Unit 14 - parcel number 11220-5347 Unit 14.
Owner: Jeff and Kim Formosa Builder: Ted Rhoads (Pipeline Contracting, LLC) OCD-10/30/2t
MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, WILBUR, MATHERS ILLUMINATI & LUKAS, LLP P.O. BOX 910 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20846 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARK CHRISTOPHER RIERSON
Notice is given that Cassandra Zoe Rierson, 12139 Landings Blvd., Berlin, MD 21811-2753 was on October 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark Christopher Rierson who died on August 22, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Cassandra Zoe Rierson Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: October 30, 2025
OCD-10/30/3t
TRACEY J. COATES ESQ. COATES FAMILY LAW 4800 HAMPDEN LN., STE. 200 BETHESDA, MD 20814-2934
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20880 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF NORRIS EARL MOLER
Notice is given that Robbin E. Moler, 2054 Bishop Dr., Charleston, SC 29414-6005 was on October 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Norris Earl Moler who died on June 24, 2024, 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 27th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Robbin E. Moler
Personal Representative
True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: October 30, 2025
OCD-10/30/3t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20886
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH MAE CIANCIULLI
Notice is given that Dina Cianciulli, 9100 Reedy Cove Dr., Apt. 203, Berlin, MD 21811-9503; and David Saylor, 9100 Reedy Cove Dr., Apt. 203, Berlin, MD 21811-9503 were on October 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Mae Cianciulli who died on June 04, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-
itor 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.
Dina Cianciulli
David Saylor
Personal Representatives
True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House
Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: October 30, 2025
OCD-10/30/3t
of Public Hearing Board of Zoning Appeals
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeals for the Town of Snow Hill Maryland will conduct a public hearing in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 230 Zoning, Article VI, §200 29-37 on: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6:30PM
309 N Washington St., Town Hall Annex
For the following cases: Case No. 2025-1: To request variances to the R-2 Medium Density Residential District’s Yard and Area requirements for lot size, front, rear and side yard setbacks, for the purpose of subdividing the property into two parcels containing single family dwellings. The property is located at 204 N. Church Street, Parcel 122; Tax Account# 02-016303, owned by Annapolis Specialty Houses, Inc. The variances are being sought pursuant to the Town of Snow Hill Zoning Code, Article X Bulk Regulations, §200-91 through §200-99. For more information, contact the Snow Hill Planning Department at 410-6322080.
OCD-10/30/2t
General Contractor seeking Certified MBE/WBE quotes for the following project:
Lewis Road Gravity Sewer and Pump Station
Bid Date: February 19, 2025
Bid Time: 2:30 p.m.
Work consists of the construction of approx. 5,200 LF of gravity sewer main, precast manhole structures,
approx. 1,700 LF of sewer force main, regional sewer pumping station, installation of sewer laterals and connection to homes, abandonment of existing septic systems, trench and pavement restoration. Plans and Specifications are available for review:
Teal Construction, Inc. 612 Mary Street Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 678-9500
Fax: (302) 678-9715
An Equal Opportunity Employer OCD-11/6/1t
LEWIS MCDANIELS, LLC 41 N Market St. Frederick, Maryland 21701
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-25-000160 (TAX SALE)
Insight Real Estate, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.
Louis Costen; Ada L. Costen; The testate and intestate successors of Louis Costen, believed to be deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent; The testate and intestate successors of Ada L. Costen, believed to be deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent; Worcester County, Maryland; any and all unknown owners of the property and premises situate in Worcester County, Maryland, described as APP 55'X165' 113 ROSS STREET SNOW HILL and being identified on the Tax Roll as Parcel ID: 02-017385, and which may be known as 113 Ross St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest; and, any and all persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property and premises situate in Worcester County, Maryland, described as APP 55'X165' 113 ROSS STREET SNOW HILL and being identified on the Tax Roll as Parcel ID: 02-017385, and which may be known as 113 Ross St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendants.
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property situate in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County, Maryland, and the State of Maryland: described as APP 55'Xl65' 113 ROSS STREET SNOW HILL and being identified on the Tax Roll as Parcel ID: 02-017385, and which may be known as 113 Ross St., Snow Hill, MD 21863.
The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.
It is thereupon this 27th of October 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland,
ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, the last insertion on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 27th day of December, 2025, and redeem the property and/or answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in and as to the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title free and clear of all encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley JUDGE Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-10/30/3t
COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.
RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20898
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register Of Wills court of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania appointed Kristopher G. McCue, 2796 Den Mil Dr., Lancaster, PA 17601-1714 as the Executor of the Estate of Georgianne McCue who died on July 11, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Kristopher G. McCue
Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper:
Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: November 06, 2025
JOSEPH E. MOORE ESQ
WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON
3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ESTATE NO. 20896
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR court of PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA appointed GRACE MONAHAN GREGORY whose address is 33420 N 45TH ST CAVE CREEK, AZ 85331-5069 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARY LOU MONAHAN who died on FEBRUARY 19, 2024 domiciled in ARIZONA, USA
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is JOSEPH E MOORE whose address is 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 218423334. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET
ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-11/6/3t
OF PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY BILL 25-04
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Emergency Bill 25-04 (Zoning – Solar Energy Systems and Public Health - Nuisances) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on October 7, 2025.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
Amends § ZS 1-344 of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to revise and repeal several definitions; modify lot requirements and review processes for certain solar energy systems; establish decommissioning and restoration plan and bond requirements. Modify § ZS 1 305(k)(1)D to remove small solar energy systems. Modify § ZS 1-105(c)(6) to reflect revised definitions. Amend various district regulations to list major and utility solar energy systems as permitted uses. Amends § PH 1-101(a) of the Public Health Article to add a nuisance provision for
The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.
The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.
These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 11/14/2025
All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call
AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police
abandoned major or utility solar energy systems that are not decommissioned.
This emergency bill becomes effective on the date of passage.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103., is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCD-11/6/3t
OF PASSAGE OF BILL 25-05
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Bill 25-05 (Taxation – Homestead Property Tax Credit) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on October 21, 2025.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
§ TR 1-210 Homestead Property Tax Credit. (Amends the subsection to reduce the homestead property tax credit from three percent to zero percent effective July 1, 2026.)
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are
opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCD-11/6/3t
Fire Training Tower Demolition
Worcester County is seeking proposals from a qualified vendor to demolish the Worcester County Fire Training Tower, in conformity with the requirements outlined herein, Proposal Documents.
Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, at purchasing@worcestermd.gov or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A pre-proposal conference will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fire Training Tower, 6743 Central Site Lane, Newark, MD 21841. The last day for questions will be noon on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than
Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. and will be opened. Only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Proposal Solicitation –Fire Training Tower Demolition” in the lower lefthand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.
OCD-11/6/1t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20895 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THEODORE MOORE
AKA: THEODORE JOHN MOORE, THEODORE J. MOORE JR. Notice is given that Matthew Moore, 202 143rd St., Unit D, Ocean City, MD 21842-7011, was on October 29, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theodore Moore who died on April 16, 2025, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of April, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of April, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Matthew Moore
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 06, 2025
OCD-11/6/3t
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20891 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELBERT D. WHITE
Notice is given that Gary E. White, 922 220th St., Pasadena, MD 21122-1378, was on October 27, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Elbert D. White who died on September 28, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal
representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
Gary E. White Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication:
November 06, 2025
OCD-11/6/1t
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of REGIS LEONARD GIACOBBE Estate No. 20892 Notice is given that LISA ANN GIACOBBE whose address is 3837 JARRETTSVILLE PIKE, JARRETTSVILLE, MD 21084-1829 was on OCTOBER 31, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of REGIS LEONARD GIACOBBE who died on MARCH 18, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
OCD-11/6/1t
RE: Property Tax Credit for OCVFC Active Members
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-30 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of November 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled November 17, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the November 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts a property tax credit for active members on the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company that reside within the corporate limits of the Town of Ocean City. The property tax credit is not to exceed the lesser of (1) $2,500 or (2) the amount of the tax imposed on the dwelling in a given property tax year.
OCD-11/6/1t
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
Thursday, November 20, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
(BZA 2731 #25-09400014) AT 6:10 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 110-94(3)(a) to request (1) a special yard exception for a proposed porch to be constructed to a legally nonconforming side yard setback of 4.7 feet; and (2) a special yard exception for a second story addition to be built to a legally nonconforming side yard setback of 5.7 feet. The property is described as Lot 65 of the Caine Keys II Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of Winter Harbor Drive and is locally known as 102 Winter Harbor Drive, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: BRADLEY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. (BZA 2732 #25-09400015)
Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.
Christopher
Rudolf, Chairman
Maureen Howarth, Attorney
OCD-11/6/2t
RE: Moratorium for Issuance of New Short-term Rental Licenses (second reading date change)
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-28 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of October 20, 2025. Second reading is now scheduled December 1, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the October 20, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance extends the moratorium on the issuance of new short-term rental licenses through January 3, 2027. OCD-11/6/1t
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills
for Worcester County
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Sections 110-94(5) to request a special outdoor display of merchandise exception for retail items to be displayed on the exterior of the business commonly known as Beach Variety. The property is described as Parcel 1 (f/k/a Lots 1 through 12, Block 84) of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat. It is further described as being located on the east side of Philadelphia Avenue within the 28th Street Plaza and is locally known as Beach Variety located at 2802 Philadelphia Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: BEACH VARIETY
(Nov. 7, 2025) A press release from Worcester County government this week confirmed water and sewer users will see increases in their bills beginning this quarter.
Rates in each of the 11 water and wastewater sanitary service areas (SSAs) increased in fiscal year 2026 to cover actual operating and maintenance costs increases.
11am-3pm
Saturrdday Noon-2pm 745
The service areas were designed to fund themselves, but they were underfunded for years. If the rates had remained flat from FY25, revenues would not cover actual expenses for FY26 in each of the service areas.
Base fees per EDU increased and usage tiers changed for residential and commercial customers. The rate structure in the West Ocean City SSA changed from a “fixtures” basis to a “per EDU” basis, as part of County efforts to implement similar rate structures across the service areas.
Water bills tend to run higher dur-
ing this quarter for homeowners who irrigate their properties. The remaining three quarters typically experience less water usage and, thus, reflect lower usage fees.
Expenses reflect increased operating costs, including higher chemical prices and additional regulatory requirements to test for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals, are widely used, long-lasting chemicals that can be harmful to human health and pose environmental risks.
The County also implemented accessibility fees in FY26 to undeveloped properties with one or more equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). Note, some areas were already being charged accessibility fees. These fees play a key role in the county’s efforts to establish uniform, transparent rates across the SSAs, so that adequate funding is available to 1) cover current operating and maintenance costs and 2) establish reserve funding to pay for future infrastructure improvements.
Undeveloped properties that are holding EDUs are guaranteed future access to public water and/or sewer, and they play a key role in supporting the operating and maintenance needs
of the service areas where they are located. These fees ensure that all properties that benefit from access to a public water and/or wastewater system contribute proportionally to the costs to build and maintain that infrastructure (e.g., treatment plants, pump stations, mains). Without these fees, existing, connected users would be required to shoulder all these costs.
Any owner of an undeveloped property that has been allotted an EDU may be able to return the EDU. However, due to capacity limitations and development demands, EDUs may not be available if a property owner decides later to develop the land. Furthermore, the property owner would be required to buy the EDU back at the cost assessed at the time of purchase. For more information about EDUs, contact Worcester County Environmental Programs at 410-632-1220, ext. 1601.
To learn more about accessibility fees, please contact the Water and Wastewater Division’s billing department at 410-632-0686 and select Option 4.
For detailed information about rates in each of the 11 service areas, visit https://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/publicworks/water/charges.
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Hebron Savings Bank officially opened its new full-service branch at 10006 N. Main St. in Berlin following its ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday.
This new location, situated on the corner of Route 50 and Main Street, represents a significant expansion of the bank's commitment to the Eastern Shore, providing easily accessible, comprehensive financial services to the greater Ocean City and Berlin areas.
“This expansion allows us to better serve the growing financial needs of
the Berlin community,” said Jennifer Poulsen, president and CEO of Hebron Savings Bank. “You’ll find the same proven, personal service that has helped communities on the Eastern Shore for over a century. We look forward to serving neighbors, actively supporting local organizations, and becoming your trusted financial partner in the Berlin area.”
As part of its community stewardship program, the bank presented donation to Assateague Coastal Trust during the grand opening. This donation recognizes the organization’s efforts to protect the coastal environment and culture of the sur-
rounding region.
The Land Group, a leading real estate firm specializing in agricultural, recreational, and development land across the mid-Atlantic, has announced the addition of Far and Val Nasir as its newest land advisors.
Together, the couple brings a wealth of agricultural expertise, leadership, and firsthand experience in the poultry and farming industries to the firm.
Far Nasir began his poultry farming journey in 2012 and currently serves as president of the Delmarva Chicken Association and holds board positions with both the Delmarva Chicken Association and the Maryland Farm Bureau.
Far’s dedication to advancing the region’s poultry industry earned him the Delmarva Chicken Industry’s Distinguished Citizen Award.
Val Nasir brings a perspective shaped by her entrepreneurial background and commitment to farming life. After co-owning and managing
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) Plans for the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center remain up in the air as staff and board members look to change how the space in their office building along routes 50 and 707 will be used in the future.
On Nov. 1, the chamber closed its visitor center to the public. While the plan is to reopen next spring, Chamber President and CEO Amy Thompson said the organization is looking to make changes that will best serve the business community.
“We’re looking to make better use of the building, really,” she said in an interview this week.
While the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce has been in existence since the 1960s, its visitor and conference center in West Ocean City was built in the early 2000s through the generosity of local business leader Eunice Q. Sorin. Now, two decades later, the chamber is exploring its options.
“Long story short, the building has been there 20 years and visitor behavior has just shifted in 20 years’ time,” Thompson explained. “So I’m looking at this gigantic, awesome building in a fantastic location, and the board and I are looking to see how we can best utilize our space.”
With the Route 50 bridge closing in January for repairs, Thompson said the time was right to reconfigure how it used the visitor center. She said the chamber is exploring several options – which could include renovating the building and renting space to startup businesses.
“I’m kind of looking at all options right now,” she said. “There’s a vision where we can be an incubator space for businesses that maybe aren’t big enough to get their own commercial space yet. But if we do some renovations, we could potentially make that an option to bring in partners like SBDC (Small Business Development Center) or something.”
Regardless of what direction the chamber decides to go in, Thompson said it will remain true to its mission of helping members and supporting the business community.
“We’re really excited to reimagine the space, to really help the visitor even more, and ultimately help our member businesses even more,” she said.
While the visitor center will remain closed throughout the winter months, Thompson said chamber staff will continue to work year-round. Those who want to stop by the visitor center, or who have an appointment, are asked to park around back
Until the visitor center reopens in the spring, those who want to stop by, or who have an appointment, are asked to park around back and ring the doorbell. A staff member will let
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce invites businesses, community organizations, and residents to spread holiday cheer and shine bright in its annual Chamber Lights decorating contest.
Participation is free. Sign up at the OC Chamber website, www.oceancity.org. Participants who are members of the OC Chamber will be eligible for recognition, as awards are given in multiple categories.
How to Participate:
• Visit www.oceancity.org to register — it’s fast and free!
• Decorate your business, organization, or home.
• Get ready for the judges to tour and select the brightest and best.
Winners will be announced and celebrated on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Ocean Downs Casino.
Continued from Page 67
family supermarkets in Connecticut, Val and her husband transitioned to poultry farming in Worcester County, where they established their successful chicken operation.
In addition to being recognized as Grower of the Year (2020), Val serves on the Maryland FSA State Board (2022–2025) and the Worcester County Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
As a Perdue Ambassador and creator of the social media platform @FollowValsFlock, she actively shares the realities and rewards of farm life, inspiring others to pursue agricultural opportunities.
“Far and Val embody the spirit of hard work, integrity, and passion that defines The Land Group,” said Ben Alder, principal of The Land Group. “Their deep knowledge of the agricultural community and personal experience as successful farmers make them exceptional advisors for our clients.”
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(Nov. 7, 2025) Ocean City is preparing to move into the holiday season, with the opening of Winterfest of Lights just two weeks away. The opening ceremonies will take place on Nov. 20, with the festival running through Dec. 31 at Northside Park.
“This year brings some of the biggest enhancements yet, including a completely refreshed layout that transforms the park into a series of holiday worlds,” said Brenda Moore, acting special events director. “Visitors can expect themed areas. including Candy Cane Lane, 12 Days of Christmas, Winterfest Zoo, and the spectacular Fire & Ice village.”
As part of the resort’s 150th anniversary celebration, Winterfest will feature “Fire and Ice” nights every Friday and Saturday, lighting up the park with food trucks, live entertainment, firepit
lounges, and photo ops complete with an “Ice Throne.”
Returning to Northside during the Winterfest’s run will be the family-favorite teacups and fun slide, plus an expanded trackless train route offering more views of the lights.
Another new addition this year is “Enchanted Evenings,” which allows guests to reserve a horse-drawn carriage ride through the lights. The Enchanted Evenings will be offered on select dates when the park is typically closed to the public (Dec. 1, 8, 9, 15), offering an intimate experience for visitors.
Attendees will be able to choose from a two, six, or 12-person carriage and have exclusive access to the Winterfest tent, offering exclusive shopping and dedicated time with Santa. Learn more at ococean.com/winterfest.
On Nov. 22, two days after the lights switch on for Winterfest, the Rising Tide music festival will take the stage at the convention center. The new indoor festival will feature the ’70s Soul Jam at 2 p.m. and the Forever Young/Pop 2000’s Tour at 6 p.m. Guests can participate in indoor roller skating, a silent disco, and nostalgic Boardwalk treats throughout the event. Tickets are on sale now at ococean.com/risingtidesfest.
Ocean City’s year-long celebration will reach its grand finale with the 150th Anniversary Gala on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. The night will feature live music by Cherry Crush, local culinary tastings, and a 150-inch anniversary cake. Tickets and details are available at ococean.com.
Act prospectively.
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) A new Maryland law that went into effect Oct. 1, aims to protect vulnerable homeowners from predatory real estate wholesaling practices while preserving legitimate business operations in the industry.
The new law, HB 124/SB 160, reads: Authorizing a seller or assignee of certain residential property to rescind a contract of sale without penalty at any time before closing if a certain seller does not provide a certain notice; establishing that an assignee is entitled to a refund of any deposit paid in connection with the assignment of a contract of sale of the residential property under certain circumstances; requiring that a contract of sale comply with the requirements of the Act; and applying the
This new law covers contracts that involve wholesaling practices and provides for proper disclosure and a buyer’s right of rescission. A “wholesaler” must provide a disclosure to both the property seller and prospective buyer if a contract will be assigned. If the disclosure is not provided, the contract to purchase may be terminated without penalty prior to settlement.
Real estate wholesaling involves individuals who put homes under contract with homeowners, then sell those contracts to investors or other buyers for a profit without ever purchasing the properties themselves.
Legitimate wholesaling is legal and will continue because the new law doesn’t eliminate wholesaling as it serves a purpose in the real estate market for homeowners who need to sell quickly.
The new law just provides clarity and transparency for sellers and buyers about the type of transaction they are entering into.
Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City.
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, the parishioners of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg were still celebrating the return of the centuries-old stained-glass windows that had been filched from the even older Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. Construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral was begun in 1176. Some of its stained-glass windows date to that period.
The windows had been removed from the cathedral by the Germans and stored 700 feet underground in a
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Nov. 7, 2025) After voting to ban the use of bicycles on sidewalks, Ocean City officials this week agreed to explore the possibility of passing a resolution that would permit such vehicles to use certain other pathways in town.
While state law was recently changed to allow for the operation of such vehicles on sidewalks, it also provides a carve-out for jurisdictions to impose their own restrictions.
“This conversation has its genesis really starting from the police commission, and then it came over to the mayor and City Council relative to something called Jay’s Law, which was a law passed by the state in the legislative session in 2025, which pushed all conveyances – when I say that, I mean bikes, scooters, everything – onto the sidewalks,” Stansbury said last month.
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During Monday’s regular session, the City Council voted to amend sections of the city code and adopt an ordinance on second reading that will prohibit people from riding bicycles, scooters and other play vehicles on sidewalks throughout town. The ordinance leaves open an option to allow such uses in certain areas by resolution.
“This ordinance had its genesis talking about bicycles on the sidewalks,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week. “So you did leave open the possibility that if you wanted to allow certain conveyances on sidewalks, you would have to pass a resolution.”
In August, the council agreed to pursue an ordinance to prohibit the use of bikes, e-bikes and scooters on city sidewalks, except for areas approved by a resolution of the mayor and City Council.
“And through the police commission and then by recommendation of the mayor and City Council, you all have decided, as you are able to under state law, to pass an ordinance to push all those items onto the street and into the bus lane.”
During last month’s work session, Stansbury said to enact the ban, several changes must be made to a section of the city code entitled “Bicycles, Skateboards and Similar Conveyances.” That code section, she explained, addresses where such “conveyances” could be driven – the roadway, the Boardwalk and the sidewalk.
On roadways, bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, rollerskates, Segways and pushcarts would be allowed. On the Boardwalk, bicycles, class one ebikes, nonmotorized skateboards, rollerskates, Segways and pushcarts would be allowed, so long as they follow date and time restrictions set by resolution. And on sidewalks, all conveyances except Segways and pushcarts would be banned.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
“The recommendation from BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) was for certain portions of Ocean City to allow bicycles on sidewalks, and they said specifically, for example, where Coastal Highway’s northbound bus lane is eliminated between 59th and 63rd Street,” he said.
‘The [police] officers believe that this was a life safety measure and the best interest of the residents.’
City Solicitor Heather Stansbury
However, the code revision included one provision – that children under the age of 16 would be allowed to use traditional, nonmotorized bicycles on the sidewalk.
“The [police] officers believe that this was a life safety measure and the best interest of the residents,” Stansbury said at the time.
Back on this week’s agenda, the Ocean City Council voted 5-0, with Councilmen Will Savage and Larry Yates absent, to adopt the code amendments on second reading. During council comments, however, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked that the council consider a resolution to allow bikes on sidewalks along Coastal Highway, between 59th and 63rd streets.
Resident George Stoll also came before the City Council this week to ask that bicycles continue to be allowed on a 16-foot sidewalk along South Philadelphia Avenue. He noted that many bicyclists and pedestrians used the pathway.
“Initially, it was thought to be constructed as an extension of the Boardwalk, and it is used quite a bit. There’s no time restriction on it, so I see people on bicycles there at all hours of the night and day …,” he said. “It would be a shame to lose that for the people who so much enjoy that.”
With those comments shared, the council also voted to continue a discussion on where bikes would be allowed on sidewalks at a future work session.
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salt mine near Heilbronn, Germany, where they were found by the “Monuments Men.”
Under the supervision of Capt. James J. Rorimer, with the assistance of Lt. Dale Ford and 19-year-old Sgt. Harry Ettlinger (portrayed by Dimitri Leonidas in the movie), the windows had been located, packaged in 73 cases and transported to Strasbourg, where they were returned in an elaborate ceremony on Nov. 4, 1945.
The windows were the first stolen artworks to be returned to their rightful owners. However, they constituted only a tiny fraction of the more than 30,000 art objects stored there.
Capt. Rorimer had been curator of Medieval Art at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art before the war, and after the war became the museum’s director. He was portrayed by Matt Damon in the movie and worked with Rose Valland (portrayed by Cate Blanchett, in the movie) of the Galerie nationale de Jeu de Paume, to track the art looted from Paris. At the ceremony, in Strasbourg, Capt. Rorimer was awarded the Ordre nacional de la Légion d’honneur. It is France’s highest decoration and was created by Napoléon in 1802.
The inspiration for the “Monuments Men” came from a meeting held on Dec. 20, 1941, at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Present
were 44 men and four women, representing most of the major art museums east of the Rocky Mountains. Through the efforts of these 48 people, and other like-minded art afficionados, the “Roberts Commission” was formed in June 1943. Its formal title was “American Commission for the Protection and Salvage of Artistic and Historic Monuments in Europe,” and was chaired by Owen Roberts, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Several of the organizers of the Dec. 20, 1941 meeting were appointed to the commission, which was headquartered in the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
In the meantime, three other things occurred. The Army was already training officers who would be attached to front-line units to advise them of monuments and art in their area. The commission’s role would be to provide support and advice to those officers.
The second event occurred when Gen. Eisenhower sent a letter to all Allied commanders ordering them to, if possible, preserve historical buildings and sites in their area. The third event occurred on the other side of the Atlantic, in Africa — Libya, to be specific.
By January 1943, Gen. Bernard Law Montgomery’s Eighth Army had chased Field Marshal Erwin Rom-
Continued on Page 80
The big question on the county commissioners’ minds Tuesday during the discussion of Worcester County’s housing supply, was what exactly constitutes a substandard home? A secondary matter, of course, is who’s making that determination.
Although the commissioners took offense at some of the conclusions of a housing survey conducted earlier this year by a Colorado consulting firm, it’s hardly surprising that the firm concluded that about half the houses in the county were “substandard.”
They are, according to state building and fire codes that have done nothing but become more stringent over the years. Regulators doing what regulators do, they seek to keep their rules and recommendations up to date and in step with new and improved materials, practices and policies.
Unfortunately, it’s much easier and less expensive to update a book or manual than it is a dwelling, the cost of which continues to increase more rapidly than wages.
At the same time, the cost of some safety upgrades have pushed rents and purchase prices beyond the reach of many county residents, leading to the irony that making a house safer can also make it too expensive to rent or buy, and saying, in essence, that if you can’t afford to be safe, you will be better off with no house at all.
The commissioners should not take offense at the “substandard” characterization, since not adding enhanced fire protection or replacing nonstandard windows, or upgrading the heating and cooling systems may be the difference between living indoors or being out on the street.
The economies of Maryland are so varied that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all set of regulations that work for housing. And yet, that’s what state planners seem to want — level playing field with regulations that ignore the ups and downs of real life.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more ridiculous out there, we now have to accept that our real intelligence is under attack by the artificial variety.
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By Stewart Dobson
That’s what a Maryland attorney recently discovered after being ordered by the courts to appear before the Attorney Grievance Commission because he used artificial intelligence find case law to cite in one of his court filings.
So what? Well, it turns out those cases were — ahem — made up. Apparently, artificial intelligence is also artificially lazy and decided, “What the heck, I’ll just make it up.”
These fake cases produced by AI are known as “hallucinations,” which is a nice way of saying “This AI is pure BS” or something to that effect.
Now, granted, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between a real case, as in “Miranda v. Arizona,” and something that sounds entirely plausible like “Godzilla vs. Kong.”
Sure, the latter might seem legitimate to some people, but these would be the same people — about half the population — who don’t know that potato chips are made from (Surprise!) potatoes.
You think I’m kidding? People will believe anything, which is why I must say here, the following is what happened when I asked AI to write about the Godzilla v Kong case.
“Filed: March 2021
“In the matter of Kong v. Godzilla, plaintiff Kong, a giant primate of undisputed strength and agility, has formally filed suit against defendant Godzilla, a kaiju of significant size
and radioactive abilities.
“Kong alleges that the defendant, Godzilla, engaged in aggressive and unprovoked acts of violence, which caused significant damage to property, endangered human lives, and disrupted the peace in multiple locations across the Pacific Rim.
“Specifically, Kong claims that on or about the dates in question, Godzilla attacked him without prior warning, resulting in extensive physical injury, emotional distress, and the destruction of Kong's natural habitat on Skull Island.
“Kong is seeking damages for the harm caused to both his physical well-being and his environment, as well as a restraining order to prevent further aggressive encounters.“Defendant Godzilla counters that his actions were not only justified but necessary for the preservation of global stability. Godzilla asserts that his behavior was instigated by the presence of a dangerous adversary— Mechagodzilla—and that his actions were aimed at neutralizing this threat.
“Godzilla further argues that Kong’s participation in these conflicts was voluntary, with the two parties engaging in a titanic battle that was, in essence, a mutual confrontation rather than a one-sided assault.
“Godzilla also argues that his actions were consistent with his previous behavior as a protector of Earth, and any collateral damage should be considered incidental to the broader goal of safeguarding humanity from extraterrestrial and kaiju-related dangers. “Godzilla seeks a dismissal of all charges and the reimbursement of legal costs incurred during the litigation process.”
As I say, AI can produce some serious BS. if given the opportunity.
By Steve Green
At first, I thought it was a typo in the promoter’s announcement, but Ocean City soon confirmed Boardwalk Rock would not happen in spring 2026.
Last year, after an acknowledged slow start to ticket sales, Boardwalk Rock was a success, selling out eventually with the help of perfect May weather. A social media post on Wednesday from the event said, “We had an incredible time rocking out with you at Boardwalk Rock this year. We can’t wait to do it all over again! We’ll return in 2027 with another incredible lineup, so rest up and we’ll see you back on the beach soon!”
Within minutes, Ocean City government shared its disappointment on its Facebook post. As of now, the plan is to return in 2027. It will be interesting to see if that happens. The town’s message read, “… Although it wasn’t for lack of effort, a variety of challenges made it difficult to deliver the same high-quality experience fans have come to expect. …” Ocean City Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo added, “Boardwalk Rock quickly became a highlight of Ocean City’s spring event calendar. While we are disappointed to take a pause in 2026, we are fully committed to working with C3 Presents to bring the festival back stronger than ever in 2027.”
Boardwalk Rock was held the weekend of May 17-18, and the thought here was the event would return next year as a three-day event, following the path of Country Calling, which began in 2024 as a two-day event. There has been no specific reason given for the change, but it could be due to the unique circumstances surrounding booking aging classic rock bands. A few last-minute lineup adjustments had to be made to this year’s lineup.
Promoter C3 Presents does not have another festival planned for that weekend on its current schedule. The company does have the Suenos Festival, billed as a “reggaeton event that celebrates Latin talent,” planned for Chicago, May 23-24. While Oceans Calling is listed on musicfestivalwizard.com for Sept. 25-27, which lists most C3 Presents festivals, Country Calling is not on the list of events. There’s no reason to believe at this point Country Calling will not be returning, but up until this week’s announcement there was no indication Boardwalk Rock would not be back.
Some Worcester County residents and businesses have been getting sticker shock when they open their quarterly water and wastewater bills. Significant increases have been reported across the board with some jumping by hundreds of dollars. It was stated in the spring during budget discussions increases would be coming, but details as far as how much the spikes would be were unclear.
After a wave of concerns, the county government sent out a press release this week to explain the surge in fees. The release said the increases were critical and unavoidable. It read in part, “The service areas were designed to fund themselves, but they were underfunded for years. If the rates remained flat from FY25, revenues would not cover actual expenses for FY26 in each of the service areas.” The county’s website also offers detailed information on the rates for each of the county’s 11 service areas. Additionally, in response to hearing from Ocean Pines residents, County Commissioner Chip Bertino posted on social media his own explanation. After providing a thorough overview of the situation, Bertino’s post read in part, “Increases are never welcome. Unfortunately, ever-increasing costs and an enhanced regulatory environment are realities that the County must manage. You don’t like the increases. I don’t like the increases. But, it’s imperative that the Ocean Pines Water/Wastewater facility and all our water facilities for that matter, be properly maintained and updated when necessary and operated efficiently in the best interests of all of us.”
One restaurant posted Thursday morning the increases will lead to a change in its business model. It will now charge for water. The Southgate Grill posted, “So there aren't any surprises when checks are presented moving forward. All in house glasses of water (free refills) will now have a cost of $2 plus tax. While we do not want to do this, we have to recover our cost of the new Worcester County, Ocean Pines water and sewer rates. For perspective: our rates alone increased 185% this year from last, on top of that, with our higher usage (which seems unnaturally high compared to previous years) the total bill increase is at 251% To put it plainly our water and sewer bill jumped from $3,094.93 to $10,862.51 for the same period last year to now. If we want to stay in business, we have to maintain our profit margin. Our apologies in advance. We will HAPPILY stop charging for water the moment the rates are no longer ASTRONOMICAL.”
In response to a critical commenter, Southgate responded, “unlike the county we will not spread our deficit to other areas (food prices) we will charge directly for our cost (water). Our apologies again! Take it up with the county commissioners!” For what it’s worth, Bertino said in his post, “I do want to knock down speculation I’ve heard that Ocean Pines ratepayers are being forced to pay for shortfalls in other service areas. THIS IS NOT THE CASE.”
Editor,
Every week, we hear from food pantries, schools, and local nonprofits struggling to meet a growing need: families who simply don’t have enough to eat. These are not strangers or statistics; these are our neighbors.
Those in need include our most vulnerable neighbors — the very young, the elderly, those with disabilities — and those folks who work hard yet still struggle to cover the basics. These working neighbors are part of the ALICE® population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and here on the Eastern Shore, they’re nearly half of all local households, with an average of 47% struggling across the Lower Shore.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger. It provides essential grocery assistance to more than 40 million Americans, including about 40,000 people across Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. These numbers tell a clear story: on the Eastern Shore hunger is a reality facing our neighbors, classmates, coworkers, families.
While charitable organizations do all we can to fill the gaps, the truth is: philanthropy alone cannot solve hunger. We need strong public programs like SNAP to ensure that every family can put healthy food on the table with dignity. For every meal provided by charities, SNAP provides nine. A missed shift to care for a sick child, a car repair, a medical bill—any one of these can tip a working family into crisis.
It is important to recognize that hunger is more than just a humani-
tarian issue; it’s also an economic one. That’s why the federal SNAP program matters so much in our region. Families facing food insecurity struggle to focus on work, and face hard choices balancing the cost of food, housing, childcare and healthcare. Children who go hungry fall behind academically. Healthcare costs for everyone rise as poor nutrition fuels chronic disease. When we strengthen SNAP, we strengthen our entire community. SNAP doesn’t just feed families; every dollar spent locally circulates through our grocery stores, corner markets, and agricultural network. In Maryland, each SNAP dollar generates roughly $1.80 in additional economic activity.
While progress is being made to restore SNAP funding, there is no guarantee how quickly the dollars will flow or how far they will go as the shutdown impacts continue. We call on policymakers to protect and expand SNAP benefits in the upcoming farm bill and to listen to the voices of those closest to the issue: local service providers, food justice advocates, and the families themselves.
Here on the Shore, we’ll continue doing what we do best - collaborating, innovating, and investing in solutions that build resilience with our incredible network of nonprofits. We are thankful for the many organizations and community members who are lifting up food drives, donations and volunteering in response to growing local needs. But no amount of charitable giving can replace the power of sound public policies and programs working alongside us.
When every person in every neighborhood has enough to eat, and can access resources they need, our whole
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community thrives. That’s the resilience and foundation we all deserve.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, find resources here: Call 211 (available 24/7) or visit www.211md.org, or www.uwles.org/resources.
To provide financial support to local organizations responding to this need, please visit www.shoregives365.org or www.uwles.org/LiveUnitedResponseFund.
Pam Gregory
Erica Joseph (Gregory is the president/CEO of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and Joseph is the president of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.)
Editor,
Affordable, environmentally friendly, sustainable, reliable energy, lower electric bills, and aesthetically pleasing structures on our horizon… hardly!
Maryland is experiencing a self-inflicted energy crisis. The start-up cost prohibitive, inefficient, unreliable, high generation cost and environmentally intrusive U.S. Wind offshore wind project can not pretend to
provide relief for the significant electricity deficit Maryland lawmakers have created.
Inflexible and irrational government regulations forced power generators to idle a substantial number of base-loaded (the constant and minimum amount of electricity needed) power generation plants and Annapolis has no plan for equal replacement as they chase a zero-emission fantasy.
The U.S. has the world’s largest natural gas reserves and has become the leader in natural gas production with the development of unconventional drilling methods of oil shale fields from 2006 to 2019. It was also during this time that the Obama Administration embarked upon climate change initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal power generation plants.
This resulted in power generators idling coal-fired (heat from burning coal is used to change water into high pressure steam to turn a steam turbine electric generator) assets and replacing them by building hundreds of natural gas-fired (heat from burning natural gas is used to pressurize hot air to turn a gas turbine electric generator) generation plants.
Maryland was no exception. Excessive state regulations forced electric generators to shutter a significant amount of capacity, and the state did
embrace a replacement plan utilizing lower emission alternatives.
Three natural gas plants (Rock Springs Generating Facility in Rising Sun, MD=684MW, CPV St. Charles Energy Center in Waldorf, MD=745MW and Panda Power Plant in Brandywine, MD=230MW) were constructed and commissioned and a couple other existing steam generation plants converted from coal to natural gas. However, this replacement strategy abruptly stopped after the re-election of Gov. Hogan.
The governor appeared to appease the radical no emission fanatics to win his second term at the future expense of Marylanders and the creation of our energy crisis. Gov. Moore continues to promote an unreasonable green energy policy.
Maryland scheduled the shutdown of the two-remaining coal-fired power plants, Brandon Shores Generating Station in Pasadena, MD=1,370MW and the Herbert A. Wagner Generating Station in Pasadena, MD=702MW in 2025 without plans for replacement. Maryland imports ~40% of our electricity demand from more expensive out-of-state sources.
The location of one of the largest oil and natural gas producing shale formations provides advantages to the Mid-Atlantic and Maryland. The Marcellus field extends from western New York through Pennsylvania,
western Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Maryland has ready access to sustainable, low emission, safe, unobtrusive, proven, and low-cost sources of energy with natural gas. Maryland lawmakers should tend to their selfinflicted energy wounds and allow power generators to invest in baseloaded electric plants and greenlighting projects in Maryland including:
• More natural gas combined cycle plants (meaningful emission reductions and higher efficiency).
• Expanding nuclear capacity at the Calvert Cliff Clean Energy Center in Lusby, MD=1,790MW.
• Expanding waste-to-energy using household trash.
• Waste-to-energy using poultry litter.
Offshore wind has proven to be problematic around the world. Startup costs are unrealistic. The harsh environment requires complex maintenance and drives up operating costs. Structural integrity has led to fatigue, component failure, and pollution disasters.
Please wake up and stop dreaming about a disastrous offshore wind nightmare. I have 31 years of experience delivering energy solutions for one of the largest global oil and gas companies.
Jeff Heavner Ocean Pines
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mel’s Italo-German Panzerarmee Afrika out of Egypt and was now 64 miles east of the Libyan capital of Tripoli. At that point is located the 1700-year-old Roman city of Leptis Magna — the birthplace of Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus.
But it seems that of all the Commonwealth soldiers there, only one knew about the site’s heritage, or what is more important, cared about its preservation: Lt. Col. Sir Robert Eric Mortimer Wheeler. Sir Robert in civilian life was an archeologist and director of the London Museum. This was the beginning of history’s, “...first frontline monuments’ protection program.”
Air Force Capt. Mason Hammond, in peacetime a Harvard classics professor, was tapped to be the first American “frontline monuments” man. Two weeks after the Allies landed in Sicily, on July 11, 1943, he arrived and established his headquarters in the 2700-year-old city of Syracuse. The British Monuments Man, Capt. Fred H. J. Maxse did not arrive until September, after the island had been secured and the British had moved onto the “toe” of the Italian peninsula. Then came the debacle at Monte Casino.
The Germans, under the brilliant leadership of Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, had slowly retreated from the southern part of the Italian penin-
sula to the Gustav Line, which was anchored by Monte Cassino, where they held the American Fifth Army, commanded by Mark Clark, and the Commonwealth’s Eighth Army, commanded by Oliver Leese, at bay.
Atop Monte Casino is/was located an abbey founded in 529 by Saint Benedict. Although the Germans were respecting its historical and cultural significance, several Allied leaders just could not believe that and urged that the Allied bombers be turned loose on it. The press was doing its part, noting the unscathed Abbey, which was surely being used, somehow, by the enemy, while Allied soldiers were dying trying to take the position.
The “bombers” won the argument, and on Feb. 15, 1944, 142 B-17 Flying Fortresses, 47 B-25 Mitchells and 40 B-26 Marauders dropped 1,150 tons of bombs on the 1400-year-old Abbey and its resident monks, turning it into highly defensible rubble, which the Germans then occupied and utilized to great effect.
Mincing no words, the Vatican told the senior American diplomat, Harold Tittmann, that the bombing was, “...a colossal blunder...a piece of gross stupidity.” Gen. Clark had opposed the bombing and stayed at his headquarters during the debacle, while the advocates watched and, stupidly, cheered. Subsequent investigation re-
vealed that the Vatican was correct, and that the Germans had been “respecting its historical and cultural significance.” Although, it was, “...a colossal blunder...,” it did strengthen the hand of the Monuments Men when dealing with their forces, going forward. Nobody wanted another such “blunder” attributed to them!
The mission of the Monuments Men was now coming together. They were to attempt to save buildings of cultural and historical significance and works of art from destruction by the advancing Allied armies. They were also tasked with preventing, if possible, the destruction and theft of those same things by the retreating German armies.
Finally, they were also tasked with recovering works that had already been removed from their rightful owners. To that end, one Monuments Man was assigned to each Allied army after the invasion of France.
Later, Capt. Rorimer oversaw the evacuation of more than 6,000 items stolen from Jews, stored in “Mad” King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle, ( the model for Disney’s Fantasyland castle) in Bavaria.
Capt. Robert K. Posey (portrayed by Bill Murray in the movie) and Lincoln Kirstein (portrayed by Bob Balaban in the movie) did the same for more than 6500 paintings and other works of art, located in the salt mines
of Altaussee, Austria.
Included in that find were the Madonna of Bruges, which is the only work of Michelangelo to leave Italy in his lifetime, stolen from Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium, and the 500-year-old Ghent Alterpiece, stolen from Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.
Capt. Rorimer also oversaw the evacuation of more than 1,000 items stolen by Luftwaffe chief, Reichsmarshal Hermann Göring, found at Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps. These finds were only the tip of the iceberg. Items are still being recovered today. The 350 “Monuments Men” recovered some 5,000,000 pieces of art!
The Allies weren’t the only ones to utilize such a unit. The Red Army also had “Trophy Brigades.” However, once the “Trophy Brigades” recovered an item, it was taken to the Soviet Union where it would not be seen for another half century. It is estimated that more than 2,500,000 pieces of art were “recovered” by the Red Army’s “Trophy Brigades.” On the 50th Anniversary of Germany’s defeat, some of the paintings were displayed, for the first time, at the Hermitage, in St. Petersburg.
In 2015, Sgt. Ettlinger, Richard Barancik, Bernard Taper and the two other remaining Monuments Men, received the Congressional Gold Medal
Altaussee Salt Mine discovery after WWII
— Congress’ highest civilian honor. Mr. Barancik, the last of the “Monuments Men” died July 14, 2023, at the age of 98. He said, “We did everything we could to salvage what the Nazis had done. It’s the best we could do.” French museums, including the famed Louvre, continue to hold, and display 2,143 works that were stolen from Jewish families. The works are, ever so slowly, being returned to the descendants of the victims of the thefts.
Next week: Operation Paperclip
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.
ROSALIE KRIDER TIMMONS Naples, Fla.
Mrs. Rosalie Krider Timmons, 87, of Naples, Fla., and formerly of Wilmington, Del., passed away on October 26, 2025. Mrs. Timmons was a native of Baltimore and was a graduate of the former Eastern High School for girls.
Rosalie was employed in the Baltimore City State’s Attorney Office when she married Earl L. Timmons of Berlin in 1960. After his active-duty military service was completed, the couple moved from El Paso, Texas, to Wilmington, where they resided most of their married lives, except for several years in the 1980s in Houston, Texas, until moving to Florida in 2004.
In Wilmington, Rosalie was active in the Junior Board of St. Francis Hospital, was a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, and in several other charitable endeavors. She was particularly active in the “Shoes That Fit” organization in Bonita Springs, Fla., chairing the group for two years. She cherished time with her family, spending many summers with her children and grandchildren in Ocean City. She was a member of the Wilmington Country Club, where she enjoyed nine-hole golf.
She is survived by her husband and two children, Lori A. Wray (Dale), and Earl L. Timmons, Jr. Grandchildren who survive her are Jamie Lynn McHugh (Ian), Scott J. Ingman, A. Maxwell Timmons (Katie), Broderick K. Timmons, Nicholas K. Timmons, Lauren Wray (Austin), and Caroline Wray (Trip). Three great-grandsons survive, Carson Andrew McHugh, Dylan Daniel McHugh, and Rowan Marshall Timmons. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Emily Krider, two brothers, Ross and Paul Krider, and a grandson, Andrew Ross Timmons.
Services will be private. If you wish, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Delaware funeral arrangements by McCrery & Harra.
JANICE M. SMITH
Showell
Janice M. Smith, age 85, of Showell, died Thursday, October 30, 2025, at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Selbyville, Del. and was the daughter of the late John Raymond McCabe and Florence (Carey) McCabe.
Janice was a devoted homemaker, farmer, wife, mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother. She was a member of the Showell United Methodist Church. She dedicated her life to her family and touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Janice is survived by her children, Charlese Smith, Dean O. Smith and wife Robin, Brian Smith and wife Sheri all of Bishopville; eight grandchildren, Tyler Smith (Katie), Olivia Tyndall (Matt), Erin Kim (Brett) Adam Smith, Sarah Smith, Emily Smith, Chris Boston, Brandon Boston; three great-grandchildren, Garner Smith, Fletcher Smith, and Addie Tyndall; brother, J. Robert McCabe.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband, J. Oliver Smith and seven brothers and sisters.
A funeral service was held Tuesday Nov. 4, 2025 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main Street, Selbyville, Del. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. Interment will be private.
Donations in her memory may be made to Showell Vol. Fire Dept., 11620 Worcester Hwy., Showell, Md. 21862 or Curtis United Methodist Church, 11808 Campbelltown Road, Bishopville, MD 21813.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.
Ocean City
Douglas George Meisten of Ocean City (formerly of Emerson, New Jersey, and Hillsdale, New Jersey), age 73, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Salisbury, Maryland. Born on May 9, 1952, in Houston, Texas, he was the son of the late Francis Meisten and Wanda (Kwiatkowski) Meisten.
$1,845.
Douglas spent the majority of his career running the family business, Frank Meisten and Son Painting. Doug is remembered for loving his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, and his grandchildren. He enjoyed each time his family was all together in Ocean City. He was a good friend to many, enjoyed socializing, and loved a good conversation. Throughout his life he was an active member of the community and coached his kids through recreational sports. He was a member of the Elks and in his younger years was a star athlete. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Meisten of 40 years; his 2 daughters Michelle Thompson (Brian) of River Vale, New Jersey and Kerry Vogel (Timothy) of Park Ridge, New Jersey; his sister Janis Lauten of Florida; his sister-in-law Maureen McElwain (Mac: deceased) of Virginia; his brother-in-law Kevin McBride (Rita) of Arizona; his 7 nieces and nephews Dawn, Bryan, Matthew, Savannah, Peter, Jeffrey, and Lisa; his 4 grandchildren Shea, Colin, Brynn, and Annie; as well as many beloved cousins and friends from New Jersey and Maryland.
Cremation followed his death. A funeral mass will be held on Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Assumption, Emerson, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ocean City Fire Department would be appreciated in Doug’s memory for their service and dedication to his care. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications. E-mail: editor@octodaydispatch.com Mail:
11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Fax: 410-723-6511
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Seahawk boys’ varsity soccer team won the MPSSAA 3A State quarterfinal in overtime over the Towson Generals, 2-1. This was the fifth straight win for the Seahawks.
The first half of play took off quickly as the two teams learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Both teams had strong goalies in the cage.
With 36:59 on the clock Towson scored first and the crowd roared. Feathers a little ruffled, the Seahawks made their move with 31:40 on the clock. Captain Senior Blake Wallace scored leaving the goalie and two other Towson players on the ground.
During the rest of the half, it was a defensive battle, and the goalies got a workout with three saves recorded by Decatur. In the first half, Decatur took three shots and had two corners with five fouls. Towson made one save, had five shots, four corners and seven fouls.
The physicality of play increased during the second half with two more Seahawk fouls and one more by the Generals.
The score remained 1-1 at the end of regulation play. Just a minute into overtime, Captain Senior Brody Olsen scored on an outside shot that careened off the right goal post.
The fans erupted as Olsen ran back toward centerfield to celebrate with his teammates.
Coach Jamie Greenwood said he was impressed with his team’s fight throughout the game, especially after falling behind with an early goal scored.
"I was so happy with our determination and desire to fight back,” Greenwood said. “After going down one, just three minutes into the game, I was confident that we would settle in and be fine. Seven minutes later, we evened the score.”
“We played a much better second half that we dominated and had numerous opportunities. With our second half play, I felt that we had the momentum going into overtime and it showed with us scoring just one minute in to win and advance. I'm really proud of the boys. The job is not done though."
The Seahawks will now play in the MPSSAA 3A state semifinal against Sherwood High School. The game will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Kent Island. Decatur has organized a game day sendoff gathering for 10:45 a.m. with the team bus expected to leave the school at 11 a.m. Parents and supporters will line Seahawk Road sending best wishes to the team.
Worcester Preparatory School recently announced its fall sports award recipients for soccer, golf, volleyball and cross country. Above left, standing from left, are varsity boy soccer award winners Max Carpenter, coach’s award; Caleb Walston, MVP; and Gavin Sutherland, most improved. Seated, from left, are Harper Hertrich, coach’s award; Gracie Holloway, most improved; and Elena Gjoni, MVP.
Above right, standing, are cross country boys winners Josh Greulich, most improved, and Jake Timmons, coach’s award. Not pictured was Nate Friedman, MVP. Seated, from left, are cross country girls winners Anisha Batra, MVP; Mariella Anthony, most improved; and Catherine Cullen, coach’s award. Below left, standing are varsity golf winners Karrigan Russell-Wood, coach’s award; Kain Crossett, MVP and ESIAC player of the year; and Dawson Davis, most improved. Seated, from left, are junior varsity golf award recipients Dexter Feldman, most improved; Emerson Bofinger, MVP; and Liam McAllister, coach’s award. Below right, varsity volleyball award winners included Ayla Yonker, coach’s award; Genia Fedarkevich, MVP; and Meredith Walston, most improved.
Decatur took to the air over the ground-bound Rams with Johnny Hobgood throwing for 233 passing yards during the game.
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Nov. 7, 2025) The Seahawks closed the regular season last Thursday night with a resounding win on Senior Night over Parkside, 35-14.
Kyle Mumford had 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. Bo Gehrig had two touchdowns receiving for a total of 64 yards.
Brain Chester had 75 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Kicker Blake Wallace was perfect
on the night, converting five extra points. Wallace also had three punts for a total of 117 yards. Kickoff returns came from Jaxon Archer for 30 yards and one from Brain Chester for 41 yards.
Decatur had four sacks against Parkside with two from Jhysier Purnell and one each by Brookes Waters and Seamus Orth.
The Seahawks had 83 tackles in
the game with five each by Brennan Wim, Purnell and Brett Schulz. Purnell and Schulz also recovered a fumble each.
In the first round of state playoffs, Decatur will square off against Reservoir on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Louis H. Taylor Stadium. The winner will face the winner of the Guilford and Chopticon contest in the second round.
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