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DECEMBER 17, 2021
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Ad agency wows ‘em to win city contract Presentation by Wisc. firm ‘blows away’ mayor, council to rise above competition By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Ocean City Council members voted on Tuesday to enter contract negotiations with Wisconsin-based advertising agency BVK, which floored them with a proposal to promote and market the resort nationally. BVK beat out two other companies – Paradise Advertising and Marketing and Marriner Marketing Communications – in their bids to provide
the resort area with its advertising needs. Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development, told the council during a work session on Tuesday that he and the city’s director of communications, Jessica Waters, were directed in June to pursue an ambitious schedule in search for a new agency. Ten bids in response to a request for proposals (RFP) were submitted to the city, though one was removed due to a conflict of interest. Of the nine remaining, Waters and Perlozzo reviewed each proposal, looking at the creative approach, experience See BVK Page 3
Housing for downtown OCDC model block plan puts focus on workers’ needs
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
YOU TOO R2?
R2-D2 and friends parade through the fourth annual Ocean City Comic Con, held last Saturday at the convention center. See more photos on page 34.
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) From an IMAX theater to a children’s museum, Ocean City officials have indulged in more than a few shiny pipe dream visions for the 35,000 square feet of inner block properties between Somerset and Dorchester Streets. “I can attest as a kid it’s been eight different projects, at least in my lifetime,” said Kevin Gibbs, the president of the Ocean City Development Corporation, during a City Council work session Tuesday. “As we’ve always heard, there was aquariums, IMAX’s, retail villages, there’s just a lot of different concepts.” Despite OCDC officials championing an array of land purchases and swaps over the years to flesh out the
concepts, none of them panned out — until now. The newest concept for the model block, as officials call it, joins workforce housing with mixed use development and peppers in parking and public safety uses to create an aesthetic, functional project that is not expected to need taxpayer dollars. “I think primarily what we’re lookSee MODEL Page 4
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
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Ocean City Today
BVK agency’s presentation leaves council ‘blown away’ Continued from Page 1 with destination marketing, case studies, account management and the financials. The nine proposals were narrowed to three, and the finalists were called in to present their pitches to the mayor and city council, along with various other city officials. Councilman Tony DeLuca said he supported giving BVK the contract because they Tom Perlozzo were a level above the rest of the competition. “The case studies presented were fantastic,” he said. DeLuca also said BVK presented material specific to Ocean City, came across as the most professional, and he like the blend of the team that would be supporting the resort because it was made up of new and experienced workers. Mayor Rick Meehan agreed with everything DeLuca said, adding that the city was fortunate to have three very qualified firms brought forward by Perlozzo and Waters. “They all made great presentations,” he said. “BVK stood out.” The mayor explained that BVK was direct in its approach and referenced the specific types of ads Ocean City needs to distribute. Meehan also liked the team approach BVK proposed, along with the company’s background, success in other locations, and professionalism. “BVK actually floored me,” Councilman Mark Paddack said. “The
mayor hit the nail on top of the head. They came prepared and did an outstanding presentation that floored me.” City Manager Doug Miller said on Wednesday that BVK submitted a bid for $975,000, which just happened to be the lowest of the three finalists. The $975,000 is made up of a $540,000 annual agency fee and $435,000 in other fees. Paradise submitted a bid of $2.5 million, which included an annual fee of $320,000, other fees in the amount of $1.7 million, and $525,000 commissions, while Marriner proposed $1.1 million as its annual agency fee, with no other fees. The rest of the bids ranged anywhere between $794,000 and $2.5 million. The council voted 6-0 to enter contract negotiations with BVK, with Council President Matt James absent from the meeting. Once the vote was finalized, Meehan paid homage to MGH, the agency that served the resort area for the past 20 years. “They did a terrific job and they got us to where we are today,” the mayor said. “When you look at the last 20 years and what they accomplished, it’s significant.” Meehan added that MGH was involved in the development of www.ococean.com, promoting the city’s Facebook page, which now has more than 1 million followers, and campaigns like the Rodney the Lifeguard campaign, the Cicada-free Zone, End of the World, and Vacation Days.
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Ocean City Today
Model block plan envisions worker housing Continued from Page 1 ing at is what’s in the inlet parking lot fund,” Gibbs said of the funding source for the project in response to a question from Councilman John Gherig. “We are not prepared to ask you for anything else,” Gibbs continued. “We need money for design. We hope to make the numbers work with local banks, be involved in development, get a management company on … We think we can make the numbers work.” The concept is similar to the one used to build the town’s Beach Patrol building, which also came to fruition with money from the inlet parking fund. The first phase of the new model block project includes workforce housing on the north side of the property to complement similar existing residences on north Dorchester Street. Within the plans, Gibbs said a new roughly 14,800 square-foot building will house about 200 workers. Another 25 police officers are also set to live above a new, roughly 12,000-square-foot public safety building planned for the existing Somerset Street parking lot. “This was a snowball,” Gibbs said of the public safety building plans. “It started with a nice bus terminal and
really it just came to terms with this because we wanted to add beds and we thought from a safety aspect to have police officers living downtown and to be there to be able to be dispatched wouldn’t also hurt.” Gibbs and several council members also noted the urgency for developing seasonal housing, which is why it was included in the first phase. “Hopefully, we will give you all, and the town, an answer to workforce housing,” Gibbs said. “Hopefully, we’re all going to work together to get there. This is very early but I’ve tried to with the board get as many yes’s as possible from everyone so we could answer questions.” While the plans for 225 beds will likely only put a small dent in the resort’s overall employee housing problem, the concept is what works for the model block area. “We didn’t want a dorm downtown,” Gibbs said. Phase one also includes office or commercial space at the corner of South Philadelphia Avenue, with onsite parking available by way of Dorchester Street. In phase two, mixed use buildings with commercial spaces on the ground floors are planned along Somerset Street, and a first-floor retail building is slated for the north-
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A rendering shows Ocean City Development Corporation’s latest plans for the 35,000-square-foot model block between Somerset and Dorchester streets downtown. The two-phased project includes plans for workforce housing, mixed use development and a new public safety building.
west corner of South Baltimore Avenue and Somerset Street. The development of the new public safety building, which will also include a police substation for its bicycle patrol, is set for the second phase as well, along with enhancement of the existing private bus stop on Somerset Street. The plans also include parking to accommodate the uses. The phased projects are set to be integrated and benefit from the streetscape of the Somerset Street segment, according to the plans, and are set for completion by next summer. After listening to the presentation plans, and hashing out concerns about funding and reservations about getting into the workforce housing
business, council members voted unanimously to give conceptual approval to the project and allow OCDC officials to leverage funds from the inlet parking fund. “Thank you very much for bringing something forward that I think will have a major impact downtown,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “We’ve been looking for a way to develop this property and really have it encourage economic development, and be part of economic development. And I think this is the sort of project that will do that. It will certainly bring an economic benefit to downtown to have people living down there that can then work down there and support the businesses in that area.”
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9800 MOORING VIEW LANE #10 WEST OCEAN CITY Stunning home hits the market. One of the largest homes in the community boasting a 2-car garage and oversized finished loft area. This spacious home has 2730 sq ft of living space and very well maintained. Entrance way has a covered porch, and lower level gourmet chef 's kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, breakfast nook and luxury flooring. This most desirable floor plan has family room, dining area and breakfast area flowing off the kitchen. 9 ft ceilings, crown molding and plantation shutters. Glass slider off family room leads to an outdoor oasis for relaxing with family and friends. Second level has oversized master bedroom with sitting area and luxurious master suite. Two additional spacious bedrooms and bath on this level along with full-size washer and dryer and plenty of storage, abundance of closets and storage space throughout. Third level has an additional bedroom and full bath, spacious loft area perfect for use as a home office, second family room, game room or play area. Community has a nice clubhouse and pool. Less than 2 miles to the Ocean City beach, and restaurants and shops are close by. Perfect first home or 2nd home. Come take a look today before it's SOLD. MLS MDWO200
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If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential with prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These 2 parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are within the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City & Fenwick Island. Come take a look before it's SOLD! Drone photos to follow of the parcels and site location. MLS DESU185186
Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLSDESU184528
Prime location in Ocean City Maryland! Do you have extra money you are looking to invest? Are you looking for a 7.33% CAP RATE. The front three units are triple net, this is a mixed-use commercial site. Invest at the Beach! Location! Location! Location! MLS MDWO123030
Waterfront home near the end of a cul-de-sac w/breathtaking Bay views. As you walk in the door you will fall in love w/the floor plan and the amazing decor of this home that is being sold furnished. The lg family area overlooks the water and is great for entertaining. The dining area flows off the family room and into the kitchen. The kitchen has all the amenities and plenty of storage space. There is also a fabulous 2nd family room w/a gas fireplace making this the perfect YR home. Off the kitchen you will find a 12X15 sunroom that overlooks the water, plus an expansive waterfront deck. There is a boat lift and pier for boating or fishing. 1st level has a full-size laundry room and a half bath. 2nd level has 3 oversized BR/2BA. All the bedrooms have stunning water views. Plenty of storage space upstairs w/lg closets and walk in attic storage. There is a 2-car garage and plenty of parking. The outdoor space is fabulous w/grass for your fourlegged friends. Located in Caine Woods off 139th street w/expansive water access on the lagoon making it easy to get around by boat. Close to the beach, bay, restaurants, Fiesta Park, tennis, shops and restaurants. Come take a look before it's SOLD! This is an estate sale. MDWO2003974
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9747 MARTHAS LANDING ROAD OCEAN CITY $1,549,900 Luxurious 5BR/5BA home in the prestigious neighborhood of Martha's Landing in desirable West Ocean City hits the market. This home has views of the Bay, the inlet and the Boardwalk, and has an elevator and a 2-car garage! As you walk into the home you see the fabulous decor, attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship w/custom finishes throughout. The professional chef ’s kitchen is sure to please the cook in your family. There is plenty of storage and a large center island complete with granite countertops. The lg dining area is off the kitchen and is perfect for enjoying dinner with family and friends. The lg great room extends to the deck where you will enjoy endless sunsets. The house also has a fire sprinkler system, wraparound decks, and a paver driveway. This home was constructed by Piney Island Builders. (HOA pays for grass cutting and use of pool at Sunset) Come take a look at this incredible home today and make it yours! MLS MDWO2003462
36782 JAHNIGEN DRIVE FRANKFORD, DE $999,900 Striking 5BR/3.5BA waterfront home in sought-after Hamlet at Dirickson Pond! This amazing home has an abundance of outdoor space and backs to a spring fed pond that allows non-motorized boating and catch/release fishing, which you can do right from your own private beach. The community has an outdoor pool, clubhouse, and is located less than 7 miles from Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach. The home has an open floor plan, gas fireplace, and a two-story family room w/an impressive wall of windows and expansive view of the pond. The gourmet chef 's kitchen is off the family room w/custom upgrades including cabinets, quartz countertops, backsplash, stainless steel appliances with gas cook top, center island, large pantry, breakfast area, energy efficient appliances and wood floor. Directly off the kitchen is another dining area and a sunroom. First-floor oversized master bedroom w/expansive water views, his/her sinks, lg vanity makeup area, lg custom tile shower and spacious walk-in closet. On the 1st level you will find a powder room and laundry room. On the 2nd level you will find 4BR/2BA, and one of the BR has a private balcony. Lg screened-in deck and a second deck with an oversized hot tub overlooking the water. The lg backyard leads to the pond. You will fall in love with the extensive hardscaping and landscaping surrounding this beautiful home complete with irrigation. There is a storage area below the home with access from the interior first level of the home. There is also a lg two-car garage. Come take a look today and start enjoying everything this home has to offer! MLS DESU2000265
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2021 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
New map reduces GOP swing in 1st Congressional district By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) A party line fight last week over Maryland’s new congressional district map ended — for now — in a blue victory that seriously diminishes Republicans’ reign over the Eastern Shore, and further solidified the state’s reputation as one of the most gerrymandered in the country. Members of the General Assembly met in a special session to address several pressing matters, which included redrawing the lines on the map that determines the regions that each of the state’s six House of Representatives members represent. Members of the majority Democratic General Assembly passed a new map that reduces the grip that conservatives have over the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses the entire eastern part of the state. Gov. Larry Hogan balked at the map and promptly vetoed the vote, volleying it back to members of the House and Senate, who overrode it along party lines. “The congressional map drawn in back rooms by party bosses in Annapolis makes a mockery of our democracy, and it is an embarrassment to all that our state stands for,” Hogan said in a news conference
Thursday. “On behalf of all the people of Maryland who value fairness and integrity in our elections and in our political system, I am vetoing these disgracefully gerrymandered, illegal maps, which are a shameful violation of state and federal law.” Hogan also called on the Biden administration to add Maryland to its lawsuit against Texas for violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), who represents Worcester and Wicomico counties, called the approved map “highly partisan” and against the wishes of the majority of Marylanders during last week’s hearing. “We can now expect intense legal battles over the redistricting maps with the courts having the final say,” she said in a news release. “I will continue to fight for and support fair redistricting maps, and free and fair elections for Maryland.” The 1st District, which under the most recent map includes all Eastern Shore counties from Worcester to Cecil, along with portions of Hartford, Baltimore and Carroll counties, is the only district with a Republican representative. Currently, the seat is held by Del. Andy Harris, who is up for re-election next year.
In the new map, which was drawn by politicians and strays from a bipartisan citizen group’s recommendation, still includes all Eastern Shore counties from Worcester to Cecil but only a small southern portion of Hartford in exchange for a chunk of Anne Arundel County. The move reduces Republi-
cans’ representation in the newly drawn district by roughly a third, but does not completely eliminate the party’s majority. Proponents of the new map said it protects minority voting powers, preserves communities of interest and alSee CITIZEN Page 8
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Concerts, Air Show and more for Ocean City By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Major concerts, the air show and a professional bull riding competition are among the events Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo is seeking for the resort over the next two years. Appearing before the Tourism Commission on Monday, Perlozzo presented a rundown of attractions he is hoping to draw to the resort in an effort to boost its entertainment profile. In August, Tom Perlozzo introduced the mayor and City Council to Tim Sweetwood of C3 Productions, who plans to stage a concert comparable to the famous Lollapalooza in the resort area in September. Perlozzo said Tuesday that he is
looking over a tentative layout for the festival as well as a bill schedule. “They do have three or four extremely top name entertainers,” he said. “I don’t think anyone here would be disappointed.” Perlozzo and Frank Miller, the director of special events, are hammering out the details with other city officials and plan to get a compilation of terms back to C3 soon. The other arm of C3 is Live Nation, Perlozzo said, and he has met with its officials about additional concerts, including another big name. “If you get Jimmy Buffett, are you guys OK?,” Perlozzo asked the group, saying that he is working with Live Nation to get the Margaritaville giant at the resort for a concert on June 4 and 5, if he is lucky. More than likely, he added, the concert will be planned
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to headline the 2022 Ocean City Air Show in June, which is one of the events the director of tourism and business development, Tom Perlozzo, said he is working on for the resort area. GREG WEHNER/ OCEAN CITY TODAY
for 2023. “I asked for Jimmy Buffett,” Perlozzo said. “I thought you all would go for that.” The 2022 Ocean City Air Show is starting to take shape, and last week organizers announced that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining the event once again. Perlozzo said Bryan Lilley is scheduled to attend a City Council meeting on Jan. 11 to discuss several of the details of the air show. Councilman Tony DeLuca asked Perlozzo how the city can “kiss and make up” to get the Blue Angels to come back to the resort area, while Mayor Rick Meehan said the city burned bridges with Lilley and he hopes they can all get back on track. One of the issues with the event though is Lilley is looking for 60-70 fully comped rooms, where last year he got 50. Councilman John Gehrig said parameters need to be placed around comped rooms, especially when the city helps fund the air show with Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) funds. “That’s double dipping,” Perlozzo said. Local promoter Brad Hoffman met with Perlozzo recently also and requested the date of the Jellyfish Fes-
tival be moved from September to June 24 and 25. Last year, the festival was expected to be coordinated with a Brad Paisley concert, though the country star postponed the show. Now, according to Perlozzo, Paisley can only come to Ocean City on Aug. 27. With several concerts in the hopper, the Performing Arts Center is also getting its share of entertainment. Perlozzo said six Broadway shows are booked for the venue next year, including the John Waters classic, “Hairspray.” And finally, Perlozzo said he is working to get Professional Bull Riding, or PBR, and a professional rodeo in Ocean City, after working with a promoter who also puts on a major hot air balloon festival in Easton. Two dates are being proposed for the PBR event, including on in June at the inlet parking lot, and another in August at the convention center on 40th Street. Meehan said he is also interested in getting hot air balloons in Northside Park during Sundaes in the Park. He explained they can inflate three to five balloons at the park, which can be seen for miles in every direction. The balloons would be tethered, he added, and they won’t go anywhere.
Citizen group aimed for fairness Continued from Page 6 lows as many people as possible to stay in their districts. Members of the bipartisan Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission developed a map that cleanly drew District 1 from Worcester to northern Baltimore County, encompassing all of Harford and none of Anne Arundel, nor any other counties across the bay. Hogan said the map was the result of a process that included 36 public meetings throughout the state with more than 4,000 attendees. The group also developed an online mapping application portal for members of the public to create their own maps and submit draft plans for consideration and deliberation. Members of the group also stayed engaged with residents during the map development
process by publicizing draft versions and collecting feedback. Adversely, members of the Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission, led by Democratic House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson, created maps “in secret,” according to Hogan’s veto letter, and provided little to no opportunities for public comment on the process. “The fight for free and fair elections in our in state is not just a fight between the right and left; this is a fight between right and wrong,” Hogan said in his veto letter. “We must rebuild a democracy where voters pick their elected representatives — not the other way around. I will not stay idly by and allow this unfair practice to continue to dilute and disadvantage the voices and rights of millions of Marylanders.”
DECEMBER 17, 2021
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Route 50 roadwork provokes delays, disruptions for drivers
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Maryland State Highway crews pave a portion of U.S. Route 50 east between Maryland 346 and Herring Creek. The roadwork has been a source of frustration for motorists on both sides of the Ocean City gateway since it began in November and is expected to last until Dec. 31.
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By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Flashing lights, rows of orange cones, lanes closed, traffic backed up for miles, and entrances and exits to neighborhoods and businesses completely blocked for select amounts of time are familiar scenes on U.S. Route 50 headed into Ocean City these days. Maryland Department of Transportation and State Highway Administration crews in November began what has turned out to be a disruptive paving project along the Ocean City corridor, westbound from Herring Creek to Route 818 and eastbound from Route 346 east to Herring Creek. The work is set to continue until Dec. 31. And while state officials have communicated the details of the project and advised motorists to plan for delays during the times crews are permitted to work — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday — the disruptions and inconveniences have been hard felt. Mary Ann Jordan, who is building a house in the Glenn Riddle neighborhood, right in the middle of where much of the work has been underway, experienced the effects of the roadwork firsthand several weeks ago. She recalled an instance in which she was forced to turn around on Man O’ War Lane while trying to access her neighborhood. The entrance to the development was closed from where she was coming from, an inconvenience that she said could have been avoided with signage along her route. “In my opinion there weren’t enough signs that indicate that that entrance to Glen Riddle was closed, there were no signs,” she said. “There were a lot of cones … and I thought I was within the cone parameters. And so I pulled over and got ready to turn [and] the worker ran over to my car and started yelling at me and said, ‘you can’t go there.’” Jordan added that she understands the stress and frustration that comes with directing traffic, which is why signage — both letting motorists know of road closures and directing them to detours — is a necessity. “There was no sign that said it was closed and there was a lane there. So that was my frustration,” she said. Bob Faszczewski, who lives off of Seahawk Road, has had similar issues. “On several occasions the main intersection near us — adjacent to [Stephen] Decatur High School — has been blocked during the morning weekday rush hours, making it impossible to get to Route 50 East without driving into the highly congested area around downtown Berlin,” Faszczewski said in an email that he
also forwarded to state department of transportation officials. “Additionally, on the morning of Wednesday, December 1, my wife and I had a 9:30 am meeting in Ocean City,” Faszczewski continued. “The roads were so backed up with traffic due to the repairs to Route 50 East near Walmart that it took us nearly an hour to get to Ocean City, where we almost missed our meeting. I can’t imagine the problems this caused for those trying to get to Ocean City for work.” He called the planning on the work “pretty poor” and questioned why it cannot be completed during nonpeak travel times. In response, Maryland State Highway Administration Engineer David Redman said in an email that the work is part of a $2.5 million increase in funding received recently and that the cold temperatures are the reason crews are only working earlier hours. Otherwise, he said the project would have been completed at night. He also said that he and the crew members have been “keeping an eye on the backups.” “I understand they are in the 10 minute range normally and that seems to be the case every time I have been on the jobsite,” he said. While Faszczewski disagreed with his time estimate, given that it took him nearly an hour to drive in to Ocean City during the backup he referenced, he appreciated the response. “Although I am not completely satisfied, I think the state has addressed my complaint,” he said. Atlantic General Hospital officials have also advised their patients at Atlantic General Primary Care, Pediatrics and Women’s Health Center of the work that is “causing major delays.” “If you have an appointment scheduled with us … please be prepared to leave earlier than usual,” a letter to patients said. Sarah Yonker, the director of marketing at AGH, said in an email that the roadwork has caused delays in patients reaching appointments in West Ocean City offices, resulting in late arrivals. She said no detour routes exist, which resulted in the notice to patientsWhile we have carried out a great deal of flu/COVID combo testing in our outpatient spaces as well as Emergency Department, our overall hospitalized volume of patients has remained low compared to previous flu seasons. We had one hospitalized inpatient reported this past week.. Shanteé Felix, the assistant media relations manager for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, said in an email that officials have received feedback on the project and have See HIGHWAY Page 12
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Five out of 10 of Ocean City’s public electric vehicle charging stations are in the south parking lot near the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street. Officials are looking into locations across the resort to add more.
Ocean City eyeing spots for new electric vehicle chargers By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) As the desire for clean energy gains momentum across the country, Ocean City officials may soon jump on the bandwagon with more electric vehicle charging stations. “If you are a true believer that you are going heavily toward electric vehicles, if you are a true believer that we will get many visitors of that sort, then one starts questioning what we as a municipality should be doing for longrange planning,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins told members of the city’s transportation committee this week during a presentation on potential locations for future charging sta-
tions. Ten public charging stations exist across the resort, and officials from Delmarva Power — the company that owns, operates and maintains them — have asked about adding more. “Our team looked at several potential locations,” said Jim Smith, the senior public affairs manager for Delmarva Power, in an email to Adkins and City Engineer Terry McGean. Smith listed the inlet parking lot, the 65th Street safety complex, and the Route 50 Park and Ride as possible spots for more stations, and asked for feedback. Adkins said he does not know who See STATE Page 12
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
State, federal funds available to erect more public stations Continued from Page 11 exactly would handle installing more stations, as it could be planning or engineering officials, but he wanted to bring the idea to members of the transportation committee for an initial look before the City Council weighs in. “That was just to plant a seed,” he said. “It’s not an action item for today.” Through the existing Delmarva Power program, which costs the city nothing, the company works with charging vendor Greenlots to coordinate all equipment purchase and installation efforts. Any future charging stations would also be provided at no cost, with rights-of-way permission the only necessity. Adkins pointed out that the federal Build Back Better bill that recently became law includes nearly $8 million for electric charging stations, which could further support the current state program. Some private charging stations also exist outside of businesses, condos and residences, Adkins added. For example, he said the parking lot at Fager’s Island has them. Councilman Tony DeLuca, who sits on the transportation committee, said the Gateway Grand hotel also has three, which
are permitted only for owners. “On the weekends we’re noticing people are waiting,” he said. “So I mean, I think it’s coming.” Mayor Rick Meehan also suggested collecting data on the usage rates of the existing stations. “I just want to make sure the demand is there,” he said. CURRENT PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS IN OCEAN CITY WORCESTER STREET, MUNICIPAL LOT One port, Cost: $4/hour 40TH STREET, OCEAN CITY CONVENTION CENTER, SOUTH PARKING LOT Five ports, Cost: $2/hour WORCESTER STREET MUNICIPAL LOT One port, Cost: $4/hour 100TH STREET Two ports, Cost: $4/hour 125TH STREET, NORTHSIDE PARK Two ports, Cost: $2/hour
OC COUNCIL BRIEFS By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) The Ocean City Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday afternoon for a regularly scheduled work session and discussed the following items:
Fire boat conversion Budgeted at $100,000, the fire boat owned by the Ocean City Fire Department could be converted to use outboard motors instead of the inboard engine it now has. The city put out an request for proposals to have the work done and Marshall Welding out of Crisfield, Maryland submitted the only bid for the project for $94,065. The bid was remanded to staff for review and will then return to the council approval.
Potable water valve Two bids were submitted in response to city government’s call for a supplier to locate, test, and map all 1,750 potable water valves in Ocean City as well as valves to 1,200 fire hydrants. Director of Public Works Hal Adkins said on Wednesday that all the valves have not been mapped or tested in Continued on Page 14
Highway officials address concerns Continued from Page 10 been working with the state police to help improve traffic flow. “Traffic has been building up mainly at signals, and MSP has been on site to manually extend green lights or use flashing yellow lights when appropriate to help keep traffic moving,” she said.
Highway officials have been advising motorists from the beginning to allow more time for travel when they know they will be driving within the area of the roadwork. Felix also said that officials began posting information about the project on message signs in the both east and west lanes two weeks before the work
began. She said the notices were only placed on the main corridor but that officials have been connecting with people who work at the businesses and live in the residences nearby to inform them of upcoming blocks. She added that the blockages are never set to last any longer than 30 minutes at a time.
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Tourism seeks more from MAASA contract By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission unanimously agreed to give a favorable recommendation to the City Council to look into renewing a fiveyear agreement with the Mid Atlantic Amateur Sports Association (MAASA)
this week, though changes needed to be made to even the playing field. During the commission’s meeting on Monday afternoon, the city’s director of tourism and business development, Tom Perlozzo, said MAASA is a partnership between Ocean City and Worcester and Wicomico counties designed to attract, retain, and build up
OC officials look to include hotel bookings on CVB site By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission hope to make changes to the Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) website so it can help drive potential room bookings away from international companies and to the hotels directly. The website, www.ococean.com, is currently used as a hub that allows people to find a hotel, place to eat, entertainment venues and other activities in Ocean City. Norma Dobrowolski, a destination sales manager for the CVB, said the bureau is an arm of the city that started out as a list on the city’s website. Over the years, she said, the CVB has evolved
into a powerful tool, with as many as 325 members at one point, and currently with nearly 290. Dobrowolski said ococean.com needs to be renovated, explaining that the site needs to be able to compete with companies like www.booking.com and www.expedia.com to drive people to the resort. Over time, the length of time people spend on ococean.com has dropped significantly, with people staying there less than one minute. Director of Tourism and Business Development Tom Perlozzo said the city spent millions of dollars to drive people to ococean.com, but that the site does not provide a good return on inSee TOURISM Page 15
sporting events in the region. The city last signed a contract to be part of the association in 2017, and it has until March 1 to either opt out of the agreement with a termination date effective on June 30, 2022. Part of the contract required Ocean City to pay $6,000 annually and to share the bid fees with the two counties. It also placed MAASA in the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) where bid fees for events were split up so Wicomico received 60 percent, Worcester received 5 percent, and Ocean City received 35 percent. Perlozzo said a decision to renew the contract was timely because of the potential to get an annual agreement by USSSA and attract more sports to the region. “I think we definitely need to spread out the contract a little better,” he said. “My recommendation is to continue the contract with some changes.” Perlozzo also said there are only two events in the area that are consid-
ered MAASA. The rub with the association is the split of how the fees are divvied out, with Wicomico receiving the bulk. “They aren’t going to support things going to Ocean City and we aren’t going to support things going to Wicomico County,” Perlozzo said. Currently, the resort area does not have the facilities needed to attract the sporting events. Ocean City lacks the necessary number of rectangular fields and ball diamonds, Perlozzo said, and right now the big push is to promote the coast. Mayor Rick Meehan’s support, Councilman Tony DeLuca moved to have Perlozzo work through the contract with MAASA and bring it back to council with changes, like revenue sharing. “It’s the worst deal of all time,” Councilman John Gehrig said, adding it was bad for both sides and needs to be adjusted. “The more we bring to the region, the better chance we’ll get our share.”
OC COUNCIL BRIEFS Continued from Page 12 nearly 10 years, and it is time to bring in a company with the appropriate machinery to make sure they work properly. Adkins also said the process includes creating a document that shows efficiencies and inefficiencies. The first bid announced on Tuesday was from Wachs Water Services for $157,184.82, and the second came from Hydro Max USA for $134,760. The work was not budgeted, but with the prices of the bids, Adkins and his team can review what the department can afford and put together a plan to see what they can do and when. City Council members voted unanimously 6-0 to have the bids remanded to staff for review. Council President Matt James was absent from the meeting.
Rental code changes Bill Neville, the city’s director of planning and community development, presented to the council changes to the rental housing code that could have ramifications for property owners who rent through companies like Airbnb and do not pay the proper fees to the town. Neville explained, the city noticed several housing units were going online to reservation systems like Airbnb. The concern was whether the format followed the same rules as other housing services in the resort. An arrangement was made, and anyone renting a place would have to follow the city’s rental license restrictions. The ordinance modifications are to ensure room tax is collected from all
rentals. To impose that change, however, the city must run that measure through the Worcester County government, which collects taxes. There are several aspects to the code modifications, including acquiring a noise permit to control issues that arise from short-term rentals, terms of enforcement, and ensuring all violations under the ordinance are consider municipal infractions. It also adds additional enforcement criteria so when a property owner is issued a new license or renews the license, a review will take place to ensure the owner paid all taxes, while also requiring the hosting platform to collect those taxes on behalf of the owner. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the county may not be able to get its code amendments in front of the commissioners until January. “It seems like everybody’s in sync, so this is the time to move this forward,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. Council members voted 6-0 in favor of putting the modifications up for an official reading at an upcoming meeting.
Vehicle purchases Procurement Manager Catrice Parsons presented a request to appropriate nearly $150,000 to buy six vehicles to be used by city officials. The money, she said, would come out of the city’s vehicle trust fund balance. All six vehicles will be passed on to departments with vehicles scheduled to be decommissioned in 2022. The council voted 6-0 in favor of the request.
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Ocean City Today
Tourism targets OTAs with website upgrades Continued from Page 14 vestment to those who pay to be part of it anymore. With many hotels paying online travel agencies a minimum of 15 percent on every reservation, Perlozzo said the goal is to find a way to be a better partner to the hotels and put more money in their pockets for more workforce and advertising. He recommended having a hotel booking system developed and implemented on ococean.com. “With a new ad agency coming, we can promote this properly,” he said.
Perlozzo gave an example where the fee to join and be part of the site is $1,000. Hypothetically, he explained, if the average room rate is $250 and on average people booked two and a half days per reservation, there could be a 15 percent marketing cost, equating to $93.75. With that scenario, the hotelier could recoup the $1,000 after 11 bookings. “This might scare some of the hotels,” he said. It’s optional. “I would bet they do thousands of hotel bookings in a year. Thousands,” Perlozzo added. Mayor Rick Meehan said being part
of ococean.com would be a savings to hotels in Ocean City and would be far less than what they pay in online travel agency fees currently. “Drive them to ococean.com to save them a significant amount of money and give the city money to reinvest for them,” he said. It will take time, though, according to Perlozzo. With his eyes on the future, he said it would be nice if visitors could build itineraries on the site, but right now it’s all about baby steps. Councilman John Gehrig said the
hotels can either spend their money on places like Booking.com or on ococean.com. Either way, he added, they’re going to spend their money, no matter what. They could go to a multinational company that is not going to reinvest in Ocean City or give it to a local partner. “It’s all about where you get the best deal,” Meehan said. “That’s the bottom line to the customer.” The commission gave a favorable recommendation to proceed with increasing ococean.com’s capabilities and to have the issue presented to the mayor and council for consideration.
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
US Wind extends OC surveying moratorium By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) US Wind announced on Dec. 10 that it will further delay geophysical survey operations until Jan. 1 in an attempt to peacefully coexist with the fishing industry in and around its Maryland lease area. “After refraining from geophysical survey work during November, US Wind was set to resume geophysical survey work … on (Dec. 13),” a company statement reads. “However, recognizing the challenges that exist for local fishermen to maximize catch during the height of conch season, US Wind will be extending the suspension of our geophysical work until (Jan. 1).” US Wind says it resumed conducting geotechnical survey work in the southeastern portion of its Maryland
lease area, which it says local fishermen confirmed would not interfere with their operations. The company will use “local scout vessels” to ensure all survey locations are free of visible fishing gear, the release said. Ben Cooper, US Wind director of marine affairs, said the company is committed to being good neighbors to the mariners with whom they share the ocean. Their fishery liaisons are working directly with local fisherman to ensure strong coordination between the industries. However, longtime Ocean City fisherman Jimmy Hahn wasn’t too thrilled by the supposed good news from US Wind. “They’re making out like this is a great big deal but they were supposed to be done on Oct. 31,” Hahn said.
“We gave up all spring, summer and now during the height of our conch season they’re coming back and basically bullying us and pushing us off our historical conch area.” Further, he said, the fishermen asked for survey vessels to suspend operations through Jan. 15 but were given Jan. 1 instead. “Really what they’re doing is a joke,” he said. “They gave us an extra 15 days to get our pots out of the area. So over Christmas instead of spending time with our families, we’ll be out here moving pots.” And still, he said, US Wind has not met with the local fishermen in person. “I don’t understand why everything is a big secret, why they can’t have a face-to-face meeting with us
and explain what their plans are,” he said. “Why can’t they explain to us what their plans are?” Hahn added that he has yet to receive compensation for his damaged conch pots from late October and early November. In an emailed response, Cooper said that US Wind is looking forward to meeting with local fishermen next week to share information about and solicit feedback on its survey plans before survey operations resume. “Actionable feedback and transparent information sharing are critical to avoiding conflict at sea,” Cooper’s email stated. “We are eager to meet with area fishermen in-person and hear how to best coordinate with the fishing activities in and around our lease area.”
stops go back to those initiatives,” Buzzuro said, referring to targeting drivers who speed on 142nd Street between Coastal Highway and Duke’s Road – a shortcut many use to get around stacked traffic on the main throughway. DUI enforcement also increased to 20, nearly doubling that of 2019. Weapons arrests also stayed in the same ballpark as two years ago. “When calls for service are down, that’s a true positive,” Councilman Lloyd Martin said, complimenting the department for its efforts.
Mayor Rick Meehan to see what the city can do to attract more applicants. “It’s not just us,” Buzzuro said, adding that the employment crisis is a national issue. “We continue to do whatever we can do to attract people and bring them in.”
POLICE COMMISSION BRIEFS By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Members of the Ocean City Police Commission attended a brief open meeting on Monday, Dec. 13 at the Public Safety Building on 65th Street and discussed crime statistics, seasonal hiring, and the implementation of body-worn cams by officers. A closed session was held immediately following the meeting to discuss legal matters.
Crime update OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro presented an update on crime statistics for November, saying calls for service were lower, or near where they were two years ago. “We’re consistent with where we were two years ago, and that’s a good thing,” he said. In November, the department fielded 1,230 calls compared to 1,380 during the same period in 2019. There was a considerable increase in the number of traffic stops between 2019 and 2021, though the chief said they were proactive in nature. “A good number of those traffic
Seasonal hiring The crisis of finding employees to staff the department is hitting the OCPD hard, according to Buzzuro, who said the number of applicants for public safety aides and police officers has been cut in half. “We are sluggish,” he said. “We are having extreme difficulty getting people in through the door.” The chief said the next round of applicant testing will occur this weekend, and that should allow him to get a good idea of how the department will fare. He also said he is working with
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Body cams The police department is getting closer to selecting a vendor to provide body cameras for the entire force, along with solutions for storing the data. Buzzuro said his team has tested cameras from several vendors over the past couple of months, adding that there has been good feedback, and not too many gripes from the officers. Of the vendors, he said, the department is ready to investigate entering a contract with one, though there could be some legal issues that need to be hammered out first. The chief also said he wants to get the possible contract in front of the council as soon as possible. “It’s been a big undertaking,” he said. “We’re going to be asking for consideration from the mayor and City Council.”
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Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City prepares strict regulations on cell towers By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Despite a federal judge’s denial to dismiss claims that Ocean City unlawfully acted when it rejected Crown Castle’s proposal to install three cell towers in an uptown residential neighborhood, officials are ready to establish regulations governing where towers can be erected in the resort. During a work session on Tuesday, the mayor and City Council received revisions to an ordinance that enhances the regulation of cell towers in the city’s right of way, easements and property. City Council members are concerned about the towers being planted everywhere, especially in res-
idential areas like Montego Bay, by companies like Crown Castle. Earlier this year, the latter proposed installing three cell towers taller than 30 feet in Montego Bay, though the city denied the application … twice. The first denial was in March and the second was for three applications submitted in August and rejected unanimously in October on the grounds that city code requirements would not be met. The reasoning also said the towers would not fit the character of the community, which has underground utilities throughout. Crown Castle filed a civil lawsuit against the Town of Ocean City in July, claiming the city acted unlaw-
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fully. The city responded by asking a judge to dismiss the claims, and the judge denied the request on Dec. 7. The new regulations that were presented to council on Tuesday would include revisions to the existing utility ordinance and address small wireless facilities. They also would require the development of a permit application for the installation of such facilities, and revise the utility installation agreement. Specifically, definitions were added that identify what is covered by the ordinance, clarification was added who can install the towers in the right of way and when the utility installation agreement is required and adds requirements that tower providers comply with the city’s ordinance. Also included are installation guidelines, permit requirements, and a continuation of the prohibition of
installing cell towers in R-1 or MH neighborhoods unless approved by the City Council. Carly Didden, the government affairs manager for Crown Castle, voiced opposition to several aspects of the code revisions at the beginning of the work session, adding that a letter was submitted to the city with those concerns. City Engineer Terry McGean acknowledged the letter had been received, though he was not ready to respond to Crown’s comments until he has time to review them. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury also confirmed the comments were received, but said they came in at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The council voted 6-0, with Matt James absent, to hold a first reading of the ordinance and to adopt the regulations at the next meeting on Monday, Dec. 20.
OC, Berlin receive nearly $1 million in renovation grants
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GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City Council members are expected to consider new legislation that regulates where cell towers can be installed within the city-owned right of way, as well as several other modifications.
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By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Several towns and agencies in Worcester County were notified last week that they would be receiving substantial FY22 funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to address renovation projects. According to the DHCD, the recipients are the Ocean City Development Corporation, $100,000, for exterior building renovations to older buildings in downtown Ocean City and to assist older buildings in the downtown area to improve energy efficiency; the Town of Ocean City, $150,000, to help turn a former bank downtown into the Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum educational center; and the Town of Snow Hill received $175,000 for an elevator. The biggest payout — more than every other Worcester recipient combined — went to the Town of Berlin, which is receiving $500,000 for the demolition of the long-vacant Tyson chicken processing plant. In Ocean City, officials are ecstatic over the grant money that will allow
them to finally begin physical work toward improving the aesthetic and efficiency of the downtown area. “Yay,” exclaimed Nancy Howard, the former president of Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Board. “We put in for this last year and didn’t get it. This was our second bite at the apple and we got it. We got the full amount and we are absolutely delighted.” The Bank of Ocean City building was donated by the bank to the city about four years ago with the understanding that the Life-Saving Museum would use it. “Ever since we got the building, the first thing we wanted to do was make the exterior look like it did when first built in the 1900s,” Howard said. The grant is for the renovation of the building’s exterior. “We’re all very excited,” said Christine Okerblom, the museum’s curator. “The mission of the museum is to preserve history and I can’t think of a better way to preserve and protect history than saving a downtown building and restoring it back to its glory.” “I think it’s going to be a project See OCDC Page 20
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN CITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Ocean City Development Corporation was one of several entities in Worcester County to receive grant funds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for renovating and upgrading certain buildings — or in the case of one Berlin project demolish them. Pictured here is before-and-after pictures of one house that OCDC was able to renovated the exterior of using DHCD grant money.
OCDC, Life-Saving Museum gain from grants Continued from Page 18 that benefits our community and those who visit during our summer season and be a benefit for downtown in terms of revitalization.” The interior is a different story, Howard said, and will take “a lot more than $150,000” to address. But they are poised to at least start working once the grant money is released to them, which will likely happen after the calendar turns over. Over at OCDC, Executive Director Glenn Irwin was similarly ecstatic
about the grants his corporation will be receiving — even the DHCD grants they’re used to getting. “We’re very pleased to continue to get the grant funds for our facade program, which has been our most successful revitalization program over the course of our history. That will allow us to renovate another 10 buildings in downtown Ocean City,” Irwin said. “We’re pleased to get the $50K for the OCDC Green Building Initiatives, too, because it’s been years since we’ve received any funds for that pro-
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gram. It will allow us to reactivate that program to make some of the older buildings downtown more energy-efficient.” Irwin said the façade program has been around for nearly 20 years — the organization’s first grant was received in 2002 and they have “pretty consistently” gotten $50,000 every year since. Altogether, 250 buildings have been improved under that program during that time. To qualify for that OCDC program, buildings must be older than 25 years of age, located downtown, and have the projects limited to only exterior improvements. “We’ve probably used that community legacy program for more building renovations projects than any other entity in the state,” he said. The “green building” project, Irwin said, has been around since 2012. It’s used for energy efficiency projects such as Energy Star-related windows and doors and other similar types of material. “We’re very pleased to get the grants again and we’ve always had a very good relationship with the Department of Housing and Community Development at Maryland,” Irwin said. Meanwhile, over in Berlin, Eco-
nomic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said she’s pleased to “finally” receive this grant to demolish the derelict Tyson chicken processing plant. “We had a meeting about Heron Park several years ago and I brought up the idea of applying for a strategic demolition grant through DHCD and applied the first year, didn’t receive it, applied this year and we were happy to receive the funding,” Wells said. Like with the other projects, there’s no timetable for when money will be issued and when physical work can start, but Wells said she’s in touch with someone at the DHCD keeping tabs on the issue. What comes after demolition, she said, is anyone’s guess. “One thing for sure is those buildings definitely needed to come down,” Wells said. “At first we thought they were salvageable, but after touring inside and seeing how derelict they were, there was no saving them.” “That was the hindrance in any future plans that we wanted to do with the park and the property.” Also receiving money is the Town of Snow Hill — $175,000 — to install an ADA-compliant elevator to the second floor of the Snow Hill Visitor and Heritage Center.
Commissioners commit $1 million for parks upgrades By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners on Dec. 7 approved $1 million in spending on local parks and playground infrastructure, including $860,000 for the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex lighting project. The breakdown of the spending besides the lighting project is $55,000 for fencing extension and a batting cage at
Showell Park, $35,000 for the batting cage at John Walter Smith Park and $25,000 each for the Stockton Park fencing project and the bullpens at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex. Only one of the three soccer fields at the athletic complex has lights, said Recreation and Parks Director Kelly O’Brien-Rados. That has led to its overuse and the county having to turn away people trying to reserve playing time. See NORTH Page 22
DECEMBER 17, 2021
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Ocean City Today
No year-round: White Horse bylaws formally enforce rule By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) The White Horse Park Community Association received confirmation from the Worcester County Commissioners on Dec. 7 that its members can update its declarations to state that long-term offseason dwelling in the RV and mobile-home community is prohibited. The new language states that between Sept. 30 and April 1, no one may remain on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or a total of 60 days. The WHPCA has long been at odds with about 30 of its 465 residents who have been living on their property year-round. In 2019, the commissioners started enforcing a restriction on the residents that stipulated the same terms from the declarations they approved earlier this month. Affected residents contended that simply moving to another location for half the year was infeasible due to
various hardships. After failing to work around the county by promoting new legislation, the residents sued the county on the grounds that the county gave up its right to fine the residents for violating the rules since it was common knowledge at the park that these residents were still in the community during the offseason. The community association joined the lawsuit on the county’s side soon thereafter. Attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents the full-time residents of White Horse Park, called the commissioners’ ruling “punitive.” “My opinion on this case is the same as what it was two years ago — the commissioners should have made exceptions or variances for the people who live at White Horse Park full time for many, many years,” Cropper said. “This sort of continued effort to enforcement, in my opinion, is not necessary. There are still people in there who deserve to stay there until they voluntarily leave or pass away.”
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Dunes Manor Hotel on 28th Street, and accompanying Dunes Suites and Dunes Court, were sold recently to OTO Development, a South Carolina-based company with multiple hospitality properties across the country.
Dunes properties sold to national hotelier By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) After decades under local ownership, the beachfront Dunes Manor property on 28th Street has been taken over by a national hotelier. The 11-story, 170-room hotel, 64room Dunes Suites and 49-room seasonal Dunes Court at the end of the Ocean City Boardwalk have shifted hands and are now part of OTO Development’s extensive portfolio. The South Carolina-based company is an arm of The Johnson Group, which develops,
owns and operates select service hotels across the country. According to a “Hotel News Resource” article, company officials were drawn to the Dunes because of its Eastern Shore beachfront location in a town that serves as a vacation tourist attraction for visitors spanning the coast, from Baltimore and Washington D.C., all the way up to New York. The change ends an era that dates back before 1965, when Thelma and Milton Connor bought the motel property on 27th Street. At the time, the larger,
Victorian-style Dones Manor was a wistful dream, which Thelma fulfilled on her own in 1987, eight years after her husband’s death. At the time, a woman owning and running a hotel was still pretty taboo, but Connor did it with grace and style, which included a daily ritual of serving tea, crumpets and cookies in the lobby for guests and anyone else who wanted to join. Her legacy continued for the rest of her life, with significant contributions to the local hospitality industry, some of
whgich are still referenced today, until her death in 1999. “Mrs. Connor was one of our original Steel Magnolias, a true lady with hospitality always at the forefront,” Susan Jones, the executive director of the OC Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said in an email of the late hotelier. “It is our hope that the new owners will continue her tradition of creating a warm and welcome feeling to future hotel guests.” The new company officially took over the property on Dec. 8 but officials have not released any details about it plans.
North Worcester Athletic Complex to get LED lights Continued from Page 20 Even the fields at the complex with lights will be retrofitted with new LED lights, which will be the standard for the all-new lights going in as well. “This is separate from any (existing Project Open Space) application,” she told the commissioners. “It does follow very similar policies with the exception that it is 100 percent reimbursable.” Project Open Space, Maryland’s top land reservation program, stipulates that projects must be located on land owned or controlled by the county, be 100 percent accessible to the general public and be used for development — not acquisition. Acceptable uses entail design, construction and capital equipment for both indoor and outdoor park infrastructure. “And to the greatest extent, it must be completed within (FY22),” Rados said. The fencing extension for the Showell Park project is intended to protect people by the concession stands from batted balls. The current estimate for beginning construction is late winter or early spring 2022.
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The grocery store chain ALDI opened its doors to the first store in Berlin, at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., on Dec. 16.
German supermarket chain opens doors to Berlin store (Dec. 17, 2021) The grocery store chain ALDI open its doors to the first store in Berlin, at 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., on Dec. 16, as part of its aggressive national expansion. ALDI operates more than 2,100 stores in 37 states and is on track to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022. The ALDI business model is intentionally different. ALDI focuses on offering shoppers the best products at the lowest possible prices, and Berlin shoppers can make that assessment for themselves when the new Berlin store opens on Thursday, at 8:30 a.m. The store will be open daily from 9
a.m. to 8 p.m. “We are excited to open our first ALDI location in Berlin and introduce area shoppers to the high-quality, fresh foods we offer at low prices in every aisle of the store, every day,” said Jeff Baehr, Frederick regional vice president for ALDI. “The ALDI business model is designed to provide exceptional products at unbeatable prices, and we look forward to serving Berlin customers for many years to come.” For the past 10 years, ALDI has held the title of “Value Leader” among U.S. grocery stores, according to the Market Force Information U.S. Grocery Competitive Study.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Loan provider offers options for low-income rural families By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) USDA offers loans and grants for home repairs in rural areas of Maryland through a program known as Section 504 Home Repair program. The program provides loans to veryl o w - i n c o m e homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes. And, for elderly very-low-income homeowners, it provides grant to remove health and safety hazards. To qualify for this program, you must be the homeowner and occupy the house; be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere; have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income; and for grants, be
age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan. The maximum loan amount is $20,000 and the maximum grant amount is $7,500. However, loans and grants can be combined for up to $27,500 in assistance. The funds may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety hazards for repair loans. Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards. The loan terms are: • Can be repaid over 20 years • Loan interest rate is fixed at 1 percent • Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more The grant terms are: • Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500 • Must be repaid if the property is See USDA Page 24
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Ocean City Today
Pa. man arrested for false alarm and assault By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) A Pennsylvania man faces two counts of assault and causing a false alarm after he broke out a fire extinguisher and sprayed it all over a hotel hallway and stairwell before reportedly assaulting two people trying to leave the establishment. Noah Michael Rudash, 23, of Mount Morris, Pennsylvania was arrested by Ocean City Police at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 8 near 38th Street and charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of causing a false fire alarm, and destruction of property. Police were alerted to a man – later identified as Rudash – who was wearing nothing but his underwear and discharging a fire extinguisher on the ninth floor of a hotel there.
When officers arrived, a hotel maintenance worker said he watched Rudash throw two tables, a chair, and the screen to the balcony door from the balMichael Rudash cony and onto the pool deck. The worker also said Rudash discharged the fire extinguisher at him. Officers went up to the ninth floor as the fire alarm sounded throughout the hotel. When they arrived, they saw fire extinguisher powder all over the hallway and stairwell. The officers followed footprints to the 10th floor, and at the top of the stair on the 11th floor, they found the fire extinguisher. A short time later, another police officer said he was stopped by a couple
who said they were assaulted by Rudash. The woman told officers they were exiting the hotel by way of the stairwell when an unknown man who matched the description of Rudash grabbed her arm and said, “You’re not going anywhere.” Immediately, the woman’s partner grabbed Rudash and took him down, but Rudash got up and ran up the stairs and threw a “Wet Floor” sign at the man. A second fire alarm was activated in the hotel minutes later, this time on the second floor, and Rudash was located on the 12th floor nearly 15 minutes later. Rudash, police said, had powder on his clothing, as well as an abrasion to his upper arm that was the result of the man who took him down. The maintenance worker confirmed Rudash was the man with the fire extinguisher, and he was placed under arrest.
Rudash told police he was with his fiancé and daughter and that he was drinking alcohol when he heard a gunshot outside of the room and went to investigate it. As he looked around, Rudash told officers, he saw a white man who was about 30 years old with a pistol, and he punched him in the face. When police asked where the man was, Rudas said “he’s getting away.” Police said Rudash had no recollection of throwing furniture over the balcony rail. The couple he allegedly assaulted identified Rudash as their assailant. Rudash’s fiancé told police that he suffers from alcohol addiction, and that she got upset because of his excessive drinking. She also said Rudash got angry and said, “I want to hit something, I want to punch something.” At that time, she said, she took her child and went to the hotel office to hide.
upstairs from a popular bar. When police arrived, they met with the renter of the apartment who said he did not know who the woman was or how she got into his locked apartment. The officers saw the woman – identified as Poliks – on the floor in a back bedroom of the unit. An investigation found Poliks was the subject of a missing person call approx-
imately an hour earlier. Several of her friends, police said, told officers she left the bar below in search of a bathroom. Poliks, police noted, appeared to be intoxicated and told officers she was not assaulted in any way. She was also not bothered about being in someone’s apartment without their permission, according to court documents. After watching surveillance video, police said, officers saw Poliks outside of the property sitting on a wall separating the parking lot and alley. The alley, police said, was posted with several “No Trespassing” signs. Still, Poliks went over the wall and walked around the property before entering a door that led to the apartment. She was arrested for trespassing and fourth-degree burglary.
dropped a donut on the floor, according to court documents, though officers could not find a donut on the floorboard of the vehicle. She also told officers she fell asleep and when she woke up, she was stopped in a lane. Salters said she was going to see a doctor because she keeps falling asleep randomly, police said, and she did not remember anything else about the incident. After an investigation, police determined she was under the influence of alcohol, and she was placed under arrest.
POLICE/COURTS
Fourth-degree burglary Marissa Koleen Poliks, 23, of Crofton, Maryland was arrested by Ocean City Police at 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 11 near Wicomico Street and charged with fourth-degree burglary. Police responded to a report of an unconscious woman on the floor of an apartment near Wicomico Street, just
DUI accident Rachel Lee Salters, 53, of Ocean City was arrested by Ocean City Police at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 near 32nd Street and charged with DUI and several traffic violations. Police said Salters was the driver of a vehicle that turned into the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway to go south, striking the bumper of a vehicle that swerved to avoid a head-on collision. Salters first told officers she
DUI crash Vincent Howard Cropper, 43, of Ocean City was arrested by Ocean City Police at 3:16 a.m. on Dec. 13 near 56th Street and charged with DUI and several traffic infractions. Police were alerted to a car crash near 56th Street and when they arrived, they found a black pickup truck facing south on the median and in the white fence. A large portion of the fence was destroyed, police said, and one of the light poles was knocked over onto the street. Cropper was the driver, according to police, and an investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. Cropper told police he fell asleep while driving.
REAL ESTATE REPORT
USDA offers home repair help Continued from Page 23 sold in less than 3 years • If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan and grant combination. Applications are taken year-round and approval times depend on fund-
ing availability in each area. If interested, you can talk to a USDA home loan specialist in Worcester County to help complete an application. – Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Include Asian tuna ceviche on holiday celebration menu By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) What is truth? This single word entails a complexity that embellishes our lives every day. Time, knowledge and personal preference are variables that influence one’s perception at any given moment. In essence, truth is not an insight about meaning, but a viewpoint of the immediate reality or situation. One might be wondering what this has to do with culinary undertakings? The holiday season is upon us and entertaining is in full swing. It is important when one is planning a celebratory occasion, to be “true” to themselves. The menu, decorations and theme of the occasion should coincide with one’s budget, style and comfort level. If you do not follow this basic rule, you may be taking on more than you can “chew” and setting yourself up for failure. Keeping things simple is the best advance for those who do not entertain regularly. On that note, ceviche (pronounced “seh-VEE-chay) is a straightforward but elegant dish to serve at this time of the year. For those who are not familiar with ceviche, allow me to familiarize you with this Peruvian appetizer or main course. Ceviche is actually chilled fish stew. In order to be considered ceviche, the fish or seafood must be cooked in lime juice or another citrus. The acid in the citrus denatures the proteins in the fish, causing it to become opaque and producing a firm texture.
Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and when exposed to acid, these chains break apart and arrange themselves into different configurations. A more common way of denaturing proteins is by exposing them to heat. Ceviche is technically cooked fish, even though there is no heat involved. That being said, heat is an effective way to kill bacteria, marinating fish in citrus is not. This is why it is imperative to use the freshest seafood possible. Ceviche typically includes onions, chilis, cucumbers, cilantro, tomatoes and avocados. The citrus is also a natural preservative and keeps vegetables such as avocados from turning brown. Ceviche recipes vary according to region, and each area has their favorite fish or seafood. Tuna, snapper sea bass, halibut, mahi-mahi, and tilapia are popular fish for ceviche. Other seafood components include shrimp, scallops, squid and octopus. It is important to marinate the ceviche for the proper amount of time. Too short and the seafood will be raw, too long and the seafood will be rubbery or the fish will fall apart. Ceviche goes well with tortilla chips, tostadas, plantain chips, or crackers. There is no set rule, personal preference is always one’s guide. Tuna is a great choice for ceviche. Bigeye tuna is absolutely delicious and sushi grade. Kerry Harrington specializes in fresh seafood and is located in West Ocean City. When available, Kerry carries bigeye tuna, and can be reached at 443-235-3448. If one is going to use tuna for ceviche, it must be cut in unison. Presentation is important and a sharp knife is a must.
The fresher the tuna, the quicker it will “cook.” Keep marinating time to a minimum. The color of the tuna will start to turn an ashy color, which is not attractive. Remove the tuna from the marinade and cut the marinated pieces in half. This way, it is clear to your guests that the tuna is cooked and at the same time the natural beauty of the fish comes through. Tuna is pricy, so presenting it as an amuse bouche is a great way to upscale your menu at an affordable price. No matter what marinade you use, keep in mind that the tuna is the star of the dish. Asian tuna ceviche is a delectable choice. Slivers of green onions, black and white sesame seeds not only add flavor, but texture. If tuna tickles your fancy, you must give Asian tuna ceviche a try. Adaptation is not only acceptable but encouraged. A recipe is meant to be a guide so one can remain “true” to their particular style. Enjoy!
Asian Tuna Ceviche
Ingredients 1/3 cup fish sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons sugar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 finely diced avocado 1 ½ pounds sushi-grade tuna, uniformly diced ½ English cucumber, sliced at an angle black and white sesame seeds as a garnish 1. Combine lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil and olive oil in a medium bowl. Cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. 2. Add cilantro, green onions, tuna and avocado. Carefully mix ceviche and allow to marinate for another 10 minutes, then strain. 3. Place a teaspoon of tuna ceviche on a slice of cucumber, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve immediately. Secret Ingredient – Truth. “A truth that is told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.” – William Blake
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
I Am Not Alone Christmas Concert to Benefit Diakonia (Dec. 17, 2021) Award-winning country rock recording artist, Jimmy Charles, returns home to the Eastern Shore to perform his annual I Am Not Alone Christmas Concert to Benefit Diakonia on Dec. 23, at Bourbon Street on the Beach. Tickets include an all-you-can-eatbuffet from chef Barry Reichart of the 126th Street restaurant, acoustic performance by Randy Lee Ashcraft, Charles’ full band concert and a donation to Diakonia. The event begins at 4 p.m. with an acoustic performance by Ashcraft. Charles will take the stage at 7 p.m., featuring longtime Ocean City legend sax player, Joe Smooth. The concert will include Charles’ original material, Christmas classics and popular country and rock covers. Charles also just released his first classic Christmas songs, “Mary Did You Know,” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” He plans to release one more called, “Christmas in Heaven,” dedicated to his dad and grandpa in Heaven. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance. There will also be a silent auction and raffles to benefit the cause. To date, I Am Not Alone has raised and donated over $60,000 to cancer
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survivors, tornado and hurricane victims, pediatric programs, addiction centers, ALS foundation, Zero the End of Prostate Cancer and other organizations and charities. The nonprofit has utilized Charles’ inspiring music and platform to provide hope, strength and well being to those that need it most. I Am Not Alone was born out of Charles’ and Miranda Weidle’s passion to help others battling cancer. It quickly opened up to assisting individuals (and other nonprofits) that were struggling financially, mentally, and physically. “No one should ever feel alone,” Charles said. “Miranda and I have learned so See CHARLES Page 28
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Award-winning country rock recording artist and Ocean City native, Jimmy Charles, returns to the Eastern Shore to perform his annual I Am Not Alone Christmas Concert to Benefit Diakonia on Dec. 23, at Bourbon Street on the Beach, 126th Street. PHOTO COURTESY JIMMY CHARLES
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Charles looking forward to return to OC for concert Continued from Page 27 much from our journey and we want to continue to help as many people as we can as long as we can,” he said. “I can remember taking care packages to Diakonia with my mom growing up and just knowing we are making a difference in someone’s life makes me whole.” “We were so excited to hear from our board president Robb Dunne that Jimmy Charles was going to be doing a benefit concert for us and what perfect timing with it being our 50th birthday,” said Bee Miller, Diakonia executive director. “This will help us so much as we have many needs right now. So excited for the evening.” Tickets cost $50 and are on sale now through Eventbrite https://jimmycharlesconcert.eventbrite.com. To sponsor a table, contact I Am Not Alone at https://www.facebook.com/iamnotalonechallenge/ or jimmycharleslive@gmail.com. Since 1972, Diakonia has been helping men, women and families in Worcester County by providing emergency housing, food assistance and resources to help them get back on their feet. Over the past 10 years, Diakonia has expanded its services to include case management, housing assistance, homeless prevention and veteran services. Charles, an Ocean City native, moved to Music City in 2008 and was quick to become an active and viable member of the singer/songwriter and performing community. He’s since played every famed Nashville honky tonk, traveled across the U.S. to share the stages with Travis Tritt, Josh Turner, Lady A, Montgomery Gentry, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Love & Theft and Merle Haggard. His career catapulted when American Idol talent producers recognized his talents to cast him as a top contender on the nationally televised reality show in 2010 (Season 9). Charles also tours the Virgin Islands twice a year and headlined a concert for thousands on Brewers Bay Beach. Charles and his family are returning to the islands on Dec. 18 to benefit the underprivileged children there. Together Charles, Weidle, and the I Am Not Alone family are determined to make sure no one feels alone, especially during the holidays. Help them make a difference by joining them on Dec. 23, along with Diakonia and the Bearded Men’s Society of Ocean City.
www.oceancitytoday.com
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
DECEMBER 17, 2021
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Skate with Santa and open skating available in Dec. (Dec. 17, 2021) Worcester County Department of Recreation and Parks is offering two holiday events, where the community is invited to skate with friends and family during Skate with Santa and an open skate. Skate with Santa is a free family event on Dec. 22, at Sturgis Park on River Street in Snow Hill from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to ice skate, decorate ornaments, hop on a train ride, enjoy festive music, sip on hot chocolate and get a picture with Santa. This event is open to all ages. The ice rink will be set up at Sturgis Park for open skate, Dec. 27-30 from noon to 7 p.m. It is free to skate, compliments of Ann Sturgis-Coates and Randy Coates. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children 6 and under are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. For more information on the skating events, contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144 x2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org. For a full list of special events or recreation programming, visit www.playmarylandscoast.org.
Drive-in movies and laser shows held this weekend (Dec. 17, 2021) Due to inclement weather last weekend, Worcester County Recreation & Parks (WCRP) will offer two events this weekend: free drive-in movies and laser shows. On Friday, Dec. 17, “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. 18, 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.
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Kick off 2022 with 28th annual AGH Penguin Swim (Dec. 17, 2021) The 28th annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim is set for Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, and will take place once again on the beach at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 91st Street in Ocean City. The health and safety of participants, spectators, staff and volunteers is at the forefront of event logistics planning. All details will be subject to change due to covid-19 conditions and requirements at the time of the event. Visit the event website, www.aghpenguinswim.org, for complete up-to-date information. Individuals and teams are invited to join in the fundraising. T-shirts for participants will be available while supplies last for their $25 registration fee. Individual participants who raise or donate $100 or more will also be eligible to receive an official 2022 AGH Penguin Swim longsleeve T-shirt, while supplies last. Participants can register online now to start collecting donations. To view this year’s shirts, or to register, visit www.aghpenguinswim.org. All participants are required to register either online or in-person and check-in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband to gain access to the swim area. Advance online registration is recommended. Participants are encouraged to come to pre-registration and advance check-in at the Princess Royale from 2-4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Avoid long lines on event day and pick up wristbands and shirts early. Participants will also receive an additional Penguin Swim item during advance check-in. Event day registration and checkin will begin at 10 a.m., ending promptly at 12:30 p.m., with the main event at 1 p.m. on the beach at 91st Street. The time in between will be full of activities the whole family will enjoy, including carnival games, face painting and mermaids
The Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach at 12:45 p.m. from 94th Street to the swim area in front of the Princess Royale. Spectators are welcome. All participants and spectators are expected to follow all posted instructions and verbal directions of volunteers and staff for face coverings and physical distancing before, during and after the event. Special recognition awards will be given to oldest and youngest penguins, and the penguin who traveled the furthest. Trophies for first, second and third place will be awarded to those who raise the most money in divisions for Individuals – Adults (19 & Over); Youth (18 & Under); Celebrity Challenge, and Teams – Businesses; Community Groups/Organizations; Youth/Family; Celebrity Challenge. Those unable to attend can participate in the Cyber Swim. Register online; then take an ice-cold dip wherever you are and post a photo or video on social media using #OCPenguinSwim. Make sure the post is public so organizers can see it. Find the Penguin Swim on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Participants can register for the cyber swim on the event website and pay an additional $5 fee per participant to cover costs to have their Tshirts shipped to them. Call the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation office at 410-641-9671 or go to www.aghpenguinswim.org for more information. Proceeds from the event, gathered through corporate sponsorships and participant fundraising, support the strategic plans undertaken by Atlantic General Hospital to uphold its mission to improve individual and community health. Atlantic General Hospital is a 501(c)3 organization. The 2022 Penguin Swim co-chairs are Michael Cylc and Ryan Kirby. Bull on the Beach/Crab Alley marks their 28 consecutive years as Title Sponsor.
Let Bunting G o To Bat For You!
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LOT Lot 18 - Croppers Island Rd Newark Almost one acre of land w/no nontidal wetlands. No city taxes or home owners association. Choose your own builder. No septic drain field on the property only a septic tank & lift pump. $125,000 Cam Bunting, Broker Bunting Realty, Inc. 24 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811 Office: 410-641-3313 • Cell: 410-713-2065 • www.buntingrealty.com
OC Art League launches ‘Open Your Heart to Art’ (Dec. 17, 2021) The Art League of Ocean City’s vision is “to be a cultural center and regional catalyst, inspiring creativity, providing accessibility to and promoting an understanding of the value of the arts.” As a nonprofit organization, the Art League depends on the community’s support to fulfill its vision. To encourage donations, the Art League has launched the “Open Your Heart to Art” campaign. Donors can choose how great an impact they wish to have on their community. For example, a $1,000 donation provides a college art scholarship to a Worcester County student for one year. A $500 donation covers the supplies needed for the monthly Free Family Art Days at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. A $100 gift covers one week of summer art camp for a local child in need. Everyone who donates will have their names written on a cutout hugging heart that will be hung on white lighted birch trees on display in the Thaler Gallery at the Arts Center. “We wanted everyone’s donation to be acknowledged publicly and to become a part of a work of art,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “The red hearts on the white trees are so lovely and festive and give us so much hope for the future. And, we welcome all levels of donations; even a small donation has a big impact.” The Art League is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Donations may be made securely online at www.ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org/donate or by calling 410-524-9433 or by stopping by the Arts Center at 502 94th Street, bayside, in Ocean City. The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Crossword answers from page 36
DECEMBER 17, 2021
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Relationships will be easy for you this week, Aries. You will be in tune with the vibe of the people with whom you interact on a daily basis and can push interactions further.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Remember to take lessons from those who have blazed trails before you. Taurus. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Explore some tried and true strategies.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, your desire to remodel or redecorate your home could come to the forefront this week. Be careful to set a budget; otherwise, you run the risk of overspending.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 You may be lacking some self-confidence in the romance department right now, Cancer. Phone a friend and get the pep talk you need to realize you’ve got what it takes.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you may tempted to turn off your phone this week, as the idea of a device-free day is enticing. Take a brief time out from technology each day.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, if you feel backed into a corner, try not to lash out but understand others’ opinions and why they may be questioning you. Listen and you’ll find a solution.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, it’s unlikely you can check everything off of your list this week. Don’t let that get you down, however. You will accomplish a lot. Measured progress is still progress.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you may be known for being serious much of the time, but it’s alright to be goofy and playful once in a while. Engage in some entertaining antics.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Stand up for what you believe in this week, Sagittarius. Others will be inspired by your actions and may join in support of the cause you’ve championed.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 The pressure on you has been tremendous lately, Capricorn. You may want to treat yourself to a well-deserved rest. The break will quickly rejuvenate you.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 This is a good time to pursue your dreams, Aquarius. Make a list of smaller steps that will help you achieve your goals and then put the plan into action.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You can’t avoid every poor situation that comes your way, Pisces. Don’t run and hide, but step up and face the music.
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N.O.E.L. Community to offer Christmas dinner, Dec. 23 (Dec. 17, 2021) The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community is excited to be able to provide food for area residents for Christmas again this year. While a big part of the Christmas Day dinner, now in its 24th year, allows for entertainment and social gathering, the group has again modified its outreach this Christmas to ensure safety for everyone involved. On Thursday, Dec. 23, between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon, the N.O.E.L. Community will distribute bags filled with non-perishable goods and some traditional food items to prepare at home. A special bag will be provided for those who are not able to prepare food
at home. Bags will be distributed at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on Third Street and Baltimore Avenue, at the main entrance to the Church Hall (separate entrance than Shepherd’s Crook). Those picking up bags are asked to wear masks. For more information about the N.O.E.L. Community or this event, contact the office at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea at 410-289-3453. To make a donation to the N.O.E.L. Community, send to: The N.O.E.L. Community c/o St. Paul’s by the Sea, 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. The NOEL Community provides outreach year-round to local pantries and social service agencies in the area.
Concert held on New Year’s Day (Dec. 17, 2021) To kick off 2022, Mayor Rick Meehan and members of the Ocean City Council will host a concert at the Performing Arts Center on New Year’s Day. All residents and visitors are welcome to attend the free event. The 2022 Mayor’s New Year’s Day concert will feature a special performance by The Priceless Band. The Priceless Band is a Motown band from New York that plays for any type of occasion. The Priceless Band was founded by band leader Saundra Price, a.k.a. Priceless, the daughter of the late community leader from Brooklyn, James Rocky Robinson. With tributes like Gladys Knight & the Pips, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, guests will find themselves on their feet from the beginning to the end of the
show. “The New Year’s Day Concert is an uplifting and positive tradition, which brings members of our community together to celebrate the start of a New Year in Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “This year we are excited to welcome The Priceless Band from New York. This will be a concert like no other.” Beginning at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day, residents and visitors are invited to ring in the new year with the mayor and council and a concert by The Priceless Band. Tickets will not be issued, as seating will be first come, first served. For more information about the Mayor’s New Year’s Day Concert, contact Lauren Davis at 410-289-8931. For additional information about The Priceless Band, visit https://thepricelessbandbk.com/.
The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community will provide food for area residents for Christmas again this year, on Dec. 23 at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church from 10 a.m. to noon. Pictured, from left, are Katie Coffman, Monica Martin, Marsha and Robert Parker, and Terry Moody.
Over $300K generated for orgs. (Dec. 17, 2021) A day celebrating philanthropy for lower shore nonprofits culminated in a recording-breaking $300,249 raised for participating organizations. More than 2,599 donations were made during the seventh annual Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign, which took place Nov. 30. Giving Tuesday, held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is an international 24-hour online giving movement. The local campaign, known as The Shore Gives More, is hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and assists local nonprofits with the fundraising effort. By providing an online donation portal, marketing and technical support, the campaign makes a significant impact through collective philanthropy. “Nonprofits provide critical services to the local community, and fundraisers like Giving Tuesday help charities con-
nect with donors,” said Erica Joseph, CFES president. “Giving Tuesday has become its own holiday in the nonprofit world, and the local generosity really shines a spotlight on how wonderful our local community is.” The Shore Gives More was first launched as a Giving Tuesday campaign for the Lower Eastern Shore in 2015 and raised just under $7,500 in its first year. “As the area’s leading philanthropic resource, the Community Foundation understands the complexities around charitable giving, and we work hard to simplify the giving process for both donors and nonprofits,” Joseph said. “By giving through the Shore Gives More campaign, donors know their gifts will have an impact close to home.” To learn more about the “Shore Gives More” Giving Tuesday campaign for local nonprofits visit cfes.org or ShoreGivesMore.org to view individual nonprofit totals.
NOW PLAYING 101st Street, Ocean City Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Dec. 17-18: First Class, 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.
FIRST CLASS Ocean Club: Fri-Sat, Dec. 17-18, 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. OCEAN CLUB
SEACRETS
JOHN MCNUTT BAND
49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Dec. 17: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; Ocean 98 & Seacrets Christmas Party, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Late Last Night, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Dec. 18: Grad Night Celebration, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Shake, Shake, Shake, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Lunasea Glow Party, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Seacrets: Sat. Dec. 18, 5-9 p.m.
Dec. 23: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to midnight THE VIEW AT THE CAMBRIA HOTEL 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-856-4158 / https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/oceancity/cambria-hotels/md310 Every Tuesday: Karaoke, 7-11 p.m.
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CHARACTER DAY AT WPS Students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated spirit week Oct. 4-9, by dressing accordingly to each day of the week’s theme. Pictured during Character Day, are freshmen Bella Marinelli, Nazli Vnal, Danielle Carr, Maxine Ruggerio, Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School Mike Grosso, Emma Zajdel, Rori Holland, Abby Ament, Sydney Tingle and fellow underclassmen peeking in from behind.
Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Daily chef specials. Breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Friday, 8-11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 p.m. to noon. Dinner and Lite fare Wednesday through Sunday, 5-9 p.m. Dine in or carry out available. ■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits. Now open Thursday through Sunday. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., lunch at noon and dinner at 4 p.m. Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare, and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more. Dine in or carry out. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. Soups, salads, crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, scallops, fresh soft crabs, and specialty dishes. Happy hour daily, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Early bird daily, 4-6 p.m. with special dinner menu. Open Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday at noon; Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Dine in or carry out. Closed from Dec 20-25. Reopening Dec. 26 at noon. ■ 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 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining with coastal inspired dishes along with regional favorites, craft cocktails, small-plates and a relaxed ambiance. Serving breakfast and dinner with spectacular ocean views. The house specialty – Maryland Crab Cakes are some of the best in Ocean City. Open 7 days a week. Dine in, take out, no deliveries. ■ THE VIEW RaESTAURANT AND BAR AT CAMBRIA, OC Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Avenue, Ocean City 410-280-1645 or 410520-4541 Open to the public with a new full menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour each day from 3-9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. daily until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other days. Enjoy overlooking the bay with fresh baked pastries on premise. Wounder appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads.
MIDTOWN
lantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ 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 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Happy Hour daily, 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. (kitchen until 10 p.m.) and NFL specials all day Sunday. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
UPTOWN
29th to 90th streets
91st to 146th streets
■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-5249254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-6645639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. 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-
■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Clarion, 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including light fare and steamer specials. ■ THE CURRENT RESTAURANT Located on the sun terrace at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 21842 443-856-2367, www.princessroyale.com $-$$ | Dine in | Full bar Open to the public, open-ocean air dining, providing an experience unique to any other in Ocean City. Commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean and East Lawn. Enjoy a range of coastal cuisine, signature cocktails, local craft beers and live entertainment. Locals receive 25 percent off food and drink. Must show valid ID. Closing for the winter this Sunday. ■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS 11805 Coastal Highway, Unit N, Ocean City 443-664-7275, www.ochoricosjerkandtings.com $$ | Full bar Serving you authentic Jamaican food, appetizers, lunch specials, stew, salads, burger, jerk shrimp or chicken, and entrees. Steak, oxtail, seafood, and chicken with many special sauces. Signature jerk excoveitched or BBQ.
Side dishes with rice and peas, fried sweet plantains, fried cornmeal dough and mac & cheese. Desserts, Jamaican rum cake, NY cheesecake and red velvet cake. Closed Monday thru Wednesday. Thursday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410250-9918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | Serving authentic Thai food, full vegan menu and vegetarian options including curry, rice and noodle dishes. Homemade appetizers, soups, and sauces. Seafood, meat, chicken, stir fries, vegetable, tofu, and desserts. Dine in or takeout. Early Bird Special Sunday, Monday and Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Open noon to 8 p.m.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE 12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-390-5998, 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.
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Calendar Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
Fri., Dec. 17 GOOGLE APPS 101
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m.noon. Drop in and learn how to use some of Google’s many features such as Google Sheets, Google Calendar and Google Drive. Feel free to bring your own electronic device. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
BERLIN BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘RADIUM GIRLS’ BY KATE MOORE
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Lively discussion facilitated by Cynthia Hanagud and Gail Samis of Salisbury University. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin branch. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
OCEAN 98.1 FM LISTENER & SEACRETS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY
Seacrets, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 5-10 p.m. Free and open to those 21 years and older. Featuring 6 local and touring artists, complimentary appetizers, food and drink specials, 50/50 and Chinese auction. Toy donations accepted. www.ocean98.com, 410-723-3683
Ocean City, 9-11 a.m. Santa Claus available for photos with people and pets. Free parking and goody bags for the kids. The Chamber is asking for a $10 donation (cash or Venmo). 410-641-5306, info@oceanpineschamber.org
CRAFTY SATURDAY: HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Make some awesome crafts and decorations perfect for the holiday season. While supplies last. For ages 4 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
FREE DRIVE-IN MOVIE & LASER SHOW
John Walter Smith Park, 6022 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, 7 p.m. Featuring “The Santa Clause.” Vehicle parking begins at 6 p.m. Laser show to follow movie. Tyler Keiser, 410-632-2144, Ext. 2505, tkeiser@marylandscoast.org, www.playmarylandscoast.org
Sat., Dec. 18 VIRTUAL WALK WITH A DOC
A short presentation by one of AGH’s providers on AGH’s Facebook page, 9 a.m. Then walk wherever you’d like and share your selfie with hashtag #walkedwithagh. Tina Simmons, tsimmons@atlanticgeneral.org
SANTA IN THE SAND
Ocean Pines Beach Club, 49th Street,
SUPER POWERED STEM: MAKE & TAKE HOME!
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn how to make snow slime. All materials will be provided. For children 8 years and older. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org under “Events.” 410-6322600
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a health lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
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.
MERRY MARKETPLACE IN BRRRLIN
Berlin Maryland Welcome Center Parking Lot, 14 S. Main St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring Santa House, artisans, food cultivators, grab n go holiday crafts, hot chocolate, hot cider, mead, live music, free horse drawn carriage rides and Santa letter mailbox. info@berlinmd.gov, 410641-2770
Tues., Dec. 21 STORY TIME ‘TEENY TINY THINGS’
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. Take-home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
FREE DRIVE-IN MOVIE & LASER SHOW
Newtown Park, 2001 Groton Road, Pocomoke City, 7 p.m. Featuring “Elf.” Vehicle parking begins at 6 p.m. Laser show to follow movie. Tyler Keiser, 410632-2144, Ext. 2505, tkeiser@marylandscoast.org, www.playmarylandscoast.org
ANNUAL LIVE NATIVITY
Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, 6-8 p.m. Featuring the Christmas Story told and retold every half hour. Presented outside with Christmas carols, music, hot chocolate and refreshments by the fire. 302539-9510, www.marinersbethel.org.
www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
Sun., Dec. 19 MERRY MARKETPLACE IN BRRRLIN
Berlin Maryland Welcome Center Parking Lot, 14 S. Main St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring Santa House, artisans, food cultivators, grab n go holiday crafts, hot chocolate, hot cider, mead, live music, free horse drawn carriage rides and Santa letter mailbox. info@berlinmd.gov, 410641-2770
Mon., Dec. 20 GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The Great Books Discussion group meets twice per month to discuss both classic and modern reading selections recommended by the Great Books Foundation.
CRAFT TIME ‘MULTICULTURAL HOLIDAY CRAFTS’
Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join the group to make a snowman sensory bag and have fun using your little fingers. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
SKATE WITH SANTA
Sturgis Park, River Street, Snow Hill, 6-8 p.m. Free event featuring the opportunity to ice skate, decorate ornaments, hop on a train ride, enjoy festive music, sip hot chocolate and get a picture with Santa. Open to all ages. 410-632-2144, x2505
Thurs., Dec. 23 24TH ANNUAL N.O.E.L. COMMUNITY DINNER
St. Paul’s by-the Sea Episcopal Church, 302 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.noon. The church will distribute bags of non-perishable foods filled with some traditional food items to prepare at home. A special bag given to those who can’t prepare food www.stpaulsbythesea.org, 410-289-3453
STORY TIME ‘BUILD IT’
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
MUSIC & MOVEMENT: WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join the group in making several multicultural holiday and winter-themed crafts. All children are welcome. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come listen to some classic winter time music, play some fun games and shake all of those sillies out. Take home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
WIDOW AND WIDOWERS CLUB
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 1 p.m. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month. All are welcome. Refreshments and games to follow meeting. John, 410-208-1398
DELMARVA DANCING
Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9 p.m. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s. A $5 donation to benefit Veterans. Participants show proof of vaccination or wear a mask. delmarvahanddance@gmail.com, 410-208-1151
Bourbon St. on the Beach Restaurant, 12601 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4-10 p.m. Featuring Jimmy Charles Band with guest Randy Lee Ashcraft (4-7 p.m.). Buffet, silent auction, toy drive and raffles. Tickets cost $50. https://feedback.facebook.com/events/601829777804465/
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
Wed., Dec. 22
ONGOING EVENTS
KIWANIS FOOD DRIVE
WINTER TRAIN GARDEN
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines Ocean City is collecting non-perishable foods, which will be delivered to Diakonia.
CRAFT TIME ‘SNOWMAN SENSORY BAG’
Worcester County Library - Ocean City
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
PAGE 34
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
OCEAN CITY COMIC CON FESTIVE FUN More than 6,500 guests attended the fourth annual Ocean City Comic Con, held last Saturday at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street. “We were so happy to be back, and I think that everyone who came out was as well,” said event organizer James Dufendach. “This year is a little different of course with our added safety measures, but everyone seemed to take it in stride and we had an awesome day full of geekery for all. I'm so grateful that the community has gathered around this event and shown us so much love and support. It means the world to me that we can have events like this right here on the shore." OC Comic Con again partnered with nonprofit Diakonia of West Ocean City. Almost 2,000 pounds of food was collected and donated to the shelter. (Left) Delaware Ghostbusters, John Hollyday, left, and Josh Rolph, pose with the “Ecto 1D,” which is owned by Hollyday. (Right) John Schaible of Catonsville, dresses as Marvel’s “Moon Knight.”
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Left) All dressed up for the event, from left are Prex Brink (“Crona Gorgon”) of Ocean City, Kaz Dedmon (“Mey-Rin”) and Catherine Thomas (“Hatsune Miku”), both of Delaware. (Right) Clone Troopers of the 501st Legion, Jeremy Serio, left, and Jesse Pollock III, talk to guests about the organization.
(Left) Kat Katan (“Ka’ra Kryze” of Mandalorian) and Joshua Colucci (“Jora”) pose for a photo. (Right) The Bullock family of Delaware, Bryce, Demitrius and Michelle display and sell their comic books during the event.
DECEMBER 17, 2021
PAGE 35
Ocean City Today
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
LUNCHEON SHERO AWARDS The Art League of Ocean City held its fourth annual SHEro Awards ceremony on Oct. 29, honoring women who have done remarkable things in the face of adversity. The SHEros were nominated by the community. Recognized at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, pictured, standing, from left, are John Sisson, president of the Art League of Ocean City; Melissa Reid, Terry Smith, Gwen Lehman, Kim Klump, Nettie Widgeon, Debbie Smullen, and Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, and seated, Michele Ennis, Barbara Buford and Deborah Rolig.
The Republican Women of Worcester County held their general meeting and luncheon on Oct. 28 at The Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City. The guest speakers were Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino and Worcester County Health Department Officer Rebecca Jones.
PHOTO COURTESY D.J. LANDIS, SR.Y
DONATION
GUEST SPEAKER
The Ocean City Lions donated $1,500 to the Lions Vision Rehabilitation Foundation to support low vision research and rehabilitation. The foundation partners with the LVR Rehabilitation Center at the Wilmer Eye Institute of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore. Pictured are OC Lion Past President John Topfer, President Scott Stark and Past President Mike Hooper.
Maureen Kennedy of My Backyard was the guest speaker during the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City’s Oct. 6 meeting. Kennedy explained that when she retired, she wanted to do something about her passion, birds, so she opened her store at the Ocean Pines South Gate. She is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund.
SPIRIT DAY The eighth grade class sponsored “Decade Dress” Spirit Day on Oct. 22, to help celebrate Worcester Preparatory School’s 50th anniversary. Middle School students (grades 6-8) participated by wearing outfits representing the 70s, 80s, 90s or the 2000s. Seventh graders, in back, from left, are Avi Bouzaglo, Justin McGovern, Jackson Griffin, Reed Corron, Isha Garg, substitute Helen Damouni, McKenna DePalma, Mario Dahr and Max Lev, and in front, Michael Hall, Emily Ferguson and Lara Owens.
Also participating are eighth grader Beckett Green and teacher Allison Bescak.
PAGE 36
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Covid, flu hospitalizations not spiking locally By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) The number of patients hospitalized with covid and the flu have spiked across the state in the last couple of weeks, but Atlantic General Hospital is not seeing the same trends. “While we have carried out a great deal of flu/COVID combo testing in our outpatient spaces as well as Emergency Department, our overall hospitalized volume of patients has remained low compared to previous flu seasons,” said Sarah Yonker, the director of marketing at AGH, in an email. “We had one hospitalized inpatient reported this past week.” Gov. Larry Hogan announced last week that the hospitalization rates across the state for both covid and flu patients was up, with more than 1,000 beds occupied. He urged residents to get their booster shots, which he said is the best defense against serious infection from the delta and omicron covid variants. Hogan also announced initiatives to help address nursing staffing shortages. They included urging the Maryland board of physicians, pharmacy and nursing to take necessary steps to permit temporary licensure of recently retired licensees and simplify or
eliminate administrative burdens on interstate compact or out-of-state care practitioners to practice in Maryland. Yonker said Atlantic General has experienced the same types of issues with staffing, which have prompted recruitment efforts. “Our leadership and human resources teams continue to work to recruit and retain key talent and needed resources,” she said. The hospital is holding a job fair from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 6 to help address the issues. The state is also going on two weeks now without reporting state and countywide covid case numbers online. Andy Owen, the deputy director for media relations for the Maryland Health Department, said in an email that officials took down certain systems, including statewide covid case trackers, as a cautionary measure following a recent network security incident. He said officials focused this week on gaining full visibility into the affected network infrastructure while working to bring affected systems back online. He said the full covid data reporting capabilities are not back up and running yet but that vaccine, hospitalization, and congregate and school outbreak reports are up to
date. “Our remaining data reports will be updated at the earliest opportunity,” he said. Weekly vaccine info: • As of Thursday, Maryland providers administered more than 9.88 million covid-19 vaccines for a total of 83.6 percent of residents with at least one dose. • As of Wednesday, a total of 64.67 percent of the county’s population had received at least one covid vaccine and 70.96 percent were fully vaccinated.
• Atlantic General staff members administered 189 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,-mdSee AGH Page 45
CROSSWORD
CLOSED DEC 20-25 RE-OPEN DEC 26 AT NOON YOU HAVE OUR T R I E DO U S FAM ES? AK CR ABC NYE FULL CIRCLE LIVE! MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! TUESDAY - TRIVIA NIGHT WEDNESDAY - DJ WAX 10PM
• NEW WINTER SPECIALS START NOW •
TUESDAY: SEAFOOD FRENZY NIGHT WEDNESDAY: MAMBO ITALIANO NIGHT THURSDAY: SHRIMP & "LOBSTER" NIGHT SUNDAY: NFL DISCOUNT DOUBLE CHECK DAY & NIGHT Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Scallops • Fresh Soft Shell Crabs 19 BIG SCREENS TO WATCH ALL YOUR SPORTS ACTION NFL AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL PACKAGES • KENO HAPPY HOUR DAILY 3PM-6PM
EARLY BIRD DAILY 4PM-6PM
Food and Drink Specials
Special Dinner Menu
Open Monday-Thursday at 3pm Friday & Saturday at Noon • Sunday at 9:30
Dine-In • Carry-Out & Online Ordering www.coinspuboc.com
28th Street Plaza • 410-289-3100
Answers on page 30
December 17, 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
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
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.
MULTIPLE YEAR-ROUND POSITIONS for Vacasa in Bethany Beach (20 minutes from OC). More info and to apply: vacasa.com/careers
MAINTENANCE
Hiring EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPER Please text 443-880-8078
Full time, year-round position w/attractive benefits package. Reliable company & excellent work environment.
410-524-0880
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
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.
Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s Int Realty is hiring
Real Estate Agents No experience needed. Please text Steven Diaz for more information.
410-245-1089
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS/ CARPENTERS
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
AUTOMOTIVE If you are looking for a change, NOW is the time! We are an automotive business with several parts stores, service centers and a used car dealership with multiple locations. We are now hiring for Parts Store Associates for our location in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Great pay and benefits including company matched retirement plan.
Call 302-339-6910
Must have experience. Competitive pay. Call 443-856-5600 or email your resume at skylineconstructionoc@ gmail.com
Hiring ALL Positions!! 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
Employment Opportunities:
HELP WANTED
Full time & Part time Fenwick and Selbyville Locations To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!
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!
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
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew 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 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
RENTALS
SEEKING RENTAL
COMMERCIAL
STORAGE
DONATIONS
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.
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
SEEKING RENTAL SEEKING RENTAL Reliable Professional 50 yr. old seeking Year-Round Rental. 1 or 2 bedrooms. References available. Call Kim 609-968-8100.
Classifieds 410-723-6397
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 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
BLINDS & SHADES
Run your business card in our
SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!
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
ELECTRICIAN
emerGency service available
410-251-3153 residential & commercial service Services Include additions • interior/exterior lighting lamp & light repair & service Wall outlets – microwaves • Generator installs
Call Turner Today 410-251-3153 BERLIN • OCEAN PINES • OCEAN CITY
PRINT WEB oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com
DECEMBER 17, 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
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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
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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 17, 2021
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
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-12/09/3t _________________________________ 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 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 no-
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 1388-21 1412-21 1417-21 1429-21 1436-21 1441-21
Year 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 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. 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 _________________________________ IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: RONALD LEE FLOYD ESTATE NO. 19013
NOTICE
OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all Persons Interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq., 110 North Washington Street, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 10850 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on 01/18/2022 at 10:00 a.m. This hearing may be transferred
or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529 Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: 12/16/2021 OCD-12/16/2t _________________________________ NOTICE TO LEAD LICENSED HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS
INVITATION TO BID Housing Rehabilitation Worcester County, Maryland
The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids for rehabilitation work to be performed on a single-family home located in the Snow Hill area of Worcester County. Bid specification packages and bid forms are available to licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractors also possessing both MDE and RRP lead contractor certifications. Packages may be picked up from the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street- Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us under the "Bids" drop down menu in the lower right hand side of the home page, or by calling the Commissioners' Office at 410-632-1194 to request a package by mail. The projects are proposed to be funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are thus subject to all applicable Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights
guidelines. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021 in the Office of the County Commissioners at the above address at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked "Housing Rehabilitation Bid - Snow Hill - December 27, 2021" in the lower left-hand corner. Bids will be reviewed by staff and awarded by the County Commissioners at a future meeting. In awarding the bids, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bids they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work. time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate. All inquiries regarding the bid specifications shall be directed to the Housing Program Inspector, Dave Walter, at 410-603-4096. All other inquiries shall be directed to Jennifer Keener, Director, at 410-632- 1200. OCD-12/16/2t _________________________________
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 ob-
DECEMBER 17, 2021 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. 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
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19012 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH ANDERSON Notice is given that Robert Anderson Jr., 306 Yacht Club Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, was on December 09, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Elizabeth Anderson,who died on October 20, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of June, 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
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Ocean City Today / Public Notices 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. Robert Anderson Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 16, 2021 OCD-12/16/3t _________________________________ HELEN M. SMITH ESQ FEDDER AND GRATEN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION 10096 RED RUN BOULEVARD SUITE 200 OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18983 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOY APPLE MILLER SINGER Notice is given that Brooke R. Miller, 1550 7th Street NW #803, Washington, DC 20001, was on December 07, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joy Apple Miller Singer who died on October 18, 2001, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of June, 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. Brooke R. Miller 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 16, 2021 OCD-12/16/3t _________________________________ 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. 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 _________________________________
Legal Advertising Call Nancy MacCubbin 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 17, 2021
Worcester County School Bus Contractors Association During this holiday season or anytime of the year Worcester County School Bus Drivers Association asks that you support these businesses within our community. Happy Holidays!
SPONSORED BY: Bank of Ocean City Taylor Bank International Bus Lines American Bus Lines IG Burton Worcester County Department of Transportation Uncle Willies
Tull Lumber Co-Kevin Tull Whaleyville Food Bank-Frank Anderson Big Liquors Worcester County School Bus ContractorAnonymous Friendship Exxon
DONATIONS BY: Ish Boutique Starbucks West O Bottle Shop Mioni's Rayne's Reef Island Creamery Royal Farms Harbourside Waterman's Crabs to Go Viking Tree Sunset Grill The Shark Mary K Pure Romance Pit & Pub Burn De Novo’s A Bagel And Hooper's Ruth's Chris Crush N Crab Green Turtle Bucks
J&M Meats Sue's Asian Cuisine DJ Lawncare Berlin Auto Wash Pine's Publick House Johnny's Pizza Ocean City Elementary School Showell Elementary School Snow Hill Elementary School Berlin Intermediate School Stephen Decatur High School Del Veccio's Bakery Jerry's Toys The Flower Shop Four Seasons Pizza Dockside Don's Seafood & Chicken House Red Roof Family Restaurant Burley Brewing Co Tractor Supply The Buzz Meadery Pitt Stop Beer & Wine Exxon-Friendship
Baked Salt & CO Arby's Coastal Coffee Wild Horse Cabanas Salon 16 The Sterling Tavern Cheers Tracy's Barber Shop Castaways Eagles Landing Croppers Main St Nails Glen Riddle Golf Club Health Freedom On What Grounds Sassy Boutique American Bus IG Burton International Bus Buckingham Elementary School Stephen Decatur Middle School
Thank you to all of these businesses and organizations for your heart-felt generosity to others in our community and for making our annual picnic a huge success! ~Worcester County School Bus Drivers Association
Commentary
Ocean City Today Dec. 17, 2021
Page 43
New 1st District makes most sense Maryland ranks near the top among the states with egregiously squiggled congressional districts, with the Democrats in this state matching the Republicans in Texas for creativity in partisan map drawing. But the newly arranged 1st District, of which Worcester County is a part, isn’t as poorly configured as critics say it is. While it is true that the district’s boundaries were redrawn to reduce the big Republican advantage enjoyed by its member of Congress, Rep. Andy Harris, its reach in the new map makes more sense than the one it replaces. Yes, the 1st District does jump over the Chesapeake Bay to include portions of Anne Arundel County, but that is no great departure from the norm. In fact, the 1st District map created for the 2012 election was the first time the district didn’t cross the bay. If anything, that configuration was the anomaly from the Eastern Shore’s perspective, as the map started here, rounded the state’s northeastern corner into Harford County and headed west all the way into Carroll County. Further, the lower shore counties of Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico have about as much in common economically and culturally with the Harford-Baltimore area as a woodpecker does with a pencil sharpener. As it is, the relatively small population of the Eastern Shore prevents it from becoming its own district, thus necessitating its expansion to points north and west. Of them all, the cross-bay reach into Anne Arundel makes the most sense, considering that slice of Maryland’s strong and still growing economic connection to Queen Anne’s County at the other end of the bay bridge. As for Harford and the other northwest territories, they are wonderful places, but their needs and circumstances are far removed from our own.
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
Now, breaking news
By Stewart Dobson Editor The U.S. Coast Guard has secured a memorandum of understanding with the Greek Coast Guard, which is formally known as the Hellenic Coast Guard. Now, thanks to this international agreement, we have additional help searching for any souvlakis lost at sea. Yet to be clarified, however, is the difference between a gyroscope, which we employ as true north compasses, and a gyro-scope, By which they use to find lunch Stewart from a long distance. *** Dobson Scientists have confirmed that the temperature above the Arctic Circle reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit on June 20. 2020. This first-time-ever event is not good news, especially for the Russian town of Verkhoyans, where the temperature was recorded, and where not a single woman owned a bathing suit without a thermal lining. And then, the town was set upon by solar bears. *** A highway sign had to be replaced near Wilmington, Delaware last week because the state’s name was misspelled. Instead of containing the proper spelling, the sign on I-95 said “Delware.” It was an honest mistake involving someone in the state transportation department who inadvertently said “no” when the signmakers asked if they wanted to buy another vowel. We really can’t get on them too much about this, when a search of the Maryland.gov
website at this very writing turned up almost two dozen references to “Worchester County.” *** Well, well, well, one might say, after dozens of NFL and NBA players called in sick with the coronavirus, so there is such a thing as a dumb jock after all. *** Speaking of coronavirus, up until just recently, I thought Omicron was one of the Transformers. “Great,” I said before learning that Omicron is the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet, “what are they going to call the next variant, Optimus Prime?” *** According to one of the hundreds of useless emails I get every day from public relations people looking for freebie advertising for their clients, 26 percent of this nation’s pet owners will dress up their animals for a photo shoot between now and the first of the year. This is great news for anyone who’s been wondering what to do with those four-legged trousers they bought on a whim. Just kidding, of course, since putting trousers on a dog — try it with a cat and you’ll get your veins unraveled — creates a wee problem, if not something more serious. Anyway, what this proves is that roughly a quarter of all pet owners need some kind of help, since they laugh at their dressed-up pets because they look ... stupid. The fact is, the pet has no idea that it looks stupid, which would make the laugher more stupid than the laughee. At least that’s my theory, although I must say that having dogs wear cabbage leaf hats is a laugh riot, because they look so ... so ... stupid.
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
Letters to the editor Resort “re-branding” mirrors national spending addiction Editor, Last year when the $4 trillion of borrowed stimulus unleashed by Mr. Trump in 2020 was followed by $1.9 trillion of additional stimulus passed in March 0f 2021 and $1 trillion of supposed “infrastructure spending” on Nov.15, unleashed by Mr. Joe Biden, all in less than two years, I gasped. Amazingly our government felt that still was not enough and subsequently unleashed a two-year money printing binge that printed an unheard of $120 billion a month of new dollars used to buy some of the new debt above as well as some mortgages with the proceeds. This printing binge caused a sugar high among our citizens and was unparalleled in the history of our nation. To say we have been in a sugar high is an understatement. The summers of 2020 and the summer of 2021 in spite of the (covid-19) restrictions, were both strong for most businesses in Ocean City. This strength was largely due to the unparalleled borrowing, printing and spending of this federal money. It was the first time in our country’s history that our government became involved with a
medical problem and thought they could print and borrow their way out. A virus that killed many of our older citizens has an average age of death at 79 years old. Cancer and Heart were not dethroned by the (the coronavirus) and retained their positions of #1 and #2 in deaths. It has been equally interesting to watch how our local politicians responded to this federal government induced “sugar high” by participating in the spending binge. The Town of Ocean City was a beneficiary of about $4 million federal dollars. Although business during the summer of 2020 was strong, there were over 400 national riots and Ocean City was touched by this too. So last year the mayor and members of the council went on a hiring binge. Hiring 23-24 new employees and spending a lot of the federal money, 10 were police officers. With no apparent concern or assurance that this bloat in the payroll will be carried with current tax revenue in future thinner years. Moreover, they did not stop in 2021. Recently they have embarked on a “re-branding” of the town. They brought (Tom) Perlozzo over from the county where he has been practicing his “re-
branding” and are allowing him to hire an additional staff of six more permanent positions to assist him with the supposed “re-branding.” As well as an additional sales and marketing teams yet to defined. This raises some interesting questions. Does our government need to “rebrand” the town? Wasn’t our local government responsible for the brand we have now? If so, who was responsible? What went wrong that requires re-branding? Moreover, did our local government’s past actions have anything to do with what happened? If not, what are they doing? Central to the “re-branding” is member (Councilman John) Gehrig’s grandiose idea that building athletic fields for children’s sports will benefit Ocean City. As a Division I college athlete at William and Mary for four years, I too love sports. Also, as a father who took his two daughters to numerous athletic fields from Virginia Beach to Pasadena, Maryland for soccer and softball, I have an opinion that I will share later on, on the purported benefit to Ocean City. Suffice it to say that member Gehrig has joined with county commissioners, including Joe Mitrecic, to push the athletic field idea forward. I believe Perlozzo is playing big in this plan. To sum up, the “re-branding” effort of our quaint town is underway, and no one on the council has either owned up to the current branding or even ‘fessed up as to why the current branding has gone awry. Independent of the millions that have
been and will be spent, many believe that the council is unable to brand our town. I know many people and myself believe we are blessed as a beautiful seaside resort and everyone within a tank of gas already knows about us. That the local government’s job is to keep the town clean and allow businesses to host, serve and entertain our guests. We may not know if all the new hires by the mayor and council members produce a new image or not. I am a little concerned that the last time Mayor Meehan, Lloyd Martin, Dennis Dare and Mary Knight initiated a government expansion like this one was 2005-2007, followed by a severe recession and increased taxes in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. When the tax rate went $.38 per hundred to $.472 per hundred. I wonder why these new council members James, Gehrig, DeLuca and Paddack, who ran and were elected on platforms not to raise taxes, all voted for these new hires and budget expansion? Then there is Mr. Buas who ran on transparency, we shall see. Mayor, please explain how this is any different than the government expansion prior to the great recession? Most importantly why we should expect a different result? A department head recently told me: “It is the will of the Town Fathers.” Maybe someone should check with the Town Mothers on the wisdom of this expensive “re-branding?” Tony Christ Ocean City
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
WORLD WAR II
Germans overlook Soviets, surprised when Moscow lost By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer (Dec. 17, 2021) Eighty years ago this week, the Red Army was driving the Wehrmacht from the gates of Moscow. Begun on Dec. 5, 1941, this Soviet counteroffensive came as a complete surprise to the Germans. A German intelligence report, from Dec. 4, stated that, “... at present the enemy in front of Armeegruppe Center is not capable of conducting a counteroffensive without significant reserves.” The Soviet Union had lost millions of men killed and captured and tens of thousands of aircraft, tanks and artillery pieces destroyed. Yet, the Red Army was still able to assemble such a force to attack the million-man Armeegruppe Center, commanded by Field Marshal Fedor von Bock, and push it away from the city. The Wehrmacht was never again able to get close to Moscow. The “Battle of Moscow” — one of the largest during WWII — is usually considered one of the most important battles of the war, primarily because the Red Army was able to prevent a determined attempt by the Wehrmacht to capture the Soviet capital. The battle also marked a turning point, as it was the first time the German army had been forced into a major retreat. Stalin, realizing the Germans were determined to take Moscow and knock the Soviet Union out of the war, ordered Gen. Georgii Zhukov to come to Moscow and organize the city’s defense. The city was transformed into a fortress. According to Continued on Page 46
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OC Reflections of Life tree leaves available at discount (Dec. 17, 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.
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Weekly covid numbers: • Atlantic General Hospital reported six covid in-patients this week, some of whom have been there longer than the required quarantine time because they still require treatment. • Worcester County has reported 125 covid deaths since March 2020. • According to the state health department website, as of Wednesday, 74 people in Worcester County schools — both public and private — had tested positive for covid. Buckingham Elementary had 23, Stephen Decatur Middle had 18, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School had 15, Stephen Decatur High had seven, Berlin Intermediate had four, Showell Elementary had five, and Ocean City
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Elementary had two. According to an online tracking system that Worcester County Public Schools updates weekly, the local district reported 31 new covid cases from Dec. 6-10. Info from Gov. Larry Hogan; the Maryland Department of Health; Atlantic General; Worcester County Health Department; and the CDC.
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Ocean City Today
WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 45 Zhukov, 250,000 women and teenagers worked, digging trenches and antitank moats around Moscow, moving almost four million cubic yards of earth with no mechanical help. By early December, the lead Panzergruppes stood fewer than 19 miles from the Kremlin, and German officers were able to see some of Moscow’s buildings with their binoculars, but, handicapped by cold, and exhausted troops, the Germans were unable to advance further. The overextended and exhausted Germans were unprepared for the harsh Russian winter. They had to spend hours warming panzer and aircraft engines to use them. The Red Army was better prepared for the severe cold. In terms of training and experience, the Germans held the advantage. With so many armies destroyed, and men killed or captured in the summer, new Soviet recruits and reserve troops went straight into battle under inexperienced officers. With the blitzkrieg contained, the GermanSoviet war had become one of attrition, and the Soviet strategy was to push back against the Germans before they could dig in, or reinforce, starting around Moscow. From Kalinin, north of Moscow, to Yelets in the south, the Soviet plan was to cut off and destroy the panzers of Armeegruppe Center, surrounding Moscow, and then drive deep behind German lines through the flanks. After the Soviet High Command, “Stavka,” received intelligence reports from Soviet spy Richard Sorge, who was in Tokyo, that the Japanese would not attack the Soviet Union, Stalin transferred 18 divisions, 1,700 tanks, and over 1,500 aircraft from Siberia and the Far East to Moscow. The Germans did not realize that the Red Army had accumulated a 58division reserve and nine new armies for its upcoming offensive, which gave it numerical superiority over the Wehrmacht. At the same time, the temperature around Moscow, dropped to -20° F. Soviet command-
OBITUARIES ers knew that such temperatures would render German tanks and artillery ineffective, and the German Luftwaffe would be grounded. Even firing pins of rifles and machine guns broke. German soldiers had to rely, in some cases, on hand grenades, alone, to keep the Soviets at bay. However, Soviet aircraft, tanks, and vehicles were designed from the beginning to function in harsh winter conditions. Alcohol, which has a much lower freezing temperature, was used for hydraulic fluid. Two days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Red Army launched its massive counteroffensive against Armeegruppe Center. This counteroffensive involved the Kalinin, Western, and South-Western Fronts, which had, between them 14 armies, two cavalry groups and an operational group, numbering almost a million men, 1,000 tanks, and 1,300 aircraft. The Soviets thought that the demoralized and defenseless Germans would collapse. The city of Kalinin was overrun and liberated on Dec. 7. The next day, Hitler signed Directive # 39, ordering the German Army to assume a defensive position. However, German troops were unable to organize a solid defense and were forced to pull back to consolidate their lines. Army Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch suffered a mild heart attack on Dec. 10, and was relieved of command for “health reasons,” and replaced by der Führer on Dec. 19. Permission to withdraw had been given by Col.Gen. Franz Halder, chief-of-staff of the Army High Command, on Dec. 14. During a meeting with senior officers on Dec. 20, Hitler canceled the withdrawal and ordered the Wehrmacht to “stand fast.” Gen. Heinz Guderian, commander of Second Panzerarmee protested, pointing to German losses due to the severe Russian winter that were much greater than combat losses. On Dec. 25, he, along with Gens. Erich Hoepner, and Adolf Strauß, commanders of the Fourth Panzer-
gruppe and Ninth Army, were all dismissed. Field Marshal von Bock was also dismissed for “health reasons.” Hitler’s Directive # 39 probably saved Armeegruppe Center from total collapse. By ordering his troops to stand their ground, it prevented Armeegruppe Center’s retreat from becoming a complete rout, like Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow in 1812. The Soviet offensive continued unabated. In the south, the Soviet offensive went well, with Tula being relieved on Dec. 16 and the XXXV Armeekorps encircled and destroyed. The Third Panzergruppe was severely mauled, losing most of its heavy equipment. By the middle of December, the temperature dropped to -44° F. In this record cold, the Luftwaffe was grounded, although it flew a few missions trying to stem the Soviet tide. As of Jan. 1, 1942, the Wehrmacht had suffered 830,000 killed, wounded and captured since the start of Operation Barbarossa. Added to this was another 174,194 in killed, wounded and captured since the Soviet offensive. This total of one million men amounts to almost one third of all Germans that were committed on 22 June 1941. As a result, the German Army had to reorganize its infantry, motorized and panzer divisions with lower numbers of men and equipment. In addition to the massive losses the Red Army had suffered up to the start of the offensive, on Dec. 5 1941, it suffered a further 370,955 in killed, wounded and captured up until Jan. 20, 1942. No country in history could have sustained such losses and still emerged with millions of men in the field, and launch such an offensive. The Soviet offensive marked the end of Operation Barbarossa, and its complete failure. It failed to achieve the objectives set by Hitler — the destruction of the Red Army, the capture of Leningrad, Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, and the Crimean peninsula after four months of fighting. The war would continue for more than three years. Next week: Hong Kong Surrenders
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MICHAEL FRICK Ocean City Michael Frick of Nokomis, Florida, formerly of Ocean City, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Dec. 5, 2021. Michael was the beloved son of Anne and the late Joseph Frick of Marco Island, Florida. He is survived by the love of his life, Kelley, and their two Michael Frick children, Joseph (Joey)(Christina) of Key Largo, Florida, and Megan (Matty Wisor, fiancé) of Nokomis, Florida, along with his nine siblings, Joseph (Lisa) Frick, Gary Frick, Robert (Rhonda) Frick, Theresa Simpson, James Frick, Linda (Austin) Nammack, Lori Hyatt, Carol (Michael) Nakamura, and Craig (Julie) Frick). He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Stacey Frick. Michael attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic High School and followed his dream, being coowner of Frick Electric Company. He worked in the electrical construction industry for over 40 years and loved going on the Dirty Dozen trips, fishing and camping during his spare time. The celebration of life with family and friends will be scheduled for a later date. BRUCE JAMES COULBOURNE Berlin Bruce James Coulbourne, age 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Milford Delaware, he was the son of the late James and Catherine (Truitt) Coulbourne. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy (Hearne) Coulbourne; and daughters, April Coulbourne of Whaleyville, Maryland, Catherine Walling (husband, Ryan) of Florida, and Shauna Thomas (husband, Seth) of Seaford, Delaware. He has two grandchildren, T.J. and Savanah Frampton, and one great-grandchild, Ariana Brown. Mr. Coulbourne, affectionately known as B.J. by family and friends, was a talented musician, blessed with a God-given talent for piano, keyboard and the B3 jazz organ. He served as lead singer in many musical groups, but his heart was for the music ministry of the church. B.J. was also a successful businessman. Together with his wife, they owned and operated God’s Gold By Continued on Page 47
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OBITUARIES Continued from Page 46 The Inch, of Ocean City, Maryland, from 1990 to present. In his later years, B.J. worked in flooring sales. It is no secret that B.J.’s best friend is Jesus Christ, and his family could not be happier that he finally made it home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: John 21 Ministries, 32852 Sussex Highway, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. DONALD CARL PACE, SR. Reisterstown/Ocean City Donald Carl Pace, Sr., age 84, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Carl L. and Lillian (Eck) Pace. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Janet Glaser Pace; sister, Donald Pace, Sr. Doris Wyatt; and wife, Arleen L. Pace. He is survived by a daughter, Nancy L. Brown and her husband, Francis of Reisterstown, Maryland; and son, Donald C. Pace, Jr. and his wife, Marissa of Manalapan, New Jersey. He is also survived by grandchildren, Erica Brown, Harrison Brown and wife, Brooke, Donald Pace, Philip Pace and Gemma Pace; and one great-grandchild, Oliver Brown. Mr. Pace received his Bachelor of Science from Towson State Teachers College and his master’s degree from Michigan State University. His passion for teaching led to membership in the National Education Association and his employment with the Baltimore County Board of Education where he taught middle school science for more than 30 years. After retiring, he moved to Ocean City where he enjoyed carving wood
duck decoys, playing golf, rooting for the Orioles and Ravens, and boating. He had a talent and love for music and was a member of the Ocean Pines’ “Pine Tones” as well as being an accomplished pianist. Mr. Pace kept spirits high with a smile, warm hugs and he was always quick with a joke. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor too: Towson University – towsonuniveristy.givingfuel.com; or St. Paul’s School for Boys - stpaulsmd.org; or Health Care for the Homeless – giving.hchmd.org. A graveside service was held on Dec. 15, 2021, at noon at Dulaney Valley Memorial Garden in Timonium, Maryland. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
Raffaella D. Cascio
RAFFAELLA D. CASCIO Ocean City Raffaella D. Cascio, 89, of Ocean City, Maryland, and formerly of Baltimore, and Fallston, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Atlantic General Hospital. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on Sept. 19, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas Esposito and Catherine Madonna Esposito. Her loving husband of 54 years, Frank Anthony Cascio, preceded her in death on March 27, 2016. She attended Saints Philip and James School and graduated from Seton High School. She was the owner and operator along with her husband of The Golden Charm Rooms and Apartments in Ocean City for more than 30 years.
She loved her job and the relationships she formed with the annual tenants over the years. Prior, she worked at Woolworth, H&S Bakery, Noxell Corporation, and was gift wrapper at Hochschild Kohn’s. She was a member of Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in Baltimore and was block captain for the Ocean City Police Department, which she was very proud of. The Ocean City Police Department always knew her as “Mrs. C.” for her countless number of calls and she received an award for helping out as block captain. “Mary” or “Aunt Latchie” as she was affectionately known, had a great love for life. She loved her gold jewelry, shopping, QVC, anything leopard print, Disney and Disney trips, traveling, flowers, gardening, and cooking and eating traditional Italian food. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Mary is survived by two sons, Frank J. Cascio (Byron Atkinson) of Ocean City, and Joseph M. Cascio (Christy Cascio) of Florida; grandchildren, Colby Cascio of Ocean City, Joey Cascio, Jr. (Lauren Cascio) of Timonium, Maryland, and Heather Edge (Jonathan Edge) of Florida; one great-grandchild and another greatgrandchild on the way; a sister, Lucy Kowatch; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren. Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by the Rev. John T. Solomon will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City at 1 p.m. A viewing for close family will be from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a viewing for relatives and friends will be from 12-1 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Ocean City Police Department or Holy Savior Catholic Church. Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home, Crisfield, Maryland. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.
GEORGE THOMAS BAKER Ocean City George Thomas Baker (Tommy), age 74, of Ocean City, Maryland, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. Tommy was born in Georgetown and lived most of his life in Worcester and Wicomico counties. Tommy was surGeorge Baker vived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy Elliott Baker; daughter, Doris Shockley (Alan); son, Continued on Page 48
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OBITUARIES Continued from Page 47 Edward Baker (Jenn); daughter, Patricia Britton; and brother-in-law, Tom Elliott. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dawn (Kirk), Justin, Jacob, Zack, Christian, Leia, Andrew and Brian; and two great-granddaughters, Lainie and Callie. Along with those named above, Tommy is survived by four sisters, Wanda Hill, Pearl Toomy, Joyce Baker and Ann Baker; several special nieces and nephews; special “buddies from church; and a special relationship with his Pastor, Brad, and his wife, Shannon Diehl. Tommy was predeceased by his parents, Elijah A.G. Baker and Hester Elizabeth (Webb) Baker, and two brothers, John Littleton and Virgil Baker. Tommy worked with heavy equipment by running his own business and for the Town of Ocean City, he was part-owner of Elliott’s Sports Marina, and enjoyed retirement by gardening, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, cruising in his El Camino and playing dominoes with close friends. Tommy was also very active with his church. He held deacon positions, Bible study groups, Sunday School teacher, and endlessly volunteered his time and services to church and church families.
A memorial service will be held in the future. Donations in honor of Tommy may be made to: Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 William St., Berlin, Maryland 21811, 410-6414306 or berlinfirstbaptist@verizon.net. RICHARD EDWARD MORRIS, SR. Berlin/Columbia Richard Edward Morris, Sr., son of the late Harry Morris, Sr., and Annie Quillen (Morris), was born on Sunday, Aug. 7, 1932, in Berlin, Maryland. He departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, in Columbia, Maryland. Richard was eduRichard Morris, Sr. cated in the Worcester County, Maryland public school system. He held many jobs to support his family, including working on the Hall Farm and for Scott Wimbrow. His most significant work experience was at Abbott Laboratories (later CEVA Laboratories) for over 30 years. There were two significant events that shaped Richard’s entire life. The first event was on Monday, July 7, 1952. On that date, he married the great love of his life, Connie (Constance) Wayfield Rogers.
Their marriage endured for 66 years, producing six children, a legacy of love, fidelity and perseverance. The two were inseparable and it was often said, “You don’t see Richard without Connie” and “Richard loves himself some Connie.” Richard was an excellent husband, great father, and fantastic grandfather. He (with Connie) raised six children, as well as two grandchildren, Angel Valdez and Lee Morris. The second event was on Sunday, Dec. 21, 1975. On that date, Richard “re-committed” himself to God and began boldly witnessing for Jesus Christ until his last breath. Richard joined Curtis United Methodist Church (Curtis Church) on Sunday, March 19, 1961, and was later baptized in September 1961. Richard was a faithful and diligent member who held numerous leadership positions, including Lay Speaker. He loved Curtis Church, its members, Men’s Ministry as well as performing the manual tasks such as, janitorial and landscaping. Richard’s life was defined by service and commitment. He was fully dedicated to his church, his wife, his family, his job and his community. Richard loved his Morris family and was known to them as “Herbie or Uncle Herbie.” He lived his entire life on the Maryland Eastern Shore, along with
Connie, until September 2014. Their youngest son, Vance and his wife, Bernadette, moved them to Ellicott City, Maryland, to better care for his mother with her declining health. Connie passed away on Oct. 21, 2018, leaving Richard heartbroken. While in Ellicott City, Richard and Connie attended Celebration Church of God in Columbia, Maryland. Richard was preceded in his life by his wife, Connie; his siblings, Harry Morris, Jr., Dale Morris and Betty Satchell, Kathleen Smith, and Peggy Morris; as well as his (and Connie’s) four children, Harold, Steve, Gary and Torey. He leaves behind two children, Richard Jr., and Vance (Bernadette); two grandchildren, Angel Valdez (Anthony) and Lee Morris; daughter-inlaw, Zeleana Morris (wife of Steve); 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Arnita Harris, Nathaniel Morris (Juanita), Danny Morris (Carolyn), Vanessa Purnell (Greg); niece, Glendola Bowen (Tony); and in-laws, Thomas Smith (Kathleen), Jean Morris (Dale) and Eunice Morris (Harry Jr.) Charlene Showell, Joyce Johnson and Viola Sample also provided tremendous amounts of love and support to Richard and Connie, during their senior years on the Eastern Shore. Special acknowledgement to Curtis Church’s Men’s Ministry, Michael Postley, Bruce Showell, Fred Jarmon, Thomas Johnson, George Mumford, James Sample, William Walters, Harvey Finney, Charles Walters, Ronald Johnson, James Mumford and Charles Laws. Sister-in-laws, Bernadette (Vance) and Zeleana (Steve); grandchildren, Adam (Zeleana) and his wife, Breanna, Connor (Vance) and Selena, aka Candy, (Harold) provided much love and support to Richard during his final years without his precious Connie. Funeral Services will be held at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, Delaware 19966 on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. The viewing will be held at 10 a.m. and the funeral at 1noon. Interment will follow at Zoar Golden Acres Cemetery in Bishopville, Maryland. Send electronic condolences to www.watsonfh.com.
OBITUARY NOTICES Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications. E-mail: editor@oceancitytoday.net Mail: 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Fax: 410-723-6511
Sports & Recreation
Ocean City Today Dec. 17, 2021
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SD Lady Seahawks win big over Snow Hill and Crisfield By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 17, 2021) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team dominated its competition this week on its home court in Berlin. The Lady Seahawks hosted the Snow Hill Eagles on Tuesday, and won, 63-11. The Berlin squad led 16-2 at the end of the first quarter. Decatur added 30 points in the second quarter and held Snow Hill to two. At halftime, the home team was on Scott Kurtz top, 46-4. “We adjusted our full-court defense and it worked. We got some easy buckets at the end of the first quarter and then we just exploded in the second quarter,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “We started the game in a specific press and it wasn’t working well, so we switched to a different press and we went from 7-2 to 16-2 in a minute and a half. All of the adjustments on the press started to click. Every girl got a chance to run the press.” Decatur took off the press in the second half and played half-court defense. Because of the large lead, the clock ran the entire second half. After three quarters, the Seahawks held a 56-6 advantage. “Snow Hill has no quit. They tried different strategies to break our press. They played hard the whole game,” Kurtz said. “The second half we tried to find ways to get production out of the offensive sets we were struggling with … our defense we take so much pride in. Offense just hasn’t caught up yet. It will just get better and better with repetition.” Junior captain Mayah Garner led Decatur with 16 points. She also had six rebounds and four steals. Senior captain Nadia Bullock chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and six steals. Junior Sam Boger had 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals. “We have a different level of talent this year that’s just special,” Kurtz said. The next day, the Crisfield Crabbers came to Berlin. Decatur earned a 62-10 victory. “It was very evident when we came out and made our first two buckets you could kind off tell they were
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
locked in,” Kurtz said. “We really (Above) Stephen Decatur jundid put an emphasis on our of- ior Kayla Brady looks to drive fense because our defense is al- past a Crisfield player during Wednesday’s game in Berlin. ways going to be there. We (Right) Junior captain Mayah wanted to try to make sure we Garner makes a layup. She made the extra pass and got the scored 13 points in the 62-10 quality shots and they started victory. doing that early, so things were clicking right away offensively.” Decatur led 26-0 at the end of the first quarter and 43-0 at halftime. Crisfield finally scored its first two points 30 seconds into the third quarter. After three, Decatur held a 56-5 advantage. “Our outside shooting was a lot By Lisa Capitelli more consistent tonight than it was Managing Editor [on Tuesday],” Kurtz said “More bal(Dec. 17, 2021) The Stephen Deanced scoring. It was a well-rounded catur boys’ basketball team earned team effort.” wins over the Washington Jaguars Boger had 14 points. Garner con- and Crisfield Crabbers this week. tributed 13 points. She also had nine The Seahawks traveled to Princess rebounds and two steals. Bullock Anne on Monday to play the Jaguars added 12 points and had five re- and came home with a 47-38 victory. bounds, seven assists and five steals. “We were a little sluggish in the “Our first game we really struggled first half and weren’t playing good with our press defense, but we defi- basketball. We made a run to close nitely got that back under our feet the gap, and it did get better in the over the last two games,” Kurtz said. second half,” said Decatur Coach BJ “We used that as opportunities to just sort of tweak some things and move some people around in different po- 10 a.m. at UMES. sitions to find the right mix.” The winners of each game will batDecatur will compete in the Gov- tle at 5 p.m. at UMES on Tuesday, ernors Challenge, held Dec. 26-30. Dec. 28. The losing teams will play at The Seahawks will match up with 6:45 p.m. Richard Montgomery High School on “We are looking forward to it. We Dec. 27 at 6:45 p.m. at University of know little about our opponent. We Maryland Eastern Shore. In the other get to just kind of focus on ourselves part of the bracket is Laurel and and just better ourselves and see Colonel Richardson, who will play at what we’re made of,” Kurtz said.
SD boys’ basketball wins over Washington, Crisfield Johnson. “The effort is there, the kids are trying but we got a ways to go. We’re not there yet.” Washington led 1710 at the end of the first quarter. Decatur cut the advantage and at halftime, Washington was only up by two points, 23-21. Decatur outscored BJ Johnson its opponent 18-11 in the third quarter to pull ahead, 39-34. The Seahawks added eight in the fourth and held the Jaguars to four. “We settled in and defense got better. We caused turnovers and rebounded better,” Johnson said. Junior Luke Mergott led the team with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Justin Fisher chipped with seven points, and sophomore Brycen Coleman had five points and eight rebounds. See DECATUR Page 50
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Decatur looking forward to playing in Gov. Challenge Continued from Page 49 Decatur hosted the Crisfield Crabbers on Wednesday and won, 84-34. Points were traded early. The Seahawks tied it 10-10, then went on a 10-0 run to lead 20-10 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the home team held a 42-18 advantage. After three, Decatur was on top, 67-31. The Seahawks outscored the Crabbers 17-3 in the final quarter. “The second half was definitely much better than the first half, so we have something to build on,” Johnson said. “Offensively we picked it up in the second half and were able to get in down to the post for some highpercentage shots.” Coleman led the team with 14 points. He also had seven rebounds and three blocks. Sophomore Dalton Blades chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds. Mergott scored 12 points and had nine rebounds and six assists. Decatur will compete in the Governors Challenge, held Dec. 26-30. The Seahawks will play Caesar Rodney on Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 3:15 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. In the other half of the bracket, Parkville and Winston Churchill high
schools will go head-tohead at the same time. The winners will match up the next day at 1:30 p.m. at James M. Bennett in Salisbury. The losing teams
will play at 11:45 a.m. “It’s always good to play somebody different. I think our kids will be excited to play someone outside our conference,” Johnson said.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Left) Stephen Decatur sophomore Dalton Blades reaches for a rebound during Wednesday’s game against Crisfield in Berlin. (Above) Freshman Trybe Wise battles for the ball in the Decatur defensive end. Blades had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Wise had seven points and four rebounds in the 84-34 win.
SD wrestling team undefeated during Grindstone Duals By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 17, 2021) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team went undefeated, 7-0, during the Grindstone Duals, held last weekend at Winters Mill High School in Westminster, Maryland. “I felt like we were pretty dominant, and when we lost we didn’t get pinned a lot. I was pretty happy with that,” said Decatur Coach Todd Martinek. “We took 20 guys and Todd Martinek everyone won at least one match. The young guys and the [varsity veterans] did well. It was a good mix.” On night one, Decatur defeated Long Reach, 75-6, Leonardtown, 6012, and South Hagerstown, 66-17. Then on Saturday, the Seahawks topped Howard, 81-0, Chesapeake, 4927, Chopticon, 54-20, and Winters Mill, 60-10. Four Decatur wrestlers – freshmen Aaron August (113/120 pounds) and Liam Hugues (120/126), junior captain Logan Intrieri (132/138) and senior See DECATUR’S Page 51
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Decatur’s Noah Reho gets 100th win during event Continued from Page 50 captain Noah Reho (170/182) won all seven of their matches. Senior Mike Rayne (285) went 6-0. Decatur wrestlers recorded 44 pins to lead the tournament. Rayne and Reho each pinned five of their opponents. Reho also earned his 100th career victory during the competition. He finished the tournament with 105 wins. Senior Emanuel Valenzuela (195/220), Hugues and Intrieri had four pins each. Martinek said the tournament and staying overnight was a good opportunity for the wrestlers to hang out and bond. “It was a good team bonding trip, if anything else,” Martinek added. Decatur competed in a tri-meet with the Kent County Trojans and Cambridge-South Dorchester Vikings on Wednesday in Worton, Maryland. The Seahawks again dominated, shutting out the Vikings, 81-0, and the Trojans, 77-0. Valenzuela (195), Rayne (285), August (113), Intrieri (138), Reho (170), freshman Juan Hinojosa (106) and junior Timothy Lyons (145) pinned their Cambridge opponents. Sophomore Reid Caimi earned a 62 decision over his 126-pound opponent. Cambridge forfeited the 182,- 220,120,- 132,- 152- and 160-pound matches to Decatur. Senior Henry Brous (220), junior
PHOTO COURTESY KRISTY INTRIERI
Gavin Kramer (152) and Lyons (145) pinned their Kent County opponents. Intrieri earned a 15-0 technical-fall victory over his 138-pound opponent. Valenzuela outscored his 195-pound competition, 17-11. Freshman Amarian Manuel won 17-12 at 132 pounds. Kent County forfeited matches at 285, 106, 113, 120, 126, 160, 170 and 182 pounds. “Reid Caimi in his first varsity meet match beat a Bayside [Conference] finalist, 6-2, so I was happy for him. And he did it one-handed. He had his hand taped up,” Martinek said. “Gavin Kramer was down early then came
back and pinned his opponent [with 55 second remaining] … and everybody else did what they had to do.” The tournament and tri-meet wins boosted Decatur’s record to 10-0. “We have some injuries and illness, but the other guys stepped up and did a good job,” Martinek said. “By Christmas break we’ll hopefully have our full lineup. Then, the team can start showing what we can do with our ‘A’ lineup. We just need to stay healthy.” Decatur will host the Queen Anne’s Lions on Monday in Berlin. JV is slated to start at 3 p.m. and varsity matches will kick off around 4 p.m.
The Stephen Decatur wrestling team celebrates with senior captain Noah Reho, who earned his 100th career win during the Grindstone Duals, held last weekend at Winters Mill High School in Westminster, Maryland. He finished the tournament with 105 wins.
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The Stephen Decatur wrestling team went undefeated, 7-0, during the Grindstone Duals, held last weekend at Winters Mill High School in Westminster, Maryland.
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
Decatur indoor track teams finally return to competition By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 17, 2021) Stephen Decatur and 12 other Bayside Conference schools competed in the first indoor track meet of the 2021-22 season last Wednesday at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. Because of covid canceling the 2020-21 season, it had been 679 days since the last meet. The Decatur boys’ team came in third place and the girls’ squad finished in fifth. “Overall, I was happy with our teams’ performance in the first meet. We had several great performances in our field events and we were able to score in nearly all of the distance events and most of the mid-distance events,” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel Brenda Hommel. “This was the first time for most of our athletes running in the Worcester rec facility since it has been 679 days since our last meet there. Many of them needed to get their jitters out and learn the feel of the track. Since the track is only 167 meters long it tends to play mind tricks on the distance runners. The two-mile [race], for example, is 19.25 laps. I hope to see our teams continue to improve as they get used to the track and learn the pace of their events.” Kent Island won the boys’ competition, scoring 83 points. Easton was runner-up with 60, followed by Decatur with 56. Scoring points for Decatur for placing first thought eighth in their events were: seniors Tristan Dutton (1,600 meter race, first, 5:07.72 *season record), Gavin McCabe (800meter run, seventh, 2:27.08), Owen Mielnik (pole vault, first, 13 feet *season record) and Jay McCarter (high
jump, third, 5 feet) and sophomore Ethan Justice (800-meter run, first, 2:17.10 *season record; 3,200-meter race, second, 11:03.83). Dutton, McCabe, Justice and junior Shiloh Carmack placed fourth in the 3,300-meter relay race (9:26.80). McCarter and juniors Jaden Holland, Riley Calloway and Conner Herr took fifth in the 800-meter relay race (1:46.91). Calloway, senior Gavin Weeks and freshmen Ethan Cowder and Brandon Fitzgerald came in eighth in the 1,600-meter relay event (4:16.12). Parkside won the girls’ competition, tallying 72 points, followed by Kent Island (67), North Caroline (57), Easton (56) and Decatur (47). Scoring points for Decatur for placing top eight in their events were: senior Rachel Peretz (shot put, seventh, 20 feet 10 inches), juniors Summer Brenner (high jump, first, 4 feet 6 inches *season record; 55-meter hurdles, sixth, 11.04 seconds), Breanne Ferguson (500-meter run, fourth, 1:36.53) and Ava Becnel (3,200-meter run, seventh, 16:58.86), sophomores Tiara McDonald (300-meter dash, seventh, 49.05 seconds) and Daniela Carrasco Gonzalez (3,200-meter run, eighth, 17:41.45), and freshman Amber Marshall (1,600-meter run, fifth, 6:36.48). Marshall, Ferguson, freshman Rachel Plata and Macy Woronecki finished in second place in the 3,200meter relay race (12:24.20). McDonald, junior Alexandria Urbanski, senior Mia Schwind and sophomore Kylie Powell took third in the 800-meter relay race (2:11.98). McDonald, Peretz, Powell and sophomore Abigail Melito came in fifth in the 1,600-meter relay event (5:11.46). The next indoor track meet is after the holiday break, on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. at the recreation center in Snow Hill.
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Worcester Prep senior Austin Cannon soars to the basket during Tuesday’s game against Holly Grove in Berlin. Worcester won 49-19.
Worcester boys’ basketball team tops Holly Grove by 30 By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 17, 2021) The Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team won, 49-19, over the Holly Grove Eagles on Tuesday in Berlin. “They played well. They didn’t turn the ball over, which is good, they rebounded, they got shots. We’ll keep working on making a higher percentage, but we’ll get there,” said Prep Coach Pat Moylan. “Everyone chipped in. Everyone played hard.” Worcester led 7-5 at the end of the first quarter. The Mallards added 13 points in the second quarter and held the Eagles scoreless, to go into the halftime break ahead, 20-5. The Prep team scored 21 in the third
quarter, increasing its advantage to 41-14. “They played hard. They played good defense. We finally got the offense going in the second quarter and it continued into Pat Moylan the second half,” Moylan said. “We’ve got to still work on executing plays. When they execute the plays they get wide open shots and they make them…we’re still learning.” Senior Michael Wehberg led Worcester with 19 points. He also had three rebounds and seven steals. Junior captain Griffin Jones chipped in with 12 points, seven reSee MALLARDS Page 53
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LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
(Left) Worcester Prep senior Morgan White puts the ball in the basket during Tuesday’s game against Holly Grove in Berlin. (Right) Senior Sumira Sehgal drives to the basket. Worcester won, 37-27.
WP Lady Mallards’ defense again star of competition By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 17, 2021) The Worcester Prep girls’ basketball team won Tuesday’s game, 37-27, over the Holly Grove Eagles in Berlin. The Lady Mallards led, 12-2, at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the home team had gained at 23-5 advantage. “The first half I think we played great, especially on defense,” said Prep Coach Mike Kelley. “As the game went on, it got a little sloppy.” Mike Kelley After three, the Prep squad was ahead, 33-14. “We unloaded the bench in the fourth quarter. Everybody got playing time and everyone did something in the game,” Kelley said. “It was a conference game so it was a good win heading into the [holiday] break. It’s a good start to the season. We’re 5-2 and 2-1 in the [Eastern Shore Independent Athletic] Conference.” Senior captain Lily Baeurle led
Worcester with 25 points and eight steals. Senior captain Morgan White chipped in with five points, and freshman Isabella Marinelli had four steals and two points. “Our defense has been our bread and butter. Our man-to-man, teams don’t seem to have the answer for it,” Kelley said. “Everyone is so good defensively across the board. We can switch on screens if needed and there’s no dropoff.” Worcester will compete in the annual Governors Challenge tournament, held Dec. 26-30. The Mallards will play Arcadia on Monday, Dec. 27 at 6:45 p.m. at James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury. Also in their bracket is Delaware Military Academy and King’s Christian, who will go head-to-head at 5 p.m. The winners of each game will battle on Tuesday, at 3:15 p.m. at University Maryland Eastern Shore. The losing teams will face-off at 11:45 a.m. at UMES. “We’re looking forward to it,” Kelley said. “We’re expecting good competition, but I like our chances. It should be good games.”
LISA CAPITELLI/ OCEAN CITY TODAY
Worcester Prep senior Michael Wehberg makes a layup. He led the team with 19 points.
Mallards play Eastern Shore Bowl showcases hard in match senior FB players By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 17, 2021) About 100 high school senior football players, including a dozen from Stephen Decatur, participated in the annual Eastern Shore Bowl, on Dec. 12 at Queen Anne’s County high school. Each team from the Bayside Conference was represented in the game. There were also players from across the bridge as far as Baltimore, as well See DECATUR Page 54
Continued from Page 52 bounds, five steals and four assists. Worcester is slated to participate in the four-day Governors Challenge, held Dec. 26-30. The Mallards will go head-to-head with Kings Christian on Sunday, Dec. 26, at 11:45 a.m. at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Arcadia and SEED School will compete at the same time. The winners of each game will battle on Monday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. at Wicomico High School in Salisbury. The losing teams will play at 10 a.m. at James M. Bennett.
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DECEMBER 17, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY JAKE COLEMAN
About 100 high school senior football players, including a dozen from Stephen Decatur, participated in the annual Eastern Shore Bowl, on Dec. 12 at Queen Anne’s County high school.
Decatur players perform well during match Continued from Page 53 as Delaware and Virginia, who competed. “A lot of kids want that extra opportunity to play in front of college coaches,” said Jake Coleman, head coach of the Decatur varsity football team and organizer of the Eastern Shore Bowl, now in its 13th year. “It’s a great opportunity for college coaches to come and see the kids in pads and compare them to other kids.” Several college coaches attended both the pre-game practices and the competition. Coleman started the event 13 years
ago as a Bayside game, to see who was better in the conference, the north or south. It has expanded to include other players over the years. “It’s become a great exposure event,” Coleman said. “But, it’s also about having fun. This is a celebration for all the seniors and a lot of times they make some new friends. It was an awesome experience for the kids.” Players were selected by their coaches and divided into two teams south and north. The teams had three practices the week before the game. The south squad came out on top, 2920.
“It was a very competitive game, which a lot of these all-star games are. It was awesome,” Coleman said. “Last year the seniors didn’t get the opportunity to play (because of covid) so the return of this event this year kind of made everyone feel ‘normal.’” The 12 Decatur senior athletes competed on the south team. They were: quarterback Ashten Snelsire, Zimere Handy (one reception touchdown), Luke Scott, Marqui Henry (one interception), Kresen Muir (one interception, eight tackles), Logan Tapman (one interception), Khi Reid, Jerry Grant, Henry Brous, RJ Brit-
tingham, Michael Rayne and Duncan Ely. “I think we represented ourselves very well,” Coleman said. “We scored a touchdown, we got interceptions. It seemed like every time there was a Stephen Decatur kid getting his name called.” Five Decatur players – Snelsire, Handy, Scott, Henry and Muir – will compete in the Maryland Crab Bowl all-state game, this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Cape Henlopen High School. It will include the top players in Maryland from public and private schools, and from the D.C. area.
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