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DECEMBER 3, 2021
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After a 2020 hiatus, the holiday resort tradition is set to kick off Saturday at 11 a.m. – Page 26
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Council walks on wide side on Balto. Ave. Sidewalk size vote rejects property owners’ appeals
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
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An overhead view of the Ocean City Holiday Shopper’s Fair, which returned last weekend to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street, with more than 100 vendors and thousands of visitors. The typically annual event, which ran Nov. 26-28, was canceled in 2020 due to covid but came back this year for a successful run.
Margaritaville, alley deal still idling By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) For the second time in about a month, developers hoping to build a Margaritaville resort on the former Phillips Beach Plaza property downtown have postponed a City Council discussion about a town-
owned alley. The developers’ request to take over Washington Lane — a 16-foot alley between Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk and 13th and 14th streets — is the first in a long line of approvals needed to bring the proposed 13-story hotel and accompany-
ing amenities to fruition. But after council members gave the initial green light to move forward with discussions in early August, the elected officials have yet to talk about it publicly again. They were supposed to discuss the See MARGARITAVILLE Page 3
By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Despite pleas from the public to redevelop Baltimore Avenue with eight-foot sidewalks as part of a major project to bury utility lines, the Ocean City Council voted to approve a 10-foot sidewalk consisting of a seven-to-eight-foot sidewalk and two-to-three-foot utility strip. The vote was not unanimous. Ocean City officials are currently in the design phase of a project to move all utility lines underground along Baltimore Avenue, between North Division Street and 15th Street. The purpose of burying the lines is to help bolster the electric grid during storms and to improve the aesthetics along the nearly 15-block stretch. All other areas along Baltimore Avenue, both to the south of North Division Street and north of 15th Street, have the utilities underground. The cost of the project is expected to be around $20 million, which would come out of the general fund, and council members have stated that they have one chance to get this right. The Baltimore Avenue right of way See BALTIMORE Page 4
Resort marketing department asks for more and gets it Council OK’s incremental increases in tourism tax share over three years By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Ocean City’s new director of tourism and business development continues to move closer to getting his department in line with his objectives, as the Ocean City Council on Tues-
day agreed to allow his advertising fund to grow by two-tenths of a percent over the next three years. Tourism Director Tom Perlozzo told the council during Tuesday’s work session that after a couple of meetings when increasing the room tax from 4.5 to 5 percent was discussed, confusion exists on how the additional 0.5 percent should be distributed. When room tax rates were last raised, although the half-cent increase was earmarked for advertis-
ing, that percentage, which started at 1.4 percent in 2009, was raised to 2 percent in 2012, according to Budget Manager Jennie Knapp. Perlozzo said he considered the lingering distribution question to be a policy decision, and presented to the council three options on how to move forward. “Regardless of the option chosen ...we need flexSee ROOM Page 5
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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A rendering shows how the developer of a proposed Margaritaville resort on the former Phillips Beach Plaza property in downtown Ocean City plans to improve an existing 16-foot, city-owned alley between 13th and 14th streets and Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk. A discussion on a request to abandon the alley was removed from a city council work session agenda this week at the request of the developer.
Margaritaville agenda item pulled without explanation Continued from Page 1 matter Tuesday during a work session, but Council President Matt James said the applicants asked to remove it from the agenda that morning. He said the request came in the form of a simple email that contained no further explanation. “I was very surprised it was pulled,” James said. And it was not the first time. Discussion on the alley abandonment was supposed to come up for discussion at a work session in late October but the developers opted to pull it then as well. A call to Hugh Cropper, the attorney who represents the developers, was not returned in time for this report. Despite the delays, the project plans have not been sitting dormant. Throughout November, members of the city’s planning commission met three times to discuss details of the plans as part of an application for a planned overlay district, or POD. The zoning designation is needed to allow the project’s development on two lots, which are bisected by Washington Lane. The overlay district regulations also allow for more compromise between the developer and city officials over the building’s design and other details. Planning commissioners listened to hours of testimony from the developers, their team of professionals and members of the public, and conducted their own lengthy discussions about the project before coming up with a laundry list of conditions to recommend approval of the POD. Among them was a recommendation that the council negotiate with the developer for air rights over Washington Lane in exchange for
abandoning it. The developer’s plans currently call for the alley’s improvement, including widening it to 23 feet and incorporating two travel lanes and a bicycle lane, and building over it. City staff members concurred with the planning commissioners’ recommendation for Washington Lane to remain a public right-of-way under the developers’ plans. The staff report also said that in exchange for transfer of the city’s air rights over the alley, the developer should provide an easement for the entire 23 feet and commit to construct and maintain the improvements. Council members will have the final say over abandonment of the alley, and the conditions if it is approved, but they will first have to discuss it publicly in detail, which James said has not been done in any capacity. The elected officials will also have the final vote on the POD and the conditions associated with it if approved. As of now, the planning commissioners are still finalizing the list of recommendations. Then if all of that is approved, the planning commissioners will discuss and vote on a final site plan for the project. The plans currently call for a 13story, 265-room hotel brandishing the famous Margaritaville label, 20,000 square feet of upscale retail space, three restaurants, multiple swimming pools, meeting and conference areas, and more. City staff members anticipate it will stand out significantly at the confluence of the more historic buildings in southern Ocean City, and newer high rises to the north. And while the project’s beauty and See SOME Page 5
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Baltimore Ave. sidewalks going to 10 feet Continued from Page 1 is 75 feet wide, but only 44 feet of that is taken up by Baltimore Avenue. The rest of that strip is what city engineer Terry McGean calls the unimproved right of way, and consists of front yards, parking lots, and other properties used for similar purposes. On Sept. 30, a public workshop was held to present the Baltimore Av-
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Brad Davis of the Night Owl on 11th Street told City Council members that he preferred for the resort to leave the sidewalks along Baltimore Avenue alone in the quest to bury utility lines between North Division and 15th streets, saying it did not make sense to eliminate green spaces.
enue project to members of the community. Following a short presentation that described the project and the city’s intention to donate the unused portion of the right of way to the adjacent property owners, two options were provided. The first design option included eight-foot sidewalks without landscaping and the second option consisted of 10–13-foot sidewalks with landscaping. Based on the comments made during the workshop, most audience members favored the eight-foot sidewalks, though the Ocean City Development Corporation preferred the 10-foot sidewalks. McGean and his team came up with a third option after reviewing the feedback, which included a 10-foot sidewalk with an option for landscaping. The city would maintain the landscaping for one year and then hand off ownership and maintenance duties to the adjacent property owner. During a work session on Tuesday, McGean presented the three options to the council for discussion. Members of members of the public, including Brad and Joe Davis, owners of the Night Owl at 11th Street also were able to opine on the matter once the presentation had concluded. Brad Davis, the senior of the two,
told council he prefers alternate zero because he did not want the stretch to look anything like what is north of 15th Street. “Right now, we have an area that is somewhat clean with green space,” he said. “I just don’t see the point of getting rid of green space. It would almost make sense if you were going to widen the road to make traffic flow. “I personally like the alternative zero: just leave it like it is,” Davis added. Angelo Telo of the Nock Apartments also weighed in, saying the 10foot sidewalks would take away parking, which is already scarce in the area. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca askedwhat McGean favored, and he said the staff recommended option one based on the feedback. Councilman Mark Paddack also favored the first option with eight-foot sidewalks saying any sort of landscaping along Baltimore Avenue provided tripping hazards to anyone who becomes intoxicated along that stretch. Paddack added that he favored the 10-foot sidewalks, but after listening to the public, it appeared they liked the eight-foot sidewalks better, and that it was important to do this right and do it once. He then moved to go with the
eight-foot sidewalks without landscaping strips, but failed to get a second. Instead, Councilman Peter Buas presented a motion that included 10foot space comprised of 7-8 feet of sidewalk and two to three feet of utility strip on both sides of the newly improved Baltimore Avenue. Buas also asked for the approval of relocating a traffic signal from Seventh to Fifth Street, the offering of landscaping incentives for property owners, a speed limit reduction on Baltimore Avenue, and a review of the sign ordinance to ensure all signs are consistent. “I’m certainly sensitive to the road and concerns of the people,” Buas said, adding that he lives along the See COUNCIL Page 5
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Ocean City Today
Room tax share goes up for tourism Continued from Page 1 ibility to navigate the budget,” he said, recommending council come up with a decision that day. He also said the council should look at the procurement process, or getting a purchase order to buy services, so he can have the “flexibility and freedom” to use advertising dollars as an ad agency. Perlozzo said he favored option two with a scalable increase that would raise the tourism department’s 2.0 percent to 2.2 percent by 2025. In 2023, tourism would get 2 percent, 2.1 percent in 2024, and 2.2 percent in 2025. He even suggested possibly going up to 2.6 percent by 2025, though he did not have the information to support that increase during the meeting. Councilman John Gehrig said increasing the gross room tax percentage from 2 to 2.2 percent kept the formula intact. “We have to dedicate these funds for the purpose of marketing and economic development,” Gehrig said. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the scaling up, as written in the ordinance, is just for 2023. It would then be reconsidered every year after. Gehrig went on to say if the room tax is raised, the money brought in should be invested to help pay for
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Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig leads the discussion about increasing the gross room tax revenue percentage that would be dedicated to Director of Tourism and Business Development Tom Perlozzo’s department for advertising, during a work session on Tuesday.
tourism, and that 44 percent of the room tax covers the business side, or marketing side, while the other 56 percent goes to the general fund to cover city expenses. As he reviewed the language of the ordinance, Gehrig said words like “Shall” should be removed, along with “expenses” and “special events,” though he did suggest any promotion of special events should be covered. When Gehrig asked Perlozzo if the language was broad enough to give him what he wanted, Perlozzo said it was still “pretty tight” in terms of how he could use the advertising dollars, and that it only addressed some of his concerns.
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“We’re still going to be restricted as far as the other items in the budget,” he said. Perlozzo also said he was not sure where the money would come from to pay for new staff members he proposed last month, though it was stated the salaries would be paid out of the general fund. Councilman Tony DeLuca said he supported a scaled version of option two but added that he wants a timeline of when the city is going to start pushing for a 0.5 percent increase in the room tax, raising it from 5 percent to 5.5 percent. See MARKETING Page 6
Council goes wide on sidewalks Continued from Page 4 main stretch himself. “This is going to be the most impressive capital improvement project we’ve done in some time. I mean, it’s going to change the way we come into this town. “This could be the last time we ever talk about a right of way on Baltimore Avenue. If we’re going to do it, and we’re going to invest this money, we’re going to do it right, and we’re going to do it once,” Buas added. Buas’s proposal most closely resembled the third option that McGean presented, though Councilman John Gehrig expressed concerns that it was not what the public wanted. “I think we can make one work,” Gehrig said of the first option.
Mayor Rick Meehan said he supported Buas’s recommendation, not so much because of the trees, but because it gave the city space to add decorative lighting. He also said it makes a significant difference to have an area for that lighting because it would allow for an eight-foot-wide sidewalk that was unobstructed. “I think what he’s proposed is a good compromise,” Meehan said. Ultimately, when it came to a vote, City Council members voted 5-1 in favor of the Buas’s motion, with Gehrig voting in opposition and Councilman Lloyd Martin absent. After the vote, those who spoke walked away in disgust, with some expressing expletives on their way out the door.
Some concerned about project Continued from Page 3 the development team’s professionalism and attention to detail have been commended throughout the process so far, concerns about parking, traffic patterns, size of the retail area and more have cast some shadows during discussions. Some neighbors to the west in the
Sea Mist community along Baltimore Avenue are also not excited about the project. Several reached out to city officials with concerns about everything from traffic and parking, to the potential to obstruct their views and bring an unwanted “party” atmosphere to their quiet beach neighborhood.
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
Marketing to target millennials, Gen Xers Continued from Page 5 He said he wants to have it raised by January 2023, for instance, because any raise to the room tax would need to be approved by the county commissioners and the General Assembly. Councilman Peter Buas, however, asked Perlozzo if he had a plan for how the additional 0.2 percent would be used. Perlozzo said he didn’t, adding, “Hypothetically, we don’t know what will happen between now and 2024.” “It’s almost like we’re funding something that doesn’t exist,” Buas replied, pointing out that the decision to approve these funds was premature. Perlozzo said there will be a change in direction to how marketing is operated, and his department will
push to attract millennials and Generation Xers, which according to the perception study completed last month, made up for the majority of those with a negative experience in the resort. According to Gehrig, who backed Perlozzo, the plans for the money include broadening the city’s scope and having multiple campaigns at once. The way the budget is arranged now, he added, marketing is handcuffed and doesn’t have the funds to do what they need to do. Councilman Mark Paddack addressed something said during a meeting previously, that government did not need to be in advertising. “Ocean City does need to be in the business of promoting our community,” he said. “Our industry is tourism.
“I do believe that our government in our little community does need to address tourism,” Paddack added. As part of Perlozzo’s budget, any unspent funds will be carried over to the next year. Knapp said this year, $1.4 million carried over from last. The council members ultimately
voted 5-1 to scale up the gross tourism percentage from 2 to 2.2 percent by 2025, with Buas voting against the measure. The topic of procurement was not addressed, though Stansbury suggested to the council that it have a meeting to discuss it.
Tourism’s room tax options gave council three choices By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) A proposal to increase Director of Tourism and Business Development Tom Perlozzo’s advertising budget was presented to the Ocean City Mayor and City Council on Tuesday. As part of that proposal, three options were presented, including one that would give the tourism department 2.6 percent of the room tax revenues. Option 1: Under the first option, the City Council would dedicate 2 percent of the gross revenue to cover expenses to promote destination marketing, promotions, and special events. This proposal is less vague than the other two options, leaving the 2 percent intact and not allowing for scalability. Option 2: The second option directed the City Council to dedicate 2 percent of gross revenue to cover expenses to promote destination marketing, promotions, and special events, etc., without deduction or offset for other
tourism expenses (such as salaries and office equipment,) but include things like advertising, marketing, promotions, sponsorships and sponsorship opportunity funds, research, bid fees, subscription and trade dues, and conference fees. The option is more specific and spells out where the funds can be directed. This also, based on comments given at the council meeting, allows for the 2 percent to scale up to 2.2 percent by 2025. Option 3: The third option was for the City Council to direct 2.6 percent of the gross room revenue to cover all the expenses for Perlozzo’s department, including salaries, benefits, and operating losses of the special events division and convention center. Option three dedicates a full 2.6 percent to Perlozzo’s department, though that money would have to cover all expenses including salaries. This option also did not have to scale up to 2.6 from 2.0 percent. Instead, the increase would go into effect immediately upon approval.
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Ocean City Today
OC approves $15 wage for city employees By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Ocean City Council members unanimously agreed to increase the minimum wage for municipal workers to $15 an hour beginning on the first of the year. The State of Maryland is requiring municipalities to increase the minimum wage for part-time and seasonal employees working at the lowest paygrade level by 2025. As of this past summer, the rate for such positions was $11.75 per hour. But after a tough season of looking
for seasonal and parttime employees, due in part to the covid-19 pandemic, the city has decided to accelerate the raise. The increase in wages across the Jennie Knapp board, according to Budget Manager Jennie Knapp, will be 2.3 percent to grade maximums, and the city will aggressively increase the minimum for all other pay grades in 2022 and 2023, before revisiting the topic in 2024.
The city has 30 pay grades, starting at 100 and going to 130. There is also a 56-percent spread between each pay grade to allow for growth with experience. Knapp said the city currently employs approximately 800 part-time workers in the Grade 100 paygrade, and the cost to increase the wage to $15 per hour would amount to $567,600. The city also employs 66 full-time, non-union employees, and the fiscal impact for the wage increase will amount to an additional $220,257,
annually. Knapp said the city does not contribute to the other post-employment benefit, or OPEB, plan for non-union employees, therefore, the cost could be covered without affecting the operating budget. The pay increases also will include the police and fire departments. During the summer, the city ran into problems finding bus drivers to help fulfill the resort’s transportation requirements. Bus drivers are classified as Grade See WAGES Page 9
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Salisbury-based company submits lone bid By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) A single bid was submitted to replace a bulkhead at the end of Fourth Street in Ocean City that appears to have more holes than a slice of swiss cheese and is about to fall apart. During a work session on Tuesday, City Engineer Terry McGean told City Council members that the only bid came from Salisbury-based Murtech Marine Division, which has done marine construction for the Ocean City in the past. The cost to replace the bulkhead is budgeted at $450,000 and when Council Secretary Tony DeLuca read the name of the company and the bid amount of $451,647 out loud, City Budget Manager Jennie Knapp could be heard saying, “wonderful.” After the bid was read, Councilman Peter Buas moved to remand the bid to staff for review, with a second coming
from Councilman Mark Paddack. Council members approved the motion in a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Lloyd Martin absent from the meeting. In March, the council approved spending $1.5 million on capital improvement projects such as replacing the bulkhead on the west end of Fourth Street where the road meets Chicago Avenue. Sections of the hardened structure are in disarray, as corrosion has created a rusted lace appearance with holes chewed out of the steel. Only the portion at the end of Fourth Street will be repaired this goround, though the rest of the bulkhead will need to be repaired at some point. To replace the failing bulkhead, core samples would need to be taken so engineers know what is beneath the bay bottom. McGean said he expects the bulkhead to be built on the landward side of the current structure.
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Salisbury-based Murtech Marine Division submitted the only bid to Ocean City for the repair of the Fourth Street bulkhead, which is laced with holes created by corrosion and in disrepair.
OCEAN CITY STANDING COMMITTEE BRIEFS By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Members of several Ocean City standing committees met last month, including the Tourism Commission, Green Team and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
to discuss several items perceived to be important to the resort area.
Tourism Commission Council President Matt James gave a rundown of the last Tourism Com-
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mission meeting that took place on Nov. 15 at the convention center on 40th Street. A large part of the meeting focused on the public perception study, which was included in the City Council meeting agenda for Nov. 30, located at http://oceancitymd.iqm2.com.
Green Team Nine members of the Green Team met on Nov. 10 at City Hall on Third Street for an update on the nuisance flooding work group, which was created to track the frequency of flooding in town and to determine whether the floods are getting more severe. A final report is expected to be completed in December and in January, the Green Team will review the re-
sults. Though it will take more than a year of data to establish a decisive determination of the trends seen, this will give members a chance to review how rainfall and abnormally high tides affected flooding in downtown portions of town like St. Louis Avenue. City Director of Planning and Development Bill Neville and Ron Humphress of the Engineering Department were also going to look at Worcester Street, where the road surface height is to be increased by six inches, like in Montego Bay, to improve drainage. The Green Team also set its sights on the Litter Free OC campaign and how to focus efforts for 2022. Part of the evaluation included Continued on Page 9
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The Ocean City Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, will review the annual report on nuisance flooding events for 2021 in January. Though the report will only provide a year’s worth of data, the committee expects to use it along with upcoming years to determine whether flooding events are increasing in number and severity.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City officials are considering legislation modifications that define where a building’s height should be measured, after the code was changed to require all buildings in flood zones to have a minimum of a one-foot freeboard.
Ocean City to modify where building height measured By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) The Ocean City Council is considering changes to the zoning code that defines where the starting point is in measuring building height. The consideration was made necessary after the council in November decide that a building must have at least one foot of freeboard above the base elevation. Freeboard is the space between the lowest floor and the minimum base flood elevation, and some structures in Ocean City already have at least a
two-foot freeboard in place. FEMA imposed the new freeboard requirement on municipalities like Ocean City and threatened the resort’s community rating system flood insurance rating if it was not put in place. Prior to the requirement from FEMA, the downtown was exempt from freeboard elevation requirements adopted in 2015, but in 2018, the codes were raised to a higher standard. The idea behind the freeboard is to See FEMA Page 10
OCEAN CITY STANDING COMMITTEE BRIEFS Continued from Page 8 looking at what worked well and what did not, as the campaign has limited funding. The team is expected to meet again on Jan 12 at 3:30 at City Hall.
Bike Team Members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee,
or BPAC, met on Nov. 10 at City Hall and continued their discussion and planning of placing bike racks at the end of oceanside streets, the most recent being on 36th Street. The committee also got an update on the mayor’s bike ride, which took place on Oct. 31. More than 50 people took part in the ride this year and planning for the 2022 event will begin in March.
Wages to go up for all workers Continued from Page 7 107 employees and are currently paid $15.60 per hour. Over the summer, this amount was bumped to $17.75, which was more in line with the current market for bus drivers in the state. Along with increasing the minimum wage and pay grades across the board, City Council members agreed to have a pay study conducted as part of the 2023 budget for $25,000 and conduct a market comparison in 2022 for $15,000. “The town needs to take a proactive stance,” Mayor Rick Meehan
said, explaining that last year the city ran into major problems hiring staff. “By bringing this forward now, we can use it with recruitment starting today.” He added that he supported the recommendation from Knapp and Human Resource Director Katie Callan. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca moved to approve the increase in wages and to fund the two studies, with a second by Councilman Mark Paddack. The measure passed with a 6-0 vote. Councilman Lloyd Martin was absent from the meeting.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Embers makeover clears final county hurdle By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) The Taustin Group received its final approval from the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners for their Embers redevelopment project on Wednesday. Representatives from Taustin Group appeared before the board to obtain the seven-day beer and wine sales license for the restaurant, cafe and retail facility. All other planning and zoning permits have been obtained and construction is underway. “We have taken the footprint that was previously Embers and are creating a dining and retail experience,” Taustin Group President Cole Taustin said after the meeting. “We’ll have our first-floor cafe available with retail shops, some limited office space. On the third floor, (we’ll have) dining and private event space which is outside on the (covered) roof.” “We’ve (now) gotten all of our approvals. We’re on our way.” The central point driving the new project for the Taustin Group has been the notion that the buffet-style layout Embers had been known for is now outdated, they argued. With this redevelopment, they’ll be able to spread their business further out from the traditional dinner rush hours on which the Embers and the their adjacent Blu Crabhouse capitalized. The property is situated between
Philadelphia Avenue and the Harbour Towne condominium community, and two residents of which, Richard and Kimberly Brown, showed up to observe the meeting and voice concerns about traffic congestion. “The access road that runs straight through the Embers property … from Coastal Highway to Westward Ho (condominiums), in the summertime is a chokepoint,” Richard Brown said. “You have a lot of people coming in, coming out, people going from the parking lot into the restaurant complex, vice-versa, playing golf. Our concern is, there’s never really been a problem except for congestion. With increased business — which we think sounds cool by the way — we’re concerned (that traffic will get worse).” Taustin pointed out that, while the square footage has substantially increased, the seating capacity of the restaurant has decreased by between 50 to 100 seats and the nature of the redevelopment will keep traffic concerns low. “With this change in venue, we’ve spread our business out over the course of an entire day,” Taustin said. “We’re drawing people in the morning, the afternoon and the evening. The number of seats available … will actually be less.” The Embers buffet didn’t open until 3 p.m. for an early bird special, and Taustin added that the bulk of
RENDERING COURTESY TAUSTIN GROUP
The redeveloped site of Embers will include a cafe, retail space, a sitdown restaurant with a patio and a third-floor covered roof where live music can occur by request for private events.
their business was done between then and 7 p.m. Taustin said that the current plan is for the cafe to be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Blu Crabhouse will keep its noon-10 p.m. hours and the rooftop area will operate seasonally from late April or early May until mid-October, ideally. While Embers has housed live entertainment before, Taustin said that their plan is only to accommodate live entertainment on the third floor and only when the space has been leased for private events, such as a wedding, and no more than five-piece
OP General Manager Viola resigns By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Leadership changes are coming in Ocean Pines after General Manager John Viola announced his resignation from the Ocean Pines Association’s top post on Wednesday. Association President Larry Perrone issued a statement on the matter on Wednesday afternoon. “John decided to resign to begin his well-deserved retirement,” Perrone said. Viola took the reins on an interim
basis in March 2019 following the departure of former General Manager John Bailey. After inking a sixmonth contract that June, in Dec. 2019 the board of directors John Viola voted unanimously to extend the agreement for 30 more months. Viola’s employment contract was slated to run through June 30, 2022. In a statement Perrone said the
Board of Directors is appreciative of Viola’s contributions. “Notably, as the general manager, John assembled a highly effective management team and oversaw the stabilization of the OPA’s finances and recent strong economic performance,” he said. Perrone said Viola would remain on the job until Feb. 28, while also noting the board would launch a search process for replacement candidates. The board has scheduled a special meeting on the issue today at 9 a.m.
acts or a disc jockey. No dance floors or stages are included in their design. While the third floor is covered but open-air, Taustin said a 66-inch glass barrier will enclose the space to mitigate sound.
FEMA requirement forces city officials to evaluate height Continued from Page 9 protect buildings from flood damage, but when it was discussed in September, Councilman Peter Buas raised concerns that the new restriction would cause confusion when it came to measuring the height of a structure. For example, would the height of the building be measured from the top of the freeboard or the base? City Council members requested that the building height be measured from the top of the freeboard in all zoning districts, and new legislation was drafted and presented to them during Tuesday’s work session. The legislation, City Director of Planning and Community Development Bill Neville explained, provides things like the definitions of a building height and freeboard height while striking building height measurements from different zones, with the idea that the definitions are all in one place. Neville previously told council members that some places in the code had the building height measured from the freeboard and others had it from the base. The goal of this legislation is to create consistency across the city code. After reviewing the code modifications, council members voted 6-0 in favor of forwarding the legislation to the next business meeting on Dec. 6 for a first reading. Councilman Lloyd Martin was absent from the meeting.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
Seacrets nixes worker housing at new store By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Citing concerns with possible “illicit activities” of employees in a licensed liquor building, Seacrets owner Leighton Moore will no longer provide space for workers at the new ABC Liquors planned for his property. “It poses a potential nightmare,” Moore said during a city planning commission meeting on Nov. 23 of the worker housing space initially included in plans for the new three-story building on the east side of his 49th Street lot. “I have no control over the employees after hours, or during hours of the liquor store, and what they do up there can drastically affect my license,” he continued. “If they are doing something that is illegal up there, it’s in my licensed building. I can’t have the two associated.” The commissioners approved a site plan on Nov. 9 for a new, 3,244-square-foot ABC Liquors retail store with 2,911 square feet of storage space on the second floor and employee housing big enough for 10 people on the third. The revised plan, which commissioners approved after some discussion last week, calls for 3,367 square feet on the first floor for the store, 3,037 square feet of storage on the second, and 2,575 square feet of storage on the third. The plan still includes demolition of the existing one-story, island-themed liquor store. While the reason for the change was understandable, as Planning Commission Chairperson Pam Buckley put it, not all of the commissioners were immediately on board with it. “I would have not been as enthusiastic about the
project being three stories the first time had it not been that it was employee housing on the third floor because it’s a very large building for that area,” Commissioner Lauren Taylor said during the meeting. “Everything around it and on the other side of the street are lower. And the other building was a liquor store but it was kind of funky and cute and small. And now in our familyfriendly town we have a major three-story liquor store, which is what it appears now.” Moore pointed out that several of the ocean-side buildings across the street are five stories RENDERING COURTESY IOTT ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING tall. He also said that large projects are often proposed for areas A rendering shows a new, three-story ABC Liquors slated to replace the one-story, islandwhere nothing else similar ex- themed one at the front of the Seacrets parking lot on 49th Street. ists, such as with a 13-story Margaritaville resort proposed for 13th and 14th the rendering, which shows an aesthetically pleasstreets, which commissioners also discussed dur- ing building that she said looks more residential ing the meeting. than like a large, glaring liquor store. “We have a large project that comes after this to The commissioners approved the change unanbe heard in an area that’s empty now,” Moore said. imously, but noted that Moore should be cognizant “And eventually I’ll have large project in this area of the color and intensity of the lighting that will that will make this seem small. If you can imagine shine out from the building. what I’m saying without me having to be specific, I Moore assured commission members that the can’t control the illicit activities of employees in a lighting will be “not in your face,” nor direct. licensed liquor store and I can’t jeopardize my Members of the Worcester County Board of Liliquor license for that which I can’t control.” cense Commissioners also unanimously approved Taylor softened her criticism some after she saw plans for the project at a meeting Wednesday.
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Worcester County denied a seven-day beer and wine license to the 7-Eleven on Ocean Gateway in West Ocean City on Wednesday, citing a state law that prohibits such licenses going to chain stores.
Liquor board denies alcohol license for 7-Eleven in WOC By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners on Wednesday denied a request by Ocean Market LLC for Class-A seven-day beer and wine license that would have permitted alcohol sales inside the 7-Eleven on Ocean Gateway near Berlin. The request would essentially work around current state law, which states that a local licensing board may not issue such a license for use in conjunction with a chain store. Ocean Market owner Mustafa Nawaz, who leases the 7-11, argued it was not, since he’s a franchisee. “All Ocean Market franchises … 7Eleven has no say in who to hire, how to hire, anything like that. It is solely operated by Ocean Market and how Ocean Market runs the store. Ocean Market is the one who’s leasing out to (prospective franchisee) Ocean Beer LLC.” The new business would have seen Ocean Beer using 750 square feet of the store for beer and wine sales. Over more than an hour, the board, Nawaz and attorney Hugh Cropper debated what constituted a chain store and if Nawaz’s business falls within that category. The store, which opened earlier this year, was initially a corporate store, Nawaz said, but soon after he began to lease it as a franchisee. When asked by the board who specifically owned the property and who paid for the 7-Eleven’s construction, Nawaz replied that a third-party investor owned the land and 7-Eleven Inc., holds the lease. Looking to establish precedent, Tom Coates, the board’s attorney, summarized similar cases in other Maryland counties that had gone to the circuit courts and the Court of Appeals in which it was determined that
the franchised or leased convenience stores in question were, in fact, chains. Through its questioning, the board established that 7-Eleven has the right to repossess the store if a violation occurs and is the entity that decides when and how the convenience store is operated, which Coates reasoned, citing the related cases, makes it a chain store. Cropper, however, didn’t see Coates’s reasoning as what the board should reference in its decision. “This board has granted lots of licenses to tenants … For every commercial lease that I write, the landlord has a security interest in the goods. Does the landlord govern the hours of operation? That happens all the time … If you have a store inside a hotel, they’ll say you have to be open for a certain amount of time. The landlord can take possession if they violate the agreement or if they don’t keep the store clean. That’s in every lease I’ve ever written in 33 years of being a lawyer. If you don’t keep the premises or don’t know how to keep it, you’re in default and we can take it back.” Cropper also argued that the beer and wine sales would have absolutely no affiliation with 7-Eleven. “While you ask all those questions, I admit it sounds bad, but that’s in every arm’s-length lease. I don’t give that a lot of stock,” he said. “I think what’s important here is that if Ocean Beer LLC makes $5, $5,000 or $5 million, it’s their money. It doesn’t go to Ocean Market or 7-Eleven.” A sticking point in the debate was the fact that Cropper and Nawaz only brought part of the franchise agreement between Nawaz and 7-Eleven. Cropper said after the ruling that they will likely be back in front of the board in the future with the entire agreement.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Cabanas to replace Boardwalk’s Paul Revere By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners approved a seven-day liquor license transfer and premises modification for Cabanas Bar and Grille, a new restaurant that will be housed in the former Paul Revere Smorgasbord and includes the existing Caribbean Pool Bar on the Boardwalk. The owners of Cabanas, Jason and Cortney Bullock, said their idea is to transform the buffet-style restaurant into a two-level, indoor-outdoor restaurant with a new bar. “We have removed the buffet lines and we will be opening that up and making that area for the bar as well as seating,” Cortney Bullock said. “Outside, the patio was previously used for an entrance/exit and waiting area. We would like to use that as dining as well as some bar seating and our carry-out window that has some seating.”
The indoor restaurant has a capacity of 250 people. Walking down the steps to property from the Boardwalk — about a six-foot drop — Cortney Bullock said there will be signs to direct customers to either the bar and restaurant side or the adjacent carry-out window. A hostess will be situated adjacent to the carry-out area so they can see everyone entering and exiting to ensure no alcoholic beverages are leaving the sit-down areas. Further, the bar will be situated in the back of the indoor restaurant, making it so anyone who buys a drink at the bar would have to first pass the entire waitstaff and hostess before making it off the premises with it. Board chairman William Esham asked if any changes will be made for live entertainment accommodations, which occur at the Caribbean Pool Bar. “I’m just making a record … that you’re aware that any problems that we may have — and you haven’t had
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Cabanas Bar and Grille is taking over the space that formerly held Paul Revere Smorgasbord. The owners envision a 3-in-1 takeout, sitdown restaurant and bar that will require some remodeling.
any for a long time, but they came from the Caribbean Pool Bar,” he said. The Bullocks said they’re aware of the past incidents and of the responsibility to ensure the business contin-
ues to run smoothly. The motion passed with the caveat that the current live entertainment agreement — no more than fourpiece acts — stays the same.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Code requires property condition disclosure By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Part of each residential contract of sale in Maryland is an addendum from Section 10-702 of the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (“Section 10-702”). This code requires that a seller of a single-family residential property deliver to each buyer, on or before entering into a contract of sale, on a form published and prepared by the Maryland Real Estate Commission, either: 1) A written property condition
disclosure statement listing all defects including latent defects, or information of which the seller has actual knowledge related to the following: Water and sewer systems, water treatment systems, and sprinkler systems; insulation; structural systems, including the roof, walls, floors, foundation and any basement; plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning sys-
tems; Infestation of wood-destroying insects; land use matters; hazardous or regulated materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, underground storage tanks, and licensed landfills; any other material defects, including latent defects, of which the seller has actual knowledge; whether the required permits were obtained for any improvements made to the property; smoke alarms; and whether a carbon monoxide alarm is installed on the property. OR
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2) A written disclaimer statement providing that: except for latent defects of which the seller has actual knowledge, the seller makes no representations or warranties as to the condition of the real property or any improvements on the real property; and the buyer will be receiving the real property “as is,” with all defects, including latent defects, that may exist, except as otherwise provided in the contract of sale of the property. So what is a latent defect vs. a material fact? Latent defects are defined as material defects in real property or an improvement to real property that a buyer would not reasonably be expected to observe by a careful visual inspection of the property; and that would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the buyer or an occupant of the buyer. A material fact is defined as anything that would affect 1) the value of the property, or 2) a buyer/tenant’s decision to purchase/lease the property or how much to offer to purchase or lease the property. A real estate licensee in Maryland is required to disclose material facts the licensee knew or should have known that relates to the property. Material facts need to be in writing and disclosed to buyers prior to the time a buyer submits an offer. — Lauren Bunting is an Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Wine’ing Butcher opened its Ocean City location over the summer and its staff has been working since to increase the products and services they offer to their customer base. The vast selection at the butcher shop includes homemade sausage and bacon, marinated meats, side dishes, desserts and of course, wine.
Wine’ing Butcher ‘one-stop shop’ for more than meats By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) “The Wine’ing Butcher” is a succinct name, but it offers no indication of the myriad products and services provided by the new butcher shop next to Hooper’s Crab House on Ocean Gateway. Perhaps a full kitchen, made-toorder takeout menu, catering, holiday meal assistance and personable, tailored service are just too much to fit on the marquee for the 2,800square-foot butcher shop that has other locations in Virginia and New Hampshire. Co-owners Dion Hall and Andrew Arguin, two lifelong friends, said they came up with the idea after Arguin encountered a similar concept in New England, where he was working at the time. The pair joined to open shop in New Hampshire before expanding and, now, have brought their idea home. “Dion and I have been friends since high school,” Arguin said. “We grew up in Dover. Ocean City and Delaware beaches were kind of our proverbial stomping grounds. Dion has owned a house in Ocean City going on five years now.” Arguin describes The Wine’ing Butcher as a gourmet food market that is rooted in a butcher shop. They’re heavy on the meat side of the business, he said, but also offer an assortment of wines and beer that pair well with their menu offerings. “The goal is for the community to shop with us — keep it fresh and simple and be able to get a complete meal,” Arguin said. It doesn’t stop at meat and alcohol, though, as the store boasts side dishes, desserts and an assortment of cheeses. The pair say that they pride themselves on having something for everyone, be it someone on lunch
break, cooking for date night or planning a family feast. And they’ll strive to pair a customer with the cuts that will work best for their culinary capabilities and methods. “We don’t care whether it’s a single person that just wants to come in and get some great food, a weekend warrior barbecue, aspiring chefs or families that want a good meal,” Arguin said. “We cater to seasonal and holiday events. That’s where we shine especially. But we are a day-to-day butcher shop. Come in, get proteins for the day or week … We’re interested in educating the community as much as anyone. We try to source locally, regionally, throughout the country and world depending on what we’re looking to bring in.” Added Hall, they don’t really have a “typical” customer. “There’s a lot of different walks of life in Ocean City in general and we cater to everybody,” Hall said. “We even have vegetarians who come in the store for the prepared foods. We try to cater to the vacationers and the locals. Those are the main client bases we want to hit.” The Wine’ing Butcher makes many of its offerings in-house, including bacon and sausage. They prepare many of their sides and desserts themselves as well. They can brine, fast-cook and deep-fry their meats as well. Simply put, if it can be done, The Wine’ing Butcher will try to make it happen. “We try to make sure that we provide the freshest quality for our customer base and that we keep things simple,” Hall said. “That’s the key — making life easier for our customers whether they’re on vacation or a family doing sports every day and don’t have time to prepare food but are See BUTCHER Page 16
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Atlantic General pharmacy staff receives proclamation (Dec. 3, 2021) Maryland State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza recently visited Atlantic General pharmacy staff to present a special proclamation from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. The proclamation highlighted the tremendous service pharmacists provide in delivering medications, educating the community and one the most important duties in recent years, combatting the spread of covid-19. Through the proclamation, Gov. Hogan expressed his sincere gratitude for the work pharmacists do for each community, and recognized the important role pharmacists play in the public health and safety of Maryland. To conclude the proclamation,
Gov. Hogan announced the institution of American Pharmacists Month in Maryland, to be observed in October. State Sen. Carozza presented Gov. Hogan’s message to James McGinnis, director of the AGHRx RediScripts pharmacy, and supporting staff. To further emphasize Gov. Hogan’s recognition, State Sen. Carozza also commended the pharmacy staff with a sincerely appreciative dialogue. McGinnis thanked Sen. Carozza and Gov. Hogan on behalf of all Atlantic General pharmacy staff, in which he stated, “We would like to thank you for the presentation of the Governor’s Proclamation. We are so grateful to you – senator and the governor.
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Maryland State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza recently visited Atlantic General pharmacy staff to present a special proclamation to James McGinnis, director of AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy, and supporting pharmacy staff from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.
“We appreciate the recognition of the work the very talented and capable pharmacy teams perform every day here at AGH,” he continued. “As you are well aware, pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians are an invaluable healthcare resource. A resource that’s in close proximity to most people in the county and
throughout Maryland. Our pharmacy teams are a source of medications, drug information and financial resources that support our patients’ daily ability to function in a normal way. We are proud to offer our professional skills and services, and look forward to new opportunities to deliver healthcare to our communities.”
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Wine’ing Butcher general manager Lauren McWilliams said the items they prepared are made “with love,” which is central to the shop’s priority of meeting the specific needs of each customer who walks through its doors.
Butcher shop prepares menu ‘with love’ and copious flavor Continued from Page 15 looking to cook. We don’t pigeonhole ourselves with trying to make one thing over and over again.” It’s an attitude that is embodied by the Ocean City staff as well. “We take care of our customers,” said general manager Lauren McWilliams. “We try to treat them like family and make sure that they’re all aware of what quality meats we have, that we make everything here in-house. Everything’s made with love — it’s all homemade.” Arguin and Hall said they also offer a catering service but are look-
ing to the New Year to ramp it up. “Once we get into the new year, we’ll push (our full catering menu) out,” Arguin said. “Anything at the store you see or want we can do in a catering type environment … On the menu, we can do sandwich platters, sub platters. We do and have done all these different things ala carte, off the cuff. It’ll transform into a more formal menu after the new year.” The hours for the Wine’ing Butcher vary, but typically they open at 10:30 and close by 5 or 6 p.m., Arguin said.
www.oceancitytoday.com
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY CHOPTANK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Choptank Electric held a ribbon-cutting for its first customers connected to its high-speed internet service in Worcester County on Nov. 16. The ceremony took place at Chesapeake Bay Dairy.
Choptank connects first Wor. County residents to internet (Dec. 3, 2021) Choptank Electric home and business in Worcester Cooperative and its subsidiary, Chop- County remains a top priority of the tank Fiber, held a ribbon-cutting for its county commissioners,” County Comfirst customers connected to its high- missioners President Joe Mitrecic speed internet service in Worcester said. “The Choptank project to install a mix of aerial and underground fiber County on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Local elected officials, members of is part of an aggressive, three-year inithe community and Choptank repre- tiative to prioritize the extension of sentatives gathered at the Holland broadband to all underserved and unfamily’s Chesapeake Bay Dairy to cel- served areas within Worcester in the ebrate the milestone and to partake of next three years.” Commissioners Ted Elder, Diana locally produced ice cream. Staff were available to review infor- Purnell and Josh Nordstrom helped mation about Choptank Fiber and kick off the event with Choptank help community members enroll in Board Chairman Jeff Rathell, and board members service. Donna Richardson Laura Holland, West, Amy Ireland owner of the ice ‘Since they connected our and Matt cream operation, service last Friday, the kids Brandt, said she was thrilled Holloway. haven’t stopped using it.’ Choptank Fiber with Choptank Laura Holland will install gigabitFiber’s broadband speed service for up service. to 35 families in this “Since they connected our service last Friday, the kids initial build-out. Choptank staff are contacting eligihaven’t stopped using it.” She said. “I’ve been telling our neighbors how ble customers to finalize installation fast everything is when you get online plans along Whitesburg Road, Divid– there is no waiting or spinning — ing Creek Road, Ferry Branch Lane, McMaster Road and a small portion of items come up instantly.” Mike Malandro, president and CEO Worcester Highway. This is an expansion of Choptank of Choptank Electric Cooperative, thanked members and staff of the Fiber’s Somerset County buildout that Worcester County Commissioners for has been under construction for the their commitment to broadband for last three months, offering service to more than 60 families near Princess the residents of the county. “This project is the start of internet Anne. Choptank Fiber was founded in connection for many unserved households on the lower shore,” he said. 2021 at the request of the cooperative’s “Working together, we look forward to members. Choptank Fiber is currently giving rural families and businesses — providing internet service to houselike the Holland’s dairy — access to re- holds in Caroline, Queen Anne’s, Somliable internet so their operation can erset, Wicomico and Worcester continue to develop here in Worcester counties. The broadband company expects to connect 1,000-1,500 locations County.” “Developing the fiber backbone to annually to meet the needs of unmake broadband available to every served residents on the Eastern Shore.
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Outgoing maintenance supervisor honered (Dec. 3, 2021) The commissioners honored on Nov. 2, Maintenance Superintendent Ken Whited, who was set to retired at the end of the month following a 15-year career with Worcester County Government. “Ken is one of the most dedicated, knowledgeable, and hardworking people I’ve ever served with,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said. He’s also a really great person, and I will miss working with him. I hope he and his wife have a long, enjoyable retirement.” Throughout his Worcester County Government career, Whited played a key role in modernizing the progressive maintenance programs for county-owned buildings and grounds, facilitated building renovations and boat ramp construction,
and managed HVAC building automation systems. Prior to joining Worcester County Government, Whited served with SPN, Inc., where he worked closely with county government officials on numerous county building projects, including the Charles and Martha Fulton Senior Center in Snow Hill, where he provided on-site project management to sequence construction activities and oversaw and inspected all phases of construction. Whited and his wife, Kathy, plan to spend more quality time with their children and grandchild, cycling and traveling to see the wonders of the country in their recreation vehicle. He passes the torch of leadership to incoming Maintenance Superintendent Mike Hutchinson.
The Worcester County Commissioners honored retiring Maintenance Supervisor Ken Whited who retired last month following a 15-year career with the Worcester County Government.
Michael Hutchinson named new maintenance supervisor (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners appointed Michael Hutchinson as the new superintendent within the Maintenance Division of Public Works. “Mike is thoroughly familiar with Worcester County’s facilities,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said. “His knowledge of building maintenance management and attention to detail make him the perfect choice as the new superintendent.” Hutchinson, who joined Worcester County Government as the Maintenance supervisor in 2013, brings 29 years of experience in management to his new position. Prior to joining Worcester County Government, he served as the HVAC engineer at Wor-Wic Community College and as operations foreman for West Windsor Plainsboro Regional School District in New Jersey.
He earned certification as an educational facilities manager from Rutgers University and as a stationary engineer from the State of Maryland. M. Hutchinson As superintendent, Hutchinson is directly responsible for planning, directing, and administering the day-to-day operations for the Maintenance and Mosquito Control Divisions. He also supervises and directs the overall management of the maintenance and repair activities for Worcester County facilities and grounds. Hutchinson lives on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland with his wife, Laura, and three children. He takes over for Ken Whited who was set to retire on Dec. 1.
Sheriff issues advisory for citizens about phone scam (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of a phone scam that is circulating the area. This is similar to the phone scam that was report in Wicomico County in July. The recipients of these calls are told that they are the subject of a pending warrant out of the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has been told that during these inci-
dents, callers have represented themselves with the names of actual deputies with the Sheriff’s Office. Citizens are reminded that the Sheriff’s Office will never call someone and encourage them to make a payment over the phone to keep themselves from being arrested. Anyone who receives an unsolicited call where asked to send money to avoid an arrest, should remember that is not the practice of law enforcement.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
DECEMBER 3, 2021
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Ocean City Today
Berlin partially pulls back on office closings By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) After closing town government office buildings last month in the wake of several employees tested positive for covid-19, Berlin officials announced last week that Town Hall would reopen to the public on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 3. Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the intent was to ensure public safety by limiting exposure. “We’ve had several positive cases in the last few weeks,” she said. Berlin also re-opened the Planning
Department and the Visitors Center last week, but opted to limit public access to Town Hall to one day a week for the rest of the year. “This is the building with the most public exposure,” she said. Mayor Zach Tyndall said town officials have consulted with the CDC and Worcester County Health Department for health safety advice throughout the coronavirus pandemic. “There’s not much guidance about closing buildings,” he said. “They really leave that up to individual municipalities.” Tyndall said options were limited
after the recent rash of positive covid tests. “We had to close down all office buildings to get staff tested,” he said. As results returned, unaffected staff began trickling back to regular office duties. Tyndall said residents needing assistance paying utility or other bills could contact customer service staff. Payments can be made in person at two drop-off boxes in Town Hall on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or online by visiting berlinmd.gov and clicking “online payments” on the top right.
“We’ve been able to meet all those operational needs because of the precautions we’ve taken,” he said. Public meetings scheduled in December will be held with in-person attendance limited and masks required. Tyndall said department heads would only attend meetings as needed and only for the relevant portion. Tyndall applauded staff efforts to maintain operations despite safety precautions. “Staff members rose to the occasion to deliver top customer service despite staffing challenges,” he said.
Worcester awards ’21 Volunteer Spirit honors (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners and Human Resources Director Stacey Norton recognized 2021 Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County Awards recipients on Oct. 20. “To honor volunteers whose contributions help to improve the quality of life here locally, county residents were invited to nominate individuals, organizations and businesses for the 2021 Volunteer Spirit of Worcester County Awards,” Norton said. Individual Spirit Award recipients include James Meckley, Robin Tomaselli,
and Sandra and Bill Venable. Meckley, who co-chaired the annual Ocean Pines book sale, which brought in revenues of $13,407, volunteered more than 1,000 hours from March 2020 to June 2021 and currently manages the library’s Amazon account and the book table at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market. Tomaselli was recognized for her volunteer work with the Berlin mural project, Germantown School mural, flower project at the Berlin Branch Library, meals for the hungry/schools, and com-
mittee to save the historic Tyree AMC Church. The Venables have volunteered more than 550 hours for Diakonia. Sandra assists with the thrift store twice a week, and Bill drives the truck twice a week to pick up donated furniture. Shonn Williams, head moderator for the Neighbors of Snow Hill Facebook page, received the Emerging Leader Spirit Award for his extraordinary acts of kindness and for bringing a Christmas parade to the Town of Snow Hill to spread kindness, joy, happiness, and
unity. Members of the First State Detachment Marine Corps League received the Group/Team Spirit Award after logging hundreds of volunteer hours assisting the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, Ocean City Recreation Boosters, Semper Fi Bike Ride, Presidential Physical Fitness Test, Vietnam Traveling Wall, providing nursing home visits and funeral color guard details, and participating in the Toys for Tots program. Volunteers make Worcester County a better place to live, work and visit.
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WATERFRONT in Montego Bay! Great location on a very wide canal and a Panoramic View. This 2 bed 2 bath home was completely renovated. Renovations include windows, electrical, plumbing, Heating system, hot water heater, flooring, Painted interior, trim, kitchen, bathrooms all Tiled, & appliances. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a shuffleboard court, a 9 hole mini-golf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary with a large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for only $299.00/yr. HOA dues. Within walking distance to shopping, dining, the bus stop, the Beach, and Ocean City's 58 acre North Side Park, home of the 4th of July Fireworks. This is a must see home...it will not last long! Sold Partially Furnished for $449,500!!
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Enjoy views of the Bay from this 3BR/2BA home located in the sought-after community in North OC. Located just steps away from the community's Bayfront Boardwalk where you'll see the most beautiful sunsets just about every night! This home features an open floor plan, crown moldings throughout, fully equipped kitchen w/lg breakfast bar, full sized W/D, newer roof (less than 5 yrs old), newer HVAC system, (less than 5 years old), block skirting, maintenance free front porch, lg storage shed, outside shower and more. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, a shuffleboard court, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a wildlife sanctuary/park area w/a pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $328.00 a year!! $349,900
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Active lifestyle promoted at 50plus Staff looking to draw more people to free senior citizen center by convention center By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Many people might not realize there’s more going on next to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center besides construction and some condominiums. But tucked next to the center, underneath the water tower, is the Ocean City 50plus Center, a recreational venue that is free to individuals 50 years and older. “We promote healthy, active, independent living so (our members) can live at home longer and not have to go into a nursing facility or something like that,” said Karen Merritt, the site supervisor. “That’s the goal.” The 8,125-square-foot center, one of four provided by the Worcester County Commission on Aging (WorCOA), offers numerous activities, including tai chi, enhanced fitness classes, billiards and other games, a walking club and both local and regional group outings. “We reopened in June,” program coordinator Siggy Casteleiro said. “We’re still trying to get things going again since people have been doing their own thing for the last year and a half. We’ve been trying to get fitness instructors and volunteers in, which
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Ocean City 50plus Center members take part in a tai chi class, a twice-weekly offering at the Ocean City facility. Other activities the center boasts include a walking club, prepared lunches and group outings. Membership to 50plus is free, with the only requirement being the member is 50 or older.
has been so much help, but we want to focus on our members.” Casteleiro said most members are local to the Ocean City area but they do have members who hail from a bit further away, like Delaware. It’s free to sign up and the only requirement of members is they meet the age requirement. Signing up for Ocean City also gives members access to the other three 50plus Centers in Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. The biggest challenge for the Ocean City staff so far has been getting the word out there. A lot of people just don’t know the center is there, said Rich Tomaski, a volunteer who joined the club in September. “I love everything about this place,” Tomaski said. “They’re so dedicated to what they do — the tai chi classes, the lunch, (the trips). The things that they do here, it’s really bothersome that people don’t know about it.”
To that end, the group outings have suffered because of low participation, though that’s partially explained by a typically slower offseason when many members fly south for the winter, according to Casteleiro. But regardless, staff has even had to cancel trips, like one scheduled for Chincoteague last month, for lack of participation. An overnight trip to Cape May is currently scheduled for Dec. 27-28 but is also at risk of cancellation if they can’t sign up enough members. “I talk to everybody about this place and tell them everything about it, but nobody knows about it,” said Tomaski, who himself had to do some digging to find it. The Ocean City 50plus Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit https://worcoa.org or email Senior Program Director LuAnn Siler at luann@worcoa.org.
New buyer incentive! -- seller will pay 3% towards buyers closing costs w/full price offer! New updates inside to include pendant lighting and shiplap accent wall in kitchen/dining area! Come check out this newly constructed Beracah Bridgewater home, 3BR/2BA offering 1475 square feet. Great location in Newark, Maryland, just 6 miles from Berlin, 10 miles from Snow Hill and 15 minutes to Ocean City area. Open floor plan w/luxury vinyl plank flooring in living room and kitchen. Laundry room w/additional pantry space. Attached 2 car garage and concrete driveway. Located in Newark MD, where you have public water and sewer with NO city taxes! Low HOA fees of just $401 a year. Current county/state taxes reflect lot value only. $349,900
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JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY 7510 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 410-524-0919 • Atlanticshores-sothebysrealty.com
Joe Davis takes a shot during a casual pool game at the Ocean City 50plus Center on 41st Street next to the convention center.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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WPS welcomes four new trustees Nicole Silicato-Miller, Emily Tunis, Stephen Lewis and Matt Giardina take roles (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester Preparatory School Board of Trustees welcomes members Matthew Giardina of Berlin, Stephen Lewis of Ocean City, Nicole Silicato-Miller of Millsboro, and Emily Tunis of Ocean City. Born in Salisbury, Giardina attended WPS from Kindergarten through ninth grade, and from there he attended Christchurch Boarding School in Urbanna, Virginia. At Christchurch, he was involved with several sports including, lacrosse, football and sailing. After graduating from Christchurch in 2003, Giardina enrolled at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree with concentrations in economics and finance. After graduating from college, he worked with family businesses in Ocean City, working his way up to vice president of operations for Bayshore Development and Time Inc. Giardina and his wife, Jessica, have two children who attend WPS, Abraxas (’29) and Kingsley (’32). In addition to his involvement with WPS, he has also been active with the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Board and the Joan Jenkins Board. In his free time, he is an avid outdoorsman. Tunis grew up in Mt. Airy, Maryland, where she attended South Carroll High School. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class, as well as played volleyball and softball. In 2005, Tunis graduated from Washington and Lee University (W&L) with a Bachelor’s Degree in physics and mathematics.
At W&L, she was the president of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and played volleyball. Tunis was recognized with the W&L Distinguished Young Alumna Award in 2015 and was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. After graduation, she moved to the Washington, DC area where she worked as a Emily Tunis contractor for the Department of Defense. In 2010, she received a Master’s Degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Tunis moved to Ocean City in 2012 and is currently the president and chief operating officer of Hardwire, LLC in Pocomoke City, which was founded by her Matt Giardina husband, George. She has two stepchildren, that graduated from Worcester Prep, Grace (’16) and Owen (’19). Her daughter, Ellie (’35), is a current pre-kindergarten student and her youngest, Brooklyn, will join her sister in just a few short years. In addition to her commitment to WPS, Tunis serves as the vice chair of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Board, the chair of the W&L University Science Advisory Board, and a board member of the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Born and raised in the area, Lewis is a 1986 graduate of Worcester Preparatory School. His father, Lloyd, was a founding member of the school and long-serving trustee. After graduating from Towson University, Lewis returned to the area and assumed the role of vice presi-
Writing contest seeks stories inspiring substance recovery (Dec. 3, 2021) Worcester Goes Purple (WGP) continues to champion that “Recovery is Possible” and OnlyPositiveStories, founded by Dylan and Hunter Simons, encourages everyone to “Think Positive.” The two local organizations are joining together to sponsor a writing contest entitled “Find Your Strong.” They are encouraging members of the community who “found their strong” to share their story of strength to inspire others. Applicants of all ages and from all walks of life are asked to answer the questions: “How did you find your strong in 2020 & 2021? Did
you ‘find your strong’ in your faith, community family, or your passion?” in 250 words or less. The first 25 submissions will receive “Find Your Strong” T-shirts. Two weekly winners will each receive a “Find Your Strong” sweatshirt and the grand prize winner will be presented a $250 Amazon gift card. Submissions may be made from Dec. 1-31 at onlypositive stories.com/submit-your-story; or mailed to WGP, P.O. Box 593, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Any questions, contact Debbie Smullen at wgpwarriors 2021@gmail.com or 410-870-5161.
dent for the family businesses, M.R. Ducks and Talbot Street Pier. Along with his brother, John, and their wives, they oversee all aspects of the business. Lewis and his wife, Kristin, have one son, Turner. Silicato-Miller was born in Milford, Delaware, and attended college at the University of Delaware where she Nicole Miller earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration in finance and marketing, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law. Currently, SilicatoMiller is the vice president of Silicato Development, Commercial Real Estate and Development. She is also the vice Stephen Lewis chair of the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club Board, and co-founder of a nonprofit entity, the Great Futures Fund, that benefits local Boys & Girls Clubs and children of need in Sussex County. Silicato-Miller, and her husband Alexander, have two children attending WPS, Frank (’25) and Mac (’28).
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
State BOE discusses school mask ‘off ramps’ By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Maryland’s school mask mandate probably won’t be going anywhere for now, but a path to an end is almost in sight after state board of education members voted Wednesday to allow department officials to develop “off ramps” to eventually lift it. The 14-member board gathered for a virtual Zoom meeting to assess the status of the emergency mandate, which went into effect at the beginning of the school year and expires Feb. 25. The board is tasked with deciding whether to let it expire and move on, or implement a new order. Ultimately, members voted 12 to two in favor of another emergency regulation that would include what they called “off ramps,” or points of exit, that would permit local jurisdictions to lift the mandates if they reach specified targets. The vote allows members of the Maryland State Department of Education to come up with the logistics and once they are in place, the board members will take a final vote. “What our current thinking is, we can’t mask our children forever,” State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudury said during the meeting. “We do know however that masking does play a role in helping keep our communities safe with the vaccine, along with everything related to inoculation and other mitigation strategies. I believe that we can update our regs that allows for an off ramp for our communities based on where they are at.” National data is skewed on how much masking has kept students in school. Some health officials say covid numbers are low in children because they do not contract the virus as easily or get seriously ill when they do. Others say masking has been the catalyst for keeping the doors open in schools, with schools in places like Texas and Tennessee reportedly shutting down after opening with no mask mandates. As for what “off ramps” would look like, Choudury gave examples like meeting and staying below specified transmission rates based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, and meeting specified vaccine requirements for students and staff. Board members’ comments varied, but they ultimately agreed that vaccine rates, as well as other factors, should be taken into account. The implementation time of the order is unresolved, as it could go into effect when the current order expires or right after the new regulation is approved. “We will have the opportunity, once we decide, whether we want it to begin immediately, as soon as possible, or have it end at the conclusion of the current regulations,” board President Clarence Craw-
PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Members of the Maryland Board of Education voted this week to move forward with a new emergency order for a statewide school mask mandate that includes “off ramps” that would eventually permit local jurisdictions to lift restrictions if certain thresholds are met.
ford said. Wednesday’s meeting came on the heels of a marathon meeting held Nov. 16 when district representatives and a panel of medical doctors and health officials provided testimony both for and against the controversial mandate. Board members did not comment during that meeting, saving their assessments for Wednesday’s meeting before taking the vote on the new order. During the discussions, board member Shawn Bartley from Montgomery County suggested passing an amendment that would have allowed the new emergency order to not take effect if transmission and positivity rates — based on the same federal data officials used to provide current metrics – stay the same or decrease. He stated several times that he is against a permanent mask mandate and would feel better about instituting another one if it had what he called “a sunset period.” And while three other board members voted in favor of his amendment, the majority rejected it. Bartley was later one of the two board members who voted against proceeding with the overall emergency ordinance. Several board members also made sure to clarify that the new order would kick the masking decision back to the local jurisdictions if the right thresholds are met. Board member Gail Bates from Howard County, who was the lone vote against the original emergency order because it superseded the control of the local
boards, said the new one is acceptable. Board member Warren Sumpter from Somerset County also commented on the importance of local district officials making the decisions based on data from their local health departments. “This is one time that I really feel this is something best left local,” he said. Crawford, who voted in favor of the statewide mandate, claimed that he personally favors local control, but said it comes with a responsibility. “What I have seen over the years is when you as a leader have been given a lot of flexibility, you have flexibility like this but you also have accountability,” he said. “I have no problem with local control, but I would just argue again that there needs to be a match of local control and accountability and responsibility.” In any case, the goal of the board and state officials — to keep students safely in school — is the same as it has been from the beginning and the board members and officials assured that they will do what it takes to ensure that. In Worcester County Public Schools, Carrie Sterrs, the district’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, said in an email that officials are watching the state board’s actions closely and will let students and parents know about any changes made to the covid-related policies. Recently, the district implemented a new option for quarantining that allows students who are a close contact of a covid positive person to stay in school if they are asymptomatic and test negative for a period of seven days.
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
PARADE DETAILS:
A choir float put together by Showell Elementary sings during the 37th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade, spanning from Old Landing Road to 120th Street, in 2019.
OC Christmas Parade returns Sat. By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Watch out and don’t cry, because Santa Claus is coming to town. Specifically, he and his wife will close out the Ocean City Christmas Parade on Saturday, which is returning for its 38th year with nearly 70 participants after a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020. “There is definitely a lot of community enthusiasm,” Ocean City Special Events Coordinator Brenda Moore said in an email of the parade festivities. “Lots returning from 2019 and many new ones too. Everyone should stay until the end to see how Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves arrive in Ocean City.” The roughly 20-street parade, which begins at Old Landing Road and ends at 120th Street, is a long-
standing resort tradition that features an array of holiday-themed floats, high school bands playing festive music, antique cars and more. Moore said organizers opted not to hold the parade last year because of covid, but it is back now without any restrictions from the city. However, she said that some of the participating schools may have their own rules and protocols for participants. The parade is free to watch with spectators set to bundle up in winter gear and gather in droves along the bayside of Coastal Highway to watch and cheer on the participants, and collect candy and other goodies from the marchers. The parade is set to run in the southbound lanes, with participants traveling north. At the end of the route at 120th Street, a panel of judges will be waiting to size up the best floats and acts.
Awards are reserved for the most fun and energetic, and best “Ocean City vacation” themed entries. The judges will also issue first, second and third prizes for the best high school band, top parade float, best motorized vehicle or group, and best marching unit. Announcers from Radio Ocean City and WRDE will also give playby-play of the action while it is going on. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and runs until all participants have passed the judges’ area. A post-parade event is also planned at the Carousel, across the street from the end of the route. Activities include half-price ice skating, holiday music and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Happy hour pricing is also available at the lobby bar, along with discounted restaurant menu options.
WHAT: 38th Ocean City Christmas Parade WHO: Parade will feature nearly 70 participants, including high school bands, antique cars, holiday floats WHERE: Route begins on Old Landing Road and runs northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway to the judges’ stand at 120th Street WHEN: Begins at 11 a.m.,Saturday, Dec. 4 MORE INFO: Traffic pattern changes will begin around 8 a.m. to accommodate the parade activities. Congestion and delays are expected. Spectators cannot watch from the median area of Coastal Highway. AFTER THE PARADE: Post-parade reception is planned at the Carousel, 118th Street. Activities will begin immediately after the parade, and include halfprice ice skating, DJ playing holiday music, and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the 37th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade in 2019. The parade was canceled in 2020 because of covid, but returns this year, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
www.oceancitytoday.com
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 27
Have breakfast with Santa this Saturday in Ocean Pines By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Children can confirm Christmas gift requests during Ocean Pines annual “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday from 8-11 a.m. in the Assateague Room at the community center. Recreation Supervisor Katie Goetzinger said in addition to providing kids facetime with St. Nick, all ages can partake of breakfast selections including pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, coffee, pastries and fruit. Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City members will be handling food production. “We’re excited Kiwanis is helping us in the kitchen,” she said. Breakfast prices are $5 for ages 410, $7 for ages 11 and up, with children 3 years of age and under eating for free. Goetzinger said Santa Claus is slated to arrive at 8:30 a.m. festooned in red and white and ready to account for who’s been naughty or nice. For a $5 donation to support Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks programs, Santa will pose for pictures with kids. In the spirit of giving, guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item for area families in need. After canceling the Santa breakfast last year because of covid-19, organizers are anticipating a return to the sizeable crowds that attend the event in previous years. “We’re hoping for a big turnout,” she said. On other Yuletide fronts, the initial deadline to register for the annual “Light Up the Pines” outdoor decorating program is Friday. Choptank Electric Cooperative is again sponsoring the community campaign to spread watts of Christmas joy.
Life-Saving Station Museum holiday open house, Sun. (Dec. 3, 2021) The Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum will host a Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festive event is open to the public, and admission is free. In addition to open tours of the museum, which is located at the southern end of the Boardwalk, a lineup of holiday activities promises to entertain visitors of all ages. “The Holiday Open House is an event that offers visitors the chance to tour the museum with free admisSee OC Page 28
An online map of participating homes may be viewed at google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1uzn S6ymxVtFBOKH2utHslf-HLm27dsb&usp=sharing. Participating homes will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 bill credits donated by Choptank. Also, the first 25 registered participants will receive a small goody bag courtesy of Choptank. Households wanting to participate should submit their names, address and phone number via email to info@oceanpines.org or call 410-6417717 ext. 3014. For more information about Breakfast with Santa call Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks at 410-6417052.
The initial deadline to register for the annual “Light Up the Pines” outdoor decorating program sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative is Friday.
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OC museum to host free open house this Sun. Continued from Page 27 sion,” said Christine Okerblom, museum curator. “The event brings together local history and festive holiday actives that the entire family can enjoy.” At noon, families can enjoy story time with local author Katherine Ruskey as she reads her book, “The A B Seas of Ocean City.” Ringing in the season of giving, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will stop by from 1-4 p.m. Visitors can even add an Ocean City twist to their Christmas trees by checking out the nautical ornament-making station. Finally, patrons looking for the perfect gift can take advantage of the museum’s one-day-only holiday sale, with red-tag items marked as 25 percent off. For more details, visit https://www.ocmuseum.org/events/ holiday-open-house. The mission of the Ocean City Museum Society is to inspire and support the interpretation and appreciation of the cultural and natural history of Ocean City, the Worcester County coastal region, and equally, the historical role performed by the United States Life-Saving Service, and to preserve with subsequent mandate the 1891 structure that once served as the Ocean City Station.
OC Center for the Arts First Friday event planned (Dec. 3, 2021) First Friday, Dec. 3, celebrates the holidays at the Ocean City Center for the Arts with two group shows, a small works show, plus a building-wide two-day artisan fair. The First Friday event is free and runs from 5-7 p.m. on Friday. The annual Holiday Artisan Fair fills the Arts Center on 94th Street for two days with handcrafted items made by local and regional artists. The artists will display their creations during the First Friday art opening and also on the following Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items offered include jewelry, mosaic, fiber, glass, pottery and mixed media. Guests will also enjoy local authors doing book signings, a free kids’ craft area, and a bake sale. The Art League also will be raffling an artisan-filled gift basket and chances to win door prizes. The Thaler Gallery at the Arts Center hosts the Annual Members Group Show featuring 2D and 3D artwork by members of the Art League of See HOLIDAY Page 29
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
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Holiday Artisans Fair runs through Saturday at center Continued from Page 28 Ocean City. The Galleria showcases the Best of 2021, artwork that won awards during exhibits of the past year. Studio E features Small Works, small in size and affordable in price for holiday giving. Megan Burak of West Ocean City, exhibits her paintings in the Spotlight Gallery. Burak is a contemporary realist artist working mostly in oils. A 2015 graduate of Salisbury University with a BA degree in two-dimensional art, she has won multiple awards while exhibiting in juried shows and galleries and has shown all around Maryland as well as in New York and Washington, D.C. Her inspiration is drawn from her emotions and the world as she sees it. Susan Allen of Lewes, Delaware, is the Art Center’s artisan for December. Allen developed a passion for mosaics when she made her first piece four years ago, and, as a physician, recognized and experienced the healing effects that creating mosaics can provide both to healthy individuals and those in need of healing. Her recent works combine glass and other materials adding texture and dimension. First Friday continues at two points in north Ocean City. The main lobby gallery at the Princess Royale Oceanfront, 9100 Coastal Hwy., continues an exhibit of art by Jim Adcock of Bishopville. A second satellite gallery on 94th Street at the Coffee Beanery continues a show of artwork by Kathy Huegel of South Bethany Beach, Delaware. Refreshments at the Arts Center are sponsored by PKS Investments. All shows will be on display until Dec. 31. More information is available at www.ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org or by calling 410-524-9433. The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
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ACS fundraiser and fashion show back to in-person By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) After an unprecedented virtual year, the American Cancer Society “Holiday Wrappings” Fashion Show and Luncheon is set to return to an in-person format on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The event, in its 32nd year, is sponsored by the John H. “Jack” Burbage Regional Cancer Center and TidalHealth and will be held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Holiday Wrappings” features an online auction and a “Chinese auction,” which is presented as a raffle: Bins will be on display containing various items that the participants “bid” on by dropping a ticket into the bin. They win its contents if their ticket is pulled. The online auction will continue for one week after the event. There are also raffles for a Mercedes e-bike donated by Pohanka of Salisbury and a Mercedes car donated by MileOne Autogroup. The fashion show, organized by CraZy LadyZ!’s Jan Patterson, features a runway during the luncheon where volunteers will showcase products from 12 local businesses. Sandals Bridal will donate tuxedos for the fashion show’s help staff, comprised of Ocean City Police Department volunteers. The objective for “Holiday Wrappings” is to raise money for cancer research and patients. This year, specifically, funds are being raised to move and expand the ACS Hope Lodge in Baltimore, which many cancer patients on the lower Eastern Shore frequent during their battle against the disease. “It’s free lodging for cancer patients and a caregiver (who are there for) cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins or University Hospital,” said ACS volunteer chair Dawn Hodge. “It is totally free and, just from last year, (the current facility was) converted for medical staff for the hospitals. This is part of a $10 million campaign to move across the street to house 33 percent more patients as well as medical staff.” This year, Hodge said there isn’t a defined fundraising goal but rather a wait-and-see approach. “We don’t really have a financial goal because we didn’t know how we’d bounce back after the pandemic,” Hodge said. “We’ve sold 600 tickets. I was surprised we were able to sell that many.” Last year, the event went totally virtual, with participants putting on their own fashion show via filmed submission. Despite participant numbers and money raised slowing down as a result of the adjusted for-
DECEMBER 3, 2021
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. Take that to heart and try to see the silver lining when an obstacle gets in your way.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 It’s one thing to stand by your views, Taurus. It’s another to stubbornly refuse to listen to others when they make good points. Be open-minded this week.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 You may be juggling too much at one time, Gemini. If you’re finding it difficult to manage your time, reach out to a friend or colleague for help. They’re ready and willing.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, lately you have been a person of few words, and others may be wondering what is going on. Confide in someone close to you if the need arises. Santa walks down the runway with Fashion Show Coordinator Jan Patterson during the 2019 American Cancer Society Fashion Show. The fashion show is a longtime component of the American Cancer Society’s “Holiday Wrappings” event, which will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the convention center in Ocean City.
mart, Hodge said they were able to make a difference. “Last year went surprisingly well,” she said. “We had local independent retail stores do their own video and had a little fashion show within their store. We compiled and sold online tickets to view the fashion show online and then did an auction as well.” In 2019, the event sold 811 tickets. In all, the event funded 3,707 overnight stays, a savings of $648,725, Hodge said. “We have great cancer treatment options here on the Eastern Shore, but if you need more options it’s nice to be able to do this,” Hodge said. “Holiday Wrappings” has certainly grown over the years. Its first iteration occurred at the Horizon Restaurant at the former Sheraton Hotel, which is now the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel. Eventually, they upgraded to the Clarion’s Crystal Ball Room before outgrowing their accommodations again and moving down the street to the much larger convention center. Karen Cramer, who has volunteered for “Holiday Wrappings” since its first year, said it’s amazing to see how the event has grown and established itself in the community. “This local community is just so generous with their time and whatever they can give,” Cramer said. “They amaze me. They’re never saying, ‘I can’t help,’ they’re asking, ‘how can I help?’ It’s very heartwarming. There’s a lot of effort from the ladies on the committee. You have a purpose.” Tickets to the event are sold out but those interested in buying a raffle ticket can email Hodge at dawnhodge@comcast.net.
Affable young dog, Lucy, nabs ‘Pup of the Pines’ honors By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Susie and Kevin Gordon were amazed after their 10month old dog, Lucy, was awarded the annual “Pup of the Pines” title during the “Hometown Christmas” tree-lighting ceremony last Saturday at White Horse Park. Susie Gordon said Lucy, a fox red Labrador retriever, has ingratiated herself with the neighbors since settling in the Pines this January. “She’s literally spoiled to death,” she said. “It’s her first competition or first anything.” The Gordons, who relocated to Ocean Pines in May 2020, live near the golf course. “We walk there and at the South See OP Page 31 Crossword answers from page 36
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you are up for an adventure, look to those around you for inspiration. Maybe you’ll overhear a coworker talking about a dream getaway.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may start to rethink a decision you made a while ago when an unexpected hiccup occurs. Reevaluate your decision-making process.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Good times are ahead, Libra. Focus on the fun that is coming your way and make an effort to include more good times in the weeks ahead.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, a situation at work will require the utmost patience and perseverance. The outcome will be in your favor if you take a measured approach.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 You could use a night out with friends, Sagittarius. Make a concerted effort to get together and invite the people whose company you most enjoy.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you may have to reexamine your priorities. Don’t let something pull you in one direction when a friend or family member may need you more.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you’re not much of a fan of waiting games, but you will have to stick things out a little longer until your plan can come to fruition. Patience will pay off.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Avoid overzealous spending in the weeks ahead, Pisces. Find ways to be generous with your time rather than with your wallet.
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OP canine elicits neighbors support to win top honors Continued from Page 30 Gate Pond a lot,” she said. Also on Lucy’s short list of hot spots is the Ocean Pines Dog Park. “She loves the dog park,” she said. In fact, the Gordons were motivated to enter the pup contest after numerous dog park cohorts encouraged the venture. Lucy’s prize package includes a free 2022 dog park registration, along with being featured as the official representative for the amenity. Also the annual Pup of the Pines winner is featured in the Ocean Pines Activity Guide. Pup of the Pines votes were cast during the Ocean Pines Halloween and fall festival on Oct. 30 and through an online survey. “We were thrilled to death to win,” she said. Funds raised from contest entries is dedicated for dog park improvements and upgrades. With both their children and grandchildren residing out of state, Lucy has filled a void for the Gordons. “She is just like one of the family,” she said. Gordon attributed Lucy’s popularity to her overall affability with neigh-
Mid-Atlantic Symphony to perform in Ocean City, Sun.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSIE GORDON
Despite the dour expression, 10-month-old fox red Labrador retriever Lucy was wagging away on Saturday after capturing the coveted “Pup of the Pines” title awarded during the “Hometown Christmas” tree-lighting ceremony in White Horse Park.
bors. “She has to greet neighbors,” she said. “She refuses to go in the house if she knows they’re out there.” Over the past year, Lucy has also assumed a leadership role among a number of smaller canine residents. “She’s like the neighborhood watch dog,” she said. At the moment, short of savoring the recent title, Lucy’s principal focus is the family Christmas tree. “Right now she’s all about our Christmas tree and wanting to play with it,” she said. “She’s rearranging it for me and has moved a few ornaments.”
(Dec. 3, 2021) The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra continues its tradition of sharing seasonal cheer when it presents its popular Holiday Joy program, with acclaimed French soprano Norah Amsellem as guest soloist. “Holiday Joy affords us the opportunity to celebrate the season with orchestral and vocal works representing a variety of cultures and traditions, reminding us of the diversity of society and demonstrating the power of music to bring us together,” said Music Director Julien Benichou. “We are delighted to be joined by the talented Norah Amsellem, who has performed leading roles with major opera companies in the United States and in Europe.” Featuring a selection of seasonal favorites, the festive program will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center in Ocean City. Tickets for the Holiday Joy program are $50, and may be purchased in advance at www.midatlanticsymphony.org or by calling 888-846-8600. Tickets also are available at the door. To ensure the safety of its audience members and musicians, the orchestra requires proof of covid-19 vaccination for everyone entering venues. Some venues also may require that masks be worn. Amsellem began her musical studies
at age 5 in her native Paris, later continuing her education in the U.S. at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and with Lorraine Nubar at The Juilliard School. A winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and member of the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Program, Amsellem made her official debut with the company in October 1995 as Micaela in Carmen. She has performed at the Met more than 30 times in roles including Liù in Turandot and Gilda in Rigoletto. Amsellem also has performed at La Scala in Milan, and with the San Francisco Opera, London’s Royal Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Munich State Opera and the Berlin State Opera, among others. She has recorded for labels including Decca and Telarc. For additional information about the Mid-Atlantic Symphony and the Holiday Joy program, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org. The only professional symphony orchestra serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore and southern Delaware, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, Delaware Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.
NOW PLAYING
NOWHERE SLOW
ON THE EDGE
Seacrets: Fri., Dec. 3, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Ocean Club: Fri.-Sat., Dec. 3-4, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday: Phil Perdue on Piano, 5-9 p.m. COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspub.com Dec. 7: Trivia Night Dec. 8: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.
PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Friday, Dec. 3, 5-9 p.m.
OCEAN CLUB 101st Street, Ocean City
Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Dec. 3-4: On The Edge, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOT 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City 410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com Every Friday: Live Music, 6-9 p.m. Every Sunday: Karaoke, 5-8 p.m. Every Wednesday: Live Music, 5-8 p.m. SEACRETS 49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com
Dec. 3: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Holiday Bazaar, 6-10 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Nowhere Slow, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Dec. 4: Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Dec. 9: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to midnight THE VIEW AT THE CAMBRIA HOTEL 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-856-4158 / https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/oceancity/cambria-hotels/md310 Every Tuesday: Karaoke, 7-11 p.m.
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Ocean City Police collecting toys for annual holiday drive (Dec. 3, 2021) The holiday season is quickly approaching and the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has begun collecting new, unwrapped toys for its annual Holiday Toy Drive. This year, all toy donations will benefit Worcester County GOLD, a local nonprofit organization that strives to promote dignity by providing financial aid to families in crisis, vulnerable adults, and children in foster care in Worcester County. This is the sixth year that the OCPD Holiday Toy Drive has benefited Worcester County GOLD. All toys will be provided to Worcester County GOLD as part of their “Helping Hands for the Holidays” program. In 2020, Worcester County GOLD provided holiday gifts for 649 children and
74 vulnerable adults. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the Public Safety Building, located at 6501 Coastal Highway. Worcester GOLD requests that all toys be valued at $40 or less, and do not include jewelry, bicycles, electronics, video games, or toy weapons of any kind. All monetary donations and contributions should be directed to Worcester County GOLD and mailed to: 299 Commerce Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Holiday event organizers wishing to partner with the OCPD Holiday Toy Drive are asked to contact Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller at 410-520-5395. The deadline for all toy donations is Wednesday, Dec. 8.
DECADE DRESS The eighth grade class sponsored “Decade Dress” Spirit Day on Oct. 22, to help celebrate Worcester Preparatory School’s 50th anniversary. Middle School students (grades 6-8) participated by wearing outfits representing the 70s, 80s, 90s or the 2000s. Pictured are sixth graders, in back, from left, are Ruya Kucuk, Sarah Williams and Emma Brooks; and in front, Addison Perdue, Ariana Dorfler and Gracie Holloway.
Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Daily chef specials. Breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Friday, 8-11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 p.m. to noon. Dinner and Lite fare Wednesday through Sunday, 5-9 p.m. Dine in or carry out available. ■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits. Now open Thursday through Sunday. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., lunch at noon and dinner at 4 p.m. Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare, and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more. Dine in or carry out. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. Soups, salads, crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, scallops, fresh soft crabs, and specialty dishes. Happy hour daily, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Early bird daily, 4-6 p.m. with special dinner menu. Open Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday at noon; Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Dine in or carry out. ■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy our hearty homestyle breakfasts starting at 6:30 a.m. daily. Lunch and dinner offering light fare of soups and salads along with our house specialty Scallops St. Croix, along with ribs, Cuban pork and steak selections. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-2893501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-2892599, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar An Ocean City family tradition since 1980. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. But-
termilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza and Italian dinners. We have something for everyone! ■ THE VICTORIA ROOM Located in the Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-1100 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining with coastal inspired dishes along with regional favorites, craft cocktails, small-plates and a relaxed ambiance. Serving breakfast and dinner with spectacular ocean views. The house specialty – Maryland Crab Cakes are some of the best in Ocean City. Open 7 days a week. Dine in, take out, no deliveries. ■ THE VIEW RESTAURANT AND BAR AT CAMBRIA, OC Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Avenue, Ocean City 410-280-1645 or 410520-4541 Open to the public with a new full menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour each day from 3-9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. daily until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other days. Enjoy overlooking the bay with fresh baked pastries on premise. Wounder appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-5249254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-6645639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. Featur-
ing burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Dine-in and curbside pick-up. ■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cocktails. ■ RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT 61st Street Bayside/2nd Floor @ Bayview Bar & Grill, Ocean City 443- 664-7043 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Happy Hour daily, 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. (kitchen until 10 p.m.) and NFL specials all day Sunday. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
UPTOWN
91st to 146th streets ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Clarion, 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including light fare and steamer specials. ■ THE CURRENT RESTAURANT Located on the sun terrace at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 21842 443-856-2367, www.princessroyale.com $-$$ | Dine in | Full bar Open to the public, open-ocean air dining, providing an experience unique to any other in Ocean City. Commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean and East Lawn. Enjoy a range of coastal cuisine, signature cocktails, local craft beers and live entertainment. Locals receive 25 percent off food and drink. Must show valid ID. Closing for the winter this Sunday. ■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS 11805 Coastal Highway, Unit N, Ocean City
443-664-7275, www.ochoricosjerkandtings.com $$ | Full bar Serving you authentic Jamaican food, appetizers, lunch specials, stew, salads, burger, jerk shrimp or chicken, and entrees. Steak, oxtail, seafood, and chicken with many special sauces. Signature jerk excoveitched or BBQ. Side dishes with rice and peas, fried sweet plantains, fried cornmeal dough and mac & cheese. Desserts, Jamaican rum cake, NY cheesecake and red velvet cake. Closed Monday thru Wednesday. Thursday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410250-9918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | Serving authentic Thai food, full vegan menu and vegetarian options including curry, rice and noodle dishes. Homemade appetizers, soups, and sauces. Seafood, meat, chicken, stir fries, vegetable, tofu, and desserts. Dine in or takeout. Early Bird Special Sunday, Monday and Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Open noon to 8 p.m.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-8011111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Offering a wide array of authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carryout. Lunch specials. Dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPyachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.
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Calendar Fri., Dec. 3 OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS EVENING Downtown Pocomoke City, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tree lightening (6 p.m.), entertainment, free food, beverages and treats, s’mores by the bonfire, Santa House, carriage rides, holiday wreath silent auction. Canned goods and paper products collected. 410-957-1333, Ext. 111
ing a small works show and a buildingwide, two-day artisan fair. Meet the artists and enjoy hors d’oeuvres. 410524-9433, www.artleagueofoceancity.org
Sat., Dec. 4 OC CHRISTMAS PARADE The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Old Land-
ing Road and marches northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway to the judges’ stand at 120th Street. Brenda Moore, 410-250-0125, bmoore@oceancitymd.gov.
teams from more than nine states. Ann Lehrmann, ann@cheeranddanceextreme.com, 410-609-1212, www.cheeranddanceextreme.com/occhristmas2021.html
CHEER AND DANCE EXTREME
FIRE DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER & RECRUITMENT
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. OC Christmas Open Championship will pull
IPAD BASICS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. to noon. Have questions about how to use or set up your iPad? Curious about how to use eBooks with Libby or Hoopla? Drop in with your iPad. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A variety of vendors, bake table, church cookbooks, vegetable beef soup, pulled pork sandwiches, silent auction and White Elephant table. www.stevensonchurch.org, 410-641-1137
OYSTER FRITTER SANDWICH SALE American Legion #123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, 2 p.m. Cost is $9. The public is welcome. https://www.facebook.com/BerlinAmerican-Legion-Post123-Boggs-Disharoon118596634897241/, 410-641-3760
FIRST SATURDAY WRITERS PHOTO COURTESY HOLLY STRAWLEY
FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION FOR DECEMBER EXHIBITS OC Center for the Arts - Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Featur-
White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 8 a.m. to noon. Stop by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s booth and purchase your truck raffle tickets, Green Number Plate Signs and learn about becoming a member of the department. 410-641-8272
TRIBUTE
Local bodyboarders and surfers pay tribute to Tom Morey, the inventor of the bodyboard, early last month on the beach near Eighth Street. Morey was not only celebrated locally, but there were also paddle outs all over the world.
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads
Continued on Page 34
Give The Ultimate Christmas Gift!
A DISCOVERY FLIGHT from Ocean Aviation
YOU HAVE OUR T R I E DO U S FAM ES? AK CR ABC TUESDAY - TRIVIA NIGHT WEDNESDAY - DJ WAX 10PM
• NEW FALL SPECIALS START NOW •
MONDAY: BURGER & PRIME RIB NIGHT TUESDAY: SEAFOOD FRENZY NIGHT WEDNESDAY: MAMBO ITALIANO NIGHT THURSDAY: SHRIMP & "LOBSTER" NIGHT SUNDAY: NFL DISCOUNT DOUBLE CHECK DAY & NIGHT
Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Scallops • Fresh Soft Shell Crabs 19 BIG SCREENS TO WATCH ALL YOUR SPORTS ACTION NFL AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL PACKAGES • KENO HAPPY HOUR DAILY 3PM-6PM
EARLY BIRD DAILY 4PM-6PM
Food and Drink Specials
Special Dinner Menu
Open Monday-Thursday at 3pm Friday & Saturday at Noon • Sunday at 9:30
Dine-In • Carry-Out & Online Ordering www.coinspuboc.com
28th Street Plaza • 410-289-3100
THEY ARE IN THE PILOTS SEAT. THEY FLY THE PLANE! That’s right, Our Discovery Flight Adventure is one hour of sheer bliss as they preflight your aircraft, then with their FAA certified flight instructor at their side, take off from the Ocean City Airport, climb out over the bay, and cruise above Ocean City, piloting their Cessna Skyhawk aircraft.
Only $225 .00
It’s Way Cooler Than A Neck Tie! UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OCCASIONS COVID PROTOCOLS IN PLACE
OCEAN AVIATION FLIGHT ACADEMY
Your Cessna Pilot Center On Delmarva Located at the Ocean City Airport
Purchase your gift certificate online at
www.flyoceanaviation.com or call us at 410-213-8400 Must be a US Citizen - Must have Passport or Birth Certificate at time of flight
PAGE 34
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
CALENDAR Continued from Page 33 and writing exercises. Drop-ins welcome. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
CRAFTY SATURDAY: IT’S WINTER!
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Come warm up in the library and make some winter crafts. While supplies last. For children 4 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTISAN FAIR
OC Center for the Arts - Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Handcrafted items made by local and regional artists. Also book signings, a free kids’ craft area and a bake sale. Raffle and door prizes. 410-524-9433, www.artleagueofoceancity.org
DRIVE-THRU FRIED CHICKEN DINNER
Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36536 Mount Pleasant Road, Willards, 11 a.m. A $14 platter includes 4 pieces of fried chicken (breast, wing, thigh and drumstick), string beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, applesauce, roll and cupcake. Stay in car and use east driveway. 410-835-8542
50TH ANNUAL WPS HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Worcester Preparatory School Field House, 508 S. Main St., Berlin, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll through the holiday village featuring many vendors. Children’s activities and photos with Santa (noon to 2 p.m.) Raffle tickets and info: worcesterprep.org/bazaar. Free and open to the public. 410-641-3575
MERRY MARKETPLACE IN BRRRLIN
Berlin Maryland Welcome Center Parking Lot, 14 S. Main St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring Santa House, artisans, food cultivators, grab n go holiday crafts, hot chocolate, hot cider, mead, live music, free horse drawn carriage rides and Santa letter mailbox. info@berlinmd.gov, 410641-2770
MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY PERFORMS “HOLIDAY JOY”
Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. Featuring French soprano Norah Amsellem. Tickets cost $50 and are available in advance and at the door. Tickets: www.midatlanticsymphony.org or 888-846-8600. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required.
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS JINGLE BELL 5K RUN
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5-6:30 p.m. Packet pick-up and dayof registration will be held at Bourbon Street on the Beach from 3:30-4:45 p.m.; awards following. https://octrirunning.com/ocean-citymd-running-event/2733
Mon., Dec. 6 HOLIDAY MAKER PARTY
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2-4 p.m. The library will provide multiple items for painting, decorating and other fun DIY activities. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events” or call 410-2084014.
Berlin Maryland Welcome Center Parking Lot, 14 S. Main St., Berlin, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring Santa House, artisans, food cultivators, grab n go holiday crafts, hot chocolate, hot cider, mead, live music, free horse drawn carriage rides and Santa letter mailbox. info@berlinmd.gov, 410-641-2770
GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION
CAPITAL RINGERS - CHRISTMAS CONCERT
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The Great Books Discussion group meets twice per month to discuss both classic and modern reading selections recommended by the Great Books Foundation. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a health lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
Sun., Dec. 5 LIFE-SAVING MUSEUM HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission, Mr. and Mrs. Clause (1-4 p.m.), Nautical Ornament Making Station, story time (noon) and gift shop 25 percent off sale. www.ocmuseum.org, 410-289-4991
Tues., Dec. 7 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOLIDAY WRAPPINGS LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fashion show of local fashion retailers, giant auctions, car raffle and warm plated lunch. Tickets, $50, are sold in advance only: https://acsdelmarva.ticketleap.com/holidaywrappings/. 443-880-2310
FAITH-BASED PARTNERSHIP
John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 10-11 a.m. A cooperative effort between AGH and local worship centers to increase health awareness, education and healthy living incentives. Gail Mansell, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-6419725
brary.org, 410-632-2600
PIZZA PARTY WITH SANTA
Northside Park Recreation Complex, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Featuring pizza, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and Santa. Kids pre-K through 4th grade welcome. Cost is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Pre-registration required: 410-250-0125.
Thurs., Dec. 9 STORY TIME ‘ALL ABOUT ME’
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. Takehome activity included. For 2-5 year old children. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
MID-MORNING CRAFT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come make some winter friends out of paper towel tubes. Be ready to get a bit messy. For children ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
STORY TIME ‘KEVIN HENKES STORIES’
MERRY MARKETPLACE IN BRRRLIN
Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin. 7 p.m. The concert is free. Titled “We Need A Little Christmas” and featuring more than 200 bells and hand chimes. A free will offering will be collected. www.capitalringers.org/christmas2021
All ladies that love to sing invited. Contact Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol Ludwig, 302-242-7062.
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Learn basic calligraphy from White House trained Calligrapher Anne Taylor. An excellent way to address greeting cards. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-632-2600
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. Take-home activity included. For 2-5 year old children. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
Held via Zoom, 1-3 p.m. Monthly gathering of local writers who share their independent work and receive encouraging feedback with group participants. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-632-2600
STORY TIME: ‘THE CLASSICS’
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Join the group for some favorite classic stories from long ago. For 2-5 year old children. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
COVID VACCINE CLINIC
Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin. 4-6 p.m. This clinic is available to those ages 5 years and older.
ZUMBA FOR ALL LEVELS TUESDAY CRAFTERNOON
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. The group will be making teddy bears over several weeks (Dec. 7 and 14) using a variety of materials, patterns and techniques. Register: 410-641-0650 or www.worcesterlibrary.org.
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an. hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-632-2600
BEACH SINGLES PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
Held via Zoom, 6 p.m. Professor of History at Salisbury University, Dr. Dean Kotslowski talks about Pearl Harbor as we remember and honor those that give their lives. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
DELMARVA HAND DANCE
Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Show proof of vaccination or wear a mask. A picture on your phone of your vaccination card is acceptable. delmarvahanddance@gmail.com, https://delmarvahanddancing.com
SNOW HILL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Snow Hill Christmas Parade brought to you by the Snow Hill Lions Club is a wonderful start to the Christmas season, 7-9 p.m. 443-944-4081
Wed., Dec. 8
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Make fun holiday ornaments. For 25 year old children. www.worcesterli-
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
WRITING WITH RUTH
CRAFT TIME ‘HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS’
Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Beach Singles, 45 years and older, meet for happy hour. Info: 302-4369577, 410-524-0649 or BeachSingles.org
ONGOING EVENTS 29TH ANNUAL WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
Northside Park, 200 125th Street, Ocean City, through Jan. 1. Hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission cost is $5 for adults and free to those 11 years and younger. Pets are welcome on Wednesday evenings. The 2021 Winterfest of Lights will be an expanded walking tour through the animated lights. There will be hot chocolate, photos with Santa, a gift shop, an array of holiday exhibits and the 50-foot Christmas tree. Pets are welcome on Wednesdays. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2416 49021281497/ for updates. Info: 410250-0125, 800-626-2326.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
PAGE 35
Ocean City Today
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
PHOTO COURTESY D.J. LANDIS, SR.
SPEAKER FUN ON THE WATER Boat captains and mates from Ocean Pines and Ocean City provided hours of fun and relaxation this summer for families of Believe in Tomorrow who have children with life threatening illnesses. Pictured, from left, are Steve Fingles, Carl Brown, John Dilworth, John and Joan O'Dell, Chuck Elder, Paul Fohner, Ken Thompson, Scott Carstairs, Jimmy and Mary Ann Atchison. Captains not pictured: Ricky Kerrigan, John Nowak, Jack Tellman, Fred Stiehl and Claude Lewis.
Billy Hamilton, owner of Hamilton Physical Therapy in Pennington Commons Ocean Pines, left, was recently the guest speaker for the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City at the weekly Wednesday 8 a.m. meeting in the community center. He is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund.
CELEBRATION Ocean City Elementary students in Melanie Coleman’s first grade class recently celebrated a “Poppin’ Partner Party.” Students popped a balloon to reveal who their writing partner would be for the school year. After the writing partners were unveiled, the students exchanged specially-made bookmarks and shared their first published story.
PUMPKIN PALOOZA FALL FESTIVITIES Oakley’s Mobile Pumpkin Palooza out of Hebron, Maryland, visited Worcester Preparatory School on Oct. 18. Pictured, from left, are Georgia Duffie, Ellie Bookwalter, Lilly Brittingham, Carter Merryman, Wesley DeVito, Emery Anthony, Emily Leiner and Adee Carmean.
Oakley’s Mobile Pumpkin Palooza out of Hebron, Maryland, visited Worcester Preparatory School on Oct. 18. Pictured, are Emily Hafeli, Elle Wilsey, Madison Andrews and Kristie Carr.
PAGE 36
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No comparison to homemade scrapple gravy By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) The sun’s majestic rays blanket the Eastern Shore. The glorious reflection is a symbol of the natural beauty. The changing of the guards is a miraculous event; the magnificent moon keeps a watchful eye as the sun retires for her daily nap. My little ones are finally tucked into bed, visions of Fancy Feast and catnip dance throughout their dreams. I pour myself a glass of Lloyd Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills and enjoy the peace and quiet. Silence is not always the absence of sound; it can be a time where tangible thoughts come to mind. Another sip of wine relaxes my soul and inner thoughts linger within. I ask myself, “Is the concept of ‘one’ a plausible idea?” Contrary to popular belief, “one” can be the source of all and is not always an individual entity. Every thought or tangible object is somehow related or connected to someone or something else. The idea of “one” has many connotations that goes beyond the realm of singularity. One might be wondering what does this have to do with cooking? A chef must have the ability to see the pervasive spectrum of ingredients and how they are related to each other for the purpose of one, cohesive dish. I am enjoying my glass of Pinot Noir, the aromas of rose petals and sweet cherries along with hints of orange peel swirl my mood of inquisition to the subject of jarred gravy. Yes, store-bought gravy is quick and reduces the overall cooking time. However, the flavor components cannot compare to homemade gravy. Deconstructed gravy consists of flour, water and drippings. If one understands the chemistry behind gravy making, you might find homemade gravy is quite easy to make. Perfect gravy consists of a smooth texture, rich flavor and a glossy sheen. No matter what the end results are, the magic of gravy lies in the science of starch. One might be asking, “what is starch?” A starch is a complex carbohydrate; in other words, a fancy chain of sugars. According to The Science of Gravy, “Simple sugars form neat little rings that dissolve readily in water, making a uniform solution.” Starches, on the other hand, have bonds arranged differently, and form amorphous semi-crystalline layers. This composition allows the starch to absorb water, rather than dissolving in it. When making a gravy, you need the starch to do more than just hold
water. It is imperative that you have heat. When the starch and water combination is heated, the starch molecules expand. This creates the viscosity that gravy is known for. Following is a simple recipe for a rich, velvety flour-based gravy. In a large saucepan, heat ½ cup of the fat from the drippings. Stir in 2/3 cup of flour. It is important to keep mixing until the flour turns a slightly brown color. The extra cooking time gets rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add 8 cups of stock and keep whisking until you achieve a smooth, silky texture. My family is a huge fan of white gravy. I can see my grandmother and great-grandmother preparing sausage gravy and homemade bread over a wood stove. That being said, have you considered scrapple gravy? It is very similar to sausage gravy. The main difference is that scrapple does not have the fat content that sausage does, so an addition of bacon dripping is added for flavor. Also, scrapple does not have the texture that sausage has. So, half of the scrapple is added during the cooking process, and the remaining scrapple is added when the gravy is finished. If you enjoy homemade sausage gravy, you might want to give scrapple gravy a try. Enjoy!
CROSSWORD
Scrapple Gravy Ingredients 5 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ medium sweet onion, minced 2 stalks celery, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup chicken broth 1 pound favorite scrapple 2 tablespoons bacon drippings 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 cups half and half 2 cups whole milk ½ teaspoon dried crushed rosemary ½ teaspoon dried sage ½ teaspoon black pepper favorite hot sauce to taste 1 teaspoon kosher salt 12-ounce container of refrigerated store-bought biscuits 1. Cook biscuits according to directions. 2. In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with onions, celery and garlic and sauté for 15 minutes. You may have to add a little more butter. Place veggies in a blender and puree with chicken broth. 3. Crumble scrapple into same pot with remaining butter and cook until edges are crispy. Continuously scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to prevent scrapple from burning. See SIMPLICITY Page 45
Answers on page 30
December 3, 2021
37
Ocean City Today
Call 410-723-6397 Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED Front Desk Clerk
Hiring Cooks (up to $18), Audio/Video Techs, Distillery Tour Guides, Maintenance Staff, Head Distiller, Painter, & Carpenter.
Real Estate Title Company seeks experienced Title Professional with at least two (2) years specific experience. This position is in the Ocean City area, where we provide settlement services for sale and refinance transactions in Maryland and Delaware.
Apply in person or online at seacrets.com
The ideal candidate will be a good multi-tasker and have a customer service orientation. Title Producer's License helpful but not required.
Now hiring part-time Front Desk Clerk. Must be 21 years of age, computer experience, upbeat attitude, and superb front desk skills. Please contact the Membership/Assessment office at: member@oceanpines.org
by Monday 5 p.m. HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
B-3/Piano Player to accompany singing drummer. Rascals, Soul Survivors, etc. 301-254-9865
CASHIER WANTED. Delaware Tobacco Outlet, 100 Coastal Hwy., Suite 3, Fenwick Island, DE 19944. Apply in person.
WEIGHT ROOM ATTENDANTS Sea Colony, Bethany Beach (20 minutes from OC) Experience not necessary. Info and apply: vacasa.com/careers or Jen Neal: jennifer.neal@vacasa.com
MULTIPLE YEAR-ROUND POSITIONS for Vacasa in Bethany Beach (20 minutes from OC). More info and to apply: vacasa.com/careers
Funeral Associate/Groundskeeper
This is a great opportunity to build your CAREER in a company that values its employees and its community. Paid vacation and 401(k) retirement program. Please send resume and salary requirements to ops@brennantitle.com
CLASSIFIEDS CALL 410-723-6397
The Burbage Funeral Home located in Berlin, MD is looking for several individuals to join our funeral home staff. Some job duties include assisting funeral directors with funeral services, doing removals both during normal business hours and after hours, and maintaining funeral home grounds. Must be willing to work nights and/or weekends and be on call as needed. Also must be able to lift 100 pounds. A valid driver's license is required. Send resume to: j.weldon@burbagefuneralhome.com
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.
AUTOMOTIVE If you are looking for a change, NOW is the time! We are an automotive business with several parts stores, service centers and a used car dealership with multiple locations. We are now hiring for Parts Store Associates for our location in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Great pay and benefits including company matched retirement plan.
Call 302-339-6910
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS/ CARPENTERS Must have experience. Competitive pay. Call 443-856-5600 or email your resume at skylineconstructionoc@ gmail.com
Employment Opportunities: Full Time, Year Round: Servers, Hostess/Host, Banquet Servers, Bartender, Banquet House Staff, Maintenance, Room Attendant, Rooms Division Manager, Housekeeping Supervisor
Top Wages Excellent Benefits Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept. 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535, ext. 7128 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V
Rooms Division Manager We are currently recruiting for a year round Rooms Division Manager for our Oceanfront convention hotel (250 rooms w/ 85 adjacent condominiums). The preferred candidate should have a minimum of 3 years hotel front desk management with working knowledge of housekeeping, inventory/ revenue experience, good verbal communications and telephone etiquette. Qualified candidates apply. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package available. Apply in person, Mondays through Saturdays 10am – 4pm.
www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!
OCEAN PINES POLICE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHER Now hiring Full Time Dispatcher. Experience preferred but will train. Starting salary $29,494 for non-certified. Excellent Benefit Package. Please see our website for further details and application at: www.oceanpines.org Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s Int Realty is hiring
Real Estate Agents No experience needed. Please text Steven Diaz for more information.
410-245-1089
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew
Hiring ALL Positions!! Full time & Part time Fenwick and Selbyville Locations To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
HIRING ALL POSITIONS!! Starting wages are $13.50-$15.00 depending on experience. Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd Street or call 443-664-2825
• • • •
for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $18/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
SEEKING SEEKING EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT Private House Cleaner For Hire - Detail oriented. Light or deep cleaning. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or occasional. References available, 20 yrs. experience. 443-365-6169 or frenchcheesemuseum@ gmail.com
Classifieds 410-723-6397 By Monday, 5 p.m.
Convenient Quick No Waiting, No Calls Days, Nights & Weekends
PAGE 38
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
RENTALS
SEEKING RENTAL
SEEKING RENTAL
DONATIONS
FURNITURE
YARD SALE
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
Charitable foundation expanding and coming to Ocean City (See TheLearnersLabFoundation. org & TherapyConnection Institute.org). Corporate Rental Needed. Multiyear, minimum one year, with option to renew. NO HOA properties. Seeking 2BR, 2BA no more than $1250 monthly, including utilities or mobile home without utilities. OC/Berlin area preferred. No further out than the Bishopville-Ironshire region. Studio/1BR no more than $750-1k/monthly. No Salisbury rentals please. Call Jerri at 202-839-7750.
Retired Single Female seeking immediate yearround rental in Ocean City, Ocean Pines or Berlin area. 443-754-7054
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
Counter-High Table For Sale. Wine rack one end. 30” W x 60” L x 36” H. Two tone, white-washed, brown top. Excellent condition. $275. 570-239-5322
BIG INDOOR GARAGE SALE! 12/4 & 12/5 Multifamily sale with antiques, clothing, furniture and household items. 5 Bennet Street, Selbyville, Delaware 19975. 410-251-1793
WEEKLY RENTALS AVAILABLE NOW Poolfront ................$245/wk Efficiency..............$275/wk 2BR Apartment.....$350/wk 3BR Suite .............$425/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581
Yearly & Seasonal Rentals
www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com
We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com
ds lassifie
C
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 1 Office/Retail Space Approximately 1600 sq. ft. in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200
STORAGE STORAGE Storage West Ocean City. 2-car garage for rent w/attached work room. Total 775 sq. ft. Call John 410-726-0075.
SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797
www.baysideoc.com
LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service
www.oceancitytoday.com
www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
410-723-6397
Classifieds 410-723-6397
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org
HOME IMPROVEMENT BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! SERVICES Affordable prices - No UPDATE YOUR HOME with payments for 18 months! Beautiful New Blinds & Lifetime warranty & Shades. FREE in-home estiprofessional installs. mates make it convenient to Senior & Military Discounts shop from home. Professional available. 877-738-0991. installation. Top quality MISCELLANEOUS Made in the USA. Call for free SERVICES consultation: 888-814-0566. LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Ask about our specials! Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Call now to speak to one of our Quality Relocation Specialists: 866-314-0734.
Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397
Advertise in MDDC Maryland, Delaware and D.C.: 106 papers with a circulation of 2.3 million and readership of 4.9 million! For only $495. Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication. Call 410-723-6397 for more information.
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 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. 6:30 p.m. Case No. 21-73, on the lands of Gerald Brown II, requesting a special exception to construct a single family dwelling in the RP Resource Protection District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1215(c)(1) and ZS 1-305, located on Swan Gut Road, about 751 feet east of Big Mill Road, Tax Map 101, Parcel 52, Tax District 8 of Worcester County, Maryland. 6:35 p.m. Case No. 21-68, on the lands of Steven & Jennifer McGee, requesting a special exception to construct a single family dwelling in the RP Resource Protection District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-215(c)(1) and ZS 1-305, located at 4620 Nassawango Road, Tax Map 62, Parcel 82, Lot 1, Tax District 7 of Worcester County, Maryland. 6:40 p.m. Case No. 21-70, on the lands of John Adkins, requesting an afterthe-fact variance to the left side yard setback from 20 feet to 16.8 feet (encroaching 3.2 feet), for an existing accessory structure in the A-1
Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1201(b)(5), and ZS 1-305 located at 6435 Whiton Crossing Road, Tax Map 29, Parcel 5, Lot 4A, Tax District 2 of Worcester County, Maryland. 6:45 p.m. Case No. 21-71, on the application of Steve Woodley, on the lands of Earl Gentry, Jr., requesting a variance to the rear yard setback to 38.74 feet for a proposed replacement dwelling on a non-conforming lot of record, in the R-1 Rural Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1122(c)(1)A.1 and ZS 1-305 located at 12203 Nana’s Way Lane, Tax Map 26, Parcel 140, Tax District 10 of Worcester County, Maryland. 6:50 p.m. Case No. 21-57, on the application of Mark Cropper, on the lands of George Phillips & Tina LaRicci, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Ordinance to exceed the allowable 100 feet tidal wetland crossing by 90 feet for a proposed 3 foot by 190 foot walkway over tidal wetlands, pursuant to Natural Resources Section NR 3-125(b)(1), Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(n)(2) & ZS 1-215(d)(4), located at 10648 Piney Island Drive, Tax Map 15, Parcel 218, Block 15, Lot 10, Tax District 5 of Worcester County, Maryland. 6:55 p.m. Case No. 21-67, on the application of Hugh Cropper and Lisa Sparks, on the lands of Ron and Sara Gorfinkel, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Ordinance to exceed the allowable 100 feet tidal wetland crossing by 10 feet for a proposed 3 foot by 110 foot walkway and a modification to extend a waterfront structure in
excess of 125 feet by 266 feet for a proposed pier, mooring poles, PWC lifts, boatlift and platform extending a total of 391 feet channelward, pursuant to Natural Resources Section NR 3- 125(b)(1) and NR 2-102(e)(1), Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(2) & ZS 1-215(d)(4), located at 6010 South Point Road, Tax Map 50, Parcel 24, Lot 14, Tax District 10 of Worcester County, Maryland. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS OCD-11/25/2t _________________________________
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to The Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-214 and 108215, the Berlin Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to hear the request for a Text Amendment to the Town Code at their next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 5:30 PM in the second floor Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD. The proposed Text Amendment reads as follows: Proposed Text Amendment I hereby propose to amend Section 108-403 of the Berlin code to allow fee simple townhouse dwellings with the following lot and area requirements: 1. Minimum lot size – 2,000
square feet; 2. Minimum lot width – 18 feet; 3. Front yard setback – 20 feet; 4. Rear yard setback – 25 feet; and 5. Side yard setback – 0 feet along party wall and 8 feet on the end units. OCD-11/25/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18976 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA EILEEN PIERCE DYER AKA: PATRICIA EILEEN DYER Notice is given that Michael Dean Dyer Sr., 5277 Green Hill Circle, Quantico, MD 21856, was on November 09, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Eileen Pierce Dyer who died on October 6, 2021, 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 9th day of May, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of
DECEMBER 3, 2021 the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Michael Dean Dyer Sr. 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 18, 2021 OCD-11/18/3t _________________________________
Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: November 25, 2021 OCD-11/25/3t _________________________________
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to The Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-214 and 108215, the Berlin Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to hear the request for a Text Amendment to the Town Code at their next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 5:30 PM in the second floor Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD.
C. GREGORY COBURN ESQ 6806B COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
The proposed Text Amendment reads as follows:
NOTICE
Proposed Text Amendments for Authorization of Crematorium as Conditional Use on M-1 Light Industrial Property
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18967 Notice is given that the County Commission court of Pocahontas County, WV appointed Denise L. Gillette, 1531 Rogers Court, Golden, CO 80401; and Michael D. Gillispie, 9218 Long Branch Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20901 as the Co Executors of the Estate of Doris E. Gillispie who died on August 9, 2021 domiciled in West Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Michael D. Gillispie whose address is 9218 Long Branch Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20901. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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. Denise L. Gillette Michael D. Gillispie Foreign Personal Representatives Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street
PAGE 39
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
“Sec. 108-5. – Definitions Crematorium defined: a building containing furnace(s) for cremating dead human bodies” “Sec 108-163. – Conditional uses, variances and special exceptions. (c) Within any M-1 Light Industrial District, a crematorium as defined in Section 108-5.” (d) the old (c) will then become the new (d) “Sec. 108-518. – Conditional uses. (4) In any M-1 Light Industrial District, a crematorium as defined in Section 108-5.” OCD-11/25/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106, ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. Thursday, December 9, 2021 At 2:00 p.m. PW 21-018 A special request to amend original application to include the removal and replacement
of in-kind of lower deck and upper deck over bulkhead/water. The site of the proposed construction is describes as being located at 617 Harbour Drive in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: PENNY WHITE APPLIANT: J. STACEY HART & ASSOC. PW 21-126 A request has been submitted to install one elevator type boatlift and one PWC lift with all associated poles, maximum channelward extension of 12’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 711 139TH ST Parcel # 9478A-16 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: CHRISTOPHER SCHULZ APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. PW 21-127 A request has been submitted to demo existing marine structures and install a 6’ x 15’ pier, a 6’ x 32’ parallel platform; one boat lift and two PWC lifts with all associated poles, maximum channelward extension 21’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1930 MARLIN DR Parcel # 3284 -110 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: STEPHEN CASEY APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM, LLC. PW 21-128 A request has been submitted to install one double jet ski lift with associated piling, maximum channelward distance 35’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 825 PENGUIN DR Parcel # 4481 -3 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: CHRISTIAN KUNZLER II APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION PW 21-129 A request has been submitted to construct a 3.5’ x 15’ pier extension to existing pier for a total length of 50’. Remove existing boat lift and install a new boat lift with associated piling, maximum channelward extension 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 627 BAYSHORE DR UNIT C Parcel # 5277-C in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: JOHN PLATTS APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION PW 21-130 A request has been submitted to construct a new 5’ x 40’ parallel pier (platform), a new 4’ x 12’’ pier, to install one boat lift and two PWC lifts with associated pilings, maximum channelward distance 17’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 301 S HERON GULL CT Parcel # 6071A-104 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: BARRY DIGGINS APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION PW 21-131 A request has been submitted to remove an existing 3’ x 22’ pier and existing boat lift; to construct a new 6’ x 28’ pier and install one boatlift with associated pilings, maximum channelward extension 28’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 602 BAYSHORE CT UNIT 10 Parcel # 5302 -10 in the Town of
Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: PATRICK STANSBURY APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION PW 21-132 A request has been submitted to construct a new 6’ x 20’ parallel pier on the left side of property, to remove two existing jet ski lifts and replace with one boat lift with associated piling and to replace existing boat lift in kind, maximum channelward distance 34’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 315 S HERON GULL CT Parcel # 6071A97 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: KEITH COFFIN APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OCD-11/25/2t _________________________________ ERIC E. MCLAUCHLIN, ESQ. SHAFFER, MCLAUCHLIN & STOVER, LLC 836 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 102 BEL AIR, MD 21014
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18921 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EARL STEPHEN HEWITT Notice is given that Stephanie D. Hutcheson, 1215 Dulwich Lane, Bel Air, MD 21014, was on November 22, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Earl Stephen Hewitt who died on September 6, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of May, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Stephanie D. Hutcheson Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County
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Ocean City Today / Public Notices
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: December 02, 2021 OCD-12/2/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Morgan Ackerman Fisher, 9514 Harbor Lights Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Kevin Michael Vaughan, 360 West 22ND Street, New York, New York 10011. For: MPV OCMD Operator, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel 10100 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Fontainebleau Corporation There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 15, 2021 @ 1:00 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. OCD-12/2/2t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18986 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CARLTON BAILEY JR. Notice is given that Tracey Rivera, 8414 N. River Rd., Pound, VA 24279, was on November 17, 2021 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Carlton Bailey Jr. who died on October 30, 2021, 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 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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. Tracey Rivera 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: December 02, 2021 OCD-12/2/1t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Berlin Town Hall Council Chambers, 10 William Street, on Ordinance 2021-04. The public is invited to attend and comment. Written testimony will also be accepted until noon on the day of the meeting, and can be sent to: info@berlinmd.gov. A copy of the proposed Ordinance is available for inspection in Town Hall, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Ordinance 2021-04 An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of The Town of Berlin, Maryland amending Chapter 22, Titled Parks and Recreation, Article III, Section 22-49, Titled Rules and Regulations, to Prohibit Smoking In Town Parks. OCD-12/2/2t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION Convention Center Exhibit Power Distribution Equipment
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland are seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide equipment for the Convention Center for Exhibit Power Distribution and for said equipment to be in conformity with the Bid Docu-
ments. Bid Documents for the Convention Center Exhibit Power Distribution Equipment may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Purchasing Associate, Dawn Webb, at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents. A pre-bid meeting will NOT be held for the solicitation. The last day for questions will be noon on Thursday, December 09, 2021. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Tuesday, December 21, 2021 by 1:00 p.m. at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland, Attn: Purchasing Associate, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. Late Bid Document will not be accepted. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation. OCD-12/2/1t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION Overhead Door Maintenance, Repair and Installation
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland (“Town”) is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Overhead Door Maintenance, Repair and Installation in conformity with the specifications detailed in the Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the Overhead Door Maintenance, Repair and Installation may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Purchasing Associate, Dawn Webb, at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Bid
DECEMBER 3, 2021 Documents. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, December 13, 2021. Addendum will be posted by close of business on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, December 20 at 1:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland Attn: Purchasing Associate, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. Late Bid Documents will not be accepted. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation. OCD-12/2/1t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION Fire Department Headquarters Elevator Modernization
Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide modernization services for the elevator located at the Fire Department Headquarters and for said work to be in conformity with the Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the Fire Department Headquarters Elevator Modernization may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Catrice Parsons, at cparsons@oceancitymd.gov or by calling 410-723-6647 during normal business hours, or via the Bid tab on the Town’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., located at 1409 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Bid Documents. The last day for questions will be noon on Friday, December 17, 2021. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, January 10, 2022 by 4:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud at the Mayor and City Council Work Session held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted to the Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Attn: City Manager; Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Late Bid Document will not be accepted. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.
DECEMBER 3, 2021 OCD-12/2/1t _________________________________ MICHAEL B. MATHERS WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE, MATHERS & ILLUMINATI, LLP 115 BROAD STREET P.0. BOX 910 SALISBURY, MD 21803 410-742-3176 LEMAR FOOKS 1242 South Ogden Drive, #7 Los Angeles, CA 90019 Plaintiff v. LARISSA FOOKS 2622 Orchard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019 LEWALTER FOOKS 2622 Orchard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019 LEMOYNE FOOKS 2622 Orchard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019 LANCE R. FOOKS 709 Winchester Street Bakersfield, CA 93309 LAMBERT R. FOOKS 1121 Delpy View Lane Vista, CA 92804 LYNN R. FOOKS Healing Hands Assisted Living 806 1/2 W. 95th Street Los Angeles, CA 90044 All Persons Having or Claiming to Have Any Interest in the Property Known as: 5 Acres NE Side Holly Grove Road SDAT Tax ID: 10-019117 Defendants In The Circuit Court
Ocean City Today / Public Notices For Worcester County Case No. C-23-CV-21-000149
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is a Complaint for Quiet Title for the property known as 5 Acres NE Side Holly Grove Road, SDAT Tax ID: 10019117, in which the Plaintiff is seeking that fee simple title for the property at issue be vested in Lemar Fooks, and that the interests of all other claimants be extinguished, for the real property described as: Being in the third election district of said Worcester County, in Synepuxant Neck, and convey-to them by deed dated June nineteen hundred and eight -Beginning at a stone on the road leading to Synepuxent Neck, thence in a straight line to the beginning, 14 poles, containing nearly five acres of land be the same more or less It is thereupon this day of 23rd of November, 2021, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in the Ocean City Today, a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property that the relief sought in the aforementioned complaint may be granted, unless cause be shown to the contrary. Defendant is to file the response to the complaint on or before December 29, 2021. Failure to file the response within the time allowed
may result in a judgement by default or the granting of the relief sought. Publish by: December 22, 2021 Beau H. Oglesby Judge of the Circuit Court for Worcester County Entered: Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD November 29, 2021 OCD-12/2/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18802 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KEVIN BRADSHAW Notice is given that Cameron Bradshaw, 11003 Grays Corner Road #104, Berlin, MD 21811, was on November 22, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kevin Bradshaw who died on April 26, 2021, 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 22nd day of May, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-
PAGE 41 sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Cameron Bradshaw 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: December 02, 2021 OCD-12/2/3t _________________________________
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PAGE 42
DECEMBER 3, 2021
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PAGE 43
Ocean City Today
POLICE/COURTS
Disobeying crosswalk sign Jacob Zan Harden, 51, of Ocean City was arrested by Ocean City Police at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Nov. 23 near 21st Street and charged with intoxicated endangerment, disturbing the peace, and failing to obey the pedestrian “Don’t Walk” sign at a crosswalk. Police said officers saw Harden crossing Philadelphia Avenue near 21st Street in a crosswalk with the red hand signal up. When an officer went to approach Harden, the officer had to slam his brakes to avoid hitting him, according to charging documents, and when another officer arrived at the scene the same thing occurred. Harden was eventually stopped by the officers and was deemed under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for public intoxication and blocking traffic. Officers also determined that Harden’s level of intoxication was so bad that he posed a threat to public safety, therefore, they held him at police headquarters. Police said Harden has been arrested 12 times in the last year and 34 times total by OCPD.
DUI accident Deborah Michelle Jones, 59, of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at approximately 9 p.m. on Nov. 23 near 10th Street and charged with DUI, driving with a person under the age of 16 who was not wearing a seatbelt, leaving the scene of an accident, and various other charges. According to court documents, an officer saw an SUV run into a telephone pole at First Street and Baltimore Avenue before continuing north.
When the car reached Ninth Street, another officer reportedly noticed the SUV had a faulty front driver’s side headlight and the left quarter panel was sticking out. The front driver’s side tire was also flat, and sparks were coming from the rim as it rode on the asphalt. The driver of the SUV, later identified as Jones, reportedly ignored plastic barricades at Ninth Street and Baltimore Avenue, driving straight through them. The officer eventually pulled Jones over and she was ordered out of the car. Jones told the officer she was coming from a bar in West Ocean City, admitting to drinking “one tequila,” or a “a margarita.” Jones also told the officer she was heading to 28th Street.
After an investigation, Jones was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Although the incident report did not provide details on the matter, Jones was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with an occupant under the age of 16 unrestrained by a seatbelt.
Drug possession Kyle Kenneth Latch, 29, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Nov. 25 near 59th Street and charged with possession of drugs other than marijuana. Police said they were alerted to a suspicious person near a hotel who was entering and exiting a van several
times, with an alarm coming from the van. When officers arrived, they found the vehicle with Latch sitting in the rear seat of the van. When police shined the spotlight inside, they could see Latch ducking behind the front passenger seat attempting to hide himself or contraband, according to court documents. Latch told police he was the owner of the van and that he was going to sleep in the vehicle until morning to sober up. The officers reportedly smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle, turning up marijuana and a clear plastic bag of psilocybin mushrooms. The drugs were seized, and Latch was placed under arrest.
Shooting defendants await court By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) One of the two people awaiting trial for shooting a man who reportedly fell through their vehicle’s sunroof this summer is set to plead guilty next month. The other is awaiting a status hearing after a postponement this week. Antonio Jermain Epps, 28, of District Heights, and Jameal Danielle Mcleod, 28, of Capital Heights, were charged in conjunction with the June 13 incident, which left a 21-year-old Reisterstown man, who was not identified by name, injured, but alive. Police reports said the man was walking on top of a vehicle parked outside of an Ocean City hotel — which Epps and Mcleod occupied — and fell through the sunroof. The man was re-
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portedly unaware that anyone was inside the car but his fall prompted Epps and Mcleod to get out and confront him. During the confrontation, according to police, Epps Antonio Epps shot the man twice and ran away with Mcleod. The pair was later found and arrested at a gas station in Berlin after witnesses described their vehicle and recounted what they saw happen. The man who was shot also ran away after the altercation and was later found at the fire station on 15th street. Police said at the time that he was expected to make a full recovery. According to court records, Mcleod is set to plead guilty on Jan. 3 to some
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Commentary
Ocean City Today Dec. 3, 2021
Page 44
Thankful for our second chances The Ocean City Council’s decision to increase the city’s marketing department’s share of room tax revenues was a good one as far as it goes, but it isn’t the answer to everything. On the positive side, devoting an increasing amount of money to marketing demonstrates City Hall’s commitment to broadening the resort’s appeal to segments of the market that aren’t totally enamored of Ocean City in general and, more particularly, a beach vacation here. It’s possible and maybe even likely that this effort to enhance Ocean City’s image will lead to increased visits by Millennials and Generation Xers, whose take on Ocean City didn’t show that well in the marketing department’s visitor perception study. But two other components also have to be addressed. The first of these is that there’s no such thing as money for nothing. It has to come from somewhere, and in this instance some of that room tax revenue being shifted to advertising is what had been used to cover losses in the special events budget. Now, those losses will have to be covered by the general fund, assuming that anything that isn’t at least break-even will be allowed to continue. Also to be accounted for is the cost of marketing staff needed to execute these marketing plans. That, too, will have to come out of the general fund, which is being hit up anew for other expensive projects and expenses. The counter-argument to these concerns, of course, is that better marketing will deliver better crowds and more tourismrelated revenue flowing into the city’s bank account. That could happen, yet whether it does will depend on the third component: the Ocean City product itself. For Ocean City government and tourism-dependent businesses to benefit, they will have to meet the elevated expectations the city’s marketing plan hopes to engender by doing whatever it takes. That won’t be cheap either. It’s not just a matter of getting people to come here, it’s really about getting them to come back after that initial introduction. Marketing can’t do that by itself.
Ocean City Today 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.
EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Greg Wehner, ..........................................Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier ..............................................................Amanda Shick CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2021
PUBLIC EYE
Where are we at?
The state’s superintendent of schools said it: “...where they are at.” Not to be critical, but did someone make him a preposition he couldn’t refuse? Worse, he said this at a state school board meeting during a discussion of covid19 mask mandates. All I can say is that my long deceased fourthgrade teacher is on spin cycle. Most people probably don’t remember the rule, but you’re not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition, because ... well ... that’s what my fourth grade teacher said and she was By ... memorable. Stewart Why she continues to occupy Dobson space in my memory’s backup folder is a story that drew some adult chuckling and even guffaws around the dinner tables in my hometown. It also taught me a lesson about humor. The story was that Mrs. Fourth Grade Teacher was, in real life as opposed to the classroom, a pretty funny individual, and that one day she decided to play a joke on her husband when he came home from work. The way my mother told my father on that particular evening, Mrs. Fourth Grade Teacher stripped down to nothing, put on a big floppy straw beach hat, and posed that way on the staircase as he came to the door. When he opened it and walked into the room, she feigned a look of disappointment and said, “Oh, it’s you.” I didn’t get it. But my father did, because he erupted in such great laughter that he slammed his hand down on the table for emphasis. In the course of doing that, his hand caught the end of his fork, which just happened to be carrying a full
payload of peas. Up, up they went like slow-motion buckshot, tiny green orbs of the Jolly Green Giant’s finest launched into space until they paused at their apogees and returned to the table like green hail. It was a pop-up pea-storm and the funniest thing I had ever seen, and far more amusing to me than a naked fourth-grade teacher. Incidentally, my father, who routinely lied to me for his own amusement, once told me peas came from green rabbits, but I didn’t get that at the time either. Anyway, at that stage in life, you want to believe that many of the adults you encounter were born fully clothed, kind of like a pre-fab house, and entered the world wearing a wool suit or some other seasonally appropriate attire. You want to think that because it’s less disturbing than the alternative. “Pssst. Mrs. Fourth Grade Teacher was naked!” “Ewwwwwwwwww.” I couldn’t look my teacher in the eye in class the next day, as she explained that we shouldn’t end a sentence with a preposition. “So, Master Dobson, why shouldn’t you ask, ‘Where are you at?’” “Because you might be naked?” That was a serious question, but it did teach me a thing or two about timing, which in that instance wasn’t good. I also learned there are various levels of humor for various types of audiences, and being able to identify with the subject is the most important thing. For instance, I could not then and do not now think naked fourth grade teachers are a laugh riot. Amusing? Yes, but as compared to flying peas? Now, that’ll make you wet your pants. But just the one time, I swear it.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Health officials keeping eye on Omicron variant elements By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) While reports of a new variant of covid permeate across national and international news sites, state and local officials are keeping an eye on the best ways to prevent and combat the new threat. Gov. Larry Hogan said in a news release Wednesday that the World Health Organization recently issued a warning that the new Omicron variant poses high risk infection surges across the world, and that the first case has been confirmed in the United States. In turn, he encouraged everyone who is eligible and able to get vaccines and booster shots as soon as possible. “The single most important thing you can do to maintain your immunity against this virus and its variants is to get your booster shot,” Hogan said in the release. “Throughout this entire year, we have repeatedly stressed that we are in a race between the vaccines and the variants. Because we are one of the most highly vaccinated states, we have been able to stay ahead of the virus, but we cannot become complacent, and we do need to remain vigilant.” Locally, Heather Snyder, the infection prevention manager at Atlantic General Hospital, said in an email that officials are keeping a close eye on the reports about the Omicron variant to stay as prepared as possible if cases begin showing up. “Our hospital team continues to review updates daily in an effort to best understand the strength, transmissibility, and vaccine effectiveness in relation to this new mutation,” she said. Hogan added that state officials are working to increase variant surveillance and providing more rapid tests. Earlier in the week, Hogan announced another vaccine milestone with the clocking of more than a million booster shots for residents. Weekly vaccine info: • As of Thursday, Maryland providers administered more than 9.42 million covid-19 vaccines for a total of 89 per-
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Ocean City Today
cent of residents with at least one dose. • As of Wednesday, a total of 70.12 percent of the county’s population had received at least one covid vaccine and 63.87 were fully vaccinated. • Atlantic General staff members administered 177 shots since last week. • Atlantic General Hospital hosts vaccine clinics from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at its pharmacy in the main lobby of the hospital. All three types of vaccines are offered. • The Population Health Department is also hosting a Pfizer clinic for anyone ages 5 and up at Atlantic Health Center from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 9. Visit www.agh.care/vaccine to schedule an appointment. • The Worcester County Health Department also holds vaccine clinics weekly. For more information, visit worcesterhealth.org/protectmenu/1726-worcester-county,-mdcoronavirus-covid-19 information-2020 Weekly covid numbers: • As of Thursday, Worcester County’s covid-19 positivity rate was 7.81 percent, an increase from 5.03 percent last week. Posting the highest positivity rate in the state was Garrett County at 15.53 percent.* • The state’s positivity rate was 5.22 percent Thursday. • Also as of Thursday, Maryland reported 589,113 confirmed covid cases • Worcester County confirmed 94 new cases since last week, bringing the total cases since March 2020 to 5,268. • Atlantic General Hospital reported 10 covid in-patients this week. None of the patients were fully vaccinated and their ages ranged from 45 to 83. • Ocean Pines and Berlin had 2,060 cases and Ocean City had 1,308Thursday. • Worcester County has reported 125 covid deaths since March 2020. • According to the state health department website, as of Wednesday, 46 people in Worcester County schools — both public and private — had tested positive for covid. Buckingham Ele-
Letters to the editor Route 50 road work major inconvenience This is a copy of an e-mail sent this week to the Maryland Highway Administration Editor, I live off Route 50 in Berlin at Seahawk Road. On several occasions the main intersection near us – adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School – has been blocked during the morning weekday rush hours, making it impossible to get to Route 50 East without driving into the highly congested area around downtown Berlin. Additionally, on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 1, my wife and I had a 9:30 a.m. meeting in Ocean City. The roads were so backed up mentary had 21, Stephen Decatur Middle had 18 and Stephen Decatur High had seven. According to an online tracking system that Worcester County Public Schools updates weekly, for Nov. 22 and 23 (students were not in school the rest of the week for Thanksgiving break) the local district reported 11 new covid cases with just three schools classified as having schoolwide outbreaks. The others were all open
with traffic due to the repairs to Route 50 East near Walmart that it took us nearly an hour to get to Ocean City, where we almost missed our meeting. I can’t imagine the problems this caused for those trying to get to Ocean City for work. To me, the planning of this work was pretty poor. It is not a high traffic season for Ocean City, so I can’t see why this work cannot be done in the early afternoon when traffic is considerably lighter. Also, I can’t see why the entire Route 50 paving project has been going on for more than a month. I would appreciate an answer to my email. Bob Faszczewski Berlin with no cases. Info from Gov. Larry Hogan; the Maryland Department of Health; Atlantic General; Worcester County Health Department; and the CDC. * The positivity rates are determined by a population percentage and do not necessarily reflect the number of confirmed cases compared to areas with different populations.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Simplicity secret ingredient Continued from Page 36 4. Remove scrapple and place on a plate. 5. Turn the heat to medium, add bacon fat and flour and stir until roux has a slightly brown hue to it. 6. In a small bowl, combine cream and milk. 7. Add cream mixture slowly while stirring continuously. Add the remaining seasonings and hot sauce, and stir until gravy starts to thicken.
Add veggie mixture and one half of the scrapple and continue cooking until gravy has completely thickened. Adjust seasonings if necessary, and add the rest of the crumbled scrapple. 8. Serve hot gravy over warm biscuits. Secret Ingredient – Simplicity. “Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.” – Alen Perlis
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
WORLD WAR II
Whaleyville has ties to Pearl Harbor ambush By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) On Monday, Dec. 8, 1941, at 12:30 p.m., President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed a joint session of both Houses of the United States Congress. The address was carried to every radio in the country. Activity in the country ground to a halt, as every man, woman, and child who could get to a radio that day listened, as the president told the nation what it already knew: “Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly, and deliberately, attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” In his six-and-a-half-minute, 500word address, he went on to say, “The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.” For the citizens of northern Worcester County, and, in particular, the little village of Whaleyville, this news was particularly important. One of Whaleyville’s sons, Clyde Jackson Rawson, was a boatswain’s mate first class, aboard the battleship U.S.S. Arizona, which, at that time, was docked at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. The president concluded his remarks with a request, “ . . . that the Congress declare that, since the unprovoked, dastardly, attack by Japan on Dec. 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.” His request passed both Houses within the hour. For most of the country, WWII had just begun. But for Jack Rawson, and 2,329 other sailors, soldiers and airmen, the War, and their lives, were
over. During the Depression, jobs were scarce. It was difficult for a young man to find work to earn any money. In the Spring of 1930, when a Navy Recruiter came to Buckingham High School in Berlin, Jack leapt at the opportunity and enlisted. His enlistment date was Sept. 8, 1930. The late Maude Whaley, Jack’s neighbor and friend, was about to enter her second year at Blue Ridge Junior College, in New Windsor, Maryland, which is 7 miles from Westminster, in Carroll County. On Sept. 8, Mr. and Mrs. Rawson took Jack and Maude to Baltimore. Because Mr. Rawson didn’t like the ferry, and because the ferry would not have allowed them to get to the Naval Receiving Station in Baltimore in time for the Induction Ceremony, the Rawsons and Maude left Whaleyville before dawn and drove around the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore. They dropped Maude at the Camden Street Station in Baltimore, where she caught a train out to New Windsor. The Rawsons proceeded on to the Naval Receiving Station in Baltimore, where they proudly watched as Jack took the oath, and became a member of the United States Navy. That night he went by ship to the Naval Training Station in Hampton Roads, Virginia. On March 16, 1931, he was assigned to the Arizona. Maude said he was “tickled” with this assignment. In response to the heightened tensions between Japan and the U.S., a decision was made later that spring, to move the home base of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from California to the Hawaiian Islands, to a place called Pearl Harbor. Knowing that it would eventually have to deal with the United States, Japan had been preparing for war for
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some time. The move of the Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor merely played into its hands by moving the American fleet within striking range. Over his protests and warnings, Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto, commander-in-chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy, was tasked with preparing an attack on the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. Planning began in January 1941. The Japanese Fleet, commanded by Adm. Chuchi Nagumo, set sail on No. 25, bound for Pearl Harbor and infamy. It included six aircraft carriers, the Akagi, Hiryu, Soryu, Kaga, Zuikaku, and Shokaku. The six carriers carried 355 aircraft, including high altitude, torpedo and dive bombers. The Japanese had given much attention to the conditions that would be faced by their airmen. The torpedoes that were to be launched by the Nakijima B5 N2 “Akagi” torpedo bombers, were modified to operate in the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor. A special 1,750-pound bomb was developed from the 16-inch naval shells used by the battleships Nagato and Mutsu. The shells were reshaped and tapered with a lathe, and fitted with fins to become aerial bombs. The Aichi D3 A1 “Val” dive bombers were fitted with 550-pound bombs, while the Mitsubishi A6 M2 “Zeros” would protect the bombers and torpedo bombers from any American fighters that did get off the ground. At 6 a.m., Hawaiian time, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, the six Japanese carriers launched the first wave of 183 planes. By 6:20, they had assembled and were heading south. Ninety minutes later, they would reach their destination. For the sailors of the Arizona, this was like most other Sunday mornings. Many of the crew slept late. Some prepared to go ashore. As the Japanese planes approached, some were just finishing breakfast. At 7:15 a.m., the enemy carriers launched the second wave of 170 planes. By 7:57 a.m., the first torpedoes, from the first wave, were hitting the water, and speeding to their targets. Five torpedoes hit the Oklahoma. Seven smashed into the West Virginia. Two found the California. And another two struck the Utah. The cruisers Riley, Helena, and the battleship Nevada, were also hit. At 8:05, one of the Aichi dive bombers, piloted by Petty Officer Noboru Kanai, hit the Arizona’s teakwood deck with an armor piercing bomb, between turrets One and Two. The bomb burrowed into the forward magazine, blowing the big ship apart. Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd and the ship’s captain, Franklin Van Valkenburgh, on the ship’s bridge, were vaporized. A pillar of smoke and fire
Franklin D. Roosevelt signing the declaration of war against Japan
erupted into the sky, which was captured in a now-famous photo, and pieces of debris and bodies rained over Pearl Harbor. The stricken ship sank, as one observer noted,“... like an earthquake struck it .....” In addition to several torpedoes, the Arizona was struck by, at least, eight bombs. Of a crew of 1,400, less than 200 survived. Back in Whaleyville, Maude had completed her nurse’s training and married Frank Love on April 14, 1941. Mr. Love was in the Merchant Marine and on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. After Thanksgiving, he got some leave, and came home to Whaleyville. On Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, Frank and Maude had gone to Dover, Delaware, to do some early Christmas shopping. Since their car had no radio, it was not until they returned, at around 4 p.m. that they learned the horrible news. As soon as the townsfolk recovered from the initial shock, horror and anger, their thoughts turned to young Jack Rawson, because everyone knew that he was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Arizona, which was at Pearl Harbor. After the President concluded his address to Congress and the nation on Monday, Dec. 8, the airways were flooded with disastrous news — the Japanese had attacked Hong Kong and the Philippines — and the enormity of the losses suffered at Pearl Harbor. Only from the Soviet Union was there any “good” news. From Moscow came reports that the Red Army, under Zhukov’s leadership, had launched an offensive, which was driving the Werhmacht from the gates of the Soviet capital. Early Tuesday morning, Dec. 9, 1941, Maude was awakened by the ring of the telephone. It was a call from her mother, who was postmistress at Whaleyville. Her mother told her that there was a telegram that she could not bear to deliver, and that Frank and Maude would have to deContinued on Page 47
DECEMBER 3, 2021
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Ocean City Today
WORLD WAR II
OBITUARIES
Continued from Page 46 liver it. The telegram was from the War Department, notifying Mr. and Mrs. Rawson that their only son was dead. Frank and Maude went down to the Post Office, collected the telegram, and went to the Rawson home. Frank knocked on the door, and when the Rawsons answered it, they were already in tears. They had heard the reports, on the radio, of the devastating damage inflicted upon the Arizona. The Rawsons invited the Loves in and offered them coffee. There was no small talk. Frank got right to the point, saying, “I have some sad news for you.” Mr. Rawson replied, “I was afraid you did.” Maude and Frank stayed several hours and reminisced with the Rawsons about Jack, the redhaired little boy, with whom Maude had grown up and played for so many hours. They remembered how full of energy Jack had been, and that he was always a lot of fun. Maude remembered that on the bus rides from Whaleyville to Buckingham High School in Berlin, Jack frequently spoke of his desire to join the Navy. By the time the weekend arrived, Frank was on his way back to Baltimore to join the war effort in the Merchant Marine, and our country found itself at war, not only with the Japanese Empire, but also with, Germany, Slovakia, Croatia, and the Kingdoms of Italy, Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. In February, Thailand joined the war against the U.S. Maude went to Berlin on Saturday to go to the Globe Theater. The black and white newsreels were full of scenes of the devastation from Pearl Harbor. Especially important to those at the Globe, were scenes of the smoke and fire coming from the Arizona. Jack never married, and his only relatives were a nephew and a niece. But, the folks in Whaleyville still remember, with a plaque in the Methodist Church. And, of course, his name is on the stone tablets across from the Taylor Museum in Berlin, and in front of the Circuit Courthouse on Market Street in Snow Hill. Jack Rawson’s remains were recovered, and he is buried in the National Cemetery, at the “Punchbowl,” on the island of Oahu, overlooking Honolulu, Hawaii. Most of the crew remain on the ship. Through the years many of the survivors have elected to join their shipmates when their time came. Jack was the first person from Worcester County to die in World War II. He would be joined by 45 others. Next week: British ships Prince of Wales and Repulse SUNK 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.
FRANCES ELIZABETH GRAFTON Ocean City Beloved aunt, cousin, and friend, Frances (Fran) Elizabeth Grafton, age 75, of Ocean City, Maryland, died peacefully at home, on Nov. 25, 2021, surrounded by her family and friends. The world is diminished without her shining light of love and care for so many. Frances Grafton Her family and friends cherish memories of her limitless caring and generosity. Born in Baltimore on Aug. 23, 1946, she was the daughter of Burlin Alfred and Elizabeth Ceclia (née Hall) Grafton. Fran was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Alfred Burlin Grafton. Fran was a life-long nurse and care-taker, often commenting she was born to be a nurse. After graduating from Eastern High School in 1964, she completed the Catonsville Community College Registered Nursing program, obtaining her registered nurse’s license in 1973. Fran began her long career as a pediatric nurse with The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. She was devoted to the children she served, continuing to commute to Baltimore for her nursing shifts after she moved to Ocean City, Maryland, in 1977. She made the long commute for several years before shifting her focus to support her cousins, Joe and Marie Hall, in their restaurant and hotel businesses in Ocean City. In 1993, she returned to nursing full-time and joined Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland, as a pediatric nurse in their outpatient clinic. She retired from Atlantic Gen-
eral in late 2012, after 20 years of service and touching many lives. Fran, true to her word, never truly retired nor slowed down. After leaving Atlantic General, she partnered in 2013 with Drs. Melissa and Glenn Arzadon to establish Arzadon Family Medicine in Ocean Pines, Maryland. She also continued to support the Hall family businesses until the closure of Hall’s Restaurant in 2016. Fran was well-known and wellloved in the community. Wherever she went, she would recognize a child she once treated and immunized, a family for whom she cared, a former Hall’s employee or someone whose life she touched with her generosity of spirit and caring. Fran loved all things Disney, Ocean City, and Coca-Cola. She will be fondly remembered for her CocaCola kitchen, her Hummel, and Disney collections. The Ocean City scenes in her front bay window were marveled at and enjoyed by friends and tourists alike. Fran leaves her cherished nephews, Darryl (Debra) Grafton of Fenwick Island, Delaware, and David (Karla) Grafton of Hartford, Connecticut; her beloved cousin, Catherine (Tony) Hall Devereaux and their daughter, Lilly of Ocean Pines, Maryland; cousin, Jeanne (Henry) Hall Conley of Solomons, Maryland; cousin, Len (Linda) Hall of Ocean Pines, Maryland; her dearest friend of 70 years, since kindergarten, Nancy Mendez of Ocean Pines, Maryland; and her closest family friends, the Oberdorfer family of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She also leaves her great-nephews and great-niece, as well as numerous other family and friends, too many to name. In lieu of services or flowers, donations may be made in Fran’s memory to Coastal Hospice, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, or The Cricket
Center of Worcester County. The Grafton and Hall families are deeply appreciative of and thankful to the many family and friends who banded together to ease Fran’s final days. The families extend a special thank you to the teams of caregivers at TidalHealth and Coastal Hospice. SHARON R. ARMSTRONG Berlin Sharon R. Armstrong, age 86, of Berlin, died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at Gull Creek in Berlin. Sharon was born in Redfield, South Dakota, and was the daughter of the late Bernard and Elma (Brewer) McDermott. She was a retired S. Armstrong executive secretary from the former Dart Drug Corp. She lived in Ocean Pines with her husband Ernest H. Armstrong, Jr. until his death in December 2003, a few months after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Sharon enjoyed retirement and participated in many clubs and activities. She was the founding queen mother of the Red Hats by the Sea chapter of the Red Hats Society, a member of the Democratic Women’s Club and belonged to two book clubs. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, needle crafts and watercolor painting. Sharon volunteered in the gift shop at Atlantic General Hospital, where a mutual friend introduced her to her husband, Glenn. She and Glenn cared for each other and weathered many storms together, hand in hand, in recent years. She is survived by her husband, Glenn Saffran of Berlin; a son, Timothy Mark Armstrong (Angie) of Mesquite, Texas; two daughters, Continued on Page 48
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
OBITUARIES Continued from Page 47 Mary K. Armstrong (John Veasey) of Fulton, Maryland, and Teresa Sokoloff of Columbia, Maryland; a daughter-in-law, Diane Armstrong of Fulton, Maryland; grandchildren, James and Katie Armstrong, Steven and Will Paulus, and Joe Sokoloff; step-children, Diane Ruscher (Mike) of Millville, Fran Smith (Tom) of Ocean Pines, Laura Demler (Scott) of Damascus, Maryland, Glenn Saffran Jr. (Kathy) of Woodbine, Maryland, Steven Saffran (Dawn) of Burtonsville, Maryland, and Elizabeth Kuegler (Paul) of Finksburg, Maryland; and step-son-in-law, Gery Brinks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest H. Armstrong Jr., and their eldest son, Kevin Michael Armstrong; her brothers, Patrick McDermott and James Michael McDermott; sisters, Kathleen Doyle and Teresa McFarlane; and her beloved Miss Kitty. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville. Friends may call one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, https://www.coastalhospice.org/charitable-giving/. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.
ANDREW JOSEPH LYONS SR. Millville Andrew Joseph “Andy” Lyons Sr., 64, of Millville, Delaware, passed away suddenly at home on Nov. 22, 2021. He was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, son of the late John Frederick Lyons of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, and the late Muriel Grace Brennan Lyons of West Palm Beach, Florida. Lyons graduated from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey, where he was a tackle on the football team. Over the years, he worked in all types of construction, building custom homes. He built entire communities, roads, sewer and water projects, a water tower and many types of commercial buildings, including wastewater treatment plants, banks, an AT&T telephone exchange and an operating room. He did several commercial historical renovations. The one thing that he always wanted to build was a bridge, but he built many in other ways. Lyons started one of the first homeinspection businesses in the area, was at one time the code enforcement officer for the City of Lewes, Delaware, and for the Town of Frankford, and had been on the board of adjustment for the Town of Millville. He finally found out what he wanted to be when he grew up after the birth of his first grandchild –
“Grandpa.” Over the years, he also served the community in many ways. He was a member of the Lord Baltimore Lions Club, of which he was president from 1987 to 1988. He was a Sunday-school teacher and MYF leader at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View, Delaware. He worked with the FACES grant program, and worked with Troop 281 of the Boy Scouts. Lyons was a charter member of Contractors for a Cause. He was also a dedicated volunteer with Lower Sussex Little League, where over the years he was an umpire, coached all three of his children and served on the board of directors. Lyons was proud to help coach the Indian River High School Softball team and helped grow the sport of fast-pitch travel softball in Lower Delaware; by coaching his daughters and may others on multiple teams throughout the years, including his coaching granddaughters alongside his daughters on the Delaware Tribe Travel Teams. Nothing made him happier than being on a softball field, except spending time with his children and grandchildren. Lyons was an avid music enthusiast and lover of travel and always had a sense of adventure which lead him and his wife to follow his favorite artist Jerry Jeff Walker multiple times
to Belize and also to attend his memorial concert in Luckenbach, Texas. Lyons is survived by his wife, Susan Lyons of Millville, Delaware; his son, Andrew Lyons Jr. and his wife, Page of Dagsboro, Delaware; his daughters, Sarah Hoban and her husband, William of Millsboro, Delaware, and Emily Harne and her husband, Curtis of Millsboro, Delaware; and his grandchildren, Lily and Gracie Hoban, Ellen, Finley and Jackson Lyons, and Brooke, Leeland and Julian Harne; his sister, Susan Ketterer and her husband, Robert of Millsboro, Delaware; Michael Lyons and his wife, Rosemarie, of West Allenhurst, New Jersey; Stephen Lyons and Milagros Lyons of Sussex, New Jersey; John Lyons and Cindy Stevens of Pine Bush, New York; and nieces, nephews and extended family members. A memorial service for Lyons will take place Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at The River Church, 35175 Roxana Road, Frankford, Delaware, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the service to follow at 12:30 p.m. Donations in Lyons’ honor may be made to: Lower Sussex Little League, P.O. Box 372, Ocean View, Delaware 19970. ARLEEN LINDA PACE Reisterstown/Berlin Arleen Linda Pace, age 78, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Gull Creek Senior Living in Berlin. Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Ruth (Neistadt) Witt. She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Pace; and children, Robin Thomas, and her chilArleen L. Pace dren, Brandon and Brooke Feuerman and Jake Thomas, and son, Jonathan Bloom and his wife, Stephanie, and their children, Colin and Lucas Bloom. Arleen had been a business woman, owning and operating AK Neckwear in Ocean City. She was also renowned for her dedication to the Ocean City Coupon Book. She adored living in Ocean City with her loving husband and two cats, Benji and Baby. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 East Padonia Rd., Timonium, Maryland 21093. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam near Berlin. A donation in her memory may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Rd. Suite D, Timonium, Maryland 21093. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
Sports & Recreation
Ocean City Today Dec. 3, 2021
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www.oceancitytoday.com
STEPHEN DECATUR WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
I’ve had a lot of really good athletes that play lacrosse or track or something else … I would say this is the first time I’ve had more than five girls that basketball is their number one sport,” said Decatur girls’ basketball team Coach Scott Kurtz.
Decatur winter sports teams ready for action Coaches, athletes excited to compete after not having season last yr. due to covid By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 3, 2021) Stephen Decatur student-athletes participating in fall and spring sports had shortened seasons last year because of covid, but they were still able to compete against other schools. Fall sports teams – which always play from mid-August to end of October/beginning of November – started in February last year. All games were finished by April 17, when springs sports teams began practices, followed by competition. Unfortunately, the winter competitive athletic season was canceled last year. Winter sports teams – basketball, wrestling, indoor track and swimming – were able to practice for about four weeks, but that was the extent of the season. For the 2021-22 school year, fall sports were back to their normal full
schedule, with playoffs, then winter sports teams kicked off preseason practices on Nov. 15. Teams are slated to play a full competitive schedule this winter, much to the excitement of athletes, coaches, parents, school staff and administration. “The freshmen last year didn’t get a chance to compete in their first season and the seniors missed out on their last season,” said Dan Dobronz, Decatur’s athletic director. “Everyone is excited [for the winter sports season]. Numbers are down a little bit, but the kids that are there, they’re the ones that love the sport.” A few weeks in, the winter sports season is going smoothly so far, but there are many protocols in place to keep everyone healthy and safe. “Everybody in the conference is doing the same to stay consistent,” Dobronz said. “We’re going to do the best job we can.” The Bayside Conference announced in mid-October a set of new protocols for the winter 2021-2022 high school sports season, which include: unvaccinated students must be
tested for covid-19 at a minimum of once every 14 calendar days; and vaccinated students are encouraged, but not required, to participate in testing. In addition, student-athletes who miss a scheduled test are ineligible to participate in practices or competition until the test has been taken and negative results are provided. Student-athletes who test positive for covid-19 are ineligible to participate in practices or competition until they complete the exclusion/quarantine requirement(s). At least 50 percent – if not more – of the athletes participating in winter sports are vaccinated. Athletes don’t have to wear a mask while engaged in activity. They only need to wear face coverings when sitting on the bench. Coaches will be wearing masks. Fans are encouraged to social distance while sitting in the stands. All spectators must wear masks, and attendance will be limited. Student-athlete have been issued four passes for guests to attend home games and two passes for away com-
petitions. “I’m really excited. I think we’re going to be really competitive across the board,” Dobronz said.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: The Decatur girls’ basketball team is deep with talent this year. “We can’t wait to get back on the court next Tuesday. It’s been 20 months of waiting and hoping and trying to keep these girls seeing the focus of what we’re working toward,” said Coach Scott Kurtz. “A lot of practicing, a lot of running, but not a lot of competition in Scott Kurtz terms of basketball. We’ll just have to wait and see what it looks like when we get out there.” There are 10 players on the team. Three girls have varsity experience. “In my four years of being here, I’ve had every season some really See DECATUR Page 50
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STEPHEN DECATUR WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
“Games are won on rebounding and defense,” Decatur boys’ basketball team Coach BJ Johnson said. “The kids are learning. They’re adjusting. We’re just trying to get better every day.”
Decatur squads kick off season next week Continued from Page 49 hard-working girls, but I’ve usually only had a handful of true basketball players where that’s their number one sport,” Kurtz said. “I’ve had a lot of really good athletes that play lacrosse or track or something else … I would say this is the first time I’ve had more than five girls that basketball is their number one sport.” Kurtz said the players have skills, knowledge and a high basketball IQ. “We should be able to ask a lot more from this group and they
should be able to do it,” Kurtz said. The team will be led by captains, senior Nadia Bullock and junior Mayah Garner. “They’re doing fantastic. Those two and [junior] Shelby Rosemond are really the only three that know what Decatur basketball is about, what [Assistant Coach] Aaron [Wyatt] and I expect, so their learning curve is different than the other girls,” Kurtz said. “They’re leading by example. They work harder than anybody else in the gym. Those are three
starters coming back and that’s a blessing.” Bullock said team chemistry is good – which is beneficial – and only getting better. “Everything is easier when you get along with your teammates … I’m just happy to be back out here with them … There shouldn’t be any other team in the Bayside that’s more in shape than we are,” Bullock said. “I’m putting it all on the floor this year. I want my Bayside championship.” Decatur will kick off the season on the road Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. against the Kent Island Buccaneers. “These girls have been chomping at the bit to get back in here. When the doors officially opened to get ready they flooded the gym,” he said. Kurtz said the goal is to get better throughout the season. “We need to be at our best the first time through the Bayside [Conference opponents] but be even better and smarter the second time through…we have to make sure what they see out of Decatur the first time we are that many times better the second time through the season,” Kurtz said. “I told the girls we’re looking at four phases of the season. Right now we’re in phase one, preseason. You got to work, get in here and sweat every day so that when you show up on game one, there’s no regrets. We left it all out there … Phase two is first time through and phase three is the second time through, and playoffs is phase four. With each phase we have
to get better individually and as a team. As coaches, as players and as a team we’ve got to get better every step of the way.”
BOYS’ BASKETBALL: There are 10 players on the varsity Decatur boys’ basketball team this year, which will be led by senior captains Jude VanDornick, Joe Buxbaum and Khi Reid. “They’ve really stepped up as leaders and done a good job,” said Decatur Coach BJ Johnson. “We’re pretty excited. There’s a lot of new faces, because we lost a lot of seniors,”VanDornick said. “With a new team there’s a lot to learn, but other than that everyone seems pretty excited. It’s BJ Johnson going pretty good. We’re just trying to get through the basics. We haven’t played organized basketball in like two years.” VanDornick is one of the only players with varsity experience. “I’m just going to try to do my best. My job is to make sure everyone is on time and doing the right thing,” he said. “I’m definitely vocal. I like to make sure my voice is heard. We’re just trying to win as many games as we possibly can. Defense will be key.” Johnson said the group has been See STUDENT Page 51
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STEPHEN DECATUR WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW Student-athletes not vaccinated to be covid-19 tested Continued from Page 50 devoting the most attention and time to defense and rebounding. “Games are won on rebounding and defense,” he said. “The kids are learning. They’re adjusting. We’re just trying to get better every day. We’re working on skill set so we can compete.” Johnson said the players are making progress daily. “We’re very young, so it’s a rebuilding year. We just have to be patient and hopefully they grasp the process,” Johnson said. “I’m just excited for the kids. I’m happy they are able to play. I’m looking forward to a good season.” Johnson said the goal is to compete for a Bayside, regional and state title. Decatur opens the season on Tuesday at home in Berlin at 6 p.m. against the Kent Island Buccaneers.
WRESTLING: The Decatur wrestling program has been a powerhouse over the years. Two years ago – the last time the wrestlers competed on the mat – the group was extremely successful, capping off the 2019-20 season with 11 boys and two girls qualifying for the state championship. Three Seahawks captured 2A/1A state titles in their weight classes. The squad went undefeated, 14-0, during the regular season, 26-0 overall with the Iron Horse Todd Martinek dual tournament (80) and state dual meet tournament (4-0). It was the team’s first undefeated dual meet season. Decatur captured its second consecutive regional dual title and won its second straight state dual championship as well. In the past 50 years, Decatur sports teams have won six state championships. The wrestling team holds three of those titles. Decatur won the Bayside Conference championship for 10 consecutive seasons (2002-2011), then again in 2017, 2019 and 2020. The team broke numerous wrestling program records during the 2019-20 season – 10 wrestlers in the Bayside Conference championship meet finals, nine in the regional finals, seven regional champs, 11 state qualifiers, seven state place winners, five state finalists and three champions.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
These guys, we have to really start from the beginning, so that’s kind of been refreshing going back to your roots as a coach and what got you here,” said Decatur wrestling team Coach Todd Markinek.
“The last two years we really didn’t necessarily teach a lot, we managed a lot, because the kids were pretty top tier. We just had to keep them in shape and healthy and improve on little things. Now, I’m going to have to coach and manage them,” said Coach Todd Martinek, who was recognized last month for lifetime service to wrestling during the 2021 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Maryland Chapter induction ceremony. After 29 years, this will be his last season coaching the Decatur wrestling team. There are 55 wrestlers in the program this season. A number of them are new to the program and young, so Martinek will have to do a bit more teaching this season. “These guys, we have to really start from the beginning, so that’s kind of been refreshing going back to your roots as a coach and what got you here,” he said. “It makes practice new. Stuff I’m doing the last two weeks I haven’t done in probably four or five years.” Martinek and the coaching staff are working to bring the green wrestlers up to varsity-level standards. “They’re good learners, they’re listening, they’re working hard. We’ve got a great group of athletes, which is key. Some kids really aren’t ready for varsity yet, but they’re going to be in the varsity lineup,” he said. “The expectation is there to win, so that’s a tough thing for a high school kid. They may not be ready technically and physically, but the expectation of winning is still there.” There are only three starters returning – senior Noah Reho (160182-pound weight classes) and junior Logan Intrieri (132-138), both captains, and senior Alex Koulikov (195). Reho won a state championship in
the 126-pound division as a freshman and at 145 pounds as a sophomore. “Last year we got the season taken away from us [and] I had meniscus surgery last year so I didn’t do any tournaments … It’s nice to get back a full season and being able to wrestle in our home gym,” Reho said. “I’m healthy. I feel great. I just want to wrestle so bad. “We definitely have a lot more to prove. We’re used to having four guys who can win a state tittle and get guaranteed bonus points and I don’t think that we’re there right now, but by the end of the year hopefully we will. We just have to work as one.” Reho said he wants another individual state title, but his main focus is to win another team state championship. “It’s my last year, it’s coach Martinek’s last year as head coach and I just want to go out with a bang,” he said. “I think three wrestling state titles in three years of having a high school season is pretty dominant.” Despite not having the multiple “stud” wrestlers this season, Reho
wants other teams to know that Decatur will still be a force to be reckoned with. “We’re not as gifted as wrestlers as we were in the past, but we still have the hardest working [wrestling] room in the state. I don’t think anybody is outworking us,” he added. “I just want everyone to know that we’re still Decatur, we’re still a good team … we’re the reigning state champs.” Martinek said his goal is to win Baysides, win states and place eight kids at the state tournament, which he added is realistic. Decatur will host Caesar Rodney on Monday at 6 p.m. in Berlin for its season opener. “My assistant coaches have really dedicated this year to try to send me out with one more state title, which would be cool, but we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Martinek said. “I’m super excited. It’s my last year. I felt like it was time. I told my assistants I’m going to give it everything I’ve got … It’s fun but it makes you feel alive. It’s a lot of work and I’ll probably See BASKETBALL Page 52
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STEPHEN DECATUR WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW Basketball, indoor track, wrestling, swim teams ready Continued from Page 51 miss it more than I think I will. Right now I’m really enjoying it, but it’s a grind.”
SWIMMING: Participation numbers are down a bit, particularly on the boys’ side, but swimmers and coaches are looking forward to the season and are happy to be back in the pool. “It’s good to be back. I feel bad for the seniors last year because they didn’t get to have a competitive season, and we had a handful of seniors last year,” said Coach Kristina Watts Steve Deakyne. “We have a smaller team on the boys' side this year, but it’s going well so far. Everyone is working hard to get better and is happy to be here. They have good attitudes so far.” Steve Deakyne There are only six boys participating this season, and only two of them have high school competitive swimming experience – junior Gavin Stearn and senior Alec McCabe. “Last year we only had practices, so I’m excited we’ll have meets this year,” said Stearn, who may swim in the 200IM, breaststroke and freestyle events this season. “We lost a lot of seniors. There’s a lot of new people, so all the swimmers that were here the years’ before covid are going to have to run things how we did before
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
We’re not as focused on wins and losses, but more on improving times and getting better throughout the season,” said Decatur swim team Coach Steve Deakyne. “Everyone is excited to get back into competitions again. It’s nice to have everyone together,” added Coach Kristina Watts.
and teach them [and for example] do our little chants before the meets to get everyone pumped up.” Stearn said the goal this season is to just have fun. “We have a wide range of talent and abilities,” Deakyne said. “It’s a small team, but we’ll try our best to have a good season. We’re not as focused on wins and losses, but more on improving times and getting better throughout the season.” Eighteen girls are competing this year and a handful have represented Decatur in the pool before. “They’ve done a great job getting back into shape and remembering their skills. I think we’re off to a good start,” said Coach Kristina Watts.
The girls’ team is young, with only one senior – Sierra Wakefield. “Everyone is doing a good job so far. I know some are new to swimming and it’s fun to watch them start learning because I’ve been doing this a few years now,” said Wakefield, who may swim in the butterfly, freestyle and breaststroke events. “If they have questions I would love if they came and ask me, because I’ve been doing this for a bit. I’m excited we’re going to have meets this year and to swim with everyone. I’m hoping it will be a fun senior year for me.” With many new, up and coming swimmers, it gives the team room to grow, Watts said. “Everyone is excited to get back into competitions again. It’s nice to have everyone together,” she said. “We’re hoping for improved times throughout the season, and to have fun. As long as we see improvement with times and techniques we’ll be successful.” She will look to Wakefield and junior Natalie Canham to lead the group. The swim teams open the season on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. against Nandua at the Pocomoke YMCA.
INDOOR TRACK: A majority of the athletes participating in indoor track are runners – competing in sprints or distance events. Participation in field events is lacking a bit, but it is still early in the season. “We’re definitely focusing our energy on running events right now,” said Coach Brenda Hommel, who took over the cross country and indoor/outdoor track programs this year. She had worked with the cross
country program for seven seasons and indoor and outdoor track for seven and six seasons, respectively, prior to this year. “We’re trying to be a little more structured and require more of our athletes. We’re doing more full-team workouts this year. We’re trying to get the kids to push themselves to imBrenda Hommel prove.” “We’re trying people in different events. We’re usually a very strong and heavy field event team, but our field events aren’t quite as heavy as we would like,” said Coach Fred Billings. “We’ve got a lot of people on the track.” There are 50 athletes participating in indoor track this season, and many are new to the sport. Hommel said she is pleased with the effort and commitment level so far. “We’ve got a young team, and we’ve got a few experienced people that can help lead us. Everyone appears to be working hard and hopefully we’ll get better every week. That’s the main goal,” Billings said. “I tell them all the time if you look hard enough you’ll find someone you can beat. If you look hard enough you’ll find someone who can beat you … You’ve got to make yourself better every time you go out there.” There are several veterans the coaches will look to lead the group this year, including seniors Tristan Dutton, Gavin McCabe and Owen Mielnik, and juniors Carolina Novelli and Summer Brenner. Mielnik took third place at states See COACHES Page 53
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team wins opener By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 3, 2021) The Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team kicked off the season with a 37-22 victory over Greenwood Mennonite on Tuesday in Delaware. Coach Pat Moylan was pleased with the Mallards overall performance in the 2021-22 opener. “There was a lot of adrenaline initially, but they settled in and played very well,” Moylan said. “They moved the ball fantastically, we had lots of open looks, we rebounded well. Defensively, we were pretty much always in control of the game. Defense was moving their feet and were in the right spot.” Worcester led 8-4 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Berlin squad held a 14-11 advantage. After three quarters, the visiting Mallards were on top, 28-17. “They worked the ball extremely well. We made very few turnovers and created turnovers,” Moylan said. “Our shooting percentage was not what we would have liked, but it got better as the game went on. It will definitely come.” Eight of the 11 players scored for Worcester. Senior captain Brice Richins led Worcester with 12 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and eight blocks. Junior Jack Gardner chipped in with six points and three steals, and senior Mike Wehberg contributed with six points, eight rebounds and two steals. Junior captain Griffin Jones had six rebounds, four assists and four steals. “It was a good way to start the season,” Moylan said. Worcester will compete in the Indian River Tip-Off, Friday and Saturday. The Mallards will face the Indian River Indians today at 3 p.m. The Berlin squad will then battle Arcadia at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. “It will be a good test. It will be a very good challenge for us,” Moylan said. “I think we’ll do just fine. I’m looking forward to it.” Worcester’s girls’ team will also play in the tournament. The Lady Mallards will go head-to-head with Indian River at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Prep team will then play Odyssey at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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STEPHEN DECATUR WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
“We’re trying to be a little more structured and require more of our athletes. We’re doing more full-team workouts this year. We’re trying to get the kids to push themselves to improve,” said Decatur indoor track team Coach Brenda Hommel.
Coaches, athletes eye successful yr. Continued from Page 52 in the outdoor track pole vault event this past spring, and Dutton was Decatur’s lone representative at the state cross country meet last month. “The team is coming along pretty well. I’m very excited and looking forward to the season because I have new goals this year and if I achieve those goals that would be amazing. I’m just looking forward to having some fun,” Dutton said. He hopes to break the indoor mile record which is 4:28, and is shooting for a 10:2010:30 two-mile time. He also wants to go back to states. “[To help lead the team] I’m just going to be as enthusiastic as I can. Always my advice is put one foot in front of the other, but just fast and you’ll beat everyone.”
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Brenner thinks the girls’ team is coming along well also. “There’s a lot of people that have never done track before, so once they learn what it’s all about, especially the freshmen, then I think we’ve got a pretty good setup,” she said. Brenner plans to compete in high jump, hurdles and sprint events. “As far as leading the team, I especially like helping with the hurdles and the high jump just because nobody else really does that … and keeping everyone’s spirits high. We’re all excited for the first meet. All the girls, and boys too, are great. We have some good people and I’m excited to see how they do.” Only Maryland schools will participate in the meets this season, held at the Worcester County Recreation
Center in Snow Hill. No spectators will be allowed. The first meet is Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m. “It’s nice to give the kids the opportunity to compete and have a wellrounded high school career. The kids enjoy being involved in athletics,” Hommel said. “The kids are looking forward to the meets.” Hommel said the goal is for participants to improve their times, scores/distances this season. “It’s easy for kids to see improvement because [with indoor track] it’s measured growth, and if you have a goal you can work to attain it,” she said. “The number one goal is for the kids to come out of the season feeling accomplished.” Hommel hopes indoors is a launch into the outdoor season in the spring.
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Berlin hosts first ‘Ugly Sweater’ run for addiction, Sat. By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Looking to increase support for people battling addiction, local nonprofits Hope4Recovery and Worcester Goes Purple will host their first “Ugly Sweater Run4Recovery” on Saturday in Berlin from 9 a.m. to noon. Patricia Ottey with Hope4Recovery said the “family fun” 5K run begins and ends in front of the Atlantic Hotel on Main Street. “It’s a fun run [for] families, kids and dogs,” she said. “No one is trying to reach their personal best.” Ottey credited Debbie Smullen, who works with Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services and also founded Worcester Goes Purple, for envisioning the event to raise backing for the local recovery community. “She was the brains behind the fundraiser,” she said. “She approached us about doing a co-fundraiser.” While not required, organizers encourage participants to come decked out in unfashionable holiday sweaters. “There will be prizes for best costumes,” she said. The cost for individuals is $15 and $35 for families up to four. Day of registration begins at 8:15 a.m.
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 3, 2021
SURF REPORT
Students enjoy ‘Surf Into Integrity’ By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Dec. 3, 2021) Another successful session of Surf Into Integrity has been going on these past few months at Stephen Decatur Middle School. The vision of Attorney Rich Brueckner, SSI started when he was a prosecutor for Wicomico County. Although now in private practice in Ocean City during his prosecuting days he grew weary of the number of young folks getting into trouble and having to but participants may also pre-register online by visiting hope4recoveryberlin.org/ upcoming-events. Fruit snacks and hot coco will be available. Ottey said while not intended as a competitive race, medals would be awarded at the conclusion. “The first 100 people receive a bag with a T-shirt and candy,” she said. Red Sun Custom Apparel provided event T-shirts to support the charitable endeavor. Ottey said organizers would have a handful of tables where substance-abuse recovery literature would be available. “It’s equally to raise awareness and let people know about both groups,” she said.
go through the state/county court system. Figuring that high school-aged students were already too far along in their lives, his target objective became middle school students, as in seventh and eighth graders, and how to influence them. Positive influence through surfing is the core premise of SII. It’s based on the book “Surfer’s Code, 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life,” by Shaun Tomson with Patrick Moser. Tomson is the best ambassador for surfing that I’ve ever known, an incredible surfer, and probably the best tube rider that the sport has ever seen. He was world champion in 1977. Throughout its short history, SII has been conducted by the Ocean city Surf Club. Tommy Vach, president of the OCSC, was lead instructor, organizer, and administrator, with extensive help from OCSC members, especially Bill Thomson, quartermaster par excellence, with help from his wife, Kevan. The group met for eight weeks with classroom sessions on Wednesdays after school at Stephen Decatur Middle and on the beach at 36th Street, on Sundays, late morning. Reading was mandatory as was getting in the water and learning the basics of surfing. Equipment was provided by
K-Coast Surf Shop and a generous donation from Adam Showell of Castle in the Sand Motel. In a word the students were stoked! They really seemed to enjoy the entire experience and in my view learned much about surfing and life. The class is limited to 24 students and more try to sign up than there is room for. That alone says quite a bit about how successful the program has been. Even former students from the program will show up to help as instructors as will many members of the OCSC. A member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, by the name of Samantha, also donated her time in case assistance was needed. With the prevalence of divisiveness so apparent in today’s society it’s refreshing to see a community come together. The intention is for SII to continue for years to come. It’s a great addition to the middle school and our beautiful fall season in general. Prospective students should be on the lookout for a sign-up for next year’s session. There are only 24 slots, but a greater number of interested students. Many thanks to Stephen Decatur Middle School, OCSC, the SII program, and all the students who participated. — Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 3, 2021
VOTED
CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL OCEANFRONT 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY
2019
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New Year’s Eve Party
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with an Ear of Corn
2021Gala
MERRY CHRISTMAS! CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE
½ lb. Steamed Shrimp ½ lb. Alaskan Crab Legs
1 lb. Steamed Shrimp
Best Craft Beer
NFL TAILGATE SPECIALS
Cheesesteak Sliders • Wraps • Wings • Fish Tacos Kosher • Hot Dogs • Burgers Pizza • Steamers
DRINK SPECIALS
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Domestic Bottles House Wines & Rails
$
3
Coors & Yuengling Draft
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Margararitas On the Rocks