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DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Sports complex study put online by state Council critic Gisriel asks why release of report came months after its completion By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) City Council members were at a loss of words Monday
when a long-time council critic brought to their attention that the Maryland Stadium Authority posted the Ocean City sports complex study to its website nearly a week earlier, raising questions about how it could have been posted without their endorsement. Ocean City resident Vince Gisriel,
who often questions approved spending by city officials, told the council the feasibility study for a sports complex in the resort was released to the public on Nov. 30. The study, which was conducted by Crossroads Consulting Services LLC, was completed on Jan. 31, 2020, according to a letter at the be-
ginning of the packet. MGH Advertising, the city’s ad agency, conducted a separate study in 2017 for Ocean City to understand visitor habits, preferences, and perceptions – like a recent study paid for by the city and presented in November. See GISRIEL Page 8
Tourism dept. room tax plan gets 1st vote Opponents want to know how extra money would be spent
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
JOLLY JUMPER
Jon Cameron was spot on as “Buddy the Elf” as he hops along Coastal Highway next to the Telescope Pictures float during the 38th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade last Saturday. Parade winners on page 34.
County’s ICE detainee money nears end By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Worcester County’s days of housing federal immigration detainees are officially numbered. In an anticipated move during a
special session of the General Assembly this week, members of the Democrat-heavy legislature voted to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of a bill that imposes a solid end date to the state’s participation in a federal program that provides funding to the
county to house people detained on immigration matters. House Bill 16 requires the two counties — Worcester and Frederick — that still hold contracts with the U.S. Immigration and Customs EnSee LEGISLATURE Page 6
By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) A draft ordinance that increases the Ocean City Tourism Department’s advertising by two-tenths of a percent over the next three years was presented to City Council members on Monday, and while the first reading was approved, it was not unanimous. Over the past few months, the department has seen several modifications, including the introduction of a new director, Tom Perlozzo, and the approval of several new positions under him as well as the realignment of a few departments, such as special events. Perlozzo’s plan includes an aggressive approach to changing people’s perception of the resort while targeting many different demographics – some who like Ocean City already and others, like Generation Xers and millennials who may not. But one other initiative by the director is to increase his department’s budget. On Nov. 30, three options for increasing the tourism department’s budget were presented to council See TAX Page 4
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City Council members were given presentations from three ad agencies last week in a closed -door session, on how they plan to market and attract people to the resort area.
Ad agencies pitch proposals to officials in exec session By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Three advertising and marketing agencies gave their pitches to Ocean City officials last week, though details of their presentations remain a closely guarded secret. Council President Matt James gave a brief synopsis of what happened during the closed-door session, which was held at the convention center on 40th Street on Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. The meeting was between all City Council members, except for Lloyd Martin, who was absent, the mayor, and several other city officials. Also attending were representatives from ad agencies: Milwaukee, Wisconsinbased BVK, St. Petersburg, Florida-
based Paradise Advertising and Marketing, and Marriner Marketing Communications out of Columbia, Maryland. The three ad agencies – BVK, Paradise, and Marriner – presented “proprietary creatives and negotiable terms” to city officials. The council plans to have a full discussion about the presentations during its next work session on Tuesday. This is the first time in 20 years the city is considering a new advertising agency. For the past two decades, MGH Advertising Inc. has worked with the resort on its advertising and marketing needs. But this year, the company decided to opt out of submitting a bid See AD Page 4
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Tax plan passes 4-2 on first reading
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Continued from Page 1 members during a work session, all involving the city’s 5 percent room tax – a charge applied to all room rentals, from hotels to condominiums. The room tax was increased from 4.5 to 5 percent on Jan. 1, 2020. Prior to that increase, the room tax was last increased in 2008, when it jumped from 4 to 4.5 percent. Since the room tax increased in 2020, there has been some confusion regarding how the additional 0.5 percent should be distributed, according to Perlozzo, who considered it to be a policy change. Three suggestions were made during the work session. The first was to keep the percentage of the room tax collected that can be designated for advertising at 2 percent and to review the policy every year. The second option was to increase the 2 percent to 2.2 percent between 2023 and 2025 – in 2023, tourism would get 2 percent, 2.1 percent in 2024, and 2.2 percent in 2025. The third suggestion was to increase the amount to 2.6 percent right away. Perlozzo told council he preferred the second option, where the amount scales up incrementally. The second option, like the first, includes annual reviews.
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Ocean City Council members are considering legislation that would increase the amount of money designated for tourism advertising two-tenths of a percentage by 2025. The money would come from the 5 percent room tax collected on all hotel and condominium rooms, and help pay for promoting the resort as well as things like conferences, advertising for special events and marketing.
The money, according to the ordinance, will cover expenses connected to promoting destination marketing without deducting from other tourism expenses such as salaries and office equipment. What it would include, though, are things such as advertising, marketing, promotions, sponsorships, research, subscription and trade dues, conference fees, and the promotion of special events. If the 5 percent tax is ever increased, the ordinance states, 40 percent of the revenue generated from any future room tax rate increase would be dedicated to the advertising fund. When the matter was discussed on Nov. 30, Councilman Peter Buas asked Perlozzo if he had a plan for the additional money he would be getting, and Perlozzo replied that he did not. Buas then said he thought it was premature to vote on the ordinance without knowing what the plan for the money is. Resort resident and former councilman Vince Gisriel told council he had a problem with leftover advertising funds rolling over from year-to-
year, saying the money should be returned to the general fund. He also raised issue with the 40 percent of excess going to advertising, adding that it was going to be problematic because excess over 5 percent would be hard to determine. Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones told the council she supported the ordinance, saying there would not be a general fund without the advertising. “I’m a little biased,” she said. At Monday night’s meeting, the council voted 4-2 to approve the first reading of the ordinance, based on the second option. Buas and Councilman Frank Knight voting against the change. Knight told the other council members he preferred to discuss option three because all expenses would then come out of tourism. Under option two, salaries come out of the general fund. “Tourism should support itself,” Knight said. “I believe in funding tourism … I just don’t think this is the way to do it.”
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Ad agencies present their plans Continued from Page 3 for unknown reasons. The process of selecting a new agency has been treated unlike most request for proposals. Most times when the city puts out a request, the bids are submitted and read aloud during a public meeting for all to hear. When the proposals were opened during a City Council meeting on Nov. 1, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca only read the names of the companies and not the bid amount. City Manager Doug Miller later explained the bidding and review process for the advertising agencies would be treated differently because these proposals contain proprietary
information. He further explained that ad agencies’ bids provide both a creative and monetary piece. The two are reviewed separately so the creative aspect is not tainted by the amount of money the company plans to charge for its services. Once the creative pieces are reviewed, the bids will be examined, and at some point, all the amounts for the bids will be made public, according to Miller. As part of the FY 22 budget, city officials budgeted $5.5 million for advertising. The new agency is expected to begin working for Ocean City next month.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Ocean City Today
OC standing committees to meet next week By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Several Ocean City standing committees plan to meet this week, including the police commission, tourism commission, and transportation committee. Here is a list of topics each committee plans to tackle during the meetings. Transportation Committee Councilman Tony DeLuca said the next transportation committee meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the public safety building at
65th Street. The meeting will consist of several updates and follow-ups, including a review of bus ridership over the last three years, a statewide initiative on electric buses, an overview of the FTA/MTA 2022 capital and planning grants, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at the Park and Ride in West Ocean City, and recruitment and retention efforts. Police Commission Councilman Peter Buas told the other council members during a meet-
ing on Monday that the police commission plans to meet on Monday, Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. in the Public Safety building to continue its discussion of body-worn cameras and seasonal recruiting. The commission will also get an update from Chief Ross Buzzuro. Tourism Commission Council President Matt James gave a rundown of what the tourism commission will discuss during its next meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the convention center on 40th Street. At the meeting, commission
members will get an advertising agency search update along with an update from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The committee and organization reports generally reviewed during the meeting will be submitted in writing. Reports will be coming from the Tourism & Business Development Department, Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Development Corporation, Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, Economic Development Corporation, the convention center and the Special Events division.
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
Legislature votes to end local role in ICE program Continued from Page 1 forcement Agency, or ICE, to end them by Oct. 1, 2022. The measure passed the legislature last session, but Hogan’s veto kept the counties’ participation in the program alive. Majority votes in both the House and Senate on Tuesday, however, overrode the veto, thus cutting off a large chunk of the Worcester County jail’s annual revenue. The move was expected, but will still force county officials to finagle the budget for the detention center to make up for a loss that at one point exceeded $5 million annually. According to a letter the county commissioners sent in February to members of the Eastern Shore dele-
Members of the General Assembly voted this week to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto to a bill that ends a federal program that provides money to Worcester County to house immigration detainees. The program is set to end in October, stopping payments in the millions to the county jail.
gation, the detention center housed roughly 200 immigration-related detainees under contract with ICE since 1999. The program generated significant revenue for the jail, accounting
for $5.1 million of its total $9.2 million budget in fiscal 2019, $3.5 million in fiscal 2020 and $4 million in fiscal 2021. The 2022 budget included a little under $1.5 million from the program, a $2.5 million decrease from the previous year, in anticipation of the passage of House Bill 16. Hogan’s veto allowed the county to get through another budget cycle before the contract ends, but Tuesday’s override brought it back to the chopping block. County officials said during budget talks that they will be considering the need of every position within the jail to make up for the lost revenue. Del. Wayne Hartman (R- 38C) and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) fought hard to continue the program last session. They opposed the passage of the bill and even tried to pass an amendment to exempt Worcester County, to no avail. Hartman cited concerns with not only the loss of revenue for the detention center, but with safety, as he said the detainees who are housed in the
jail are serious criminals who will be released without the program. Carozza has said that the passage of the bill paves the way for Maryland to become a sanctuary state. Hogan also made that point in his veto letter in reference the overall immigrationrelated bill. “As I have stated throughout my time in office, I remain steadfast in my opposition to any legislative or regulatory efforts that would hinder cooperation with federal law enforcement and make Maryland a sanctuary state,” he said in the letter. “It is neither the state’s, nor the legislature’s, place to decide whether to comply with federal law and regulations.” Supporters of the legislation have said it is needed to fix the state’s broken immigration enforcement practices, which have resulted in people fearing for their lives and safety. Kim Moses, Worcester County’s public information officer and the only member of the staff authorized to speak to the press, did not return a request for comment in time for this story.
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Gisriel questions timing of study’s availability Continued from Page 1 When the city put together a tourism strategic plan in 2019, one of the goals was to become the state’s “amateur sports destination,” according to the report, because sports tourism is one of the fastest growing
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City resident Vince Gisriel expressed his concerns to city council members on Monday night about a feasibility study for a sports complex in or near the resort, saying it was completed in January 2020 and posted to the Maryland Stadium Authority website at the end of November 2021. Gisriel has been asking for the study for months.
sectors in tourism. Knowing how much sports tourism is growing, many communities recognize the economic benefits associated with it and have developed sports complexes to drive business activity in those areas. Currently, Ocean City hosts several sporting tournaments at the convention center at 40th Street and Northside Park, though stakeholders, the report notes, have identified market demand opportunities in the resort. The study found that a demand exists for a new outdoor field complex in or near Ocean City and that it could generate significant money to the area. But it also said there is a growing supply of comparable facilities in the region and across the country, presenting competition and a sense of urgency with regards to timing. There is also demand for a proposed indoor fieldhouse that, if constructed with eight full basketball courts, could place Ocean City in a “favorable position to attract new indoor sporting tournaments…that increase visitation in non-peak months.” Still, the development of other indoor fieldhouses in the region presents competition. The new study looked at several
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major players in the region, including Virginia Beach. “It points out the Virginia Beach Sports Center, which is different from the Virginia Beach Field House, is a new project that may be built soon,” Gisriel said, adding that they will present direct competition to the Ocean City Indoor Fieldhouse.” Also noted was that three other studies are pending for the region, like Wicomico County and, on the side of the Chesapeake Bay, Hagerstown in Washington County. Gisriel said there were some discrepancies in the data, such as Ocean City being placed in the South Atlantic region instead of the MidAtlantic region. The difference, he said, are that the participation rates of teams in the southern region nearly double that of the Mid-Atlantic region. “We’re in the wrong category in the study,” he said. The study found that although the demand exists in the region, there is quite a bit of competition. Other factors like the lack of an airport, the lack of teams, and high hotel rates come into play when trying to draw from a national pool of teams to compete at the proposed sports complex. “There are a lot of pitfalls in this study,” Gisriel said, suggesting council members read it. The problem with the study, as he pointed out, is that it only goes through January 2020 and does not factor in the pandemic’s impact on the economy. Gisriel has been asking to see the sports complex study for months, even as far back as April when the capital improvement project fund was being discussed. “It’s in the capital improvement program and it reads as follows,” Gisriel said. “Indoor/Outdoor sports complex designed to host large amateur tournaments. A feasibility study conducted by the Maryland Stadium Authority concludes that a facility is economically viable. “Now how on April 8, 2021, did
you all know to put that in your CIP program if you didn’t have the study?” he asked. “I’ve been told all along the study’s not available.” Councilman John Gehrig had told Gisriel the study would be available when it is ready. Gisriel said the most troubling part is the completion date of January 2020 and the release date of November 2021. Next to the release date is an asterix reference that says the final deliverable was delayed by Ocean City until November 2021 due to the covid-19 pandemic and that the study does not reflect market changes after January 2020. “I can accept defeat. I can accept to lose… I know how to lose,” Gisriel said. “But what I will not tolerate as a citizen, and I don’t think the people of this town ought to tolerate, is the lack of transparency … and the dishonesty that’s being promulgated here.” Gehrig told Gisriel that team leaders have said they want to come to the resort to compete, but the facilities do not exist currently. He also admitted to not liking the study because the city guided Crossroads in the wrong direction. The objective, he said, is for the city to partner with Worcester County and not pay for the facility on its own. “Relationships with other partners is the best way forward with this project,” Gehrig said. Council President Matt James asked City Manager Doug Miller if the council had endorsed the study, and Miller said they did. He explained that the study was shelved early on because it needed to be approved by council. James did not recall endorsing the study and asked the other council members if they remembered doing so. None could recall. In fact, Gehrig said he would not have endorsed the study. A copy of the sports complex study can be found by visiting mdstad.com.
Toplessness advocate wants high court to hear OC case By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Toplessness advocate Chelsea Eline and a camp of supporters have not given up on freeing female breasts in Ocean City. Eline, who gained notoriety in 2016 when she announced her intentions to go topless on the beach in Ocean City, has fought a hard battle with the federal court system to try and overturn a resort ordinance prohibiting woman from publicly baring their chests.
And despite losing at every venture to date, she and co-plaintiffs Megan Bryant, Rose MacGregor, Christine Coleman and Angela Urban recently petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal to the latest court decision. City government attorney Bruce Bright said in an email that Eline and her camp filed the Writ of Certiorari in hopes of having their case heard at the Supreme Court level. “The Fourth Circuit previously afSee CITY Page 9
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Ocean City Today
Commissioners narrowly pass amended CIP Public safety building, new athletic sports complex still featured despite protests By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday narrowly passed an updated capital improvement plan by a vote of 4-3, along the same lines other recent CIP votes have fallen. “Bond rating agencies look closely at the (CIP) as a financial tooling plan for the county,” said senior budgeting accountant Kim Reynolds. “This document is not a guarantee of funding for any specific project. It’s a working document.” Reynolds then highlighted some of the changes that have been made, including the removal of tourism building renovation, Mystic Harbour sanitation service area projects have been combined, and two Ocean Pines maintenance projects have been combined. One resident spoke to the commissioners about the long-debated addition of a new athletic sports complex in the CIP. Ocean City resident and former Ocean City Councilman Vince Gisriel said he found it “very disturbing” to see it on the report. “In 2017 you had a study done that
indicated to you that ... you would “The short answer is there is have to subsidize it with government money available,” county Chief Adfunds by 25 percent,” Gisriel said. “If ministrative Officer Weston Young people who responded to surveys said. “The question now is how much from that study indicated that there or what the number is. We’ll have to was a concern that the Mid-Atlantic look it up, but there’s (money) open region was already oversaturated for acquisition. It limits what you can with these facilities. … You wisely in do with the money because (this my judgment made a decision to money) comes with strings.” defer that.” Weston said the money could even Gisriel said he was “sad to say” depend on how much space goes to that Ocean City land acquisition. then went out to There could be a seek an opinion lot of strings for a ‘Bond rating agencies look from those same little amount of consultants. Gis- closely at the (CIP) as a financial money, he said, riel said he’s depending on the tooling plan for the county. This been trying to get property’s cost document is not a guarantee of that study for and what the funding for any specific project. “months” but program is willIt’s a working document.’ only a week ago ing to pay. was it released by Bertino went Senior Budgeting Accountant the Maryland on to point out Kim Reynolds Stadium Authorthat what’s a ity. headache for The report n o r t h e r n raises a lot of red flags, he said, in- Worcester County could be a welcluding that that it lists multiple site come shot in the arm for the southern locations and all but one require half. some sort of government subsidy. “If what we’ve been told is true, “They just don’t make a profit,” that this will be a boon for the area, I Gisriel said. question that,” Bertino said. “I’m not Commissioner Chip Bertino asked subscribing to that. But if that is the if the county administration had fi- case and … I believe we have not pronally determined if Project Open vided enough emphasis to the southSpace money would be available for an athletic complex.
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City firm on constitutionality of law banning toplessness Continued from Page 8 firmed the trial court’s decision upholding the constitutionality of the subject ordinance,” Bright explained. “The Supreme Court has discretion to hear a further appeal of the case or reject the plaintiffs’ request.” Bright added that city officials can respond but have not done so yet. He added that his office received a copy of the petition and that attorneys have yet to view it closely, but officials stand by the previous court decisions. “We believe the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, like Judge [James] Bredar in the United States District Court, decided the case correctly under the law and facts; and correctly held the subject ordinance to be a constitutional and proper legislative enactment,” he said. Eline and her co-plaintiffs filed the original lawsuit in January 2018 in U.S. District Court in response to an emergency ordinance that the city adopted in 2017 that outlawed female toplessness. The ordinance was passed to preserve the “family-oriented char-
ern part of this county, this could be a huge undertaking and given the challenges that exist below Newark in the southern part of the county … the results in the southern part of the county would be an asset and boon for an area that for so long has not gotten the attention I believe it deserves.” Bertino stressed he still doesn’t believe government money should be involved at all. Bertino then moved to accept the amended CIP but remove from it the athletic sports complex and public safety building, the motion failed 3-4. Commissioner Nordstrom then moved to accept the amended CIP asis, which passed 4-3. Commissioners Bertino, Ted Elder and Jim Bunting opposed an exact inverse of the first vote. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic closed the public hearing with a reminder about a similar costly project that isn’t receiving opposition. “I will say that—and I cannot leave this alone—that this sports complex was a little over $15 million, which is what the addition to Stephen Decatur Middle School is costing us as opposed to what the $1 million it would have cost us when we built that building,” he said. “So I do have to bring that forward.”
acter and quality of Ocean City and its beaches, and to protect the sensibilities of Ocean City’s residents and visitors.” Prior to its passage, nothing was on Chelsea Eline the books that outwardly prohibited females from going topless on the beach. The U.S. District Court ruled against Eline’s legal claim in April 2020, prompting an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel held a hearing in May and issued a response affirming the initial court’s decision in August. The decision was thought to be the end of the toplessness legal saga, but Eline revived it with the Supreme Court petition. She and her supporters have consistently argued that women have the same rights as men when it comes to baring their chests on the beach, and in turn, they say the city’s ordinance against it is unconstitutional.
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By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Ocean City Council members continue moving toward a vote on an ordinance that could change the minimum distance the first floor of a structure is from the ground, and how the height of a building is measured. In September, Bill Neville, the director of planning and community development, introduced to the City Council new requirements being imposed by FEMA. The changes would require the city to impose a minimum height that the first floor of a structure can be from the ground, otherwise referred to as “freeboard.” The legislation will affect structures in the downtown portion of the resort, where high tides and strong winds push water up the drainage system and into the streets and properties. If the city does not impose a onefoot minimum freeboard, it risks
damaging its community flood insurance rating. The one-foot requirement is only for new construction and any substantial modifications to structures. If city officials approve the onefoot freeboard, the elevation or height of a structure could be reduced, therefore, council members are also looking at changing the starting point for building height measurements. According to the proposed legislation, building height would be measured from the top of the freeboard, or the base of the first floor. The first readings of the ordinance changes for both the one-foot freeboard requirement and the building height measurement were presented to the council on Monday. Council members voted 6-0 in favor of the changes, with Councilman Lloyd Martin absent. Both ordinances will return for a second reading at a future meeting.
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) The Ocean City Council met during a regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Dec. 6 and approved the following items.
Airport property purchase City Council members approved the purchase of two parcels of land on the north side of the Ocean City Municipal Airport from the Lower Shore Land Trust for $850,000. The purchase is eligible for a federal grant and city officials said they will follow all Federal Aviation Administration guidelines to ensure those funds can be obtained.
Director of Public Works Hal Adkins told the council previously that the funds, if obtained, might cover the entire purchase. Councilman Mark Paddack reminded council members on Monday that the purchase of these two parcels is for safety reasons. When it came to a vote, City Council members approved the measure on its second reading, 6-0, with Councilman Lloyd Martin absent from the meeting.
Bulkhead bid accepted Based on staff recommendation, City Council members agreed to Continued on Page 12
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS Continued from Page 10 award Murtech Inc. a project to replace the bulkhead at the end of Fourth Street for $451,647. The Salisbury-based company submitted the only bid for the project, which is to be funded with Capital Improvement Project money. The city budgeted $450,000 to complete the project.
Penguin Swim Representatives of the Atlantic General Hospital were granted approval to hold its frigid annual Penguin Swim on Jan. 1. The family-friendly event, which helps raise money for the hospital, will take place between 91st and 94th streets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The applicant requested that Public Works clean the beach and provide trash cans and that the police handle pedestrian, traffic and parking issues that might arise. The city will also provide four to five rescue swimmers and Beach Patrol members. With the event’s approval, the applicant is required to pay the city $137.50 in private event fees and $108 in asset and support fees for a total of $245.50.
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An amended Community Legacy Grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development is awarding $100,000 to the Town of Snow Hill to be used in the repayment of its $400,000 loan debt from Worcester County for the purchase of the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat. The town would like the grant to go to the first three years of repayments, but a payment will be due on Jan. 1 before the county and the town can officially decide on the matter.
Snow Hill gets $100K for riverboat By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously passed the Department of Housing and Community Development’s amended Community Legacy Grant agreement, which was originally awarded to Tysons Foods, and instead now grants $100,000 to the Town of Snow Hill for its acquisition of the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat. “This money is to be used to pay back the loan to Worcester County for acqui-
sition,” said senior budget accountant Kim Reynolds. Seeing what seemed like an unnecessarily lengthy process, Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the money has to go from the county — which gets it first — to Snow Hill, then back to the county. “Or are we just going to keep it and sign whatever paperwork is necessary?” he asked. Reynolds replied that there is an option to cut out the middle man and have the county just keep the money, which would knock the outstanding $400,000
loan down to $300,000 before interest. The first repayment for the loan comes due in January. Bertino asked Reynolds if there has been any word on if the county can expect payment then. Reynolds replied that Snow Hill would like the $100,000 from the grant to go to the first three years of loan payment. Whether that arrangement will come to pass looks like it will have to wait until the new year because such wording was not included in what the commissioners decided on Tuesday. See GRANT Page 13
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The new critical area bill includes comprehensive updates to local ordinances and also combines the Atlantic Coastal Bays and Chesapeake Bay Critical Area codes into one program. After unanimous approval from the Worcester County Commissioners, the bill will now go to the state Critical Area Committee before returning to the commissioners for final passage.
County accepts merged and updated critical area codes By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Three months after the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs introduced plans to merge the Atlantic Coastal Bays and Chesapeake Critical Area programs, the commissioners unanimously approved those changes on Tuesday. The bill now goes to the state Critical Area Commission for review before coming back before the commissioners for final passage. The new legislation was discussed during a special legislative session in which no resident volunteered to speak in support or opposition. “The legislation was prepared to update the code to reflect changes in state laws since the ordinances were last comprehensively updated,” Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell told the commissioners. “It was also done to simplify the program for our citizens, contractors and property owners. It will also provide parity for the Chesapeake Bay critical area property owners for items that we have approved in use for coastal bays critical properties. “Again, it simplifies the code and combination of ordinances and up-
dates according to state law that have happened since the previous adoption of the local ordinance. It does not include additional regulations over and above what the commissioners have agreed to in prior amendments.” Mitchell also provided the commissioners with transcripts from two town halls regarding the updates — one in the southern county and one on the north end. Jenelle Gerthoffer, natural resources administrator for Environmental Programs, gave a presentation that highlighted the components of the updates. “The big question is why now? There’ve been changes to the state critical area law, some of which have not been reflected in our county ordinance,” Gerthoffer said. “The Critical Area Commission recently completed a countymodel ordinance, which has given us this opportunity to update our local code.” Some changes include an expanded and mitigated buffer establishment within resource conservation areas, the term “lot coverage” now replaces the term “impervious surface,” added after-the-fact variance language like when fined and notified violators go in front of the Board of Zoning Appeals See NEW Page 14
Grant for Wor. loan to Snow Hill Continued from Page 12 “Not that you would (falsely indicate to them otherwise), but they’re not under the impression that we’re going to automatically just say ‘yes’ to that, right?” Bertino continued. Reynolds replied that not “automatically,” at least. Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said he’d envision that Snow Hill will come before the commissioners in January to settle the matter, but Commissioner Joe Mitrecic pointed out that their first payment is due before the first January meeting. “We’ll see,” Mitrecic said. The Black Eyed Susan, which finally
paddled home to Snow Hill in June, opened for business in August with a few private cruises. The boat went through multiple upgrades and inspections after the town bought the 111-foot paddlewheeler, which delayed how long its operators wanted to wait before opening it to cruises. Today, the riverboat has a few private events booked through the end of December, but operator Jim Washington said it will likely be April before more trips are booked. The boat will need to come out of the water for routine maintenance and a Coast Guard inspection in the meantime.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Representatives from Talkie Communications, local residents and Worcester County Commissioners Josh Nordstrom, Diana Purnell and Ted Elder celebrate hooking up seven residents on rural Dun Swamp Road in Pocomoke City to broadband internet on Nov. 15. While work in the southern half of the county continues, Talkie is now also setting its sights on the northern half and, specifically, the Bishopville area.
Talkie discusses updates with commissioners By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Talkie co-CEOs and brothers Andrew and Andre DeMattia stopped by Tuesday’s Worcester County Commissioners meeting to offer updates on their company’s efforts to connect the whole county to high-speed internet. At their starting point of Dun Swamp in Pocomoke City, Talkie’s office, which will be the main headquarters for their broadband services in the county, has been fully connected for about two or three weeks, Talkie co-CEO Andrew DeMattia said. When it comes to the northern end of the county, Bishopville is the area they’re targeting to hit first. “We got our remote electronics in just last week, which is a remote central office … that deploys the internet,” Andrew DeMattia said. “We’re
going to be putting it into Bishopville. We’re thinking it’ll take about three months to get power up to it. We haven’t (talked to) the local power company … but we’re assuming they’re all pretty similar. These remote cabinets will give up about a 12mile reach. Every 24 miles is about where these remote cabinets need to be put.” “We’re expecting three or four remote cabinets in the entire county, which will cover (all of Worcester). From there we just build out from the cabinet to the different rural areas.” Commissioner Jim Bunting asked about northern county aspects of their update and a possible timeline for connections. “I think we’ll know more after today,” Andrew DeMattia said. “The remote cabinets generally take about six to eight months to get and we ordered that a long time ago. That came
in, we just got our cement slabs, some parts we need.” But they expect it to be January, added Andre DeMattia. “Once the (remote control office) is turned on, once that’s ready to go, the construction will start building the conduit out and that’s when everyone will be hooked up,” Andre DeMattia said. “We have a lot of demand in Bishopville, a lot of homeowners associations we’ve spoken to and they’ve contacted all their neighbors and everyone’s signed up.” Andre DeMattia pointed out also that grant money, while it’s coming, has not been released yet and the work they’re doing is all on their dime at the moment. Commissioner Ted Elder asked just how much grant money is out there for Talkie, to which Andre DeMattia said there’s $67 million for all of Maryland and Delaware and $6.6
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million for Worcester County. Much of the cost they’ve had to deal with so far has been room and board for their workers. They also said they did not anticipate that being so expensive in Worcester County. “We’re hoping the (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund) money to be replaced next month,” Andre DeMattia continued. “But with the federal government, all can you do is sit and hope.” In addition, $2.6 million is coming from last year’s infrastructure grant through Maryland, but it has yet to be released.
New code to be simpler protocol Continued from Page 13 and language used to protect significant habitat areas within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas will now be used for their Atlantic bays counterparts as well. Any growth allocations will still go to the Planning Commission before the county commissioners. While no county residents spoke, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program did submit a letter of support that Mitchell read. “It is our understanding that this update will result in a clearer program for the public, provide a more efficient program for county staff to administer and not result in any reduction or protection in the coastal bays critical area,” the letter read. The Atlantic coastal bays critical area … is an essential aspect of our shared commitment to the conservation and restoration of Maryland’s coastal bays. It helps to ensure there’s a balance between the pressures of development and the protection of shoreline, habitats and wetland quality.”
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
Ocean Pines GM, exec asst. resign posts only days apart By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Ocean Pines Association Senior Executive Assistant Michelle Bennett tendered her resignation on Friday following the retirement announcement by General Manager John Viola days earlier. Last Wednesday, Association President Larry Perrone issued a statement after Viola opted to terminate his employment contract early. “John decided to John Viola resign to begin his well-deserved retirement,” Perrone said. Viola’s employment contract was slated to run through June 30, 2022. Viola took the reins on an interim basis in M. Bennett March 2019 following the dismissal of former General Manager John Bailey. After inking a six-month contract that June, in Dec. 2019 the board voted unanimously to extend the agreement for 30 additional months. On Friday, Viola issued a statement after Bennett tendered her resignation effective as of Dec. 28. “Michelle has been a trusted, highly valued member of Ocean Pines Association for almost 10 years and has provided the General Manager’s Office and the Board of Directors with excellent service,” he said. Viola said Bennett elected to accept an employment opportunity that will allow her to use more of her accounting expertise than her current position demands. “Michelle has been a great asset … and will be missed very much,” he said. “Please join me in wishing the very best to Michelle in her new career endeavor.” For her part, Bennett said another employment option lured her away from the Pines. “I am excited to join a local private family-owned business, where I will utilize my accounting experience fully,” she said. “I have enjoyed serving the Ocean Pines community for almost 10 years and will miss working with the team.” In his statement last week, Per-
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rone said Viola would officially step down on Feb. 28, while also noting the board would launch a search process for replacement candidates. Following a closed session meeting on Friday morning at the Golf Clubhouse, this week the association posted a job opening online for a “city (general) manager” in Ocean Pines. The job listing notes Ocean Pines is a “city governed by a Homeowners Association,” which includes roughly 12,000 full-time residents and 8,000 part-time residents. “Due to the announced retirement of the current General Manager the Ocean Pines Association is searching for his replacement,” the posting states. Listed qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a related field, with a master’s degree preferred. Additionally, no less than 10 years management background with municipalities or sizeable community associations. “The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, service-minded leader with strong interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills,” the posting reads. Required skills include familiarity with a “breadth of municipal functions” including but not limited to police and fire services, parks and recreation, human resources, marketing, public relations and information technology. Ideal candidates should also exhibit a “track record of operational excellence in organizational and financial management, planning and public works.” Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, with paid time off and a 401(k) matching retirement account. The posting says the salary is open for the full-time executive contract position. Candidates should be experienced team leaders with “unquestioned integrity” that exercise stellar ethical standards, along with “The courage to do what is right, not necessarily what is expedient or popular,” the posting states. “As the public face of the community excellent political and constituent relationship skills are essential.”
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Ocean City Today
Blood Bank working with Dr. Oz on challenge to up donors
DECEMBER’S FEATURED ARTIST
The Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines chose Carol Quinto as the December Crafter of the Month. Born and raised in New Jersey, Quinto and her husband, Phil, retired and moved to Ocean Pines in 2004. She joined the Pine’eer Craft Club and discovered she had a passion for making handmade items. A self-taught sewer, Quinto began making items to sell in the Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop, but quickly expanded her craft to include machine embroidery, painted porcelain China and fabric decoupage plates. In addition, Quinto has chaired the summer and holiday craft fairs and served as vice president and manager of the gift shop. She currently serves as gift shop treasurer. To see the items she has created and those of other crafters in the group, visit the Artisan Gift Shop, located next to the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market in White Horse Park. The shop is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop will be open Dec. 3, 10 and 17 for extra holiday shopping.
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(Dec. 10, 2021) Blood Bank of Delmarva and “The Dr. Oz Show” recently launched the #JUSTMYTYPE Challenge with the goal of increasing blood donations by asking donors to invite someone to be their “plus one” as they donate together. There has been a chronic nationwide blood shortage throughout the pandemic and “The Dr. Oz Show” is helping BBD, a division of New York Blood Center Enterprises, get the word out and encourage more people to donate blood. Before covid-19, mobile blood drives hosted by high schools, colleges, businesses and other organizations traditionally made up about 40 percent of the region’s incoming blood supply, but the number of blood drives had dropped by two-thirds. Although schools and other organizations have been holding blood drives again, Blood Bank of Delmarva cannot collect units at optimum levels due to the national labor shortage. Hospital needs are well above prepandemic levels while donations continue to lag behind and never reach the ideal level of a seven-day supply. BBD is in need of all blood types and encour-
ages first-time donors to sign up to make an appointment. “Thank you to ‘The Dr. Oz Show’ for your support. Donating blood can be an incredible way to unite communities and the #JUSTMYTYPE CHALLENGE is just what we need to inspire donors to get more people to make a life-saving donation,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive, Donor Recruitment & Marketing, at Blood Bank of Delmarva and NYBCe. “The holiday season is always a difficult time to get donors into our centers as folks leave town and go on vacation, but we need to focus on what this time is about: giving. Make a donation today.” Donating blood is safe, and BBD has taken extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of covid19. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flulike symptoms. Additional information on donor eligibility and covid-19 precautions is available at www.delmarvablood.org. Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visiting www.delmarvablood.org.
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By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli implored the county commissioners on Tuesday to allow him to promote five part-time officers to full-time because the safety of the county is at stake. He left with a 6-1 approval, including a pay-grade increase for deputy sheriffs in training, with Commissioner Ted Elder voting against the measure. “We have not received any parttime applications since March 2021 and since July 2019, I’ve received 15 part-time applications,” Crisafulli said to the commissioners. “All of the positions within my office are needed to be effective and to maintain the level of service that our county residents deserve. Having so many vacant positions is certainly a burden on my remaining staff to provide this level of service.” “Filling these five positions is absolutely mission-critical to sustaining the level of service that we provide to Worcester County.” Crisafulli said a few full-time applicants could serve in these proposed roles. He described it as a “recruitment tool that we need to take advantage of now.” He also told the commissioners that his department anticipartes the
departure of part-time personnel because of recent legislation that calls for an increase in service training and physical agility requirements. More specifically, he said, full-time personnel are leaving for opportunities elsewhere. Crisafulli described the recruitment challenges the department faces as the result of better opportunities at different agencies. One applicant is going to the Maryland State Police because of better incentives, which for the MSP can be as much as $85,000 for a lateral position, he said. The Salisbury Police Department, he continued, just announced a $25,000 sign-on bonus for lateral applicants. “The cost associated with these five conversions for FY22 with a projected hiring date of April 4 would be approximately $12,000. That cost is associated with benefits,” Crisafulli said. The cost for salary would be neutral as a result of reallocating hours for current and part-time vacancies.” Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the idea is to send recruits through the police academy, to which Crisafulli responded they would, but they’re also looking at entry-level recruits. See ‘MISSION-CRITICAL’ Page 18
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Three charged with arson, burglary, attempted murder
SUSAN PARKS/OCEAN CITY TODAY
CAR CRASH
Members of the Berlin Fire Department and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle accident on Wednesday afternoon, where US 113 and Main Street meet.
(Dec. 10, 2021) The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation has charged three individuals involved in a Dec. 3 burglary and attempted murder in Pocomoke. Wendy Dawn Taylor, Gary Joseph Fleig and Coy Edward Bailey are in custody in Accomack County, Virginia, awaiting extradition to Worcester County. These individuals were charged with various offenses to include the following: Taylor, 46, of New Church, Virginia: • Attempted first degree murder • Conspiracy to commit murder • First degree arson • Use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime • First degree burglary • Third degree burglary • Theft Fleig, 45, of New Church, Virginia: • Attempted first degree murder • Conspiracy to commit murder • First degree arson • Use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime • First degree burglary
• Third degree burglary • Theft Bailey, 54, of New Church, Virginia: • Attempted first degree murder • Conspiracy to commit murder • First degree arson • Use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime • First degree burglary • Third degree burglary • Theft According a statement issued by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a Pocomoke home for a reported burglary and were told by the victim that when he arrived home he spotted a blue Ford Sedan with Virginia registration parked in his driveway. The victim told deputies that he was approached by an unknown white female asking for gas. As the victim was retrieving gas from his garage, he saw an unknown white male leaving his residence with his television. The victim said he confronted the burglar and was physically assaulted and briefly lost consciousness. When See THREE Page 22
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Continued from Page 16 “Right now we have some good lateral applicants, but we’re trying to open the pool so we can get some people through the academy,” Crisafulli said. Elder asked why the department needs the increased force when the force has already increased by nine — 56 to 65 — since 2018 when Crisafulli was elected. “The costs didn’t sound right to me, what it’s going to cost to do this?” Elder asked. “I don’t have any problem with … either having sign-on bonuses or some kind of incentive to increase these positions, but if you hire these people now, what’s to say they won’t just leave and go to the state police or Salisbury or wherever?” Crisafulli said that people still want to work in Worcester County. “I don’t have a crystal ball to be able to say who may potentially leave, but the full-time applications that we’ve received and the feedback that we get, those men and women want to work in Worcester County because of the services that we provide, because of the type of residential communities that we have, the business communities that we have.” Elder pointed out that there are also some mandates coming down from the state that will cost the county “quite a bit of money.” That’s what the commissioners should be worried about when it comes to
granting Crisafulli’s request, he said. “We’re all concerned about the mandates that are coming down,” Crisafulli said. “But … we have a very safe county and it’s my responsibility to keep (it) safe. If we don’t have the safety in this county, then virtually nothing else matters — if our businesses are not safe, if our residents are not safe.” Commissioner Jim Bunting said he saw a report that showed that Worcester County has more police officers for its 52,000 residents than Montgomery County, which is 20 times larger than Worcester, has per 52,000 people. “I’m just curious, how are they successful with the same amount of officers per population? If that’s the truth,” Bunting asked. There was some confusion about which county was the correct to reference — whether it was Montgomery or Howard — but Crisafulli said ultimately all he can answer for is Worcester County. Howard County has a population of 325,700, a little more than six times the size of Worcester County. Crisafulli said he can’t answer for Montgomery County, but said for the level of services his department provides, maintaining that roster is a dire need here. With the motion passed, the projected hiring date for full-time conversions is April 4, Crisafulli said.
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Oldest bar in downtown OC takes damage in Friday fire By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) A popular dive bar in downtown Ocean City was damaged last Friday night after a fire at a neighboring apartment burned through the residence and into the establishment. The fire was reported at 216/218 Somerset Street, where the Harbor Inn Bar is located, at approximately 10 p.m. on Dec. 3 and members of the Ocean City Fire and Police departments responded. When personnel arrived, the north side of the building was engulfed in
Ocean City mini golf stabber gets five-year sentence By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) A stabbing that resulted from a fight during a miniature golf game last spring in Ocean City will send a central Maryland man to prison for five years. N’Gai Naamone Lincoln Jr., 23, of Havre de Grace, pleaded guilty on Nov. 8 in Worcester County Circuit Court to first-degree assault N’Gai Lincoln Jr. in accordance with the June 6 incident that occurred after a mini golf game at a course near 18th Street. Last week, a Worcester County judge sentenced Lincoln to eight years in prison with all but five suspended, and three years of probation upon release. Lincoln was initially charged with two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of fighting with a knife/weapon. Police reports said Lincoln got into a fight with two people around 7 p.m. on June 6. Witnesses said the fight began on the mini golf course and moved to the parking lot on Kingfish Street. It began as shoving and escalated to stabbing. Lincoln stabbed Ronald Edward Alfones Turner and Cheyenne Carmen Maria Lopez during the altercation. Police said they found Turner bleeding on Kingfish Street with cuts in his back and hand. Lopez had a small cut on her right hand. Lincoln initially left the scene but was later found and arrested after witnesses identified him as the assailant. During a search of Lincoln, police found a black folding pocketknife with blood on it.
flames, according to Ashley Miller, deputy of communications for the Ocean City Police Department. Fire Department crew members quickly extinguished the flames. OCPD remained on the scene to assist with directing traffic away from the fire and to keep the streets clear for additional fire department vehicles. The scene was cleared completed of fire and police personnel by 12:30 a.m. Miller said the two-story residential building sustained a substantial amount of structural damage as did the Harbor Inn Bar. No injuries were reported from the incident and the Fire Marshal’s office is handing the investigation.
PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Harbor Inn on Somerset Street in downtown Ocean City sustained a substantial amount of damage after a fire tore through a neighboring residence on Friday night.
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Ocean City Today
May crash investigation concludes By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) The investigation into a five-vehicle crash on the Route 90 Bridge in May that left a truck dangling over the edge and threw a 2year-old toddler into Assawoman Bay, only to have a man leap over the rail to save it, has been completed and it appears speed and alcohol were not contributing factors. As horrific as the May 2 multi-car crash sounds, there were no fatalities thanks to the response of EMS crews and Jonathan Bauer of Berlin, who jumped 20-25 feet down into the water from the bridge to save the child’s life. The accident happened just after 2:45 p.m. on May 2. When a Worcester County fire marshal arrived, he reported one pickup truck was halfway over the bridge guardrail and several people had sustained injuries. The child, even though it was restrained by a car seat, fell into the bay from the pickup truck. Bauer then jumped into the bay and was able to board a nearby pontoon boat. The child was flown to John Hopkins in Baltimore. Ocean City Police Department Deputy of Communications Ashley Miller said one of the drivers in the crash was charged with a minor mov-
COURTESY OCEAN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The investigation into a multivehicle accident in May that shut down the Route 90 bridge for six hours that resulted in a young child getting ejected into the bay underneath and a Good Samaritan jumping in to rescue it, is complete and found alcohol and speed did not contribute to the incident.
ing violation. The driver of the pickup truck was charged with failing to properly secure the child in a car seat. Ultimately, she noted, the investigation determined that speed and al-
cohol were not contributing factors in the collision. Miller did not respond to requests for the names of those charged in the accident.
Three charged in failed robbery within Worcester County. These investigations are still ongoing and charges will likely be filed in the near future. Worcester County Bureau of Investigation detectives along with law enforcement personnel in Accomack County, Virginia, are also continuing to work cohesively in order to identify these individuals’ involvement in similar crimes that took place in Accomack County, Virginia. Detectives of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation were assisted by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ocean City Police Department – Forensic Crime Unit.
Continued from Page 18 he regained consciousness, he said, the thief approached him displaying a handgun. At that point, the victim ran and his assailant fired three shots before leaving the scene in the blue Ford Sedan. He also said he saw a second man in the car. The victim then went inside his home to call the police but then saw one of the men trying to set fire to it, according to the incident report. Detectives with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation then assumed the investigation. During the course of this investigation, law enforcement personnel have also identified additional crimes that these individuals were involved
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
Man accused of rape and assault By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) A 45-year-old man was arrested this week after he was accused of hitting his girlfriend in the face and raping her in an apartment in uptown Ocean City. Wayne Eugene White, 45, was arrested by Ocean City Police near 123rd Street on Dec. 3 and charged with second-degree rape, first- and second-degree assault, and fourth-degree sex offense. Officers went to a condominium complex near 123rd Street in response to a domestic assault, and when they arrived, the officers met with the female victim at her room. When the victim opened the door, police said, she had blood covering her sweatshirt, mouth, and chin. The woman told police she wanted White to leave her condo because he assaulted her. The victim told police she moved to the condo in February 2020 and she and White had dated off and on about three years ago. White, she said, had been staying with her at the unit for about a week and the two were having an intimate relationship. But on Dec. 3, she and White went to a nearby bar where they consumed alcoholic drinks before leaving at 8 p.m., according to court documents. The woman told officers White became agitated with her because she
told him he was too drunk, and when they got into the vehicle, he started yelling at her. The woman asked White to take her home and he refused, passing her street on purpose. She continued to tell officers that as the two headed south on Coastal Highway, Wayne White White stopped the vehicle and told her to get out of the vehicle. When she tried to get out, the woman told police, she put her right leg onto the highway and White drove away with half of her body in the car and half out. Charging documents note that the woman told officers she fell out of the car and injured her shoulder and hip, and when she looked up, she saw headlights coming toward her. She quickly got up and moved from the middle of the road and White stopped the vehicle a few yards from her and told her to get back into the car, so she did. When she got in, she said, White hit her in the mouth with his hand so hard that her lip and mouth began “gushing blood.” White drove back to the condominim, and he continued yelling at her in the parking lot, according to police. The woman reportedly told White to stop, but he refused. The two went back into the condo,
West OC stabbing, Pocomoke murder defendants get jail By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) A Worcester County Circuit Court judge sentenced two men last week to heavy jail sentences stemming from separate violent incidents in August 2020. According to a news release from Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser, Judge Beau Oglesby sentenced Marion Maddox, 19, of
Pocomoke City, to a life sentence after fatally shooting a man on Aug. 11, 2020, near Bishop Isaac Jenkins and Young streets in Pocomoke City. Oglesby also sentenced Said EspinalDuenas, 33, of West Ocean City, to 15 years for stabbing his roommate in the torso after an altercation on Aug. 30, 2020. The release said Maddox pleaded See MEN Page 24
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the woman told police, and White was angry and would not calm down, eventually pushing her onto the floor near the kitchen. He then pulled down her pants and stated, “I’m gonna rape you.” She also said he repeated the phrase two more times before forcing her face into the carpet and having sex with her for three or four minutes. The woman said she told White to stop. As soon as she could get away from White, the woman called 911. The OCPD Forensics team searched the unit for evidence, and according to court documents, they found a large blood stain on the carpet where the woman’s face was forced into the carpet while White allegedly raped her. The woman was taken to a local hospital and examined. White was arrested, according to court documents, and taken to OCPD headquarters, where he was interviewed and admitted to having sex with the woman. White, police added, acknowledged that the woman said, “stop, it hurts,” though he denied forcibly pushing her face into the carpet and hitting her. He also denied that he told the woman he was going to rape her. White told officers he and the woman argue a lot and they “frequently end their arguments with sexual intercourse.”
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Men pleaded in Aug. to respective charges Continued from Page 23 guilty on Sept. 3 to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of 28-year-old Deavon Davis. Davis was reportedly leaving a set of basketball courts with his stepbrother and nephew when Maddox — known to them as “Mar” — pointed a semi-automatic handgun at them and fired multiple rounds. Maddox proceeded to chase after them and continued to shoot, eventually hitting Davis in the leg and back.
The release said investigators found 11 shell casings in the area of the shooting and gathered surveillance footage that corroborated the witness stateMarion Maddox ments. Espinal-Duenas pleaded guilty on Aug. 19 to attempted second-degree murder after reportedly stabbing and seriously injuring his
roommate, Jamie Gonzalez Hernandez, at their Harbor Road home. The release said witnesses reported that Espinal-Duenas was Espinal-Duenas angry that neighbors were complaining about him playing his music too loud. When Hernandez asked him to be quiet, Espinal-Duenas reportedly went to his
roommate’s bedroom, knocked on the door, and stabbed him when he opened it. Hernandez’s juvenile son reportedly heard his father screaming and ran to the bedroom help, where he saw Espinal-Duenas standing next to him with a knife in his hand. The son then ran to a neighbor’s apartment and got help. Hernandez was taken to shock trauma in Baltimore with what the release said were life-threatening stab wounds.
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Ocean City Comic Con returns for fourth year, Sat. By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Ocean City Comic Con is back for its fourth year, this Saturday at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. “We are the only pop culture event on the island, pretty much,” event organizer James Dufendach said. “We bring in guests from comic books, TV and media. We have lots of independent artists, vendors and crafters on the floor. We also run panels and discussions all day long, [and] anime screenings all day long.” Last year’s Comic Con was canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic and Dufendach ultimately elected to just hold a smaller virtual costume party instead. Comic Con is masked this year, but Dufendach said, mainly, it’s just nice to have the event that had been growing year after year. “It’s 2021 and there’s a little heart palpitation there, but it feels good man,” he said. “I’m glad we’re back. I think we’re doing it as safely as we can. We’re trying to all get together and have a good time but also do it safely.” Some of the main attractions this year include Kevin Duane and Jeff Parazzo, who are the blue and white rangers from “Power Rangers Dino Thunder,” respectively. All the “Star Wars” costuming groups will be back, including what Dufendach described as the largest gathering of Saber Guild members ever. The mainstay costume contest will occur in the Performing Arts Center of the 40th Street venue and the Ocean City Film Festival has been brought in with its own screening room. Dufendach strives to improve the
Over 6,000 people attended the third annual Ocean City Comic Con held at the convention center on 40th Street, in 2019. The event was canceled last year because of covid. It returns this Saturday.
event every year, but said this year the improvements are a bit more modest, owing to the unknown aspect that most event planners are dealing with this year due to the pandemic. “We have grown year over year pretty exponentially. I expect it will do well, but I can’t put a pinpoint on it,” Dufendach said. “We do have more guests than normal this year, though, and expanded space and panel content.” The first Comic Con, in 2017, took place at the Grand Hotel and Spa on 21st Street and attracted 2,500 people. In 2018 and 2019, 4,500 people and 6,000 people showed up, respectively to the convention center. Like in past years, OC Comic Con is partnering again with nonprofit Diakonia of West Ocean City, which specializes in emergency housing, food services, counseling and other assis-
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tance to its guests. Attendees can bring nonperishable food items to take a dollar off the $10 admission. They can bring it down to $8 if they dress in costume. In 2019, more than 1,000 pounds of food was donated. “It’ll fill up the pantry to feed some families right here,” Dufendach said.
“Just come upbeat and ready to get back at it. Let’s have a great day.” The Ocean City Comic Con starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Admission for children 9 years and younger is free with a paying adult. Tickets are sold at the door only. For more information, visit http://www.oceancitycomiccon.com/index.html.
Maya Lisa and Jason Walbert dress up as predators during the third annual Ocean City Comic Con at the convention center on 40th Street in 2019.
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Berlin 50plus members aid pets for holidays By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Roughly 50 members of Berlin’s 50plus Center are teaming up on a pair of holiday donation drives to aid homeless people, as well as animals sheltered at the Worcester County Humane Society. Kelly Jenkins, site supervisor at the Berlin 50plus Center, said the center on Old Ocean City Road is operated by the Worcester County Commission on Aging. In addition to Berlin, the Commission on Aging also operates 50plus locations in Ocean City, Snow Hill and Pocomoke. The organization also conducts Meals on Wheels, an adult day center and a senior ride program. Jenkins said the Berlin spot had been tagged as a senior center. “We decided to change our name to 50plus,” she said. “It means that you’re 50-plus to be a member.” Since taking the reins in September 2019, Jenkins has worked closely with Program Coordinator Mary Conway. “When I first came, they were in the process of changing the name that used to be the Worcester County Senior Center,” she said. The 50plus Center, which operates from Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., attracts two to three dozen people on any given day. Jenkins said an even larger number of members are on board with a pair of holiday donation drives currently underway. “Every other month we have meetings with our members,” she said. “At our last meeting, some of our members decided that they wanted to give back to the community by making donations.” To get the spirit of giving flowing, the group agreed to assemble care packages for the homeless. “Personal care items and some people will be donating different clothing items, such as mittens and hats,” she said. Once assembled, the care packages
are being dropped off at the Atlantic United Methodist Church on Fourth Street in Ocean City. “They have the soup kitchen,” she said. “We’ll donate some of the packages to them and they’ll be handing them out on days that they’re open for the soup kitchen or when they have the really cold nights.” Also concerned about four-legged residents, Berlin 50plus members launched a donation effort for the Worcester County Humane Society. “They have been bringing in different food and care items for pets,” she said. “Even some blankets and towels, because we know that they need it when they come to the shelter.” Jenkins said to add a dash of festivity to the Humane Society campaign, members transformed a large cardboard box into a Yuletide-themed dog house. “One of our members [Cheryl Dale] is very artsy,” she said. “She did some painting on the box and we have little puppies hanging out of the windows with the top open to actually drop donations in.” In addition to gifts for furry friends from Berlin 50plus members, the group also garnered support from nearby Concord Pet Foods & Supplies on Old Ocean City Boulevard. “The manager there gave us two bags of items from Concord Pets to put in our donation box,” she said. Jenkins said the animal shelter drive was welcome news to Jessica Summers, who manages the Humane Society facility. “I asked her if they were accepting and she said, ‘Absolutely,’” she said. Both charitable endeavors are also yielding dividends for participants, Jenkins said. “It makes them feel that they’re still a part of helping people,” she said. “One thing that seniors really miss is being the helper in the family and not always having to depend on other people.”
GREG ELLISON/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Berlin 50plus Center members deliver an expertly decorated donation box with animal supplies to the Worcester County Humane Society on Wednesday.
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Berlin 50plus Center members Cheryl Dale, left, and Bonnie Bodley bond with a kitten currently residing at the Worcester County Humane Society during a donation delivery on Wednesday.
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Santa to senior program entering final week to aid (Dec. 10, 2021) There is just one week left to participate in Home Instead’s Be a Santa to a Senior program, which supports older adults who may be overlooked, isolated or alone during the holiday season. This is the fifth year for the local program that gives back to older adults. The gifts collected, which are often necessity items such as toiletries, clothing and blankets, make a big impact and help area seniors combat the holiday blues. “We’ve all experienced feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, and seniors are at a particularly high risk for isolation,” said Corrie Boger, owner of the Berlin Home Instead office. “Be a Santa to a Senior shows the older adults in our community that they are valued and thought of during the holidays.” This year, the Berlin office is partnering with several organizations to provide gifts to approximately 800 seniors in the area. Be a Santa to a Senior trees with ornaments will be on display in local retailers and businesses. Each ornament includes a local senior’s gift request, such as slippers or a blanket. Individuals can visit one of the participating locations and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display through Dec. 14. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift, and return it wrapped to the tree with the ornament attached. “A small act of kindness can make a big difference. And a heartfelt gift brightens the lives of older adults who may feel alone during the season,” Boger said. “Finding ways to care and support one another is important now more than ever and we are grateful for the community’s involvement every year.” Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations in Worcester County: Apple Drug in Snow Hill, Ocean Pines Community Center and Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce. Since the program’s inception 18 years ago, Be a Santa to a Senior has helped provide more than two million gifts to over 750,000 seniors in North America and attracted upwards of 65,000 volunteers. Gifts will be delivered to seniors in time for the holidays. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase as many gifts for seniors as they would like. For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com.
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Drive-in movies, free laser shows available in Dec. (Dec. 10, 2021) Worcester County Recreation & Parks (WCRP) will offer two new events: free drive-in movies and laser shows during the month of December. On Friday, Dec. 10, “The Santa Clause” will be showed on the big screen at John Walter Smith Park, 6022 Public Landing Rd., Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. On Saturday, Dec. 11, watch “Elf” at Newtown Park, 2001 Groton Rd., Pocomoke, Maryland 21851. There will be a laser show at the conclusion of both movies. Vehicle parking will begin at 6 p.m. and movies start at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144 x2505 or email tkeiser@ marylandscoast.org. For a full list of special events, visit www.playmarylandscoast.org.
Wor. Goes Purple promotes program to beat addiction (Dec. 10, 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. 131 at onlypositive stories.com/submit-your-story; or mailed to WGP, P.O. Box 593, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Any questions, contact Debbie Smullen at wgpwarriors2021@gmail.com or 410-870-5161.
Local News • Enter tainment • Spor ts Classifieds • Obituaries • Business Legals • Calendar • Lifestyle • Opinion www ww.oceancity itytoday. t d y.com
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
HOROSCOPE
Serve mustard sauce for dipping mini Scotch eggs By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) History is not always edged in stone; one might be surprised by the discrepancies. For example, are Scotch eggs really Scottish? Scotland, North Africa and India claim bragging rights to the precooked egg in forcemeat. What is for sure is Scotch eggs were originally heavily spiked with seasonings in an attempt to sweeten the often-putrefying meat. Turning the pages of time, most Americans have heard of Scotch eggs but have not had the pleasure of tasting one. The crunchy fried exterior that is encased with a layer of ground sausage and a surprise of a hardboiled egg is delicious indeed. Footballs celebrations are in full swing. The crispy, tasty appetizer pairs deliciously with a frosty mug of beer. Following are a few tips for scrumptious Scotch eggs. Quail eggs modify this dish into smaller portions. If one wants a runny yolk, simply cook the quail eggs for two minutes. If you prefer a well-done yolk, cook the eggs for three minutes. The most difficult task of this recipe is peeling the quail eggs. They can be stubborn, so allow a little extra time. The shorter the cooking time, the more difficult it is to peel them. Ground sausage can be replaced with chorizo for a spicier finish. Dried sage and crushed rosemary are common additives. A mustard sauce that consists of mayonnaise, stone-ground mustard, and fresh lemon juice is the finale to the tasty appetizer. Mini Scotch eggs are also a fun, passed hors d’oeuvre. Entertaining is about surprises and mini Scotch eggs with mustard dipping sauce will receive high-fives. Enjoy!
Mini Scotch Eggs with Mustard Dipping Sauce Mustard Dipping Sauce 1 cup mayonnaise 6 tablespoons stone-ground mustard juice of 2 lemons 1. Mix the mayonnaise, mustard and lemon juice in a small bowl. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Mini Scotch Eggs 12 quail eggs 2 pounds ground sausage
DECEMBER 10, 2021
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Dig deep into matters of the heart this week, Aries. Explore ways to nurture a relationship or push it to the next level. Don’t hold back on love.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You may rediscover your love for a good book this week, Taurus. Ask others what they’re into and peruse the best-sellers lists for even more inspiration.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you often trust your instincts regarding money, but this week you’ll be even more in tune with your finances. Your income could increase soon.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 ½ teaspoon ground sage ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary 2 chicken eggs 2 teaspoons water 2 cups flour 2 cups cornmeal 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs canola oil for frying kosher salt and freshly gerund black pepper to taste fresh parsley for a garnish To Hard Boil The Quail Eggs 1. Bring a small pan of water to a soft boil. 2. Carefully lower the eggs into the water using a slotted spoon. Cook the eggs according to the doneness of the egg yolk preferred, 2 or 3 minutes. 3. When the cooking time is up, remove the eggs from the pan and place into a bowl of very cold water. 4. When the eggs have cooled, carefully roll them on a flat, hard surface so the entire shell has cracks in it. Peel the egg, rinse in cold water, and place on a plate lined with a paper towel. To Make The Scotch Eggs 1. Place ground sausage, dried sage and crushed rosemary in a medium bowl and mix until seasonings are thoroughly incorporated into the meat. 2. Have a small bowl of cold water next to you so you can regularly wet your hands to stop the meat from sticking to them. 3. Place 1 ½ to 2 tablespoon ground meat into the palm of your hand. Make an indentation into the ball, place the cooked quail egg into it, and finish covering the quail egg evenly with the sausage mixture. 4. Gently roll the egg for a smooth finish and set aside. Repeat this process for the remaining eggs. To Make The Breadcrumb Coating 1. You will need 3 medium bowls along with a plate. In the first bowl, add 1 cup of flour. In the second bowl, whisk eggs and
water until thoroughly mixed. In the third bowl, combine remaining flour, cornmeal and seasoned panko breadcrumbs. 2. Roll one Scotch egg in the flour until the entire surface is covered. Shake off any excess. Then roll the egg in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drain off. Lastly, roll the egg into the breadcrumbs. Lightly press the egg into the breadcrumbs to ensure a solid coating. Place the Scotch egg on a plate and repeat this process for the remaining eggs. 3. Heat canola oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the eggs. Fry until a golden-brown crust is achieved. Remember, you are cooking raw sausage, so you want to make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked. 4. When the Scotch eggs are done, remove and place on a cooling rack. Place paper towels underneath the cooling rack to absorb any excess oil or loose breadcrumbs. While the eggs are hot, add a dusting of salt and pepper. The hot breading will act as a glue for the seasonings. Allow Scotch eggs to rest for 1minute. 5. Serve mini Scotch eggs with mustard dipping sauce on the side. Secret Ingredient – Smallness. “No one can grow if he does not accept his smallness.” – Pope Francis Crossword answers from page 36
Cancer, some shake-ups at work could be on the horizon. Right now there’s no telling what will happen, but preparation can ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you have been thinking about changing jobs or taking up a new profession, now is the time to lay that groundwork. A new opportunity could surprise you.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, radical changes to your life are just around the corner. A big move or career change will shake things up for you and anyone in your household.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Someone connected to your job may be doing things you don’t agree with, Libra. It’s a sticky situation that requires patience, finesse and caution.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, channel much of your energy into making solid partnerships this week. This way you can call on your network whenever you need advice or a helping hand.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, research opportunities for a new business opportunity or promotion at your current place of employment. Now is a great time to take the next step in your career.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, a midweek burst of energy makes a project you have been working on suddenly seem like a piece of cake. Enjoy the fruits your labors.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Repairs around the house may be on your mind, Aquarius. Once you tackle these issues, you can focus on more recreational tasks. Enjoy the well-deserved R&R.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, creative project could take up much of your time this week. You’ll be so caught up that the real world may pass you by for a bit.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Ocean City Today
REAL ESTATE REPORT
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Chimney inspections encouraged
New hygienist
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) One of the inspections that a buyer might decide to pay for when purchasing a home is a chimney inspection, especially when buying a home with a wood burning fireplace, woodstove, or pellet stove. This inspection is separate from the standard home inspection that covers mechanicals and structural items, but is an important step to take even though it adds about $125-200 to your total inspection expense. Chimney/masonry experts can come in and inspect aspects such as the chimney flue and liner, cap, brickwork and mortar, flashing and moisture resistance. Other items on the fireplace they will address include the smoke cham-
ber, damper, grate, ash container, screen/doors, and hearth protection. If it’s a woodstove or insert, the stovepipe condition and overall installation will be checked. Inspectors use wire and nylon brushes to clean creosote buildup out of chimneys. Creosote is a byproduct from burning wood and is highly flammable and can increase the risk of a house fire if it’s not regularly cleaned out. Inspections can also help you make sure that wildlife such as racoons, squirrels and birds have not nested in your chimney when not in use. Chimney experts also warn of pyrolysis, another hazard from fire-
places. “That is when drywall, wood framing, paneling, cork ceiling tiles and other organic materials located too close to a fireplace break down after prolonged exposure to heat,” The Wall Street Journal reports. “The material can ignite, even when there is no flame present.” One sign of pyrolysis to look for: a dark stain on the wall or ceiling near the chimney. About 19,800 residential fires occur each year in the U.S. from fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
Blue Water Development expands Ocean City-based company purchases Lazy Lakes RV Resort in Key West, Florida (Dec. 10, 2021) Blue Water Development, a firm specializing in the development and management of campgrounds, hotels and attractions, recently announced the purchase of Key West, Florida’s Lazy Lakes RV Resort, making it the latest venture in its ongoing partnership with Sun Outdoors. Since acquiring the year-round campground in August, the outdoor hospitality leader has been developing plans to upgrade the unique waterfront parcel to an elite luxury RV and glamping resort, which will be known as Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key. Located just minutes to Key West and Duval Street, this property is Blue Water’s first campground in Florida and its second Florida property overall, joining the Comfort Inn & Suites Daytona Beach Oceanfront. “Key West is a high-barrier-toentry market, so when this unique property became available, there was no question that we had to buy it,” said Todd Burbage, Blue Water’s chief executive officer. “Transforming the existing Lazy Lakes RV Resort into the absolutely amazing Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key – one of the first
to showcase the new Sun Outdoors brand – offered us the perfect opportunity to showcase the Blue Water Way for transforming a property into what will become a premier campground. Sun has been, and continues to be, a great partner, and we’re looking forward to this ‘Sunshine State’ project.” Surrounded by a seven-acre lake, the property’s signature peninsula will become the lifestyle-rich heart of the resort, featuring a community fire feature, water sports rentals, inflatable amenities, and more. “I am excited to see what else Blue Water has in store for this campground,” said Robin Helfant, Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key general manager. “Returning campers can expect everything the campground previously offered to be taken to an exciting new level. We are looking forward to working with the community as we maximize the campers’ experiences.” Blue Water plans to create new ways for visitors to explore the property, which will eventually include an over-water walkway around the lake, revitalized landscaping, and an enhanced pool area. Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key will also feature 95 campsites with a mixture of both premium RV sites and park model cottages. “We’re still in the very early planning stages, but we are beyond ex-
cited about the potential,” Burbage said. “We’re planning extensive updates and renovations to the existing campground to put our campers and glampers immediately into a Key West state of mind.” Learn more at SunOutdoorsSugarloafKey.com and SunOutdoors.com. Blue Water’s campground management portfolio continues to expand quickly to highly-desirable destinations throughout the country, most recently to Florida and Texas. View Blue Water’s diverse outdoor hospitality portfolio by visiting https://bwdc.com/portfolio/. Founded by Jack and Todd Burbage in 2002, Ocean City, Maryland-based Blue Water specializes in investing, developing, and managing RV resorts, campgrounds, hotels, and attractions. Blue Water’s integrated approach to marketing, revenue management, and operations has quickly established itself as a hospitality industry leader. With two dozen resort-area properties in East Coast states from Maine to Florida, and west to Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas, the Blue Water family is committed to creating elite assets, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and enhancing the communities we serve. To learn more, visit BWDC.com.
Atlantic Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry welcomes Jennifer Atkinson as its newest hygienist. She was born and raised in the Baltimore area and recently moved to Berlin. Atkinson attended Stevenson University for her Bachelors of Science Degree and the completed Dental Hygiene School at The Community College of Baltimore County. Jennifer Atkinson She was a part of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association and was her class representative. Atkinson is committed to making sure patients are comfortable and have the absolutely best experience. She is thrilled to join the Atlantic Dental team and to be a part of improved health of the community. Atlantic Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is located at 12308 Ocean Gateway, Ste. 6, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. For more information, call 410213-7575 or visit www.atlanticdental.com.
Appointed Gail Mansell, chaplain and director of supportive care services for Atlantic General Hospital and Health System, has been appointed to the State Advisory Council on Quality Care at the End of Life by Gov. Larry Hogan. She will serve a four-year term. Mansell joined Atlantic General Hospital in 1998 and has served as the director of supportive care services since 2000. Gail Mansell During this time, she implemented the first pastoral care program at the hospital and oversaw the construction of the Showell Family Chapel. In 2009, Mansell developed the organization’s Palliative Care Program and she was instrumental in launching the Telehealth Remote Patient Monitoring Program for patients with chronic diseases in 2017. She is a board certified clinical chaplain, community health worker and the hospital’s community educator for advanced directives, MOLST, and end-of-life care. Mansell provides grief and bereavement counseling and remains active in oversight of the organization’s remote patient monitoring telehealth services. Mansell serves as facilitator of the Faith Partnership and is the chairperson of the Ethics Committee at the hospital. Home Need Improvements? Check out the
y DirectorFor Service a variety of local contractors
Ocean City Today
PAGE 32
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Calendar Fri., Dec. 10
kids. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events” or call 410-957-0878.
OP BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘THEY CALLED US ENEMY’ BY GEORGE TAKEI
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND CAROL SING-ALONG
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Lively discussion facilitated by Kelley Rouse and Nancy Mitchell of Salisbury University. Books are available at the Ocean Pines branch. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-632-2600
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 6:30 p.m. SUMC’s Handbell Choir and Praise Team, Ty Thompson, Ruby Manos, Emily Martin. Free admission. An offering will be taken to benefit Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health. www.stevensonchurch.org. 410-641-1137
DECEMBER HOLIDAYS ACROSS CULTURES LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
HI SANTA! Santa waves to the crowd attending the 38th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade, held last Saturday along Coastal Highway from Old Landing Road to 120th Street.
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 6-11:59 p.m. Explore celebrations and traditions from around the world. Bring an ethnic treat or dish from your heritage. Crafts for
PINE TONES CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
lantic 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, 410 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 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
Signature jerk excoveitched or BBQ. Side dishes with rice and peas, fried sweet plantains, fried cornmeal dough and mac & cheese. Desserts, Jamaican rum cake, NY cheesecake and red velvet cake. Closed Monday thru Wednesday. Thursday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-2509918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | 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.
Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 Fourth St., Ocean City, 7:30 p.m. Selec-
Continued on Page 33
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 410-2897192, 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. Closed Monday, Dec. 13. ■ 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. Buttermilk 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 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining with coastal inspired dishes along with regional favorites, craft cocktails, small-plates and a relaxed ambiance. Serving breakfast and dinner with spectacular ocean views. The house specialty – Maryland Crab Cakes are some of the best in Ocean City. Open 7 days a week. Dine in, take out, no deliveries. ■ THE VIEW RESTAURANT AND BAR AT CAMBRIA, OC Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Avenue, Ocean City 410-280-1645 or 410-5204541 Open to the public with a new full menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour each day from 3-9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. daily until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other days. Enjoy overlooking the bay with fresh baked pastries on premise. Wounder appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | 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 $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surf-themed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Dine-in and curbside pick-up. ■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 At-
UPTOWN
91st to 146th streets ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Clarion, 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | 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.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE 12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410390-5998, coastalsmokehouse.com $$-$$$ | Full bar with 18 TVs Coastal Smokehouse caters to the steak and barbecue expert inside of us all with a menu that tours the nation's hottest barbecue destinations and a top-notch bourbon list with which to wash it all down. Open 7days a week for lunch and dinner from noon to 11 p.m. ■ 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.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Ocean City Today
CALENDAR Continued from Page 32 tions include “O Holy Night,” “Can’t Wait for Christmas,” and more. Admission is free but an offering will be received. Refreshments served afterwards. Dave Holloway, 410-641-5672, 610-2137472
Sat., Dec. 11 OCEAN CITY COMIC CON
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Grab a picture with Star Wars characters, compete in our cosplay contest, or shop a huge convention floor of vendors, independent artists, guests and more. There will be informative and entertaining panels, anime screenings, video game tournaments, and a few additional surprises running throughout the entire day. Admission costs $10 for adults and free to kids 9 years and younger with paying adult. Receive $1 off admission with a non-perishable food item for Diakonia or dressing in costume. http://www.oceancitycomiccon.com
OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Angler members will provide a review of the 2021 club activities. The 2021 Walt Boge Fishing Tournament winners announced. Non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations collected. 410-641-7662
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
Sun., Dec. 12 SANTA’S TRAIN WONDERLAND
Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free event. Enjoy the train displays and beautiful decorations throughout the museum. www.delmarvadiscoverymuseum.org, 410-957-9933
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, 410-641-2770
Mon., Dec. 13 MONTHLY MOVIE MATINEE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Watch a movie based on an acclaimed book each month. Light refreshments provided. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 SANTA’S TRAIN WONDERLAND
Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free event. Enjoy the train displays and beautiful decorations throughout the museum. Get your photo with Santa beginning at 1 p.m. www.delmarvadiscoverymuseum.org, 410-957-9933
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a health lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-6410157.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LECTURE 6TH ANNUAL HOMEMADE COOKIES BY THE POUND SALE
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 18 Third St., Pocomoke City, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A variety of homemade cookies sold at $8 per pound. Most can be frozen for later. https://www.stmaryspocomoke.org, 410-957-1518
Meeting via Zoom, 6 p.m. Taking a look at the beloved classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Hear the tale and struggle of George Bailey, because his issues are our issues. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org. 410-6322600
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS 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.
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
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00-9:00 p.m. All ladies that love to sing invited. Contact Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol Ludwig, 302-242-7062.
Tues., Dec. 14 STORY TIME ‘WEATHER’
Worcester County Library - Berlin
Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. Takehome activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Dance, sing and play rhythmic instruments to fun and silly songs. For ages 25 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
The Macky & Pam Stansell House Coastal Hospice, 1500 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 3:15-4 p.m. Provides discussions, mutual support, education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Reserve: Kay Kinnikin, 410-6414765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org.
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
Wed., Dec. 15 ZOOM WITH YOUR BABY
Babies under 2 years and caregivers join on Zoom for songs, rhymes and stories, 10:30 a.m. Optional: have a scarf and rattle/shaker handy or interactive rhymes. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-632-2600
STORY TIME ‘AUTHOR FOCUS, JAN BRETT’
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Join the group for stories written by the beloved author, Jan Brett. An activity also included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880
STEAM ‘SNOWFLAKE SCIENCE’
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4:30 p.m. Complete science and art projects to learn about symmetry in nature and the unique artistic beauty of snowflakes. For ages 8-12 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5:30-7 p.m. Providing participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org
Thurs., Dec. 16 CPAP MASK FITTING
Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. For patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Free service, but requires an appointment. Appointments: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.
STORY TIME ‘WHAT WE WEAR’
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. Takehome activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
STORY TIME: MR. JAKE’S FAVES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come listen to another one of Mr. Jake’s favorite stories: “Clifford’s First Snow Day” by Norman Bridwell. Take-home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-6322600
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research by Tom Dempsey followed by a Q&A session. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events” or 410-208-4014.
ZUMBA FOR ALL LEVELS
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
ENTERTAINING ON A BUDGET
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5:30 p.m. Review entertaining and cooking tips that will elevate your festivities without spending a lot of money. Bring a pen and pad. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
BEACH SINGLES
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 WINTER TRAIN GARDEN
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, through Jan. 3, 2022. Visitors of all ages can interact with buttons to activate accessories or sounds. Kids can take part in a scavenger hunt to win prizes. Open during the library’s regular hours. 410524-1818
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
Winners of 38th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade (Dec. 10, 2021) More than 65 entries, including high school bands, holiday floats and antique cars, participated in the 38th annual Ocean City Christmas parade last Saturday. Professional judges reviewed the participating units and presented awards in various categories, including Coca Cola’s Award for the most energy and fun and the Carousel Award for the Best “Ocean Vacation” themed entry. The first-, second- and third-place winners were: • School Band: Snow Hill High School Band, first place; Pocomoke High School Marching Band, second place; and Stephen Decatur High School, third place. • Top Parade Float: The Bearded Men Society, first place; Delmarva Dockdogs, second place; and Prince Street Elementary’s Peppermint, third place. • Marching Unit: Pocomoke ROTC, first place; Snow Hill ROTC, second place; and OC Stars, third place. • Coca Cola Award – Most Energy & Fun Award: Chincoteague Pony Drill Team. • Carousel Award – Best “Ocean Vacation” Entry: Trimper’s Amusements Haunted House. • Mayor’s Choice Award: Jolly Roger Amusements.
(Top) Trimper Amusements Haunted House float won the Carousel Award – Best “Ocean Vacation” Entry during the 38th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade last Saturday. (Left) Members of the OC Stars are blanketed with fake snow during the parade. LISA CAPITELLI/ OCEAN CITY TODAY
NOW PLAYING
ON THE EDGE Clarion: Fri-Sat, Dec. 10-11, 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 Every Tuesday: Trivia Night Every Wednesday: DJ Wax, 10 p.m. OCEAN CLUB 101st Street, Ocean City
Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Dec. 10-11: 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
CHERRY CRUSH Seacrets: Sat, Dec. 11, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.
Dec. 10: High Five Swan Dive Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Dec. 11: Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Cherry Crush, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. Dec. 16: Full Circle Duo, 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.
FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Thurs, Dec. 16, 5-9 p.m.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
PAGE 35
Ocean City Today
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
OCEAN CITY UNIVERSITY Town Clerk Diana Chavis presented graduation degrees to each of the 22 students who completed the Ocean City University program during a council meeting on Monday night. The program started in 2004 and offers citizens the chance to learn about public service and how it enriches individual and community life in the resort. So far, 303 degrees have been handed out through the program.
GRADUATES
DONATIONS The Greenwood family collected and donated 444 pairs of glasses to the Ocean City Lions Club for Stephen Decatur High School community service. Pictured, from left, are Past District Gov. Norm Cathell, Abby (senior), Charlie (10th grade), Jack (11th grade) with their mom, Gail Greenwood, and OC Lion Past President John Topfer.
Caleb Foster and Taylor Hartman, officers from the Worcester County Jail and Detention Center, recently graduated from the 112th entrance-level class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury.
PHOTO COURTESY D.J. LANDIS, SR.
GUEST SPEAKER SHERIFF VISITS Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli visited Worcester Preparatory Upper School on Oct. 7, to share the dangers of driving while impaired. Pictured, from the left, are Harrison Humes, Griffin Jones, Sheriff Crisafulli, Gavin Conaway, Madilyn Nechay and Avery Roselle.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City usually has a guest speaker at the weekly Wednesday 8 a.m. meetings in the Ocean Pines Community Center. President of the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce Kerrie Bunting was the guest speaker on Oct. 13. She is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund.
PAGE 36
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Members of the Pine Tones Chorus will hold a Christmas concert featuring an array of holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Atlantic United Methodist Church on Fourth Street in Ocean City.
Pine Tones Chorus holding Christmas concert tonight (Dec. 10, 2021) The Pine Tones Chorus will present its Christmas concert at Atlantic United Methodist Church on Fourth Street in Ocean City, at 7:30 p.m Dec. 10. The concert will open with its title song, “Can’t Wait for Christmas.” Popular selections will include the all-time favorites: “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” as sung by Perry Como, and “Let it Snow, Let it Snow,” from Frank Sinatra and other artists. Other songs will present fanciful
CROSSWORD
arrangements of the tunes from “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and the “Nutcracker.” Classical selections will feature themes such as Bethlehem, the Child in the manger, and shepherds in the fields. A highlight attraction is the well known Christmas favorite “O Holy Night” performed by Mary Price, soprano. The Pine Tones Chorus includes about 40 singers from Ocean Pines, See FREE Page 44
LOCALS’ FAVORITE SINCE 1955 THE FINEST SEAFOOD, STEAKS AND POULTRY
ACCEPTING CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S EVE RESERVATIONS
PHIL PERDUE ON PIANO
Every Friday 5-9pm
BREAKFAST / LUNCH Wed-Fri 8-11, Sat-Sun 8-12
DINNER / LITE FARE Wed-Sun, 5-9
DAILY CHEF SPECIALS
CARRY-OUT
KIDS MENU
Captainstableoc.com Located In The Courtyard by Marriott 15th Street & Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. For Reservations, Call: 410-289-7192/7191
Answers on page 30
December 10, 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
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. The ideal candidate will be a good multi-tasker and have a customer service orientation. Title Producer's License helpful but not required. 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 ~ 410-723-6397
by Monday 5 p.m.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
B-3/Piano Player to accompany singing drummer. Rascals, Soul Survivors, etc. 301-254-9865
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
MONTGOMERY FINANCIAL SERVICES is looking to add a team member for the position of Operations Assistant. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. A degree is not required, however, experience in an office setting is preferred. If interested in this position, please email your resume to info@mfswealth.com.
CASHIER WANTED. Delaware Tobacco Outlet, 100 Coastal Hwy., Suite 3, Fenwick Island, DE 19944 & Dot Cigarette, Bethany, DE, 302-537-2202. Apply in person both locations.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS/ CARPENTERS Must have experience. Competitive pay. Call 443-856-5600 or email your resume at skylineconstructionoc@ gmail.com
Hiring EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPER Please text 443-880-8078
FT/PT LIFEGUARD OPPORTUNITIES at the Health and Aquatic Club in Bayside
in Selbyville with competitive pay up to $15/hour, based on experience. Training & Uniforms provided.
Contact Bob Tugya: 302.988.2315
Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s Int Realty is hiring
Real Estate Agents No experience needed. Please text Steven Diaz for more information.
410-245-1089
AUTOMOTIVE
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.
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
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
MULTIPLE YEAR-ROUND POSITIONS for Vacasa in Bethany Beach (20 minutes from OC). More info and to apply: vacasa.com/careers
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
Hiring Cooks (up to $18), Audio/Video Techs, Distillery Tour Guides, Maintenance Staff, Head Distiller, Painter, & Carpenter. Apply in person or online at seacrets.com
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!
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
It’s not too late to advertise your winter rentals.
GET IT RENTED HERE! 410-723-6397 www. oceancitytoday. com www. baysideoc. com
Convenient Quick No Waiting, No Calls Days, Nights & Weekends
PAGE 38
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
RENTALS
SEEKING RENTAL
COMMERCIAL
STORAGE
DONATIONS
FURNITURE
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.
1 Office/Retail Space Approximately 1600 sq. ft. in West Ocean City. Call 443-497-4200
Storage West Ocean City. 2-car garage for rent w/attached work room. Total 775 sq. ft. Call John 410-726-0075.
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. $200. 570-239-5322
SERVICES SERVICES
Classifieds Deadline is 5pm Monday
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.
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
Elderly Care For Your Loved One I specialize and have certification in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. I also help them with personal care, meal prep, medicine reminders and light housekeeping. I limit the number of patients to devote time to each one. I have references. I’m local and enjoy what i do. Call Marchelle, 302-423-4354.
SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS
ieds
Classif
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
BLINDS & SHADES
Classifieds 410-723-6397
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
WANTED TO BUY OR TRADE MARYLAND STATEWIDE FREON WANTED: We pay CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. NETWORK Convenient. Certified ProfesAUTOMOBILE DONATIONS sionals. Call 312-291-9169 or DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ visit RefrigerantFinders.com RV - Lutheran Mission Society MISCELLANEOUS of MD Compassion Place SERVICES ministries help local families with food, clothing, counsel- LONG DISTANCE MOVING: ing. Tax deductible. MVA li- Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted censed #W1044. Interstate Movers. Let us take 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org the stress out of moving! Call now to speak to one of our Advertise in MDDC Quality Relocation Specialists: 866-314-0734. 410-723-6397
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 888-814-0566. Ask about our specials! BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. 877-738-0991.
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.
CONSTRUCTION
COSMETICS the company for women
• cosmetics • skin care • body care • fragrances • gifts • & more!
CHRISTINE BROWN independent sales representative
443-234-5262
order online: www.christinesbeautyshop.com
DECEMBER 10, 2021
PAGE 39
Ocean City Today
ELECTRICIAN
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Raymond O’Brocki Jr.
PipeLine
Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text
Home Improvement Services Company
Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends
35 Years Experience
Contracting, LLC
HOME IMPROVEMENT
“One stop shop for Home Improvement”
Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • General Carpentry & Painting
• Flooring & Tile • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & Delaware Beaches
US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor
No Job Too Small! Free Estimates! Residential/Commercial/Emergencies! MD Lic #2268 Worcester Co Lic #M1337
(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net
HOME IMPROVEMENT
INSURANCE COVERAGE
11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!
MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed
atminc4u@aol.com
JUNK REMOVAL & HAULING
BAYSIDE BUILDERS
COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK DONE BY OWNER
• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors
Ryan / Murphy 0ME 0DFBO $JUZ 3E Salisbury, MD 21804 (410) 749-9100 ryan.murphy@horacemann.com
Cell: 410-713-8599
MOVING SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS The Area’s #1 Moving Company
LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST
Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home
Call Maria: 443-664-5797 Female Owned & Operated
www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers
40+ Years in Business
Licensed & Insured
REAL ESTATE
PAINTING
PAINTING
Zimmerman & Son LLC Painting & Powerwashing Interior & Exterior Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured
• CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE
Free Estimates
10% Discount with this ad.
NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!
Bill Zimmerman 410-390-5528 ~ cell 443-373-4539
REAL ESTATE
ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS
Shingle Roofs • Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs Family Owned & Operated
FREE ESTIMATES
108 Moss Hill Ln., Salisbury, MD 410-831-3938 32295 Nassau Rd., Lewes, DE 302-200-7663
ROOFING
FREE Estimates es
ROOFING
ROOFING • GUTTERS • SIDING • WINDOWS DOORS • SUN TUNNELS • SKYLIGHTS Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS DE# 2004201560 • PA#043393 • MHIC#124883
www.roofer www. roof ro roofers offers ofer rs.org .o org g
410.204.2586
Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA
ROOFING
PAGE 40
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
C. GREGORY COBURN ESQ 6806B COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
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 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 _________________________________ 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 ob-
PUBLIC NOTICE The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles. The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction beginning December 9, 2021 or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law. Line No
Year
1388-21 1412-21 1417-21 1429-21 1436-21 1441-21
UNKNOWN 2009 1991 2010 2009 2004
Make BOAT & TRAILER DODGE MERCURY DODGE FORD MAZDA
Model
Color
BIG JON LOWE AVENGER COUGAR NITRO F150 6
BOAT – GREEN RED TEAL RED SILVER BLACK
Style
VIN
4S 2S SUV PICKUP HATCHBACK
Mileage
NO VIN NUMBERS 1B3LC46B89N563786 1MEPM6040MH608017 1D4PT2GK2AW100336 1FTRF12W19KB58975 1YVHP84D445N50718
NA NA NA NA NA NA
All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643. AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-12/9/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ tained 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 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 _________________________________
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 _________________________________
Town of Ocean City
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Airport On Call Engineering Services
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland are requesting qualifications submittals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide On Call Engineering Services for the Airport in conformity with the specifications detailed in the Request for Qualifications. Qualification Documents for the On Call Engineering Services - Airport 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 respon-
DECEMBER 10, 2021 sible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their Completed Request for Qualification Documents. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Completed Request for Qualification Document received through any third-party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Request for Qualification Documents. Sealed Request for Qualification Documents are due no later than Monday, January 10, 2022 by 4:00 p.m. and will be acknowledged 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. OCD-12/9/1t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION Mowing Services
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland (“Town”) is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Mowing Services in conformity with the scope of work detailed in the Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the Mowing Services 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 Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Bid Documents. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, December 20, 2021. Addendum will be posted by close of business on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, December 30 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.
Ocean City Today / Public Notices Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation. OCD-12/9/1t _________________________________
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Services
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland (“Town”) is seeking bids from qualified and experienced vendors to provide Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Services in conformity with the scope of work detailed in the Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Services may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either emailing 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 Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842 for any questions concerning the Bid Documents. The last day for questions will be noon on Monday, December 20, 2021. Addendum will be posted by close of business on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, December 30 at 1:30 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-12/9/1t _________________________________
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
ORDINANCE 2021-20 RE: One-foot Freeboard Elevation Requirement Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that an ordinance was intro-
duced for first reading at their meeting of December 6, 2021. Second reading is scheduled for December 20. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the December 6 agenda packet. This ordinance amends Chapter 38, Entitled Floods, to incorporate a one-foot freeboard elevation requirement for new construction or substantial improvement of both residential and commercial structures in Downtown Ocean City. OCD-12/9/1t _________________________________
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
ORDINANCE 2021-23 RE: Measuring Building Height Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that an ordinance was introduced for first reading at their meeting of December 6, 2021. Second reading is scheduled for December 20. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the December 6 agenda packet. This ordinance amends Chapter 110, Entitled Zoning, Article I, Entitled In General and Article IV, Entitled Districts to clarify the method for measuring building height from the required freeboard elevation in all zoning districts. OCD-12/9/1t _________________________________
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
ORDINANCE 2021-24 RE: Hotel Rental Tax Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that an ordinance was introduced for first reading at their meeting of December 6, 2021. Second reading is scheduled for December 20. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the December 6 agenda packet. This ordinance directs the expenditure of certain monies derived from hotel rental tax for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, 2.0%; FY2024, 2.1%; FY2025 and thereafter, 2.2% of gross room revenue will fund the Ocean City Advertising Budget.
PAGE 41 OCD-12/9/1t _________________________________ 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 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.
PAGE 42
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
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 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. 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 _________________________________
NOTICE
TO HOLDERS OF CLASS "B", "C", AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 33-2006 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding Class "B", "C", and "D" alcoholic beverage licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2022. This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the two (2) additional hours of sale for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, William E. Esham, Jr., Chairman R. Charles Nichols, Member Marty W. Pusey, Member *********************** April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/09/2t _________________________________
OCEAN CITY TODAY
Legal Advertising Call Nancy MacCubbin 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Letter to the editor Thankful for Ocean City community Editor, I am writing to thank the community of Ocean City for helping Ocean City Baptist Church (OCBC) continue our yearly tradition of serving an annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day. This was the 42nd year that we have hosted this amazing event. This year we served 568 meals (279 take-outs, 192 deliveries, and 97 in house) to the community. This year’s meals were cooked by Chef Paul Dehuarte and several other members of OCBC. The meals included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, a roll, and the choice of a several desserts ranging from pumpkin pie to cheesecake. We had several volunteers that gave up their time to help prepare the meal, serve the meal, and deliver the meal. These volunteers ranged from 5 years old to 86 years old. They came from all walks of life and from many different churches in the Ocean City community. Most of all, the volunteers worked hard to make sure everyone was fed and that each person was loved. We
would not have been able to do it without them. I especially want to thank Melanie Corbin and Margie Wilson for all their hard work to make sure everybody had a job and things ran smoothly. I would like to thank the many organizations (The Humphrey’s Grant, Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645, the American Legion, Dicarlos Printing, Benchmark Property Services, Bank of Ocean City, Wednesday Night Ladies Bowling League, and Fager’s Island Restaurant) for their generous donation in making this meal possible. I also want to thank the members of the Ocean City Baptist Church for all their love and support to make this meal possible every year. Finally, as someone who was there and got to be a small part of serving the dinner I have to say it was really nice, after the past two years that we have been through, to see people back out again and serving their fellow man. It was a great reminder of the how good our God is and that there is still many good people in this world. We have a lot to be thankful for and all the glory goes to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sean Davis Pastor of Ocean City Baptist Church
The Ocean City Branch of Worcester County Library on 100th Street, will feature the winter train garden through Jan. 3.
OC library features winter train garden through Jan. 3 (Dec. 10, 2021) The Ocean City Branch of Worcester County Library on 100th Street, will feature the winter train garden through Jan. 3. The train garden, provided from the personal collection of local resident and train enthusiast, Dennis Moore, is returning for the first time since 2019. Visitors of all ages can interact with buttons to activate accessories or sounds. Younger patrons can also take part in a scavenger hunt to receive a prize.
The winter train garden is open during the library’s normal operating hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Ocean City Branch at 410-524-1818, or visit 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. The mission of the Worcester County Library is to promote reading, thinking, learning and the enjoyment of the arts.
Commentary
Ocean City Today Dec. 10, 2021
Page 43
Complex report: it’s complicated Former city councilman and perennial council critic Vince Gisriel asked some pertinent questions this week about the sports complex study commissioned by Ocean City and conducted through the Maryland Stadium Authority. Essentially, he asked why the report’s public release didn’t occur until last month when the study was completed in January 2020, and why was he told periodically that it wasn’t available? Those are excellent questions given that the firm that conducted the study, Crossroads Consulting Services, wrote in a letter to the stadium authority that “it is understood that this document may be subject to public information laws and, as such, can be made available to the public upon request.” To be clear, “may” is the operative word here and means maybe the report is subject to the state’s public information act and maybe it isn’t. Even so, the council’s decision to sit on these findings until now is excessive, although it could be related to the report’s implication that a sports complex anywhere in Worcester County is no slam dunk. Crossroads lists this area’s advantages and disadvantages as compared to other locations and venues and calls on the council and stadium authority to draw their own conclusions. It also repeatedly makes the point that timing is of the essence, and the longer it takes to get a complex fully established, the more likely it will face strong regional competition. Nevermind the difference between the pre- and post-pandemic economies, Crossroads suggests that a major challenge could come from the Mid Atlantic Youth Sportsplex that Berlin’s John Barrett created just up the road in Pittsville. It’s already marketing Ocean City’s amenities, and “is contemplating the expansion of its current facilities to create a 25field complex ...” The report adds, “The growing supply of similar outdoor sports facilities will need to be closely monitored to avoid market saturation.” Obviously, the council has had quite a bit to think about, hence the delay in releasing the information. Yes, they should have done it sooner, but our guess is it couldn’t happen until the council could agree on what it wanted or needed to say.
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 $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2021
PUBLIC EYE
Pot pie, or not pie?
What people eat, or whatever diet they choose to follow is their business, as far as I’m concerned. If someone believes that it’s good for them and the planet to eat a bowl of sugarfree pine cones, topped with a sprinkling of moss scraped off the side of a Mongolian outhouse, or believes that roadkill ‘possum is best if lightly sauteed with just a hint of rosemary, I’m fine with that. But don’t confuse me with all this faux food that’s making its way onto our grocery store shelves in packages that say it’s one thing when it isn’t that at all. By And in that regard, I give Stewart you “Plant-Based Chicken Pot Dobson Pie” in a grocery store near you. Let me be clear: there is no such thing as “plant-based chicken.” Nor, as it happens, is there any such thing as “PlantBased Beef Pot Pie,” which I also saw on the frozen food shelf in a grocery store near me. The only thing I wanted when I went into this store was a regular, flaky-crust-on-top, pop-it-in-the-microwave, brown-in-oven-ifdesired chicken pot pie. But no. All I could find was two stacks of “PlantBased Chicken Pot Pies” (and faux beef pot pies) lying in wait for some unsuspecting shopper like me to scoop one up, take it home, heat it up and say, “Hey, where’s the *&!@)_$# chicken?” And then rummage through the trash for the container it came in only to discover after
the fact that I had been hosed by the “chicken not pie” industry. Look, I get it that the vegan set, with whom I have no quarrel, want things that taste like food they used to eat, but won’t eat now for one reason or another. But let’s straighten out this naming business. I know, for instance, that the dairy industry continues to protest the label “Almond Milk” on the grounds that milk is a dairy product and nuts aren’t properly equipped for delivering that sort of thing. They’re wrong, of course, as there is coconut milk, not to mention milkweed, which these days could refer to milk drawn from cows that wandered into the wrong field in Colorado or some other marijuana-legal state and refused to leave because they were especially contented. Regardless, there’s no getting around the subterfuge perpetrated on society by the marketers who insist that plant-based chicken is a thing, although if it is, it’s probably the same sort of chicken that laid the non-eggs that are contained in “Egg-Free Eggnog.” That’s on the shelves too these days, although it is clearly a contradiction in terms. To put it more bluntly, if it ain’t got eggs, it can’t be egg nog. It’s just nog. Or they could call it Not-Nog, or Egg-less Nog, but not “Eggfree Eggnog.” All I can say is that I support truth in labeling so I know what I’m getting. In the meantime, I’m urging Congress to write some kind of law that makes clear that a poultry plant is not what chickens are made of.
We invite you to share your opinion, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
Tree sculpture leaves available Wor. Co. seeing slight uptick (Dec. 10, 2021) In celebration of the holiday season, the Ocean City Beautification Committee is presenting a special offer to the public for the committee’s Reflections of Life project. The project provides a distinctive means of recording important events and interests in the lives of individuals, their loved ones and businesses by placing a gift of a bronze, silver or gold leaf or stepping stone on the “Reflections of Life” bronze tree sculpture mounted inside the lobby entrance of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street. The Beautification Committee special that runs until the end of December, features leaves at 50 percent off the normal price. For the remainder of the
holiday season, order gold leaves for $250, instead of $500; silver leaves, regularly $350, are now $175 and bronze leaves, $250, are $125. Tax-deductible donation forms are available at two locations in the convention center, at the project site near the main entrance and in the visitor center, along with Northside Park, 125th Street bayside. Forms can also be found on the town’s website at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/cityhall/mayor-and-city-council/beautification-committee/refelection-of-life/. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Ocean City. For more information, email Steve Genua at 4str46@gmail.com.
Free admission to OC concert Continued from Page 36 Ocean City and nearby areas. June Todd and Jenny Anderson are the group’s co-directors. Guest musicians will include Len Rubin, percussionist, and Tom Baione playing string bass. Admission is free and an offering will be received. After the concert, guests may enjoy refreshments in the church social hall. The Pine Tones Chorus has been entertaining local audiences in the Ocean Pines and Ocean City areas
since 1984. For more information, call the Chorus President Dave Holloway, 410-641-5672, or 610-213-7472. Funding for Pine Tones Chorus activities comes from a variety of local sources, including individual donations and patrons as well as the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. These organizations are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
in covid transmission rates By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) As the cold weather of the winter season sets in, covid case rates are once again on the uptick, repeating similar trends as last year when people started gathering together more frequently indoors. The latest data from the Worcester County Health Department shows that Worcester County’s case rates had jumped from below 5 percent to more than 7 percent in just a couple of weeks. And while the numbers are not completely indicative of high daily case jumps, as state data was not updated over Thanksgiving, local hospital officials are still seeing the effects. “The increase in cases was anticipated secondary to holiday gatherings and colder weather,” said Heather Snider, the infection prevention manager at Atlantic General Hospital, in an email. “While our team was prepared, the increase impacts our hospital and health system as a strain on resources. We continue to encourage the community to take measures to keep themselves and their loved ones well.” Snider added that mitigation and containment efforts are important during the winter months especially,
and include good hand hygiene, vaccination, masking, avoiding crowded spaces, staying home when sick and getting tested when needed. With that, Snider said that health officials are still studying the latest Omicron variant, which has been detected on 18 states including Maryland. And while research shows it can be spread by both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, she said the new strain is not looking like a large threat in terms of serious illness at this point. “Currently, symptoms of Omicron are said to be very mild,” Snider said. “Current immunizations continue to prevent severe cases and hospitalizations in vaccinated individuals. Delta remains the prevalent variant, so much more research is needed to fully understand Omicron and its overall impact.” Weekly vaccine info: • As of Thursday, Maryland providers administered more than 9.69 million covid-19 vaccines for a total of 82.9 percent of residents five and older with at least one dose. • As of Wednesday, a total of 64.09 See COVID-19 Page 45
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 45
State BOE approves school mask ‘off ramps’ By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) There is a light at the end of the tunnel for removing a statewide school mask mandate, and it hinges on high vaccination and low covid transmission rates. On Tuesday, members of the state board of education voted to publish an emergency order that would implement “off ramps,” or points of exit, to allow local districts to lift indoor mask mandates if specific thresholds are met. Board members voted 12 to one to pass the order, which moves it to a General Assembly committee for final approval. If it passes, it would replace the current emergency order requiring face coverings for everyone inside school buildings set for expiration Feb. 25. “The proposed regulation implements procedures to end face coverings based on vaccination status and case numbers of the county,” State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudury said during the meeting. The order maps out three pathways for de-masking, which are listed
as follows: Pathway 1: Allows district officials to lift mask mandates in individual schools if they meet an 80 percent vaccination rate for students and staff members. Pathway 2: Allows the board of education to lift mask mandates for all schools if the county’s vaccination rate is at or above 80 percent. Pathway 3: Gives the county superintendent authority to lift the mask mandate if the health department reports 14 consecutive days of low or moderate countywide transmission rates. PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Choudury said that the pathways were developed based on data and information from other states that have implemented them. For example, he said officials in Massachusetts have implemented the 80 percent vaccination pathway to be able to successfully remove masking requirements at 30 schools. He said the change has not caused an increase in cases and resulted in healthy children who are excited to learn in person.
Covid-19 data by the numbers Continued from Page 44 percent of the county’s population had received at least one covid vaccine and 70.29 percent were fully vaccinated. • Atlantic General staff members administered 200 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 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: • According to the latest data form the Worcester County Health Department, the county’s covid-19 positivity rate was 7.48 percent. • The state’s positivity rate was 5.13 percent according to the local data. • Atlantic General Hospital reported nine covid in-patients this week. None of the patients were fully vaccinated and their ages ranged
from 29 to 80. Of the total, four have been there longer than the required quarantine time due to a need for ongoing treatment. • Worcester County has reported 125 covid deaths since March 2020. • According to the state health department website, as of Wednesday, 58 people in Worcester County schools — both public and private — had tested positive for covid. Buckingham Elementary had 23, Stephen Decatur Middle had 18, Stephen Decatur High had seven, Berlin Intermediate School had four, and Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Snow Hill Elementary, and Showell Elementary all had two cases each. According to an online tracking system that Worcester County Public Schools updates weekly, the local district reported 41 new covid cases from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3. 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 as compared to areas with different populations.
Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com
Members of the Maryland Board of Education approved an emergency order this week to provide three-tiered “off ramps” for eventually lifting the statewide school mask mandate. The order is awaiting final approval from a General Assembly committee.
In Nevada, officials have implemented the transmission rate thresholds, which he said have also been successful. While Maryland officials could have chosen just one or two options, Choudury said it made more sense to offer all three. “That’s how we have constructed it, three pathways to get there,” he said. “ … Transmission rates can drop; you don’t have to necessarily get vaccinated, but there is strong
correlation around counties who are dropping transmission rates while the population is highly vaccinated. But you could not. You could just make sure you are staying home when you are sick, make sure you’re in well-ventilated areas, make sure you are doing all of the layered strategies and you can get there as a community.” In Worcester County, according to the latest health department data, the See WCPS Page 46
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WCPS not able to de-mask yet Continued from Page 45 covid case rate was 7.48 percent, which is considered a substantial risk. According to Atlantic General Hospital officials, the percentage of county residents who were fully vaccinated as of Wednesday was 64.09 percent. In turn, the county does not meet the necessary thresholds. “At this time, Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) does not meet any of the criteria to qualify for the ‘off-ramps’ from the face covering requirements in school facilities,” Carrie Sterrs, the district’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, said in an email. “However, officials will continue to closely monitor the data points set forth in the proposed regulation and will develop a strategy to address the off-ramps in the event that WCPS nears eligibility.” At Worcester Preparatory School, which as a private institution is not required to follow the state guidelines, Head of School John McDonald said Wednesday that the board of trustees is set to meet next week to discuss details of the mask mandate. He added that Worcester Prep officials monitor the state’s metrics and advice and take those assessments into account when making decisions.
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 10, 2021
WCPS hears wish lists for budget School reps highlight need for competitive teacher pay, small classes, technology By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) In order to offer the best educational experience, a school district must attract and retain quality teachers and support staff. That was the main takeaway gleaned from the budget wish lists representatives from all 14 Worcester County Public Schools presented Tuesday to members of the board of education. “It’s very important for Worcester County to retain and recruit and hire the best teachers, and to find a way to give the teachers a step and pay raise,” Stephen Decatur High School representative Colby Phillips said during the meeting. “… I do acknowledge that we are the highest in local funding and that is appreciated, however the time and commitment put into teaching our children needs to be compensated at the highest level.” While generous, competitive teacher salaries are always at the top of the wish lists, representatives pointed out that the added stress of covid-19 over the past two school years have highlighted staff’s hard work and dedication, thus further justifying the need for better pay.
MALLORY PANUSKA /OCEAN CITY TODAY
Willie Brown, a representative from Pocomoke Elementary School, speaks to members of the Worcester County Board of Education about budget priorities for the school during a meeting held Tuesday to gauge public feedback on the school district’s fiscal 2023 finances.
“I can assure you that your teachers are working harder than ever,” Worcester County Teachers Association President Beth Shockley-Lynch said during the meeting. “They are dealing with more obstacles than they ever imagined, they are trying to manage the stresses the children are coming to school with. They’re working with our families that have different needs as a result of the pandemic and they are constantly assessing the needs of our kids as they continue to
learn. You all know there’s so much more to teaching than just a book.” Each year, members of the school board hold a public meeting to hear from school and organization representatives, and the public, to develop the annual budget. Carrie Sterrs, the district’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, said in an email that officials will use the comments received from a parent survey conducted in See DISTRICT Page 47
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which is recognized for its high academic standards, small classes, individual attention and strong sense of community. A need-based, four-year high school scholarship covering tuition is available for a new student – a value of more than $64,000 over four years. A recent graduate, Damiana Colley, achieved the Sara Chase Carlson Scholarship and joined the school in the ninth grade. Upon graduating in May of 2020, Colley moved on to at-
tend the University of Maryland. “I was looking to this scholarship as a way for me to prepare for the future,” she said at that time. “Winning the scholarship was so great for me. It has given me so many opportunities and experiences that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. I’ve been exposed to so many different and unique things because of it. It’s let me pursue my art much further than I ever expected.” Selection is based on the following criteria: • new student entering the ninth grade • strong academic ability • strength in the arts and/or technology • demonstrated financial need Application deadline is Feb. 5, 2022. For more information about the Sara Chase Carlson Scholarship, contact the WPS Admissions Office at 410-641-3575 or email admissions@worcesterprep.org.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
PAGE 47
Ocean City Today
District officials developing WORLD WAR II FY23 budget for March vote Remembering destruction of Force Z in S. China Sea
Continued from Page 46 November and information collected during Tuesday’s meeting to help shape the upcoming 2023 budget, which will go into effect July 1. Board members will hold a work session in early February to develop the details of the budget before voting on it in March. At the same time, officials will be finalizing negotiations with members of the Worcester County Teachers Association and Worcester County Education Support Personnel Association. “Our proposed budget then goes before the county commissioners, as they are our primary funding agency, where our budget becomes a portion of their budget approval process,” Sterrs explained. Vince Tolbert, the chief financial officer of Worcester County Public Schools, presented preliminary numbers for both cost of living and step increases for staff during Tuesday’s meeting, but said that the numbers will not be finalized until the budget is developed. Besides teacher salaries, representatives asked officials to maintain small class sizes, continue supporting technology funding, finance necessary capital improvements, and support after-school and early programs, among other requests. Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, parents and guardians participated in an anonymous survey to help district officials develop their budgetary priorities. The online questionnaire solicited comments on things like the quality of educational programs and support services, and the school improvement process. Parents were asked to indicate which school or schools their child or children attend and their races and ethnicities to specify the results. A total of 1,963 responses were received from a potential pool of 3,651 households, giving an overall return rate of 53.7 percent. While the survey was not completed for the 2020-21 school year because of covid, the per-
centage of responses this year exceeded years past, with just 48 percent of households responding in 2019, 52 percent in 2018, and 42, 43 and 41 percent response rates in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. According to the 2021 results, favorability ratings were high in nearly every category, with percentages pretty closely mirroring those calculated in 2019 in most instances. “As you can see, we’re doing really well,” Sterrs said while presenting the results of the survey during Tuesday’s meeting. The results showed that instructional programs and services remained about even in most cases, with only early childhood education, health, physical education and technology education dropping by just a couple of percentage points since 2019. On the other hand, library and media, science, special education, and world languages programs went up slightly in favorability. All of the programs received 95 percent or higher ratings. The results showed that in a series of open-ended responses, several parents expressed a desire to see the world and foreign languages program expanded to include more languages and offerings. The parents who responded to the survey also gauged supplemental program favorability, which remained in the low 90th percentiles in most cases with only athletic programs dropping to 87 percent from 89 in 2019. Support services such as meal planning, guidance and health were also deemed as favorable in 2021 as in 2019, along with school grounds and facilities, with the numbers relatively high in all categories. As for budget priorities, the survey results showed that parents ranked small class sizes, competitive teacher salaries, and high levels of achievement the highest, while renovating or rebuilding aging facilities and afterschool programs ranked lowest.
By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Today, 80 ago, the Royal Navy suffered its worst naval defeat in World War II, when Japanese aircraft flying from Saigon, Indochina, attacked Force Z in the South China Sea, off the Malayan coast. Force Z included the most modern battleship in the Royal Navy, the HMS Prince of Wales, the battle cruiser HMS Repulse and the destroyers Electra, Express, Vampire, Tenedos. In an aerial attack that lasted a little more than two hours, both the Prince of Wales and the Repulse were sunk with heavy loss of life. With these capital ships sunk, the Japanese invasion fleet that was proceeding toward the Malayan east coast was now unopposed. The Japanese Twenty-Fifth Army, commanded by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, landed and proceeded to conquer Malaya, culminating in the capture of the great city of Singapore, the crown jewel of the British Empire in the Far East. The surrender of the British Empire troops in Singapore in February 1942, was the greatest defeat the empire suffered in its history. In the fall of 1941, the British gov-
ernment decided that the threat of war with Japan required reinforcement of the Eastern Fleet. The Royal Navy understood that aircraft could prove lethal to warships. The British carrier attack on the Italian naval base at Taranto sank or damaged several battleships. Carrier aircraft had similarly wounded Bismarck in May 1941, leaving her helpless against British battleships. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 1941, sank or heavily damaged eight battleships. But these situations had involved either stationary targets, or combined operations that included both aerial and surface assets. It was not wholly unreasonable to believe that modern battleships with a lot of antiaircraft guns, modern high-angle fire control directors, moving at high speed in the open sea, could resist and survive an attack by aircraft. Much of the British appreciation for the effectiveness of air power against warships came from their experience fighting in the Battle of Crete in April 1941. German air power had a devastating effect on the Royal Navy, Continued on Page 48
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 47 sinking several cruisers and destroyers. Other attacks in the Mediterranean, launched by both German and Italian aircraft, had proven similarly effective. However, the air attacks had not destroyed any battleships. Several battleships sustained damage from German bombing attacks, but none were in danger of sinking. British estimates of Japanese capabilities also played a role. The Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy both seriously underestimated the effectiveness of Japanese aircraft and aviators before the start of the Pacific War. Despite having a relatively backward economy, the Japanese aviation industry “peaked” at exactly the right time, providing world-class aircraft in 1941 and 1942. The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) combined these aircraft with rigorously trained pilots, resulting in the world’s most effective anti-shipping force at the end of 1941. While the British expected the Japanese to perform below German standards, Japanese aircraft and pilots actually outdid their German allies. The Prince of Wales and Repulse arrived in Singapore in early December 1941. The Japanese had noted the arrival of the two even before hostilities began. In response, the IJN de-
ployed two of its own fast battleships, three heavy cruisers, and eight destroyers to the Malaya theater, and increased the number of available fighters and bombers in the area. On Dec. 1, 1941, the Royal Navy announced that Sir Tom Philips had been promoted to full admiral and appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Fleet. Under his command in Singapore, beside the Prince of Wales and Repulse there were three old light cruisers; one modern light cruiser; one heavy cruiser, the Exeter, that suffered heavy damage during the Battle of River Platte against the German Pocket Battleship Admiral Graf Spee in December 1939. The day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese high altitude bombers attacked Singapore. The Prince of Wales and Repulse responded with heavy antiaircraft fire. No planes were shot down and the ships suffered no damage. On the same day, Gen. Yamashita’s TwentyFifth Army made landings on Kota Bharu, effectively starting the invasion of Malaya. After Adm. Philips received the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Japanese landings in Malaya, he was pressed to use his main striking power in an offensive way. Four factors entered into his decision: he thought that Japanese aircraft could not operate so far from
land; he also believed that his fast capital ships were totally immune to air attack; he didn’t believe air cover was needed from the Royal Air Force; and he underestimated the quality of Japanese aircraft, torpedoes and the fighting abilities of Japanese aviators. On Dec. 1941, Adm. Philips departed Singapore with his Force Z. The next day, Japanese scout planes sighted Force Z. A few hours later the Japanese submarine I-65 sighted the British force and transmitted sighting reports which were received at The Japanese 22nd Air Flotilla headquarters in Saigon, Indochina. Vice-Adm. Jisabur Ozawa, the commander of the Japanese invasion fleet, was anticipating a strong British reaction to the landings on the east coast of the Malayan peninsula. He received additional four heavy cruisers, a light cruiser and four destroyers to his fleet. In total, he possessed a very formidable force consisting of two battleships, seven heavy cruisers, one light cruiser and 12 destroyers. This force was more than a match for Force Z to contend with. Vice-Adm. Ozawa and his battle force sailed south to find and intercept Force Z. After his force was sighted by the Japanese scout plane, Adm. Philips decided to cancel the sortie believing that he had lost the element of surprise and ordered Force Z to return to
Singapore. On the return, his force was spotted by the Japanese submarine I-58 which fired five torpedoes at Force Z, all of which missed. She also sent sighting reports that was received at the headquarters of the 22nd Air Flotilla. On Dec. 10, the Japanese decided to launch air strikes at Force Z. From air bases around Saigon, 34 torpedo bombers, 51 high altitude bombers and three scout planes were launched. Adm. Philips was in much deeper trouble that he thought. Due to the tropical climate in the area, the high angle radars on the Prince of Wales and Repulse became useless. His 2pounder antiaircraft ammunition was deteriorating. This rendered his antiaircraft guns almost ineffective, and he was out at sea with no air cover. The aerial attack commenced a little after 11 a.m., on Dec. 10. High altitude bombers spotted the Repulse and dropped their bomb load. They scored one hit and seven near misses. Forty minutes later, 17 torpedo bombers attacked both the big ships, scoring one torpedo hit on the Prince of Wales. The water gushing into her caused an 11-degree list and damaged much of her auxiliary electric power. This hit affected the handling of the 2-pounder antiaircraft ammunition and her speed dropped to 15 knots. At 12:20 p.m., another group of 26 torpedo bombers attacked the Prince of Wales and scored three more torpedo hits. At the same time, the Repulse was attacked by torpedo bombers from both sides. She managed to avoid 19 torpedoes but was hit by one on the port side. Minutes later another group of torpedo bombers scored three more hits on the Repulse. She was in serious trouble, and her captain gave the order to abandon ship. At 12:33 p.m., the Repulse rolled over and sank with heavy loss of life. Eleven minutes later, a high altitude bomb penetrated amid ship and exploded, causing many casualties on the Prince of Wales. Adm. Philips gave the order to abandon ship at 1:18 p.m. She rolled over and sank, with heavy loss of life. Realizing the battle was lost, Adm. Philips decided to go down with his flagship. The sinking cost the Royal Navy 840 lives - 513 from the Repulse and 327 from the Prince of Wales So, ended the Naval Battle of Malaya, as the Japanese called it. The Japanese lost four aircraft and 28 pilots and crew. Their aircraft launched 49 torpedoes. Eight found their mark. Both the British and the United States watched in awe the result of this battle. Both then realized the day of battleships and battle cruisers was at end. Any capital ship would have no chance against air attacks without air cover. It is air power that is going to dominate any engagement in the future. Next week: The Red Army Strikes Back
Sports & Recreation www.oceancitytoday.com
Decatur wrestling wins opener over CR in tiebreaker By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 10, 2021) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team finally returned to the mat on Monday after last season was canceled because of covid. The two-time state champion Seahawks battled the Caesar Rodney Raiders, one of the top teams in Delaware, on their home mat in Berlin and won 37-36 in a tiebreaker. “It kind of went the way I thought it was Todd Martinek going to go. I thought it could end in a tie, I thought we could lose. I knew it was going to be close,” said Decatur Coach Todd Martinek. “You need to have a match like that, that’s why we wrestle Caesar Rodney because they’re going to test us. The guys stepped up and I’m proud of them and I’m glad we got the win.” Decatur kicked off the competition with pins by freshmen Liam Hugues (113 pounds) and Aaron August (120). “Aaron August with that pin down 41 as a freshman in his first match at home, that had me fired up. That one was great,” Martinek said. Caesar Rodney earned a pin at 126 pounds. Junior captain Logan Intrieri battled in his 132-pound match and won, 6-4, in overtime. The Raiders recorded another pin at 138 pounds, before Decatur sophomore Gavin Solito pinned his 145-pound opponent to give his team a 21-12 lead. Junior Evan Haworth outscored his 152-pound opponent, 8-2, then sophomore Parker Intrieri earned a 7-5 victory in an extra period of his 160-pound match. Caesar Rodney logged another pin at 170 pounds, but Decatur senior captain and two-time state champ, Noah Reho, scored a pin at 182 pounds to increase his team’s advantage to 33-18. Senior Jack Quisgard then scored a 94 decision over his 195-pound competition. Decatur led 36-18 with three matches to go. Caesar Rodney got pins in all three matches to tie the score, 36-36. It came down to tiebreaker criteria. Decatur won eight matches to Caesar Rodney’s six, and secured the team victory. “The two overtime wins by Logan and Parker Intrieri, the two brothers, they were the ones that won that match for us because if you lose one of those matches See GRINDSTONE Page 50
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
“The two overtime wins by Logan and Parker Intrieri, the two brothers, they were the ones that won that match for us…” said Decatur Coach Todd Martinek. Logan, a junior captain, above, won 6-4 at 132 pounds. Parker, right, a sophomore, eaned a 7-5 victory at 160 pounds.
Stephen Decatur (STDE) 37 Caesar Rodney HS (CR) 36 113: Liam Hugues (STDE) over Makenna Dolt (CR) (fall 1:56) 120: Aaron August (STDE) over Antonio Darby (CR) (fall 3:53) 126: Dylan Bennett (CR) over Donovan Henry (STDE) (fall 1:13) 132: Logan Intrieri (STDE) over Marlon Smith (CR) (SV-1 6-4) 138: Cameron Cataldi (CR) over Timothy Lyons (STDE) (fall 1:48) 145: Gavin Solito (STDE) over Cody Waski (CR) (fall 3:43) 152: Evan Haworth (STDE) over Mason Bush (CR) (decision 8-2) 160: Parker Intrieri (STDE) over Jaxon Kopp (CR) (SV-1 7-5) 170: DeVaughn Baker (CR) over Kole Kohut (STDE) (fall 1:48) 182: John Reho (STDE) over Owen Dixon (CR) (fall 2:41) 195: Jack Quisgard (STDE) over Jha-ki Goslee (CR) (decision 9-4) 220: Josh Dyer (CR) over Henry Brous (STDE) (fall 3:43) 285: Owyn Meister (CR) over Michael Rayne (STDE) (fall 3:26) 106: Alexander McEvoy (CR) over Juan Hinojosa (STDE) (fall 2:39) *Decatur tiebreaker win most match victories 8-6 LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Stephen Decatur sophomore Gavin Solito works to pin his 145-pound Caesar Rodney opponent during Monday’s competition in Berlin. He was successful.
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Lady Seahawks win back-to-back games to open yr. By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 10, 2021) The last time the Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team stepped on the court to face an opponent was March 2, 2020. Twenty-one months later, the Lady Seahawks were back in action and opened the 2021-22 season with back-to-back victories on the road this week. After covid canScott Kurtz celed the season last year, the Lady Seahawks traveled to Stevensville on Tuesday to play the Kent Island Buccaneers. The Berlin squad won, 5744. “We feel good after one. We’ve had this one circled on the calendar for over a year,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “Kent Island is always a formidable foe. They’re a young team and our experience overall just took over at certain times.” Decatur outscored Kent Island, 174 in the first quarter. At halftime, the Seahawks led, 30-18. After three, Decatur was ahead, 48-26. “We slowed the game down in the fourth quarter because we knew we had a game tomorrow too,” Kurtz said.
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Stephen Decatur senior captain Noah Reho waits for the referee to hit the mat and award him a pin during his 182-pound match on Monday in Berlin.
Junior captain Mayah Garner had 18 points and four rebounds. Senior captain Nadia Bullock chipped in with 18 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, and junior Shelby Rosemond scored 12 and had three steals. Kurtz was impressed with some of the younger girls’ defensive effort and rebounding. “We were inconsistent, but that’s to be expected when you haven’t played in two years. Sometimes we looked crisp. We were feeling out different lineup combinations,” Kurtz said. “The senior and junior leaders asserted themselves when things broke down. Everybody but three girls (Garner, Bullock and Rose-
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mond) it was their first varsity game.” The next night, Decatur took a trip to Princess Anne to face the Washington Jaguars. The Seahawks dominated, earning a 65-20 victory. Decatur scored 25 points in the first quarter and held Washington to two. At halftime, the Berlin squad led, 49-9. After three, Decatur held a 5719 advantage. “The girls passes well. They were unselfish,” Kurtz said. Kurtz said the Seahawks wanted to work on their defensive scheme during the match. They made some adjustments from what they saw the night before and started off pressing for the first quarter against Washington. A more balanced offense was another aspect of their game the squad aimed to improve upon from the first competition. Rosemond led the team with 21 points. Garner had 18 and Bullock chipped in with eight. Decatur will have three games next week. The Seahawks will host the Snow Hill Eagles on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Berlin. The next day the Crisfield Crabbers will come to Berlin for a 4:30 p.m. game. Then on Thursday, Decatur will head down the road to battle the Pocomoke Warriors at 5 p.m.
Grindstone Duals next up for SD wrestling team Continued from Page 49 it goes to more criteria,” Martinek said. “It came down to most matches won, and we won eight and they won six, but they got six pins. We can’t give up six pins.” Martinek was pleased with the overall performance, but noted there’s still much work to do. “We have eight guys that have never been on varsity that are varsity starters. They definitely displayed some heart, especially winning two matches in overtime. They all did. Even the guys that lost, [although] I was a little disappointed in [some],” Martinek said. “We need to improve on our technique especially off the bottom. We’re wrestling with our heads down and we’re not getting hand controls and the basics. We’re going to work on what we saw. We’ve got a coach with a whole list.” Decatur will compete in the Grindstone Duals with eight other teams this weekend at Winters Mill High School in Westminster, Maryland. The Seahawks will have a busy weekend, wrestling eight dual meets in two days.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Decatur swimmers perform well during first meet of season By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 10, 2021) The Stephen Decatur swim teams both won their season opener against Nandua on Tuesday at the Pocomoke YMCA. “The meet went pretty smoothly. It was a good starting point,” said Decatur Coach Steve Deakyne. “Everyone was positive and upbeat and cheering for one another. It was great to be back.” The boys’ squad won 71-55, coming in first place in nine of 11 events. “I think they did great for the first meet. Three guys it was their first swim meet ever,” Deakyne said. “We have some things to work on, but it went PHOTO COURTESY KRISTINA WATTS well.” Winning their events were: junior Members of the Stephen Decatur swim teams pose for a photo after both won their season opener against Nandua on Tuesday at the Pocomoke captain Gavin Stearn (200IM, 2:09.35; YMCA. 100-yard breaststroke, 1:07.54), sophomores Mason Castanares (200yard freestyle, 2:15.2) and captain Dan Karchewski (100-yard butterfly, 57.10 seconds; 100-yard backstroke, 1:01.09), and freshman Bryce Gill (50-yard freestyle, 30.03 seconds). Karchewski, Stearn, Castanares and Gill came in first place in the 200-yard medley relay race (1:57.63). By Lisa Capitelli The group also earned a victory in the Managing Editor (Dec. 10, 2021) After a year off be400-yard-freestyle relay race cause of covid, the Stephen Decatur (3:54.51). Stephen Decatur The 200-yard freestyle relay team boys’ basketball team was back on the freshman Zakhari court in Berlin on Tuesof Castanares, Gill, sophomore Chase Baker makes a day, hosting the Kent Ponton and senior captain Alec Mclayup during TuesCabe outswam their competition Island Buccaneers. day’s game against (2:05.94). The teams battled, Kent Island in The Lady Seahawks won 107-63. with the lead changBerlin. Decatur The Decatur team was victorious in ing hands several won, 59-53. LISA CAPITELLI/ eight of 11 events. times. The Seahawks OCEAN CITY TODAY Coming in first place in their pulled ahead with events were: senior captain Sierra BJ Johnson about five minutes reWakefield (100-yard butterfly, maining and the 1:05.56), junior captains Katelyn Pizlo home team held on to win, 59-53. (200-yard freestyle, 2:25.10) and Na“Excellent, excellent way to start talie Canham (200IM, 2:29.40; 100- the season,” said Decatur Coach BJ yard backstroke, 1:06.59), and Johnson. “I’m so happy for these sophomore Trisha Harner (50-yard kids. We’ve been a year removed freestyle, 26.38 seconds; 100-yard from basketball and to get our first freestyle, 1:00.22). win is a blessing.” Canham, Wakefield, Harner and Kent Island led 13-11 at the end of junior Emma Coyman took first in the the first quarter. 200-yard medley relay race (2:02.45). Points were traded in the second Canham, Harner, sophomore Han- quarter. Decatur took a 27-25 lead nah Allam and junior Kayden Hamby when sophomore Brycen Coleman finished in first in the 400-yard made his shot with about 10 seconds freestyle relay race (4:17.79). left of the clock. The Bucs tied it up, “There’s a lot of depth on the girls’ 27-27, right before the break. • side,” Deakyne said. Decatur maintained a slight ad“We came out with a pretty awe- vantage early in the third quarter, some win. If we didn’t get first, we going up by as many as six points definitely got second,” added Coach (36-30) with 4:40 on the clock. Buy $100 in gift certificates, LOCAL ART • VINTAGE Kristina Watts. “A couple of the races Kent Island scored six unanswered receive a bonus $50 gift certificate Madeleine Sasha UNUSUAL • ANTIQUE were exciting, but for the most part, points to tie it up. The Bucs led, 42(No Limit/No Expiration) Gemologist we dominated. I think they all had a 40, at the end of the third. ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE You will be treated like family lot of fun. Only seven total – five girls The teams continued to fight in the Last Shopping Day of the Year & given individual attention. Sun, Dec 19th and two boys – have competed in a fourth quarter, and with a little over Reopening Fri, Jan 14th & back to Stephen Decatur meet before, so I five minutes remaining, the SeaFri-Sun 10-4pm schedule LLC hawks started to pull away and never think it went well overall.” JEWELRY REPAIR • CUSTOM DESIGNS & APPRAISALS Call or Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (302) 296-6909 • sashas.jewels@yahoo.com The next meet is Tuesday against looked back. or email: jaynesreliable@gmail.com New Address “That was a very good team we the Kent County Trojans at 3:30 p.m. 302.927.0049 202 Gumboro Rd, Selbyville, DE On the corner, south of the stoplight See JOHNSON Page 52 at the Pocomoke YMCA.
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Left) Stephen Decatur senior captain Joe Buxbaum puts the ball in the basket during Tuesday’s game against Kent Island in Berlin. He had nine points and nine rebounds. (Above) Sophomore Brycen Coleman takes a shot. He had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Johnson: I’m so proud of my kids Continued from Page 51 played,” Johnson said. “It’s always great to start off with a win. I’m so proud of my kids.” Freshman Trybe Wise led Decatur with 17 points. He also had three rebounds and four assists. Coleman chipped in with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Senior captain Joe Buxbaum had nine points and nine rebounds. “I thought in the first half we didn’t rebound well, so in the second
half I challenged them to do a better job rebounding, and they did,” Johnson said. “I thought defensive we were pretty good [but] we’ve got to do a better job transition from offense to defense. They got a couple easy baskets … I was very pleased with how we played on offense as well. We were very patient on offense.” Decatur will travel down the road to play the Snow Hill Eagles, today, Friday, at 5:30 p.m.
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SPORTS BRIEFS
Bayside awards A number of Stephen Decatur soccer, volleyball and field hockey players earned Bayside Conference accolades for their performance during the fall sports season. Volleyball: First Team: Logan Patrick, Emma Johnson and Sydney Patrick Second Team: Abby Greenwood and Molli Spicer Honorable Mention: Ariana Jester, Taya Price, Ava Hinkle and Julia Carlson Boys’ soccer: First Team: James Barrett (Player
of the Year) and Justin Hicks Second Team: Brogan Eastlack Honorable Mention: Miguel Cervantes, Sean O’Halloran, Owen Knerr, Collin Bunting and Gabe Geiser Girls’ soccer: First Team: Mia Kemp and Morgan Sullivan Second Team: Jessica Beck, Riley Wilson and Hannah Dang Honorable Mention: Macy Seitz, Malery Andrews, Kayla Rocco, Katelyn King and Keeley Catrino Field hockey: Second Team: Skylar Griffin and Sarah Smith Honorable Mention: Ava Snelsire
DECEMBER 10, 2021
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Worcester boys’ WP Lady Mallards basketball team go on 10-0 run in wins 2 in Tip-Off OT to win, 32-22 By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 10, 2021) The Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team won both of its games during last weekend’s Indian River Tip-Off Classic in Dagsboro, Delaware. “I thought we played well all weekend,” said Prep Coach Pat Moylan. The Mallards faced Pat Moylan the Indian River Indians on Friday and won, 47-33. After one, the score was tied, 1010. Worcester outscored its opponent, 10-2, in the second quarter to go into the break ahead, 20-12. The Mallards led 33-23 at the end of the third quarter. Senior captain Brice Richins led the Prep squad with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Michael Wehberg had nine points, seven rebounds and two steals. “Defensively we were very good. Offensively, we struggled a little bit, but our shooting percentage was up a bit Friday from the game before [on Tuesday],” Moylan said. The next day, the Mallards battled Arcadia and pulled out a 59-56 victory in overtime. The Prep squad trailed 27-15 in the first half. The Mallards then went on a six-point run to cut Arcadia’s lead to 27-21 at the halftime break. Points were traded in the second half, as Worcester tied it, 50-50 to force overtime. “They were doing everything right to get the open shots. They ran the offense great, we just struggled to make layups,” Moylan said. “In the second half the kids started finishing the play. They were aggressively going to the basket and scoring.” The Berlin squad outscored its opponent 9-6 in the extra period. Wehberg led Worcester with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Junior Jack Gardner contributed with 14 points, five rebounds and three steals. “We led for most of the overtime. It was a very good win,” Moylan said. “Everyone played well. I’m very proud of the guys.” Worcester earned the tournament championship plaque for its victory over Arcadia. The Mallards will host the Delmar Wildcats today, Friday, at 6 p.m. in Berlin. It is ugly sweater theme night and fans are encouraged to dress in their best attire. The school will also be collecting toys for Diakonia shelter. Game attendees can bring an unwrapped toy donation for the West Ocean City shelter.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 10, 2021) The Worcester Prep girls’ basketball team went 2-0 during last weekend’s Indian River Tip-Off Classic in Delaware, and then the Lady Mallards won their home season opener, 32-22, in overtime on Monday. “We’re improving every quarter of each game. We’re getting Mike Kelley better offensively and defensively,” said Prep Coach Mike Kelley. Worcester opened the tournament against the Indian River Indians last Friday in Dagsboro, Delaware. The Indians led, 13-10, at the end of the first quarter. The Mallards outscored their opponent, 14-5, in the second and went into the halftime break ahead, 24-18. After three quarters, the Prep squad held a 35-27 advantage. The Mallards won, 46-35. Senior captain Lily Baeurle led Worcester with 22 points. Senior captain Myranda Beebe chipped in with 12 points. Senior captain Morgan White, sophomore Ansley Gardner and freshman Isabella Marinelli scored four points each. The next day, Worcester dominated Odyssey Charter School, winning 60-11. The Mallards led 16-5 at the end of the first quarter. They added 22 points in the second and held their opponent to just two. At halftime, the Prep team was ahead, 30-7. After three quarters, Worcester was on top, 50-11. The Prep squad tallied 10 in the fourth and held Odyssey scoreless. Baeurle scored 18, and junior Morgan Schoch and Gardner contributed 10 points each. Gardner also had 14 rebounds and three steals, and Schoch had three rebounds and three assists. “Saints Peter & Paul was watching, so I didn’t want to give up too much,” Kelley said. “Normally we’d want to press more, but we stayed back a little. We didn’t want to tip our hand to Saints Peter & Paul, because we had a conference game coming up against them.” Worcester was on its home court for the first time this season on Monday. Saints Peter & Paul led 9-3 after one quarter. At halftime, the visiting Sabres held a 13-7 advantage. “We made some adjustments for the second half,” Kelley said. At the end of the third, Saints Peter & Paul was on top, 17-13. The Mallards continued to chip away at the lead in the fourth. In the final seconds, Marinelli hit a three to
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Top) Prep senior captain Lily Baeurle shoots during Monday’s game against STPP in Berlin. She scored 16 in the 32-22 OT win. (Right) Junior Morgan Schoch battles for the ball.
tie the game, 22-22, sending it into overtime. The Mallards dominated in the overtime period, scoring 10 points and holding the Sabres scoreless. “We had 19 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and we held them to five,” Kelley said. “Defense is the only reason we won that game. We just kept playing great defense.” Another plus was that the Mallards are athletic and in good shape. “They can run full speed and tire other teams out,” Kelley said. “In overtime we just outran them. If it wasn’t for the fact we could still run full speed in the fourth quarter and overtime, it would have been a different story.” Baeurle was the top producer with 16 points. White had five. Worcester will host the Delmar Wildcats today, Friday, at 4:30 p.m.
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SURF REPORT
Learning to surf not easy, requires patience By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Dec. 10, 2021) Surfing is not the easiest sport/activity to learn or even to stay proficient at and in tune with. For starters, one has to live in an area where surf will break or at least close enough to be within striking distance. There are drawbacks of cold water and weather in lots of areas of the world where waves break but, wetsuits certainly work quite well. Assuming all of the above factors are covered and boxes checked, what about the “playing field?” I’m referring to the waves themselves; places where surf will break. No matter what part of the world one is talking about, no surf area will break all the time, every single day. Sometimes, there will simply be no surf.
The surf is always subject to the vagaries of nature and in turn so is the surfer. Swell conditions, tide, bottom contours, local winds all play a part. Naturally, a surfer is always looking for the best possible conditions. It’s part of the allure and the frustration of surfing. But what about those in between times? It’s not flat, but it’s not perfect. It’s not very big, but it is ridable. It’s not too clean, but not too bumped up and choppy. This is what will separate the dedicated surfer from the casual surfer. To get better or at least retain some sort of an edge, one has to be willing to go out in less than stellar conditions. The key word here, I think, is ridable. Let’s assume, once again, that a time slot has been set aside to go and surf. Typically, the surfer will check his or her favorite spot or spots. The bottom line consensus is that, yes, it
is indeed ridable. Not to get Shakespearean, but, to surf or not to surf? That is the question. In this scenario we’ve already determined that the surf is indeed ridable. So, I would suggest that the decision would be a go. The effort to get to a good spot has been made. Adequate gear is on hand. Time in one’s busy schedule has been allotted. It sounds like the decision has been made for you and it’s really not difficult at all. Heck, you could probably use a shower anyway. In the hot summer time a nice cooling off could be a very welcomed side effect to catching a few waves. Kind of just what the doctor ordered. Granted, in the winter the decision can be more difficult. I’ve often heard the phrase, “we’d be out there if it was summer,” from a group on the beach surveying the conditions. Winter surfing is a whole other
phase and aspect of the surfing experience with its collection of various pros and cons. The excuses are endless. There’s other stuff to do. Let’s go get a cup of coffee. I haven’t had lunch yet. Let’s wait an hour or so, maybe the wind will switch or the tide change will make it better. The idea here is much more than a notion. Ocean City, Maryland and the surrounding area does indeed produce good surf. The problem is that it doesn’t happen all the time, like any other part of the world. Thus, the attitude of paddling out in less than ideal conditions. If nothing else, it can go a long way in keeping in tune, keeping that edge for when it does come together for that perfect day. Monitor the conditions and keep surfing. — Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
DECEMBER 10, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 10, 2021
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