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DECEMBER 24, 2021
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Council balks at demand by body cam rep
He wants approval before City Hall can review contract
By Mallory Panhuska Staff Writer
A
s the sun set earlier this week on the shortest day of the year, a woman walked deliberately around the side of the shuttered Phillips Crab House property on 21st Street, shooting photos with a small digital camera. She looked up at one point, a touch of melancholy in her eyes, and simply said, “Isn’t it sad?”
Lines form outside the late 1950s version of the Crab House. The woman was undoubtedly one of the thousands, possibly millions, who heard the big news that broke a day earlier: Phillips’ flagship Crab House in Ocean City had been listed for sale and was closing
its doors for good. “It’s the end of an era,” said retired Court of Appeals Judge Dale Cathell, the Ocean Pines author of “Empires of the Crab,” a 2004 homSee THE PHILLIPS Page 4
By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Ocean City Council members were asked on Monday to approve a $2.5 million deal by Dec. 31 to outfit the resort’s police force with body cameras, but with no contract put before them to read, the council is not likely to approve anything by the end of the year. State legislators passed the “Maryland Police Accountability Act” in 2021, which requires all police officers in the ‘We haven’t seen a contract. I can’t state to be equipped with vote on a contract body cameras I haven’t seen.’ by 2025. Councilman After a John Gehrig string of incidents in the resort over the past couple of years, including this past June when one black man was tased on the Boardwalk by officers despite appearing to be taking off his backpack, and another where an officer rammed his knee into the chest of another black man, Mayor Rick Meehan and Police Chief Ross Buzzuro have pushed to get the cameras in place well before the deadline. The department is expected to have body cameras on all 116 of its full-time officers as well as seasonal officers and public safety aids by next summer. For the past three months, Buzzuro and his department have tested cameras from three different vendors, and on Monday, he was ready to present the council with a contract for approval. But though the offer was presented, an actual contract was not. “Of the three vendors, one stood out and that was Axon,” the chief said, noting that nearly all law enforcement See CAMERA Page 8
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan will host an open house and concert at the performing arts center on 40th Street on New Year’s Day to kick off 2022. This year, New York-based Motown group, The Priceless Band, will perform during the event.
Mayor will host New Year’s party at convention center By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan plans to kick off 2022 with an open house and concert at the Performing Arts Center in the convention center at 40th Street on New Year’s Day. The concept of the open house is nothing new, former mayor Jim Mathias used to host the Mayor’s Open House at city hall. This week, Meehan said when he became mayor, he continued Mathias’s tradition for a couple of years until eventually giving it a different approach. “With the advent of the performing arts center … [we wanted] to enhance the event and maybe offer entertainment and something that would appeal to a larger audience,” he said. “So, we moved the event to the convention center and to the Per-
forming Arts Center. That’s been very successful.” This year, the event will feature The Priceless Band, a Motown band out of New York started by Saundra Price, also known as Priceless. The band will play tributes from artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. “They’re fabulous,” Meehan said. “They’re going to rock the Performing Arts Center, I promise.” Unlike previous years, the event will not include booths setup by vendors and organizations like Ocean City Development Corporation. The mayor said he hopes to have vendors back next year. Another change this year is the event will start at 4 p.m. instead of 1 p.m. “That way, if someone wants to go to the Penguin Swim, they can go to See NEW YEAR’S Page 11
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‘THE PHILLIPS FAMILY HAS MADE THE ... DECISION TO SELL OUR PHILLIPS CRAB HOUSE PROPERTY’ Continued from Page 1 age to the local Phillips family and their global contribution to the crab industry. The words were pointed, albeit cliche, but likely never rang more true for a resort establishment’s cessation. The news broke shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in a Facebook post. The post has since amassed more than 3,800 comments, 11,000 shares and 4,600 reactions, with the numbers continuing to grow. “The Phillips family has made the difficult decision to sell our Phillips Crab House property in Ocean City, Maryland, and the location has now permanently closed,” the post said. “Over our 66 seasons in business, we’ve served millions of families, vacationers and OC locals, and our family feels so fortunate to have earned the loyalty of our guests, who came back year after year to build their vacation memories with us. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our story.” Later in the week, the company reported that the property is under contract for sale. Building a legacy In the heyday of the franchise, proprietors Brice and Shirley Phillips were virtually the king and queen of Ocean City — and the Crab House
was the Windsor Castle of 21st Street. “Brice and Shirley Phillips were true Ocean City icons and they created a seafood experience that became synonymous with Ocean City,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week in an email in response to the closing. “Thousands of high school and college students have worked at Phillips over the years helping to pay for their college educations and becoming part of the extended Phillips family.” The family’s story really began, according to Cathell’s book, when Shirley Flowers first laid eyes on Brice Phillips, a local waterman, when they were both children living on Hooper’s Island in Dorchester County. The two were smitten with one another from the start and embarked on a love story that eventually led to the opening of the crab house in 1956. A “shoe string operation” from the start, as Cathell wrote, the restaurant started with humble roots in a former hardware store building next to Buck Griffin’s, which was at the time the resort’s only crab house. Cathell said the Phillips’ decided to get into the restaurant business after struggling with sales and operations at a plant they started on Hooper’s Island after Brice returned from World War II.
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Brice and Shirley Phillips in 2006, at their business’s 50th anniversary.
“They used to sell [crabs] all over in the Baltimore market until the people in Baltimore started taking advantage of them, so then they opened their own restaurant in order to sell their own crabs,” Cathell explained.
The family hit the ground running, even putting their two young sons to work in the front of the house, to develop what began as a crab takeout business. Before too long, they realized the demand was for dine-in, and See PHILLIPS Page 6
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Phillips: from one crab house to conglomerate Continued from Page 4 they began building a small empire, eventually taking over the larger crab house next door and adding dormitory style housing for workers. Eight years after opening, the family expanded the space to 1,400 seats, making it the largest restaurant in the state of Maryland at the time. “Phillips was certainly a landmark in our town; so many visitors made it a part of their tradition when visiting,” said Susan Jones, the executive director of the Ocean City HotelMotel restaurant Association, in an email. “To say Brice & Shirley Phillips made an impact of many lives would be an understatement. So many teenagers worked at Phillips Crab House and truly learned the value of hard work and communication skills.” The Phillips brand took off smoothly from there, growing eventually to a booming corporation that holds a reputation for top-notch customer service and employee care. In the 1960s and ‘70s, the family created a cost-share program for long-term employees that Cathell’s research said has made many workers wealthy, with some even classified as millionaires, from the benefits. The family offered competitive life and health insurance plans as well,
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Phillips Crab House in the early 1960s, with much more expansion not far away.
which were rare for restaurants during that time. “It’s been a way of life more than a job. It’s not really a job, but a way of life when you work for Phillips,” said longtime employee William “Semore” Dofflemyer in Cathell’s book in 2004. Dofflemyer passed away two years later at the age of 64. The Phillips family has made countless charitable contributions in the community as well, all of which the owners were too humble to talk about with Cathell in 2004. While the hospitality and chari-
tability of the Phillips family brought many people through the restaurant’s doors over the years, the food undoubtedly played a significant part in keeping them coming back. From Brice’s perfectly crafted steamed crab recipe, which Cathell said was the source of pretty much all crabs sold and eaten in restaurants across the resort during the local Phillips operation’s prime, to other seafood recipes, the menu was expansive and well revered. Cathell’s book said Shirley built it with suggestions from customers,
adding dishes like cream of crab soup, crab au gratin, fin-fish, soft shell clams, and more upon requests. “Please the customer. If they wanted it, we’d prepare it, and on the menu it would go,” Shirley said at the time. Over the years, the menu transitioned to a buffet style, which likely did not help in keeping it afloat during the covid-19 pandemic. A crab conglomerate Before the owners announced the closure this week, the Phillips restauSee PHILLIPS Page 8
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Phillips focusing on other business aspects Continued from Page 6 rant on 21st Street was only one of two free-standing brick and mortar Phillips eateries still in operation. Now, there’s just one, in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor. Seven smaller restaurants also still exist inside airports along the East Coast and two operate inside casinos. The Phillips Food arm is still thriving as well, with everything from crab cakes to soups to spices available in grocery stores. The family also expanded its factory operations overseas to parts of Asia, India, Mexico and continues with those interests. “We remain firmly planted in Maryland and will dedicate our resources in support of our Baltimore restaurant location, Baltimore culinary center and the growth of our re-
tail, club, food service, and international business,” the Facebook post said. At one time, the Phillips family operated three restaurants in Ocean City — the original at 21st Street, the Phillips Seafood House on 141st and Phillips By the Sea inside the nowshuttered Beach Plaza hotel at 13th Street. The 141st location closed in 2018, after one season of operating as a Mexican cantina, and the 13th Street restaurant closed in the late 2010s. The Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel on 13th Street continued operating for several years after the restaurant closed, even welcoming another local restaurant operator for a while, but closed for good at the beginning of this year. The family bought the property in
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1967, when it was one of the primary Boardwalk hotels, according to Cathell’s account. The property was recently tapped to become part of a planned, 13-story Margaritaville resort, but progress has slowed on the project as developers grapple with obtaining a city-owned alley that is needed to make it work. The family also opened free-standing restaurants in Annapolis, Rockville and Silver Spring in Maryland, Norfolk in Virginia, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina and Atlantic City in New Jersey over the years. And while the Phillips brand will continue in other places, the sale and closure of the 21st Street property will
end its more than six-decade run in Ocean City despite once having reigned over the local steamed crab supply. The legacy began dwindling several years ago, though, with Brice’s death in 2011, followed by Shirley’s passing in 2017. Their sons, Steve and Jeff Phillips, also stayed involved in the business for years, along with other members of their extended family. “Today the Phillips brand is known throughout the country,” Meehan concluded. “Time marches on but the memories we all have of the Crab House, the Beach Plaza and Phillips by the Sea will last a lifetime.”
Camera deal deadline gives council little time for review Continued from Page 1 agencies in the state use the Arizonabased company to some capacity. The contract the department is considering is known as the Officer Safety Plan 7 plus, which comes with a price tag of $3.9 million and provides things such as cameras, battery packs, training and support, unlimited storage of videos and evidence on the cloud, a suite that allows the sharing, managing, and redacting of evidence simple, and transcription. Axon would also continue to provide the latest Taser and drone technology and support to department. Because of the size and needs of the police department, Axon agreed to provide the package at a price of $2.5 million over five years, a savings of nearly $1.4 million. Buzzuro told council he and his team believe in equipping the officers with body cameras for their safety as well as the public’s, adding that transparency is crucial so the public can see how officers in the field do their job and conduct business. “It’s for the safety of our officers,” he said. But to get the bundle from Axon at the $2.5 million price tag, the council will need to approve the contract by Dec. 31, or 11 days after it was presented to them during the meeting. Meehan admitted there were many moving parts, including getting on the same page as the county commissioners as they work toward a body camera program for the sheriff’s office, as well as ensuring the state’s attorney has access to the videos, which the suite of services includes. His concern, though, is that Axon is putting the city “under the gun” with a Dec. 31 deadline. “That timeline is a little difficult for us,” Meehan said, asking Kyle Hites, a senior sales representative for Axon for an extension during the meeting.
Hites was unwilling to budge, stressing the package being offered to Ocean City includes several incentives that will not be available after Jan. 1. Hites also said the cost for just the cameras will increase by a minimum of $115,000 over five years and he could not guarantee the total increase of the package would not go up by $500,000. Buzzuro said he and his department have been working quickly to get a contract before the council, knowing the prices would change. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told Hites the short deadline seemed like an uphill battle, given the holiday schedule. Councilman John Gehrig, a businessman himself, told Hites he deals with contracts regularly and it did not make sense to nitpick over $115,000 – it can be negotiated, he said. Gehrig also agreed with Stansbury in this being an uphill battle, but there was another major concern. “We haven’t seen a contract,” he said. “I can’t vote on a contract I haven’t seen.” Gehrig was clear that he supported the initiative to get body cameras on the officers, but without a solid timeline and a written contract, he was also concerned the technology could become dated by the time a camera program is implemented. Hites said like all industries, Axon is dealing with supply delays and getting a deal in place early will ensure the camera program is in place in time for summer. Stansbury asked Hites if he had the authority to give a 30-day extension to allow council time to review the contract, but the Hites replied he did not have the authority to do so. In response, Stansbury said she would reach out to the proper parties who do have the authority and work it out. The vote for her to proceed and bring back the best possible deal was unanimous.
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Incentives approved to entice bus drivers
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) After a summer of public bus crowding and delays because of a covid-related driver shortage, Ocean City officials are taking a proactive approach to improve the staffing situation for 2022. “We are right on the edge of starting our major recruitment efforts for the coming season and we need to know what we are offering and what we are not offering,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said during a transportation committee meeting last week before presenting an array of options to help broaden the help-wanted solicitation’s appeal. Committee members ultimately agreed to authorize $15,600 to reimburse out-of-state applicants for their driving records and up to $75 for phys-
ical exams, and to provide funding for applicants to obtain learners permits. Adkins explained that anyone who applies for a bus driver position must submit a copy of his or her driving record, And while they are free for Maryland applicants, applicants from Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and other states must pay for them. He also said the Maryland Department of Transportation requires physicals, which can be costly as well, and that several applicants a year undergo training. “Those are three great low-hanging fruit, easy things to discuss and decide on,” Adkins said. The options, and several others not specific to transportation applicants, derived from a recent meeting with members of a task force directed to address retention and recruitment chal-
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lenges within all city departments. City Manager Doug Miller, who heads the group, said “no bad ideas” were shared and that members are set to meet again before the transportation committee’s next meeting on Jan. 11 to determine whether they can provide more incentives. Other potential offerings include financial incentives for early applicants and season-long commitments, and enticements for employees to work nights, weekends and special events, among others. Adkins said those incentives may be trickier to offer because of the potential to create waves in other departments. “I know historically if certain things are offered there is the potential for internal equity concerns and there’s concern for ripple effects and negativity that could come about from other nonDPW departments, that one is offered something and another department is not,” he said. Mayor Rick Meehan, who sits on the transportation committee, urged Miller to push the task force members to come up with clear answers for what can and cannot be offered before Jan. 11. “I think we all recognize we’d rather do something now and be proactive, something that we think will have a benefit than to try and do something reactive later that could cost us more money and lose [hiring opportunities],” Meehan said. “We’re better off to do it the right way at the very beginning and not just be reactive.” City officials also recently approved a pay bump for seasonal employees, which will bring hourly wages for bus drivers up to $18.84 on Jan. 1, 2023, two years before the pay scale initially intended. And while Adkins said the increase will most certainly help with recruitment, he has concerns if staffing issues remain across the resort overall. “I’ll sum it up by saying, do we feel
$17.75 will capture a number of individuals, of applicants, for our hiring? Yes we do,” he said. “Are we cautiously concerned whether it will get us to whatever the number is, whether that’s 100 people, 120 people, whatever? We’re concerned.” He explained that a lack of housing options for employees across the town could have businesses and other organizations essentiality pulling from the pool of workers who would be driving buses. Other committee members pointed out that it may not be as big of a concern because the demographic for bus drivers – mainly older individuals looking to work part-time in retirement – are not interested in other seasonal jobs. With that, Meehan suggested that efforts should be made to reach other groups of people for bus driver jobs. “We really need to put an emphasis on that … other age groups taking that particular kind of job,” he said. Adkins said recruitment packages with all the necessary hiring information for bus drivers will be available Jan. 17 and applicants are expected to begin returning them around Feb. 1. Transportation Manager Steve Bartlett said 38 bus drivers are on the city’s roster for the off-season. Over the summer, he said the total reached a peak of 76 for several days but mainly leveled off at about 68. At the close of the season, after some of individuals quit to return to driving school buses, the number was 63. Officials had a goal of 90 to 100 at the start of the season, but were not able to get there. And while ridership was lower, which eased some of the strain, struggles still existed with crowding and delays, according to Adkins’ reports. For 2022, officials said they want to have 90 drivers, with 100 the ultimate goal.
Shady Side Village gets OK to build and keep own road By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The residential planned community going up at the intersection of Old Ocean City Road and Greenridge Lane in West Ocean City received a few more thumbs up from Worcester County earlier this month. On Dec. 1, the Planning Commission gave a favorable review to the site developers of Shady Side Village for their request for an amended setback on the property and to install a private road on the property. On Dec. 7, the county commissioners received that recommendation, unanimously concurred and approved a request to reduce the community
from a proposed 37 townhomes to 33 “townhouse and duplex units,” as Development, Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener described it. The private road was the biggest development for the community. The approval means the road will not be the responsibility of the county to maintain. “Basically, every lot has to have frontage on a county road,” said attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents landowner Kathy Clark and Shady Side Village LLC. “There’s a law that says within a development, you can have an approved private road built to county standards. See SHADY Page 11
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Ocean City Today
Shady Side unit total lowered Continued from Page 10 So they’re just doing (that), which means that the homeowners association will be responsible for its maintenance, not the county.” The road, Keener said during the commissioners meeting, differs “from the county roads RPC standard,” which is what required the commissioners’ approval. The 860-foot road will consist of 69-foot and 75-foot spurs. Commissioner Jim Bunting asked at one point if there’s a chance the road will come back into the county’s care. “If the county were to take it over, they’d have to rebuild it to county road standards or come back for (the com-
missioners) to add this road design to the county road specifications,” Keener replied. “We recommended that they go this route. I don’t believe it is planned (that the road will switch hands).” Shady Side Village has been in the works for nearly four years. The project is a redevelopment of an existing property. The 4.82-acre site is surrounded by a motel, trailer park and commercial area. In 2020, architect Keith Iott said there would be three recreation areas in the community that would include physical fitness areas and more general recreation suchas corn hole and badminton.
New Year’s event set for 4 p.m. Continued from Page 3 the Penguin Swim,” Meehan said, explaining that the former 1 p.m. time often conflicted with Atlantic General Hospital’s polar plunge fundraiser at 91st Street. “They can go home, dry off, come to the Mayor’s New Year’s Day event, and go out to dinner. It really fits into the timeframe of the day.” He added that everyone is invited to the free event. The party will start at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day and will include a
ringing in of the new year along with the concert by The Priceless Band. “It’s going to be a great concert,” Meehan said. “I don’t think anybody will be disappointed.” Tickets for the event are not required, though seating is on a first come, first served basis. For more information about the event, contact Lauren Davis at 410289-a8931, and to find out more information about The Priceless Band, visit www.thepricelessbandbk.com.
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Sports betting live at Ocean Downs By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Just in time for the NFL playoffs, the lion’s share of college bowl games, NBA Christmas games, and other winter contests, sports betting is officially live at Ocean Downs Casino. After the clip of a blue silk ribbon last Friday evening, Del. Wayne Hartman (R- 38C) made the first wager — for the University of Maryland to beat Virginia Tech in the Dec. 29 Pinstripe Bowl — at one of the Berlin facility’s shiny new sports betting kiosks. Hartman was one of a handful of state and local dignitaries, Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce members, and casino staff members who ceremoniously celebrated the new venture, which officials have been waiting on for some time. “This has been a long time coming,” Ocean Downs General Manager Bobbi Sample said during the Dec. 17 ribbon cutting in front of a cluster of six machines near Poseidon’s Pub inside the casino. “It was a lot of legislative sessions, several of them, to get here. It was a long process, from application to control demonstrations.” The “process” included two days of tests on the facility’s 20 Twinspires Sportsbook kiosks, which led to the Dec. 17 launch. Sample said the tests went well and proceeds from the bets were donated to local emergency homeless shelter Diakonia. Ocean Downs was the fourth casino in the state to add sports betting to its gambling offerings. The other three — Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Live! Casino in Hanover and MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill — launched sportsbooks the week before. Hollywood Casino in Perryville, the fifth casino with an approved sports betting license from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, was set to launch its sports betting operations Dec. 23. The casinos are the first spots bettors can place wages on games and lines within the state following approval of sports betting through a referendum in November 2020. Members of the General Assembly hashed out the details during the 2021 session, with much of the work completed in the Ways and Means Committee of which Hartman is a member. “We spent a lot of time on it and to see it actually come to fruition is exciting,” Hartman said before the ribbon cutting. The legislation that passed allows for 60 online operators and 30 retail sportsbooks — including casinos, professional sports stadiums, small businesses and others — to obtain sports betting licenses. Sample said that mobile bet-
Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) makes the first bet at the Ocean Downs Casino sportsbook after a ribbon cutting on Dec. 17. Hartman’s bet was for the University of Maryland to defeat Virginia Tech in the Dec. 29 Pinstripe Bowl. MALLORY PANUSKA/ OCEAN CITY TODAY
ting is still a ways away, with the launch expected sometime in mid-2022. Officials initially hoped to launch sports betting operations, both online and in brick and mortar locations, in time for the start of the NFL season, but the timeline was pushed back as members of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission and sports wagering and licensing review commission ironed out the licensing details. Ocean Downs has an A-2 license, which carried a $1 million application fee as well as costs for background investigations. After Hartman’s first bet last Friday, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), placed the second sports wager for the Baltimore Ravens to beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Unfortunately for her — and all Ravens fans — that ticket was not a winner. Before the ribbon cutting, Carozza, and several other attendees, commented on the teamwork and partnerships that brought the sportsbook to fruition. “Whenever we have a momentous occasions like this, it really does take a team effort,” she said. “And we have that team effort right here in Worcester County at every level — municipality, county, state, feds — working together, and just your team here at Ocean Downs.” The sports betting kiosks are divided into two sections within the casino, with 10 in each one. As the officials celebrated the opening last Friday night, several people milled around in the background awaiting removal of the tape around the machines. As soon as officials tore it down, every kiosk in the area was occupied with bettors. Ocean Downs is open from 7 to 2 a.m. daily off of Route 589 near Ocean Pines. The sports betting kiosks are available for use whenever the casino is open.
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
OC Council votes to increase tourism budget By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The Ocean City tourism department will see a budget increase of two-tenths of a percent over the next three years, after City Council members unanimously approved the proposal on Monday. In early December, Tourism Director Tom Perlozzo told the council of three tourism funding options under consideration, he favored one that would take a percentage of the gross room tax revenue collected from all rentals across the
resort area. Option two would raise the tourism department’s 2.0 percent share to 2.2 percent by 2025. In 2023, tourism would get 2 percent of the gross room tax revenue, 2.1 percent in 2024, and 2.2 percent in 2025. The first option kept the percentage at 2 percent while the third option raised it to 2.6 upon adoption, but all expenses in Perlozzo’s budget would need to come out of the 2.6 percent. When the city increased the room tax from 4.5 to 5 percent in 2019, there was some confusion on how the additional
0.5 percent should be distributed. Of the half-cent increase earmarked for advertising, that percentage, which started at 1.4 percent in 2009, was raised to 2 percent in 2012, according to Budget Manager Jennie Knapp, and remained there since. The language of the ordinance was still a bit fuzzy as of Monday night’s meeting, as expressed by Councilman Mark Paddack, who said the payroll for the addition of employees in the tourism department as money increases “is not spelled out directly” in the legislation. Perlozzo plans to add at least five new
Bike committee seeks more racks By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – or BPAC – met on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and discussed the following: New appointee John Daddezio, who was appointed to the BPAC in August, asked to step down from the committee due to health problems. With the open vacancy, Lisa Stashak of the Marine Corps League, volunteered to fulfill Daddezio’s term through September 2025. Mayor Rick Meehan agreed on
Monday to swear Stashak into the role. Street end bike racks Mary Wiedorfer inspected the bike rack on 120th Street, and after looking at the space, suggested a second bike rack be installed there. She also went to 90th Street and spoke to residents, who were excited about the possibility of a bike rack being installed near the beach walkover. Committee President Paul Mauser, who is also a city engineer, investigated adding a bike rack at 116th Street. The committee is also looking at installing racks at 49th, 33rd, 26th, and Wicomico streets, and on the boards.
2022 goals Mauser reviewed the 2021 goals with the committee, and according to meeting notes, 15 goals were set for 2021 and not all were achieved. Councilman Tony DeLuca, who sits in on the BPAC meetings, proposed eight new goals to the committee that he would like to see completed by Dec. 31, 2022. Some of the goals include the installation of 10 new oceanside street end bike racks, installing 1,000 lights on bikes, hosting the Mayor’s bike ride, and installing a second bike repair station at 27th Street on the Boardwalk.
employees to his marketing team, and initially the positions were to be paid out of the general fund. But according to Paddack, they would be paid out of the percentage of room tax dedicated to advertising. Paddack pushed to get the legislation passed, adding that the language could be cleaned up later. City resident Vince Gisriel also expressed concerns about the language not being clear during Monday’s meeting, as did Councilman Lloyd Martin, who was absent from many of the discussions concerning the legislation. Martin said Perlozzo’s salary should also come from the advertising fund. Councilman Frank Knight, who had supported the option that would bring in the most money and fund Perlozzo’s department, said he now supported the legislation in front of the council because the 0.1 and 0.2 percent increases would cover the salaries of Perlozzo’s team. When it came to a vote, council voted 7-0 to approve the legislation. Following the vote, Councilman Tony DeLuca reiterated his stance that the council needs to push for an increase in the room tax rate to 5.5 percent, or possibly, 6 percent. To do so, the city would need to make its plea to the Worcester County Commissioners, who would need to seek legislation from the General Assembly.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
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Ocean City Today
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The Ocean City Mayor and City Council met on Monday for a regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall and approved two pieces of legislation targeting flood prevention, and accepted dates for a beach volleyball tournament in 2022.
Flood legislation Two pieces of legislation passed by the council are intended to prevent property damage in downtown Ocean City, while also protecting the citywide community flood insurance rating.
The first approved ordinance changes the minimum distance the first floor of a structure is from the ground, or freeboard, to one foot. The one-foot requirement will only be imposed on new construction in the downtown portion of the resort, or when significant modifications are made to a structure. Some of the downtown areas are prone to severe flooding when high tides and strong winds push water up the drainage system and into the streets and properties. Along with the one-foot freeboard requirement, the council modified where the height of properties is
measured from because the freeboard height reduces the elevation of a structure. Now, height will be measured from the top of the freeboard, or the base of the first floor. Council members adopted the legislation with a 7-0 vote.
Beach volleyball series Gianna Savarese of We Build You Play was granted approval to hold the Beach Volleyball Tournament series in Ocean City next summer, over the course of several months. Savarese submitted the applica-
tion for the adult and junior beach volleyball tournament series, requiring 20 rectangular volleyball courts, between First and Third streets. The tentative dates for the tournaments are May 21-22, June 11-12, June 30, and Sept. 10-11. As part of the application, Savarese asked in separate emails that the city provide water, electric, and vehicular access to the beach as well as two free parking spaces at the inlet lot for 11 days – May 20-22, June 10-12, June 29-30, and Sept. 911. The cost to park two cars at the Continued on Page 16
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
Wind officials, OC fishermen still far apart
By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Offshore wind energy continues to press ahead, and while those companies that intend to erect scores of turbines off the Ocean City coast continue to work on strengthening their ties within the maritime community, chasms remain between their interests and those of commercial and recreational fishermen. Last week, representatives from US Wind — Director of External Affairs Nancy Sopko, Director of Marine Affairs Ben Cooper and Fisheries Liaison Ron Larsen — briefed the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council on their progress in the area and their discussions with fishermen. The trio discussed their current project, “MarWin,” and also a new one, Momentum Wind, which received the go-ahead from the state of Maryland earlier this week in the form of 808.5 offshore renewable energy credits, according to a US Wind press release. The project will add 55 turbines to the company’s Maryland lease area. Larsen demonstrated to the council that one concern — that maneuvering through a wind farm would put an added burden on fishermen — wasn’t as bad as it seems. It’s an added transit of anywhere from roughly 0.2 to 0.5 nautical miles, he said. They also covered the November confrontation with Ocean City fisherman Jimmy Hahn and their progress in reimbursing him for lost conch pots, as well as their efforts to resolve two other incidents that occurred this year. In response to what happened with Hahn — an incident that saw Hahn confront a surveying vessel by blocking its path to keep it from destroying more gear — US Wind paused geophysical surveying on Nov. 4. They had intended to resume on Dec. 13 but are now targeting Jan. 1 to resume surveying. Fishery liaisons such as Larsen will be aboard every surveying vessel when surveying resumes, Sopko said, which they believe will give them a leg up in real-time conflict resolution.
“We have heard that, given that it is the height of conch season, this further delay would be very much appreciated by the local conch fishermen in our area,” Sopko told the council. “While it was not an easy decision to make, we believe it was the best decision to make sure we are listening to the local fishermen and their needs and trying to be flexible in our plans to meet the needs of the local fisherman. We were happy to do that and make that concession. if we can move forward together offshore.” The trio stuck around after the presentation to take feedback from the council and heard a few concerns — specifically, that they must understand that they’re only part of the problem if other wind energy companies don’t mirror US Wind’s efforts to make fishermen whole and that the small addedtransit figures don’t take into account other wind farms, which one council member described as “insulting” to see the issue framed as Larsen did. In an emailed statement, US Wind said that it believes itself to be one of the industry leaders in fisheries communication and it is “confident that fishing and other types of vessels will be able to navigate through the wind farm, given that our turbines will be sited nearly one nautical mile apart.” “In fact, the additional structure caused by wind turbines will enhance some fishing opportunities,” the statement read. “We strive every day to understand the priorities of local fishermen and address concerns that arise. We know we can coexist if we work together.” On Monday, a long-sought face-toface meeting between US Wind and local fishermen occurred in which much of the information shared to the fisheries council was relayed to the fishermen. Still, hearty skepticism remains for fishermen who say the future looks even bleaker than the present. “They’re trying to say they’re going to work with us, but the reality of it is that once this survey is done and once they get permission to do this project and start dragging these 800-feet-tall
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year Thanks to all my clients for their support in 2021 - grateful to have helped 57 families realize their real estate goals! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful 2022.
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PHOTO COURTESY ROGER WOOLEYHAN
The Labradoodle is one of two vessels that Ocean City and Delaware fisherman Roger Wooleyhan operates. Wooleyhan is currently working through a claim in which as many as 500 of his pots were allegedly destroyed by wind survey vessels.
things out there, there’s no way we can be out there for at least two years (while that’s happening),” said Roger Wooleyhan, a fisherman with more than 40 years experience off the Maryland and Delaware coasts. “Then, maybe after the smoke clears, we can fit in between, if there’s not a lot of maintenance boats.” Wooleyhan is one of the other fishermen working through a damages claim with US Wind for lost and destroyed pots. His interactions with US Wind at sea occurred over the summer. Only recently has he heard from the company that they’re still processing his claim, he said. The picture Wooleyhan paints is bleak. The problem isn’t just a problem for Ocean City and Delaware. He sees negative repercussions along the entire Eastern Seaboard and can’t see how some of the larger fishing vessels can successfully navigate a wind farm in dense fog.
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“They’re taking a lot of good fishing routes, all off New Jersey — I mean those guys must be going nuts over there,” Wooleyhan said. “But the reality of it is that this dense fog is going to put everybody into (a handful of alleyways). You won’t be able to drive in between these things in the dense fog, because of the reflective — like, if you get near a ship your radar (will react a certain way) and you can’t really see where that ship is when you get that close. That’s what’s going to happen See US Page 18
OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS Continued from Page 15 inlet lot at $3.50 per hour, for 12 hours per day, totals $105 per day, or $1,155 for all 11 days. Ocean City has hosted the tournament since 2016, but this year the parking request raised a flag that needed to be reviewed by council. After a brief discussion, council agreed to proceed with the application’s approval, though the parking would not be in the inlet lot. Instead, council suggested it be on the street or in a municipal lot, like the one on Worcester Street. Councilman Tony DeLuca also raised concerns about the June 11-12 dates because the resort will already be congested that weekend with the air show and a beach soccer tournament. He asked the applicant to reconsider the dates. Council voted 7-0 in favor of the application, with the two caveats. With its approval, the applicant is expected to pay Ocean City $975 in private event fees.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Talkie bringing more grant requests in Jan.
By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Right after securing $96,000 in matching funds from Worcester County so they could apply for $2 million in grants that will connect the rest of the lower county, officials from Talkie Communications on Tuesday briefed the county commissioners on more grants they want to pursue. One grant, described as an “infrastructure grant,” is based on a “points system” and could be worth up to $10 million with a 10 percent match from the company and/or the county, Talkie co-CEO Andrew DeMattia said. “If you have the county participating, you get more points, and it’s highly likely you’re going to win if you have the most amount of points (of the applying counties),” DeMattia told the
commissioners. “With the infrastructure grant, it doesn’t say the county has to match, we just have to have the support from the county.” Other counties that Andrew DeMattia Talkie is working with are matching the funds, up to 50 percent, DeMattia said, for this grant. “There’s only $100 million in the pot (for rural broadband grant money statewide),” he said. “In Worcester County, we want to apply for four applications. The reason being is the (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) grant (now being applied for) is not guaranteed … We would like to have a contingency plan and apply for four $10 million applications with the state.”
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“This way we have the NTIA areas covered and if we win the NTIA, we’ll withdraw those applications.” Commissioner Chip Bertino said this might sound like a good plan but the commissioners need to see some sort of paperwork before making a decision. “With all due respect, it sounds like (this could be a good thing) but I don’t like this coming up to the podium and then asking us for a commitment without our staff having an opportunity to review this,” Bertino said. “Is there a timeline on this?” DeMattia said that Talkie thought the commissioners had already received the necessary information and
that the deadline for these applications is Jan. 14. Bertino pointed out there’s a meeting before that deadline and suggested they come back before the commissioners then. DeMattia added that an advantage to all of these grants is the varying timetables. “The NTIA has a one-year limit, meaning if we win it, construction has to be completed in one year,” DeMattia said. “With the state of Maryland infrastructure program, the (grant) that’s up to $10 million, there’s a three-year commitment on that and has to be done in three years. The neighborhood grant has to be done in 17 months.”
County honors retiring DPW Deputy Director John Ross (Dec. 24, 2021) During their Dec. 7 meeting, the commissioners paid tribute to Public Works Deputy Director John Ross, PE, who will retire later this month following a 19-year career with Worcester County Government. “John has been responsible for so many improvements, which have increased the resiliency of our water and waste water systems,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said. “His knowledge and insight John Ross are going to be missed, but what will be missed more is the great person John is. I wish him and his wife a long and happy retirement.” Ross played an integral role in numerous infrastructure projects, including the ongoing improvements to the Ocean Pines water system, the wastewater collection, and pumping systems, as well as the latest expansion of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). He also helped spearhead
the construction of the new Mystic Harbour WWTP, pump station, and spray irrigation projects. “I look back on my career with Worcester County and all that we have accomplished over that time,” Ross said. “I would single out former Public Works Director John Tustin, who most influenced me. Since I was coming from the private sector, John taught me how to work in the public sector in general, and he always supported me during our time in Worcester County. I would also recognize the dedicated personnel in the Water and Wastewater Division, county administration staff, finance team, environmental, and planning groups who were always available to help.” Ross played an integral role in the overall management of the Water and Wastewater Division of Public Works, where he planned, directed and administered day-to-day operational activities, as well as water and wastewater treatment plant and pump station upgrades and expansions.
US Wind updates fishery council Continued from Page 16 (with these turbines).” “It is probably just going to be a bunch of junk in the ocean in 20 years, and it definitely bothers us … It’s going to hurt us all and displace us in two years.” During the meeting, Wooleyhan said that US Wind officials asked them to let them know before Jan. 1 where their pots and buoys are so they can avoid them, but he doesn’t believe its large ships — some of which take half a mile to turn around — can possibly do that. US Wind had a different outlook on the future after the meeting. “We had a great meeting with the
fishermen on Monday,” its statement read. “We were able to get actionable feedback on how best to coordinate our respective offshore activities and avoid and mitigate conflict at sea. We’ll continue to solicit feedback from this important industry as we advance our development plans.” When asked if the meeting signaled significant progress, Wooleyhan replied, “No, I don’t. We’re going to be pushed out and all these guys who are making a living are going to be put out. The survey is one thing. But when they start dragging these things in, at least for two years, there’s going to be nobody allowed in there. And who knows what effect these things have on fish?”
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
Public, private schools not de-masking soon
County nowhere close to meeting off ramps state set for removing face coverings
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Despite a plan to allow for changes to the statewide school masking policy put in place at the beginning of the year, it is unlikely that any public or private local schools will be ditching face covering rules when students return from winter break. On Dec. 7, members of the state board of education voted to publish an emergency order that would implement “off ramps,” or points of exit, to allow local districts to lift indoor mask mandates if specific conditions are met. The conditions are listed as reporting more than 80 percent vaccination rates for all staff and students in individual schools, an 80 percent countywide vaccination rate, and/or 14 consecutive days of low or moderate countywide transmission rates. To date, no school in Worcester County has met the 80 percent vaccination rate and the countywide number is still only at about 71 percent for those with one dose. The case rates are also not likely in the low or moderate transmission category, as the
state’s transmission rates are currently high and on the rise, although the state health department has not shared data for individual counties for several weeks. “We are not close to any of those off ramps as a community … ,” said Annette Wallace, the chief operating officer and chief academic officer for grades 9-12 at Worcester County Public Schools. “I don’t have a crystal ball but if I were to use scientific logic and reasoning, we’re not anywhere close to the metric right now.” She added that the last time the county had reportedly low case rates was in the summer, at which time officials opted to make masks optional for summer school students and staff. “So it actually seems like Worcester County did a really great job at using all of our research and making good decisions,” Wallace said. “Before the off ramps were even created, that’s what we were doing. So we feel good about what we’ve done in the past and we feel good about moving forward that we’ll be able to make good decisions when we are able to reach the off ramps, should we choose to do that.” At Worcester Preparatory School, which as a private school is not required to follow state guidelines when it comes to masking, Head of School John McDonald said mem-
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bers of a covid task force recently met and discussed the issue. He said group members are “contemplating” the off ramps but that they want to clarify some information with the health department before taking the plunge. “The reason we’re masking right now is because right now, when you’re masked and 3 feet away and someone tests positive, you’re not considered a close contact,” McDonald explained. “If that’s not going to change, you wouldn’t want an entire classroom to quarantine so that’s kind of why we’re still kind of waiting.” The private school started the school year “strongly encouraging” masks but not requiring them but instituted a mandate several weeks in after a positive test sent roughly 20
students home to quarantine. McDonald said officials also told students and staff to be careful during the winter break to avoid spikes in cases and sicknesses when they return to school in January. He said the school saw several cases after students returned to the classrooms from Thanksgiving break because of activities of people while they were not in school. At Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Director of Admissions and Advancement Amanda Evans said in an email that no changes have been made to the school’s masking rules since they started at the beginning of the year. Like public schools and Worcester Prep, the private institution also requires everyone to wear masks indoors.
Health officials say testing, vaccines best covid defense By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) As covid cases surge across the state and country in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, Worcester County is seeing some similar spikes that heath officials say are best controlled with testing and vaccinations. Sarah Yonker, the director of marketing at Atlantic General Hospital, said in an email that the delta variant is still dominant in the area, but that the milder, but more transmissible, omicron variant is likely to blame for rising infection rates. “To maintain normal operations, AGH leadership continues to meet daily to review overall census, staffing, supply chain, and associated needs,” she said. “In an effort to help contain the spread, it is advised community members who have not been vaccinated do so (including boosters). In addition, in public spaces, masking, social distancing, and appropriate hand hygiene are strongly encouraged.” Statewide, Gov Larry Hogan announced earlier this week that covid inpatient numbers rose above 1,200, and in turn announced efforts to ramp up testing capabilities and mobilized the national guard for staffing support. Hogan also said Tuesday that he tested positive for covid but was only experiencing mild cold symptoms, which he attributes to the fact that he revived both original vaccines and a booster shot. Yonker said officials have been seeing trends since the shots became available that show vaccinated indi-
viduals are faring better against the virus than those who are unvaccinated. “The prevalence of unvaccinated individuals having more severe cases of covid-19, with more associated hospital-based treatment, continues with the current infections,” she said. “Although the omicron variant is more mild in symptoms, transmission is much more aggressive.” Case counting has also been a source of drama within the state lately, with individual county case rates not updated since the beginning of the month. The Maryland Department of Health, which has reported all things covid online since the pandemic took hold of the nation in March 2020, stopped posting information to its site on Dec. 3 because of what officials said was fear of a data breach. In the following weeks, vaccine rates and hospitalizations went back online, but case rates stayed in the dark until Monday, when statewide numbers were posted. The site has yet to bring back the breakdown of county cases, and Yonker said Wednesday that hospital staff also did not have that information. Yonker also said that the introduction of home tests could create skewed numbers, as people are not required to report their results. However she said officials are encouraging anyone who tests positive at home to follow-up with a more formal test. “Patients who enter the hospital through a positive home test have these results noted in their medical record. However, these tests are not See REPORT Page 22
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
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Ocean City Today
BOE approves funds for new, safer SDHS visitor bleachers By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Addressing a pressing safety issue, the visitor bleachers at Stephen Decatur High School’s outdoor stadium are officially set for replacement. “This has been a long time coming,” Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor said of the project during a board of education meeting last week. According to a project summary from Sam Slacum, the district’s maintenance and operations manager, the existing metal bleachers are several decades old and are no longer compliant with the American Disabilities Act or current safety standards. Board members approved a more than $98,700 contract with Game Time Inc. to replace the bleachers with larger, safer ones. The new bleachers will have 263 seats, five of which will be ADA-compliant, with installation set for this spring. “We can breathe a lot easier. Hopefully, we won’t have a safety issue come fall,” Taylor said. He added that the visitor bleachers
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were once the main home seats for outdoor sports spectators, proving how long they have been in existence. Members of the board also got an update during last week’s meeting on the construction of a 24,800-squarefoot addition at Stephen Decatur Middle School. Crews began preparing the site at the end of October and an official groundbreaking was held the week of Thanksgiving. So far, the work completed includes the creation of a new stabilized construction entrance along Flower Street and footings on the west and south sides of the site. Joe Price, the facilities manager for Worcester County Public Schools, said crews are ahead of schedule with putting in the foundation. “We’re doing really well,” he said. Officials have been waiting on the project, which will add 12 new classrooms, four science labs, meeting and prep areas, and storage space to the existing 79,500 square-foot school on Seahawk Road in Berlin, for more than two decades. If all goes as planned, it will finish by the end of 2022.
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Ocean City Today
Report positive home tests at sites Continued from Page 20 able to be captured in state totals,” she explained. “Individuals who test positive at home and are concerned about potential contacts should follow-up a positive result with a confirmatory test at a pharmacy or other testing site. This allows for capture by the Maryland Department of Health, spurring formal contact tracing and ongoing follow-up.” Several home test brands are available at local, Yonker added. “Brand dependability varies and is often affected by user accuracy during testing,” she said. “Individuals who experience a positive test are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to discuss what additional steps may be needed based on their individual risk and health history.”
Weekly vaccine info: • As of Thursday, Maryland providers administered more than 10.1 million covid-19 vaccines for a total of 84.7 percent of residents with at least one dose. • As of Wednesday, 71.35 percent of the county’s population had received at least one covid vaccine. • Atlantic General staff members administered 73 shots since last week. • Atlantic General Hospital hosts vaccine clinics from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at its pharmacy in the main lobby of the hospital. All three types of vaccines are offered. • The Worcester County Health Department also holds vaccine clinics weekly. For information, visit the department’s website
Weekly covid numbers: • The state’s positivity rate was 12.8 percent Thursday. • Also as of Thursday, Maryland reported 638,379 confirmed covid cases. • Atlantic General Hospital reported 13 covid in-patients this week. Three of the patients were fully vaccinated and their ages ranged from 34 to 92. • Atlantic General Hospital did not have any inpatients with the flu as of Wednesday. • Worcester County has reported 125 covid deaths since March 2020. Information from Gov. Larry Hogan; the Maryland Department of Health; Atlantic General; Worcester County Health Department; and the CDC.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Delaware trio with drugs arrested by Ocean City Police By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Ocean City Police arrested three people this week on heroin and cocaine possession charges, with one of the suspects attempting to dispose of evidence while in a holding cell. Desirae Lynette Lillard, 39, of Frankford, Delaware was stopped by police for driving through a red light, and when the officer approached, two other passengers were seen in the vehicle – Shonta Danielle Alvert Desirae Lillard Blake, 43, of Selbyville, Delaware was in the back seat and Reynaldo Handy, 36, of Dagsboro, Delaware was in the front. Lillard told the officers she just made a Door Dash delivery Alvert Blake near 127th Street, police said. The officer noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the car and all occupants were ordered out of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found Reynaldo Handy an off-white wax fold with a white powdery substance suspected to be heroin, a blue straw with white powdery substance inside – both of which were in the front passenger seat. The officers also found a clear plastic baggie containing a white powdery residue suspected to be cocaine in a wallet in the center console with personal cards belonging to Lillard, a clear plastic baggie containing what police believed was cocaine, along with a blue and a red straw inside a jacket on the rear passenger seat, and one bottle cap with a wet piece of cotton inside the rear cup holder of the vehicle. The cotton, police added, is typically used to prepare heroin. All the items were seized by officers and Lillard was placed under arrest. When searched, Lillard was found to have two wax folds of heroin on her person. Lillard told officers the vehicle belonged to her mother, though she uses the vehicle. When Blake was searched, he was found to have a syringe in his pants pocket. Black told officers he used the needle to inject heroin, police said. The black jacket on the rear seat belonged to Black, police said, and contained straws and a plastic bag with heroin. The cotton was also directly next to Blake, police added. Handy was searched and found to have marijuana as well as oxycodone. When officers attempted to search him, Handy pulled away, according to See SUSPECT Page 23
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
An arrest was made Dec. 17 stemming from a suspected June arson case on Harbor Road in West Ocean City. Berlin’s John Cropper was charged with four counts of felony arson.
Arson charges levied against Berlin man in West OC case By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The Worcester County Fire Marshal on Saturday announced the arrest of a local man in the suspected arson case that injured two firefighters in West Ocean City in June. John Edward Cropper, 56, was arrested on Friday in Snow Hill, according to a Fire Marshal office press release. A warrant for his arrest was issued in November. Cropper was charged with four counts of felony first-degree arson and misdemeanor malicious burning, according to charging documents. At the time of the fire, Cropper’s address was listed as 8241 Stephen Decatur Highway in Berlin — roughly four miles from the fire. On Monday, Cropper was ordered held without bail. A trial date has not been listed.
The charges follow a dual investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. The fire broke out just before 2 a.m. on June 22 in the 12800 block of Harbor Road, adjacent to the Ocean City Commercial Harbor. The fire destroyed an unoccupied house, a boathouse and damaged three other nearby homes. Fire departments from Berlin, Ocean City and Ocean Pines responded to the fire. Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze and were treated for nonlife-threatening injuries at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury and Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. According to a court database, Cropper also has an open case for driving while impaired by alcohol and driving on a revoked license. Requests for comment from the Fire Marshal were not returned.
Suspect fails in attempt to flush drugs down jail toilet Continued from Page 22 court documents, and repeatedly said he had been searched, ultimately becoming uncooperative when the officer attempted to search his groin area. Police said Handy clinched his groin area and would not spread his feet apart. Officers noticed there was a blue straw with white residue and a wax fold with heroin where Handy was seated, and he was transported to police headquarters. At headquarters, a public safety aid told officers she saw Handy possibly discard something into the toilet in his cell. Video showed that Handy attempted to block the camera in his cell
with a sticky substance before sitting on the toilet and using his shirt to conceal his groin area. Handy then appeared to discard an item into the toilet. Officers recovered between 4 and 10 wax folds from the bowl, though they could not determine an exact amount, or whether heroin was in the wax folds, because they were soaked and wrapped in wet toilet paper. Lillard, Blake, and Handy were all charged with criminal possession of drugs other than marijuana. Handy was also charged with possessing contraband in a jail cell and hindering an investigation.
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Fireworks and live stream part of OC New Year’s event By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The Town of Ocean City’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration is on schedule this year with festivities starting at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31, and will include a Radio Ocean City live video stream from Florida. Jamaica Avenue outside of Bourbon Street on the Beach at 126th Street, bayside, will be shut down to accommodate the event that will feature a big screen with music and a countdown to midnight. Prizes will also be given out once the countdown starts, leading up to the post-midnight fireworks, according to a release from the mayor’s office. Radio Ocean City will be streaming live from the Coconut Cove Resort in Islamorada, with around 100 people from Ocean City in attendance, according to Radio Ocean City CEO and radio personality Chrissy Birmingham Auker. The adjacent Winterfest of Lights will shut down at 10:30 p.m. and attendees will need to vacate Northside Park by 11 p.m. Attendees can watch the fireworks on the surrounding sidewalks and parking lots. “We’re doing things a little differently,” Ocean City Special Events Director Frank Miller said. “On the (Winterfest) walking path this year, the guide wires are in the same position as previous years with the tram. The number of displays we have means we can’t have a large number of people gather in Northside Park on the grass fields. We’re going back to what we used to do — crowds can gather in the ball field lots outside.” The yearly Christmas celebration has already surpassed most of its
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Walk through Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park on 125th Street, then hang around the area for the Town of Ocean City’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration.
2020 revenue numbers and is closing in on possibly being the most successful Winterfest in the last five years. Miller said revenue numbers are up about 10 percent from 2019, when guests viewed the displays while riding on a tram. Winterfest was changed to a walk-thru event in 2020 because of covid. Ticket sales have already surpassed 2020 and are closing in on 2019’s totals. It’s still possible that ticket sales will surpass 2017 and 2018, but Miller said that’s not a guarantee. As usual, Thanksgiving weekend has been the busiest weekend so far. However, the busiest single day this year occurred a week later on Saturday, Dec. 4, Miller said, with ticket sales for that day bringing in $26,300.
“(Winterfest has gone) very well,” Miller said of the reception to this year’s Winterfest. “We are still receiving all kinds of positive compliments on the walking path versus the historic tram. The exception is that some of the older crowd have trouble walking longer distances. When the temperature falls, more people would rather be riding around under a warm blanket than walking. But for the most part, it’s still mostly positive.” Winterfest is open until Jan. 1. Tickets cost $5 for guests over 12 years old. Admission is free for children under 12. The fireworks celebration is free to attend. The town is also offering a free bus service on New Year’s Eve, as it typically has. The free bus service begins Dec. 31 at 6 a.m. and lasts until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Berlin New Year’s Eve festivities for both kids, adults By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) In a return to form after cancelling festivities last year because of coronavirus, the Town of Berlin will host a pair of New Year’s Eve celebrations next Friday. The end-of-year activities will begin at 5:20 p.m. with a laser- light show followed by the ball drop at 6 p.m. Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the laser show will take place at the corSee MAIN Page 27
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Main Street gets buzzing for NYE Continued from Page 26 ner of Pitts and Commerce by Main Street. “The screen will be as tall as the building because the bucket truck will be there to hold it,” she said. The 40-minute laser show will wind up at 6 p.m., at which point the lighted ball is dropped. “It’s midnight in Berlin, Germany at 6 p.m. our time, that’s why the … timeframe was chosen,” she said. The children’s’ New Year’s Eve event will also ring in 2022 in a literal sense. “Like we’ve done in past years, we will be giving out free child-size cowbells for everyone to ring in the new year,” she said. “This year we’ll also have some bubbles to give away to kids so we can have bubbles in the air.” Ocean 98 Radio DJ Big Al Reno will be on hand to spin tunes throughout the evening, with the exception of the laser show. “It’s a laser show set to music,” she said. “The majority of the music is going to come from the laser show itself.” Wells credited former Berlin Councilmember Thom Guylas with envisioning the kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration several years ago. “We didn’t realize how much the families would enjoy it,” she said. Next week marks the third time Berlin has opened the event in the evening for families. “It is actually more popular than the midnight celebration,” she said. “It’s a night where everyone can get together and celebrate the beginning of a new year.” Following the kids’ shindig, attendees interested in marking the midnight hour will have ample time to bop around town. “There’s a lot of downtime, so that allows families, if they want, to go to dinner,” she said. “Main Street still remains closed but that also allows staff time to set up the stage for the event that starts at 10 p.m.” Beer and wine sales will kick off at
10 p.m. Nonprofit We Heart Berlin will be selling adult beverages in front of the Globe Theatre at 12 Broad Street. “They’ll have Burley Oak beer and also a selection of wine,” she said. “The Atlantic Hotel has its own bar, but that’s separate.” Wells said the adult New Year’s Eve laser show, which starts at 11:20 p.m., will run 40 minutes and culmi-
nate with the midnight ball drop. Wells said while the entire night provides a platform to form lifetime memories, the children’s celebration is especially poignant. “During the earlier event, to see the kids out and families having fun, that’s really special,” she said. “We’re really happy to be able to offer that for families who want to share New Year’s Eve with their kids.”
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Penguin Swim set for New Year’s Day at Princess Royale By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The 28th annual Penguin Swim will be back in 2022 and looking more like the indoor/outdoor event it was before covid-19 forced a myriad changes last year. On Saturday, Jan. 1, attendees and participants are invited to come to the Princess Royale on 91st Street and enjoy the event, presented by the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, that will include live music, facepainting, games, a costume contest and of course the signature “Penguin Swim” — a voluntary dip in the frigid Atlantic Ocean. Ocean City Beach Patrol staff will be on hand for the swim, said Caroline Phillips, development officer for the Foundation. Not all attendees need to give their vitals the ultimate test with the ocean swim, but those who do take a dip, as with every year, are encouraged to bring supporters, team up and do whatever they can to raise money, which the AGH Foundation puts toward the hospital. “Set up goals for events to hit so at the end of the year we have a lump sum amount to put forth to the hospital,” Phillips said. “It helps purchase smart (hospital) beds, money to purchase bone density machines, MRI machines — anything the hospital might need, the foundation will help support.” One of the event’s main sponsors, Bull on the Beach, has its own gathering at the restaurant on 94th Street before parading down the beach to the Princess Royale, with many people in various costumes. Last year, Phillips said the event
About 500 penguins take a dip in the 47-degree ocean on New Year’s Day 2021 during the 27th annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim, held between 91st and 94th streets.
had to adopt some new protocols to account for the pandemic. The event is traditionally held on 91st Street, but last year it took place over four blocks to spread the crowd out. There was also a virtual swimming option where participants could send in videos of themselves doing the swim elsewhere. Despite the pandemic, New Year’s Day 2021 saw 500 penguin swimmers and $72,000 raised. There were 700 swimmers in 2020, who helped raise over $89,000, and Phillips said she expects the attendance number will be around that figure again for 2022. The goal this year is to raise $80,000 and as of Monday, the foundation had already generated nearly $50,000. Overall, about $1.6 million has been raised through the swim since its inception. There will also be a variety of prizes for different categories of “winners,” Phillips said. In the past, organizers have given out prizes in such categories as youngest swimmer, oldest swimmer, swimmer who traveled the furthest, and costume contest winner.
Trophies for first, second and third place will be awarded to those who raise the most money in divisions for Individuals – Adults (19 & Over); Youth (18 & Under); Celebrity Challenge, and Teams – Businesses; Community Groups/Organizations; Youth/Family. “I think it’s a really quick way to support the hospital and get together with friends and family in town,” Phillips said of the event. “The sheer number of people who come out, it does a lot of good for the community to see these people come out and support the hospital.” Though pre-registration is available and recommended, Phillips said that the event typically gets the bulk of its registrations from people signing up the day of the swim or the day before. Registration is $25 and gets attendees a T-shirt and access to the swim area set up in front of the Princess Royale. Registration is available in-person at the Princess Royale on Dec. 31 from 2-4 p.m. and on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The swim will start at 1 p.m.
All participants are required to register either online or in-person and check-in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband to gain access to the swim area. An awards ceremony will take place inside the Princess Royal atrium after the swim. Those unable to attend can participate in the Cyber Swim. Register online, then take an ice-cold dip wherever you are and post a photo or video on social media using #OCPenguinSwim. Make sure the post is public so organizers can see it. Find the Penguin Swim on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Call the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation office at 410-641-9671 or go to www.aghpenguinswim.org for more information.
OP Players to hold auditions for Feb. cabaret vocal roles (Dec. 24, 2021) The Ocean Pines Players announces open vocal auditions in preparation for its February original cabaret, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Calling Director Karen McClure at 703-727-0528 to schedule a vocal audition on Thursday, Jan. 6 or Friday, Jan. 7. The auditions as well as the cabaret will be in Ocean Pines. Plan by preparing an upbeat song and a ballad to sing at the audition. (No more than two minutes for each song.) A list of songs being considered for the cabaret will be published by Dec. 31, on the group’s Facebook page and online at oceanpinesplayers.com. The Ocean Pines Players values diversity and inclusion in casting and all other areas of the organization. Ocean Pines Players is a local allvolunteer 501-(c)(3) charitable organization, supported in part by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council & Maryland State Arts Council and the generosity of community members.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
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Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, the stars have been keeping you on your toes lately. There has been much going on but somehow you have been able to wade through it all like a rock star.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Others are asking you to stretch yourself beyond normal limits, Taurus. Do your best, but weigh the effects that this could have on your overall wellbeing.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Aim to be honest and direct with others as much as you can this week, Gemini. If you can prove you are trustworthy, then more people are likely to follow you.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
After a year hiatus because of covid, the Assateague Coastal Trust will host the 41st annual Ilia Fehrer/Judy Johnson beach walk at the state park on New Year’s Day.
ACT New Year’s Day Walk returning By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) After a year hiatus because of covid, the Assateague Coastal Trust will be back on its namesake barrier island for its 41st annual Ilia Fehrer/Judy Johnson New Year’s Day Beach Walk at the state park. “It’s something that the founders of our organization started back in the early 80s, just sort of a tradition thing going on over the past couple of decades,” said Assateague Coastal Trust Communications Manager Billy Weiland. Weiland added that this year ACT is working in conjunction with the state park. ACT and state park officials will be tending to a free-to-attend campfire by the day-use boardwalk from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Jan. 1. State park officials will also be present during the same timeframe for another campfire on Jan. 2. Though park officials have always been a part of the event, Weiland said
they will be more closely involved this year. Attendees are invited to walk both days, anytime between 7 a.m. and sunset. At the campfire, ACT officials will regale attendees with the history of the island and their nonprofit organization, which, in its early days, was instrumental in ensuring the island remained protected and not developed similarly to Ocean City. In 2019, for instance, Weiland said they focused much of their storytelling on the geology of the island and how Assateague has been “rolling over on itself, so to speak.” ACT and state park officials will direct walkers to the best routes to take. Even with covid concerns the last couple of years, Weiland said he’s confident that, with good weather, they’ll have a good turnout — around 200 people, he expects. Last year, ACT officials encouraged people to do a walk on their own time and post segments and pictures of their strolls on social media.
“After almost two years, it seems a lot of people around here are getting out and going for a walk,” Weiland said. “At least for how long I’ve been with (ACT) … it seems the number of people that come out has grown each time.” The state park is “sandwiched” between what the National Park Service owns, Weiland said, and he expects some walkers to have the opportunity to walk between each property. Attendees can also expect free coffee and hot chocolate, and Weiland urged attendees to bring their own mugs. “I mean, anytime that people can get outside and be outside is always a good thing,” Weiland said of the walk. “Especially around here with our organization trying to get people to care about the environment and the waterways. There’s no better way than to get people out there and experience it. If you don’t, they don’t see what they’re supposed to ‘care’ about.” For more information on ACT and the New Year’s Day Beach Walk, visit https://actforbays.org. Crossword answers from page 36
Cancer, you may be introduced to someone who is the ideal partner for you at work. This pairing can lead to the successful completion of projects new and old.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Prioritize your actions to maximize peace and quiet, Leo. You have been under pressure lately, so take every opportunity to enjoy some quiet time.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, your intuition is telling you that there are tensions growing at home or at the office. You will have to find ways to diffuse any situations that may grow out of control.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Continue to lean into an optimistic mindset, Libra. It will enable you to be a bright light when others are feeling a little down. Boost good moods.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You are naturally compelled to look deeper into any circumstance you find yourself in, Scorpio. Always dig below the surface to unveil the truth, even if it takes work.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Be direct about any frustrations you may be harboring, Sagittarius. Share your feelings with others who are willing and able to help. Releasing this burden will prove liberating.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 This week is packed with cosmic action, Capricorn. All of this energy has you a bit restless. Rest easy, as you will soon figure out how to juggle your personal and professional lives.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you’re on a truth-seeking mission and you’re ready to question everything you see. Take a step back and figure out your strategy, which will require finesse.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, try to smooth over something that has been a thorn in your side for some time. Keep at it and you’ll persevere.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Walker provides two dip recipes for holiday parties By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Can you believe Christmas is finally here? The tradition of Santa Claus is a must for the little ones. Time to dust my most cherished book, “The Night Before Christmas,” and hope my rendition comes close to mother’s. Celebrations are in full swing and the menu must mirror this glorious holiday. Through all the hustle and bustle, I know there will be one less seating at the table. My father went to be with the Lord on Christmas Day. In his honor, I always serve his favorite seafood dip. Succulent shrimp, bay scallops, fresh oysters, cheese and bacon are the primary components of this delicious appetizer. For those who are not fans of seafood, a hot spinach, baby kale and artichoke dip is also provided. Entertaining is about enjoying time with your guests. Dips are decadent and guests help themselves. I wish you a blessed Christmas and wonderful holiday. Enjoy!
Seafood Dip Ingredients 1 pound frozen shrimp, deveined, shells and tails removed 1 pint fresh oysters, drained 1 cup bay scallops 3 cups cooked thick bacon, coarsely chopped 1 stick unsalted butter
1 ½ cups combined finely chopped red, orange, yellow and poblano peppers 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 large scallions, white and green parts, chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 (12-ounce) container cream cheese, room temperature ½ cup good quality mayonnaise 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 to 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/3 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella 1 cup shredded 5-Cheese Italian Blend kosher salt to taste Italian parsley for a garnish 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. In a large nonstick pan, sauté shrimp in ½ stick of butter until protein just starts to turn opaque. Remove and set aside. Sauté scallops in the same butter just until the scallops start to turn opaque. Remove and set aside. Repeat this process for the oysters. 3. Chop the shrimp very coarsely. Using paper towels squeeze any excess liquid. 4. Wash pan and add remaining butter. Sauté peppers, garlic, scallions and celery for 5 minutes. Place cooked veggie in a mesh strainer to remove any excess liquid. 5. In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay and red pepper flakes until thoroughly mixed. Season with salt and adjust seasonings if necessary. 6. In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheeses, mix well, and reserve 1 cup of the cheeses. 7. Add seafood, bacon, veggies and
shredded cheeses to the cream cheese mixture and gently combine. You do not want to break up the oysters. 8. Place mixture in an 8 x 8-inch pan. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of shredded cheeses on top. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, the dip should be bubbly when it is removed. Place under the broiler for a few minutes for a golden-brown finish. 9. Garnish with a light dusting of Old Bay and fresh parsley and serve with favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Hot Spinach, Baby Kale and Artichoke Dip Ingredients 3 cups vegetable bouillon 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 bags Fresh Express Baby Kale and Spinach (11 oz.) 2 jars (12 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped 2 cans (8 oz.) whole chestnuts, drained and coarsely chopped
1 ½ cups Hellmann’s mayonnaise 2 (1.4 oz.) packets of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella 1 ½ cups shredded 5-Cheese Italian blend 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. In a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, add vegetable bouillon, garlic and onions and sauté until vegetables are soft. 3. Add spinach and kale, cover, and steam until tender. 4. Place cooled veggies into a mesh strainer. Using your hands, press down until all the liquid has been drained. Finely chop the greens. 5. Blend mayonnaise, vegetable recipe mix and cream cheese and in a large bowl. 6. In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheeses, mix well, and reserve 1 cup of the cheeses. See DIP Page 32
NOW PLAYING Dec. 31: NYE Full Circle Live OCEAN CLUB
https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/oceancity/cambria-hotels/md310 Every Tuesday: Karaoke, 7-11 p.m.
101st Street, Ocean City Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel 410-524-3535 / www.clarionoc.com Jan. 1: On The Edge, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOT 300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City 410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com Every Friday: Live Music, 6-9 p.m. Every Sunday: Karaoke, 5-8 p.m. Every Wednesday: Live Music, 5-8 p.m. SEACRETS
ON THE EDGE
Ocean Club: Sat., Jan. 1, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
COINS
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday: Phil Perdue on Piano, 5-9 p.m.
28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspub.com Dec. 28: Trivia Night Dec. 29: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.
49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com Dec. 30: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to midnight THE VIEW AT THE CAMBRIA HOTEL 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-856-4158 /
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Thur., Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m.
Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Art for Wellness program at Dip options for SH library branch in January FOOD FOR THOUGHT
holiday parties
Continued from Page 31 7. Add all of the ingredients to the cream cheese mixture (except for the reserved shredded cheeses) and place in an 8 x 8-inch oven proof dish. Sprinkle the top with reserved cheeses. 8. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Place dip under the broiler for a golden brown finish. Serve with favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices. * Both dips will yield a little more than an 8 x 8-inch can hold. Consider baking the extra in a small oven-proof dish to brighten someone else’s day. Secret Ingredient – Generosity. “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” – Kahlil Gibran
(Dec. 24, 2021) The Worcester County Library is offering an Art for Wellness program with Art Therapist Sivan Perdue in January. This program is made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore through the Katherine Ellen Brown Community Fund. While this is not a therapy session it does provide the chance to explore the mind through creation. Join Perdue as she introduces and guides participants on ways to use art in order to increase wellness. This is a three-part series at the Snow Hill branch on Wednesdays, Jan. 5, 12 and 19 at 10:30 am. “The library is pleased to offer an event that helps people express them-
selves through guided art classes,” said Adult Program Manager Elena Coelho. “It has been a challenging time and art is a form of expression that allows for reflection.” Space is limited to eight individuals and all supplies are included. Register at WorcesterLibrary.org under “Events,” or call for assistance. For more information on this event, contact Coelho at 443-783-6164 or ecoelho@worcesterlibrary.org, or call the Snow Hill branch at 410-632-3495. On Facebook, search Worcester County Maryland Library, and on Instagram, worcesterlibrarymd. The mission of the Worcester County Library is to promote reading, thinking, learning and the enjoyment of the arts.
WATER PROGRAM Verena Chase with Assateague Coastal Trust’s Coast Kids program visited Lindsey MacWha’s sixth grade science class to present “What’s in the Water” on Oct. 27. During the program students learned about point and non-point sources of water pollution, and how to perform basic water quality measurements. Pictured are Scarlett Shimko, left, and Rani Yonker.
Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————
DOWNTOWN
South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410289-7192, www. captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring seafood, steaks and poultry. Daily chef specials. Breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Friday, 8-11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 p.m. to noon. Dinner and Lite fare Wednesday through Sunday, 5-9 p.m. Dine in or carry out available. ■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy and dine with the beautiful view of the ocean with Reel Eats & High Spirits. Now open Thursday through Sunday. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., lunch at noon and dinner at 4 p.m. Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m. Wonderful starters, soups, salads, lite fare, and entrees. Famous bone-in ribeye, burgers, crab cakes, tacos, thyme roasted chicken and so much more. Dine in or carry out. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. Soups, salads, crab cakes, hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, scallops, fresh soft crabs, and specialty dishes. Happy hour daily, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Early bird daily, 4-6 p.m. with special dinner menu. Open Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday at noon; Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Dine in or carry out. Closed from Dec 20-25. Reopening Dec. 26 at noon. ■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy our hearty homestyle breakfasts starting at 6:30 a.m. daily. Lunch and dinner offering light fare of soups and salads along with our house specialty Scallops St. Croix, along with ribs, Cuban pork and steak selections. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-2893501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-2892599, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar An Ocean City family tradition since 1980. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Buttermilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza and Italian dinners. We have something
for everyone! ■ THE VICTORIA ROOM Located in the Dunes Manor Hotel, 2800 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-1100 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining with coastal inspired dishes along with regional favorites, craft cocktails, small-plates and a relaxed ambiance. Serving breakfast and dinner with spectacular ocean views. The house specialty – Maryland Crab Cakes are some of the best in Ocean City. Open 7 days a week. Dine in, take out, no deliveries. ■ THE VIEW RaESTAURANT AND BAR AT CAMBRIA, OC Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Avenue, Ocean City 410-280-1645 or 410520-4541 Open to the public with a new full menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour each day from 3-9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. daily until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other days. Enjoy overlooking the bay with fresh baked pastries on premise. Wounder appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads.
MIDTOWN
lantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cocktails. ■ RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT 61st Street Bayside/2nd Floor @ Bayview Bar & Grill, Ocean City 443- 664-7043 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Happy Hour daily, 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m. (kitchen until 10 p.m.) and NFL specials all day Sunday. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.
UPTOWN
29th to 90th streets
91st to 146th streets
■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-5249254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ JOHNNY’S PIZZA PUB 56th Street, Ocean City 410-723-5600, www.johnnyspizzapub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring homemade pizzas, 18 gourmet pizzas, a variety of calzones, subs, burgers, sandwiches and jumbo wings with 20 different sauces. Open everyday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Dine in, pickup, carryout and delivery. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-6645639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Dine-in and curbside pick-up. ■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 At-
■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Clarion, 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including light fare and steamer specials. ■ THE CURRENT RESTAURANT Located on the sun terrace at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 21842 443-856-2367, www.princessroyale.com $-$$ | Dine in | Full bar Open to the public, open-ocean air dining, providing an experience unique to any other in Ocean City. Commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean and East Lawn. Enjoy a range of coastal cuisine, signature cocktails, local craft beers and live entertainment. Locals receive 25 percent off food and drink. Must show valid ID. Closing for the winter this Sunday. ■ OCHO RIOS JERK & TINGS 11805 Coastal Highway, Unit N, Ocean City 443-664-7275, www.ochoricosjerkandtings.com $$ | Full bar Serving you authentic Jamaican food, appetizers, lunch specials, stew, salads, burger, jerk shrimp or chicken, and entrees. Steak, oxtail, seafood, and chicken with many special sauces. Signature jerk excoveitched or BBQ.
Side dishes with rice and peas, fried sweet plantains, fried cornmeal dough and mac & cheese. Desserts, Jamaican rum cake, NY cheesecake and red velvet cake. Closed Monday thru Wednesday. Thursday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410250-9918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | Serving authentic Thai food, full vegan menu and vegetarian options including curry, rice and noodle dishes. Homemade appetizers, soups, and sauces. Seafood, meat, chicken, stir fries, vegetable, tofu, and desserts. Dine in or takeout. Early Bird Special Sunday, Monday and Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Open noon to 8 p.m.
WEST OCEAN CITY ■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE 12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-390-5998, coastalsmokehouse.com $$-$$$ | Full bar with 18 TVs Coastal Smokehouse caters to the steak and barbecue expert inside of us all with a menu that tours the nation's hottest barbecue destinations and a top-notch bourbon list with which to wash it all down. Open 7days a week for lunch and dinner from noon to 11 p.m. ■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-8011111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Offering a wide array of authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carryout. Lunch specials. Dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar With sweeping views of the 18th hole, the new Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Full bar. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPyachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
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Ocean City Today
Calendar Mon., Dec. 27 OPEN SKATE Sturgis Park, River Street, Snow Hill, 12-7 p.m. Free ice skating. Children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 years and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. 410-632-2144, Ext. 2505
WRITING FOR WELLNESS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness, may boost health and psychological wellbeing. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a health lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00-9:00 p.m. All ladies that love to sing invited. Contact Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol Ludwig, 302242-7062.
Tues., Dec. 28 STORY TIME ‘SPACE’ Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes all about space. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories about budding young scientists who dream big. A fun activity is also includes. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
OPEN SKATE Sturgis Park, River Street, Snow Hill, 12-7 p.m. Free ice skating. Children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 years and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. 410-632-2144, Ext. 2505
PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB Held via Zoom, 3:30 p.m. Kids ages 8-11 years join in for a book discussion. Participants will vote on the title at the November meeting. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410632-2600
Come and watch a family favorite in your coziest outfit. Rate PG. Run time: approximately 108 minutes. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
OPEN SKATE Sturgis Park, River Street, Snow Hill, 12-7 p.m. Free ice skating. Children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 years and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. 410-632-2144, Ext. 2505
BEACH SINGLES Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577 or Beachsingles.org
Fri., Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
BELIEVE IN TOMORROW CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER Sunset Grille, 12933 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, 4-10 p.m. Enjoy a three-course, traditional Polish meal at a cost of $25. Support Melisa Colimore in her desire to be 2022’s Prom Queen. One hundred percent of the $25 fee will be donated to Believe in Tomorrow. 410-744-1032
Thurs., Dec. 30
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 11 p.m. DJ BK with Radio Ocean City will be live hosting remotely on a big screen with music and a countdown at midnight. The fireworks will begin promptly at midnight. Winterfest of Lights will stay open until 10:30 p.m. Northside Park will close at 11 p.m. as New Year’s Eve festivities on Jamaica Avenue begin. The town will be offer free bus service on New Year’s Eve. Masks are required on public transit. 410-2892800 or 800-626-2326.
STORY TIME ‘ANIMALS IN WINTER’
KIDS BALL DROP & LASER LIGHT SHOW
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. Take-home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
Downtown Berlin, 2 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ball drop at 6 p.m. https://berlinmd.gov, 410-641-2770
PJ/MOVIE TIME: DISNEY’S ‘FROZEN’ Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN BERLIN Downtown Berlin, 2 S. Main St., 10 p.m.12:30 a.m. Music, dancing, laser light show and ball drop at midnight. Beer and wine sales benefit We Heart Berlin.
https://berlinmd.gov, 410-641-2770
NEW YEAR’S EVE JELLYFISH DROP & JAM Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 7-10 p.m. Dancing, crafts, candy, animal programs, Jellyfish Ball Drop at 10 p.m. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4 years and older and free to those 3 years and younger at www.delmarvadiscoverymuseum.org. 410-957-9933
Sat., Jan. 1 28TH ANNUAL PENGUIN SWIM Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 1 p.m. Registration at 10 a.m. Get a short-sleeve T-shirt for a $25 registration fee or a long-sleeve Tshirt for a $100 or more donation (while supplies last). Registration required: www.aghpenguinswim.org. 410-641-2770
OC MAYOR’S NEW YEAR’S DAY CONCERT Performing Arts Center - Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4-6 p.m. Mayor Rick Meehan and the Ocean City Council will host a free concert featuring “The Priceless Band,” a Motown band from New York. No tickets issued. Seating is first come, first served. 410-289-8931
ILIA FEHRER / JUDY JOHNSON MEMORIAL BEACH WALK AND NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE Assateague State Park’s Day-Use Boardwalk, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet members of the Assateague Coastal Trust and State Park staff, enjoy a campfire and free hot chocolate and coffee. Bring your own mug. The hike is happening Jan. 1 and 2 from 7 a.m. to sunset. State Park staff will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dogs on a leash are welcome only as far as the boundary of the State Park.
STORY TIME ‘MISS SUSAN’S FAVORITES’ Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger plays. Take-home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-632-2600
OPEN SKATE Sturgis Park, River Street, Snow Hill, 12-7 p.m. Free ice skating. Children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 years and younger are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them. 410-632-2144, Ext. 2505
DELMARVA DANCING Tuesdays - Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173, 13324 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, 5:30-9 p.m. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s. A $5 donation to benefit Veterans. Participants show proof of vaccination or wear a mask. delmarvahanddance@gmail.com, 410-2081151
Wed, Dec. 29 STORY TIME ‘STEM PICTURE BOOKS’
GUEST ARTIST Local artist Laura Jenkins recently visited Worcester Preparatory School to give a two-day Plein Air presentation to fifth grade students. She also helped students create a water color painting in the school’s garden. Jenkins is pictured with Lisa Rill’s fifth grade class.
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS
ENERGY STUDY
ACT PROGRAM
Jenn Corron’s Senior College Prep Physics class met in the lab on Oct. 27, to build roller coasters. The project kicked off their study of kinetic and potential energy after a recent trip to Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. Pictured are Lily Baeurle, left, and Ava Nally.
Verena Chase with Assateague Coastal Trust’s Coast Kids program visited Lindsey MacWha’s sixth grade science class to present “What’s in the Water” on Oct. 27. During the program students learned about point and nonpoint sources of water pollution, and how to perform basic water quality measurements.
CHARACTER DAY
MIX & MATCH
Students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated spirit week Oct. 4-9, by dressing accordingly to each day of the week’s theme. Pictured, from left during Character Day, are sophomores Moorea Phillips, Natasha Richter and Lebby Becker.
Students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated spirit week Oct. 4-9, by dressing accordingly to each day of the week’s theme. Pictured, from left, during Mix & Match Day, are juniors Cooper Ludt, Lorelei Campbell, Meeta Agarwal and Brody Bushnell.
TIME TRAVEL DAY
FALL FESTIVAL
Students at Worcester Preparatory School celebrated spirit week Oct. 4-9, by dressing accordingly to each day of the week’s theme. Pictured, from left, during Time Travel Day are sophomores Dylan Simons, Lebby Becker, Moorea Phillips and Hunter Simons.
Worcester Preparatory School’s 10th grade held the annual Fall Fun Festival on Oct. 27, for first through fifth grade students. Carter Merryman, left, and Emery Anthony get their faces painted during the festival.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
North OC gym finds way to help tornado victims (Dec. 24, 2021) Coastal Fitness in the Gold Coast Mall is collecting donations for tornado victims in Kentucky. Items sought include toiletries (especially soaps), blankets, water, non-perishable foods, paper goods, plastic utensils, feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, baby formula, coats, clothing, shoes, socks, batteries, pet food, etc.
Donations will be accepted until Jan. 1 at the fitness center, located on 115th Street inside the mall. The next day, donations will leave Ocean City and be driven to Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Call the gym at 410-723-4653 for more information. Those who would like to send monetary donations should visit the American Red Cross website at RedCross.org.
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Coastal Fitness in Ocean City is turning its attention to the Kentucky tornado victims by collecting donations like toiletries, clothing, and nonperishable foods, through Jan. 1. PHOTO COURTESY JAYNA GRIFFITH
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIEFS By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners approved and discussed the following during the Dec. 7 meeting:
Mobile library The commissioners approved a request from Library Director Jennifer Ranck to waive the formal bid process and accept a quote from Stevensvillebased TechOps Specialty Vehicles for $157,907.41. The purpose of the vehicle to be purchased is to allow library staff to bring services to community members who cannot easily visit a branch of the Worcester County Library, according to a memo from Ranck.
Teen Intervene The Worcester County Local Behavioral Health Authority will request proposals from qualified organizations to implement a brief screening intervention known as “Teen Intervene,” which is intended to serve youth between the ages of 12 and 19 with mild to moderate substance use disorder and/or problem gambling, according to a memo from LBHA Director Jessica Sexauer.
Trash compactors The Department of Public Works will
purchase three Marathon RJ-325 Stationary Trash Compactors to replace compactors that are 20 years or older at the Pocomoke, Snow Hill and Berlin Home Owner Convenience Centers, according to a memo from DPW Director Dallas Baker. The total cost is expected to be $98,842 and will be budgeted from the Capital Equipment Account and, due to rising costs, additional funds will be used from the Assigned Fund Balance account for recycling and homeowner convenience center repairs and upgrades.
Corrugated metal, pipes The commissioners approved a final bid of $48,878.88 from Lane Enterprises Inc., for corrugated metal and pipes to be utilized by the DPW’s Roads Division. Funding will be provided via the current FY22 operating budget with some funds coming from the Assigned Fund Balance.
ing the badly deteriorated portions would serve the needs for a long time,” the memo read. “The grating will be fabricated to size (sic) minimal assistance would be needed for the installation.”
Police Protection Fund The commissioners approved the application for the FY2023 State Aid for Police Protection Fund. The grant is ongoing and intended to be used exclusively to provide adequate police protection throughout the counties and subdivisions of Maryland, a memo from Senior Budget Accountant Kim Reynolds said.
Rural prosperity The commissioners signed onto a grant agreement for the FY22 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, via the Tri-County Council. The grant will award $100,000 to the Worcester County Economic Development for Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Tourism and Technology (STATT) Program. The grant requires a match from the county, which will result in a net unbudgeted expense of $20,000, according to a memo from Melanie Pursel, Office of Tourism and Economic Development. Continued on Page 48
CROSSWORD
OP wastewater The commissioners approved a public works department request to purchase new grating for Flow Equalization Tank 1, a 40-year-old tank, according to a memo from Baker. The grating will be paid for with 2019 bond issue proceeds. Also approved were proposals for a $34,416.60 project to cover tank areas currently deteriorated and $75,298.46 to cover the entire tank. “The operating staff believes replac-
CLOSED DEC 20-25 RE-OPEN DEC 26 AT NOON YOU HAVE OUR T R I E DO U S FAM ES? AK CR ABC NYE FULL CIRCLE LIVE! MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! TUESDAY - TRIVIA NIGHT WEDNESDAY - DJ WAX 10PM
• NEW WINTER SPECIALS START NOW •
TUESDAY: SEAFOOD FRENZY NIGHT WEDNESDAY: MAMBO ITALIANO NIGHT THURSDAY: SHRIMP & "LOBSTER" NIGHT SUNDAY: NFL DISCOUNT DOUBLE CHECK DAY & NIGHT Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Scallops • Fresh Soft Shell Crabs 19 BIG SCREENS TO WATCH ALL YOUR SPORTS ACTION NFL AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL PACKAGES • KENO HAPPY HOUR DAILY 3PM-6PM
EARLY BIRD DAILY 4PM-6PM
Food and Drink Specials
Special Dinner Menu
Open Monday-Thursday at 3pm Friday & Saturday at Noon • Sunday at 9:30
Dine-In • Carry-Out & Online Ordering www.coinspuboc.com
28th Street Plaza • 410-289-3100
Answers on page 30
December 24, 2021
37
Ocean City Today
Call 410-723-6397 Classifieds appear in Ocean City Today & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HIRING ALL POSITIONS!! Hiring Cooks (up to $18), Audio/Video Techs, Distillery Tour Guides, Maintenance Staff, Head Distiller, Painter, & Carpenter. Apply in person or online at seacrets.com
Starting wages are $13.50-$15.00 depending on experience. Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd Street or call 443-664-2825
A leading Engineering, Planning and Inspection firm located in Millsboro has immediate openings for the following positions: PLANS REVIEWER/ BUILDING INSPECTOR LAND USE PLANNER - PLANNER II • OFFICE and ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT In 2021 AECOM was ranked No. 1 by Fortune Magazine as the world’s most Admired Company in its industry. AECOM provides an outstanding pay and benefits package and a rewarding work environment and culture. Apply at
www.aecom.com/careers search: Millsboro, DE For more information call: 302-648-3277
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Competitive wages. 443-754-1047
CASHIER WANTED. Delaware Tobacco Outlet, 100 Coastal Hwy., Suite 3, Fenwick Island, DE 19944 & Dot Cigarette, Bethany, DE, 302-537-2202. Apply in person both locations.
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $18/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
Hiring EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPER Please text 443-880-8078
FT/PT LIFEGUARD OPPORTUNITIES at the Health and Aquatic Club in Bayside in Selbyville with competitive pay up to $15/hour, based on experience. Training & Uniforms provided.
Contact Bob Tugya: 302.988.2315
Work At The BEACH... Work With The BEST!!
by Monday 5 p.m. HELP WANTED
MAINTENANCE Full time, year-round position w/attractive benefits package. Reliable company & excellent work environment.
410-524-0880 Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s Int Realty is hiring
Real Estate Agents No experience needed. Please text Steven Diaz for more information.
410-245-1089
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS/ CARPENTERS Must have experience. Competitive pay. Call 443-856-5600 or email your resume at skylineconstructionoc@ gmail.com
Full Time, Year Round: Servers, Hostess/Host, Banquet Servers, Bartender, Banquet House Staff, Maintenance, Room Attendant, Rooms Division Manager, Housekeeping Supervisor
Top Wages Excellent Benefits Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept. 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535, ext. 7128 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V
We are currently recruiting for a year round Rooms Division Manager for our Oceanfront convention hotel (250 rooms w/ 85 adjacent condominiums). The preferred candidate should have a minimum of 3 years hotel front desk management with working knowledge of housekeeping, inventory/ revenue experience, good verbal communications and telephone etiquette. Qualified candidates apply. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package available. Apply in person, Mondays through Saturdays 10am – 4pm.
www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!
Full time & Part time Fenwick and Selbyville Locations To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com
RENTALS RENTALS Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
WEEKLY RENTALS AVAILABLE NOW Poolfront ................$245/wk Efficiency..............$275/wk 2BR Apartment.....$350/wk 3BR Suite .............$425/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581
We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com
AUTOMOTIVE
Rooms Division Manager
Hiring ALL Positions!!
Yearly & Seasonal Rentals
Top wages and excellent benefits package available to successful candidates.
Employment Opportunities:
HELP WANTED
If you are looking for a change, NOW is the time! We are an automotive business with several parts stores, service centers and a used car dealership with multiple locations. We are now hiring for Parts Store Associates for our location in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Great pay and benefits including company matched retirement plan.
Call 302-339-6910
Classifieds 410-723-6397
SEEKING RENTAL SEEKING RENTAL Charitable foundation expanding and coming to Ocean City (See TheLearnersLabFoundation. org & TherapyConnection Institute.org). CORPORATE RENTAL NEEDED. Multiyear, minimum one year, with option to renew. NO HOA properties. Seeking 2BR, 2BA no more than $1250 monthly, including utilities or mobile home without utilities. OC/Berlin area preferred. No further out than the Bishopville-Ironshire region. Studio/1BR no more than $750-1k/monthly. No Salisbury rentals please. Call Jerri at 202-839-7750.
GET IT RENTED HERE! 410-723-6397 www.oceancitytoday.com www.baysideoc.com
• • • •
Convenient Quick No Waiting, No Calls Days, Nights & Weekends
PAGE 38
SEEKING RENTAL
STORAGE
DONATIONS
Reliable Professional 50 yr. old seeking Year-Round Rental. 1 or 2 bedrooms. References available. Call Kim 609-968-8100.
Storage West Ocean City. 2-car garage for rent w/attached work room. Total 775 sq. ft. Call John 410-726-0075.
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
Classifieds 410-723-6397
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.
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Each are approximately 1600 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200 Run your business
SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797
CALL 410-723-6397
LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service
for pricing!
www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
card in our SERVICE DIRECTORY
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
BLINDS & SHADES
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
WANTED TO BUY OR TRADE MARYLAND STATEWIDE FREON WANTED: We pay CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. NETWORK Convenient. Certified ProfesAUTOMOBILE DONATIONS sionals. Call 312-291-9169 or DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ visit RefrigerantFinders.com RV - Lutheran Mission Society MISCELLANEOUS of MD Compassion Place SERVICES ministries help local families with food, clothing, counsel- LONG DISTANCE MOVING: ing. Tax deductible. MVA li- Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted censed #W1044. Interstate Movers. Let us take 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org the stress out of moving! Call now to speak to one of our Advertise in MDDC Quality Relocation Specialists: 866-314-0734. 410-723-6397
CONSTRUCTION
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 888-814-0566. Ask about our specials! BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. 877-738-0991.
ELECTRICIAN
emerGency service available
410-251-3153 residential & commercial service Services Include additions • interior/exterior lighting lamp & light repair & service Wall outlets – microwaves • Generator installs
Call Turner Today 410-251-3153 BERLIN • OCEAN PINES • OCEAN CITY
PRINT WEB oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com
DECEMBER 24, 2021
PAGE 39
Ocean City Today
ELECTRICIAN
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Raymond O’Brocki Jr.
PipeLine
Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text
Home Improvement Services Company
Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends
35 Years Experience
Contracting, LLC
HOME IMPROVEMENT
“One stop shop for Home Improvement”
Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • General Carpentry & Painting
• Flooring & Tile • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & Delaware Beaches
US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor
No Job Too Small! Free Estimates! Residential/Commercial/Emergencies! MD Lic #2268 Worcester Co Lic #M1337
(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net
HOME IMPROVEMENT
INSURANCE COVERAGE
11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!
MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed
atminc4u@aol.com
JUNK REMOVAL & HAULING
BAYSIDE BUILDERS
COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK DONE BY OWNER
• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors
Ryan / Murphy 0ME 0DFBO $JUZ 3E Salisbury, MD 21804 (410) 749-9100 ryan.murphy@horacemann.com
Cell: 410-713-8599
MOVING SERVICES
BUDGET MOVERS The Area’s #1 Moving Company
LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST
Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home
Call Maria: 443-664-5797 Female Owned & Operated
www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers
40+ Years in Business
Licensed & Insured
REAL ESTATE
PAINTING
PAINTING
Zimmerman & Son LLC Painting & Powerwashing Interior & Exterior Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured
• CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE
Free Estimates
10% Discount with this ad.
NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!
Bill Zimmerman 410-390-5528 ~ cell 443-373-4539
REAL ESTATE
ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS
Shingle Roofs • Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs Family Owned & Operated
FREE ESTIMATES
108 Moss Hill Ln., Salisbury, MD 410-831-3938 32295 Nassau Rd., Lewes, DE 302-200-7663
ROOFING
FREE Estimates es
ROOFING
ROOFING • GUTTERS • SIDING • WINDOWS DOORS • SUN TUNNELS • SKYLIGHTS Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS DE# 2004201560 • PA#043393 • MHIC#124883
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410.204.2586
Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 10545 Friendship Road, Unit 3, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com *Licenced in MD, DE &VA
ROOFING
PAGE 40
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000 www.rosenberg-assoc.com
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE
OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 11311 GUM POINT RD. BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Nolan R. Dove, Jr. dated October 4, 2016 and recorded in Liber 6863, folio 112 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
PUBLIC NOTICE The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles. The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction beginning December 9, 2021 or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law. Line No
Year
1388-21 1412-21 1417-21 1429-21 1436-21 1441-21
UNKNOWN 2009 1991 2010 2009 2004
Make BOAT & TRAILER DODGE MERCURY DODGE FORD MAZDA
Model
Color
BIG JON LOWE AVENGER COUGAR NITRO F150 6
BOAT – GREEN RED TEAL RED SILVER BLACK
Style
VIN
4S 2S SUV PICKUP HATCHBACK
Mileage
NO VIN NUMBERS 1B3LC46B89N563786 1MEPM6040MH608017 1D4PT2GK2AW100336 1FTRF12W19KB58975 1YVHP84D445N50718
NA NA NA NA NA NA
JANUARY 7, 2022 AT 12:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #03-011445. The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind. Terms of Sale: A deposit of $24,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Sub. Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges and ground rent, to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale forward. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser
LEGAL ADVERTISING legals@oceancitytoday.net
All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643. AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-12/9/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale. If the Sub. Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Trustees' file number 70768. Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/23/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
TO HOLDERS OF CLASS "B", "C", AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 33-2006 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding Class "B", "C", and "D" alcoholic beverage licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2022. This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the two (2) additional hours of sale for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, William E. Esham, Jr., Chairman R. Charles Nichols, Member Marty W. Pusey, Member *********************** April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/09/3t _________________________________ NOTICE TO LEAD LICENSED HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS
INVITATION TO BID Housing Rehabilitation Worcester County, Maryland
The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids for rehabilitation work to be performed on a single-family home lo-
cated in the Snow Hill area of Worcester County. Bid specification packages and bid forms are available to licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractors also possessing both MDE and RRP lead contractor certifications. Packages may be picked up from the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street- Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us under the "Bids" drop down menu in the lower right hand side of the home page, or by calling the Commissioners' Office at 410-632-1194 to request a package by mail. The projects are proposed to be funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are thus subject to all applicable Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights guidelines. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021 in the Office of the County Commissioners at the above address at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked "Housing Rehabilitation Bid - Snow Hill - December 27, 2021" in the lower left-hand corner. Bids will be reviewed by staff and awarded by the County Commissioners at a future meeting. In awarding the bids, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bids they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work. time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate. All inquiries regarding the bid
DECEMBER 24, 2021 specifications shall be directed to the Housing Program Inspector, Dave Walter, at 410-603-4096. All other inquiries shall be directed to Jennifer Keener, Director, at 410-632- 1200. OCD-12/16/2t _________________________________
HELEN M. SMITH ESQ FEDDER AND GRATEN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION 10096 RED RUN BOULEVARD SUITE 200 OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
NOTICE
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to The Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-214 and 108215, the Berlin Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to hear the request for a Text Amendment to the Town Code at their next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 5:30 PM in the second floor Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD. The proposed Text Amendment reads as follows: Proposed Text Amendments for Authorization of Crematorium as Conditional Use on M-1 Light Industrial Property “Sec. 108-5. – Definitions Crematorium defined: a building containing furnace(s) for cremating dead human bodies” “Sec 108-163. – Conditional uses, variances and special exceptions. (c) Within any M-1 Light Industrial District, a crematorium as defined in Section 108-5.” (d) the old (c) will then become the new (d) “Sec. 108-518. – Conditional uses. (4) In any M-1 Light Industrial District, a crematorium as defined in Section 108-5.” OCD-12/23/2t _________________________________
NOTICE
of an Appeal to the Berlin Board of Appeals Pursuant to the Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-163, 108-165, 108-188, 108-189, 108-191 the Berlin Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on an application for a variance received from Mr. Michael O’Neill for a variance to the side yard setback at 605 William Street for the construction of a new single family home. The requested variance represents an encroachment of six feet into the setback, where twelve feet is required by Town Code. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 6:30 PM in the Mayor and Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, Berlin, MD. OCD-12/23/1t _________________________________
PAGE 41
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18983 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOY APPLE MILLER SINGER Notice is given that Brooke R. Miller, 1550 7th Street NW #803, Washington, DC 20001, was on December 07, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joy Apple Miller Singer who died on October 18, 2001, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of June, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Brooke R. Miller Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 16, 2021 OCD-12/16/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19012 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH ANDERSON Notice is given that Robert Anderson Jr., 306 Yacht Club Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, was on December 09,
2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Elizabeth Anderson,who died on October 20, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of June, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Robert Anderson Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 16, 2021 OCD-12/16/3t _________________________________ JOSEPH E. MOORE ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19017 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FRANCES E. GRAFTON Notice is given that Darryl M. Grafton, 38209 Rock Elm Drive, Selbyville, DE 19975, was on December 16, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances E. Grafton who died on November 25, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills
on or before the 16th day of June, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Darryl M. Grafton 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 23, 2021 OCD-12/23/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19018 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CONSTANCE ANN KELLEHER Notice is given that Kevin Kelleher, 11 Melrose Drive, Suite 200, Farmington, CT 06032 and Patrick Kelleher, 437 Bay Harbour Road, Mooresville, NC 28117, were on December 17, 2021 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Constance Ann Kelleher who died on October 9, 2021, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17th day of June, 2022. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise
PAGE 42
Ocean City Today / Public Notices
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. Kevin Kelleher Patrick Kelleher Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 23, 2021 OCD-12/23/3t _________________________________ IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: RONALD LEE FLOYD ESTATE NO. 19013
NOTICE
OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all Persons Interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Thomas J. Kokolis, Esq., 110 North Washington Street, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on 01/18/2022 at 10:00 a.m. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529 Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: 12/16/2021 OCD-12/16/2t _________________________________
Letters to the editor Ad agency leaves lasting legacy before departure Editor, I would like to recognize and thank the Baltimore-based advertising firm of MGH, who has been the Town of Ocean City’s advertising agency for the past 20 years, representing the town as our agency of record. Over the two decades they have represented Ocean City, MGH has played significant role in helping us become the successful resort destination we are today. When you look back over the past 20-year partnership, what MGH has accomplished is significant. MGH built and developed our Tourism website, www.ococean.com. Our advertising efforts drive visitors and potential visitors to this site. They built our Tourism Facebook page, which has grown to over 1 million followers. When you look back at the campaigns over the years, MGH took Ocean City to new levels. The “Rodney the Lifeguard Campaign” was a huge hit and Rodney became a superstar of Ocean City. He was loved and recognized by many. When people saw an advertisement for a beach destination with Rodney, they immediately recognized that beach
as Ocean City, Maryland. The End of the World Campaign was creative and eye-catching. The Cicada Free Zone Campaign was a fun, tongue and cheek campaign we did when the cicadas emerged 17 years ago everywhere throughout the state but Ocean City. The Vacation Days Campaign reminded everyone not to pass up the opportunity to visit Ocean City. The Fun Family campaign played on what Ocean City truly is about, a family resort with something for everyone. Most recently, during one of the toughest times our town (and country) has faced, they created 10 Miles of Memories, which brought us all back together after a difficult year battling the effects of covid- 19. During one of the hardest times, MGH reminded our visitors of the importance of families making memories in Ocean City, Maryland. Along with seasonal campaigns, MGH played an important role in advocating for Ocean City when we needed it most. When the town joined Gov. Hogan and Comptroller Franchot to support staring school after Labor Day, it was MGH who supported our promotional and public relations efforts. MGH helped Ocean City gain national exposure a number of times in-
Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net
cluding coverage on the Today Show, CNN and other major networks. We completed numerous media tours on morning shows in Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia over the past 20 years. MGH had the ability to get us on TV where it counted and when it counted. We even brought Ocean City, and Rodney, to Baltimore for Ocean City days at Oriole Park. I don’t believe any of these efforts would have been possible without the true partnership and passion of the people at MGH. Andy Malis, MGH president, and his team believed in Ocean City and were dedicated to our success. His team including Lindsey, Christy, Dave, Chris, John, Heather, Marah and so many others were familiar faces and daily contacts with our staff. Although MGH choose not to participate in our recent agency review, their work and their commitment will not soon be forgotten. After 20 successful years together, we are both moving forward in new directions. As we move forward, I do not want MGH to be forgotten for where they have taken Ocean City. They have positioned us to where we are today and, put us in position, to continue to succeed. We have shared success and established the kind of professional business relationship and friendships that made it all possible. I want to thank MGH and Andy Malis for their commitment to Ocean City and wish them the best of luck moving forward. Mayor Richard W. Meehan Ocean City42
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Editor, I am writing you about the article in the Dec. 17, 2021 edition by Greg Wehner. Access to up-to-date cell towers with current 5G is not just a luxury anymore. It is a necessity. Montego Bay has 1,523 property owners. Public school busses operate two runs twice a day for the past several years in Montego Bay. Students need service for remote access. During the recent and ongoing covid-19 many people utilized this necessary service for their jobs while working from their home. Increased usage without current technology only slows the system down, especially in summer months when all use the system for cell phones/Ipads, etc. New construction in north Ocean City, plus recent sale at 28th Street, will only increase the demand in coming months. I am a property owner since 1983 in north Ocean City and have lived there 24/7 for over 11 years. Approve and allow now! Robert R Hemp Jr. Ocean City
Commentary
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Ocean City Today 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.
EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Greg Wehner, ..........................................Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska ACCOUNT MANAGERS.......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier ..............................................................Amanda Shick CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year. Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com. Copyright 2021
Ocean City Today Dec. 24, 2021
Page 43
Holiday perspective
Good, bad or indifferent, Christmases can leave indelible memories, some of which are an unlikely source of inspiration. Such was one Christmas morning in a different place and different time, when I found myself in a grumpy mood because I had to go out for something whose absence from the refrigerator might affect the course of civilization. Or so it seemed. Naturally, it had something to do with relatives, their thirsty little offspring and, more specifically, their parents’ refusal to accept my argument that if a bottle’s label By contains the words, “Eight Stewart Years Old” it means the conDobson tents may be consumed by anyone from that age on up. I was just kidding, of course, but they failed to see the humor in my assertion that the “Eight Years Old” on a bottle of Old PeatDigger is the same thing as the sign at the amusement park that says, “You must be 48 inches tall to ride.” “Just go get them some Hawaiian Punch or something,” I was told. So out I went on a cold and silent Christmas morning, driving the empty road into town looking for the elusive open store. It’s a mournful business when everyone else is at home making merry, opening presents, and watching the dogs tearing wrapping paper into confetti among other happy pursuits. I was becoming more annoyed by the minute at having to venture out of the warm confines of home, where others were having
a delightful time. Eventually, I did secure the required beverage and was heading back to the home fires in a less-than-festive mood. And that’s when I spied it — the shiniest of new bicycles laid on its side in the front yard after having been taken out on its inaugural spin by its gloriously happy new owner. Its silver fenders gleamed in the sun and sparkles bounced off the high polish of its chrome handle bars. Its spokes had yet to experience the first lick of dust or corrosion, and its reflectors were such a bright cherry red that this bicycle, the bicycle to top all bicycles, could have led Rudolph as he guided the other reindeer on their global flight. As I took in this Christmas morning postcard, up walked the family’s St. Bernard, a lumbering brute of at least a half-ton, I’d say. He sniffed and poked and then christened this brand-spanking-new bike with everything he had, from fender to sprocket, seat to saddlebags. Not to put too fine a point on it, but we are talking total coverage. To everyone’s surprise at my house, I walked in the door still wheezing and laughing. “Merry Christmas, everyone!” I said breathlessly. “What?” someone said. “You were kind of a grump when you left.” “True enough,” I replied. “But then I realized how lucky I am — Yes, I was a little inconvenienced, but at least I wasn’t a bicycle.” “We don’t get it,” said my puzzled audience. “No, you wouldn’t. But Merry Christmas on you, from fender to sprocket.”
www.oceancitytoday.com
PAGE 44
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
Pines Farmers Market announcing awards
(Dec. 24, 2021) Behind the name “Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market” are a group of merchants, volunteers, community partners and market leadership that brings the marketplace to the public each week of the year. After 10 successful years, the market continues to be an essential part of the local food and handmade product system in Worcester County, offering the community a central place to gather and shop for those local products. On Jan. 8, the market will recognize individuals, groups and businesses that contributed to the market’s success with the 2022 Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market Achievement Awards. The Ocean Pines Market will rec-
ognize with honors a legacy merchant, an outstanding marketplace leader, and a dedicated marketplace volunteer. Awards will also be bestowed in several other categories, including Best Marketplace Storefront and Outstanding Social Media Promotion. “It’s always incredible to see how much love and labor our merchants put into their market businesses,” Assistant Market Manager John Chandler said. “We want to recognize these efforts that make the Ocean Pines market one of the most unique public markets in this region.” Other award categories will include Artisan of the Year, Green Market Merchant of the Year, Peddler Merchant of the Year, and overall Market Merchant of the Year.
“To the average marketgoer, it might seem like the market just sort of happens. We can assure you that this is not the case,” Market Manager David Bean said. “We couldn’t function without our entire market team, and we want to give them a big thank you with these honors.” Bean said 120 merchants participated in the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market this year. The market will accept new merchant applications, starting in February. “We will be searching for potential merchants with new and different products to add to our lineup,” Chandler said. The market will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. The Ocean Pines Farmers & Arti-
Wor. County Government’s holiday (Dec. 24, 2021) The following Worcester County Government (WCG) offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 24 and 31, and Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays: Worcester County Government Center, Cape Isle of Wight satellite offices, and Worcester County Recreation Center (WCRC).
In addition, the WCRC will also be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. All five branch libraries will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. Branches will be open on Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Central Landfill in Newark, and the Home Owner Convenience Centers in Berlin, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill will
close at noon on Dec. 24 and be closed Dec. 25. While the Central Landfill will be closed Dec. 26, the HOCCs will be open. Both the Central Landfill and HOCCs will also be closed Jan. 1. For more information on WCG hours of operation, contact Kim Moses, public information officer, at 410-632-1194.
sans Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, through February. Inseason hours return in March, with the market open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pa ges/farmers-artisans-market.
Ørsted’s Skipjack receives state OK with energy credits (Dec. 24, 2021) The Maryland Public Service Commission selected Skipjack Wind 2, an offshore wind clean energy project proposed by Ørsted, for a 20-year Offshore Renewable Energy Credit (OREC) on Dec. 17. The award includes an 846megawatt project, which will power approximately 250,000 homes in the Delmarva region with clean energy. Skipjack Wind 2 is Ørsted’s second offshore wind energy project in Maryland. It will be located adjacent to the company’s 120 MW Skipjack Wind 1. Ørsted will build Skipjack Wind 1 and 2 as one project, with operations expected to begin in 2026.
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE CHOICE WATERFRONT SETTING!!! 324 OYSTER LANE JUST LISTED!
LOCATION! 12346 LOCATION! LOCATION! OLD BRIDGE
WATERFRONT in Montego Bay! Great location on a very wide canal and a Panoramic View. This 2 bed 2 bath home was completely renovated. Renovations include windows, electrical, plumbing, Heating system, hot water heater, flooring, Painted interior, trim, kitchen, bathrooms all Tiled, & appliances. Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a shuffleboard court, a 9 hole mini-golf course, an 8 acre wildlife sanctuary with a large pond and blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for only $299.00/yr. HOA dues. Within walking distance to shopping, dining, the bus stop, the Beach, and Ocean City's 58 acre North Side Park, home of the 4th of July Fireworks. This is a must see home...it will not last long! Sold Partially Furnished for $449,500!!
Better move fast on this new home! Now is your chance to make every day a vacation in this 2BR/1BA beach retreat. Inside you will find a nice size living room, eat-in kitchen equipped w/electric radiant range w/range hood, frost free refrigerator w/icemaker, double stainless-steel sink, breakfast bar. The full bath has a fiberglass combination tub & shower. Off the hallway, stack W/D. (3) ceiling fans w/lights. This is a home you will truly love. You will enjoy the nice, wooded sundeck just right for relaxing and that special summer cookout. Located in a desirable community in West Ocean City, just minutes away from the Assateague Island State Park and Ocean City beaches and boardwalk and inlet, close to shopping and restaurants. The community is open year-round and is 50+. The buyer will need to pass a background check and be approved by the Park Owner. Better call now before it’s too late! $139,900
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
PAGE 45
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Risk program to affect FEMA rates By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) has a new rating methodology, Risk Rating 2.0, and FEMA says it will deliver rates that are easier to understand and better reflect a property’s unique flood risk. Rates will now be developed on a structure-by-structure basis versus the existing 100-year flood plain mapping, which has not changed since the 1970s and does not consider individual flood risk and underlying home values. Risk Rating 2.0 will fundamentally change the way FEMA rates a property’s flood risk and prices insurance by incorporating common sense variables (e.g., more types of flood risk and distance to flooding source) into the rating methodology. The program just began imple-
mentation this past October, and homeowners are beginning to receive their new quotes using Risk Rating 2.0. The second phase of the rollout will be all remaining policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022 will be subject to the new rating methodology. One benefit of this change according to the industry experts, is that it will be much easier to obtain a quote for flood insurance by using geo location and a few simple questions of the homeowner. FEMA will be limiting annual premium increases—existing statutory limits on rate increases require that most rates not increase more than 18 percent per year. They are also maintaining features to simplify the transition to Risk Rating 2.0 by offering premium discounts to eligible policyholders. FEMA will continue to offer premium discounts for pre-FIRM subsidized and newly mapped properties.
Also, policyholders will still be able to transfer their discount to a new owner by assigning their flood insurance policy when their property changes ownership. Separate from the FEMA mapping system, many of the real estate search engines are now using a Flood Factor rating system attached to all addresses. Flood Factor is a free online tool created by the nonprofit First Street Foundation that makes it easy for Americans to find their property’s risk of flooding. The Flood Factor rating doesn’t always match up to the current FEMA mapping, for instance, a property in Ocean City could be located in an X zone/Preferred zone, not requiring mortgage mandated flood insurance, however their Flood Factor risk rating could show as a 9 out of 10. Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty in Ocean City.
AGH hosting job fair in early Jan.
Openings for both clinical and non-clinical positions will be available at hospital
(Dec. 24, 2021) Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will be kicking off 2022 by hosting a job fair in search of motivated candidates to join the team. The job fair is for all open positions
throughout the Hospital and Health System, which includes a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical roles. Some of these roles include: nurses, nursing assistants, medical receptionists, medical office assistants, housekeeping, and collections/billing. The job fair will take place Thursday, Jan. 6 from 3-6 p.m. at the hospital. All interested candidates should call 410-641-9612 or contact jobs@at-
lanticgeneral.org to register. On Jan. 6, participants should arrive at the hospital’s main lobby to sign in. Candidates will have the opportunity to engage in on-site interviews with Atlantic General hiring managers, and same-day offers of employment may be given to those who qualify. To view a list of open positions, visit the Atlantic General Career Portal at www.agh.care/careers.
BOE adding new livestream option Meetings will be broadcast online live and be available for downloading afterward
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) The Worcester County Board of Education is officially entering the post-pandemic virtual world. After more than a year of offering only a live audio call option for members of the public to listen to the body’s Tuesday afternoon monthly meetings, district officials are adding an online virtual option. Superintendent Lou Taylor announced at the close of a board meeting last week that the next meeting, set Jan. 18, will be accessible online. The decision comes after several members of the public complained about not only the lack of a viable op-
tion to hear and view the happenings of the monthly meetings, but also the inopportune times. The board typically meets once a month on Tuesdays. The meetings begin with a closed session at 10 a.m., and follow with open session at 12:30 p.m. Members discuss and vote on public matters, from capital projects to educational programs; hear updates from the area schools; and take comments from members of the public. While the times will remain the same because transportation is often needed to recognize students during the school day at the meetings, a virtual livestream option will be added. Members of the public will also be able to download and view the video streams of the meetings after they are over. Annette Wallace, the district’s chief operating and academic officer for grades nine through 12, said that the
livestream option will be available in the same place as the board agendas at go.boarddocs.com/mabe/worcester/Board.nsf/vpublic?open. “I think over the course of the pandemic we’ve had to change the way that we’ve done business,” Wallace said of adding the livestream option. “We have been audio streaming live our board meetings since the pandemic and that’s been available to everyone since then.” She added that the success other organizations have had livestreaming meetings, as well as the comments from members of the public, and the desire for parents to see their children recognized during meetings, were catalysts for the addition. Board meeting agendas are posted the Friday before the Tuesday they are set to take place and the livestream link will be posted in the same place.
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PAGE 46
Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
WORLD WAR II
Hong Kong taken from British by Japanese
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) This week, 80 years ago, Sir Mark Aitchison Young, Governor of Hong Kong, surrendered the Crown Colony to the Imperial Japanese Army. Sir Mark was appointed governor of Hong Kong on Sept. 20, 1941. By then, Hong Kong was surrounded by Japanese forces in Canton, Hainan Island, French Indo-China, and Formosa, and British women and children had been evacuated. A battalion of the Royal Rifles of Canada from Quebec, and a battalion of the Winnipeg Grenadiers from Manitoba, totaling 1,975, arrived at the Colony on Nov. 16. The Canadian detachment was commanded by Brig. Gen. John Kelburne Lawson, who was killed in action on Dec. 19, 1941. He left a wife and two young sons and was the highest ranking Canadian officer to be killed in the war. These Canadian soldiers were the first from their country to see action in WWII. They joined two Indian battalions, two British battalions, and a local, 2,200-man strong regiment of Chinese, as well as a squad of free French, all under the command of Maj. Gen. Christopher Michael Maltby. Great Britain had acquired the colony in three stages. After its victory
over the Chinese Empire in The First Opium War, Hong Kong Island was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1842 and established as a Crown Colony in 1843. Following the British victory in the Second Opium War, Kowloon, on the mainland, was ceded to the British in 1860. The waterway between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon became Victoria Harbor. After the Chinese defeat in their first war with Japan, the United Kingdom squeezed another deal, and more territory, from the Chinese Empire. This area, known as the “New Territories” was leased in 1898 to the British for 99 years. The British representative at the negotiations, Claude MacDonald, thought that a 99-year lease was “as good as forever!” At the expiration of the lease of the “New Territories,” Great Britain agreed to return all of the colony to the People’s Republic of China. In preparation for a feared Japanese attack, the British built a 10-mile long defensive line, known as the “Gin Drinkers’ Line.” They believed that it could hold the Japanese for at least six months, and they called it “the Oriental Maginot Line.” Unfortunately, it was never properly manned. This defense was entrusted to the two Indian battalions, and a battalion of Scots. Shortly after 8 a.m., on Dec. 8, 1941, (Hong Kong time), which was four hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese launched their attack with approximately 50,000 soldiers from the Twenty-Third Army under the command of Takashi Sakai. With approximately 14,400 soldiers available to defend the colony, the invaders vastly outnumbered the defenders. Gen. Sakai had been given 10 days to effect the capture of the colony. The general served as Japanese governor of Hong Kong until Feb. 20, 1942. He would later be accused of war crimes, tried by the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal, convicted on Aug. 27, 1946, and sentenced to die. He was executed by firing squad on Sept. 30, 1946.
Although most of the British planes had been destroyed on the ground, the few that were left began evacuating important people from the colony. The Chinese finance minister, and richest man in China, Kung Hsiang-hsi, who was married to Soong Ai-ling, the sister of Soong Mei-ling, wife of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, was evacuated. Madame Chiang would die in the United States at the age of 105, on Oct. 23, 2003. Their other sister, Soong Ching-ling, the widow of Dr. Sun YatSen, was also evacuated to Chongqing, the wartime capital of China. Soong Ching-ling later became the Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China. Chairman Mao said of the three Soong sisters that, “One loved money (Soong Ai-ling - wife of Kung Hsianghsi), one loved power (Soong Mei-ling - Madame Chiang), one loved her country (Soong Ching-ling - Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s widow).” The portion of the Gin Drinkers’ Line being defended by the Scots was breached on Dec. 10. This caused the evacuation of the Scots battalion, as well as the two Indian battalions, to Hong Kong Island, the next day. The Japanese made their first surrender demand on Dec. 13. When it was rejected, they began shelling the island. On Dec. 17, they repeated their demand to surrender. Gen. Maltby urged Sir Mark to surrender the island, but the governor refused, because Churchill had told him, personally, that, “Every part of (Hong Kong) Island must be fought over and the enemy resisted with the utmost stubbornness. Every day that you are able to maintain your resistance you help the Allied cause all over the world.” When the second demand was rejected, the Japanese assaulted the Island. The next day, Sgt.-Maj. John Robert Osborn, who had emigrated to Canada after The Great War, and was serving with the Winnipeg Grenadiers, won the Victoria Cross, the British equivalent of the Medal of Honor. It was the only one
awarded for the Defense of Hong Kong, and was awarded to Sgt. Maj. Osborn posthumously. Beginning Dec. 20, the defenders were split into two groups. On Christmas morning, the Rifles were ordered to retake a part of the town of Stanley on the southern part of the island. However, most knew that there was no point, because the decision to surrender had been made. However, at 1 p.m. the Rifles charged, surprising the Japanese. The Rifles dislodged them in hand-to-hand combat, machine gunning them as they ran, after they broke. The Japanese, humiliated by this small defeat, assaulted St. Stephen’s College, which was being used as a hospital. They bayoneted the wounded, shot and mutilated the doctors and raped, murdered and mutilated the nurses. This was only one of several such massacres suffered by Allied personnel. Later that day, Sir Mark, Gen. Maltby and others, made their way to the Peninsula Hotel on Kowloon, where Gen. Sakai had established his headquarters. That day is known in Hong Kong as “Black Christmas.” The Grenadiers lost five pairs of brothers: Kelsos, the Lands (one of whom was captured and then used for “bayonet practice”), the Staretts (one of whom was captured and also used for “bayonet practice”), the Folsters, the Mitchells (one of whom was captured and also used for “bayonet practice”). Almost as many Canadians died in captivity — 267 — as in battle — 290. Total Allied casualties were, at least, 1,045 killed, 1,068 missing, and 1,362 wounded. The Japanese suffered 6,000 casualties, of which, 1,895 were dead. Next week: Japanese Invade The Philippines Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
PAGE 47
Ocean City Today
OBITUARIES BRUCE JAMES COULBOURNE Berlin Bruce James Coulbourne, age 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Milford Delaware, he was the son of the late James and Catherine (Truitt) Coulbourne. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy (Hearne) Coulbourne; B. Coulbourne and daughters, April Coulbourne of Whaleyville, Maryland, Catherine Walling (husband, Ryan) of Florida, and Shauna Thomas (husband, Seth) of Seaford, Delaware. He has two grandchildren, T.J. and Savanah Frampton, and one greatgrandchild, Ariana Brown. Mr. Coulbourne, affectionately known as B.J. by family and friends, was a talented musician, blessed with a God-given talent for piano, keyboard and the B3 jazz organ. He served as lead singer in many musical groups, but his heart was for the music ministry of the church. B.J. was also a successful businessman. Together with his wife, they owned and operated God’s Gold By The Inch, of Ocean City, Maryland, from 1990 to present. In his later years, B.J. worked in flooring sales. It is no secret that B.J.’s best friend is Jesus Christ, and his family could not be happier that he finally made it home. A memorial service was held on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: John 21 Ministries, 32852 Sussex Highway, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. JOSEPH WILLIAM LATCHFORD, JR. Berlin Joseph “Joe” William Latchford, Jr., 85, passed away on Dec. 8, 2021, after a short time with multiple health issues. He was born on March 5, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, son of the late Joseph W. Latchford, Sr. and Eleanor Moan.
After graduating from Mount St. Joseph High School, Joe was a rate analyst for Koppers Company for approximately 10 years. He went on to work with Environmental Joseph Latchford Elements for traffic and transportation of boats, trains, trucks and airplanes. Joe’s activities and interests were many. He was a blue and gold information officer at the U.S. Naval Academy and founded the U.S. Naval Academy Parents Club. He was a member of the Alpha Transportation Fraternity and the Traffic Club of Baltimore. He served on the Council of Logistic Management and also served on the Transportation Department Advisory Board for Catonsville Community College. He was a U.S. Naval Academy nomination staff member for Representative Thomas McMillen for four years and remained a member of the Propeller Club until he passed. A person of faith, he was a member of the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd, and is presently a parishioner at St. Ann Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Dolores “Lorrie” Latchford (Hemelt); his son, Joseph “Joey” W. Latchford, III of Madison, Tennessee; and his brother, Paul Latchford of Sparks Glencoe, Maryland. The family would like to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Harrison House in Snow Hill for their excellent care and dedication. A memorial mass to celebrate his life was held on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bethany Beach, Delaware, followed by a repast in Delaney Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com. CHARLES TREGOE Ocean City Charles Henry Tregoe, age 89, died
Charles Tregoe
Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at his home in Ocean City, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of Henry Tregoe and Esther Virginia White. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Carol Tregoe, in
2020. He is survived by his brother, Brent McDonald (Denise) of Jarrettsville, Maryland, sisters; Marlene Calhoun of Bessemer City, North Carolina, and Deana Martin of Bear, Delaware, along with several nieces and nephews. Mr. Tregoe received his J.D Law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, along with his pharmacy degree. He was a United States Navy veteran, and had been the chief of the State of Maryland Drug Control Program. He had been an avid baseball player, having been at one time recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers. He had been a member of St. Ambrose Methodist Church in Baltimore. A graveside service was held on Dec. 22, 2021, at Druid Ridge Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O Box 48, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefunerlhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. CARLTON ALDON MURRAY Selbyville With heartfelt sadness the family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather, Carlton Aldon Murray, 74, of Selbyville, Delaware. Carlton passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2021, at the University of Maryland Carlton Murray Shock Trauma in Baltimore, with his family lovingly by his side. Carlton was born on May 29, 1947,
to the late Clifton A. Murray and Esther (Cooper) Murray of Selbyville. He attended the Selbyville High School and was a proud Rebel. Carlton excelled at basketball, track and football. He was honored to receive the MVP award in the 1965 University of Delaware Blue & Gold Game and was the first person to receive this award south of the C&D canal. Carlton went on to graduate from the University of Delaware and proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. Carlton loved his community of Selbyville and served his community through the Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company as an EMT and firefighter, lifelong member and past president, treasurer and secretary. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, life member of the Selbyville Elks Club and the Salisbury Gun Club. He is survived by his loving family, wife, Janet D. Murray; son, Christopher A. Murray (Mandy) of Frankford; two daughters, D. Rene Pusey (Douglas) of Frankford, and Christine Davis (Steve Chapman) of Port Deposit, Maryland; two brothers, Clifton Murray (Dolores) and Jay Murray (Nora); two sisters, Jane Long (Marvin) and Kay Lowe (Ernie) all of Selbyville; three grandchildren, M. Karin Tyndall (Danny), Trevor D. Pusey and Colton A. Murray. He leaves behind his faithful armchair companions, a dog, Eli, and a cat, Charlie. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ada Mae Adkins. Together with his brothers they owned and operated Murray Brothers Farm, M & L Contractors and Bunting & Murray. Carlton’s passion for nature was best shared with his family and friends. He loved to hear the wings of waterfowl slice through the crisp morning air as they set in on the water reflecting the light of dawn. He loved the anticipation of the hunt, each time he was in the deer stand he would pray, Lord just let us see a deer tonight, and if the hunt was successful, he enjoyed nothing more than showing Continued on Page 48
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
OBITUARIES Continued from Page 47 off his harvest at the shop with the fellowship of family and friends. He went on many successful fishing trips during his life, but as of late there was nothing he enjoyed more than riding back to the dirt hole on summer evenings and fishing with his grandkids, reeling in the most beautiful large mouth bass. He loved to go camping with his family and kick back around the campfire at night. He loved to spend hours in the shop with his son working on their drag cars and spent countless days at the track, filled with pride each time Chris did a burnout and sped fearlessly down the track. One of the highlights of the racing career was when CAM racing won Bad 8 Door-Slammers. There will never be enough words to capture this amazing man with a big heart and generous spirit and how much his family loved him. Out of all the accomplishments in his life, the one that brought him the most pride and joy was his tight-knit family. Out of all of his passions, nothing made him light up more than seeing his family together, spending time in the swamp that he loved. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at BishopHastings Funeral Home in Selbyville with Pastor David Hudson officiating. Burial was in Redmen’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; or to the Selbyville Vol Fire Co., P.O. Box 88, Selbyville, Delaware 19975. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com. JEANNE LYNCH Taylorville Jeanne Lynch, 81, departed this life on Dec. 19, 2021. She was born the second day of December, 1940, and was the oldest daughter of Melvin and Louise Sklar Rabstein. She was raised and attended school in Frederick, Maryland. She is survived by her husband, Nelson Jeanne Lynch Lynch of Taylorville, Maryland; her son, Mark Nevin; friend, Ceallaigh Reddy of Somerville, Massachusetts; two stepdaughters, Cassandra and Heather Lynch; two sisters, Susan Kaplan and husband, Andy, of Chicago, and Linda Hoffman, and husband, Milton, of Sarasota; and two grandchildren, Aaron Nevin of Brooklyn, New York, and Zacadia Nevin of Burlington, Vermont. She worked for Caine Real Estate and later as an independent insurance agent of Afliac Insurance. Jeanne entered local politics when the State of Maryland, Department of
Natural Resources, decided to build a music pavilion on Wights Island. She ran for county commissioner as a republican against Jim Barrett in 1990. Jeanne, along with fellow republicans, Reggie Hancock, Sonny Bloxom, Floyd Bassett and George Hurley swept the election. Jeanne was the first woman ever elected in Worcester County as a commissioner. Later, she became the first woman president of the Worcester County Commissioners. Jeanne ran again in 1994 and 1998, winning both times. In 2002, she decided 12 years was enough as a county commissioner. She ran for the Maryland House of Delegate’s seat for Wicomico and Worcester counties, losing to the incumbents, Bennett Bozman and Norman Conway. Jeanne was the second recipient of the Golden Osprey Award presented by the Coastal Bays Program. It was given to her by Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich for her decades-long struggle to protect the coastal bays. In 2011, Jeanne and Nelson settled in Silver City, New Mexico for three years. Then, three years in, Jensen Beach, Florida. In 2021 they returned home to Taylorville. Many thanks to Anna Smith and the gang at Coastal Hospice. A Celebration of Jeanne’s Life will be held at a later date.
KAREN L. STRAW Ocean City Karen L. Straw, 63, of Ocean City, Maryland, died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Dec. 16, 2021. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 19,1958. Karen was the beloved wife of Patrick C. Straw for 47 years; devoted daughter of the late Robert Stehling and Mary (Milchling) Stehling; beloved mother of Jennifer Straw Walsh and her husband, David P. Walsh; loving grandmother of Logan Fischer-Walsh; and beloved sister of Lisa Stehling Dix and her husband, Jerry Dix. Karen graduated from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore with a masters in guidance counseling. She was dedicated to serving youth in Baltimore County Schools and at James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury until her retirement in January of 2021. She also supported Toys for Tots, Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation and the Children’s House by the Sea. Karen was known for cooking and delivering a hot meal to her neighbors and for her generosity to staff members at the restaurants she and her husband Pat enjoyed in the community. Karen loved the beach and dreamed of living in Ocean City after vacationing in Ocean City as a child and young adult. Her dream came true in 2003, and she could often be found at 139th Street beach, 145th Street beach, or the fishing beach in Fenwick Island, Delaware, most weekends and during her summer vacations. She enjoyed visiting beaches along the East Coast, but none compared to her beloved Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association, Toys for Tots, or the Children’s House by the Sea.
WOR. CO. COMMISSIONER BRIEFS Continued from Page 36
Nutrient trading The commissioners approved a request to prepare a letter for the Commissioner President Joe Mitrecic’s signature that would be sent to the Secretaries of the Maryland Departments of Environment and Agriculture that could add area coastal bays to the Maryland Water Quality and Trading Program, which currently only services the Chesapeake Bay. The program creates a public marketplace for nitrogen phosphorous and sediment reductions. It intends to enhance the restoration and protection of Maryland watersheds by accelerating the pace and reducing the costs of implementation efforts in reducing nutrient and sediment pollution, according to a memo from Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell.
Sports & Recreation
Ocean City Today Dec. 24, 2021
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www.oceancitytoday.com
Richins, Beebe to play lacrosse at collegiate level By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 24, 2021) Worcester Prep seniors Brice Richins and Myranda Beebe were recognized during a ceremony last month for signing letters of intent to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. Richins committed to Division I High Point University in North Carolina, and Beebe is headed to Division III Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Richins, 17, a defender/long stick midfielder, has grown up playing the sport. “When you have a student-athlete like Brice who has come up through the ranks of this program here at Worcester Prep, following the footsteps of his two brothers and just watching the dedication that they’ve had … him setting his own pathway and making his own accomplishment is really what today is all about,” said Worcester Prep Athletic Director Matt McGinnis during the Nov. 15 event. “He has worked hard from day one when I was coaching him with club lacrosse and at the middle school level. His dream, his desire was to play Division I and he worked really hard, in the gym, outside of practices, went to all the right tournaments and events and now he’s being rewarded with an awesome opportunity to play Division I lacrosse. I can’t be more excited for him.” McGinnis has been coaching Richins over the last five summers in the Coastal Lacrosse Academy, as well as working with him at Worcester. “I can’t wait to watch him excel at the next level. He’s going to an incredible university with an incredible coaching staff,” McGinnis said. “High Point is definitely on the rise in men’s Division I lacrosse and I can’t wait to watch him.” McGinnis also praised Richin’s leadership abilities. “One of the best attributes about him is his leadership. He’s very quiet but he leads by example 100 percent of the time,” McGinnis said. “That’s going to be the impact here at Worcester Preparatory School. He’s always led by example.” Richins grew fond of the High Point coaches before even visiting the school, which he took a trip to Easter weekend last spring. “It’s a breathtaking campus. It’s
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Worcester Prep seniors Brice Richins and Myranda Beebe were recognized during a ceremony last month for signing letters of intent to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. Richins committed to Division I High Point University in North Carolina, and Beebe is headed to Division III Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania.
beautiful. I got to watch practice and the intensity they played with and the culture they had, I just loved it,” he said. “I got there and it was six in the morning, that’s when they started practice and the security guard she was so excited to work there. Everyone was like that there. It was where I wanted to go.” Richins, who received an athletic scholarship, said he might major in business or sports management. Richins wrapped up his final season playing soccer for Worcester in the fall and is now competing for the basketball team. He is looking forward to one last lacrosse season this spring. “I’m super excited. I want to win a championship. I want to personally be an all-American,” he said. In addition to athletics, Richins is on the WPS Head of School List in his Upper School years and is a member of the Charles R. Jenkins Chapter National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. Beebe, 17, is a midfielder who has been playing lacrosse since the third grade. “There’s so much to say about her. I’ve coached her for her two years of middle school lacrosse and when I moved up to varsity she moved up with me, so I’ve coached her for the last five years going on six years,” Prep Lacrosse Head Coach Chris Williams said. “I’ve gotten to see her growth from seventh grade through varsity. She’s always been a great leader, a great teammate and a great player on the field, but just to see her mature and grow in her leadership role has just been phenomenal.” Williams said Beebe is someone
the girls look up to for both motivation and encouragement. “During a game she’s always there for her teammates, but also just as a player she knows how to play the game of lacrosse,” Williams said. “She can score, she can pass, she can run the field, she can play defense, she can do it all. “I’m going to miss her after this year, that’s for sure. She’s a key piece of our team and she’s going to be what drives us this year,” he continued. “I know she’s going to be successful. She’s going to a great school, she’s going to be competing for national championships, I’m sure. In Division III she’s going to be a great piece for her college team, Franklin and Marshall.” Beebe liked the school and team atmosphere when she visited. “I really felt the connection to the family aspect of the team and just the culture of hardworking women succeeding past college and I knew from the moment they started caring for me as a person that that was where I wanted to be,” Beebe said. “It is a small school. I always knew I wanted a small school. I like the idea of knowing everyone and building those relationships. And, it’s a tough academic school, which is something I really looked for.” She is considering a major in prelaw or political science. Beebe, who plays soccer and basketball for Worcester, is looking forward to her final lacrosse season. “I think we have a lot of new players and it’s just exciting to see everyone grow as a team. Winning’s always great, but to just see everyone grow the love for the game is just something I’m looking forward to,” she
said. “I just want to thank everyone that’s helped me get to this point and I think I have a great support system for me here a Worcester.” In addition to academics, Beebe earned a spot on the WPS Head of School List throughout her Upper School years and is a member of the Charles R. Jenkins Chapter National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society.
WP Lady Mallards reduce turnovers, win 46-30 over BA By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 24, 2021) The Worcester Prep girls’ basketball team limited its turnovers during last Thursday’s game against Broadwater Academy in Exmore, Virginia, which was a big factor in the Lady Mallards’ 46-30 victory. “We played really well,” said Prep Coach Mike Kelley. “We’ve been focusing on turnovers and correcting mistakes. We’ve been averaging in the low 20s and we had less than 10 on Thursday.” In addition, Kelley said the girls have been working on better decision making and “recognizing when it’s not there [to run the fast break] they need to set up.” “We need to know when to push the ball and when not to,” Kelley said. “We were making too many turnovers when we were trying to force the ball. We took a big step forward.” See WP Page 50
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WP Mallards playing well, but SD indoor track athletes ‘always room for improvement’ working hard and improving Continued from Page 49 Worcester outscored Broadway Academy, 17-6, in the first quarter, which was capped off with a buzzerbeater three by senior captain Lily Baeurle. At halftime, Worcester led 25-14. After three, the Berlin squad was ahead, 41-23, courtesy of a buzzerbeater three-point bucket by senior captain Morgan White. “The defense didn’t give up more than 10 in a quarter, which was great,” Kelley Mike Kelley said. Baeurle led Worcester with 24 points. Senior Natalie Brushmiller chipped in with six points. Worcester will compete in the Governor’s Challenge, held Dec. 2630, in Salisbury. “It should be fun. Playing schools you don’t normally play it’s nice to get that experience,” Kelley said. The Mallards will play Arcadia on Monday, Dec. 27 at 8:30 p.m. at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Also in their bracket is Delaware Military Academy and Easton, who will go head-to-head at 5 p.m.
The winners of each game will battle on Tuesday, at 5 p.m. at UMES. The losing teams will battle at 6:45 p.m. “Losing Ansley Gardner [to a knee injury] will be a challenge. She’s our tallest player,” Kelley said. “That brings us down a bit, but we have seniors with experienced that can come in and we’re not losing anything.” Worcester is 6-2 going into the Christmas break. “We’re doing well, but there’s always room for improvement,” Kelley said. “All signs point in a positive direction. I think we can make a run at the [Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference tournament championship] and cut down the nets.” Worcester’s boys’ team will also be competing in the tournament. The Mallards will face Indian Creek on Sunday, at 3:15 p.m. at Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. In the other half of the bracket is St. Paul’s and Delaware Military Academy, who will also battle at 3:15 p.m. The winning teams will go headto-head on Monday at 1:30 p.m at UMES. The losing teams will face-off at 11:45 a.m.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 24, 2021) The Stephen Decatur boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams both finished in third place during last Wednesday’s 11-school meet – the VIII annual Pat Russo Invitational – at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. “We’re nursing some nagging injuries, but overall I was pleased with how we did. The kids are working hard. We have a good group of Brenda Hommel kids who want to run and compete,” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel. “We saw some improvements with times. It was a good meet. The kids are definitely enjoying the season.” The annual meet is named after Decatur former teacher and longtime track/cross country coach, Pat Russo, who still assists with meets. Parkside won the girls’ competition, scoring 97 points. Kent Island finished in second place with 94 points, followed by Decatur with 57. Decatur athletes who scored points for placing first through eighth in their individual events were: senior Rachel Peretz (shot put, fifth, 24 feet .5 inches), juniors Summer Brenner (high jump, second, 4 feet 4 inches; 55-meter hurdles, fourth, 11.11 seconds), Carolina Novelli (1,600-meter run, eighth, 6:44.37; 800-meter run, sixth, 2:58.92) and Breanne Ferguson (500-meter run, fifth, 1:34.68), sophomores Tiara McDonald (300meter dash, third, 46.82 seconds) and Macy Woroniecki (3,200-meter run, seventh, 15:11.21) and freshmen Amber Marshall (1,600-meter run,
seventh, 6:37.41) and Clarice Piela (3,200-meter run, eighth, 15:37.43). Ferguson, Novelli, Marshall and Woroniecki won the 3,200-meter relay race (12:20.40). McDonald, Peretz and sophomores Kyleigh Powell and Abigail Milito took fifth in the 1,600-meter relay race (5:09.51). McDonald, Powell, junior Alexandria Urbanski and senior Mia Schwind came in fifth in the 800meter relay race (2:06.56). Kent Island won the boys’ competition, tallying 96 points. Parkside finished in second place with 70, followed by Decatur with 60. Scoring points for Decatur for placing eighth or better were: seniors Tristan Dutton (1,600-meter run, first, 4:57.02; 3,200-meter run, second, 10:58.58), Owen Mielnik (pole vault, first, 13 feet) and Gavin McCabe (800-meter run, fifth, 2:21.39; 500-meter run, eighth, 1:18.67), and sophomore Ethan Justice (800meter run, first, 2:08.47; 1,600meter run, fourth, 5:09.07). Juniors Riley Calloway, Conner Herr, Jaden Holland and senior Jay McCarter, finished fourth in the 800meter relay race (1:45.39). Justice, McCabe, Dutton and freshman Brian Herbert came in fifth in the 3,200-meter relay race (9:48.50). Calloway, Herr, freshman Ethan Cowder and senior Gavin Weeks crossed the line sixth overall in the 1,600-meter relay race (4:17.96). Decatur’s next meet is after the holiday break, on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. in Snow Hill. “I’m happy with the progress so far. They’ve all shown growth,” Hommel said. “We’re going to move some people around to see where they can do well, where they excel.”
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
Decatur swimmers edge out KI in final race to win meet By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 24, 2021) The Stephen Decatur boys’ and girls’ swim teams won their final meet before the holiday break, competing against both Pocomoke and Kent Island at the Pocomoke YMCA on Dec. 16. “I thought they did great. Some times were better, so people are definitely improving, Steve Deakyne which is what we’re looking for. I’m proud of how everyone did,” said Decatur Coach Steve Deakyne. “Kent Island [competition] ended up being close for both the boys and the girls. It was exciting coming down to the end. The girls were tied going into the last relay, the 400 freestyle … and the boys were up by four going into the last event.” The Decatur boys’ team earned a 4639 victory over the Kent Island Buccaneers and topped the Pocomoke Warriors, 53-6. Decatur swimmers who came in first place in their events were: sophomore captain Daniel Karchewski (200yard freestyle, 2:01.38; 100-yard breaststroke, 1:07.60), sophomore, Mason Castanares (100-yard butterfly, 1:03.06), junior captain Gavin Stearn (200IM, 2:07.35; 100-yard freestyle, 51.21 seconds), and senior Luke Bahlman (100-yard backstroke, 1:13.78). Karchewski, Stearn, Bahlman and Castanares outswam their competition in the 200-yard medley relay race (1:48.78). The foursome also won the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:39.19).
With a slight lead, Decatur needed to place either first or second in the final race, the 400-yard freestyle relay. The group of Castanares, Bahlman, sophomore Chase Ponton and senior captain Alec McCabe came in first with a time of 4:29.44. Kent Island’s top foursome finished the race in 4:34. Decatur’s girls’ team outscored Kent Island, 50.5-42.5, and Pocomoke, 75-8. Lady Seahawks who won their events were: sophomore Trista Harner (50yard freestyle, 26.09 seconds; 100-yard breaststroke, 1:17.16 (tie)), junior captain Natalie Canham (100-yard freestyle, 59.78 seconds; 100-yard backstroke, 1:08.16) and senior captain Sierra Wakefield (100-yard butterfly, 1:08.05). Canham, Wakefield, Harner and junior Kayden Hamby took first in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:50.72). The score was tied, 41.5-41.5, with the 400-yard freestyle relay race remaining. Decatur not only earned first place, but second place as well, scoring nine points. Kent Island’s teams came in third and fourth, earning one point. The team of Canham, Wakefield, Harner and Hamby won the race in 4:09. Coming in second was the Decatur foursome - junior Katelyn Pizlo, freshman Molly Hoffman and sophomores Ashleigh Noonan and Hannah Allam (4:34.36). Decatur’s next meet is after the holiday vacation, Jan. 6 against the Cambridge Vikings at 3 p.m. at the Cambridge YMCA. “We’ve definitely seen improvement. Hopefully we can stay in shape over the long break and get right back into it after,” Deakyne said.
Decatur girls’ basketball team 5-0 going into break By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 24, 2021) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team is 5-0 going into the holiday break, after earning a 57-14 victory over the Pocomoke Warriors last Thursday on the road. “Pocomoke played us with a ton of energy. They played us hard,” Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz Scott Kurtz said. “They came out hot and went up 6-5, then we hit five threes in a row and it was 22-6 by the time the first quarter ended.” The Lady Seahawks outscored the Warriors, 21-2, in the second half to go into halftime on top, 43-8. “We settled down and ended up dictating the tempo of the game,”
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Kurtz said. “We were just shooting very well. Once we started knocking threes they had to extend their zone defense out on us [so] we changed our offense style and played the ball inside. Lots of baskets also came from inbound sets.” Because Decatur had such a large lead, the clock ran the entire second half. After three quarters, the Berlin squad was ahead, 46-9. “We were able to get everyone a lot of minutes. We ran our second unit a majority of the second half,” Kurtz said. Freshman Sam Boger led Decatur with 16 points. She also had three rebounds and six assists. Junior Shelby Rosemond scored 12 points and had seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Freshman Allison Swift chipped in See LADY Page 52
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Ocean City Today
Defense, rebounding key for squad By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Dec. 24, 2021) The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team made some adjustments before the second half of its game last Thursday against the Pocomoke Warriors in Berlin, which proved to give the Seahawks the boost they needed. “We’ve been getting off to a slow start, BJ Johnson but the kids find a way to pick it up in the second half,” Decatur Coach BJ Johnson said after the 75-57 victory. Decatur led 20-12 at the end of the first. The Seahawks outscored the Warriors, 15-12, in the second quar-
ter, to go into the break ahead, 35-24. “At halftime we made some adjustments [particularly] on defense … only allowing them to get one shot off [then get the rebound]. We always preach, ‘defense and rebounding wins games.’” After three quarters, Decatur held a 57-39 advantage. “We played a really good game against Pocomoke,” Johnson said. “The second half was probably one of the best halves of the season. I was very pleased with the defense and rebounding. It helped us be able to pull away.” Junior Luke Mergott had 17 points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Sophomore Brycen Coleman chipped in with 17 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and two assists.
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“Us getting through the first half of the season 5-1 is credit to the kids,” Johnson said. “We’re young with [a lack of] varsity experience, but I feel like we’re getting better with each game and that’s always our goal.” Decatur will compete in the Governor’s Challenge, held Dec. 26-30, in Salisbury. The Seahawks will play Caesar Rodney on Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 3:15 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. The next day, Decatur will go head-to-head with Seaford at 6:45 p.m. at the civic center. “We’re doing a lot of skill set stuff. That’s what we’re spending a lot of time on now,” Johnson said. “We’re going to be playing against two quality Delaware teams.”
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Lady Seahawks to participate in Gov. Challenge tourney Continued from Page 51 with 12 points and three rebounds. “Any of our starting five can get you in double figures any night, which makes it challenging for other teams,” Kurtz said. “Our goal was 5-0 [going into the Christmas vacation]. Five games in we feel good about the way the girls are playing … and hopefully we’ll feel good after 20. I’m pleased with how the girls have jelled together. We just have to keep it going.” Decatur will compete in the Governor’s Challenge, held Dec. 26-30. The Seahawks will match up with Linganore High School on Dec. 27 at 6:45 p.m. at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In the other part of the bracket is Laurel (Delaware) and Colonel Richardson, who will play at 10 a.m. at UMES. The winners of each game will battle at 3:15 p.m. at UMES on Tuesday, Dec. 28. The losing teams will play at 1:30 p.m. “We’re just trying to stay in shape and keep the girls practicing hard and playing hard,” Kurtz said. “Four of the next five games [after the break] are against some of the top teams in the Bayside [Conference]. We want to make sure we don’t take any steps back. No letdowns.”
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
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SURF REPORT
Equipment discussed for seasonal surfing By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Dec. 24, 2021) Winter surfing is a special segment or category of the surfing experience. This is certainly my opinion and I think most others would agree. It seems rather easy to set it aside with its own exclusivity. First and foremost, it’s cold, both water and air and all the vagaries that come with it. Let’s look at particulars and have a little assessment. Mid-June to mid-September can be considered warm and quite summer-ish. Maybe a light wetsuit piece would be needed for times of heavier
winds, but usually a rash guard would be enough if only to ward off the sun. This can vary from person to person, but we’re talking in a general sense here. Next up would roughly be midSeptember to mid-December. A 3mm-2mm or 3/2 full wetsuit is the best call for this time period with additions of boots, gloves and caps or hoods as the air and water become cooler and then colder. Again, this is a general overview and can vary from person to person and be subject to how the temperatures of the air and water shake out. Mid-December to mid-April can be viewed as the harshest, toughest time of the year. A 4mm-3mm or 4/3 full wetsuit would be a minimal requirement for this, coldest time. Accompanying this suit also calls
PHOTO COURTESY RICH VENERE
DONATION
The Stephen Decatur girls’ soccer team recently presented a $692 donation to Women Supporting Women. The money was raised during the team’s Pink Game to support and raise breast cancer awareness, in October. Pictured, from left are Abby Hoffman from WSW, with Decatur sophomore Kayla Rocco and juniors Hannah Dang and Mia Kemp.
for the addition of boots, gloves and a hood or cap of varying thicknesses. There’s just no way around it. Cold is cold and the human body can only take so much. Hypothermia can become a very serious condition. At times, the enthusiasm of the surfer can become so great as to not notice the onset of hypothermia. As a minimum example, many are the stories of needing both hands in using a key to unlock a car door after an extended wave riding session. To go a step further, the most ideal suit would be a 5mm or even a 6mm suit combined with arms and legs in the 3mm-4mm range with an attached hood. This setup with thicker, mostly 5mm boots and gloves and the surfer is ready for any winter scenario. Caution though, the thicker the suit the more restriction will result, even with suits becoming more flexible all the time. It becomes a balancing act between warmth and flexibility. This brings us to a sort of in between time of mid-April to mid-June, where one can begin to shed the heavier gear. Another word of caution here, whereas April can be very spring-like
inland it is still winter at the beach. This is due mainly to the water lagging behind the air in the spring season. My best reference is a water temperature of 45 degrees on April 15, which is often the case. This would call for continued winter gear but air and water temperatures generally rise rather quickly after this midApril time period. So there’s a little rundown for your perusal and edification. Winter surfing is definitely a special thing even though this article mentioned needed wetsuit gear for anytime of the year. Winter surfing is more difficult, but potentially more rewarding. What knucklehead is going to delve into 40-ish degree water despite the cover of enhanced wetsuit gear? Those that know the satisfaction will. I call it counter intuitive. It increases the feeling and thrill of surfing to a higher level. Some people lay off the colder months and there’s nothing wrong with that. But those that continue, revel in the notion that most people have no idea of. — Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
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Ocean City Today
DECEMBER 24, 2021
BBBSES Santa’s Open tournament another success (Dec. 24, 2021) Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) held its 29th annual Santa’s Open Charity Golf Tournament on Dec. 4 at Ocean Pines Golf Club, with M&T Bank returning as the primary sponsor. This year Santa’s Open was extremely successful once again with 122 players on 31 teams. Since 1992, Santa’s Open has been a source of joy and community support for families facing adversity. As part of a golfer’s registration, everyone also donates a toy which is then distributed to a child enrolled in the BBBSES program. It may seem like a very small gesture, but these gifts help encourage confidence and build positive self-esteem in the “Littles.” Santa’s Open could not take place without its sponsors, volunteers, staff, golf committee members and participants. BBBSES is extremely grateful for the commitment show by everyone to ensure the children of the area communities reach their limitless potential. This year’s top team was Ray’s Wraps (previously Team Wankmiller) who regained their place as the top gross finisher after coming in second last year. Finishing
ANGLERS OF THE YEAR
The Ocean Pines Anglers Club presented awards for 2021 Angler of the Year during its December meeting. Angler awards coordinator Tim Mullin kept the records throughout the year and presented certificates and cash prizes for 14 categories of fish. Winners from left, are: Frank Tortella, fresh water trout, 15 inches, spot 9 and 1/8 inches; Scott Carstairs, striped bass, 28 inches, croaker, 12 and 3/4 inches; Bob Woodward, flounder, 23 inches; Ken Thompson (accepting for son, Adam), red drum, 27 inches; and Budd Heim, sheepshead, 16 inches. Not pictured: Greg Donahue, bluefish, 15 inches, weakfish (trout), 22 and 1/2 inches; Steve Stein, tuna, 49.6 inches; Kevin Welkner, tautog, 16 and 1/2 inches; Jim McWinney, black sea bass, 16 inches.
in second place was Team Pohanka. No participant took home the big hole-in-one prize, sponsored by Pohanka on hole 7, but closest to the pin prizes were awarded to the best shots on holes 5, 7, 13 and 16. Additionally,
Dan Zakrociemski received $620 with the winning 50-50 raffle ticket. BBBSES is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and offers services and programs in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen
Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. For more information regarding BBBSES and its programs, visit www.shorebiglittle.org or send an email to info@shorebiglittle.org.
DECEMBER 24, 2021
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
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DECEMBER 24, 2021
VOTED
CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL OCEANFRONT 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY
2019
410.524.3535 WWW.CLARIONOC.COM
WINNER of the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for 15 Years and The Best of Excellence Award for 10 years!
OCEANFRONT DINING Open 7am-10pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday, December 28 & 29
410-524-7500
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Including Lite Fare & Steamer Specials 1 lb. Alaskan Crab Legs
2650 2 lb. Alaskan Crab Legs $ 45 1 lb. Steamed Shrimp $ 2525 $2650 with an Ear of Corn
$
with 2 Ears of Corn
in Old Bay® & Onions
½ lb. Steamed Shrimp ½ lb. Alaskan Crab Legs with an Ear of Corn
30% OFF DINNER MENU ENTREES
(specials not included)
Sunday, Monday & Thursday Nights • 5pm-8pm
LIVE MUSIC Saturday, Jan. 1 • 8pm-1am
ON THE EDGE Friday, Jan. 7 & Saturday, Jan. 8 • 8pm-1am
2021Gala
New Year’s Eve Party
Gourmet Dinner Buffet, Dancing, and Entertainment Friday, December 31 • $125 per person Gourmet Dinner Buffet 7 pm – 9 pm Dancing and Entertainment 8 pm – 2 am Cash Bar 7 pm – 2 am Hats, Horns & Noisemakers • Champagne Toast at Midnight
2 Bands - Continuous Music City Groove & On The Edge Reservations Required | Must be 21 Years of Age – Proper I.D. Required
9 HI-DEF TVs
Breakers Pub
NFL TAILGATE SPECIALS
ON THE EDGE
Best Craft Beer
Cheesesteak Sliders • Wraps • Wings • Fish Tacos Kosher • Hot Dogs • Burgers Pizza • Steamers
MERRY CHRISTMAS! CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE Friday, December 24, 2021 • 5pm to 9pm
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER
DRINK SPECIALS
$
375
$
Domestic Bottles House Wines & Rails
3
Coors & Yuengling Draft
425
Margararitas On the Rocks
BREAKFAST BUFFET Sunday, Dec. 26 7am-11am
Saturday, December 25, 2021 • 1pm to 8pm
HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT
$
6AM - ‘TIL
1395
$