12/22/2023 Ocean City Today

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY

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Sportsplex sites list cut to five Task force hopes to raise room tax to help pay for major athletic facility

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Holiday oranments adorn a bridge overlooking a canal on Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines. The community stepped up its decorations throughout the neighborhood as part of an enhanced beautification effort.

Schools stick with book policy Board of ed agrees to leave things as they are, following hours of public testimony

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) Members of the Worcester County Board of Education will stick with the school system’s current opt-out policy for restricting books in school libraries instead of switching to a proposed opt-in policy.

The board’s decision followed a

marathon meeting Tuesday, when parents and other members of the public spoke for hours on what kinds of reading content ought to be available to students or banned from school libraries.

As has been the case for decades, parents of Worcester County students will continue to be able to restrict their own children from certain library books by asking librarians.

Board members shot down an idea to curate “older teen” sections in middle and upper schools that all parents would have to give permission for

their child to access.

Board member Katie Addis from the Bishopville district forwarded the plan as a motion and was the only one to vote in its favor.

Board member John Andes had proposed the opt-in book section at the board’s previous meeting following calls from some county residents to remove books with “sexually explicit content” and concerning drug use.

The motion would have compelled Superintendent Lou Taylor and See SCHOOL Page 4

By Taylor Sloan Contributing Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) The Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force has narrowed possible sites for a facility to five locations, while also acknowledging that funding for the project is dependent upon a one percent room tax increase.

Currently, the ‘The state is five percent room tax generlooking for a ates $25 million project that is a year. The inrevenue-neutral. crease from five Typically, the to six percent will generate an state will not estimated $31.1 fund land million in revacquisition.’ enue.

City Manager The one percent increase Terry McGean would allow the city to continue its 2.2 percent contribution to destination marketing, 3.4 percent to the city treasury and the remaining .4 percent to funding the project.

“We have narrowed it down to five properties,” Mayor Rick Meehan said at the task force meeting last Thursday. “The goal is for two recommendations to be made to the mayor and City Council.”

Meehan opened the session with a review of the previous meeting’s agreed upon items: to have an indoor and outdoor sports complex with an emphasis on lacrosse; that it needs to acquire a property large enough to allow room for expansion, and that the Town of Ocean City and task force See TASK Page 3

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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Wicomico County sports complex upgraded Complex similar to project Ocean City task force wants in Worcester County (Dec. 23, 2023) As Ocean City and other surrounding officials brainstorm ways to bring a state-of-the-art sports complex to Worcester County, a project similar to what they desire in Wicomico is getting some major upgrades.

According to a news release, the construction team at Gillis Gilkerson recently completed extensive renovations at Crown Sports Center in Fruitland.

The complex features 120,000 square-feet of temperature-controlled environment that includes six indoor turf fields, hard-surface courts, batting cages and family entertainment areas, as well as 10.5 acres of outdoor Bermuda grass sports fields.

The release said Gillis Gilkerson’s development team bought Crown Sports Center in April 2021, and have been working to transform the athletic and entertainment facility with a variety of enhancements and additions.

Recent improvements made to the rec complex include new turf fields, batting cages, pickleball courts, basketball courts, refreshed interiors and

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

New turf was recently installed at an indoor soccer field at the Crown Sports Center in Fruitland.

a Clip ‘N Climb indoor rock climbing feature that combines shapes, colors and safety technology for users ages 4 and up.

The exterior of the complex received a fresh coat of paint and a mural completed by local artist duo, We Are Limitless Studios.

“Since we purchased the business

Task force seeks room tax hike Continued from Page 1 will continue to work with the Maryland Stadium Authority.

First on the agenda during the open session of the task force was a breakdown of funding needed for the project. An overview of estimated development costs came down to$3-7 million for land acquisition, $76-88 million for indoor complex construction, $56 million for outdoor complex construction, for a total price tag of $160-$176.5 million.

“The state is looking for a project that is revenue-neutral,” Ocean City Manager Terry McGean said. “Typically, the state will not fund land acquisition.”

Both Meehan and McGean stressed that the Maryland General Assembly must be on board with the idea.

Legislation that would enable the city to pursuit the complex was introduced but never made it to the floor for a vote last year. Meehan also said four other Eastern Shore counties must agree with Ocean City’s request because legislation that would empower this county to raise its room tax would allow them to do the same.

Those counties are all on board, Meehan said.

Secondly, once Ocean City receives the authority from the legislature for the tax increase, the Worcester County Commissioners must unani-

mously vote in favor of the increase for it to take effect.

Another key piece of the project is to have an operator to manage the facility, the task force agreed. To that end, City Councilman John Gehrig moved to permit the task force to continue looking for an operator. His motion was seconded by several members, including Bob Ciprietti of Touch of Italy and Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, and passed by the rest of the members in attendance.

Also proposed was that instead of waiting for the new fiscal year to begin in July, when state legislation would go into effect, the Ocean City Council could be asked to pass an ordinance allowing the city to expend $500,000 on the project now to be reimbursed from a future bond issue.

The task force approved a motion in that regard made by Jack Burbage of Blue Water Development and seconded by City Council President Matt James. Berlin’s Tyndall said he would also write a letter from the Town of Berlin to support that recommendation.

The concluding point before the group went into closed session was that it will be the visitors and the county that will pay for the sports complex project, which is why the one percent tax increase is instrumental to the project.

back in 2021, our team has been dedicated to breathing new life into the center. From the very start, we have been planning physical renovations, in addition to programming updates.” Brad Gillis, a principal of Gillis Gilkerson, said in the release.

“We wanted to reimagine the space.

We now have so many more amenities for the community to enjoy. The Clip-n-Climb feature is exceptional, I think everyone should try it out.”

The GGI team has introduced futsal, pickleball, wiffleball and kickball tournaments, and expanded the complex’s youth and adult sports leagues, social leagues and drop-in offerings.

The release said the Crown Care before- and after-school programs have been redeveloped, along with

summer camps and education classes and the in-house eatery, Striker’s Café, has been overhauled with a new look and menu.

The construction team also brought in Salisbury’s first Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL3) semi-pro arena soccer franchise – The Salisbury Steaks.

“These new physical improvements are the icing on the cake,” Joey Gilkerson, another principal of Gillis Gilkerson, said. “We are thrilled with the job our Gillis Gilkerson construction team did to make these transformations come to life. The Crown Sports team has done such a great job working with us to modernize and strengthen Crown’s service to the community.”

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Calendar ..........................32 Classifieds ........................33 Commentary ....................46 Crossword Puzzle ..............26 Entertainment ..................29 Obituaries ........................50 Public Notices ..................36 Service Directory ..............34 Sports ..............................52 Editor: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net News: editor@oceancitytoday.net Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net Classifieds: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net Phone: 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com and at Facebook/Ocean City Today Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Available by subscription at $150 a year.

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Board of ed votes to keep book policy as is Continued from Page 1 board Attorney Heather Stansbury to lay the groundwork for the mature section based on a model of the system currently used in Cecil County, Addis said.

Addis also moved to change the language of the school code that governs procedures for filing complaints about books in school libraries. Addis wanted to make it so any taxpayer could challenge a book and not just parents of students. Addis had proposed the idea at the last board meeting.

The motion was struck down after a 6-1 vote, with Addis in the minority.

The votes came after over two hours of public comment on whether to keep or remove certain books from public school libraries. This segment was followed by lengthy presentation from library and media administrators and more deliberations among the board members themselves.

Jennifer Sills, coordinator of instruction at WCPS, and Brittany Tignor, school library media specialist at Stephen Decatur High School, spent roughly an hour explaining the code and practices used in library content selection.

Worcester County school’s library procedure manual has been in place for at least 40 years, but receives updates about every five years, Tignor said. Sills said that in the 2022-2023 school year, WCPS updated its library school procedure, making revisions to meet state standards and improving accountability for librarians.

Part of those revisions included changes to the procedure for reviewing a library book following a formal complaint, a process that is split into three main levels of review.

First is the school level, where complainants meet with a districtlevel coordinator and school person-

nel to try to reach a solution. If nothing is resolved, the complainant can appeal to the district level. There, a Library Materials Review Committee convenes and makes a recommendation about the book in question to the superintendent.

After the superintendent’s decision, there is another chance to appeal the decision to the school board, which makes the final decision. The superintendent or board-level decisions on a book stand for five years, according to the presentation.

In spring 2022, the Library Materials Review Committee convened for the first time ever to make a recommendation on the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson, Sills said. It has generated numerous calls for its removal because portions of it address the author’s same-sex encounters as a youth.

The committee and Taylor decided to keep the book.

Sills noted that at the school level, many requests for review are resolved by blocking the book from the complaining parent’s student individually.

Books also must pass a multi-step approval process even before librarians add them to the WCPS library collection, Tignor said.

To begin, books need at least two positive reviews from a list of professional sources, then librarians must make sure a book meets general selection criteria and aligns with guidelines in the WCPS procedure manual, Tignor said. Next they review schoolspecific selection criteria before also writing a justification for the book being in the library. Finally, the school principal reviews it and grants approval.

Parents and students can also use the schools’ Destiny Discovery search tool, which is available on the WCPS

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Members of the Worcester County Board of Education voted not to change their current book review policies following hours of public comments and presentations on the subject. Pictured is the WCPS administration building in Newark.

website, to search any book in any one of the school system’s libraries and find summaries, reviews and recommended grade levels for books, Tignor said.

The staff recommended against allowing any resident in the county to challenge books out of fear that a surge of requests could overwhelm personnel, as well as cost extra time and money, Sills said. If residents without children in schools filed review requests, it would go straight to the district level and a committee would have to form for every challenged book.

Sills also worried that it would give disproportionate power to a minority that may not reflect the sentiments of students and parents.

“Right now, we have procedures in place. These are procedures that have been in place for decades. They are procedures that are working. We have not had any reason to think that

our procedures are not working,” Sills said.

Labeling books into a special older-teen section would also not jibe with librarians’ best practices, Sills said. Labeling a book as controversial or mature would be considered a value judgment, she said. Past court rulings have also discussed the right to read without prejudicial labels as stemming from the first amendment, Sills said.

Sills said no high school parents have questioned, requested review or requested discussion about a book this year.

Board member Bill Buchanan said that parents can use the Destiny search tool to identify the books they don’t want their kids to read and submit those books to a librarian. He tested the method himself, he said.

“It was a very, very simplistic way for me to flex my parental demands See CURRENT Page 7

DECEMBER 22, 2023

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Ocean City Today

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Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level. You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714

HERON HARBOUR ISLE HOME WITH BOAT SLIP

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This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is located in the sought after community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional storage. Off the kitchen is the dining area where you will love having meals with your family and friends. Off the family room and dining area there is a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee. Off the screened304 S. HERON GULL COURT in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab OCEAN CITY • $1,499,900 feasts and grilling your favorites. Also on the first level of this home is the spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closets and a large bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There’s also a study on the first floor making remote work possible in a nice quiet area. The first level also has another full bath, laundry room and a half bath. On the second level there are three additional bedrooms and two more full baths. This home has lots of room for everyone to visit and there’s also a bonus room over the garage which could be used as a fifth bedroom or game room. The home also has a wrap-around porch, two-car garage and a deeded boat slip. The seller belongs to the Heron Harbour recreation association, which has tennis courts, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, Olympic size outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool. The home is located very close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Come take a look today. This home is being offered partially furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment.

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Professional photos to follow: Come take a look at this spacious 1BR/1BA Ocean Block beauty! This one-bedroom unit is over 700 sq. ft. and is on the ocean block side of coastal highway. This is an elevated building so there's a very nice view from the large deck off the family room. This is your chance to own a slice of Ocean City 7704 COASTAL HWY #102 and make memories that will last a OCEAN CITY • $310,000 lifetime. As you walk in the front door, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful dining area and kitchen. The family room flows off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for entertaining. There is a large balcony off the family room with access by a glass slider. The bedroom is very large and can accommodate two queen beds. There is one full bath as well. This condo located midtown Ocean City, close to plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Come take a look today and own your slice of Ocean City. This building is professionally managed and has low condo fees. The condo is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDWO2015968

Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully 1 66TH ST UNIT 101 furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This OCEAN CITY • $499,900 is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean. As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy. Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172

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Stunning 4BR/3BA coastal home with garage in North Ocean City has just been listed! This home is located six blocks from the beach and across the street from Fiesta Park, which has walking trails and a pavilion. After walking through a gracious covered front porch, you are welcomed into this fabulous home. The first level of this beautiful home has two spacious bedrooms, one full bath and a den/study area perfect for working remotely from home. Beautiful hardwood floors lead to the second level where you will find a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There is a bright and airy dining room directly off the kitchen where you will enjoy making family meals and memories that last a lifetime. Adjoining the kitchen and dining room is a spacious family room with impressive cathedral ceilings. The second level also has the primary bedroom and the primary bath with shower and soaking tub. The second level also has a 12x16 composite deck with vinyl railings. On the third level you’ll find the fourth bedroom and another full bath. The fenced back and side yards have lots of grass for the dogs and kids to play. There is also a patio and grilling area. The home is being sold furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. The home also has a garage and multiple additional parking spaces and street parking. Come take a look at this very rare find before it’s sold! MDW02016242

Custom 6BR/6BA/3HBA/ new construction west facing bayfront estate designed and built by David Bradley of Bradley Construction w/ views of both Assawoman Bay and skyline from the property’s L-shaped pool and swim-up bar. Features exceptional craftsmanship w/astute attention to detail, custom finishes/woodwork, and architectural details. A welcoming orange crush bar made w/Port Rush quartz and 1st-floor Den/bedroom ensuite complete w/Murphy bed. Expansive family room has a wall of windows and glass sliders overlooking the bay. Gourmet chef's kitchen just off family room includes plenty of bar seating w/endless bay views. Kitchen boasts GE monogram ss appliances including 6-burner gas range, expansive center island, custom farm sink, w/vegetable sink, hone marble and quartz countertops. White custom Fabuwood cabinets w/undercounter lighting, appliance garages and custom pull outs for easy storage. Floating shelves in kitchen made w/reclaimed wood, and a designer tile backsplash.

An expansive butler’s pantry, mud room w/custom shelving, laundry room, half bath on the main floor. White oak stairs, and custom-made glass elevator. 2nd floor spacious ensuite Bayfront bedrooms, each w/its own private balcony. A 4th ensuite bedroom which has been designed as a bunk room w/custom bunk and trundle bed complete w/a port hole. A coffee bar, refrigerator, and full-size laundry on 2nd floor. 3rd floor primary bedroom ensuite w/bay views, cathedral ceilings, turret cupola, coffee bar, fireplace, exquisite tile work, two enormous closets w/wood detailing and shiplap, and expansive covered porch. Primary bath has insulated tub w/jets and faces the bay w/a 6’x6’ circular Anderson window. Bonus room w/soaring ceilings and cupola; separate refrigerator, bar seating, a private deck, half bath, and laundry. A saltwater pool and spa, cabana area complete w/2 outdoor TVs, 2 refrigerators, custom cabinetry/countertops, fire pit area, permits for three lifts and a transient boat, a 50ft pier, dock and ramp. Parking for 6 cars. MLS MDWO2012190

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! 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 2023 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 22, 2023

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Ocean City Today

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Participants in 2018 St. Paddy’s Day 5K run down the Boardwalk in festive costumes. This year’s event is set for March 16 downtown.

Ocean City Council approves events set for public property

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Dec. 22, 2023) From church services to a holiday 5K, Ocean City Council members approved several upcoming events on resort property this week.

Christmas Eve service The Ocean City Baptist Church will host a Christmas Eve service from 6-7 p.m., Sunday, on the Boardwalk at North Division Street.

According to a city staff report, the service will be led by the church band and participants will celebrate the holiday with a worship service complete with carol singing and free hot chocolate.

Beach Patrol officials endorsed the annual event, stating in the report that it is “a positive representation of what Ocean City values.”

The report said public works staff will open the Caroline Street compost station during the event and risk management officials said it is self sustaining.

The organizer will pay the resort $62.50 in private event fees to host the service.

Blessing of the Waters St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Ocean City is tentatively set to host its Blessing of the Waters Ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12;30 p.m., Jan. 6, on the beach at 90th Street.

According to a staff report, church members will congregate at the church at 8805 Coastal Hwy. and proceed together to the beach at 90th Street, using the crossing at the light. Members of the congregation will then assemble at the water’s edge for the See PRIVATE Page 8

Current book policy will remain Continued from Page 4 on that,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan said that there are 129,430 books in WCPS, with 27,389 of them in high school libraries. To review all these books for curation in a special section would likely require an entire new, permanent administrative employee to review all the schools’ books. Buchanan also questioned who chooses which books are adult, what criteria makes them adult and how staff could make those determinations.

Buchanan and others cited a statistic that 70 percent of parents oppose restricting books in schools, and he said it’s better for the majority of people to leave it as an opt-out system.

Addis defended her motions and arguments saying that, despite numerous accusations, her efforts were never meant to challenge books depicting LGBTQIA+ characters, but were only meant to challenge books

with “sexually explicit” content. She said the issue isn’t about censorship, but what is age-appropriate, and hoped that the opt-in system would better facilitate dialogue in families about what children are reading.

Addis said that aside from Cecil County, Carroll County has also implemented a similar restricted-mature section.

The lengthy public comment section featured a mixture of views on the book restrictions, including some residents who return to school board meetings regularly to speak in favor of removing certain books from schools.

A greater number of people in support of keeping books in schools and continuing with current book policies came to speak at this meeting compared to other past board meetings, many of whom were current students, former students and parents of current students.

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Ocean City Today

Private events on public property approved Continued from Page 7 official Blessing of the Waters and the tossing and retrieval of a cross in the ocean.

The report said Beach Patrol staff will assess the situation and determine the safest spot for the exact toss. They also said the organizers need to be prepared to get participants into a heated location after going into the cold water.

Risk Management officials said the event is self-sustaining and requires no use of town assets.

The organizers will pay the resort

$162.50 in private event fees to host the ceremony.

St. Paddy’s Day 5K OC TriRunning Sports’ annual St. Paddy’s Day 5K, sponsored by Shenanigans Irish Pub, is tentatively set for March 16 in downtown Ocean City.

According to a staff report, the running event is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to noon, on the Boardwalk concrete pad east of Fourth Street.

The race route will begin on the Boardwalk in front of Shenanigans, between Third and Fourth streets. Run-

ners will then head south on the concrete pad, continue around the pier and under the south tram station, turn north onto the Boardwalk to 16th Street and south on the Boardwalk to finish at Shenanigans.

The organizer requested eight pieces of metal event fencing, five traffic cones, vehicular access to the Boardwalk, reserve parking for event staff, permission to put up a tent in the area, and two city bicycle police officers.

The staff report said the organizer is required to obtain a tent permit from

the fire marshal and must meet certain parameters to put it up.

The organizer must also provide emergency medical technicians for the event, according to the report.

Public works staff also agreed to provide the requested items and post parking spaces on Fourth Street.

Risk management officials said the running event is self-sustaining and has been held in past years without incident.

The organizer will pay a total of $768 in private event, and asset and support fees to host the 5K.

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Attendees view plans and wait to put their comments on the record at a public session on US Wind’s proposed offshore wind project in October at Ocean City Elementary School.

Good news, but more work ahead in wind farm fight

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Dec. 22, 2023) Ocean City officials received some good news this week about the status of two protested offshore wind projects, but they learned there is still more work to be done before they can ensure residents and tourists won’t be seeing turbines off the coast of the resort anytime soon.

City Manager Terry McGean told council members at a meeting Monday that one of two new potential areas that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, identified recently for construction for offshore wind turbines is no longer under consideration. The news was good for city officials, who have consistently opposed any wind project that would erect turbines that would be visible from the resort.

“I’d love to take credit it for but it was the Navy that had issues in that lease area,” McGean said of the area known as B-1 off the coast of Assateague that would have put up tur-

bines as close as roughly 25 miles from Ocean City.

“It’s a positive development for us,” McGean continued. “That lease area would have been within our visual envelope.”

The other new lease area, known as A-2, is east of the current Delaware property that US Wind has proposed for a three-phased offshore project.

The turbines from any project developed at the B-2 property would be as close as 33 miles from Ocean City, McGean said.

He said officials formerly commented on that proposal with a request that the turbine sizes are restricted in all areas so the tops of the blades are not visible from the coast of the resort.

“We learned a hard lesson last time,” McGean said, referring to the current US Wind project. “Although the Delaware lease area is 30 miles away, you can’t see the turbines from there — provided they don’t get any See ONE Page 10

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Free State Corvette event set to return to OC in 2024

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Corvettes drive up the Boardwalk during the 2018 Free State Corvette Weekend parade. The classic car event will return to the resort Nov. 9 after a hiatus last year.

By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Dec. 22, 2023) After a hiatus last year due to staffing struggles on the part of the promoter, Free State Corvette Weekend is tentatively set to return to the resort in 2024.

But instead of holding the event in mid-October like before, it will be moving a few weeks further into the shoulder season to Nov. 9 next year.

City Council members approved a special event request this week from the Free State Corvette Club to use the inlet lot and Boardwalk from the inlet to 26th Street to host the 36th installment of the classic car show, road rally and Boardwalk parade.

According to a staff report, the car

show will take place at the inlet lot from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the road rally set to stage in the lot from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The parade will stage in the inlet lot at noon and start at 3 p.m., with participating Corvettes driving north on the boards to 26th Street.

Typically, hundreds of Corvette owners bring their vehicles to the events, and hundreds more spectators come to the resort just to see them.

This year, after the organizer announced that the event would not be taking place on Oct. 14 as previously planned because of staffing struggles, a new event, the Bronco Beach Bash, swooped in and took its place.

See EVENT Page 13

One of two possible wind lease areas dropped Continued from Page 9 bigger than they are now.”

McGean also updated council members on US Wind’s project, which is in the draft Environmental Impact Statement phase with BOEM. The extensive statement, which identified the economic impact of any towers or buoys associated with the proposed project, was released in October for public viewing with opportunities for feedback through virtual and in-person hearings.

“The in-person hearings, I think everyone would agree, were disappointing,” McGean said of the public input sessions held at Ocean City Elementary and Indian River High schools in late October.

While officials and members of the public were expecting an interactive format where they could present their comments on the project to officials who would be making decisions on it, the meetings were more like workshops. Hundreds of attendees waited in long lines to make comments on the record to a court reporter, with only consultants with minimal knowledge

of the project in attendance to answer questions.

McGean said he and Mayor Rick Meehan made comments on the record at the in-person hearing in Ocean City and during one of the virtual meetings that were held.

“Our comments opposed the project in its entirety and requested BOEM adopt what is known as the no build alternative, Alternative A,” he said.

The feedback incorporated 279 comments from a consultant the city hired to wade through the more than 3,300-page draft statement, as well as other concerns from city staff.

McGean said the feedback touched on marine life, birds, navigation, the city’s viewshed and the local economy.

Bureau officials will review and address all the feedback received during the public comment period on the draft, and issue a final Environmental Impact Statement.

After that, McGean said the bureau will release a record of decision, which is basically a document that approves or denies the project.

“They’re expected to release the

record of decision in the mid- to latethird quarter of 2024,” McGean said.

“Once issued, the city will need to determine if we accept that decision or file suit against BOEM.” He said city staff are preparing for both scenarios, and will discuss more about preparing for filing a lawsuit, if necessary, at a future work session.

McGean added that the state Legislature will likely be pushing to increase funding for offshore wind projects this year.

“We will be monitoring, obviously, any development and opposing anything like that in the upcoming legislative session,” he said.

McGean also gave an update on Ørsted’s Skipjack project, which is proposed off the coast of Delaware.

The project hit a setback and will likely not happen for at least two years now, he said.

In response to the report, Meehan reiterated the city’s objection to the US Wind project. He said it has been almost seven years since it was first introduced, and officials have been fighting it ever since.

“Seven years is a long time,” he said. “We tried to approach this many different ways to protect to the Town of Ocean City, our future, our viewshed, our economy. The door has been closed in our face at every single governmental level.”

City officials have said that they do not oppose wind energy as a whole, but do not want to see the turbines off the coast.

US Wind’s proposed project consists of three phases. Two of which, MarWin and Momentum Wind, already have offshore renewable energy certificates from the State of Maryland.

According to BOEM, the proposal for all three phases includes installation of up to 121 turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms, one meteorological tower, and up to four offshore export cable corridors with landfall planned within Delaware Seashore State Park.

The lease area is about 8.7 nautical miles offshore Maryland and roughly 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

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By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Dec. 22, 2023) After years worth of positive results, and no objection from surrounding property owners, Ocean City Council members have agreed to suspend noise and safety testing requirements at a Delmarva Power substation in north Ocean City.

“I’m not aware of any other system that has those testing requirements,” Delmarva Power Attorney Ryan Showalter said to council members at a meeting Monday in reference to a request to eliminate acoustic and electromagnetic field testing requirements at a substation between 137th and 138th streets in the Caine Woods community.

“We think the demonstrable history of compliance warrants elimination of this extraordinary testing requirement,” Showalter continued.

The substation was expanded in 2013, and part of the city’s approval for the project included a conditional use agreement that required the noise and safety testing twice a year beginning in 2014.

The tests determine how much electromagnetic activity and noise are emitted into the surrounding area from the facility. The conditional use agreement required the results of the tests to be sent to all properties within 300 feet of the substation, which encompasses residents in the Caine Woods community.

Delmarva Power officials have been

conducting tests regularly since 2014, and Showalter said the results have shown the substation has been compliant with applicable noise and safety requirements.

The testing also costs between $100,000 and $200,000 a year, which has been passed on to customers.

“This has been done at a considerable cost to the ratepayers for years,” Showalter said.

Delmarva Power officials tried in 2018 to eliminate the requirements, to no avail. While members of the planning commission recommended suspending the testing, City Council members denied the request after getting feedback from surrounding property owners.

This time, City Manager Terry McGean said the feedback was neutral.

He said he reached out to members of the Caine Woods Civic Association for feedback and did not get any objections to the request.

Council members ultimately voted unanimously to approve Delmarva Power’s request to eliminate the testing through amendment of the conditional use agreement.

The vote also included a requirement for one-time testing after installation of any new equipment that would increase the capacity of the substation by more than 20 percent, or after replacement of a piece of equipment within the facility with a different or higher rated model.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

Barge to be built in West OC harbor for Rt. 50 bridge work

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) A barge is set to occupy the channel under the Route 50 Bridge for three to four months in early 2024 as crews replace and repair parts of the drawbridge.

The Worcester County commissioners approved a request on Tuesday from Covington Machine & Welding to set up a crane in the West Ocean City Harbor parking lot to use in the barge’s assembly, according to a memo from Kelly Rados, director of Worcester County’s rec and parks.

Covington, which is doing the work as a state contractor, plans to start the assembly on Jan. 2 or 3 and will need one to two days to complete the barge,

according to the memo. The work area will comprise a 50-foot deep and 150foot wide space in the harbor’s lot at the bulkhead.

The company is moving the barge into the channel beneath the bridge once it’s put together. Workers will be replacing lateral bracing and gusset connections under the drawbridge.

The company needs the space in the harbor parking lot again for one day in late March or early April once the bridge repairs are finished and the barge needs to be disassembled and removed.

The State Highway Association would have to pay for any damages that might occur during the process per a Right of Entry Agreement, according to the memo from Rados.

Corvettes rally set for Nov. 9 Continued from Page 10 The staff report said the organizer of the Corvette event asked the city for use of electric service, police assistance with traffic control for the parade, and fencing off of a section of the inlet lot.

The report said police officers on shift will handle the parade detail, and

that the organizer must obtain a permit for tents. Risk management officials said the event is self sustaining and has occurred in the city for years, drawing visitors from out of the state and out of the country.

The organizer will pay the town a total $1,825 in asset and support and special event fees.

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PHOTO COURTESY ATLANTIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Ocean City Planning Commission approved plans to demolish the old Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk and construct a new one. Pictured is a rendering of the proposed new hotel.

Planning comm. passes site plan for new Majestic Hotel

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) The Ocean City Planning Commission approved a site plan for the redevelopment of the Majestic Hotel between Sixth and Seventh Streets on the West Side of Baltimore Avenue.

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pose to build a new five-and-a-half story building that would contain a 100-room hotel, 8,870 feet of commercial space on the Boardwalk and nine employee housing units. The current 65-room Majestic Hotel, 12 adjacent family units and a neighboring apartment building would be demolished ahead of the construction.

The commission voted 4-1 to approve the plans, with Chairman Joe Wilson, Joel Brous, Palmer Gillis and Janet Hough voting in favor. Pam Robertson was the only member to vote against it.

Jeff Thaler, of Atlantic Planning and Development, applied for site plan approval on behalf of the owners Avi and Zev Sibony of Sunsations Realty.

The eventual building and its parking — both on and off-site — will eventually span three zoning districts: a BC-2 Boardwalk zoning district, an R-3 general residential district and an R3-A moderate density residential district.

The project also falls within the Ocean City Development Corporation’s (OCDC) upper-downtown design overlay district, which encourages planning commissioners to consider building standards meant for this zone, said Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy.

The OCDC did approve the plans ahead of the Tuesday planning commission meeting.

Whether this proposed hotel should more closely align with these standards became a point of contention during discussions.

Rick Schoellkopf, an architect from Atlantic Planning and Development, described the building as an “art-deco” look and said it was partly inspired by aesthetics found near Miami.

“This is right near the (amusement) rides and right near the most

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

One commissioner raises concern over building aesthetics colorful parts of town,” Schoellkopf said.

The building will include 13 of its 100 rooms tucked under the roof in what Schoellkopf described as a fifth floor-and-a-half. This half-level will have dormer windows, as is consistent with recently passed habitable attic codes for the city.

The current Majestic Hotel supports 75 hotel rooms with just 22 parking spaces, Schoellkopf said.

The new proposed hotel will have 100 spaces for all 100 hotel units, but there won’t be any parking for the retail spaces along the Boardwalk, because most of the patrons there will be walking anyway, Schoellkopf said.

Schoellkopf said that designers are using less than 50 percent of the allowable parking nonconformity that came with the site, meaning that even though they have a parking exception to include fewer spaces, they are adding them anyway.

Owners expect to house J-1 student workers, who travel from other countries for seasonal work, who aren’t expected to have cars, Schoellkopf said. There is living space to accommodate up to 54 employees, Schoellkopf said.

Before the site plan hearing, the Board of Zoning Appeals approved an exception that allows developers to build 12-feet into a mandated 32foot setback from the Boardwalk.

Schoellkopf said that this will be for the first floor retail space only, and that it was consistent with surrounding buildings.

Robertson said she was surprised the plans were accepted by the OCDC since many aspects of its design were inconsistent with the specifications in the OCDC’s design overlay district standards.

For one thing, the building seemed like it should be broken up more into smaller structures rather than being one large block, Robertson said.

Schoellkopf said that the face of a building that is on the Boardwalk is exempt from the OCDC’s design guidelines, and the remaining building has to stay consistent with the front. Gordy said the exemption extends only 25 feet down each side from the Boardwalk.

Robertson questioned what justified adding the habitable rooms under the roof, which are supposed to be an incentive.

Schoellkopf said that the owners are spending millions to improve this section of the city, like realigning the land bordering Seventh Street, which he claimed “juts out,” burying street utilities voluntarily, including employee housing and paying to add a city bus stop to the property.

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

IAC still saying maybe on Buckingham funds

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Dec. 21, 2023) Maryland’s Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) didn’t allocate any state funding to Buckingham Elementary’s replacement project in the agency’s preliminary 2025 capital improvement plan budget, but this could change once the budget is finalized in May. At a meeting over Zoom last Thursday, the IAC approved staff recommendations for preliminary allocations and planning approvals for the 75 percent authorization round of their 2025 capital improvement plan after hearing testimony from the leaders of several education agencies in Maryland.

Superintendent of Worcester County Schools Lou Taylor, State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and County Commissioner President Chip Bertino testified for Buckingham’s construction funding.

Worcester County schools requested a total of $3,566,500 in state funding for 2025, most of which was to pay for roof projects at Pocomoke and Snow Hill Middle Schools. Of that total, $513,000 was meant to go toward design services for the Buckingham replacement.

This preliminary IAC budget allo-

cates only $1.9 million to the Snow Hill Middle School’s roof project.

Buckingham design services and the Pocomoke roof project were marked for no state funding, for now.

The 75 percent allocation round is “very preliminary” and “incomplete,” maybe even more so than in past years, said Alex Donahue, executive director of the IAC. Last year the state funding target increased by several hundred million dollars between the 75 percent round and final budget approval, he said.

“We really have little idea at this point about the total amount of funding we’ll be working with,” Donahue said.

The IAC won’t know its complete budget until the General Assembly passes budget bills in the legislative session that begins in January, and IAC staff do expect a clearer picture of their funding by late that month, Donahue said.

The 90 percent budget authorization comes in March as the legislature winds up its business, and the final approval comes in May. The IAC graded the Buckingham Elementary replacement project’s funding status as a “C,” which means “deferred and not currently eligible for planning or funding approval pending IAC review or unresolved

HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Maryland’s Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) didn’t allocate any state funding to Buckingham Elementary’s replacement project yet, but this could change in the coming months. Pictured is Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin.

[local education agency] issues, according to WCPS facilities manager Joe Price.

Between now and May, Buckingham and other projects with a C rating at this juncture could become eligible for state funding, said Arabia Davis, funding programs manager at the IAC. Many of the projects received a C grade because of data-gathering chal-

lenges for variables of each project that the IAC uses to determine funding eligibility. One of the unknown variables holding back some C-rated projects is Pre-K enrollment, which has a new estimation procedure, Davis said.

“Getting to this set of preliminary recommendations has accordingly been challenging, and there are a sigSee STATE Page 18

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Ocean City Today

PAGE 17

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

State, county and school leaders testify to IAC Continued from Page 16 nificant number of projects that are not receiving allocations in this round that may very well receive funding recommendations in the upcoming 90 percent and 100 percent rounds,” Davis said.

In October, the IAC received 306 funding requests from all 24 of Maryland’s local education agencies and the Maryland School for the blind, which totaled $985 million. All the capital improvement project submissions include requests for planning approval, design services, design funding, construction funding and more, Davis said.

At this 75 percent phase of the IAC’s allocation process, staff have recommended funding just $210 million of the requests. IAC staff estimate that the full and final IAC budget, which will be approved in May, will be $280 million.

“This is a CIP record in terms of the scale of the requests and their complexity within the context of limited state resources,” Donahue said.

“Just 10 weeks later, we are here to take a first cut at placing some expected state capital dollars on to those projects whose eligibility appears to be relatively clear.”

In January 2022, the IAC voted to freeze the amount of funding that the

agency allocates to each local school system for 2024 and 2025 at the same amount of funding that each one received in 2023.

“This amount … is based upon the proportional 10-year average from FY 2013 to FY 2022 and other appropriate factors. This freeze prevents the use of other funding sources from impacting an LEA’s (local education agencies) 10-year average. This freeze also allows the IAC, LEAs, and stakeholders time to develop an appropriate methodology to develop future annual funding targets,” according to a 2022 memo about the funding freeze.

The funding freeze made Worcester County eligible for just 0.89 percent of the total IAC funding.

Montgomery County was locked in at the highest percentage of available funding, which was 14.75 percent.

Most of the rest of the state’s local education agencies were set at funding proportions ranging from 0.68 percent to 6.45 percent. Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County were set at around 9-12 percent of the total state budget.

At the meeting, Bertino said that Worcester County only received .37 percent, or $14.8 million, of the about $4 billion in school construction funds the state has distributed over

the past decade.

“Approving this $5.8 million request for Buckingham Elementary School would increase this percentage to only one half of one percent — a small investment from the state that will reap incalculable dividends for the families of our community and the state as a whole,” Bertino said.

Worcester County would ask the state for about $5.8 million for the total replacement project. The county has preliminarily allocated $50 million for the Buckingham project in its 2025-2029 capital improvement plan, he said.

Carozza said that the funding request for Buckingham would comprise only 0.3 percent of Maryland’s total school construction funding dispersal.

“We are basing our appeal on facts, figures and fairness for our Buckingham Elementary students and community,” Carozza said.

Carozza also said that when the IAC previously decided not to fund Buckingham’s replacement, it based its decision on the determination that there were 641 seats available at Showell and Ocean City Elementary Schools. When the IAC funded Showell’s replacement a few years ago, Buckingham wasn’t considered an

“adjacent school,” she said.

Donahue said that construction funding requests from all school systems are evaluated on the same formula that analyzes a school’s eligible enrollment as well as the capacity for students at that school and at nearby schools.

The IAC uses a state-rated capacity calculator that’s meant to keep funding equitable across different school systems, and the rules of this analysis haven’t changed for many years, Donahue said.

“What is different with this year as compared with past years in which previous projects were evaluated is that the IAC now has the capacity to fully implement these rules to a degree which they may not have been consistently implemented in previous years,” Donahue said.

Carozza also said that an idea floated by the IAC to combine Buckingham Elementary and Berlin Intermediate into one new building is not do-able.

Edward Kasemeyer, chairperson of the IAC, said that Donahue has a “more comprehensive concept” of the combined Buckingham and Berlin Intermediate building idea. Donahue plans to present the concept to Worcester County leaders in the future, Kasemeyer said.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

New county districts effective as of Tuesday

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) Worcester County voters and future candidates will have to check a new map of the county to see which districts they live in because the home districts for some residents changed as of Tuesday.

The Worcester County Commissioners approved an emergency bill to redraw the county’s seven districts following a public hearing at their Tuesday meeting. The new boundaries are aimed at making the population of each district more equal and ensuring that District Two, the county’s central district, keeps a majority-minority population.

Emergency bills require a 6-1 vote to pass, though the vote was unanimous. Emergency legislation is effective immediately, said Kim Moses, public information officer for Worcester County.

The commissioners opened a public hearing before the vote, and while only a single person spoke, it was to say that county residents didn’t get enough information in advance.

Kathryn Culbertson, a Snow Hill resident since 2021, said residents had a little opportunity to look at, review and understand the bill and what it means for the next 10 years in

Worcester County.

“I don’t feel like this process has really involved the public to the length that it needed to,” Culbertson said.

Jennifer Keener, director of development, review and permitting, said that county staff started the process last spring, prepared five draft maps and published them on the county website after Sept. 5. Staff also posted about the changes on social media, held a public hearing on Oct. 17, and kept that public input period open for four weeks, Keener said.

Culbertson returned to the podium to say that, while she appreciated the outreach process, it wasn’t adequate.

“Between September and November is a [ridiculously] short period of time to try and get something like this pushed through,” Culbertson said.

Culbertson said she couldn’t find the bill and map information on the county website until after Thanksgiving, and had to dig through a November agenda packet to find the link to the publicly posted maps.

Even having been a legislative aide at the congressional and state level for over 20 years, and having had experience digging through similar information, Culbertson still couldn’t find the information in time, she

HUNTER HINE / OCEAN CITY TODAY

Worcester County has adjusted the lines between its seven voting districts following the approval of an emergency bill on Tuesday. Commissioner President Chip Bertino (left) and commissioner Ted Elder (right) joined in the unanimous approval of the measure.

said.

Culbertson said she reached out to about 100 people, and only three of them knew that a redistricting plan was going through.

“Why would you expect that a majority of people in this county could’ve actually located it, identified it, discussed it, figured out where they stood on it and reported to you or come to you with public comments by now?” Culbertson said.

Earlier this month, all seven commissioners signed the bill with the goal of redistricting by the end of the year. The county elections board needs to file and distribute the new map before Feb. 9, which is the deadline for residents to register for board of education candidacy.

If the districts were altered after the deadline candidates could end up running for a district where they no longer live.

The new district map is a revised

Correction

January 18-19th January 13-14th 2024 2020

In a story that ran in the Dec. 15, 2023, edition about a powerboat race that was proposed for Ocean City in June, it was reported that the course would run in the bay. This is incorrect. The 5-mile course loop will run in the ocean from Sunset Avenue to 29th Street.

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version of one of the five potential options that the county planning department presented to commissioners. All the versions were created to reflect findings from the 2020 census, which showed that populations in each district had shifted and become uneven.

The new map is supposed to bring each district population as close to 7,515 residents as possible, so that each reflects one-seventh of the county’s citizens. It’s also supposed to expand District Two’s minority population’s majority by a margin of 478 people.

District Two resulted from a lawsuit in the mid-nineties when courts found that electing a minority county commissioner was all but impossible with the county’s then at-large voting system.

The 2020 census showed that the district’s minority population held its margin of majority by a single person.

The 2010 census found that District Two kept its majority-minority population by a margin of 395 people.

Election Director Patricia Jackson said at previous meetings that the elections board would be hardpressed to prepare the new district information ahead of Feb. 9, but that it would have to be done.

In November, the commissioners briefly considered pushing the redistricting process to 2025 but decided against it since it could change the See PUBLIC Page 22

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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MDOT agencies expect budget cuts

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration is proposing a $3.3 billion cut to the state’s six-year transportation spending plan, and its effects will be felt all the way down to the neighborhood level.

According to Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld, all agencies expect an 8 percent decrease in funding as the administration grapples with huge gap between revenue and expenditures. The fund reduction is expected to be a primary focus for the upcoming General Assembly session.

“This is not a new problem for our state,” Wiedefeld said. “In 2020, the Department of Legislative Services identified that Maryland’s transportation program had a structural issue with operating costs increasing faster than overall revenues. Since 2020, these issues have been exacerbated by historic inflation impacting labor and material costs, depleted COVID-19 relief funding, and the gradual decline of transportation’s largest revenue source- motor fuel tax revenue.”

A Dec. 5 press release from Wiedefeld’s office says roughly $1 billion would be reduced from the operating budget, $2 billion from the capital

program, and about $400 million would be eliminated from local government grants. Highway and transit services will also take a big hit.

According to Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C), the transportation fund is being depleted by Maryland public transportation, where there is only a 12 percent return. Electric vehicles are also being pushed, and these car owners do not contribute to the motor fuel tax.

“I have discussed that we need to have a fee at registration or a fee with license renewal for electric car owners. This needs to be addressed sooner rather than later,” he said.

There is also abundant spending on light rail projects in Central Maryland. The Purple Line, which will extend from Bethesda to New Carrollton, is still being worked on, while there are already talks of a Red Line. “We need to evaluate how we are spending money on some of these bigger projects,” Hartman said.

Wiedefeld told Maryland Matters that The Department of Transportation may increase parking rates at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and fees at the Motor Vehicle Administration to combat the issue. They also plan to reduce MVA office hours and permanently close smaller branches.

While these changes are expected to secure the department an additional $80 million, they say it is only a drop of what is needed.

Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties officials were invited to meet with the State Highway Administration District Engineer Mark Crampton on Dec. 14 to discuss

how the cuts will affect their communities.

However, Crampton maintained that significant undertakings like the planning and designing of the Route 90 bridge expansion are still underway.

In 2021, then-Gov. Larry Hogan promised $15 million for the environmental study required for the bridge’s construction. The expansion aims to alleviate traffic, improve pedestrian and cyclist conditions, complete repairs, design an easier evacuation route outside Ocean City, and account for rising sea levels.

The Route 50 bridge also needs redevelopment. However, this is impossible until after the expansion of Route 90 is complete.

“Fixing the aging drawbridge on 50 can’t happen until after the Route 90 bridge,” Hartman said. “Ocean City is cut off from the mainland if the drawbridge gets stuck. There’s a time clock.”

Meanwhile, State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R38) said the resurfacing of Baltimore Avenue, which includes widening sidewalks and improving the landscaping, is still in progress, as is the plan to construct a pedestrian signal between the Berlin Food Lion and the Atlantic General Hospital James G. Barrett Medical Building.

While these developments are still on track, construction is a significant expense. “We must remain vigilant as we work to prioritize these projects in the future,” Carozza said. “Support from the community is going to be important.”

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Public outreach for bill criticized Continued from Page 20 home districts for people elected to county seats in the November 2024 elections. It could have required adjusted terms or special elections.

Also, the deadline to submit locations for the county’s 2024 voting precincts to the state passed on Nov.

14. The board of elections may need special permission from the state to establish a new polling station ahead of upcoming elections. If county district lines cross legislative district lines, a new precinct is created and another voting station is needed, Jackson said.

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PAGE 23

Ocean City Today

Man receives 25 yrs for sex abuse (Dec. 22, 2023) On Dec. 15, Alvin Lee Redmon Jr., 29 of Lusby, was sentenced to serve 25 years in the Division of Corrections stemming from conviction on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor in Worcester County.

According to a news release from the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Of- Alvin Redmon Jr. fice, a jury found Redmon guilty in July after a two-day trial in Worcester County Circuit Court.

Judge Beau Oglesby imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law.

The charges stem from a complaint of sexual abuse which the victim originally reported to authorities in Calvert County in November of 2021.

Further investigation revealed that the abuse had occurred over the course of several years and in multiple jurisdictions, including Ocean City. Redmon was the boyfriend of the victim’s mother at the time of the reported abuse in Ocean City and the victim was 15 years old.

In the release, Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser praised the collaborative efforts of Ocean City Police Department and all multi-disciplinary partners at the CRICKET Cen-

ter who assisted in this investigation, and thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Mary-Ann Burkhart who prosecuted the case.

The mission of the CRICKET Center is to create a community response in which abusers are held accountable and children and families experience hope and healing. The multidisciplinary team is made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel.

To learn more, or to report suspected child abuse, contact 410-6410097.

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Woman dies in crash near Snow Hill (Dec. 22, 2023) A single-vehicle crash last weekend near Snow Hill claimed the life of a 20-year-old Worcester County woman and injured two others.

According to a news release from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department, just before 4:15 a.m., Dec. 16, a 2010 Jeep Wrangler driven by Wyatt Lowman, 19, of Salisbury, left Saint Lukes Road between Route 12 and Cardinal Lane in Worcester

County for an unknown reason and struck a ditch and utility pole.

After first responders arrived, Lowman was flown to University of Maryland Shock Trauma by Maryland State Polcie Aviation, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

The release said a passenger in the vehicle, Allison Milburn, 20, of Stockton, was pronounced dead on scene.

The release said a third passenger was transported by ambulance to

Tidal Health.

Firefighters from the Snow Hill and Salisbury departments, and police from and Snow Hill, Ocean City and Berlin also responded to the scene.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit assumed the investigation.

Anyone with information related to this crash is asked to contact DFC Chris Parr at 410-632-1111 ext. 6021 or cparr@co.worcester.md.us

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PAGE 24

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

Caine Woods Christmas House dazzles crowds

By Taylor Sloan Contributing Writer (Dec. 15, 2023) Holiday light displays can be found throughout Ocean City, but one neighborhood outshines all the rest.

Where is this light display, you may ask? In the neighborhood of Caine Woods in North Ocean City, bayside.

On the street of Fountain Road, neighbors and visitors alike can hear the wonderful tunes of Christmas while enjoying a spectacular light show at house number 13609.

Owner Mark Jahnke, a member of the Air Force Reserves, said he set up his light display a little late this year, as he was deployed in Africa, but came home to decorate with his girlfriend, Jessica.

“The lights typically start around Thanksgiving,” Jahnke said.

The set up takes about five weeks, and it totals about 200 hours.

“We had some days where we were outside 15 to18 hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,” Jahnke said.

The couple have been putting up light displays since before the pandemic.

They started in 2019 and have continued to grow and build exponentially.

“Prior it was a lot less elaborate,” Jahnke said.

Jahnke has won awards for the display in different categories for the last

PHOTO COURTESY CAINE WOODS CHRISTMAS HOUSE FACEBOOK PAGE

A massive holiday light display shines for all to see at the Caine Woods Christmas House at 13609 Fountain Ave. in the uptown neighborhood. The owner, Mark Jahnke, has won awards for the decorations, which he has been putting up since 2019.

four years. For the first couple of years, they were entered in the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Light Display contest.

“For the last two years, I have registered us for the contest,” Jahnke said.

The Chamber of Commerce has also created new categories for their light display contest.

“We have won the ‘Magical Masterpiece Award’ and the ‘Griswald Tech

Award,’” Jahnke said.

Jahnke has also used the radio for his display. Viewers can tune into the radio station number that is lit up among the display lights.

There is also a QR code for patrons to donate to the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, a local organization that provides respite housing services to critically ill children and their families. Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation has beach

houses in Ocean City, where several families visit a year, as well as house locations across the bridge in Baltimore City.

Jahnke turns the lights on around 5:30 p.m. each night and leaves them on until 10 p.m., sometimes continuing the lights longer if he is home.

When asked why he puts out such an elaborate light display every year, Jahnke said, “We just kind of do it to do it.”

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Holiday fudge made special with creamy egg nog infusion

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse …”

The childhood poem mesmerizes my mind as the cold winds sweep the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. But even Jack Frost can’t freeze the warm recollections that swirl within.

As I stroll the barren beaches, solitude incorporates a certain serenity that guides my footsteps to the past. The glistening sea is an eternal mystery and with that comes an infinite flow of lessons to be learned.

Youth is precious, but like a fine wine it gets better with age. Clarity and understanding eventually catches up, and an appreciation for the sacrifices my parents’ made flows with the tide of wisdom.

I am not one with words, but I hope my actions exemplify the experiences ascertained from the foundation of family. And like a lighthouse, I try to reflect goodness for those in need.

The rewards of appreciating our fellow man may seem trivial and old fashioned, but this simple act can make such a difference and is the secret ingredient that sweetens generations to come.

So, as we open our gifts on Christmas Day, let us remember the true meaning of this blessed holiday. It is then we can continue this benevolent tradition in our daily lives.

That being said, mother was a master at homemade gifts, even when times were not the best.

She was resourceful and her of-

ferings always stood out. Sometimes the simplest idea that is packaged with love and creativity makes for the most memorable moments.

Christmas fudge enhanced with eggnog is a festive twist on traditional flavors. But before we get into specifics, do you know the city where fudge was first made?

The actual origins of fudge are foggy, but according to the “History of Fudge,” “on Valentine’s Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland, made the very first batch of fudge.”

I do not know about you, but I would have never guessed that fudge originated in Baltimore.

Getting back to the basics, fudge is relatively simple to make but there are a few tips to ensure success. First and foremost, it is imperative to monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer.

If you don’t heat your fudge to a high enough temperature, you’ll end up with a soft product. And if you heat the mixture too much, your fudge may be harder than you like.

When you are cooking your fudge over the stove, you should aim for a temperature between 234 to 237 degrees.

Avoid stirring while the mixture is boiling, you are encouraging the development of sugar crystals.

Place parchment paper in the dish with an overhang. This helps remove the fudge from the pan easier.

Ground nutmeg is the customary garnish, but candy cane dust is also fun. You are the cook and allow your taste buds to guide you.

Move over chocolate and peanut butter fudge, Christmas fudge has washed ashore. Whether it is served as a dessert or as a gift, this eggnog flavored fudge will fill your belly with delightful cheer. Enjoy!

See CHRISTMAS Page 27

CROSSWORD

Answers on page 32

DECEMBER 22, 2023

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 This week you may be interested in unusual art forms or creative things in nature, Aries. Therefore, try to enjoy outings that may bring you to exhibits by local artists or craft shows.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, an old friend may come to visit for the holidays and you can rekindle your relationship after many years. Even though it’s been some time, you’ll be glad to see one another.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 An unexpected invitation comes your way, Gemini. It may include a short trip to visit someone or a brief vacation to a place you’ve always wanted to see.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 New career opportunities are available to reawaken your ambition, Cancer. You might come across some possibilities this week that you hadn’t imagined.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 The excitement of making arrangements for a journey may actually excite you more than the trip itself.

However, once you get to the destination, your enthusiasm will grow.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 After a visit from a friend or family member who you haven’t seen in a while, long-forgotten memories are recalled. This will be an interesting trip down memory lane.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 This week you may learn something new that you never realized about your spouse or current partner, Libra.

It can be exciting realizing wonderful things about the one you love.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, exciting new developments will arise in your career. A solution may come to light or plans you’ve been making will suddenly come to fruition.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Your desire to travel may have awakened a new interest in you, Sagittarius. This could inspire you to make plans to visit far off lands in the year to come.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

New Year’s Eve in OC Ocean City’s large fireworks display will take place downtown on the beach at midnight on Jan. 1 near Dorchester Street. The show will be accompanied by music at the Caroline Street Stage starting at 9 p.m.

A smaller fireworks display will be available uptown at Northside Park.

The town offers free bus service on New Year's Eve starting at 6 a.m., Dec. 31, 2023, until 3 a.m., Jan. 1. Buses will run about every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, and roughly every 15 minutes from 6 p.m., Dec. 31 to 3 a.m., Jan. 1. At all other times following 3 a.m. on New Year's Day, bus service is available daily from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., running every 30 minutes, for $4 ride-all-day passes.

Winterfest holiday hours Winterfest will have standard operating hours 5:30-9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, until Christmas Day when the display will be open daily through Dec. 31.

Also, Santa will be preparing his sleigh for Christmas and will not be at Winterfest after Dec. 23. The display will close for the season at 9:30 p.m., Dec. 31.

The Winterfest Train Garden at the Roland E Powell Convention Center Visitor Center is still available for a quick visual scavenger hunt, 5:30-9 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, until Dec. 31.

AGH Penguin Swim Atlantic General Hospital’s 30th Annual Penguin Swim is set for Jan. 1 on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street.

According to a news release, 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 that allows access to the swim area.

Advance online registration is recommended. Participants can register online by visiting aghpenguinswim.org.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Welcomed, but unexpected communications from a close friend could come your way, Capricorn. This may segue into a journey or some social occasion.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you may desire to keep your distance from certain individuals, but they manage to find you anyway.

Keep things cordial until you can once again move on.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You are receptive to new ideas, Pisces, and that may mean you could relocate for a new and promising career. Keep all of your options open.

PAGE 27

Ocean City Today

FOR ALL THINGS LOCAL OceanCityToday.com

The registration fee is $30 per participant if registering on or before Dec. 30, or $35 if registering on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1.

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 to avoid long lines on event day and pick up wristbands and shirts early.

Event day registration and check-in is set from 9-11:30 a.m., with the main event at noon on the beach at 91st Street. There will be family activities in between.

The awards ceremony will take place in the atrium immediately following the swim.

Those unable to attend can still participate in the cyber swim by registering online, taking an ice-cold dip wherever they are, and publicly posting a photo or video on social media using the hashtag #OCPenguinSwim.

Contact Laura Powell at the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation office at 410-641-9671 or visit aghpenguinswim.org for more information.

Charles at Military Bowl Award-winning country music star and Ocean City native Jimmy Charles will take the stage on Dec. 27 at the Military Bowl Tailgate Festival in Annapolis with a free concert, and sing the national anthem before the game.

The concert at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will begin at 11 a.m. with free admission. The game kickoff is at 2 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN. Tickets are on sale

now.

Charles grew up in Ocean City and graduated from Towson University in suburban Baltimore before beginning his successful music career in Nashville. According to a news release, he has several close relatives who have served in the military and often performs at events benefiting service members.

Along with the concert, the Military Bowl Tailgate Festival will feature the Budweiser Clydesdales, a live game day broadcast of Living Local on DCW 50, military displays, Military Bowl merchandise and more.

For updates, including information on buying tickets, visit militarybowl.org, follow @MilitaryBowl on Twitter and Instagram or like the Military Bowl presented by GoBowling.com on Facebook. For sponsorship information, contact Military Bowl Senior Director of Partnerships Marc Goldman at mgoldman@militarybowl.org.

Berlin ball drops The Town of Berlin will be hosting two New Year’s Eve ball drop events next week to ring in 2024.

The first will be geared toward kids from 5-6:30 p.m, Dec. 31, and the second will be for adults from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Dec 31 and Jan. 1.

The first ball will drop at 6 p.m. and the second at midnight on the corner of Pitts and Main streets downtown.

The adults celebration starts at 10 and will feature music from DJ Big Al Reno & Schwab on the stage and music when the ball drops at midnight.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Christmas fudge with egg nog Continued from Page 26

Christmas Fudge Ingredients ¾ cup unsalted butter (1-1/2 sticks) 3 cups sugar 8 ounces eggnog 7 ounces marshmallow fluff 12 ounces good quality chopped white chocolate or chips 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ½ teaspoons rum extract ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg plus extra for garnishing 1. In a tall, heavy bottomed sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add the sugar and half teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix well.

3. Pour in the eggnog and again mix well.

4. Place the candy thermometer into the saucepan. Make sure the ther-

mometer does not touch the bottom of the pan or it will be an incorrect reading.

5. Bring the ingredients to a rolling boil and cook until the candy thermometer reaches 234-degrees.

6. Remove the pan from the stovetop and stir in the marshmallow fluff, white chocolate, vanilla, rum extract, and mix until thoroughly combined and the chocolate has melted.

7. Line parchment paper in an 8inch by 8-inch pan.

8. Pour fudge in pan and using a spatula, smooth out the fudge.

9. Garnish fudge with a dusting of ground nutmeg, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

10. Cut fudge into squares and serve immediately.

Secret Ingredient – Sharing “Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”

– Ruth Reichl

Happy Holidays!

PAGE 28

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

Dreamfest scheduled during MLK weekend The Montego Bay Community’s crab basket Christmas tree.

Resort will be celebrating rhythm and blues, along with Morgan Univ. choir

SUBMITTED PHOTO /OCEAN CITY TODAY

Montego Bay community unveils crab basket tree (Dec. 22, 2023) The Montego Bay community made history this holiday season by putting up and lighting Ocean City’s first-ever crab basket tree.

Accordion to a news release, community members came together to buy and decorate 120 crab baskets to create the tree and the neighborhood donated a snowman, lighted crab, strings of lights, money for construction materials, and a one-of-a-king tree topper.

The planning and construction were completed by volunteers

headed by Bill Corun.

The project coordinator, Karen Corun began the lighting ceremony by introducing Chaplain Alex Bean from the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department for a prayer, followed by a countdown led by Councilman John Gehrig.

Mayor Rick Meehan also showed up, along with members of the fire and police departments, and residents from the community.

The release said the community’s volunteerism “made the project an outstanding success.”

(Dec. 22, 2023) For the second consecutive year, the Town of Ocean City will host Dreamfest on Martin Luther King Weekend.

According to a news release, the three-day event, set Jan. 12-14, will feature a fusion of music, history tours, commemorative speakers and celebrations to honor King and his legacy.

"We want to celebrate Rhythm and Blues while also honoring the civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr., along with the history this holiday weekend represents," Mayor Rick Meehan said in the release.

"Dreamfest promises an enriching experience for our residents and visitors alike, offering a diverse array of activities all around Maryland’s Coast.”

To kick off the event, on Jan. 12, members of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will join Meehan in hosting the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Dreams and Determination.

The breakfast will feature keynote

speaker Col. Gregory D. Gadson and a performance by the Morgan State University Choir. Attendees can buy tickets online at ococean.com.

The event will also feature music shows at the performing arts center, beginning on Jan. 12, with Michael Jackson tribute concert, “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.”

On Jan. 13, Prince keyboardist Matt Fink, known as Doctor Fink, and frontman Marshall Charloff will present a tribute to Prince and The Revolution with “The Purple Xperience.”

On Jan. 14, ten-time Grammy and Dove award-winning acapela group Take 6 will perform.

Alton with the Performing Arts Center shows, there will be tours of African American historic sites throughout the county, including celebrations at the Ocean City Art League, museum tours at the Sturgis One Room School Museum in Pocomoke City, local black history discussions at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum in Berlin and more. To view a full list of events and sites, visit ococean.com/dreamfest.

Play

FREE Golf

INDOOR 136th ST.

4 LOCATIONS:

23 St. 28th St. 68th St. 136th St.

Christmas Day 11am-4pm at our 68th INDOOR Golf Course

Please Call 410-524-2645 For Information

rd

Come On Down And Play A Round

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours!

Making Memories

(Indoor 68th St Location)

INDOOR 68th ST. For more fun photos and to blog: www.oldprogolf.com

CHRISTMAS STOCKING STUFFERS 20 Game Tickets

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

Cher tribute show headlines NOW PLAYING Mayor’s New Year’s concert Theatrical performances win performer accolades at the Grand Ole Opry (Dec. 15, 2023) Mayor Rick Meehan’s annual New Year’s Concert is set for Dec. 29 at the Performing Arts Center with award-winning artist Lisa McClowry’s “The Beat Goes On – Cher Tribute Show.”

According to a news release, on Oct. 22 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, McClowry, the singer, producer and star of the show, was awarded the Tribute Artist of the Year honor from the Josie Music Awards for her portrayal of Cher. The Josie Music Awards is the largest international independent artist’s award ceremony.

More than 59,000 submissions were received for the 2023 JMA and only 2 percent of those submissions are nominated.

In real life, the release said McClowry looks nothing like Cher, making her transformation all the more

astounding. She is a singer/songwriter, stage and recording artist and producer whose music and voice have been heard in movies, TV and radio commercials, collaborative readings, and on original albums.

She tours internationally playing Cher in the tribute show. The theatrical production incorporates dynamic dialogue, humor, audience participation, eight costume changes, and video projection with visuals and animations.

“The New Year’s 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,” Meehan said in the release. “This year we are excited to welcome newly named Tribute Artist of the year, Lisa McClowry. This will be a concert like no other!”

Residents and visitors are invited to ring in the New Year with the mayor at the concert. For more information, or to buy tickets for the show, visit ococean.com.

For More Holiday Celebrations

OceanCityToday.com

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 22, 5-9 p.m CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue, 5-9 p.m.

PICKLES PUB 706 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, 410-289-4891 / picklesoc.com Dec. 22: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 23: Beats by Tuff, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 24: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 25: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Delaware, Maryland, any state, any country. Valid government issued ID required. Go to www.ochitide.com to see all the incredible choices.

Dec. 26: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 27: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Dec. 28: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS 49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Dec. 22: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dec. 23: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dec. 28: Stealing Savanah Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Sip On That Thursdays!, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Hi-Tide is located just 100 yards Off Rt 50 on Rt 611 across from Food Lion We Now Offer DELIVERY to Maryland Medical Patients

Ocean City Today

PAGE 30

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

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood.

Breakfast: closed Monday through Wednesday; Thursday through Saturday, 7:30-11 a.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon. Open daily for Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City, 410-973-7258, coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Beautiful oceanfront dining on the boardwalk. American restaurant with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood with a unique culinary twist.

With a wonderful balance of meticulously prepared cuisine, inventive cocktails and incredible customer service, Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday opening at 8 a.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar CLOSING MONDAY, DEC. 18 AND REOPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27.

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials.

Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-6811, Papistacojoint.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer,

wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.

■ PICKLES PUB 706 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, 410289-4891, picklesoc.com $$ | Full bar Open all year from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., 7 days a week. Serving lunch, dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. with nightly entertainment while dining in one of the local sports bars. Serving a wide variety of appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, lite fare to special entrees.

Serving a wide variety of beers, wines, and specialty drinks. Check the website for weekly specials.

■ TOAST ITALIAN RESTAURANT 221 Wicomico Street and Bay Front, Ocean City, 410-237-7070, @toastocmd.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Enjoy waterfront bay Italian dining with a million $ view. Home of the Super Slice pizza. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

Soups, salads, sandwiches, small plates and entrées served after 3 p.m.

Check out the website for a full menu.

Happy Hour, 2-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open year round. Closed Tuesdays. Open weekdays, 2-9 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free street parking every day.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Don’t miss out on Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 443664-5693, longboardcafe.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26.

Will reopen Dec. 27.

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made.

We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday.

Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts.

Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:3011:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

DECEMBER 22, 2023

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ BAHAMA’S CRAB SHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Hwy, Fenwick 302-537-5882 Premier seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. Fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-6410011, www.carouselhotel.com Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ GREENE TURTLE 11601 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 410723-2120, originalgreeneturtle.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Voted best sports bar restaurant in Ocean City, The Original Greene Turtle is the perfect family hangout with the best burgers and wings in Ocean City and arcade games! Looking to catch the game? With more than 70 TVs we are your sports headquarters! Serving appetizers, wings, salads, homemade bowls of soup, handheld burgers, chicken, Maryland crab cakes, with a wide variety of beers, wines and specialty drinks.

Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

■ LEON’S AT THE BEACH 11805 Coastal Hwy., Located in the Ocean City Square Shopping Center 410-524-2609 $$/$$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Under new management. Serving lunch and dinner with new menu items. Finger foods, savory sandwiches, soups, salads, and delicious entrees. One of the highlights is the famous burgers. High quality ingredients and cooked to perfection.

Also, serving fresh seafood, steaks, and chef’s special dishes. Happy Hour, daily, 4-7 p.m. Dine in, carry out and curbside pickup. NFL specials every game, food, and drink specials available. Check out our website for more details. Closed every Tuesday.

■ NORI’S 11403 Coastal Hwy, located in the Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City, 443-880-6258, norisoc.com $$ | Full bar Voted Ocean City’s Best Full-Service Sushi bar, steaks and sashimi, seafood entrees with fried rices, vegan, vegetarian, sandwiches, gluten free Sushi and meals. Many drink specials, wine and beers. Open 7 days a week, from 11:30 a.m. until. Dine in, carry out and delivery available.

■ SOPHIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 11405 Coastal Hwy, located in the Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City, 410-723-5188, sophiasitalianrestaurantocmd.com $$ | Full bar Located in the Gold Coast Mall serving one of Ocean City’s finest Italian dinners. Lunch specials, appetizers, soups,

salads, sandwiches and homemade Italian dinners. Full bar with beers, wine and specialty drinks. Open 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. Dine in, carry out and delivery available.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, located on the 8th floor of the Fenwick Inn, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking the ocean and the bay. Serving off season weekly specials. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the website for a full menu.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open everyday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, 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, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. menu.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food.

Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS 9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com $$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

■ SELLO’S ITALIAN OVEN & BAR 9802 Golf Course Road, 410-390-3543, sellosoc.com $$-$$$$ | Full bar Located in the heart of West Ocean City.

You may think you stepped off a city street and not just off the beach or boat. You will find a wide array of choices from a wood-fired oven individual pizza to our 8 oz. center-cut filet mignon. Join us at Sello’s, your new “happy place,” where “va tutto bene” … it’s all good … Open Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. until and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. until.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

PAGE 31

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association and Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association present the annual Pink Lady Tournament proceeds to Atlantic General Hospital staff.

Pink Lady tourney donates proceeds to Atlantic Gen. (Dec. 22, 2023) The 12th Annual Ocean Pines Pink Lady Tournament, hosted by the Ocean Pines Ladies and Men’s golf associations, recently raised $5,674 for Atlantic General Women’s Imaging and the Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center at Atlantic General Hospital.

According to a news release, the funds raised during the tournament, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 18, will help pay for and provide mammograms and other cancerrelated care for local individuals who are unable to afford them.

Over the past 12 years, the tournament has raised more than $18,000 for critical screening services.

“The Pink Lady Tournament stands as a beacon of support for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, dedicated to making mammograms and related healthcare accessible to women in our community who face financial barriers,” Chanelle Lake, director of the John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, said ion the release.

This year, for the first time in its history, the tournament was open to the public and featured a field of 67 players.

PAGE 32

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

Calendar Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., Dec. 22

Sun., Dec. 24

MAKE & TAKE: CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Drop by the library and make a Christmas ornament. While supplies last. For ages 8 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOMESCHOOL CREATIVE WRITING FOR TEENS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. A creative writing program to help students with vocabulary, imaginative thinking, literary knowledge and social enrichment. Geared for upper elementary to middle school, but all are welcome.

MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Santa needs your help. Make crafts, write him letters and do some fun activities. For children of all ages. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Sat., Dec. 23 FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

ZUMBA WEDNESDAYS

Wednesdays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Dance background not required. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 6 p.m. There will be no morning service on the 24th. 410-289-9340

OC KNITTING CLUB

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Mon., Dec. 25

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Worcester County Library Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

Thurs., Dec. 28 PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495 www.worcesterlibrary.org

MID-MORNING CRAFT: WINTER FRIENDS Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

NOEL CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER

St. Paul’s by-the Sea Episcopal Church, 302 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, 11 a.m.5 p.m. A safe, loving place to gather whether you are hungry for food or companionship. All are welcome.

Tues., Dec. 26 MAKE & TAKE: KWANZAA

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Drop by the library and make a Kwanzaa craft. While supplies last. For ages 8 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY DAY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Socialize with friends and play with a variety of toys and games. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE PLAY DAY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m.

Make some new friends though play and improve language and motor skill development. For ages 2-5 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Crossword answers from page 26 OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

Wed., Dec. 27

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round.

Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

HANDWRITING CLASS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Handwriting Class 1 - Printing. First of three classes that build upon one another. Improve your printing to get ready for class 2. For ages 8 years and older. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-6419568.

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Come by for a time just for you and your teeny tiny. Stay after to socialize with other families. For children under 2 years and their caregivers.

410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MONTHLY MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m.

Catch a recent movie you may have missed in theaters. Free event. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING BEACH HEROES-OC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

What kinds of friends are found in the winter. Join in for a fun craft program.

Be prepared for a mess. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

ONGOING EVENTS WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, Nov. 16-Dec. 31, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Admission cost is $6 for adults and free to children 11 years and younger. Take the walking tour through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along a paved park paths. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, try a family craft, visit the gift shop and see the 50foot Christmas tree. There will be a Winterfest Express tram ride with multiple “trolly” stops to assist guests in making their way around the 58 acre Northside Park. Pets are welcome on Wednesday evenings. Purchase tickets: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/special-events/winterfest/.

HOLIDAY TRAIN GARDEN DISPLAY

Ocean City convention center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 16-Dec. 31, 5:30-9 p.m.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted to benefit Ocean City Beach Patrol. https://www.ococean.com/events/annual-events-festivals/winterfest-holidays/

December 22, 2023

33

Ocean City Today

Call 410-723-6397

by Monday 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

RENTALS

DONATIONS

BOATS/PWC

Small Engine Mechanic Year-round.

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047

Pool General Maintenance.

Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required.

Able to pass CPO test.

Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.

WOC - YR Rental - 5BR, 3.5BA, 3600 sq.ft. on pond. $2950/month and one months security plus utilities. Contact Lou, 410-713-0065.

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.

Seasonal Boat Slip - New OP resident looking for ongoing boat slip. Lease/ purchase 35 ft/10.5 ft beam.

June through September preferred. Will pay upfront and a premium.

561-802-1230

Now Hiring Front Office Manager Qualified candidates should have hotel experience, trained in property management systems, background in accounting and provide leadership skills to lead the front office team.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Paid time off and 401k benefits.

For full details please send resume to mjones@ princessbayside.com

Now Hiring Sales Director Full Time/Year Round.

Salary and Bonus potential of $125K. Full benefit package to include Medical/Dental/ Vision.

401K + match/profit sharing.

At least 3 years experience as a Sales Director.

Bachelor’s degree preferred in Marketing.

Meet Hotel Sales and Booking Goals.

Classifieds 410-723-6397

For full details please send resume to joann@ princessroyale.com

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

- SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER -

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word, Excel, & Outlook, and marketing skills. Bi-lingual & strong math skills are a plus.

- EXPERIENCED MECHANIC -

to repair to maintain gas & diesel trucks and landscaping equipment.

call 610-459-5857 or email resume to Gherker@comcast.net & Gherker@herkerinc.com TOWN OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The Town of Snow Hill is accepting applications for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. Responsibilities include: enforcement of various Town codes, inspections, issuance of permits, and staffing of various committees.

Preferred candidate is IRC Certified and has familiarity with IBC, IEBC, Energy Code, ADA, and other applicable Codes; has good organizational skills; excellent communication skills; and is available to attend night meetings.

Salary commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time position with Town benefits, health insurance and Maryland State Retirement.

Deadline for applications: Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

Send resume with salary requirements to: Town of Snow Hill Carol Sullivan P.O. Box 348 Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

ROOMMATES ROOMMATES Year-Round Room For Rent Ocean Pines $800/month and $200 security. Fully furnished.

All utilities included. 443880-2317

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Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr.

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Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Liquor Store Attendant, Boat Mates, Receivers, Event Space Housekeeper Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

RENTALS RENTALS Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

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Space: 1500 sq. ft.

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Call 443-497-4200.

SERVICES

BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft.

Call 443-497-4200 Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD Yearly Leases Only

Call 646-812-1212 www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com

https://www.oceancitytoday.com/place_an_ad/ CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

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MISC. SERVICES FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-888-592-5957 PETS/PET SUPPLIES Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help!

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PAGE 34

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

DIRECTORY BLINDS & SHADES

ELECTRICIAN

CONSTRUCTION

Raym Raymond mond O’Brocki O O’B Jr. M Master Electrician

443 691 0544 0 Call or Text Electric Veh hicle Chargers

35 Years Exp perience No Job Too Small! Frree Estimates!

Residential/Commercia al/Emergencies!

MD Lic #2268 Worcestter Co Lic #M1337 ELECTRICIAN ElEctric

EmErGEncy sErvicE availablE

410-251-3153 rEsidEntial & commErcial sErvicE Services Include additions • interior/Exterior lighting lamp & light repair • Generator installs

Call Turner Today 410-251-3153 MD MASTERS LIC. #15438 M400

HANDYMAN

RISH A RBEACHMAN PHANDY THE

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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• Staining • Caulking

• Gutter Cleaning & Powerwashing •

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Specializing in Bathroom Remodels Tub to Shower Conversions Custom Tile Work

• Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors

• Flat Roof Specialist •

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POWERWASHING / SOFT WASH POWERWASHING Atlantic Coast Powerwashing Services Commercial & Residential • Complete Exterior Cleaning Hot Water, Powerwashing & Soft Wash Systems Year round ser vices • Deck Staining w/yearly & seasonal • Decks • Docks rates • Houses • Restaurants • Shopping Centers ices is ad!

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ROOFING

REAL ESTATE

Kim Dixson REDFIN AGENT

Sell for more, pay a 1% listing fee when you buy and sell with Redfin Agents.*

REDFIN 190 W. Ostend St., #200 Baltimore, MD 21230 Redfin - Direct 410-868-5666 redfin.com

443-373-1328 kim.dixson@ redfin.com License #650977

Contact Kim for a no-obligation home-value consultation. *Sell for more based on difference between the sale and list prices of Redfin listings versus those of comparable listings by other brokerages, per a 2019 study. Sell for a 1% listing fee only if you also buy with Redfin within 365 days of closing on your Redfin listing. If you sell first we will initially charge a 1.5% listing fee and then send you a check for the .5% difference after you buy your next home with Redfin. Subject to $3,750 minimum Redfin commission.

Listing commission subject to change. Buyer’s agent commission not included. More info at redfin.com/disclaimer.

Information provided is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 35

Ocean City Today

DIRECTORY ROOFING

YOUR BUSINESS

Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com

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RELIABLE & LOCAL NEWS

PAGE 36

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19906 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CASEY EDWARD ROBINSON Notice is given that Kathleen Rinck Hoffman, 12544 River Run Lane #82, Berlin, MD 21811, was on November 30, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Casey Edward Robinson who died on September 4, 2023, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of May, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Kathleen Rinck Hoffman 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 07, 2023 OCD-12/7/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY BILL 23-07 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Emergency Bill 23-07 (Public Health – Cannabis establishments) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on November 21, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § PH 1-110. (Adds a new section to the Public Health Article to regulate cannabis establishments, establish minimum separation distances for dispensaries, and prohibiting onsite consumption establishments.)

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-12/14/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO HOLDERS OF CLASS "B", "C" AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 33-2006 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding a Class "B", "C", and "D" Alcoholic Beverage Licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREM-

LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

ISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January l, 2024.

This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the (2) two 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 Mary W. Pusey, Member *********** April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/14/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 19995 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the CIRCUIT COURT PROBATE DIVISION court of PINELLAS COUNTY, FL appointed DONNA L HAYNES whose address is 2379 FINLANDIA LANE #49 CLEARWATER, FL 33763 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of SHIRLEY F BILLINGSLEY AKA: who died on MAY 30, 2023 domiciled in FLORIDA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTOR A LEMBO whose address is 658 KENILWORTH DRIVE SUITE 203 TOWSON, MD 21204. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY, MD. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/14/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES MARTIN WALKER Estate No. 19975 Notice is given that KIMBERLY ANN FOX whose address is 1806 STRINGTOWN ROAD, SPARKS, MD 21152 was on DECEMBER 06, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the es-

DECEMBER 22, 2023 tate of JAMES MARTIN WALKER who died on OCTOBER 28, 2017 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/14/3t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20005 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOYCE POULSON Notice is given that Kathy Hemphill, 210 6th Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, was on December 11, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Joyce Poulson who died on September 16, 2021, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise

DECEMBER 22, 2023 delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Kathy Hemphill Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 21, 2023 OCD-12/21/1t _________________________________ GEOFFREY L. FORMAN COHEN AND FORMAN, LLC 30 E. PADONIA ROAD, SUITE 500 TIMONIUM, MD 21093

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of HOLLIS JACKSON TURNER Estate No. 19990 Notice is given that THEODORE EUGENE SINES JR whose address is 12207 STONEY BATTER ROAD, KINGSVILLE, MD 21087 was on NOVEMBER 22, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the esJACKSON tate of HOLLIS TURNER who died on SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 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, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-11/30/3t _________________________________

Ocean City Today

PAGE 37

Ayres Family Farm change denied

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) The land-use designation of a parcel on Stephen Decatur Highway will not change following a Dec. 13 decision from Maryland’s Critical Area Commission, which reviews proposed development on lands deemed environmentally sensitive.

The commissioners abided by the recommendation from a panel of the Critical Area Commission to deny the request from the Ayers Family Creek Farm, an LLC owned by local Todd Burbage, to reclassify 8.34 acres of a 9.13-acre property from a Resource Conservation Area (RCA) to a Limited Development Area (LDA).

The Burbage family based the application on the argument that the land was designated RCA by mistake when the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Program mapped it in 2002.

Areas near water or wetlands are classified by the program as RCA, LDA or Intensely Developed Areas (IDA) according to what already existed on the land at the time of the mapping. Designations also determine what can be built on a lot in the future.

The purported mapping mistake was that the lot in question already had a clubhouse building on it at the time of the mapping since it was previously a golf course. Attorney Hugh Cropper made that point to the Critical Area Commission Panel in October, when numerous South Point area residents spoke out against the designation change.

The county commissioners approved the Burbage’s request in March 2022 following a favorable recommendation from the county Planning Commission in November 2021.

At the Dec. 13 Critical Area Commission meeting, Robert Mitchell, director of Worcester County’s Department of Environmental Programs, told the commission that the property won’t get access to public sewers but has a commercial grade septic system. That system serves the private homes on the farm and the clubhouse that is leased to as an office to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Only a non-profit can lease on an RCA designation, he said.

“The area, again, on lot one, it’s locked out … there’s nothing else they could do other than a revamping of the clubhouse,” Mitchell said.

The land has been reverted from a golf course to a family farm that includes animals, and most of the impervious surfaces on the property, like a parking lot, are located at one corner of the lot, Mitchell said.

Commissioner Rosa Hance asked Mitchell why the owner’s need an LDA designation, and what their plans might be that exceed the limits of an RCA. With an LDA, the Burbages could potentially lease a for-profit company at the office, but the family would still be limited by the septic system’s capacity and amount of impervious surfaces, Mitchell said. A redevelopment or renovation of the current buildings would be the limit of the family’s development without more

zoning changes at a local level, he said.

“This talk of 35 cottages or a bar restaurant and everything, I don’t see that that’s in the realm of possibilities here with the limited flow,” Mitchell said.

The panel recommendation to the commission stated that the proposed mapping mistake did not “meet the standards of a Limited Development Area” or “the goals of the Critical Area law.”

Commissioner Lisa Rodvien said that while she understands the Burbage family’s frustration, they don’t have a legal basis to say there was a mistake.

Commissioner Steve Bunker said there are other avenues the applicant can pursue to achieve the same goals without bringing in the issue of a mapping mistake.

On Dec. 15, the Critical Area Commission sent a letter to the county notifying Worcester officials of the decision to deny.

“Commission staff is available to meet if you would like to discuss other options for the site, such as updating the RCA use list or growth allocation,” according to the letter.

An RCA use list update would be a process in which the family drafts a list of added land uses and submits it to the commission for approval, one commissioner said.

Kate Charbonneau, executive director of the Critical Area Commission, said that both of those options would depend on property owners identifying a proposed use for the site.

The commission voted unanimously with one abstention to deny the request.

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Recap of county’s market statistics

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) The year 2023 proved to be a shifting market year— one in which mortgage rates continued a significant increase and sales volume was further reduced.

However, with only a small gain in inventory and continued lack of inventory in most categories, prices continued to rise slightly.

Here’s an “at a glance” recap of some of the various market stats for Worcester County (no data for December is included in these figures).

• The average sales prices varied monthly throughout the year, but October had the highest sales price average increase year over year for Worcester County at a 16.6 percent increase and a $482,165 sales price average. November was the only month that did not show an increase in sales price average, and it was even with 2021. The lowest sales price av-

erage reported in 2023 was for the month of January at $436,082.

• The months of inventory reported figure for January 2022 showed Worcester County was at one and-ahalf months, compared to the same time in 2021 where the months of inventory average was one. November 2023 statistics show we are sitting at three months.

• For the month of November, in 2022 there were 362 active listings but November 2023 shows 473 units of active inventory. This is compared to the beginning of the year, where January showed only 272 active units.

• For the month of November, inventory remained limited at 168 new listings in 2023, a small increase over November 2022, which saw 136 new listings.

• As of the first week in 2023, there were only 21 total units actively listed for sale in the MLS that are direct oceanfront. As of the last week in 2023, there are 57 total oceanfront units listed.

• The luxury market saw 73 homes sell in 2022, and 2023 saw even more

with 85 homes selling over the $1 million dollar mark. With sales price averages on the rise, this is a sharp increase in $1 million or more sales from 2021 with only 34 sales at this mark.

• The highest priced sale in Worcester County in 2022 was for $4.05 million in Snow Hill. This year, the highest priced sale was for $6.1 million in West Ocean City.

• At the beginning of 2023, there were only eight active homes listed under $400,000 in Ocean Pines, and now at the end of 2023, there are only 14 homes listed under this price mark.

• In 2021, Worcester County saw 82 new construction units sold; in 2022, it increased to 123 new construction units sold for an average price of $587,588; and by the last week of data in 2023, there were again 123 new construction units sold in the MLS with an average price of $577,529.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

PAGE 38

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Becker Morgan honored Becker Morgan Group recently received an honor award in the Non-Residential New Construction category from the American Institute of Architects Chesapeake Bay Chapter for design of the Wor-Wic Community College Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center in Salisbury.

The firm received the award at the 2023 Excellence in Design Awards Celebration in Easton. Recognizing excellence in architecture throughout the Chesapeake Bay Region, the awards program recognizes distinguished architectural achievement honors architects, clients and consultants who work together to improve the built environment.

The Guerrieri Technology Center provides the latest in learning technologies to prepare students for the workforce. It features welding, HVACR, metal fabrication and plumbing labs; a CDL simulation lab; and other hands-on instruction areas for electromechanical, construction, electrical and alternative energy programs. For the community, a makerspace multipurpose laboratory has tools and 3D printers available for public use.

New physicians Chesapeake Health Care recently welcomed new healthcare providers

Dr. Mitchell Gittelman, and physician assistant Maria Garde and their team members.

The staff members have joined the Salisbury practice, bringing over two decades of experience in family medicine Gittelman led a local Family Medicine Practice with a focus on compassionate and attentive care. He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine and has been practicing on the Eastern Shore since 1999.

Garde has a master of physician science degree from St. Francis University, and more than 20 years of expertise in family medicine.

Together, they will offer comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families, ages 6 and above.

For appointments and inquiries, contact Chesapeake Health Care at 410-749-1015 or visit ChesapeakeHC.org.

Best company award The Daily Record recognized Deeley Insurance Group in Willards as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Maryland. The awards are held in partnership with Best Companies Group.

Best Companies to Work for in Maryland identifies, recognizes and

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Chesapeake Health Care’s new providers: Dr. Mitchell Gittelman and physician assistant Maria Garde.

honors the best places of employment in the state. It is a research-driven program from Best Companies Group that examines a company’s practices, programs and benefits, and surveys employees for their perspectives.

To be considered, companies must be a publicly or privately held business; a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity; have a facility in Maryland; have at least 15 Continued on Page 40

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE BEACH GET-AWAY

NEW!

818 BAHIA DRIVE, OCEAN CITY

609 HARBOUR DRIVE MONTEGO BAY OCEAN CITY Take a look at 609 Harbour Drive located right on the direct bayfront. This sought after location is perfectly situated between the open bayfront and the 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/park area. You'll have breathtaking sunsets from the open deck of this 2-bedroom 2 full bath home. Bayfront boardwalk to your own boat dock. Close to shopping, dining, the beach, Ocean City's 58-acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July fireworks), and all community amenities: 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball & shuffleboard courts, 9-hole minigolf course, 5acre pond, blacktop walking/jogging trail and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers. You won't want to miss this one! $749,500. Sold Furnished.

Larry E. Holdren II Realtor, GRI Associate Broker Direct Cell Phone: 1-443-366-4091 Email: MCSLLC@HOTMAIL.COM

2-BR home overlooks Walkers Pond. Most furnishings are included & it’s ready to be your beach get-away. Low HOA fees. Access to community's amenities: 3 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, 9-hole miniature golf course, shuffleboard, wildlife sanctuary pond/park area, 8-acre pond with walking/jogging path around it, bayfront boardwalk with 3 piers for fishing & crabbing or enjoying the sunset. Convenient to shopping, restaurants & Ocean City's beautiful Northside Park. Bring your beach cruisers & start enjoying the beach life! Make an appointment to see this gem today- It won't last long. Enjoy the beautiful water view of this coastal get-away. Offered at $359,250

NEW

13901 Coastal Hwy., #8 Ocean City, Md 21842 For More Information Call 800-252-2223 www.LarryHoldrenRealEstate.com CELEBRATING 52 YEARS 1971-2023

NEW CONSTRUCTION BRAND NEW and 2 BLOCKS to the BEACH!! Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this custom built 2 story home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with views of the canal out back from several different rooms. Interior features include a 2-story family room with cathedral ceilings, granite counters, white shaker-style cabinets, stainless steel appliances, full size washer & dryer, ceramic showers/baths, brushed nickel hardware, luxury vinyl plank flooring on first floor, and wall to wall carpet on 2nd level which includes a great room that could easily be used as a 4th bedroom. Great location within walking distance to shopping, dining, bus stop, the beach, Ocean City's 58 acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July fireworks), and all community amenities which include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard court, 9-hole minigolf course, 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, a 5-acre pond with a blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year!!

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13015 ATLANTIC BLVD • OCEAN CITY

$749,900

Call Bill Rothstein 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530 montegobayrealty@aol.com

CE PRI

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc© 13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD

For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700 www.larryholdrenrealestate.com • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com

COMPLETELY REMODELED 3BR/2BA HOME Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this 3- bedroom/2-bathroom home features a completely remodeled interior and is being sold fully furnished...all furnishings are BRAND NEW! Upgrades include new a/c system, new stainless- steel appliances, new granite counters, new bathrooms, all new plumbing, all new lighting, new washer & dryer, new drywall, new interior trim/doors, new subflooring, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new insulated windows, new exterior doors, and new storm doors. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a shuffleboard court, a pickle ball court, an 8-acre wildlife sanctuary with large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year! $339,900

D L O S

Call Bill Rothstein 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530 montegobayrealty@aol.com

500 NAUTICAL LANE OCEAN CITY

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

PAGE 39

PAGE 40

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

Wor Wic Community College welcomes new staff members (Dec. 22, 2023) The following staff members recently began working at Wor Wic Community College: Karsin Bachran Karsin Bachran, of Berlin, instructor of biological science.

Bachran has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Salisbury University and has held various positions in research and teaching.

Andrew Canter Andrew Canter, of Parsonsburg, science laboratory coordinator.

Canter has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and has four years of experience as a laboratory technician.

Kelly Daubach Kelly Daubach, of Pittsville, assistant professor of nursing.

Daubach has an associate degree in nursing from Wor-Wic, as well as bachelor and master’s’s degrees from Frostburg State University. She worked as a health occupations instructor at Parkside High School in Salisbury for 11 years and as a registered nurse for 14 years.

Jon Fish Jon Fish, of Salisbury, associate professor of social science.

Fish has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a master’s degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Karsin Bachran

Andrew Canter

Kelly Daubach

Jon Fish

Mustapha Habibi

Ann-Marie Lanius

Colby Price

Kristen Ross

Mike Ross

Phil Speed

Mustapha Habibi Mustapha Habibi, of Salisbury, assistant professor of physical science.

Habibi has a bachelor’s degree from Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, Morocco, a master’s degree from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and a doctorate in physics from the University of Nevada, Reno.

He has more than five years of experience teaching physics in higher education.

Ann-Marie Lanius Ann-Marie Lanius, of Berlin, assistant professor of early childhood education.

Lanius has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Colby Price Colby Price, of Snow Hill, visual resources coordinator.

Price has a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and has held various roles in

the communications industry since 2018, most recently as a photographer/editor for WBOC-TV. Kristen Ross Kristen Ross, of Salisbury, instructor of criminal justice.

Ross has a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland College Park and a juris doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She has been a part-time instructor at Wor-Wic since 2016 and worked at the office of the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County for 12 years, including serving as senior state’s attorney. She also worked as an associate attorney at Friedman Framme & Thrush for three years prior to joining Wor-Wic full-time.

Mike Ross Mike Ross, of Berlin, information technology safety systems administrator.

Ross has an associate degree from Wor-Wic and nearly 13 years of experience with information technology See NEW Page 41

BUSINESS BRIEFS Continued from Page 38 full- or part-time employees working in Maryland; and be in business a minimum of one year.

There were two parts used to determine the rankings. The first consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, worth about 25 percent of the total evaluation.

The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience, which made up the remaining 75 percent of the total. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.

New pediatrician TidalHealth recently welcomed Dr. Jason Coleman to TidalHealth Pediatrics in Salisbury.

Coleman earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama and completed his residency in pediatrics at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He is a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army. He served as a

brigade surgeon and completed three deployments. He has received several honors and awards during his military career, including the Bronze Star.

Throughout his milJason Coleman itary and civilian career, Coleman has held the chief of pediatrics role in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and certified in pediatric advanced life support.

Coleman is very involved in his community, previously serving as a soccer coach, traveling on a mission trip to Kenya, and offering humanitarian support in medical planning for an orphanage in Zambia.

When Coleman is not seeing patients, he enjoys soccer, painting and history.

Coleman is accepting new patients at TidalHealth Pediatrics at 1639 Woodbrooke Drive in Salisbury. To schedule an appointment, call 410912-5785.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 41

Ocean City Today

Community key to new program for healthy moms (Dec. 22, 2023) Chesapeake Health Care recently introduced an initiative that will revolutionize prenatal care by combining standard healthcare practices with group-based sessions, enhancing the overall experience for expectant mothers.

According to a news release, the Centering Pregnancy program, advocated by the the Centering Healthcare Institute, extends prenatal care visits to 10 comprehensive group meetings.

Led by experienced healthcare providers, the sessions create a supportive community, empowering women with knowledge and fostering a sense of shared experience. Patients receive the highest quality of care and, as part of an ongoing group, form a supportive community where they develop skills and confidence to take control of their health. The model combines health assessment, interactive learning and community building to deliver better health outcomes and a better care experience for patients and their providers, the release said.

“Our commitment to providing exceptional care to expectant mothers has led us to embrace the Centering Pregnancy model,” Dr. Monique Williams, the Lead Centering Physician at Chesapeake Health Care, said in the release. “This innovative approach ensures that women receive not only the medical attention they need but also a supportive community to navigate the beautiful journey of pregnancy.”

Centering Pregnancy has demonstrated outcomes which include a decrease in preterm and low-weight births, increased breastfeeding rates, and improved pregnancy spacing.

“We believe in providing care that goes beyond traditional medical models,” Williams said.

For more information about the Centering Pregnancy program, visit ChesapeakeHC.org or contact Jodie Foxwell at jfoxwell@chesapeakehc.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The experienced healthcare providers at Chesapeake Health Care who are leading the new Centering Pregnancy group sessions pose for a photo.

Building DREAM HOMES on the Shore for Over 30 Years!

New Homes Additions Remodeling 2nd Floors Additions

New staff join Wor Wic team Continued from Page 40 support and network administration.

Phil Speed Phil Speed, of Berlin, applied technologies laboratory coordinator.

Speed has an associate degree from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, and a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York College at Buffalo. He has been operating his own construction and plumbing business since 2012 and recently served as a middle school technology teacher.

New Office Location!

RESORT HOMES, LLC FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

11934 Ocean Gateway Suite 9 • West Ocean City, MD 21842 410-213-7721 or 410-726-8528 • www.resorthousing.com Darryl Greer, Realtor® 410-726-8528 reshomes@beachin.net • dgreer@resorthousing.com

PAGE 42

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS BODY ARMOR

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

POWER DONATION From left, Jason Curtin Salisbury University’s vice president of advancement and executive director of the SU Foundation Inc., Ashley Stern, the foundation chair, John Petito, Delmarva Power external affairs manager, and Marcus Beal, Delmarva Power Bay Region vice president, pose for a photo.

Delmarva Power recently donation $5,000 to the university’s foundation through the company’s annual scholarship golf tournament.

VISION RESEARCH OC Lions President Greg Cathell presents a $1,000 check to District Gov. Kathy Crockett for the Lions Vision Research Foundation.

The foundation is a joint effort by the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Lions Club International and Multiple District 22 Lions to provide treatment of low vision disorders.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

COATS FOR STUDENTS Bill Hickey, past president of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, poses with Showell Elementary School counselor Ashley Miller and sone of the coats the club donated to students.

PHOTO COURTESY ROGER PACELLA

Emily Tunis, president and chief operating officer of Hardwire LLC, holds a "soft" body armor protection sample while her father, Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing, holds a "hard" hand-held emergency response shield during a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean CIty. PHOTO COURTESY DAVID LANDIS SR.

CARING MUSIC Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing and and Ilyana Kadushin, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit "Stories Love Music,” pose for a photo during a recent club meeting. Kadushin spoke to the group about how music helps to care for caregivers.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID LANDIS SR.

DIAKONIA QUILTS Christmas quilts that members of the Quilters by the Sea Guild in Ocean Pines recently assembled are on display. The donations were made for children and families in need and donated to Diakonia, The Cricket Center and Believe in Tomorrow.

PHOTO COURTESY JACQUI SANTANGELO

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

PAGE 43

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS FOOD DONATIONS On Dec. 14, Worcester Prep upper school students and faculty gathered to sort donations of canned goods and other non-perishable food items that they began collecting in mid-November during the annual Student Government Association drive.

They will distribute the items to local nonprofit groups.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Freshman Gavin Mann and junior Danielle Carr organize canned goods.

SGA President Claire Windrow stops to smile while helping sort canned goods and other non-perishable food items.

SHARING, CARING Jaryn Griggs, Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services intern, with staff from Showell Elementary School and donations that were made to the nonprofit. Schools and organizations such as Showell and Stevenson United Methodist Church recently donated items to Worcester Navigation, a program of Youth and Family Ccounseling Services.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

Seniors Maggie McCabe and Caleb Collins, and junior Rori Holland pack boxes of food.

PAGE 44

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

HOSPICE CHECK

GARDEN THERAPY

From left, Tammy Patrick, Coastal Hospice director of advancement; and CraZy LadyZ co-owners Jan Patterson and Louise Reardon pose with a nearly $6,500 check the boutique recently presented to Coastal Hospice. The owners do an annual fundraising trip where they pick a local charity on the Lower Eastern Shore. CraZy LadyZ along with Braemar Travel match half the contributions their customers make.

From left, Worcester County Garden Club members Cristie Ammann and Joan Huntt assist Gull Creek residents with making holiday mug arrangements during a recent garden therapy workshop at the Gull Creek Senior Living Community in Berlin. Club members brought flowers, greens, and supplies to the facility and helped residents make arrangement that they could take back to their units.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

KIWANIS AWARD PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SRY

NEW MEMBERS From left, Kiwanian Sponsor Jan Wolfing, Tim Kartisek (sponsored by Jan), Dick Keiling (sponsored by Kiwanian Jim Ulman), Sue Breazeale (sponsored by Jan) and Kiwanian Sponsor Jim Ulman pose after an induction ceremony of the new members.

Norbert Violante, left, poses with Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean CIty President Bob Wolfing and a recognition certificate and award from the club at a recent meeting. Violante helps the Kiwanis club by setting up the Assateague Room of the Ocean Pines Community Center for the group’s weekly meetings.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OCEAN CITY TODAY

GIRLS ON THE RUN (Left) Some of the Ocean City Elementary School Girls on the Run participants take a break from their after school program. (Right) From left, Ocean City Elementary School fourth graders Olivia Jadwin, Damiana Milite, Bella Brueckner and Jaidee Vitjathorn pose with 5K medals they earned as part of the school’s Girls on the Run program.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 45

Ocean City Today

SHRED AND DONATE Members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Berlin pose tduring a recent “Shred-it” event. Community members came out and shredded sensitive documents and donated food items for The Spirit Kitchen at Stevenson United Methodist Church SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Coloring Contest Winners Thank you to all the wonderful artists for participating in the Newspaper Coloring Contest. Below are the winners.

Merry Christmas!

Winner Ages 3-6

Winner Ages 7-11

Winner Ages 12 & Up

Kayden Blasko

Faylinn Haslip

Ana Rodriguez

Age: 6

Age: 10

Age: 16

Commentary

PUBLIC EYE

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............................ Mallory Panuska STAFF WRITERS ................Cindy Hoffman, Hunter Hine, ....................................................................Tara Fischer ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier ..................................................................Renée Kelly CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER ............ Taylor Sloan PAPER COMPOSITION/PAGE DESIGN ...... Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............ Kelly Brown, Jane Leibowitz 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 2023

Ocean City Today Dec. 22, 2023

Page 46

Save up on good will

All I want for Christmas is peace on earth and good will toward … a number of people.

The way I see it, there is plenty of good will being offered by others this time of year, so I’m inclined to let them take care of the general population, while I reserve mine for use where it’s needed.

To put it in another context, you wouldn’t want to send $20 in lottery tickets to Bill Gates by mistake along with a note that says, “Here’s hoping this works out for By you.”

This more prudent apStewart proach also takes into considDobson eration the need to maintain a rainy day fund of good will should some be required later in the year.

I’m not a grump, but I don’t see any sense in emptying my good will account, so to speak, just because others are doing it.

Despite the Hallmark sentiment and such, good will isn’t that easy to come by these days, so you wouldn’t want to plop it down for someone who’s not going to good will you back and replenish your supply.

Say, for instance, you’re about to zip into the one vacant space in a crowded parking lot, when you’re cut off at the last minute by some old guy, who may or may not be aware of his own existence, much less yours. And your supply of good will just happens to be tapped out at the moment.

What should you do? Say, “Hey, old guy! I have no good will left because I spent it all at Christmas and you are a …(fill in the blank)!”

On the other hand, if you didn’t cash in all

your good will at Christmas, you could draw from your good will reserves and holler out the car window, “Outstanding driving, sir! I applaud your keen eye and quick hand on the wheel. Savor the moment.”

The reason that’s the better approach is because, were you to be broke good will-wise and shouted something that was, say, irregular, you would be immediately de-good willed by every onlooker in the area because they saw you scream at some old person.

This would leave you with a good will deficit, thus obligating you to rebuild your account by being nice to people you’d just as soon see whisked away as the love interests of Big Foot.

I do find it interesting, however, that this tradition of expressing good will is employed just once a year. Why, one might ask, isn’t good will also trotted out on, say, the second weekend in June?

“Hey, recent high school graduate, enjoy your stay in America’s favorite family resort and keep up the noise. We all find it amusing.”

Besides, instituting a good will savings plan could save you the humiliation of extending to someone good will that you no longer have.

They might attempt to cash in on it later only to be told, “I’m sorry, but payment on this good will has been stopped because of insufficient funds.” That would be awkward.

I do suppose, however, that the expression of good will this time of year does serve a purpose and that even I might have to revise my thinking and abide by tradition. It would be a little dispiriting, after all, to say “peace on earth and have a nice day.”

Happy holidays. And good will to all.

(Reprinted from a Christmas past, but still relevant.)

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

PAGE 47

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Sexauer grew up as part of OC Vol. Fire Company family

By Steve Price Contributing Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) This week we are pleased to recognize current life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Joey Sexauer.

Sexauer began his career with the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office in 2003 under the leadership of Ocean City Fire Marshal Sam Villani. In 2020, he was promoted to battalion chief in the Fire Marshal’s Office Division and currently serves alongside Ocean City Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Josh Bunting.

Battalion Chief Sexauer’s grandfather, Peter Pearce, was a member of the OCVFC, so as a kid, he spent a lot of time around the firehouse.

At the age of 14 (1996), he joined his friends as members of the OCVFC Cadet Program. He admits it was exciting to ride the fire trucks, but the cadet program also allowed him the opportunity to obtain the training needed to immediately transition to an active firefighter at the age of 18 (1999).

During his 15 years of active service, Sexauer served as lieutenant on Engine 701 and served three years as vice president of the OCVFC. Sexauer remembers the tragic incident of June 27, 2006, as the most significant event of his career in the fire service.

A vacationing father and daughter died at an Ocean City hotel from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and two other members of the family were hospitalized.

“As with most of our fire and life safety codes, it often takes a tragedy to implement changes to those codes,’ Chief Sexauer said. “This incident was the catalyst for Ocean City’s carbon monoxide legislation, which in the years since the incident, has certainly prevented further similar

PHOTO COURTESY DAGNY LEONARD

Lower Shore Land Trust representatives wade through marsh at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County.

Public meetings to gather input on marsh restoration tragedies from occurring again.”

Chief Sexauer believes his greatest accomplishment in the fire service was taking the experiences gained from his service as a member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and turning it into a career in the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office.

Joey would like to “pass on” the following advice to our OCVFC cadets and young men and women with an interest in the fire service: “I would encourage those that are within the age of eligibility to join our Cadet Program to give it a try. It is a great way to meet people and be part of a team with a common purpose of helping those in our community. It is also a great way to gain valuable life skills and training to prepare yourself for future career opportunities.”

We thank Battalion Chief Sexauer for his years of service dedicated to protecting the lives and property of our residents and the visitors to our community.

For membership information, or to learn more about the volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

Worcester Arts Council gives $43K in grants to nonprofits (Dec. 8, 2023) The Worcester County Arts Council recently awarded nearly $19,500 through the Community Arts Development Grants program for local nonprofit organizations to present projects and events for the first six months of 2024.

According to a news release, the projects are evaluated based on the overall quality of cultural excellence, community outreach and public impact, as well as financial and administrative merit.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Worcester County Arts Council awarded almost

$42,700 through the program, which is funded and supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

The following is a list of organizations and projects awarded grants for the current period: • Art League of Ocean City – After School Art Club • Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra – 2024 Spring • Ocean Pines Children’s Theater – Mean Girls, Jr.” Musical • Pine Tones Chorus – Spring Concert and Sing Outs See ARTS Page 48

(Dec. 22, 2023) Marshes for Tomorrow is a Lower Shore Land Trustrun project that aims to identify, protect, and restore at least 25,000 acres of the most important tidal salt marsh habitat in Maryland for saltmarsh sparrows and strengthen resiliency along coastal communities.

Land Trust staff asked community members in a news release to help with the success of the project by providing input about the best locations to con-

centrate conservation and restoration efforts for birds and people.

The schedule for the first round of meetings is as follows: 4:30-6 p.m.; Jan. 19; Delmarva Discovery Center, Pocomoke 2-3:30 p.m.; Jan. 20; Princess Anne Library, Princess Anne 5:30-7 p.m.; Jan. 25; Berlin Public Library 2-3:30 p.m.; Jan. 27; Harriett Tubman Museum, Cambridge

PAGE 48

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Community911 cadaver lab training provided to OC EMS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Members of the Ocean City Fire Department’s fire/EMS division work on a human cadaver during a recent lab training session at the department.

(Dec. 22, 2023) Members of the Ocean City Fire Department’s fire/EMS division, recently held a cadaver lab training session at the department’s headquarters.

According to a news release, the training was organized by Community911 Training LLC, a Massachusetts-based company renowned for specialized training programs for emergency responders.

The release said the cadaver lab training stands out as it allows practitioners to work with real human anatomy, which cannot be replicated by mannequins or virtual simulations. That type of realistic training is crucial, as Ocean City Paramedics and EMTs must be ready for anything in the field, from stopping bleeding to

SEALED BIDS BEING ACCEPTED

FOR CERTAIN MID-BEACH EQUIPMENT FRANCHISE PARCELS $500 Minimum Bid Requirement for each Parcel You are hereby notified that the Town of Ocean City Mayor and Council is now accepting sealed bids for four (4) beach equipment franchise parcels listed below. The successful bidders will contract with the Town to rent certain beach equipment in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Town Code, Chapter 39. Sealed bids are due to the Office of the City Clerk, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842, by Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 4:30 PM. Parcels 63rd - 65th Streets 69th - 71st Streets 72nd - 74th Streets

performing advanced airway procedures like intubation, often in lifesaving situations, the release said.

Evidence has shown that cadaver lab training significantly enhances anatomical knowledge, allowing clinicians to fully integrate and apply the techniques they will need in emergency situations. In the highpressure field of emergency and field medicine, every minute is critical.

The training not only expedites the delivery of care but also boosts the confidence of Ocean City EMS clinicians.

“This hands-on training with cadaver tissue provides our EMS Clinicians with the most realistic experience our team can receive,” Deputy Fire Chief of the Fire/EMS Division, Chris Shaffer, said in the release. “We can’t thank the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation enough for their continued commitment to education and providing our team with the best of the best.”

The program was funded by the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to training Ocean City paramedics and the acquisition of essential equipment. The foundation’s commitment ensures the highest life-saving capabilities for the community, the release said.

To learn more about their initiatives and support their mission, visit ocpf.org.

Art council gives $500 mini-grants

7. A three-year contract (2024- 2026) for each parcel will be prepared for signature.

Continued from Page 47 • Pocomoke Drama Club - “Little Mermaid” Musical • Town of Berlin/Berlin Main Street - Farmers Market Live Music • Ward Foundation, Inc. – Ward Carving Competition • Ocean City Library Branch – Children’s Area Entryway The arts council is also accepting applications for art projects through a mini-grant program. The program provides funds (up to $500) for new projects facing emergency needs that emerge between grant periods and deserve immediate arts council support.

Visit worcestercountyartscouncil.org for more information.

The next deadline for applications for the Community Arts Development Grant Program is April 15. For technical assistance and more information, contact Anna Mullis, executive director, at anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org

A sealed bid packet can be found at http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-clerk/ or email dchavis@oceancitymd.gov to request the information. Please direct questions to 410-289-8842.

OceanCityToday.com

75th - 78th Streets PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR SEALED BID SUBMITTAL: 1. Satisfactory proof of identity and legal age (i.e. a copy of your driver’s license or government-issued photo ID).

2. For each parcel, pay a non-refundable deposit of One Thousand Dollar ($1,000.00), or pay the entire non-refundable bid amount if it is less than $1,000. A cashier’s check or certified check payable to the Mayor and City Council will be accepted. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. 3. A personal Credit Report.

4. A signed statement, included in the sealed bid packet, authorizing the Mayor and Council to make inquiry of personal background, financial and credit worthiness.

5. A brief plan of management clarifying if you will directly oversee the operation or, if not, how day-to-day operations will be handled; providing details of your experience with the beach equipment rental industry; and advising if you have obtained necessary equipment and boxes or of your arrangement to acquire necessary equipment.

IF APPROVED FOR AWARD: 6. You will be required to obtain comprehensive general liability insurance coverage and products liability insurance coverage in at least the amount of $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, which insurance coverage shall name the Mayor and City Council as an additional insured, and a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage shall be furnished to the Mayor and City Council by the operator and be approved by Ocean City's City Clerk before contract endorsement.

RELIABLE & LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

WORLD WAR II

Battle of North Cape hands German navy serious defeat

By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer This week, 80 years ago, the Royal Navy met the Kriegsmarine in the last confrontation of surface ships in the war.

With the Battle of the Atlantic going poorly, Grand Adm. Karl Dönitz sought permission from Adolf Hitler to allow surface units of the Kriegsmarine to begin attacking Allied convoys in the Arctic.

As the battleship Tirpitz had been badly damaged by British X-Craft midget submarines in September, Dönitz was left with the battlecruiser Scharnhorst and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as his only large, operational surface units. Approved

by Hitler, Dönitz ordered planning for “Operation Ostfront” to commence.

This called for a sortie, by Scharnhorst and five destroyers, under the command of Rear Adm. Erich Bey, against Allied convoys moving between northern Scotland and Murmansk.

On Dec. 22,1943, reconnaissance planes of the Luftwaffe, patrolling the area, sighted Murmansk-bound convoy JW 55B, and began tracking its progress.

Aware of Scharnhorst’s presence in Norway, the commander of the British Home Fleet, Adm. Sir Bruce Fraser, began making plans to eliminate the German warship. Seeking battle around Christmas 1943, he planned to lure Scharnhorst from its base at Altafjord using JW 55B convoy and Britain-bound RA 55A convoy as bait.

Once at sea, Fraser hoped to attack Scharnhorst with Vice Adm. Robert Burnett’s Force 1, which had aided in escorting the earlier JW 55A,

The light cruiser Sheffield underway in 1944.

Rear Adm. Robert Burnett sitting at his desk

and his own Force 2. Burnett’s command consisted of his flagship, the light cruiser HMS Belfast, as well as the heavy cruiser HMS Norfolk and light cruiser HMS Sheffield.

Fraser’s Force 2 was built around the battleship HMS Duke of York, the light cruiser HMS Jamaica, and the destroyers HMS Scorpion, HMS Savage, HMS Saumarez, and Norwegian destroyer Stord.

Learning that JW 55B had been spotted by German aircraft, both British squadrons left their respective anchorages on Dec. 23. Closing on the convoy, Fraser held his ships back as he did not wish to deter a German sortie. Utilizing the Luftwaffe reports, Rear Adm. Bey departed Altafjord on Dec. 25 with Scharnhorst and the destroyers Z-29, Z-30, Z-33, Z-34, and Z-38.

That same day, Adm. Fraser directed RA 55A to turn north to avoid Continued on Page 50

Delmarva Blood Bank giving holiday socks for donations (Dec. 22, 2023) In celebration of the holiday season, the Blood Bank of Delmarva is giving away festive holiday socks to every presenting donor from Dec. 21-Jan. 2.

The promotion is available to all donors who present at any of the region’s donor centers and mobile blood drives, while supplies last.

According to a news release, the month of December is always a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations and holiday travel all contribute to making donations less of a priority. Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the

past two years have brought chronic blood shortages nationwide. The Blood Bank of Delmarva reported a 27 percent decrease in youth donors since before the pandemic.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice a month. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time.

To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org and click on “Donate Blood.”

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit delmarvablood.org.

PAGE 49

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Ocean City Today

WORLD WAR II

DECEMBER 22, 2023

OBITUARIES

Cape battle cost Germany its last battle cruiser Continued from Page 49 the coming battle and ordered the destroyers HMS Matchless, HMS Musketeer, HMS Opportune, and HMS Virago to detach and join his force.

Battling poor weather, which hampered Luftwaffe operations, Bey searched for the convoys early on Dec. 26. Believing he missed them, he detached his destroyers at 7:55 a.m. and ordered them to probe south.

Approaching from the northeast, Burnett’s Force 1 picked up Scharnhorst on radar at 8:30 a.m. Closing in the increasingly snowy weather, the light cruiser Belfast opened fire at a range of around 12,000 yards. Joining the battle, the heavy cruiser Norfolk and the light cruiser Sheffield also began targeting Scharnhorst.

Returning fire, Bey’s ship failed to score any hits on the British cruisers, but sustained two hits, one of which destroyed Scharnhorst’s radar. Effectively blinded, the German warship was forced to target British warships based on the muzzle flashes of their guns.

Believing he was engaging a British battleship, Bey turned south

in an effort to break off the action. Escaping Burnett’s cruisers, the German ship turned northeast and attempted to loop around to strike at the convoy. Hampered by degrading sea conditions, Burnett shifted Force 1 to a position to screen JW 55B. Somewhat concerned that he had lost Scharnhorst, Burnett’s search reacquired the battlecruiser on radar, at 12:10 p.m. Exchanging fire, Scharnhorst succeeded in hitting Norfolk, destroying its radar and putting a turret out of action. Around 12:50 p.m., Bey turned south and decided to return to port.

Pursuing Scharnhorst, Burnett’s force was soon reduced to just Belfast as the other two cruisers began suffering mechanical issues. Relaying Scharnhorst’s position to Fraser’s Force 2, Burnett maintained contact with the enemy.

At 4:17 p.m., Duke of York picked up Scharnhorst on radar. Bearing down on the battlecruiser, Fraser pushed his destroyers forward for a torpedo attack. Maneuvering into position to deliver a full broadside, Fraser ordered Belfast to fire starshells over Scharnhorst at 4:47 p.m.

With its radar out, Scharnhorst was caught by surprise as the British attack developed. Using radar-directed fire, Duke of York scored hits on the German ship with its first salvo. As the fighting continued, Scharnhorst’s for-

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ward turret was put out of action and Bey turned north.

This quickly brought him under fire from Belfast and Norfolk. Changing course to the east, Bey sought to escape the British trap. Hitting Duke of York twice, Scharnhorst was able to damage its radar. Despite this success, the British battleship struck the battlecruiser with a shell that destroyed one of its boiler rooms.

Quickly slowing to 10 knots, Scharnhorst’s damage control parties worked to repair the damage. This was partially successful and soon the ship was moving at 22 knots.

The Duke of York scored many hits on the German warship. Listing severely and with the bow partially submerged, Scharnhorst continued to limp along at about three knots. With the ship critically damaged, the order was given to abandon ship around 7:30 p.m.

Charging forward, the destroyer detachment from RA 55A fired 19 torpedoes at the stricken Scharnhorst.

Several of these struck home and soon the battlecruiser was convulsed by a series of explosions. Following a massive explosion at 7:45 p.m., Scharnhorst slipped beneath the waves. In the wake of the sinking, Matchless and Scorpion began picking up survivors before Fraser ordered his forces to proceed to Murmansk.

In the fighting off the North Cape, the Kriegsmarine suffered the loss of Scharnhorst and 1,932 of its crew.

Due to the threat of U-boats, British ships were only able to rescue 36 German sailors from the frigid water.

British losses totaled 11 killed and 11 wounded.

The Battle of the North Cape marked the last surface engagement between British and German capital ships during World War II. With battleship Tirpitz, sister ship to the Bismarck, damaged, the loss of Scharnhorst effectively eliminated surface threats to the Allies’ Arctic convoys. All that was left of the Kreigsmarine’s “Fleet in Being,” was the heavy cruisers, Admiral Scheer, Lutzow, Prinz Eugen, and Admiral Hipper. These were no match for the British battleships.

The Battle of the North Cape also demonstrated the importance of radar-directed fire control in modern naval battles.

Next week: The Trial of Count Ciano.

Frances Michael-Murray

FRANCES J. MICHAEL-MURRAY Berlin Frances J. Michael-Murray, 80, went peacefully into the arms of our lord, peacefully at home holding the hand of the love of her life and husband of 38 years, Rodney Murray.

Fran was born on July 22, 1942, in Forestville, Virginia. she was the daughter of the late Mary and Byrd Jones. She was preceded in death also by a sister, Nancy Jones, and a brother, Alvin Jones, whom she loved very much.

Fran is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Rodney A. Murray.

Where you saw one of them the other was not far behind. They were both long-time, active members of Taylorville Christian Church and they both shared a love of reading, collecting art and antiques, traveling, and entertaining.

Fran was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and loved nothing more than a good old-fashioned political debate!

Fran is survived by her two daughters, Shelly Posey and her husband John of La Plata, and Sandra Haentschke and her husband David of Mayodan, North Carolina. Fran is also survived by her three bonus daughters of rod’s, Sherri Brickey and her husband Darel of Salisbury, Robin Row and her husband Mike of Marshall, Virginia, as well as Kimberly Jacona and her husband Mark of Berlin. Between them, they have 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, whom they idolized. Fran is survived by three brothers, Richard Leith and his wife Lyn of Strasburg, Virginia, Lonnie Jones and his wife dawn of Quantico, and Clyde Jones and his wife Dorea of Stafford, Virginia. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Yordy and her husband Gary of Heathsville, Virginia; and a sister-inContinued on Page 51

DECEMBER 22, 2023

PAGE 51

Ocean City Today

Sara Thompson long-time bd. of ed member SARA DAVIS THOMPSON Berlin Sara Davis Thompson, 85, died after a long illness on Dec. 15, 2023, at the Macky and Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Berlin on Sept. 6, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Raymond J. and Elizabeth C. Davis. She was married to the love of her life, the late Richard E. Thompson, who passed away in 1991.

Sara was a past member of the Berlin Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was an aide at Buckingham Elementary School for 10 years and then a substitute teacher at Stephen

Decatur High School for over 30 years.

She was appointed to the Worcester County Board of Education in 1995 and was elected to that position until the end of 2020, making her the longest serving board member Sara Thompson in the State of Maryland.

In January of 2021, she was honored to have the board room at the Worcester County central office named after her. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin and served on the vestry sev-

eral times. She also volunteered at St. Paul’s Church Mouse at least once a week for several years. She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her many friends and family, whom she loved to spoil.

She is survived by her son, Raymond Miles Thompson and his wife Kelly of Ocean City; her daughter, Susan Thompson Hutchinson and husband Eric of Berlin; four grandchildren, Amanda Shenton (Jordan) of Suffolk, Virginia, DJ Thompson of Berlin, Nathan Thompson (Sierra) of Berlin, and Miles Thompson of Ocean City; and two great-grandchildren whom she adored, Kayleigh and Jaina

Shenton of Suffolk, Virginia.

A viewing was to be held Dec. 20, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

A funeral service was set for Dec. 21, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin.

Mtr. Suz Southern and Rev. Carl Mosley were set to preside. Interment was slated to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 429 Berlin, MD 21811, or the Berlin Volunteer Company, 214 N. Main St, Berlin, MD 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family at burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

land sports teams, especially Maryland basketball.

As an Eastern Shore girl at heart, Gail loved cooking and her favorite dish was chicken and dumplings, which was a recipe handed down for generations. She also loved Maryland crab cakes and especially stuffed shrimp.

After residing, working and raising her family in the Annapolis area, Cape St. Claire, for over 20 years, Gail relocated to Salisbury to be closer to her parents, where she and her husband lived, worked and retired. Gail

then moved to Easton, where she enjoyed being close and spending time with her children and grandchildren who lived in the area.

Encouraged to go see the world and travel, Gail took several trips, a couple of cruises, to Bermuda and a European cruise, as well as traveling to Italy with family to tour Rome and participate in an Olive Harvest while in Umbria.

Gail enjoyed her weekly aerobics class with friends at the YMCA and also created beautiful silk flower arrangements as a hobby. For adven-

ture, Gail discovered the world of motor biking and rode back saddle touring the state of Maryland on her friend’s Harley Davidson.

Gail is survived by her older sister, Patricia Lewis, of Delaware; and her daughter, Teresa Pierce, Easton; son, Michael Yourison, Sarasota, Florida; as well as five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

In leu of flowers, please make a donation to your local hospice. A celebration of life is planned with family in the spring.

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 50 law, Artie Jones of Sandston, Virginia.

Fran is survived by too many to list friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and her partner in crime, whom she adored, her rescue chihuahua Ella. Fran idolized Ella and Ella idolized her mom too!

Fran will be missed and never forgotten. She touched many lives and volunteered her time to help those in need. A celebration of life will be held and announced to honor a life well lived sometime in March at Fran’s church ,Taylorville United Christian Church, and a catered lunch will be served in the church hall after.

Instead of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Taylorville Christian Church/Cememtry fund, P.0.Box 456, Berlin.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service at 504 Franklin Ave. in Berlin. To leave condolences for the family, visit: easternshorecremation.com/obituaries/frances-j-michaelmurray?obid=30109345#/obituaryinfo GAIL YOURISON Easton Gail Richardson Yourison, 84, of Easton, passed away on Dec. 11, 2023, after a lengthy illness from vascular dementia.

Gail was born in Berlin on Aug. 17, 1939, the daughter of E. Peter Richardson and Virginia Quillin Richardson.

Gail graduated from Stephen Decatur High School where she was very active in varsity sports. While at Stephen Decatur she met and later married her husband of 39 years, Ralph G. Yourison, predeceased.

Gail retired from the State of Marland Income Tax Division and also worked as a branch manager of Annapolis Banking and Trust early in her career.

A true Marylander, Gail enjoyed spending time with her family during visits and vacations to Ocean City, as well as rooting for her favorite Mary-

$1,595.

Sports & Recreation

Ocean City Today Dec. 22, 2023

Page 52

www.oceancitytoday.com

PHOTOS BY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Brycen Coleman, senior forward, takes aim at t he hoop against Crisfield.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior guard Zakhari Baker goes to the rim to make one of his five baskets in the contest.

Seahawks dine on Crisfield Crabbers, 93-53

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) Led by senior guard Brycen Coleman, who pumped in 17-baskets, the Stephen Decatur High School boys’ varsity basketball team feasted on Crisfield Crabbers 93-53 last Friday at home.

The Seahawks improved their standings to 4-0 while dropping the Crabbers to 0-4 overall, including two losses 0-2 in regional competition.

“I’ve been coaching here for 13years,” said Seahawks Head Coach

B.J. Johnson. “Actually, this is my second stint here. I was here for four-years, then I left for a while and this is my second stint back. We have the personnel here to go really far.

Our key component is working together as a team. If we can do that, we can go far. We won the regional last year and we go back four years as defending champions. We got to the state championships in 2016 and lost the final.” This could be the year.

Stephen Decatur grabbed the initial tip-off, headed for the basket and

never surrendered the lead. Eightminutes later, the Seahawks were up 32-14.

In addition to his 38-points, Brycen Coleman. a 6’6”senior forward, got help from Davin Chandler a (6’2) junior guard, who grabbed six steals and scored six-points for Stephen Decatur.

By mid-point, Decatur was leading 43-30. Trybe Wise, a 6’4” junior guard/forward, swished a 3-pointer over the Crabbers’ defense and Zakhari Baker, a 5’9” Seahawks junior guard, hit 5-baskets during the

game.

David Solomon, a 6’ junior guard, and 5’9” junior guard Luke Leffew also scored 3 pointers during the game.

The Seahawks turned up the boil and scored 27 to the fighting Crabbers 14 in the third quarter. Dinner was served in the fourth quarter with 23 points to the Seahawks and 9 for the Crabbers ending the evening with 93-53.

Friday’s win was the Seahawks third straight win against the Crabbers of Crisfield.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

PAGE 53

Six girl wrestlers compete alongside boys for Seahawks

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) For Stephen Decatur High School’s girl group of wrestlers, competing in a male-dominated sport is a staple of a gender roledefying high school experience.

Because the Decatur wrestling team is primarily comprised of boys, Melani Rueiz, Chaniah Bernier, Rachel Plata, Azariyah Johnson, Jessica Garcia and Amari Purnell compete against both sexes when they head to matches. They are considered part of the boys’ junior varsity squad and girls’ varsity.

Even so, this arrangement does not stop biases from coming into play, and the athletes have learned to approach competitions on a case-by-case basis.

“Most girls lack upper body strength, so you have to work harder and find different ways to get shots on the boys than a girl,” Bernier said.

“But still, sometimes they (the boys) don’t try, and just to get them to go 50 percent, you have to give 100 percent.”

The athletes struggle with the lack of effort from their male counterparts, as despite their coach’s encouragement that wrestling boys make them better, it is hard to improve with a timid opponent. Alternatively, other traditional wrestlers expect matchups with females to be easy and arrogantly step onto the mat. The girls confirm those rivals are the most satisfying to pin.

The genders are coached equally and taught the same moves. Still, the differences must be acknowledged.

Plata and Bernier explain that it is necessary to use technique over strength when competing against males. The lock-up, where wrestlers wrap an arm around their opponent’s

TARA FISCHER/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur High School’s wrestling team is mostly boys, but six girls also compete on varisty and junoir varsity. Pictured, from left, are Amari Purnell, Azariyah Johnson, Rachel Plata, Cheniah Bernier and Jessica Garcia. Melani Rueiz is at the front and cente.

head, is typically off the table in opposite-sex matchups.

In one instance, Bernier’s coach forfeited for her. The boy was bulky, and she no doubt would have struggled. “I’m still mad,” she said. “I wanted to wrestle.”

The athletes said that physicality is reserved for their female opponents. A memorable match for Johnson is when she overpowered another girl wrestler and emerged victorious. “I stepped onto the mat, slammed and pinned her, and when I got up, I noticed she wasn’t awake,” she said.

The girls say progress is the best

part of the sport. One of Bernier’s favorite matches was against the Kent Island girls’ team captain. She initially lost but prevailed in their rematch at the state championship.

Participating in a male-centric sport has brought this group of wrestlers closer, as the boys are more teammates than friends. The coaches encourage intermingling, yet their interactions rarely extend beyond supportive fist bumps, waves in the hallways, and congratulations for a well-done match. However, the girls’ relationships expand outside of school and practice. Bernier and Plata said

they spend most of their day together.

According to the athletes, they have trouble convincing their nonwrestler friends to try out for the team.

“We would have to lie to get them to join. They don’t want to wrestle guys,” Bernier said. “I get it. It was awkward at first, but you get used to it. Then it becomes normal.”

Still, the girls find wrestling a rewarding extracurricular and will compete in the Who’s #1 Tournament at Northeast High School on Jan. 6.

“We’ll get to see our competition for the state, so it’s a great opportunity,” Bernier said.

COUNTY CONGRATS Stephen Decatur High School Seahawks Head Football Coach Jake Coleman, his assistant coaching staff, and team members pose with the Worcester County Commissioners at the commissioners’ meeting Tuesday.

The commissioners presented Coleman and the team with a plaque congratulating them on their undefeated season and MPSSAA Class 2A state championship victory this year.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT

PAGE 54

Ocean City Today

DECEMBER 22, 2023

SURF REPORT

Stormy weather makes for shifting sandbars

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Dec. 22, 2023) It’s no secret that the surf in Ocean City is subject to breaking very close to the beach.

To add to this situation, when the surf does break, it will usually come over hard and fast, especially when it has some size. OCMD has always had a reputation of coming over in this manner. It’s more of a spilling wave as opposed to one that crumbles in a softer fashion.

Now depending on swell direction, the hard breaking wave will mitigate to a degree if there’s some angle to the swell. But frequently we’ll be faced with a swell that comes straight onto the beach. This is when the surf will break in a very hard way and also tend to come over all at once in a long line, as in a

block long.

This will be known as a “closeout.” It can be the bane of most every surfer, irritating and frustrating.

The only exception to this general rule is the rare surfer who excels at tube riding. The close-out can frequently present sections where the surfer can get covered up and ride in the vortex of the curling, cylindrical wave.

Getting in the tube might not be that difficult but coming out clean is another story. It’s sort of like a football quarterback, staying in the pocket, and throwing a pass, all the while knowing that he’s about to get smashed by a rushing defensive lineman who outweighs him by at least 100 pounds!

Okay, but I digress. Enough of this wave description. The message of this article/column is to try and make the best of our local area. The not-so-good news is described

above. The better news is that the situation is subject to change.

In a beach break setting, such as we have, waves will break because of sandbars but this accumulation of sand can often move. It’s moving all the time even if only slightly, although it can move much more dramatically in heavy, stormy ocean conditions. This tends to happen more in winter time when the weather can be more stormy. Thus there’s more chance for the sand to change. Recently we’ve experienced two significant episodes of heavy wind and rain with the ocean responding with bigger waves and higher tides. Much of the sand that has been placed up on the beach due to replenishment can be displaced.

This is the gist of this article.

In summary, the idea is to make your own survey in order to see what this recent heavy weather might have done to our too-close-tothe-beach sandbars. The more you

look, the more you’ll know.

I realize this sounds like wishful thinking but it’s a natural thing to know as far as surfing goes. This moving of sand would also occur even before the beach replenishment program started.

After a long winter the astute wave rider would want to know where he best waves could be available. Whether you’re inclined to check a two or five or ten block area, or even the length of town, again, it’s all good information.

Also, keep in mind that swell, wind, and tide all come into account. Our “playing field” is multidimensional and always subject to the vagaries of mother nature.

Here’s to a happy holiday season to everyone and don’t forget the reason for the season!

— Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.

Governors Challenge regional basketball event, Dec. 26-30

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Teams compete at the Wicomico Civic Center during the 2019 Governors Challenge. This year’s event will take place Dec. 26-30.

(Dec. 22, 2023) More than 100 Division I basketball recruits and multiple nationally ranked players will be showcasing their skills during the 41st Governors Challenge next week.

The tournament is set Dec. 26-30 at the Wicomico Civic Center and surrounding locations.

According to a news release, this year’s format will consist of five divisions: the Elite Showcase, Boys Brackets, Moolah Girls Bracket, Boys Shore Showcase and Moolah Girls Shore Showcase.

A total of 114 teams will travel from 11 states and Canada, including nationally-ranked programs with hundreds of college and professional prospects.

The event will also feature more than just games.

Student-athletes will compete in the Aetna All-Star Experience, which begins at 8:30 p.m., Dec. 27 and 29.

Both nights include the Skills Challenge and Three Point Contests.

The crowd-favorite Slam Dunk Contest will take place Dec. 29.

Just before Friday’s contests, recipients of the Butch Waller Scholarship will be recognized on the court.

The scholarship honors regional basketball legend Butch Waller, who the release said has impacted the lives of athletes and families for over 50 years.

Daily admission is $15, and tournament passes (valid for all days of the tournament) are $50. Daily admission for kids ages 3-11 is $8, and tournament passes for kids are $25.

Kids ages 2 and under are admitted free. A limited number of weeklong courtside passes ($100) and daily VIP passes ($75) are available for the Wicomico Civic Center location.

Students can participate in Student Sections and compete in a variety of halftime competitions for prizes.

To buy tickets, view schedules or learn more, visit GovernorsChallenge.org.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

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DECEMBER 22, 2023

Ocean City Today

AN OCEAN CITY TRADITION FOR OVER 60 YEARS

RES

ERV

NOW E !

Christmas Dinner

New Years Dinner

December 22nd - 25th

December 29 th - 31st

Appetizers

Appetizers

Manchego-Brussels Sprout Salad

Scallops & Bacon

arugula, shaved brussels, manchego cheese, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, white balsamic vinaigrette

pan seared scallops (3) on crispy braised pork belly with sriracha-honey, sweet soy reduction, crispy fried onion straws

Oven Roasted Oysters

Portobella Mushroom Carpaccio

Five local oysters wrapped with prosciutto, creamy spinach, and oven-dried tomato; oven roasted and topped with hollandaise sauce

lightly smoked and miso-marinated portobella cap, thinly sliced, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, topped with baby arugula, lemon vinaigrette, toasted pine nuts, yellow tomato jam

Entrees

Entrees

Prime Rib Au Jus 12oz Queen Cut 18oz King Cut

slow roasted prime rib, served with broccoli, baked potato, and pan jus

Porchetta

* English cut available on request

house made, crispy skin porchetta, served with pan jus, sauteed broccoli rabe,

Pan Roasted Halibut

Bourbon Grilled Hanger Steak

served on spinach gnudi with our house roasted tomato sauce, sweet basil vinaigrette, and crispy fried leeks

marinated 8oz hanger steak, grilled to order with our cider bourbon glaze, served sliced with our twice fried garlic-parmesan steak fries, seared spinach and whiskey-pearl onion demi-glace

Ultimate Surf & Turf for Two

Dessert Warm Sticky Toffee Cake

toffee crunch, salted caramel whipped cream

the biggest and best of land and sea, our 48 oz bone-in tomahawk ribeye paired with our 18 oz colossal cold water lobster tail * Must reserve prior to 12/27

Dessert Raspberry Champagne Cake moist champagne cake, champagne buttercream, sugared raspberries, raspberry coulis

Dinners will sell out, we recommend booking early. Reservations can be made by phone or on our website. Please call for pricing and further details.

CAPTAINSTABLEOC .COM

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