12/19/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch DECEMBER 19, 2025

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— Page 61

PRICELESS

Fire chief resigns but plans to return Ocean City Fire Department Acting Chief Josh Bunting announces his retirement after 25 years with the city fire service, but plans to reapply for the opening his departure created.

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Short-term rental clash heads into round two City Council’s one-year extension of moratorium on new licenses in R1 and MH zoning districts results in another petition aiming to force decision to referendum.— PAGE 10

Persistence doesn’t work as sheriff seeks pay hikes SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PAIR OF MAYORS Former Ocean City Mayor Jim Mathias (left) and current Mayor Rick Meehan show they can still cut it ... the anniversary cake that is, at the Ocean City 150th Anniversary Gala at the convention center Friday. See pages 64-65 for more photos from the celebration.

As Sheriff Matt Crisafulli asks again for mid-budget boost in his office’s pay scale, the county commissioners give him the same answer: No.— PAGE 12

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OC Today-Dispatch

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Worcester school official on leave pending investigation Staff Reports (Dec. 19, 2025) There are more questions than answers this week surrounding an investigation of a highranking Worcester County public school official.

Last Saturday morning, local, state and federal investigators converged on the West Ocean City home Denise Shorts of Denise Shorts, who resides in the Oyster Harbor community. Shorts is a member of the Worcester County Public Schools executive leadership team, serving as chief academic officer grades pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.

“The Worcester County Board of Education cannot comment on any personnel matters; however, the Board is aware of an active investigation of a school system employee by the appropriate State authorities,” said Coordinator of Public Relations & Special Programs Carrie Sterrs.

That employee is currently on administrative leave, Sterrs said without providing further details, including the employee’s identity. Witnesses, however, reported seeing numerous law

enforcement personnel entering and exiting Shorts’ home during what appeared to be a morning search-andseizure exercise.

Shorts is a long-time public school veteran, previously serving as principal at Buckingham and Snow Hill elementary schools before moving to the central office as coordinator of Title I and literacy. In 2019, she was promoted to her current position. Shorts has more than 35 years of experience in public schools.

Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III told OC Today-Dispatch by phone Monday that his office cannot comment on any possible investigation unless it results in criminal charges.

Broadly, while the execution of a search warrant would be conducted to pursue evidence of a crime, some investigations may never result in an indictment, Charlton also said.

The state prosecutor’s office investigates cases involving public corruption, official misconduct, as well as election law and campaign finance violations. Recent cases pursued include a Cecil County sheriff’s deputy who illegally used police databases to snoop on people, and a Senate legislative aide who stole from a scholarship fund.

Bunting retires, shares plan to reapply for fire chief post

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) Ocean City’s acting fire chief, Josh Bunting, retired quietly late last week, but has shared his plans to re-apply for the position, giving him an opportunity to collect both a pension and full-time salary for the job he previously held.

While no formal announcement was Josh Bunting made, Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) Community and Department Engagement Officer Ryan Whittington confirmed this week that Bunting was retiring after 25 years of service to the Town of Ocean City. He said Deputy Chief Derrick Simpson will lead the department as interim fire chief while the city conducts an open recruitment process.

“Josh will have the opportunity to apply for the position just like any other qualified internal or external candidate,” a statement from Whittington reads. “In the meantime, the Fire Department’s command staff remains in place, and day-to-day operations and emergency response will

continue without interruption under the direction of interim Fire Chief Derrick Simpson.”

Bunting, who has headed the city fire marshal’s office since 2020, was selected to serve as acting fire chief in April, when the department’s previous leader, Richie Bowers, announced his immediate retirement. Three months later, Bunting announced he was resigning as fire marshal, a move he said would give him more time to focus on his duties as interim chief.

When reached for comment Monday, city staff said they were aware of Bunting’s intentions to retire from the outset. However, the quick departure came as a surprise to Ocean City Council President Matt James, who said he had first the news last week.

“I heard about it Thursday evening of last week,” he said in an interview Monday, “and this information was confirmed by the city manager on Friday.”

In an email sent to department staff last Thursday, Bunting shared he would be stepping down as acting fire chief, effective the following day. He also acknowledged the city’s upcoming recruitment process.

“After some time away to settle See ACTING Page 6

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OC Today-Dispatch

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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Acting chief exits with 1-day notice Continued from Page 3 some professional and personal obligations, I intend to formally re-apply for this full-time position, to hopefully have the opportunity to continue what we’ve started,” he wrote. “I am proud of all the work and preparation we’ve been able to start since I was given the chance to step in as Acting Chief in April, and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings as the OCFD stabilizes and we begin to transform into a Department prepared for the challenges that the remainder of the decade (and beyond) brings.”

Bunting signed off his email, “I’ll see you in 2026!”

Councilman Will Savage, assistant chief for the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, said he was aware of Bunting’s decision to retire and reapply for the position. While eligible to retire in October, Savage said Bunting had chosen to stay on for an additional two months to help the department prepare its budget and conduct a staffing study.

“I know he will interview well, just because he has had 25 years of career experience ….” Savage said of Bunting’s decision to re-apply. “Because of his integrity, he wants to know he earned the job.”

On Monday, the Town of Ocean City posted its job opening for the fire chief position. If rehired, Bunting would not only receive the full-time salary – listed between $115,690 to $149,937 – but pension payments, which he can collect early without tax penalties — so long as his retirement is viewed as genuine by the IRS. Otherwise, certain tax penalties would apply if the IRS were to determine that a retirement and a rehiring in the same job were prearranged.

Bunting began his fire service career as a cadet and became an active volunteer at age 18, according to the city. He began his professional career with the fire marshal’s office in 2000, where he has held numerous leadership roles, including deputy chief, fire marshal, and bomb squad commander.

Inside this week Calendar ..............................46 Classifieds ..........................49 Crossword ............................68 Dining Guide ........................62 Editoral/Letters....................70 Entertainment ......................36 Horoscope ............................69 Obituaries ............................75 Police/Crime........................22 Public Notices ......................52 Sports ..................................77

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Baltimore Ave. utility project moves forward

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) The City Council took its first formal step this week in moving forward with its plan to bury the utility lines along Baltimore Avenue.

On Monday, the council agreed to provide up to $1.5 million in “forward funding” for the Baltimore Avenue undergrounding project. “Forward funding” involves committing to or allocating a specific amount of money now for use later.

The vote comes less than a week after city officials agreed to bury utilities along a portion of the corridor until grant funding and a local match is expended.

“This is declaring the mayor and City Council’s intent to reimburse expenditures to be incurred with respect to certain projects or programs, with

proceeds of debt to be issued by the Mayor and City Council,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury explained this week.

“This is not to exceed $1.5 million for the Baltimore Avenue utilities undergrounding project.”

After receiving a $44.8 million cost estimate to bury utilities along Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th street, the council last week agreed to take a $20 million federal grant and add a $5 million local match and go as far as they can with the project. As part of that discussion, Public Works Director Hal Adkins asked the council to approve a resolution, allowing the city to start funding work on the project.

Back on the agenda this week, officials voted unanimously to forward fund the project, up to $1.5 million, with the expenditures to be reimbursed through a bond sale at a future date.

WISHING EVERYONE A MERRY CH HRIS ST TMAS

However, Adkins said that money would not be used until the city confirmed the scaled-down project was still eligible for the federal grant it had already received.

“If you could pass a resolution, I’d appreciate it,” Adkins said this week, “so the moment I get a positive answer, I can roll.”

Last year, the city received a $20 million federal earmark to help fund an extensive effort to bury utilities, widen the sidewalks and improve the overall streetscape along a portion of Baltimore Avenue. Based on initial cost estimates, the federal grant was expected to pay for roughly half of the $40 million project.

Earlier this fall, however, city officials, fearing an updated cost estimate would take the total price tag beyond $40 million, decided instead to pursue a scaled-down version of the project, which focused solely on burying utilities from North Division to 15th street.

Those fears were confirmed last week when the council learned the scaleddown version is now estimated at $44.8

million, or roughly $5 million more than the cost of the original project.

“We need to change the name of this version from ‘scaled down’ to something else,” Councilman John Gehrig said.

“It’s more expensive than our last quote for the full version.”

In a 6-0 vote last week, council members agreed to begin burying utilities until the $20 million grant and $5 million local match dries up. City staff also agreed to contact state partners to ensure the scaled-down project would still be eligible for the $20 million earmark.

Should the funding be confirmed, the city will have until Sept. 30, 2027 to have a shovel-ready project. From there, crews would start at North Division Street and move north, burying utilities along Baltimore Avenue and the side streets leading up to the Boardwalk.

At the conclusion of this week’s council meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan acknowledged that the resolution passed Monday “would begin to fund probably the biggest project we've done in Ocean City in a long time.”

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) Ocean City voters opposed to city regulation of short-term rentals in single-family zoning districts have until Jan. 20 to collect enough signatures to force a referendum on a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses in those neighborhoods.

Earlier this month, the Ocean City Council voted to extend its moratorium on new short-term rental licenses in R1 residential and MH mobile home districts another year. And last week, a group of voters who oppose that regulation made good on their promise to launch a petition challenging the council’s decision.

As the petition was accepted on Dec. 11, its sponsors will have 40 days to collect at least 990 signatures to bring the matter before the city’s electorate. To succeed, a petition calling for a referendum must contain the signatures of 40% of the number of voters in the last general election. As 2,476 people voted last fall, they will need to collect at least 990 valid signatures.

“The race is on with this,” petition organizer Terry Miller said in an interview late last week. “We’re very disappointed that we’re back at this again when they said they were going to listen. This is clearly not what’s going on.”

In February, city leaders instituted a 11-month moratorium on issuing new short-term rental licenses to properties located in the R-1 and MH districts.

From the outset, the council said the temporary pause would give them more time to evaluate the effectiveness

of new short-term rental regulations.

Other zoning districts such as R2 and R3 where short-term rentals flourish were not affected.

However, when the moratorium was revisited this fall, a council majority wanted to extend it another year and argued more time was needed to find a solution for regulating shortterm rentals in single-family neighborhoods.

An ordinance extending the moratorium to Jan. 3, 2027 was adopted in a 4-2 vote earlier this month, with Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, and Council President Matt James absent.

“I think we made the right next step, extending the moratorium …” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said at the close of the meeting. “I’m an optimist, I feel confident that we're going to come to a consensus sooner. We're going to have a meeting of the minds, and we're going to do something before the date that we just set in January.”

Prior to this month’s vote, and in the hours that immediately followed, Proctor, Miller and other community members made it clear that residents would challenge the council’s decision, just like they had done so with length-ofstay restrictions earlier this year. And on Dec. 9, Miller filed a petition with the city, which was accepted by the city solicitor two days later.

She said information on the group’s petition efforts would be shared on their “OCMD Residents Against Short Term Rental Restrictions” Facebook page.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

Sheriff’s plan to increase salaries mid-year rejected Motion to grant Crisafulli’s pay request dies in tie vote

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By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) Sheriff Matt Crisafulli’s request to increase starting salaries for new hires recruited as transfers from other law enforcement agencies went nowhere with the Worcester County Commissioners this week.

Crisafulli had asked to increase deputy pay by 5%, for entry-level deputy sheriff to sergeant. That would bump annualized starting pay from $63,132 to $66,210, or $31.83 an hour.

The sheriff also sought to increase pay by another 2.5% specifically for veteran police officers hired laterally from other police agencies.

Crisafulli told the commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting how he didn’t bring up the mid-year budget request lightly, and that he’s driven by realtime staffing needs and “not by convenience.”

“If we cannot compete now, those experienced deputies, will already be hired elsewhere,” he told the commissioners.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is down 12 positions, including vacant posts and staff on medical leave. Another two deputies expected to join the force soon are still in the police academy, according to the sheriff.

Crisafulli said the $354,281 cost would be largely offset by existing vacancies, bringing the net cost this fiscal year to $106,239.

The sheriff had tried a month ago to bring this same request before county leaders, but that discussion was tabled by a vote of the commissioners at the request of Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who said she needed more information.

Following this latest rejection, the sheriff’s office must now sit tight until the annual budget cycle reboots in the spring before making any new funding requests. Crisafulli told OC Today-Dispatch that the denial will stymie his hiring efforts by “potentially a year or two.”

Police departments across Delmarva lately have been locked in a de facto arms race for hiring, increasing starting pay and incentives to recruit from an ever-shrinking pool of candidates – a battle that Crisafulli says his office is losing.

Two Worcester deputies have quit this year to join other departments for more pay, while other lateral can-

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County OK’s Axon contract upgrade didates abandoned applications with Worcester County to follow more money elsewhere, according to the sheriff. At the same time, a handful of experienced deputies this year opted to retire early.

When it comes to hiring, Crisafulli drew a stark contrast between old hands and fresh horses: New recruits face a steep learning curve during their first to three years on the job – and that’s after navigating the lengthy process of background testing, academy training, and field instruction.

Veteran sheriff’s deputies, on the other hand, arrive fluent in police work, understand the culture of law enforcement, and may bring institutional knowledge.

Crisafulli said he started having these conversations with the commissioners months ago.

“We tried to explain to them that all of these other agencies were increasing their pay packages – they were laden with incentives and that we needed to start to do something now, just to be competitive,” the sheriff said. “We weren't asking to be the highest paid. We were asked to get into a competitive bracket.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic moved to approve the sheriff’s request and Commissioner Eric Fiori seconded the motion. However, with Commis-

sioner Diana Purnell absent Tuesday, the motion died in a 3-3 tie vote.

There was no discussion on the dais.

“Yes” votes came from Mitrecic, Fiori, and Abbott. “No” votes came from Commissioners Jim Bunting, Ted Elder, and Chip Bertino.

Following the vote, Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) was quick to note he’s open to talking about this again when the county ramps up its financial planning for the new fiscal year. “At budget time, this is a conversation we should have, and I hope you bring it back,” he told the sheriff.

Axon contract upgrade OK’d Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the last of the calendar year, the commissioners approved the sheriff’s request in a 6-0 vote giving him permission to update a contract with body camera provider Axon.

The four-year agreement adds an artificial intelligence software bundle to the county’s existing body camera contract with Axon. Crisafulli said by signing the contract now, the manufacturer will honor a proposed discount of $420,000, bringing the contract addendum to $1 million.

The sheriff added that his signing the updated contract now amounts to a “placeholder” and he’ll bring the fine print of the deal back before the commissioners for review in the near future.

PAGE 13

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Firefighter’s parade mulls ‘26 shift to Berlin State association votes for a weekend parade while keeping convention in OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) The door is open.

That’s the message Ocean City’s mayor and the Maryland State Firefighters Association (MSFA) shared last week after the organization let it be known that it was looking to relocate its annual June parade to Berlin.

“I think they are exploring other opportunities, and in no way will it prohibit them from continuing their conversations with Ocean City,” Mayor Rick Meehan said in an interview last Friday.

Last week, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall advised the Town Council of the association’s request to hold its parade down Main Street next June.

Officials want the procession to take place the Saturday before the start of the MSFA Convention & Conference, held annually in Ocean City.

“After last year’s convention, we polled our membership to determine how to improve the convention and parade,” a letter from MSFA Convention & Conference Chair Robbie Blackiston reads. “From this poll, it was determined to move the parade

from its traditional Wednesday date to the Saturday prior to the convention.”

For the last several decades, the MSFA parade has taken place the Wednesday of the convention, with the procession route running along Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City.

However, citing a decline in event participation, Blackiston approached Ocean City’s mayor and city manager in September with a request from MSFA membership to move the event to the Sunday before the convention.

“They felt if they did that, they would get more participation at the beginning of the convention and more people would be here for it,” Meehan said last week.

The mayor noted that the dialogue continued between Blackiston and the city manager, who shared a willingness to host the Sunday event, but without the association’s use of the Inlet parking lot as a staging area. He said other areas, including the Whiteside and Worcester Street lots, were proposed as alternatives.

“Anything more than that, they would have to come directly to the mayor and city council, because that would be a significant change,” he explained.

However, Meehan said he was surprised to receive a call from Black-

iston last week, informing him of the association’s decision to explore a Saturday parade in Berlin. He said the MSFA membership did not think the change would be possible in Ocean City.

“I don’t think it was a negative conversation,” he said. “It’s just that they, at the request of their members, are looking for other opportunities to enhance the parade.”

For his part, Blackiston said the membership ultimately voted for change in an effort to boost participation. He said the 2025 event saw the biggest decline in recent years.

“We’re kind of kicking the convention off, and we want to do that with a weekend parade,” he said in an interview last week.

Blackiston noted the MSFA membership ultimately settled on a Saturday date. He acknowledged the challenges of hosting a weekend parade in Ocean City, and the association’s decision to reach out to the Town of Berlin.

“At the end of the day, it would’ve been legislatively tough, because of the Inlet parking lot,” he said.

Blackiston said the MSFA would be meeting with the Berlin Town Council in the coming weeks to discuss their parade request. However, he made it clear the convention will continue to

be held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.

“We’ve still got some homework to do …,” he said of the parade. “But we’ve left the door open to work something out with Ocean City.”

Meehan made it clear last week that the city remains committed to helping the association “enhance their convention in any way” it can. He added he wanted to see the longstanding event continue in Ocean City.

“They are trying to build attendance at their parade,” he said.

“If that enhances their convention, we are certainly supporting them. Having the MSFA in Ocean City is extremely important. It’s a longstanding tradition, and I don’t think either party wants to see that change.”

Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, also acknowledged the important role the MSFA convention has played in Ocean City.

“In general terms, the MD Firefighters Convention has a long history, and our members have been welcoming, supporting, and serving the convention attendees for many years,” she said in a statement last week. “We sincerely hope we’ll have the opportunity to continue to serve them.”

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Commissioners pick Cutlip to succeed Addis Former Showell PTS head selected to fill Board of Ed. vacancy for Bishopville seat

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) The Worcester County Commissioners this week appointed Jackie Cutlip to the District 6 Board of Education seat vacated by the mid-term resignation of Katie Addis.

“I believe it is important to ensure that strong, thoughtful efforts to support and improve Worcester County Public Schools continue without interruption,” Cutlip said in a statement Wednesday. “Supporting student safety, transparency, and strong school communities has long been important to me, and stepping forward for this role felt like the right decision at this time.”

Cutlip, 47, has been involved as a parent in Worcester County Public Schools for 13 years. She was on the School Improvement Advisory Committee at both Showell Elementary

School and Berlin Intermediate School, and she’s a past president of the Showell PTA. She’s also served on committees for school safety and superintendent hiring.

The mother of three has also spoken publicly at school board and county commissioner meetings in recent years to advocate for transparency in budgeting and school safety, and to condemn efforts to push classroom instruction on the topic of gender and sexuality.

She and her husband make their home in the River Run community and are the owners of Bayside Boat Rentals in midtown Ocean City.

Addis, 39, was elected in 2022. She stunned her fellow board members by quitting at the Dec. 2 school board meeting with 11 months left on her four-year term. In a grievance-filled speech, she was critical of how the district spends school funding and expressed feeling unwelcome in the role because of her conservative and religious views.

State law says county commissioners get to appoint a new board of ed-

ucation member to fill any vacancy for the remainder of that term until a successor is elected. Two other District 6 residents, Kathy Cater and Gary McCabe, also applied for the position.

McCabe is a former finance officer for the school district. Cater, a former Stephen Decatur High School assistant principal, has already filed to run for the seat in November’s election.

Cutlip told OC Today-Dispatch she has not decided whether to run for the seat when her interim appointment expires. The filing deadline is Feb. 24.

Worcester’s commissioners approved Cutlip’s appointment at their Dec. 16 meeting. The vote was 6-0 with Commissioner Diana Purnell absent.

District 6 County Commissioner Jim Bunting said he wanted Cutlip to get the job, and that his fellow commissioners approved her as a courtesy to him because the opening was connected to his district.

“I thought she best reflected my values. When I spoke to her, she let me know she was her own person, and she would make her own deci-

Jackie Cutlip

sions and try to make the right decisions. That’s what I wanted to hear,” he said in an interview.

It’s not the first time Bunting has influenced a District 6 school board appointment. In 2021, school board president Eric Cropper died suddenly, and Bunting backed the eventual appointee, Nate Passwaters. He served the remaining year of the term but lost in the 2022 election to Addis.

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OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC mayor lambasts attorney general’s actions Meehan criticizes Brown over involvement in federal lawsuit against Trump order

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) Ocean City’s mayor fired back at state leaders last week for their involvement in a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s order to freeze approvals for offshore wind projects.

In May, a coalition of 18 attorneys general, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, filed a lawsuit challenging the administration's decision to halt indefinitely all permitting and approvals for offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. And last week, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court of

Massachusetts vacated those actions, declaring them to be arbitrary and contrary to law.

State leaders, including Brown and Gov. Wes Moore, have declared the ruling a victory, arguing Trump’s actions harmed Maryland citizens and local efforts to meet increasing electricity demand through renewable energy sources.

However, in a statement issued last week, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said the court’s decision had no impact on the Maryland offshore wind project led by US Wind.

“Although we are disappointed with the ruling by the US District Court of Massachusetts on President Trump's order to stop new permits and approvals for offshore wind projects, the ruling does not impact the US Wind Project because that project al-

ready had Federal Approval,” he said.

“In fact, we question why Attorney General Anthony Brown felt the need to spend Maryland taxpayer dollars on this lawsuit at all.”

Brown, in a statement last week, called the ruling “a win for Maryland families struggling to afford their utility bills and for the workers paid to build our State’s renewable energy infrastructure.” He added the lawsuit also provided safeguards to wind energy development, leading to lower utility costs and a safer environment.

Brown’s sentiments were shared by Moore last week. The governor also recognized the attorney general’s efforts in “defending our people, our economy and our Constitution.”

“Lowering energy costs requires investing in solutions that work, and expanding clean, reliable wind power is

one of the most effective tools we have,” he said. “At a time when too many households are stretched thin by rising utility bills, Maryland is moving forward by cutting red tape and advancing the infrastructure that strengthens our economy.”

In their lawsuit, the attorneys general alleged that the federal agencies’ actions harmed their states’ efforts to secure affordable energy sources and threatened to thwart billions of dollars of states’ investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development.

Maryland specifically has invested heavily in wind energy as part of its plan to fight climate change, with state law requiring Maryland to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045, with wind power serving as a cornerstone of this effort.

On the local front, the Lower Shore’s fight against offshore wind development conflicts with the state’s support for wind farms. In his statement last week, Meehan criticized Brown for his decision to enter the federal lawsuit.

“Instead of working to promote costly and unreliable offshore wind projects that require massive state subsidies at the expense of destroying Maryland’s coastline, we would encourage Attorney General Anthony Brown to focus on working toward developing responsible, cost-effective energy solutions that benefit Marylanders …,” he said, “not foreign corporations and hedge funds.”

City OK’s lease for substation use on Somerset Street OCDC to use top floor for seasonal employee housing

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) A commercial lease agreement will allow the Ocean City Development Corporation to manage employee housing operations on the third floor of the new police substation.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council approved the lease terms for the top floor of the building, which opened earlier this year at the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Somerset Street. While the first two floors will be used by the city’s police department, the third floor will be rented to seasonal public safety officers and Beach Patrol members.

“All the rental [money] will go into a fund,” City Manager Terry McGean told council members this week, “and that fund must only be used for maintenance of the building.”

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

Mitrecic pitches combined school districts Commissioner seeks input on proposal to consolidate south-end school facilities

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) With the promise of state funding for public schools not necessarily assured in the near future, Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic is making an audacious pitch for a money-saving endeavor: consolidate two southernend school districts into one.

Mitrecic said this week he believes his elected peers in years past “made a mistake” by authorizing separate middle and high schools for the neighboring towns of Snow Hill and Pocomoke City instead of combining them – decisions he said cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

At his request, the county commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agreed to send a letter to the board of education asking officials to explore what such a consolidation might entail. The vote was, 6-0, with Commissioner Diana Purnell absent.

“I know this is a radical thought and, again, I don’t want everybody to get crazy about it,” Mitrecic said during the meeting’s open comment period. “This would be the first step in just getting some kind of idea of what would be necessary.”

Added Mitrecic: “I know that there’s tradition and there’s people that are gonna chastise me for just that – tradition and all. But we just see the budget soaring.”

He noted that south-end schools are far less populated than northern Worcester schools, a factor he said contributes to the county having the second highest per-pupil spending in the state.

Six of the county’s 14 schools serve

students from Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. This academic year, those schools have a combined enrollment of 2,487 students – about 35% of the county’s 6,970 total students, according to school system spokeswoman Carrie Sterrs.

Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) said he felt moved to propose this “very exploratory and preliminary” idea after attending last week’s winter conference of the Maryland Association of Counties in Cambridge.

There, he sat in on a symposium focused on the complexities of paying for school construction and the potential funding gap counties face as state revenue shortfalls persist. The discussion included direct input from the head of the state’s gatekeeper commission on school construction funding.

“After that seminar,” Mitrecic said, “it became very clear that the cost of us maintaining our schools, and building new schools possibly in the future, is going to be borne by the taxpayers of Worcester County.”

State lawmakers in recent years have shifted more unfunded mandates onto counties in an effort to rein in state costs. Those include increased cost-sharing for property tax collection, wrongful conviction lawsuit payouts, and a mandatory minimum teacher salary of $60,000 by the 2026-27 school year.

The end result could have a wideranging and massive impact on Worcester County Public Schools: reductions in teachers and staff, fewer bus routes and drivers, and less spending on facilities maintenance and food service, among other outcomes. Mitrecic said any staffing cuts would occur through attrition and that no one should lose their job.

Athletics could disappear for either the Warriors or Eagles – a gut

punch to the identities of the Pocomoke and Snow Hill communities, respectively, should their alma maters ever be shuttered.

Mitrecic stressed that the final decision would rest with the board of education and that the idea is a very, very long-term play – one that could take two decades to materialize.

“If you started it today, it would take 12 years for it to start to wean itself out, to just one school district. I certainly don't want to pile all the kids into one school from both areas today – I understand the problems that could bring on,” Mitrecic told OC Today-Dispatch.

“If it took effect today, the ones that are in kindergarten today would graduate in separate schools. The ones that start kindergarten next year would graduate together,” he added.

This isn’t the first time the topic has come up for discussion, noted Commission President Ted Elder (District 4, Western).

“Thirty years ago, I remember people suggesting this,” he said, noting the idea was promptly quashed by locals and never gained traction with the school board at the time.

Elder, agreeing with Mitrecic, also pointed out how the county has invested “well over $100 million” into south county facilities, and how “it would have saved tremendously” to build just one high school instead of two.

Spokeswoman Kim Moses said Worcester County spent $28.1 million on Worcester Technical High School in 2007, $35 million for an addition and renovation of Pocomoke High School in 2008, and $43 million for an addition and renovation of Snow Hill High School in 2013. Both high schools were built in 1958 on the same blueprint.

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school officials to dictate a response.

"I look forward not only to discussing this more fully with the commissioners to understand their position, but to gather insight from those communities to inform any long-range decisions about our community-based schools," Superintendent Annette Wallace said in a statement.

Board of Education President Todd Ferrante, when reached for comment, noted the state’s wealthbased funding formulas leave Worcester County with the secondlowest level of school funding statewide. He declined to comment on the consolidation proposal until the board receives the commissioners’ letter.

“At this point, the commissioners have made a request, and we’ll certainly look into it and we’ll get back to them,” he said.

Leases extended for OC buildings Continued from Page 18 This year, the Ocean City Police Department moved from its substation operations on Worcester Street to a new building on Somerset Street.

While the first two floors house police department operations, the third floor will be dedicated to employee housing.

As part of those plans, the City Council this week executed a commercial lease agreement with the Ocean City Development Corporation, a partner in the substation’s development. As approved, the agreement sets the terms for managing rental operations and maintaining the space.

In addition to approving the lease agreement at Somerset Street, the council on Monday voted to renew its lease agreement for the Tarry-AWhile building on Dorchester Street.

McGean noted that the facility featured office space for the Ocean City Development Corporation on the first floor and employee housing on the second.

“The lease does expire at the end of this year,” he said. “They've requested a five-year extension.”

The council also agreed to renew its lease agreement with the Lions Club for a building located on airport property. McGean said the club had plans to renovate the building and wanted a 20-year renewal.

“They have typically been operating on an automatic annual renewal,” he explained. “They are getting ready to invest a substantial amount of money – I think primarily for a new roof – and they have asked that we renew the lease for a 20-year term so that they have some confidence in investing this money and can get the loans to do so."

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch Today-

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Reward raised to $10,000 for tips in Truist robbery

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) With the case growing cold, city officials this week agreed to increase the reward for information that leads police to the perpetrator of a bank robbery that occurred last year.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to amend its city code and increase the maximum monetary amount for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person committing a criminal act from $5,000 to $10,000.

Later in the meeting, council members supported a resolution to increase the cash reward offered in the Truist Bank robbery investigation.

I m just thinking out loud, that “I’m based on what we did here tonight, we may wish to consider an increase of our current award to $10,000,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said.

On Oct. 25, 2024, just after 9 a.m., Ocean City police were called to the scene of a robbery at Truist Bank on 47th Street. According to the police department, the robber had entered the bank and passed a handwritten

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Ocean City Police Department is seeking the community’s help in identifying the suspect, pictured above, in a bank robbery that occurred last year. The perpetrator is described as a white male, late 50s to early 60s, approximately 5 feet, 11 inches with an average build.

During the robbery, he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, jeans, gloves, glasses and a medical-style mask.

note to the teller demanding money.

After taking an undisclosed amount of money, the robber left the scene on foot and was last seen heading north on Coastal Highway.

In the days and weeks following the incident, photos of the suspect and requests for the public’s assistance were circulated on the police department’s Facebook page. How-

ever, despite more than a year of investigating, the department has yet to identify the person responsible.

Last month, the council agreed to offer a reward of up to $5,000 for their capture and conviction. And on Monday, learning the police department still had no leads in the investi-

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As a motion was made at the end of Monday’s meeting, without the required public notice, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the resolution could be brought back to the council at a future meeting.

Material from the outside of a Days Inn in Ocean City fell last weekend.

No injuries were reported.

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Exterior material collapses from Ocean City’s Days Inn

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) No injuries were reported after building material fell from the facade of a downtown hotel this week.

On Sunday, just after 4 p.m., the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) was dispatched to the 2200 block of Baltimore Avenue for a reported partial collapse of building material at the Days Inn. According to OCFD Community and Department Engagement Officer Ryan Whittington, a portion of the exterior insulation and finishing that enclosed a north stairwell had detached and fell from the side of the hotel.

“The stairway itself remains in place, as it is constructed by steel,” he said in a statement Monday. “No injuries were reported. The Ocean City Fire Department and Town of Ocean City building inspector responded to the scene, and the building is currently reported as unoccupied.”

According to a social media post from the OCFD, all responding units were cleared from the scene by 4:52 p.m. Matt Giardina, whose family owns the building, reported that the fallen building material – a combination of Styrofoam and Dryvit – was already being removed prior to last weekend’s windstorm.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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PHOTO COURTESY OCFD

Interim Fire Chief Derrick Simpson, right, presents Firefighter/Paramedic Ian Spice with his Maryland Paramedic patch.

OCFD congratulates Spice on paramedic certification (Dec. 19, 2025) The Ocean City Fire Department this week announced that Firefighter Ian Spice has successfully completed his paramedic training at Chesapeake College, tested, and is now a certified Maryland paramedic.

“I’m excited to take on the added responsibility and provide a higher level of care to my patients when they need it most,” said Spice.

Interim Fire Chief Derrick Simpson praised the achievement, stating, “Ian’s commitment to advancing his

training reflects the professionalism and dedication we expect from our department. His accomplishment strengthens our ability to deliver highquality emergency medical care to the Ocean City community.”

The department also extended its appreciation to the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation for supporting Ian’s education through the Robert T. Adkins, MD Memorial Scholarship, helping invest in the future of emergency medical services.

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Early ball drop tradition set to continue in Berlin

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 18, 2025) For area residents and visitors who want to ring in 2026 a few hours early, the Town of Berlin is once again hosting its New Year’s Eve ball drop at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.

On New Year’s Eve, Berlin will continue its tradition of dropping a disco ball in town to recognize the start of a new year. As is custom for the event, the ball drop will take place promptly at 6 p.m., rather than midnight, to give families with young children another way to celebrate the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.

Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, said 6 p.m. was chosen because when it’s 6 p.m. in Berlin, Maryland, it’s midnight in Berlin, Germany. The early-bird event is also a convenient way for parents to provide an exciting experience for their kids without the hassle of staying up past their bedtimes. “[The event] has become a fun tradition for families with kids who can’t stay up too late,” Wells said.

She added that a disco ball is “the star of the show” and is used to mimic the iconic New York City ball drop.

The sphere will be lowered across from the Atlantic Hotel.

Before Berlin rings in the new year at 6 p.m., attendees are invited to arrive around 5 p.m. Wells said there will be music from Radio Ocean City and free cowbells for the kids, while supplies last. Downtown restaurants will be open for dinner, with many hosting late-night celebrations after the lowering of the disco ball.

Oaked at the Globe, for instance, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The band Old State Line will perform. Tickets are available on the establishment’s website. Individuals can attend for $20, which includes entry and a champagne toast, or $30, which provides for entry, a champagne toast, and a lite fare buffet.

While the ball drop this year will again be held at 6 p.m., there was some discussion in October that for Dec. 31, 2026, the time could be adjusted to around 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. to encourage additional downtown patronage.

At an Oct. 27 meeting of the Berlin mayor and council, it was argued that the 6 p.m. ball drop draws many families who roll out as soon as it's over. By 6:20 p.m., the town is empty. Moving the time slightly later would allow residents and visitors to arrive early, grab dinner at downtown restaurants, and then stay for the New Year's Eve celebration.

The town will look into the possibility of having a later start time in the future.

This year, however, residents are encouraged to come out at 5 p.m. for music and enjoy the traditional NYE celebration with their friends and family at 6 p.m.

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

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Fowler’s latest book revisits 1968 jail break

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 18, 2025) Local author Stephanie L. Fowler will be at The Greyhound Bookstore in Berlin this weekend, chatting with readers and signing copies of her new book on the 1960s double homicide in the Salisbury jail.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fowler, a true crime author and co-owner of Berlin’s independent selfpublishing company Salt Water Media, will be at the indie bookstore signing copies of her third book, “Into the Night: A Jailbreak and Double Homicide on

Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

Fowler said that the book examines the night of Sunday, Dec. 8, 1968, when 21-year-old prisoner Joseph J. Bartholomey Jr. from Baltimore escaped from the Wicomico County Jail, murdering the Wicomico County Sheriff Samuel Graham and jailer Albert L. Kelly in the process.

According to the Fowler, Bartholomey was arrested for a few robberies in and around Wicomico and Somerset counties. On Friday, Dec. 6, 1968, two days before the double homicide took place, the prisoner’s friend

and girlfriend visited him and smuggled in a gun by hiding it in a box of candy. Bartholomey used the firearm on Kelly first around 10 p.m., before attacking the sheriff, who had come running in in response to the commotion.

At the time of the event, the county jail was located on the top floor of the district court building, referred to by many as the “penthouse prison,” Fowler said. And in the basement of that structure was the sheriff’s department.

Right after the shots were fired, another prisoner rushed to find the deputy on duty in the sheriff’s office.Unfortu-

nately, by the time the pair made it back up to the top of the courthouse, both Kelly and Graham had died. That deputy happened to be Fowler’s grandfather.

Bartholomey made his escape but was eventually captured and sentenced to life in prison.

The details of the crime are laid out in the first few pages of the book.

Fowler then dives into the history of Salisbury, the courthouse, the lives of the victims and the perpetrators, and how the events unfolded that night.

The author also takes a thorough look at the painful aftermath.

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Author will hold signing Saturday Fowler was born and raised in Salisbury, where she attended Parkside High School and graduated in 1997. She then enrolled at Washington College in Chestertown.

“My family roots go pretty deep here,” she said. “I feel very Delmarva born and bred. I think that there’s something about the history of Delmarva, there’s something about our myths, our legends, these weird stories, these crazy stories. There are many interesting and unusual stories, and this one came to me personally through my grandfather.

“And I am fascinated with Delmarva and the history and the culture and the way that we have been and the way that we are and the things that have shaped us and what continues to shape us. As a nonfiction writer, the stuff of Delmarva is my wheelhouse. It's all the fodder for what I want to write.”

Fowler said that she hopes her books shed light on forgotten local tragedies. At the time of the murders, Sheriff Graham and his wife, the Wicomico High School vice principal, were beloved figures. But with time, the stories fade. She added that she also made it a point to highlight the death of Kelly, the jailer, as his involvement sometimes gets overlooked.

“Into the Night” is Fowler’s third book. Her first work was a collection of short stories that, before its official pub-

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

“I think that there’s something about our myths, our legends, these weird stories, these crazy stories ...,” said author Stephanie Fowler on her draw to the shore’s real life events.

lication, won Washington College’s 2001 Sophie Kerr Prize, the largest undergraduate literary award in the country.

The local author’s second book, “Chasing Alice,” tells the story of Fowler’s high school English teacher, Alice Davis, who was killed by her husband in 2011. That book was published in 2020. Fowler said that while there were no positives from that situation, she found comfort in feedback from others who had used the book to

escape toxic relationships or help their loved ones leave abusive partners.

“The better part of that book was people saying, ‘I bought your book, and I gave it to my friend who is in a difficult relationship,’” she said. “One man bought it for his niece, who was dating a guy that raised a lot of red flags for the family.”

Residents can meet Fowler this Saturday at The Greyhound and score a signed copy of “Into the Night.” Fiction author Andrew Heller will also be joining the Salt Water Media owner, signing copies of his fiction book, “The Ondines of French Camp.” The event will begin at 11 a.m.

“Into the Night” can be purchased at local independent bookstores, including The Buzzed Word in Ocean City, The Greyhound in Berlin, Sundial Books in Chincoteague, Virginia, Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, The Bookplate in Chestertown, and Bethany Beach Books in Bethany Beach, Delaware. The work can also be bought on Amazon, the bookshop.org, at Barnes and Noble, and at Salt Water Media, on 29 Broad Street in Berlin.

Fowler said that she is already working on her next book. This story will detail the mysterious death of a lighthouse keeper in the Chesapeake Bay in 1931.

“I am just starting to get into that one,” she said.

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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CHILDREN’S BEACH HOUSE SUPPORT Students and faculty at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) came together last month to support Children’s Beach House with a blue dress-down day fundraiser. Participants donated $5 to benefit the Children’s Beach House and its program to help improve the lives of children, youth, families, and communities by helping them to identify, understand, and utilize their own strengths, talents, and resources. Through early-childhood education, after-school programming, residential camps, and family wrap-around services, Children’s Beach House helps children, families, and communities build futures of hope and transformation. WPS seniors Anisha Batra and Ansh Batra nominated this important cause. Pictured, top left, are kindergartners Ethan Fortunato, Crew Sands, Otis Evans, Brady Mancini, Colton Shapiro and Colton McCready. Top right are sophomore Hayden Wagner and senior Marina Farlow. Above left are fifth graders Kamden White, Carter Merryman, Q Durrell and Wesley DeVito. Above right are fifth graders Hannah Giardina, Emma Abbott, Margot Hidell, Alice Diorio and Emily Leiner.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

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SHOP WITH A COP The Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack, in coordination with the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center, hosted the annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 13. This event fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and local youth while providing support for families across Worcester County during the holiday season.

This year, 33 children from Worcester County were selected to participate. Law enforcement officers and volunteers transported the children on a Maryland State Police bus to Berlin’s Walmart, where each child had the opportunity to choose gifts for themselves and family members, with funds provided by the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. In addition to the officers, the children were assisted with their shopping by The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. Participating law enforcement agencies included the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department along with the Berlin Police Department, Ocean City Police Department, and the Natural Resources Police, all of whom joined Maryland State Police troopers in pairing with children for the event.

After shopping, everyone returned to the Berlin Barrack, where Chick-fil-A West Ocean City donated lunch for the participants and the celebration continued with a visit from Santa.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

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NEW MURAL CELEBRATED The Germantown School Community Center hosted a ribbon cutting and holiday reception last Saturday to mark the installation of Patrick Henry’s historic mural depicting a scene at the former school. The mural was installed on the outside of the former school located at 10223 Trappe Rd in Berlin. The three individuals in the ovals are, from left, Julius Rosenwald, who helped fund the school; Isaac Henry, who deeded the acreage for the school; and Booker T. Washington, who Rosenwald partnered with to found the Rosenwald Rural School Building Program. According to Henry, pictured at last Saturday’s event, his original painting was digitally photographed by local resident and business owner Tony Weeg. Dave and Sue Lane of Sun Signs created the four panels who were joined in place by Nathaniel Cullen of Sign Tech.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

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AUTO AU TO DETAILING DETAILING

The Perfect Gift!

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AUTO DETTA AIL / CAR WASH by METROPOLITTA AN MAGAZINE

Wishing Everyone A Merry Christmass!

Make Dinner er Reservation ns for New Year’s Eve Entertainment ainment by First Class & DJ Giddy Up CLOSED - REOPEN FRIDAY, DEC.. 26 • 2PM 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc..com

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28 410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, December 20: TBA CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Wednesday, December 31: First Class & DJ Giddy Up

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, December 19

CARLEY TWIGG Cantina Los Agave: Tuesday, December 23

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ E-STATE Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, December 19 & 20

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, December 19: Aaron Howell CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, December 19: LNJ Sessions Saturday, December 20: Fuzzbox Piranah FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, December 19: DJ RobCee Saturday, December 20: DJ Vybe Thursday, December 25: Reunion w/ DJ Vybe

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays

DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, December 20

DJ VYBE Fager’s Island: Saturday, December 20 & Thursday, December 25

DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 37

OC Today-Dispatch

Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Wednesday, December 31: DJ Wood NAKED NATION Seacrets: Friday, December 19

CECILIA’S FALL Harborside: Saturday, December 20

AARON HOWELL Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, December 19

JOSH PRYOR BAND Pickles Pub: Saturday, December 20

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, December 21

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: New Year’s Eve Wednesday, December 31

FIRST CLASS Coins Pub: New Year’s Eve Wednesday, December 31

MAKING WAVES Fager’s Island: New Year’s Eve Wednesday, December 31

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HK H KLLL! K !!L LL! !!O OOL L L @ HHTTT! @H !!H H

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, December 20: Josh Pryor Band Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Thursdays: Beats By Connair SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, December 19: Naked Nation, DJ E-State & DJ Davie Saturday, December 20: DJ E-State

PENNIES PENNIE ES S

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, December 19: DJ Billy T Saturday, December 20: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler Sunday, December 21: Opposite Directions

We are Paying $110 in n Cash for $100 wor th of Pen nnies!

410 41 10-629-9656 629 9656

PAGE 38

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

AUXILIARY BREAKFAST SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

FOOD DRIVE HELD Nurse Professionals Home Care recently conducted its 15th annual food drive to benefit Diakonia’s Food Pantry for community distribution for those less fortunate in our community. Pictured are Nicole House-Blanc, director of Nursing for NPHC, and Anita Logsdon Battista, president of NPHC.

During the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 November Sunday breakfast, members were happy to serve our ALA Dept of MD President Kyrese Johnson, American Legion Maryland Department Commander Nikki Carnes Randolph and ALA Eastern Division National Vice President Ree Ann Ross, along with other ALA members from the across the state who attended the annual conference in Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Johnson and Auxiliary members Marie Gilmore, Marti Marron, Jessie Parsons and Penny Matthews.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

TREE DECORATING SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

DINOSAUR RESEARCH Third grade students in Mrs. Mason-Burt's class at Ocean City Elementary School had fun digging up, identifying, and assembling "fossil" dinosaur bones in their Science unit, Animals Changing Through Time. Pictured, from left, are Marie Voicu, Mohammad Owies and Logan To.

The Republican Women of Worcester County decorated the Christmas Tree in White Horse Park recently. Standing, from left, are RWWC members Deb Dil, Mary Adair, President Jean Delcher, Jane Wolnik and Jennie Allen.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ANNUAL CHARITY RAFFLE Carol Withers, owner of A Perfect Face Day Spa in West Ocean City, presented the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with a donation of $1,895 from her annual Pamper Yourself for charity raffle. Pictured, from left, are Sue Carpenter, ACS volunteer; Jill Elliott, ACS staff partner; Withers; and Jean "Bean" Keagle, ACS volunteer and breast cancer survivor and thriver.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

RED SHOE BOOK CLUB Republican Women of Worcester County’s Red Shoe Book Club met at Ocean Pines Library on Nov. 11 to discuss "Plan Red" by Gordon Chang. Pictured, front row from left, are Jean Scanlon, Yvonne Babcock and Deb Dills; and, back, Susan Ostrowski, Literacy Chair, Julie Koehler, Linda Sirianni and Nina Willett.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 39

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OCES ANIMAL FACTS Mrs. Zavodny's kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary created their very own animal fact cards using key details from their non-fiction Farm Animals book. The students have been working on finding evidence in the text and supporting it by drawing, labeling, and writing.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SONS AND DAUGHTERS ITALY DONATION The Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy (SDOI) has made its largest charitable donation of the year -- $2,000 to the annual WBOC-TV Bless Our Children campaign, twice as much as usual because of a highly successful 2025 St. Joseph’s Day Festival. The destival is the major fund-raiser for SDOI’s annual charitable and scholarship programs. While planning was underway for the 14th annual 2026 Festival, Judy Zanetti and Janet Ackerson of SDOI presented the ceremonial $2,000 check to WBOC’s Lisa Bryant and Steve Monz.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WOR WIC AWARD WINNERS Wor-Wic Community College recently honored four employees with Excellence in Service Awards.

The awards recognized those who have gone above and beyond to support students and the college’s mission, foster a sense of camaraderie and positivity, contribute innovative ideas and play an active role in Wor-Wic’s success. Above, Thelma Orr, a member of the Wor-Wic Foundation board of directors, and Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of Wor-Wic Community College, along with Dr. Kimberly W. Purvis (at right), celebrate winners of Wor-Wic’s Excellence in Service Awards Lindsay Bowen, Hope Ellis, Donna L. Yackley and Will Preneta.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OCES COLLECTIONS Students at Ocean City Elementary collected nonperishable food for the Diakonia food pantry. Students learned that a sacrifice is when you give up something to benefit someone else. Students were encouraged to make a sacrifice to purchase an item to donate. Pictured: Head Custodian Mr. Finney with students who sacrificed recess time to collect and sort the donations.

GARDEN CLUB TEA The Worcester County Garden Club recently gathered at the Victorian home of member Jan King for a festive Holiday Tea. Members brought non-perishable food items for the Snow Hill Ecumenical Food Pantry and participated in a “Yankee Swap” gift exchange.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

RWWC SDHS DONATION The Republican Women of Worcester County presented a check for $1,000 to Stephen Decatur High School Band Director Jimmy McKenzie to help with expenses toward the entire band’s trip to Hawaii to participate in the Pearl Harbor Day parade on Dec. 7. Only one high school from each state was chosen to participate and march in the parade and the honor in Maryland was given to SDHS. Above, RWWC First Vice President Carol Frazier is seen presenting the check to McKinzie.

PAGE 40

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Walmart gives grant The Ocean City Chamber Foundation announced it has received a $2,000 Spark Good Local Grant from the Berlin Walmart to support the Young Professionals of Ocean City’s Annual Christmas Spirit Campaign.

Each year, the Young Professionals of Ocean City work throughout the community to raise funds for their signature Christmas Spirit Campaign.

Now in its 14th year, this initiative brings holiday joy to underprivileged children in Worcester County. What began as a small outreach effort has now grown to serve more than 100 local children annually.

The Christmas Spirit Campaign committee collaborates closely with the Worcester County Public School System, the Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, and numerous community partners to identify and assist children who are most in need and at risk.

Thanks to the generosity of the Berlin Walmart through this Spark Good grant, the program will be able to serve an additional 20 children this Christmas season.

“We’re proud to support the Young Professionals’ Christmas Spirit Campaign and help spread holiday cheer in our community,” said Michael Quillen, General Manager of Walmart in Berlin. “Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and we’re thrilled to partner with local organizations making a difference.”

The foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Berlin Walmart for its continued commitment to the community and for helping ensure more children experience the joy and magic of the holiday season.

Community dinner held St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church held a Free Community Dinner and Food Giveaway on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City.

During the event, guests were welcomed to enjoy a pulled pork or pulled chicken dinner served in the parish hall and/or take part in the food and supplies giveaway — all free of charge while supplies last.

Both the dinner and the giveaway happened at the same time, so attendees could come for one, the other, or both. There were no requirements or sign-ups.

“This event is all about sharing good food and fellowship,” said organizers at St. Paul’s By-the-Sea. “Whether you’d like to sit down for a meal, take home groceries for your family, or both, we invite you to join us.”

For more information about similar events to be held in the near future, contact Outreach Ministries at St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church.

Continued on Page 41

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 41

OC Today-Dispatch

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Continued from Page 40

Vacant seat announced

Patsy’s Restaurant 121 C

The Worcester County Commissioners are seeking interested area residents to serve on the Administrative Charging Committee under the State Police Accountability Act. There is one vacant position on this board.

The Administrative Charging Committee consists of five members who review complaints and investigations of police misconduct, determine whether an officer should be charged with misconduct, and, if charged, recommend discipline from the State-created matrix.

Members of the board must receive 40 hours of training before beginning service.

To apply for this board, visit co.worcester.md.us/PAB, click on “Attached Files,” and then click on “Application for Accountability Charging Committee.” Send the completed application along with a letter of interest and a resume or cover letter outlining any pertinent experience to khammer@co.worcester.md.us or Worcester County Administration at One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

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Wor-Wic Community College is offering a new non-credit class, “The Joy of Creative Engagement: Finding Joy in Your Caregiving Journey,” through its continuing education and workforce development division. The class is in partnership with the nonprofit Stories Love Music, and will be taught by its executive director, Ilyana Kadushin.

The class is recommended for both professional and family caregivers of people with dementia. It is appropriate for health care workers in memory care settings, recreational directors, nursing assistants and students in health care fields, as well as family members. It will coach participants on how to use music as an emotional anchor, stress management tool and artistic intervention. Participants will explore diverse forms of creativity in a supportive environment where they can share experiences and connect with other caregivers. It will also provide access to practical tools for navigating the complex emotional landscape of caregiving.

The class will meet on five Thursdays starting Jan. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., in Room 300 of Fulton-Owen Hall on the Wor-Wic campus. Visit the non-credit offerings section of worwic.edu to registger and look under professional development on the health care page.

In addition to her work with Stories Love Music, Kadushin has served as an adjunct faculty member at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, among other teaching and artistic experiences.

OCTodayDispatch.com

PAGE 42

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

SURF REPORT

The Adventures of Fatherhood

F

by Steve Green

or the first time ever, Pam and I were able to sit together and simply watch our church’s Christmas program last Sunday.

In recent years, that hasn’t been possible. One of us has always been on stage, serving as a wise man – or a sheep -- alongside our son Carson. He needed reassurance — a wing person — to stand before the congregation and help him carry out his role. Last year, that was me, fully costumed and by his side. It’s just part of being a parent to our special-needs guy.

Our oldest son, Beckett, now 17, long ago aged out of the Christmas program at Stevenson United Methodist Church, but he still carries plenty of memories from his time there, including a couple of stints as Joseph.

During a rehearsal a couple Sundays ago, though, something felt different with Carson.

He waved me off and pointed toward the back of the room. In his nonverbal way, he made it clear: I wasn’t needed.

I should go sit down.

I was thrilled to not be needed. He had this.

That moment stayed with me, because letting go doesn’t come naturally to parents, especially to those with special needs children. We spend so much time preparing, protecting and anticipating the next need that we don’t always recognize when the moment arrives to step back.

Fast forward to Sunday, when for the first time, Pam and I watched the Christmas program together from the pews. Carson did a lovely job, just one of many participants — confident, composed and comfortable in his role.

Each year, we ask Carson if he wants to be part of the program. He’s much older — and much taller — than most of the kids, but he always says yes. It’s clear he enjoys being involved and having a place.

Later that morning, we were reminded that independence doesn’t mean limitless.

At Breakfast with Santa following the program, Carson politely passed on sitting on Santa’s lap with the younger children. Instead, he headed straight for the kitchen and took on the role of dishwasher. This year, he stood with the other kids and mouthed the words to songs but nailed all the hand dancing by himself.

That independence has been showing up more and more lately.

We see it each day when he walks into the tech school on his own for his digital audio and video class. We see it when we drop him off at the high school for Unified Strength and Conditioning — he walks in confidently and finds the correct room by himself.

We see it in the small, everyday tasks as well. The pride he feels from accomplishing something on his own is unmistakable.

He’s also stepped completely outside his comfort zone by joining a youth group at Berlin First Baptist Church called Finding Friends & Individuals with Needs & Disabilities. The group meets every Wednesday night for 90 minutes, and it seems to be the highlight of his week. Our family is blessed by this group and the charitable souls and kind hearts who organize it each week.

By chance, one meeting fell on his 16th birthday last month. We gave him a choice: a steak dinner or youth group.

He didn’t hesitate. Youth group.

He did eventually take us up on the steak dinner, of course.

On a recent Wednesday night, I could barely get the car parked before Carson opened the door. He was eager — almost anxious — to walk in on his own. Watching that growth firsthand is nothing short of amazing.

It’s all about confidence.

He feels better about himself. He wants to keep pushing, to keep growing, to reach new heights. Pam and I will always be there to support him, but this is his journey — powered by his own self-assurance and renewed confidence.

And it is inspiring to watch.

We are so proud of him.

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am really got me with a surprise 50th birthday party earlier this month.

There were several carefully orchestrated layers of deception, all of which combined to produce the biggest shock of my life when I walked into our house and found so many of the most important people in my world waiting inside.

For someone who prides himself on being observant and present, I never saw it coming. Not even a hint.

There are countless great memories from that night — the laughter, the stories, the shared history in one room — but one detail has stayed with me more than anything else.

During the celebration, our 17-yearold son Beckett hugged me a couple of times. Not the quick, polite hugs teenagers often give, but long, tight, lingering ones. In the chaos and excitement of the surprise, it didn’t fully register in the moment. There was so much noise, so much movement, so much emotion happening all at once.

Later that night, after things settled down, I mentioned it to Pam. I told her Beckett seemed especially impacted by the evening.

She said he was emotional because he saw how happy I was.

That stopped me in my tracks.

As parents, we spend so much time worrying about our kids — about whether we’re doing enough, saying the right things, showing up in the right ways. It’s easy to forget they’re watching us, too. Beckett wasn’t just reacting to a party. He was responding to my joy.

Pam said he got emotional with her about it.

That realization hits the heart in the very best way possible. Besides my wife’s efforts to throw me a party with some of my dearest friends and family, his meaningful reaction was the best gift received.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)

Surf shops great for last minute holiday gift ideas

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) At this time of the year gift giving has become a traditional part of our culture.

Whether one is religious or secular, believer or non-believer, most anybody can relate to the holiday season. By the time this column/article appears in the paper or online we’ll be into a “last minute” phase.

If in a quandary regarding a gift or gifts, local surf shops could be your answer.

Plus, most all surf shops will feature items for the non-surfer/wave-rider as well as the hardcore or casual surfer.

In the surfing category, hard goods such as wetsuits and boards are available. Accessories such as leashes, wax, wetsuit caps, hoods, boots, or gloves might be an idea and more in tune with budget considerations. Even layering pieces to fit under wetsuits to augment warmth can be had in some shops. A nice selection of clothing is generally on hand from summer shorts and swim wear to t-shirts and cold weather gear.

Notable is the cold weather gear considering the below normal temperatures that we’ve been receiving lately. As most of us know winters can go either way, from not-so-bad to downright colder than we’d like. The wind chill factor on our barrier islands can be especially bothersome, exacerbating the cold temperatures.

So there you have a little rundown on gift availability from local surf shops.

Most businesses try to conjure a year ‘round income on a less than 12-month time frame. I’m sure our local surf shops would appreciate any patronage. Get into the water if you can and a Merry Christmas and good holiday season to all.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 43

Health concerns can trigger license reviews

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 18, 2025) Maryland drivers could have their licenses suspended if there is reason to believe a medical condition may affect their ability to drive safely — a state protocol that affected an Ocean Pines resident over the summer, following a routine traffic stop.

Larry Roberts, a former Ocean Pines resident who now lives in West Ocean City, shared the experience of his former neighbor, who was pulled over while searching for an address in the wooded community. Roberts said the woman, 83, had slowed to more than 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit while looking for a dog groomer.

“The thing is, when you’re looking for an address, a lot of places don’t have their address posted,” he said.

According to Roberts, the police officer who conducted the traffic stop issued only a warning. However, about a week later, the woman received a letter from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) informing her that her license had been suspended pending medical and driving evaluations.

Roberts added that the letter indicated there was reason to believe a medical condition could affect the woman’s ability to maneuver a vehicle safely, and that until required evaluations were satisfied, her driving privileges would remain revoked.

Roberts assisted his former neighbor in appealing the license suspension. At the MVA in Salisbury, she completed written, cognitive, and physical analysis.

She was then referred to additional testing from a contracted specialized driving assessment site near Queenstown. Here, the woman underwent further cognitive evaluations and behind-the-wheel examinations, which she was required to pay for. She was given another road test back at the Salisbury MVA. Ultimately, Roberts’ former neighbor was able to reinstate her driving privileges. However, the process was monthslong, he said, beginning in June, when the traffic stop occurred, and concluding with the license being returned in November.

Roberts said that while the Ocean Pines woman’s dilemma was a headache, he understood the intent but noted that he wishes the state would consider updates to expedite the procedure.

“I’m behind them 100% on trying to get some of these people off the road,” he said. “...I did some reading on it and gained a little more understanding of what they’re trying to do. We just went through the process as it’s set up, but I think they need to fine-tune it. And I think it’s something that the general population should know about.”

Local law enforcement agencies said that the reason behind these occurrences is essential to protecting public safety.

Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson maintained that incidents like the one involving Roberts’ friend are common and necessary to ensure all drivers

are safe on the road and added that his department’s actions were consistent with statewide protocol.

“At times when doing traffic enforcement or conducting accident investigations, an officer may make observations or learn details that raise concerns about a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle,” he said. “The Maryland MVA has had a process in place where law enforcement may submit a request for a reexamination of a licensed driver.

“We are aware of the potential impact this can make on an individual’s ability to drive and their independence, so we don’t make these decisions lightly. Anytime we submit one of these, it is due to either one of these observations or otherwise credible information that supports our concern.”

Robinson explained that law enforcement officers are authorized to request a

driver re-examination through the MVA when concerns arise. The decision on whether a driver’s license is suspended or reinstated is ultimately made by the MVA, with guidance from its Medical Advisory Board (MAB), a panel of physicians that reviews medical information and recommends appropriate action.

According to the MVA, drivers may be required to undergo re-evaluation due to medical conditions that could impair driving, such as vision issues, neurological conditions, cognitive decline, or other health problems. In some cases, drivers are approved to continue driving with restrictions, such as daylight-only operation or periodic re-testing.

The MVA website explains that selfreports are required upon diagnosis, if an individual is afflicted with conditions like epilepsy, stroke, narcolepsy, traumatic brain injuries, vision loss, drug use, schiz-

ophrenia, weakness, or dementia.

In addition to self-reports, concerns may be brought to the attention of the MVA for medical review by the MAB from court referrals, physicians, law enforcement agencies, or private citizens.

While health conditions and aging can affect an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, the State of Maryland offers tips to address these issues, helping extend how long a person can drive.

For instance, the webpage for Zero Deaths Maryland, an initiative aimed at eliminating vehicle-related fatalities, offers strategies for people to assess their driving abilities and reduce impairments.

The website notes that if someone struggles to read signs or handle headlight glare, they can be proactive by ensuring eyeglass prescriptions are up to date and scheduling yearly appointments with an eye doctor.

PAGE 44

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Things I Like...

By Steve Green An old salt with a young soul A teen with an old soul Sundays consisting of church and football A bundled-up couple walking the boards A one-hour school delay on a Monday Free shipping

The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1905 with two hand-drawn hose reels. Harry J. Cropper was the first chief. Although fires were scarce in the early years, a blaze that began in the town's power plant on December 29, 1925 destroyed several blocks of the Boardwalk including two hotels and the Pier and Pier Building. It still remains the biggest fire in Ocean City's history.

In addition to fighting fires, the firefighters have served with distinction during natural disasters. In March 1962 the fire company received statewide acclaim for their rescue of dozens of local residents during the worst storm that has ever flooded Ocean City.

Today a well-trained and equipped career/volunteer fire departmentprovides both fire and emergency medical services to the Town of Ocean City. They are recognized as one of the best in the entire State of Maryland.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanish ingoc.com.

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A hearty soup and salad for lunch When trash cans with wheels became the norm Easy assembly instructions Children and adults playing with Christmas gifts A home full of friends

DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 45

OC Today-Dispatch

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Pickled shrimp perfect for hosting

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer Shrimp is the subject of the day.

But if you think we are going to talk about steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp salad, shrimp scampi, shrimp and grits, shrimp dip, shrimp tacos, or shrimp stir fry, think again.

Pickled shrimp, a long-standing Southern tradition, dating back to at least the 18th century.

The dish’s roots came from the Spanish preparation of escabeche, a preservation technique for meatless dishes involving pickling in an acidic liquid. This method was adopted by Spanish Christians for religious observances and eventually migrated to South America.

From there, pickled shrimp came to the South by way of the Caribbean and eventually into America. Lowcountry regions of South Carolina and Georgia, where shrimp was plentiful, incorporated the dish into their everyday menu before refrigeration became a way of life. Pickling was a tasty way to extend the life of the protein and add variance to the way of presenting it.

The dish was significantly shaped by enslaved people and eventually passed down from generation to generation while putting their own spin on it so preservation literally made its mark on the pages of culinary history.

Today, pickled shrimp is a quintessential Southern appetizer, especially popular during the holidays. The briny, tender shrimp with a tangy, herb-infused marinade blend beautifully for a unique, Southern delicacy.

The most common and visually appealing presentation is to serve the shrimp in a glass jar, cut-glass bowl, or trifle dish. This allows guests to see the colorful layers of the dish.

The shrimp can be served on a platter, just keep in mind the art of presentation.

Provide small pickle forks, cocktail forks, or toothpicks for easy serving.

Crackers, cocktail rye, or toasted crostini can be served on the side.

Softened Boursin cheese gives the dish more substance and mellows out the acidity of the dish.

If you are a fan of tea sandwiches, pickled shrimp certainly raises the bar for flavor and ingenuity.

Pickled shrimp can add sophistication to one’s charcuterie board and at the same time cut some of the richness.

Believe it or not, but pickled shrimp are a great topper for salads, deviled eggs, or grits cakes.

If you are serving Bloody Mary’s at your festivities, pickled shrimp is a clever, upscale garnish for your drink.

Pickled shrimp make creative gifts for Christmas. Mason jars are traditional and fitting for the tasty but humble starter.

Another popular aspect of the dish

is it is simple to make and can be made ahead of time. Recipes are a guide but are not written in stone. Pickled shrimp is greatly influenced by family customs and personal preference.

Fresh shrimp is always the best option but frozen shrimp will be easy on your budget, especially when it goes on sale.

In closing, shrimp symbolize vitality, happiness, good fortune, and longevity. Pickled shrimp is all of the above and much more. Enjoy!

Ingredients 1-pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup white or rice vinegar 1 cup water 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon white sugar

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes or a half of a fresh jalapeno thinly sliced 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 bay leaf ½ teaspoon mustard seeds ½ teaspoon coriander seeds 1 small red onion, sliced thinly 1 fresh lemon, sliced thinly fresh dill 1. In a medium pot, bring water and vinegar to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

2. Add garlic, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes or jalapeno slices, black peppercorns, bay leaf, mustard seeds, coriander seeds. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add shrimp to the pot and cook 2-3 minutes until they just turn pink.

4. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.

5. Alternate onion, lemon, and fresh dill throughout the jar with the

shrimp and pickling liquid.

6. Refrigerate until ready to serve. * You want to use this dish in the next few days at the most. The shrimp and veggies will start to break down in the acidic liquid which is to pleasing to one’s palette.

Secret Ingredient – December Years’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.

Hal Borland

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PAGE 46

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Calendar Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com.

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

Fri., Dec. 19 DEADLINE FOR REGISTER FOR WINTER FOLKLORE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Test your knowledge and learn something new about winter folklore and legends. Register by Dec. 19 to receive your link and complete it at your own speed.

For ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495

FANDOM FRIDAY: HORROR GAMES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Drop in any time for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years.

410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK DISCUSISONS: ‘REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES’ BY SHELBY VAN PELT Oaked at The Globe/Tiki Tim’s, 12 Broad St., Berlin, 2 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book at the Berlin Library an then join in for a lively discussion at Oaked at the Globe. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Berlin parking lot, next to Honey Water Candles, behind the Sterling Tavern. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/

PAWS &AMP; READING

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

Young independent readers can practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to a friendly dog. Stop by to sign up for a time slot. For ages 6-11 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission.

410-524-7994

Sat., Dec. 20 HOMETOWN HOLIDAY MARKET

White Horse Park Marketplace, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m.noon. Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisan Market featuring festive baked goods, artisan jams and candies, homemade gifts, seasonal decor and fresh winter produce. 410-641-7717

BERLIN’S MERRY MARKETPLACE

Berlin Main St. & Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday market. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com

MEET SANTA

Kringle Kottage on Artisans Green, 12 Artisans Way, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Artisans Green is located behind the main

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Tues., Dec. 23

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a horsedrawn drive around town. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m.-noon. Join in for a crafty morning making homemade ornaments. For families. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Mon., Dec. 22 Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m.

Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: WELCOME WINTER! OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults welcome.

410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TWEEN AND TEEN PEPPERMINT TASTING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m.

“Taste” test winter themed YA and Juvenile books and peppermint dishes, then rate them. Best for ages 10 years and older. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a horse-drawn drive around town. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlin-holiday-events/

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 12-3 p.m. Crafts, music, games and food available for purchase.

Kids ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the facility.

Kids needing assistance in the pool must swim with an adult. 410-641-5255

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Create crafts celebrating December holidays and traditions from all around the world. For families. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIY GIFTS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Join in for a crafty afternoon making homemade gifts to give to your family or friends. For ages 12-18 years. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

Sun., Dec. 21 MEET SANTA

Kringle Kottage on Artisans Green, 12 Artisans Way, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Artisans Green is located behind the main Berlin parking lot, next to Honey Water Candles, behind the Sterling Tavern. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?

Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. Group meets every Tuesday.

410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

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

Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 SWIM WITH SANTA

Mondays - Worcester County Library Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

BABY TIME

BABY TIME FAMILY FUN DAY: HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

P.E.P. CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5-7 p.m. Music, food, presents and a visit from Santa. 410641-7052

FREE CARRIAGE RIDES

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited.

Elissa, 410-641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, games and crafts about Christmas. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WACKY WEATHER STEM

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.

Explore the science behind wild weather with fun hands-on activities. For ages 611 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable

Crossword answers from page 68

DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 47

OC Today-Dispatch

CALENDAR Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.

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

23 to Jan. 5. Free entry; donations appreciated. Hours are Fridays, 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.OPVFD.com

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

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

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m.

Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Dec. 24

SEND LETTERS TO SANTA Drop off letters to Santa at the red mailbox in the Ocean Pines Community Center, Nov. 25 to Dec. 20. Include child’s name and address so Santa can respond.

LETTERS TO SANTA Drop off letters to Santa at the Berlin Welcome Center, 14 S. Main Street. Receive a letter back with a coupon for a free treat. BerlinMainStreet.com

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

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

St. Martin’s Church, 11413 Worcester Highway, Showell. Lessons and carols at 3 p.m. at historic St. Martins Church in Showell. Pre-service music at St. Paul’s, 3 Church Street, Berlin at 6:30 p.m.

Holy Eucharist at 7 p.m No Christmas Day service.

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 20-Dec. 21 and open daily Dec. 22-31, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and free to those 11 years and younger. Enjoy a walk-through winter wonderland experience. Also featuring 50-foot Christmas tree, refreshments, bonfire, interactive games, photos with Santa Claus, family crafts, a gift shop and train gardens (6-8:30 p.m.). Tickets: www.ococean.com/winterfest/.

On Dec. 1, 8, 9 and 15, enjoy a horsedrawn carriage ride through the lights.

Enchanted Evenings tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1054835 /enchanted-evenings-ocean-city-winterfest-of-lights.

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

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

n This Mentio OFF 1/2 Ad for tion Applica Fee!

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

ONGOING EVENTS 3RD ANNUAL TRAIN DISPLAY Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, North Station, 249 Ocean Parkway, Nov.

Pets are welcome on Wednesday evenings. Mobility devices available for rent on site - $10 per two hours (scooters, powered wheelchairs) - standard wheelchairs also available. Scooters-4Rent.com 302-280-6203.

Info: 410-289-2800.

LIGHT UP THE PINES Free annual outdoor decorating event.

Residents may sign up throughout the holiday season to have their homes added to the online map (oceanpines.org). Register: info@oceanpines.org, 410-641-7717, Ext. 3014.

TRAIN GARDEN SCAVENGER HUNT Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Dec. 1 through Jan. 3. Stop by the Ocean City branch to admire the holiday magic and help complete a very special scavenger hunt. For families. 410-524-1818

BUS TRIP TO NEW YORK Bus departs on Dec. 20 at 6 a.m. from Chuckie Cheese in Salisbury. Cost is $97 and includes driver’s tip. Arrive at Macy’s in New York at 11 a.m. Bus will be leaving from Macy’s at 6 p.m. Pay by Dec. 15 by check, money order or use the church’s cash app ($calvarychurch6607, to: Calvary Church, for: New York Bus Trip) Make payments to Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin. Info: Rosie Dennis, 443-614-7518.

Eastern Shore Assisted Living Facilities - Our Homes Are Here For You...

from Catered Living

24 Hour Awake Staff All Private Rooms & Baths Three Home-Cooked Meals a Day! All Inclusive Pricing In-House Doctor Visits VA and MAC Subsidy Approved

Respite Care and Hospice Care

Call 443-256-4871 Today for more information or to schedule a visit to our on-site showroom.

1135 Ocean Parkway • Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 • 443-256-4871

PAGE 48

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

DECEMBER 19, 2025

49

OC Today-Dispatch

Call 410-723-6397 or email classifieds@octodaydispatch.com

by Monday, 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in OC Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week & online at octodaydispatch.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

sifieds

Clas

410-723-6397 baysideoc.com octodaydispatch.com

NOW HIRING!!

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

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

RENTALS

COMMERCIAL

WANT TO BUY

VEHICLES

Seeking Year-Round Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft.

Call 443-497-4200

I BUY ALBUMS! 410-430-5349

COMMERCIAL SPACE Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.

Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within. $2,400 per mo.

410-430-7675

FOR SALE 5 TIRES ON RIMS JEEP WRANGLER FACTORY WHEELS/ WILLY’S VERSION 200 miles at most w/spare brand new. $800 for set (original $1,600+) 240-463-3878

FOR SALE 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300, 4matic 79,830 mi.

Showroom condition! $14,500 240-463-3878

YR APARTMENT 8th ST. 1 BR, Fully remodeled.

3rd Floor, No elevator $1,850 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675

LONG TERM WINTER RENTAL

Join the Sea Colony East Maintenance Team!

Now hiring high rise condominium/full time building maintenance techs.

Great Benefit plan/paid time off!

Apply online at troon.com/careers - company location Sea Colony Assoc East or email bethann.steele@seacolony.com or call 302-541-8831 for an interview

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

* Early Deadlines * Classified deadline for the Dec. 26 issue, will be Monday, Dec. 22nd, 10 a.m.

Classified deadline for the Jan. 2 issue, will be Monday, Dec. 29th, 10 a.m.

Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE BISHOPVILLE 2BR, 2BA Mobile Home.

In great shape.

Min.’s to beach. $38,000 Cash + $700 per mo. ground rent.

Park is open YR! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

Run your business card in our

SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed.

Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

Commercial Space for Lease.

ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT! 2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined.

Approx. 1000 sq. ft.

Busy major road in Town of Berlin.

Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

FOR SALE FOR SALE

MISC./OTHER Billons of Trillions!

All the Years and Stars as One,

CEMETERY PLOTS Lakeview Memorial Park Liberty Rd., Sykesville, MD Incl.’s bronze markers “Birth of Christ” section. $3,000 for both.

410-218-1970

He, the Christ, has come!

Classifieds baysideoc.com octodaydispatch.com

Classifieds 410-723-6397

SERVICES

DONATIONS DONATIONS

BUDGET MOVERS

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 tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

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

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

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK SERVICES DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait!

Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details!

1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

FOR SALE Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator.

Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase.

Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote.

It’s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.

MISC. FOR SALE Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price!

Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

MISC. FOR SALE Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today!

1-855-407-6870 REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid.

Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

GET IT RENTED HERE! 410-723-6397 www.octodaydispatch.com www.baysideoc.com

OC Today-Dispatch

www.octodaydispatch.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!

• Convenient • Quick • No Waiting, No Calls • Days, Nights & Weekends

PAGE 50

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY BLINDS / SHADES

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

HomePro Professional Carpet, Upholstery, Tile and Grout Cleaning

The best carpet cleaning you’ve ever seen!

443-623-9078 HANDYMAN

TRADITIONAL HANDYMAN SERVICES 410-999-4998

LANDSCAPING • LIGHT REMODELING • PAINTING • DECKS • LAWNCARE • CARPENTRY • FLOORING & MORE

FALL CLEANUPS • PRESSURE WASHING MHIC & OC LICENSED & INSURED HOME HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT

HANDYMAN SERVICES

RISH A RBEACHMAN PHANDY Exterior Home Repairs

“WE DO IT ALL” • Roofing R epai rs •• Raaiin Gutterrs • R oo f Cleaning • Guutterr Guuarrds

• Scr eenin g • Painttiing

• Sttaaining • Caulking

• Gutter Cleaning & Powerrwa shing •

• Deck Repairs •

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • MHIC 17433 “A Family Tradition Since 1935”

Phil Parrish

410-893-9707

Pat Parrish

HOME IMPROVEMENT

* NOW OFFERING * DISPOSAL ROLLOFF SERVICE Quick Reliable Service 7 Days A Week Clean Up Crews Available • 15 & 20 Yard

410.713.8599

MHIC#95214

HOME IMPROVEMENT

410-984-4938

Decks / Screen Rooms / Wood / Composite Windows / Siding Bathroom / Kitchen Remodels Flooring Hardwood / LVP Ceramic Tiles

Cox Building & Remodeling Home: 410-641-4304 Cell: 443-783-3972 stickframe@comcast.net

FREE Estimates • Licensed And Insured MHIC #52065

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PipeLine

Hall’s Remodeling

Contracting, LLC

Home Improvement Services Company

& Renovations

“One stop shop for Home Improvement”

Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail

Custom Built Homes • Additions/Club Basements Kitchen & Bath Remodels • Roofs Custom Decks/Fences • Power Washing Painting • Pavers • Concrete

• Cabinets & Countertop • Flooring & Tile • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & • General Carpentry & Delaware Beaches Painting

US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!

MHIC #40933

(410) 208-1518 • (410) 982-8368 pipelinecontracting.net • info@pipelinecontracting.net

Tony Campo / Dave Harmon Parkville, MD 21234 • 410-977-2353 • TCContractor@yahoo.com • www.hallsremodeling.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT HOME

Complete Home Improvement Contractor

EVANS BROTHERS

Licensed & Insured VA # 2705 101009A MD MHIC # 92091 MD MHBR # 5658 DE # 2000107333

HOME IMPROVEMENT

• Licensed and Fully Insured • Free Estimates • Locally Owned • Cleaning Specials • Roofing • Maintenance

THE

For All Your Construction Needs!

E. Chuck Cox

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MDHIC # 107489 • DE # 2014100304 • Insured & Licensed

HOME, LAWN & PATIO SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

Atlantic Landscaping & More

Specializing in Additions, Kitchens, Baths and All Types of Custom Remodeling.

Let’s schedule your Fall & Winter Projects!

We accept MC/Visa (410) 641-3762

Property Management • Lawn Care Gutter Cleaning • Power Washing Leaf Removal • Hauling Services • Painting Stone & Gravel • Mulching • Cleaning Trailer Storage • Shed Demolition Stump Grinding • Firewood House/Shed/Garage Cleaning & More Call or Text for Free Estimates & Questions!

410-713-9159

DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 51

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY LANDSCAPING

MEN’S HAIR SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING • IRRIGATION HARDSCAPING • FREE ESTIMATES Full Service/Yearly Maintenance Contracts Available

Call Maria: 443-664-5797 Female Owned & Operated

www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers

443-783-2224 • edgarcjr@aol.com

40+ Years in Business

Licensed & Insured

PAINTING

MVA LICENSED

PAINTING

Interior Painting Carpentry, Drywall & Plaster Repair Handyman Service Dan Bunyea

443-880-7753 danbunyea@gmail.com Licensed/Insured

PAINTING • CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING Painting & Powerwashing • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE Interior & Exterior

Zimmerman & Son LLC Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured

PIANO TUNING

We do it all from ground work to rough in to final trim & fixtures.

We Install:

Free Estimates

10% Discount with this ad.

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

Bill Zimmerman cell 443-373-4539

ROOFING

ROOFING & SIDING Your Roofing, Siding & Home Improvement Specialist Since 1989 ROOFING • SIDING • DURADEK • WINDOWS • GUTTERS Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946 9240 Peerless Rd. • Bishopville, MD mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com • www.shoresidingmd.com *Licensed in MD, DE &VA

PLUMBING

Plumbing and Gas, LLC

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PAGE 52 COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 1 FREEPORT LANE BERLIN, MD 21811 By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated July 24, 2012 and recorded in Liber 5943, Folio 020, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $335,175.00, and an interest rate of 3.875%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices edy shall be the return of deposit without interest.

Potential Bidders: For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 2802832.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com www.Auction.com CGD File #: 464084 OCD-12/18/3t _________________________________ Piel Law Firm, LLC 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 730 Towson, Maryland 21204

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY

400 2ND STREET A/R/T/A 400 SECOND STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND 21851

January 5, 2026 AT 11:00 AM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $28,000.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole rem-

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust and Assignment of Leases and Rents executed by RLuxury Rentals Limited Liability Company, also known as R-Luxury Rentals, LLC, and dated January 18, 2024, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, at Liber 8701, folio 93 (the “Deed of Trust”), the holder of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust (the “Noteholder”) having subsequently appointed Hunter C. Piel and Scott B. Wheat (collectively, the “Substitute Trustees”) as Substitute Trustees by instrument duly executed, acknowledged and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland for the purposes therein contained, default having occurred under the terms of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction to the highest qualified bidder at the steps of the Circuit Court for Worcester County located at One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, on: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 3:55 p.m.

ALL OF THAT real property being situate in Worcester County, Maryland, and the improvements thereon (collectively, the “Property”), in fee simple, being more particularly described in the Deed of Trust, and generally known as 400 Second Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851, Tax ID No.: 01-017969.

TERMS OF SALE: A deposit in the amount of Seven Thousand Dollars ($7,000.00), payable in cash, certified check, or other form acceptable to the Substitute Trustees, in their sole and absolute discretion, will be required of the purchaser(s) at the time and place of sale. The deposit must be increased to 10% of the purchase price within two (2) business days, and delivered to the office of the Substitute Trustees in the same form as the initial deposit. The bal-

ance of the purchase price shall be due in cash or by certified check with interest on the unpaid balance of the purchase price at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to and including the date of settlement. In the event the Noteholder, or an affiliate thereof, is the successful bidder at the sale, such party will not be required to make a deposit or to pay interest on the unpaid purchase money. Taxes, water charges, ground rent, if any, and all other municipal charges and liens owed against the Property shall be the sole responsibility of the purchaser(s) and shall be paid for by the purchaser(s) at settlement. In addition, all other charges, expenses and liens owed against the Property including, but not limited to, all condominium fees and expenses and public charges and assessments owed against the Property and payable on an annual basis, such as sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if any, shall also be the responsibility of the purchaser(s) and shall be paid by the purchaser(s) at settlement. The Substitute Trustees reserve the right to reject any and all bids, and to extend the time for settlement, if applicable. In the event taxes or other municipal charges owing on or with respect to the Property have been prepaid they shall be adjusted at settlement between the Substitute Trustees and the purchaser(s) to the date of the foreclosure sale.

The Property will be sold in an "AS IS" condition and without any warranties or representations, either express or implied, as to the nature, condition or description of the improvements. In addition, the Property will also be sold subject to all existing housing, building and zoning code violations, and any receivership actions relating thereto, subject to all critical area and wetland violations, subject to all environmental problems and violations which may exist on or with respect to the Property, and subject to all matters and restrictions of record affecting the same, if any. The purchaser(s) at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the above-referenced Property immediately after the sale takes place. It shall be the purchaser(s)’ responsibility to obtain possession of the Property following ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland.

The Property will be sold subject to all of the following that are not extinguished as a matter of law by the foreclosure sale: all easements, conditions, liens, restrictions, rights of redemption, covenants, encumbrances, ground rents, ground leases, such state of facts that an accurate survey or physical inspection of the Property might disclose, and agreements of record affecting the same, if any.

The purchaser(s) shall pay all documentary stamps, state and local transfer taxes, recordation taxes and fees, title examination costs, attorneys’ fees, conveyance fees and all other incidental settlement costs.

The purchaser(s) shall settle and comply with the sale terms within twenty (20) days following the final

DECEMBER 19, 2025 ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, unless said period is extended by the Substitute Trustees for good cause shown. Time is of the essence.

In the event the purchaser(s) fails to go to settlement as required, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies available, the Substitute Trustees may, without further order of the court, declare the aforementioned deposit forfeited and resell the Property at the purchaser’s sole risk and expense. In such event, the defaulting purchaser(s) shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency in the purchase price, all costs and expenses of both sales, reasonable attorneys’ fees, all other charges due, and incidental damages. The parties’ respective rights and obligations regarding the terms of sale and the conduct of the sale shall be governed by and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Maryland.

If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey the Property as described above, the purchaser(s)' sole remedy at law or in equity shall be limited to the refund of the aforementioned deposit, without interest thereon. Upon refund of the deposit to the purchaser(s), the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser(s) shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees or the Noteholder.

The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. The Auctioneer, the Noteholder and the Substitute Trustees do not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of this information.

Hunter C. Piel, Scott B. Wheat Substitute Trustees For further information, contact: Hunter C. Piel, Esquire Piel Law Firm, LLC 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 730 Towson, Maryland 21204 (410) 849-4888

OCD-12/18/3t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

P02-26 – Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

DECEMBER 19, 2025 BID Documents for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service.

Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2025 AT 8:00AM, IN THE EAGLES LANDING GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE PARKING LOT, 12367 EAGLES NEST ROAD, BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, JANUARY 6TH, 2026, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

Matt Perry Procurement Manager Town of Ocean City, Maryland OCD-11/20/8t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

B07-26 – Ocean City Boardwalk Wayfinding & Signage The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Ocean City Boardwalk Wayfinding & Signage and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Ocean City Wayfinding & Signage may be obtained from the Town’s Procure-

PAGE 53

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices ment Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service.

Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting is not applicable for this Invitation to BID. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than FRIDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2026, BY 3:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5TH, 2026, AT 6:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Ocean City Boardwalk Wayfinding & Signage) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-11/27/5t _________________________________ NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP M. DAVID STALLINGS ESQ. 12417 OCEAN GTWY., STE. B13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9521

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20925 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SURROGATE’S court of Camden County, New Jersey appointed Susan Siegmund Roswell, 606 Somerset Rd., Baltimore, MD 212102711 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Barbara L. Siegmund AKA: Barbara Lee Siegmund who died on August 03, 2025 domiciled in New Jersey, United States.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Susan Siegmund Roswell Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: December 04, 2025 OCD-12/4/3t _________________________________ CHARLES T. CAPUTE ESQ. MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC 100 N. WEST STREET EASTON, MD 21601-2710

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20926 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANICE MCCABE SMITH Notice is given that Brian Smith, 9407 Shockley Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1410, was on December 01, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice McCabe Smith who died on October 30, 2025, 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of June, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of June, 2026.

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

Brian Smith 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 04, 2025 OCD-12/4/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of NATHAN BAUDRY CALES Estate No. 20931 Notice is given that MELISSA D. BECK whose address is 4901 HARKNESS AVE., KANSAS CITY, MO 64136-1326 was on DECEMBER 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NATHAN BAUDRY CALES who died on NOVEMBER 17, 2025 without a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of JUNE, 2026.

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 2nd day of JUNE, 2026.

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES ALLEN JOHNS Estate No. 20907 Notice is given that DANIEL JOHNS whose address is 204 GLENBROOK DR., WESTMINSTER, MD 21158-4266 was on DECEMBER 01, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES ALLEN JOHNS who died on SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 without a will.

PAGE 54

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of JUNE, 2026.

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 1st day of JUNE, 2026.

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20928 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Bucks County, Pennsylvania appointed (1) Paul J. Matthews, 230 Brittany Dr., Langhorne, PA 19047-5155 and (2) Patrice R. Matthews, 2411 Brownsville Rd., Langhorne, PA 19053-3201 as the Personal Representatives of the Estate of Herbert G. Matthews who died on February 20, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Bethann McIntosh, 12455 2 Sea Oaks Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 and (2) Bethann McIntosh, 12455 2 Sea Oaks Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this

published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

(1) Paul J. Matthews (2) Patrice R. Matthews Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: December 11, 2025 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________ WILLIAM C. HUDSON ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE 111 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20933 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES ESTESS MASON Notice is given that Ellen Passwaters Mason, 315 Winter Quarters Dr., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-1044, was on December 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Estess Mason who died on October 19, 2025, 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of June, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of June, 2026.

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

Ellen Passwaters Mason 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 11, 2025 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO HOLDERS OF CLASS "B", "C" AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 33-2006 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding a Class "B", "C", and "D" Alcoholic Beverage Licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026.

This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the (2) two additional hours of sale for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, R. Charles Nichols, Chairman Marty W. Pusey, Member Reese F. Cropper III, Member ****************************** April R. Payne, License Administrator OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________ GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ. SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20935 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUSAN D. BEALL AKA: SUSAN DOLORES BEALL Notice is given that Clarence W. Beall, 12 Easton Ave., Berlin, MD 21811-3350, was on December 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Susan D. Beall who died on November 10, 2025, 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of June, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of June, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

DECEMBER 19, 2025 sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; 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.

Clarence W. Beall 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 11, 2025 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________ COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 410-296-2550 File #: 460586 Richard E. Solomon Richard J. Rogers Michael McKeefery Christianna Kersey Kevin Hildebeidel Kyle Blackstone Kathleen Young 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v.

Ronald Cox, a/k/a Ronald E. Cox 808 & 810 2nd Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-24-000113

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 4th day of December, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 5th day of January, 2026, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 29th day of December, 2025.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $197,177.84. The property sold herein is known as 808 & 810 2nd

DECEMBER 19, 2025 Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________ IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: MISTY NOEL HORNEY ESTATE NO. 20932

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all Persons Interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Erica T. Davis/MidFirst Bank, 1401 Rockville Pike, Ste. 650, Rockville, MD 20852 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 January 13, 2026 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: December 11, 2025 OCD-12/11/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 5:30 PM Pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Article Section 4406 of the Annotated Code of Maryland notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a resolution to: ANNEX CERTAIN LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN AND TO AMEND THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL CHARTER SECTION 3 ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOUNDARIES” BY ADDING SAID CERTAIN LANDS

PAGE 55

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices TO THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, specifically the Town of Snow Hill’s water well located on Coulbourne Lane, Tax Map 63, Parcel 177; the Snow Hill Middle School and Cedar Chapel School (Tax Map 201, Parcel 1708); Snow Hill Elementary School (Tax Map 63, Parcel 144); 410 Coulbourne Lane (Tax Map 201, Parcel 1711, Part of Lot 1, approximately .027 acres) to correct specifically that the entirety of Lot 1 located at 410 Coulbourne Lane be located in the Town of Snow Hill municipal limits, and Coulbourne Lane between Market Street and the Town of Snow Hill municipal limits.

The proposed zoning for the properties is as follows: 1. Tax Map 201, Parcel 708- R-1 2, Tax Map 63, Parcel 144- R-1 3. Tax Map 301, Parcel 711, Lot 1R-2 as it is today 4. Tax Map 63, Parcel 177 (Town well)- R-1 All properties owners have consented to the annexation. All properties are already served by Town of Snow Hill water and wastewater The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing, for a copy of the annexation resolution or the annexation plan please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.

OCD-12/11/4t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT HAROLD DOLBY SR. Estate No. 20934 Notice is given that STACY D. VICKERS whose address is 3964 JOHNSON NECK RD., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218512600 was on DECEMBER 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT HAROLD DOLBY SR. who died on OCTOBER 05, 2025 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of JUNE, 2026.

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 4th day of JUNE, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-

tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY BILL 25-06 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 25-06 (Taxation – Homestead Property Tax Credit) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on November 18, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § TR 1-601 Hotel Rental Tax. (Amends the subsection to increase the hotel rental tax percentage that may be imposed from five percent to six percent.)

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-12/18/3t _________________________________ M. DAVID STALLINGS ESQ NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP 12417 OCEAN GTWY STE B13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9521

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of RODDIE W TULL AKA: RODNEY W TULL Estate No. 20937 Notice is given that MARSHA A TULL whose address is 12313 SHEPPARDS CROSSING RD WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872-2070 was on DECEMBER 08, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RODDIE W TULL who died on OCTOBER 31, 2025 without a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JUNE, 2026.

All persons having any objection

to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JUNE, 2026.

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 5:30 PM Pursuant to the provisions of the Snow Hill Town Charter Section 20(47) notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the conveyance of the following real property owned by the Town of Snow Hill and determine the property is no longer needed for public use: 1. 212 West Green Street – Tax Map Parcel 0105 Tax Map 0200 in tax records of Worcester County, Maryland. Locally known as the Old Fire Hall.

The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410-632-2080.

OCD-12/18/2t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CATHERINE IRENE GETZ Estate No. 20938 Notice is given that

PAGE 56 CHARLES RICHARD GETZ whose address is 9408 LAKE VIEW DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-2731 was on DECEMBER 09, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of CATHERINE IRENE GETZ who died on NOVEMBER 03, 2025 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/18/1t _________________________________ DAVID W. SIMPSON JR., ESQ. P.O. BOX 3496 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20942 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN G. DRESSMAN Notice is given that Ellen Dressman, P.O. Box 596, 6 Madrone Ave., Inverness, CA 94937-0596, was on December 10, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen G. Dressman who died on November 27, 2025, 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of June, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of June, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise

delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Ellen Dressman 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 18, 2025 OCD-12/18/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20556 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DARRELL RICHARDSON Notice is given that Brenda Arnold, 135 Rigsby Rd., Crab Orchard, KY 40419-8767, was on December 11, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Darrell Richardson who died on February 09, 2025, without a will.

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

LEGAL ADVERTISING 410-723-6397 legals@octodaydispatch.com

DECEMBER 19, 2025 All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of June, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of June, 2026.

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

Brenda Arnold 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 18, 2025 OCD-12/18/3t _________________________________

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Have questions ready when hiring a new contractor Follow up on referrals with online research, reviews

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) According to the America’s Housing 2025 report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, Americans are expected to spend $608 billion on U.S. residential remodeling in 2025. If you have a trusted contractor, you are fortunate. But if you are in need of finding a reputable and reliable contractor for upcoming renovation work, it’s smart to seek referrals from friends and professionals, and follow that up with online research/reviews.

The National Association of REALTOR®’s Consumer Guide series provided the following tips for choosing a contractor for your next home improvement project or renovation: Interview at least three contractors, gather bids and research the companies by asking the following questions: • How long have you been in the business?

• Who will work on the project?

Are they employees or subcontractors?

• Will you secure all necessary permits and approvals?

• Will you provide me with a contract that spells out the scope of the work, the timeline for completion and total cost?

• What allowances are in your contract bid? (Allowances are line items in the contract where the cost is yet to be determined; these variable costs can drive up the total cost of the project, so try to minimize any surprises by asking for a breakdown of all materials and products needed for the project, when possible.)

• Are you licensed for the work to be performed, bonded and insured?

(Bonding protects you if your home is damaged; insurance protects the contractor and workers.) How much insurance do you carry and what does it cover? (Always verify that the policy is active.)

• How will you communicate with me during the project?

• Can you provide a list of references of similar projects you have done?

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

www.octodaydispatch.com

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PAGE 57

PAGE 58

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Locals find success in holiday lighting business

By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) When pitching a holiday lighting package idea to his first-ever customer – a Berlin-area homeowner living in a trailer in a field with no driveway – Lee Kendall wasn’t convinced she’d bite.

“Once I gave them the proposal,” Kendall recalled, “she looked at it, then she looked at me, and she was like, ‘where can we add more lights?’

I was like – what? I don't know where else we could put 'em. She's like, ‘Let's put 'em in the yard! Let's get fake reindeer! I want lights everywhere!’”

“And then,” he added, “I thought, ‘okay, I guess people really love Christmas and lights.’”

For Worcester County homeowners wary of channeling their inner Clark Griswold to illuminate their home this holiday season, there’s an easier option: hire it out.

What started as a side hustle for entrepreneurs like Kendall has snowballed into a reliable and lucrative off-season business. Contractors say the service dovetails with their existing equipment and insurance and keeps skilled labor on the payroll through winter months.

“You never get an unhappy customer,” said Kendall, who added Christmas light installation to his power washing business five years

ago. “I mean, who could be unhappy getting Christmas lights put on their house?”

Operators are offering full-service packages, with custom by-the-foot design and installation, plus maintenance, removal and off-season storage. Despite the premium cost, proprietors say business seems to be merry, bright – and booming.

A dental hygienist by training, Lisa McAteer started her business, Light It Up in 2017 after taking her love of Christmas lights and chasing an opening in the market. She was among the first in the area to offer not just lights, but greenery, wreaths, and curated entryways. Basic packages start around $500.

“I've always enjoyed putting our lights up on the house and not afraid of heights, so just seemed like it would be a fun thing to do,” she said.

Lisa partners in the business with her stepson Jake McAteer. While he works the lifts and clips customized light strands to rooflines, she focuses on design and finishing touches. Customers are often surprised by how quickly installations are completed.

“All they do is write the check and enjoy,” she said.

YouTube and TikTok content shared by power washing contractors has played a big part in popularizing holiday lighting as an add-on service, Jake said.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Jake McAteer of Light It Up attaches string lights to a Berlin home on Dec. 11.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA MCATEER

A completed light display from Light It Up is pictured.

“The people they follow start doing Christmas lights and then it, you know, it makes total sense for them to do that as well,” he said.

Lisa says Light It Up is moving into weddings, events, and permanent lighting for restaurants. Word of mouth helped them to expand beyond the yuletide season.

“We all live seasonal lives down here,” Jake McAteer said. “Restaurants live seasonal lives. Contractors live seasonal. So, it's not all that different from anybody else, you know?”

For Rob Anderson, owner of Delmarva Christmas Lights, a biggerticket business model scales up into brighter territory.

For eight years now, he’s been installing holiday lights alongside his power washing business, serving customers from the beaches to the Bay Bridge, with select projects elsewhere on Delmarva. He’s even booked the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., as a client for its annual lighting extravaganza, ZooLights.

With a staff of 12-13 people each season, installs start in August, with prices starting at $1,000. Anderson’s not shy about marketing his outfit as a luxury service aimed at an affluent customer.

“As a legitimate company paying workers' comp, vehicle payments, insurance, all that stuff, we just have to

be more expensive,” he said. “If it's just a simple rancher? Sure, call anybody you want to.”

When he first got started, most people wanted simple warm white lights. But after people emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns, weary and with a little extra cash in their pockets, clients leaned into brighter, bolder displays.

“I had more colorful requests,” he said. “It just needed, like, the most Christmasy Christmas ever, because COVID sucked. They hadn't spent money doing other things. People went pretty all out that year.”

For Kendall, more competition means the novelty of professional Christmas light installation is dimming – “this year definitely felt like it became the new lawn care,” he quipped – but that hasn’t hurt his business.

Kendall Christmas Lights is up to about 300 clients, including some of Ocean City’s biggest hotels. Better still, he says, lighting customers aren’t nearly as nitpicky with his crew as power washing clients can be.

“People are just ecstatic – they tip the guys, they make 'em cookies.

They're like, ‘you couldn't have done a better job.’ The guys wish they could just install Christmas lights year-round. It’s definitely a rewarding business,” Kendall said.

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 59

OC Today-Dispatch

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Pines golf director hired The Ocean Pines Association has announced the hiring of Matt Ruggiere as the new Director of Golf for the Ocean Pines Golf Club, effective Monday, Dec. 8.

Ruggiere was born and raised in Ocean Pines, where he spent his childhood participating in the community’s summer camps and golf programs. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 2014, he moved to Florida to work as an Assistant Golf Professional at LPGA International. During that time, he also took part in several professional golf tours, including the Florida Professional Tour and the West Coast Professional Tour.

In 2021, Ruggiere relocated to Colorado to serve as an Assistant Golf Professional at Indian Peaks Golf Course. He returned to the Eastern Shore in 2023 after reaching out to John Viola about launching a local golf academy.

“I am very excited about the position,” Ruggiere said. “I’m passionate about Ocean Pines and its golf community, and I look forward to helping it grow and creating a great experience for our residents.”

Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola expressed his excitement to have Ruggiere as a member of the team.

“I am thrilled to welcome Matt Ruggiere as the new Director of Golf in Ocean Pines,” said Viola. “His experience and knowledge make him an excellent fit for the role, along with his reputation for customer service.”

OPA Director of Finance Steve Phillips also commented on Ruggiere’s hiring, saying, “We’re excited to welcome Matt Ruggiere as our new Director of Golf. His extensive teaching and operational experience, along with his proven success in growing instructional programs, makes him a valuable addition to the team. We look forward to the energy and leadership he will bring to the club.”

D3 recognized at summit D3, a leading web design and digital marketing agency based in Ocean City and Salisbury, Maryland, was recognized with two top honors at the 44th Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS). The agency received the Best Website award for its work on the Chesapeake Country All-American Road website and was named Small Business of the Year, highlighting its impact, innovation, and partnership within Maryland’s tourism industry.

More than 200 tourism and hospitality professionals gathered at The Hotel at the University of Maryland for this year’s Summit, hosted by the

Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC).

The annual event brings together public and private sector leaders for three days of education, collaboration, and celebration, all aimed at strengthening Maryland’s vibrant tourism landscape.

“Tourism is an integral part of our state economy, and it’s back stronger than ever,” said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition. “This summit gives us the opportunity to learn from each other, understand key trends, and celebrate the projects and partners moving our industry forward.”

D3 earned the Best Website honor for its design and development of ccaar.org, the official website for the newly designated Chesapeake Country All-American Road. Spanning 419 miles of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the route is one of only a select number of federally recognized All-American Roads nationwide.

The site — built in collaboration with the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway Alliance — features immersive imagery, interactive maps, and intuitive trip-planning tools designed to help travelers explore the region’s natural landscapes, heritage sites, and local communities.

“Few places along the Mid-Atlantic are as connected to land and water as Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Continued on Page 60

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PAGE 60

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Jeep Week approved upon council revote

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Dec. 19, 2025) Ocean City Jeep Week will take place this spring following a revote of the City Council.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council reversed course on a previous decision to deny Jeep Week organizers the opportunity to hold the third annual event at the inlet parking lot and beach next May. In a 4-2 vote this week, council members agreed to support the organizers’ request after all.

“We were approached by this group a month or two ago, and the event did not get a recommendation, did not pass,” Council President Matt James said. “A few weeks later, I received a message from somebody on the council that voted against this event and said that they reconsidered their position and that they would support it if it came back on an agenda. So here we are today.”

In October, the City Council voted to reject a request from OC4WD, LLC to hold its third annual Jeep Week event at the inlet parking lot and beach May 28-31, 2026. A council majority at the time voiced concerns about the success of the event and the low turnout it received earlier this year.

This week, however, Councilman

Larry Yates flipped his “nay” vote to “yay,” giving the Jeep Week organizers the four votes needed to move forward next year. Councilwoman Carol Proctor and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca maintained their opposition to the event, while Councilman Jake Mitrecic abstained.

“I had a change of heart and believe that this is the best thing to do for the city,” Yates said in an interview this week. “I think they deserve another chance.”

Yates said the Jeep Week organizers had done nothing wrong, and should be able to hold an event, so long as the application process is followed and the fees are paid. Those views were shared this week by three other council members.

“I think one council member has realized it’s not their job to pick and choose what events are a success in Ocean City and that we should give everyone the opportunity, if they meet the minimum requirements,” Council President Matt James said during Monday’s meeting.

Councilman John Gehrig agreed.

“If you meet the requirements for the special event application, pay the fees … it doesn't matter if we think it’s going to work …,” he said. “Yeah, there are two Jeep events, and the market will determine if there will

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Once approval came from the city, organizers of Ocean City Jeep Week began actively marketing the event, announcing registration to open soon.

continue to be two Jeep events, or one Jeep event.”

However, DeLuca continued to share his concerns about the event, asking questions about the organizers’ former partnership with the Jeep Fest promoter and inconsistencies involving participation numbers. He added that having two Jeep events – Jeep Week in May and Jeep Fest in August – created confusion for the public.

“I don’t think this should've been put back on the agenda,” DeLuca said. “As I looked at all the numbers, and all the confusion, I just don’t see what’s changed except for the fact that one council person changed their vote.”

For her part, Proctor said she believed the Jeep Week event lacked organization, pointing to incorrect information organizers provided the city and the low event turnout in previous years. She also pointed to constituent concerns about motorized events in town.

“I just look at the overall picture and I don't want a repeat of other events that were motorized events, because of the leadership,” she said.

Following a back-and-forth discussion with event organizers, the City Council voted 4-2, with Mitrecic abstaining, to approve the third annual Jeep Week event.

“My only problem is really three

things – confusion, confusion, confusion …,” DeLuca said. “I really feel sorry for the family that comes here for Jeep Fest and picks the wrong week.”

In 2023, the city’s special events department received applications from organizers of both Jeep Week and Jeep Fest to hold separate events on the same week in August 2024.

To settle the issue, city staff asked for an extensive proposal from both groups to determine which event would be approved for the August dates. However, it ended up being a moot point, as the promoters of the Jeep Week event opted to change their 2024 event to May. In February 2025, following their inaugural May event the year prior, the promoters of Jeep Week came back before the City Council with a request to hold a second event during the spring.

That request was initially denied in a 3-4 vote, with a council majority questioning the success of the inaugural event and the safety of new 2025 components, particularly the inclusion of monster truck rides.

More than a month later, the organizers came back with a modified event, which was approved in a 5-1 vote.

This week’s flipped vote is the second to occur in less than a year.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Continued from Page 59 Jay Bosley, Chief Operating Officer at D3. “Our goal was to create a digital experience that mirrors that connection—helping travelers not just plan trips, but truly discover the people, places, and stories that make this region special. We’re honored to see this work recognized at the state level.”

In addition to Best Website, D3 was also named Small Business of the Year, a recognition presented to a tourism-related small business that demonstrates outstanding leadership, partnership, and dedication to advanc-

ing Maryland’s tourism economy.

“For 30 years, D3 has had the privilege of standing alongside the incredible people who make Maryland’s tourism community so special,” said John Gehrig, owner of D3. “This recognition truly took me by surprise and means more than I can express. We don’t do this work for awards—we do it because we care about the communities we serve. Being named Small Business of the Year is a reminder of how meaningful these partnerships are and why we remain so committed to helping Maryland’s destinations and businesses thrive.”

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

School calendar options released WCPS seeks community input on three options for 2026-2027 school year

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) County school officials this week presented three academic calendar proposals to the Worcester County Board of Education this week, with the key difference being how professional development is integrated into the schedule.

Worcester County Public Schools Coordinator of Public Relations Carrie Sterrs told the board that the undertaking began earlier this fall with a community survey conducted through the school system’s engagement platform. The survey ran from Oct. 27 through Nov. 7, yielding 1,446 responses. According to Sterrs, parents and school system employees made up the bulk of participants.

The key survey question asked respondents to identify their calendar priority: ending the school year earlier in June or adding more breaks throughout the year. Sterrs said that while this inquiry is typically split almost evenly, this year’s results showed a clear preference, with 57% favoring an earlier June release.

Among those who preferred additional breaks, longer holiday breaks

were the most popular option.

The survey also tackled professional development. Sterrs said respondents preferred early dismissals to staggered closings. Among those who selected early dismissals, they ranked their chosen days. Thursday came in first, Wednesday second, and Tuesday third.

Furthermore, Sterrs said the poll included a section for participants to provide open-ended recommendations or suggestions. Here, many respondents preferred early dismissals on Fridays rather than in the middle of the week. These individuals cited childcare concerns and disruptions to student schedules.

Respondents also requested fewer professional development days and asked school system leaders to integrate more teacher planning time and shorter, more frequent breaks during the school year to accommodate family vacations outside peak holiday and travel periods.

Additional feedback included appeals to end the school year earlier in June, using virtual learning days rather than closing the school for weather-related concerns.

Using that feedback, the calendar committee met to develop three proposed calendars. All options share several core elements. For instance, Sept. 8 will be the first day of school.

Tentatively, June 15 will be the last day. Thanksgiving and winter break remain consistent. The choices differ primarily in how professional development is structured.

Option one relies on early dismissals for professional development and includes an additional closure day on March 25 during spring break.

Option two uses staggered school closures to provide full-day professional development for staff, which Sterrs said “avoids the difficulty found with early dismissals like schools dismissing at different times or the transportation challenges of half days.”

Under this model, students would miss two full days of instruction, equivalent to the four half-days lost under an early-dismissal structure.

The third option is a hybrid system that combines both approaches, with staggered closures for the first portion of professional development and early dismissals later in the year.

Sterrs said the hybrid option would allow families to experience both models and provide more informed feedback in surveys for future years.

These calendar options are open for voting by the school community.

Those results will be provided to Superintendent Annette Wallace, who will make her final recommendation to the school board in February.

Stay informed with our digital newsletter Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC Today-Dispatch delivers? Our five-days-aweek digital newsletter might be just what you need.

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

DOWNTOWN South end to 28th Street BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON DRY DOCK 28 28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PICKLES PUB 706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment yearround and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

PIT & PUB 2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open yearround for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

THE BONFIRE 71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

FAGERS ISLAND 201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com $$ | Full bar Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

HOOKED 8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and wellmade food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

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

Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts.

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

SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY 13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

THE CRAB BAG 13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410250-3337, thecrabbag.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m.

New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-9885000, CCFBayside.com Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round.

Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

DIRTY HARRY’S 100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys $ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for

lunch and dinner, too.

NANTUCKETS Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

WEST OCEAN CITY ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL 9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com $$ | Full bar Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day.

Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 1-6 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.

BREAKFAST CAFE 12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried.

Open everyday, 12 noon to 9 p.m., kitchen and bar.

DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL 12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

ANNUAL LOWER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM Families and students from the Lower School, Pre-K through Grade 5, kicked off the holiday season with a cherished tradition at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS): the Annual Lower School Holiday Program. On Friday, December 12, Lower School Music Director Joanie Brittingham debuted the show Christmas on the Air, a spectacular performance filled with holiday songs and dances. Brittingham wrote, directed, and choreographed the show, which featured more than 200 students singing and dancing. By the end of the performance, it was evident that every student was a star.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The fifth grade class poses together following its final Lower School holiday performance at Worcester Preparatory School, celebrating a successful production of Christmas on the Air.

Worcester Prep fifth graders Finley Hanna and Gracie Hornung opened this year’s Lower School Holiday Program with a lively rendition of It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year from Christmas on the Air.

Fifth-grade students brought the nativity scene to life during Christmas on the Air. Pictured from left are Colton Vescovi, Kamden White, Declan Parks, Daxton Fones, Noah Ramadan, Emma Abbott, Ben Evangelista, Lilly McClure and Carson Kenton.

Berlin Liquor Store S Cold & Warm Beer Continuing a beloved tradition, first-grade students portrayed angels and performed Sing We Now of Christmas during the Annual Lower School Holiday Program. Pictured, from left, are Matthew Diorio, Presley Dykes, John Showell, Katherine Williams and Olivia Nieli.

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 65

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

OCEAN CITY CELEBRATES 150 YEARS The Town of Ocean City’s 150th Anniversary Gala was held last Friday night at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. About 700 guests were welcomed with a red-carpet entrance and a champagne toast before enjoying an evening of live entertainment, themed experiences, local food and libations, and a buffet dinner featuring a carving station and Ocean City favorites. The main hallway featured the Hall of Mayors, a massive anniversary cake measuring 150 inches and multiple themed rooms including the Bourbon & Cigar Room, featuring a history of storms and jazz music by Everett Spells; the Boardwalk Room, highlighting the history of the Boardwalk, Randy Hofman sand carving and Scopes Photography; the Art League Room, featuring violin music by Bronwyn Beth, a history of the Art League and a bubbly bar; Oyster Room, spotlighting the legacy of the crabbing, fishing and oyster industry including an oyster bar hosted by Harrison’s Harbot Watch; the OC HMRA Room, where the local hospitality industry’s roots were highlighted with an orange crush bar and live music by Island Fusion; the Wine Room, shining a light on the history of transportation with wine tastings from Windmill Creek Winery; and Candyland, where live taffy pulling was demonstrated by Dolle’s and massive samplings from Candy Kitchen, Dolle’s, Del Vecchio’s, Fisher’s Popcorn, Touch of Italy and Wockenfuss Candies. The event concluded with a grand finale drone show overlooking the bay. The event served as a fundraiser for Ocean City’s ongoing efforts to stop offshore wind development.

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Counties on the hook for wrongful jail time

By Bryan P. Sears Maryland Matters (Dec. 19, 2025) County officials said a change in state law requiring them to pick up half the cost of compensating individuals who were erroneously convicted puts more pressure on their budgets and holds county governments responsible for events they cannot control.

For years, the state picked up the tab for compensating those who were imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. That changed this spring with passage of a budget package that needed to close a $3.3 billion deficit: As part of that effort, the budget bill included surprise language that required counties to pick up half of the payouts.

Worcester County Administrative Officer Weston Young said counties – especially smaller ones with comparatively smaller budgets – should not be on the hook.

“I want to state clearly that in Maryland’s 24 counties, you cannot find one that does not support justice for exonerees, and all of us wholeheartedly back compensating the wrongfully incarcerated,” Young said Dec. 10 during a panel discussion at the Maryland Association of Counties winter conference in Cambridge.

“If you are innocent, it is an unimaginable nightmare to be wrongly incar-

PHOTO COURTESY BRYAN P. SEARS/MARYLAND MATTERS

Worcester County Administrative Officer Weston Young said a requirement for counties to pick up 50% of the payments to exonerees is unfair and a potential problem for small county budgets.

cerated,” he said. “But that said, fairness would demand the state take responsibility, take sole responsibility.”

He said the change in law that forces counties to pick up half the costs of compensating exonerated inmates is pitting the counties’ desire to right past wrongs against a need to have certainty in their own budgeting.

Young and other officials pointed out that county governments have no hand in the bad convictions. State’s attorneys are independently elected, and county executives and commissioners have no say in the cases prosecutors pursue or how they are prosecuted.

Young notes a current application for compensation that involves a per-

son who was convicted on the strength of testimony from a state forensic expert. The conviction was tossed out after it was learned the expert misrepresented some credentials.

Prosecutors are not retrying the three-decade old case, and the person convicted – unlike many who have See LAW Page 67

DECEMBER 19, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Law could shake local budgets Continued from Page 66 received compensation – has not been pardoned or exonerated.

Counties also are not a party to appeals or the administrative hearings where payouts are decided.

“There’s not a single county actor that’s involved in this,” said Wes Adams, a former Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney who is now the county attorney for Charles County.

In 2021, then-Gov. Larry Hogan signed the Walter Lomax Act, which was named for a man who spent nearly four decades in prison for a murder he did not commit. It clarified state law governing the compensation of those who are wrongly convicted.

Before the law passed, compensation was not mandatory and frequently denied. The Walter Lomax Act established a formal process, including hearings before an administrative law judge. It also set a formula for compensation based on the state’s most recently available median income. A daily rate is then applied to the number of days the individual spent behind bars for the erroneous conviction.

Since the bill passed, there have been about 40 compensation cases filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings.

“In all of the Walter Lomax Act cases, the claimant must prove by clear and convincing evidence that they did not commit the crime. So, in a lot of cases, honestly, most cases, the individual is not able to meet that burden,” said Syeetah Hampton-El, executive administrative law judge.

Just 18 of the applications have been approved for payments, Hampton-El said. Of those 18 cases, 11 of them – 61% – came out of Baltimore City. Three were from Wicomico County. Two were from Baltimore County. Charles and Harford counties accounted for one each.

Awards range from $250,000 to a high of $2.7 million – two exonerees received that amount.

In most cases, the tab for counties sounds small but in smaller counties, even small amounts can have an outsized feel.

“Our primary concern has to be to seek justice, but in these cases, the unpredictable financial burden can be crushing some of our jurisdictions as well,” Young said. “The state dictates changes to an expansion of the Walter Lomax Act … to include additional offenses. Expanded to allow estates to recover in the case of deaths.

These are just the expansions that have happened so far, and expansions to include additional compensation with that.”

Some state’s attorneys said they also are aware of the conflict between seeking justice and fiscal issues.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes said prosecutors are obligated to protect the innocent, including those wrongly convicted.

Those efforts, she said, come with a

cost.

“From our perspective, while my primary concern is not money, it is justice and the public’s confidence,” Dykes said. “I’m also a taxpayer, a resident, and I am not ignorant to the realities that the new legislation, or the past legislation, puts on all of us, especially small communities.”

Young said his county’s share of the pending compensation case could surpass $2 million — about 1% of the county’s budget. That’s money that could be used to pay portions of the state’s expensive education reforms or other county priorities, he said.

Young fears more cost shifts by the state.

“The 50-50 move with the counties sets a long-term policy risk for all of us,” Young said. “It’s a dangerous precedent where they could do this for more and similar shifts. They’re saddling counties with unpredictable tabs. That’s a threat to fiscal stability statewide if counties start struggling.”

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence.

Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions:scrane@marylandmatters.org Follow Maryland Matters on Facebook and Twitter.

PAGE 67

Resort to light fireworks downtown, uptown on NYE (Dec. 19, 2025) Ring in the New Year in Ocean City with fireworks at two sites.

Ocean City’s fireworks display will take place in two locations, downtown on the beach near Dorchester Street and uptown at Northside Park. This tradition will once again light up the night sky as Ocean City closes out a milestone year celebrating its 150th Anniversary.

“As we conclude a special 150th year in Ocean City, we look forward to ringing in 2026 with continued pride in our town’s history and excitement for what lies ahead,” commented Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. "Families can enjoy counting down to the new year with fireworks at midnight, whether you catch the large-scale show downtown on the beach or choose to enjoy the northern show from Northside Park."

The town offers free bus service on New Year's Eve. Bus services will be free starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, until 3:00 a.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Bus service will run approximately every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6

p.m. on December 31, and approximately every 15 minutes from 6 p.m.

December 31 until 3 a.m. January 1.

On all other days in December and January, bus service is available daily from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., approximately every 30 minutes, and standard fare is $4 per person for a "ride-all-day" pass.

Winterfest will have standard operating hours Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. until December 22 when Winterfest will be open daily through December 31. Please note: Santa will be preparing his sleigh for Christmas and will not be at Winterfest after the 23rd. Don’t miss the opportunity to take one final stroll through the lights at Winterfest which will stay open until 11 p.m. on December 31. There will be fun and lots of Coca Cola giveaways until midnight.

Finally, stop by the Performing Arts Center Box Office to get your tickets for Ocean City's Dreamfest, January 15-17, 2026. The three-day event hosts the shows featuring The Pointer Sisters, Shadows of the 60’s, Evolution of Pop, and much more!

PAGE 68

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Worcester County elections director to retire this month Patti Jackson will officially step down after 40 years with the Board of Elections

or think about it when casting a ballot at one of the county’s 19 precincts. It’s a job that attracts scrutiny almost exclusively when something goes wrong.

“If you had an election every year, I don’t know how you’d survive because it’s a lot of work,” she said.

“People don’t realize – they think when an election comes up, you’re busy maybe two weeks before, maybe a week after. It’s a long process. We start planning a year in advance for the next election.”

How important are elections in the Jackson family? When her youngest was born, her 3-year-old son crafted a simple ballot and had the family vote on first and middle names. He’s grown now, living in Pennsylvania, and still calls her on Election Day to say he voted.

Jackson got hired at the Board of Elections in 1985, giving the board a total of two employees at the time: her and former elections director Sheila Jones, a mentor who she later succeeded in 2001.

Her first task was gearing up for the election of 1986. She was 24.

“I remember going to a meeting with the State Board of Elections,” See DIRECTOR Page 68

(Dec. 19, 2025) Over four decades of elections in Worcester County, every ballot cast, every certified result, every dispute resolved – they all passed through Patti Jackson’s hands.

“I always say, your vote is your voice,” she said.

Now, with another election cycle complete, the 65-year-old Jackson is stepping away from the job she’s held for most of her adult life. When this year ends, so does her 40-year career with the county Board of Elections.

She’ll retire Dec. 31.

Jackson has had a front-row seat to nearly every major shift in how Worcester County votes, from handcounted ballots and hulking steel voting machines to today’s electronic voting systems. She’s seen voter registration move from in-person to online, and early voting grow from an idea into standard practice.

Most of Worcester County’s roughly 43,000 voters never see the nuts and bolts of how elections work,

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Elections Director Patti Jackson will close out her four decades on the job at the end of 2025.

Jackson was hired to the county’s Board of Elections in 1985.

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Answers on page 46

DECEMBER 19, 2025

HOROSCOPE

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 69

Director says its her time to retire

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you have been looking for some new ways to make some extra money, and now might be the time to start putting your plan in motion. Good fortune awaits.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Passion is on your mind this week, Taurus. Get together with a spouse or romantic partner and enjoy an evening with just the two of you. Embrace this chance to let the sparks fly.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 A gift would be a wonderful surprise for a loved one or friend this week, Gemini. Perhaps there is something that this person has had an eye on for some time now?

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 A group activity may bring new information and people into your life, Cancer. You might meet people from different backgrounds. Keep your eyes and ears open.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you might be interested in expanding your horizons. You could think about attending a lecture or seeing a documentary on a particular subject. The education will enlighten.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, a long-awaited phone call or text from a person who has been out of touch for some time could come through this week. This may reopen the lines of communication between you both.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if finances have been on your mind, now is a good time to read the financial pages or study the stock reports. You also may want to sit down with a financial planner.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, keep communication with business partners warm, open and honest. This will help you see your ideas come to fruition. It’s always easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, your tasks should go smoothly and quickly this week, particularly any paperwork you may have. Others are willing to help out if you need it.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, newfound communication heightens the relationship you have with a romantic partner this week.

Feelings and memories are shared willingly, and you may learn something new.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 A number of interesting visitors may come to your home this week, Aquarius. At least one may present some fascinating facts on a subject that is new to you. Enjoy the interaction.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, expect some interesting new neighbors to move in shortly. A friend will likely introduce you to these people, and a relationship could bloom.

Continued from Page 68 Jackson recalled, “and all the workers, the directors – and we weren’t called directors at the time, we were called registrars – and the lady that was conducting the meeting said, ‘who here has never been through an election?’

“It was me and another lady,” she added. “She just looked at us and she goes, ‘all I can say is I’m sorry.’ And everyone cracked up laughing. I thought, ‘what have I got myself into?’”

In her early days, ballots were cast using Shoup-brand voting machines that were already antiques. It was up to Jackson to make sure they were delivered from a storage warehouse to polling places; Ocean City had still used the old devices until very recently for municipal races.

“You would go into this huge metal – it looked like a box. And a curtain would close around you, and you choose the lever. Then when you hit the button to exit or cast your ballot, the curtain would open and that was it,” Jackson said.

Back then, every Election Day vote was meticulously tallied by hand on oversized paper spreadsheets, one column at a time. Jones was there beside her, offering kind guidance: Stay calm. Take your time. We want to be accurate.

Jackson has seen just how thin the margin can get. In the 2014 Republican primary, Worcester County produced what she calls its “claim to fame:” a county commissioner race that ended in a deadlock between candidates Ted Elder and Kathryn Danko-Lord.

As mail-in ballots were counted, the lead swung back and forth before the final tally landed on 214-214. The tie was unprecedented in a Maryland county commissioner race. State election officials consulted the Attorney General before opting to leave the decision to the candidates’ central committee (Elder, now a third-term incumbent, ultimately won.)

Today, paper tallies are long gone.

Electronic devices calculate vote totals faster and more efficiently. And, despite what you may have heard, these computers are not connected to the Internet. Only after polls are closed will the results, pulled from a removable flash drive, get uploaded to the state.

“We’ve invited people that have questioned that to work as an election judge, you know? Then you’ll see it for yourself. A couple people have taken us up on it, but most times it’s, it’s easier to complain than it is to see how it’s done,” she says of would-be conspiracy theorists.

When Election Day rolls around,

Jackson tries to visit every polling site, starting before sunrise. She stays out until returns start coming back.

Some elections have kept her up until 2 a.m., followed by a full workday the next morning.

Inside her office in Snow Hill, her longtime home away from home, the walls over her desk are cozily decked out in election paraphernalia and old framed political ads.

There’s a headband from Shirley Temple’s 1984 campaign for president; a plastic bag featuring former Gov. Marvin Mandel; a colorful poster for the late Reggie Hanock, a former county commissioner. On an opposite wall hang plaques marking 20, 25, and 30 years on the job.

But now, retirement is calling.

Over the years, Jackson has missed many of her children’s school functions. She has 10 grandchildren she wants to see more often. Her departure also coincides with the retirement of longtime deputy director Teresa Riggin, marking a rare leadership turnover at the board.

Jackson says she’ll miss the work and the camaraderie, but it’s time to let somebody younger take over. Her successor, Jocelyn Abbott, will be just the third person to hold the position since the 1960s.

“I’ve been here 40 years,” she said.

“I think that’s long enough.”

Opinions

Dec. 19, 2025

Page 70

Breaking down moratorium issue As the challengers of Ocean City’s moratorium on new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 and MH zones begin their attempt to petition the decision to referendum, gathering the signatures they need might be more of a pushup than it was for them in the spring, when they successfully challenged the short-term rental restrictions.

One reason is this moratorium has no effect on any existing rental property anywhere in town. It isn’t a ban on anything that’s already operating, and assertions to the contrary just aren’t so.

What this moratorium does is prevent new short-term licenses from being issued in single-family home and mobile home neighborhoods. Period.

Rentals in R-2 and R-3 zones aren’t involved and won’t be in the future, since the 9,000 short-term units in those areas are the backbone of the resort rental industry.

Further, since the moratorium doesn’t affect any currently operating short-term rentals, its impact on the economy is zero.

Who the moratorium would affect is the prospective buyer of a home in an R-1 and MH district who wants to rent it short-term. Similarly, people who already own homes in these neighborhoods and want to convert them to rentals won’t be able to do that until the city finds some sort of solution.

On the other hand, anyone who already has a licensed short-term rental property anywhere in town will benefit from the R-1 and MH moratorium: it prevents the arrival of more competition. That’s just common sense: more licenses, more competition.

The real argument here, however, is much more fundamental. This is about where the dividing line falls between Ocean City the community and Ocean City the commodity.

It’s always been both, and now the question is how far that dividing line can be moved without seriously affecting one side or the other.

OC Today-Dispatch Stubbornly local, equally independent NEWS EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE Contact News Room: editor@octodaydispatch.com SALES ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN Contact Sales: sales@octodaydispatch.com PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS Web: octodaydispatch.com ~ Facebook: www.facebook.com/octodaydispatch OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2025

PUBLIC EYE

CG potentially wrong

Having served four years in the Coast Guard back in the days of wooden ships and iron men, it’s good to know that the service has evolved into steel ships and ironic men, all of whom apparently take orders from appointees with wooden heads.

I say that because I was delighted to hear that the venerable service is walking back its harsh stance on the display of the swastika, which the commandant recently declared was no longer a hate symbol.

By “It’s more of an ‘intense disStewart like symbol,’” he said.

Okay, he didn’t say that, but Dobson he did label the Nazi insignia as “potentially divisive,” which I guess made some people feel better since morons have feelings too.

That’s what I assume, anyway, just as I assume that the ghosts of the Coast Guard’s DDay veterans in World War II are smiling as they fondly recall running their landing craft up to the beach in a curtain of bullets and shrapnel and being blown to smithereens occasionally by potentially divisive, swastikawearing individuals.

“Wow, Joe, that sure was potentially divisive back there on Omaha Beach!”

Although displaying the swastika had been prohibited at one time, recent Coast Guard management, if you can call it that, decided that maybe enough time had passed that we might view the Nazis in a different light and do a better job of overlooking the millions of

people who died because of them.

What are we supposed to think? I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m guessing the admiral reviewed the service’s swastika policy by the light of the lantern on the lawn jockey in his front yard.

Of course, I knew the Coast Guard was in trouble when its commandant reported being married to a man.

What happened was the folks in the Homeland Security Department, which has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard, failed to recognize the commandant was a woman because they didn’t want to be called out as woke.

“Yep, yep, everybody here’s got the same parts in the same places. Yep, yep. We’re good.

What? The commandant is married to a man?”

I think they fired her out of fear that other members of the service might marry men as well and that might be politically divisive.

Another possibility for dumping the female commandant might have been her attempt to find some middle ground in the swastika debate by rejecting the “Potentially divisive” label in favor of something more acceptable like, “Un-good.” However, the brass determined that “Un-good” is not bad but is not good and therefore might be potentially divisive. So they un-hired her.

I should point out though that the newly enlightened Coast Guard management did not can Adm. Linda Fagan for being a woman.

I have it on good authority that the boys upstairs decided that any commandant who wears a bra, male or female, is potentially divisive.

www.octodaydispatch.com

DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 71

OC Today-Dispatch

Between the Lines

By Steve Green A massive change at the state level is the latest example of unfunded mandates being pushed upon county governments.

One of the most recent examples was the topic of conversation at the Maryland Association of Counties convention in Cambridge. Legislative changes signed into law by the governor in 2024 now require counties and the state to evenly split the compensation in damages from wrongful convictions. Since 2021, there have been 40 compensation cases filed with the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings where individuals wrongly jailed have sought to be paid for their undue time spent behind bars. A formula is often used to determine the compensation where the daily rate is multiplied through the state’s current median income to equal a possible amount. Before the formula is put in place, the wrongly accused and jailed must be able to clearly show evidence they did not commit the crime.

In the last four years, 18 of the 40 cases have been cleared for payment. To date, no case has come from Worcester County but three have from neighboring Wicomico. Word is a county-based case could soon be surfacing, resulting potentially in Worcester County having to come up with half of the compensation. The awards issued to date range from $250,000 to $2.7 million. This is a big deal.

Worcester County Administrative Officer Weston Young addressed the matter during a MACo panel session last week. Maryland Matters quoted Young as saying, “If you are innocent, it is an unimaginable nightmare to be wrongly incarcerated. But that said, fairness would demand the state take responsibility, take sole responsibility. … Our primary concern has to be to seek justice, but in these cases, the unpredictable financial burden can be crushing some of our jurisdictions as well …”

For decades, county government officials have decried these changes passed at the state level that cost local governments money. This change is perhaps one of the most egregious examples. *** Ocean City has spent a lot of money at recent meetings, and it does not appear to be causing any consternation.

About $5 million in city funding is poised to be spent to ensure a federal $20 million grant can be secured for Baltimore Avenue reconstruction.

There’s much more to do on this project, but the city has agreed to provide the local match to retain the federal dollars. This will be a massive infrastructure project, involving rebuilding Baltimore from N. Division Street to 15th Street and burying the utility lines. Since the project has been discussed for at least five years, it was expected Ocean City officials would proceed with the project even if it’s smaller in scope than envisioned years ago. It makes sense to spend $5 million of local dollars to receive $20 million from the feds, assuming all is as it appears with that grant.

What was perplexing was the council agreed to spend $4.9 million earlier this month on police technology in the middle of a budget year. The cost would be spread out over five years, but elected officials admitted to being blindsided by the mid-year budget request. Councilman Tony DeLuca called the request to expand the current contract with Axon to include new technology a “$5 million surprise.” Councilman John Gehrig pointed out it was not in the budget and “came out of the blue.”

The new modernization package would improve efficiency and include major upgrades to in-car cameras and Tasers, a new real-time crime center platform, a drone detection program and artificial intelligence technology to write reports and analyze video, among other things. Police Chief Ray Austin acknowledged some of the aspects of the program do fall into the “wants,” not needs category. It was refreshing to see the chief admit the entire package is not critical to maintaining peace and order in Ocean City, but the council in the end was swayed by the savings that came with inking a deal before the end of the calendar year as opposed to waiting until budget review time.

Additionally, the group seemed to not want to get in the way of anything boosting public safety. While understandable, there must be limits placed on safeguarding public safety if the expense is not proven to be justified and truly needed. It’s not unreasonable to wonder aloud if all these additional tech aspects are crucial in this beach town that remains seasonable and is drearily quiet many months of the year, especially during the week.

Despite being surprised by the additional funding request and expressing concerns, the council voted 6-0 to move the plan forward in the name of public safety. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is looking to secure similar technology but at a lower cost totaling about $1 million. No official decision on the funding allocation has been made at the county level but this week’s approval from the commissioners allows the department to move ahead with a contract subject to future review during budget time. *** Next week, let’s review how my predictions for this year turned out.

Letter to the editor Looking to shine the light

Editor, My wife has been a fan of the Hallmark Channel for many years. Never watched a show, until recently.

Watching the news and doomscrolling finally broke me. So many tragic stories. Seeing all the carnage throughout our world put me in a very dark place.

My therapist recommended I get off my phone and start watching the Hallmark Channel. So for the last month I have been doing that.

And now I am a Hallmark junkie.

Being able to watch it 24/7 has helped me, immensely. The messages one receives from these stories has shown me some light in the darkness. The central themes revolve around families. Families that have gone through much grief, lost loves, and suffering, only to find the real meaning of what it is all about. As humans, we all share a common thread. The human condition. We are all one, striving to make sense out of this existence. Battling obstacles, confusion, unrest, and so much more.

The Hallmark Channel brings to life what we all have experienced, in one way or another. And through it all, we can come to learn that we all have a purpose, we all have a spark, a bright light, deep inside, ready to be ignited and shared with our fellow man. When it is all said and done, the Hallmark Channel has taught me there is one

thing that best holds us all together.

Something so simple, yet so perplexing.

This one thing is LOVE. Something to be shared with our closest allies, but, more importantly, to be shared with the rest of the world. We are here with a single purpose. And that single purpose is to love, to help others, to shine our light unto others. When you do, you will find that same light will shine right back at you. As the mystical guru, Ram Dass, once said, "We're all just walking each other home," a profound reminder that we're connected on a shared spiritual journey, helping each other find our true selves, meaning, and peace, especially as we face life's transitions and death. It emphasizes compassionate presence and mutual support in understanding life's purpose and achieving inner wholeness.

Watch the Hallmark Channel and see if your light doesn’t shine just a little brighter.

Now, my wife and I are offering a $500 cash reward to anyone who goes to the Worcester County Humane Society and adopts an animal.

Give a cat or dog it’s forever home and receive a $500 cash bonus for the light you will have shined on this beautiful animal.

If you do this, call or text the number 443-847-0643, and we will make the arrangements. May God Bless us all!

Drew and Laurie Haugh Ocean City

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@ octodaydispatch.com. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

PAGE 72

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

POCOMOKE PROJECT BREAKS GROUND On December 4, Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott and county staff joined Davis Strategic, Mayor Todd Nock, and members of the Pocomoke City community to officially break ground on the Drawbridge Villas townhome project. Through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Davis Strategic will offer 25 new townhomes for sale at a $50,000 discount through the State's Project UPLIFT program.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

COAT DONATIONS TO BUCKINGHAM ELEMENTARY Buckingham Elementary extends a heartfelt thank you to the aerobics classes of the Ocean City Recreation Department, the Worcester County Bar Association, the Radford University Alumni Chapter, Worcester Gold, and Keller Williams Realty Delmarva for your generous fall holiday assistance. Your support has made a meaningful difference for our Buckingham families, and we are truly grateful for everything you have done.

OC Today-Dispatch 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, MD 21842

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB The After-School Art Club at Snow Hill Middle School, an outreach program of the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City, created "Tree of Life" artwork inspired by Gustav Klimt. Led by Mrs. Shockley, the students explored analogous colors and painted layers of "chaos," adding their own positive affirmations like courage, gratitude, and kindness.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

PAGE 73

OC Today-Dispatch

ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR

The Upper School Vocal Ensemble delighted guests at the end of the day with beautiful Christmas carols, adding holiday cheer to this year’s Worcester Prep Bazaar.

WPS sophomores helped keep the school spirit shining bright as they volunteered at the Spirit Store during the annual Holiday Bazaar. Pictured, from left, are Liam Crowley, Dexter Feldman and Mac Miller.

Students and families enjoyed a magical moment with Santa as he read aloud “The Night Before Christmas” during the Holiday Bazaar.

WPS students Lyla Roberts and her sister Stella Roberts (left) proudly represented their small businesses, Designs by Lyla Anne and Yours Truly by Stella Rose, at the annual Holiday Bazaar. They are pictured with their mother, Kelly Roberts.

On Saturday, December 6, Worcester Preparatory School’s (WPS) Brent Thompson Field House was transformed into a winter wonderland as families gathered for the annual Holiday Bazaar. This festive tradition brought together students, parents, alumni, faculty, and friends to officially kick off the holiday season in true WPS spirit.

From story time with Santa to cozy sips at the Coffee House, the Bazaar offered joyful moments for everyone. Guests enjoyed homemade treats from the Winter Bakery, visited the Holiday Café for tasty bites, explored handmade treasures from local vendors, and took a chance in the ever-popular basket ticket auction.

All proceeds from the Holiday Bazaar benefit student-centered projects on campus. This magical day would not be possible without the generosity of our donors, vendors, volunteers, shoppers, and families. Your kindness and enthusiasm fill our campus with holiday cheer year after year. From all of us at Worcester Prep, we wish you a season full of warmth, happiness, and togetherness.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Christmas Christm mas Eve SService 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Carols, Sp pecial Music, Christmas Eve E Meditation

by Rev. Georgee R. Patterson, & Candle Lighting L G singing “Be Boorn In Me”.

Soloist Melissa Grunewald Mary Price and Billie Wall singing “O Hooly Night”.

PAGE 74

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Members of the Stephen Decatur High School marching band are pictured warming up among other schools before this month’s parade in Hawaii.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SDHS marching band bids aloha to Hawaii

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) After months of preparation and securing more than $125,000 in donations, the Stephen Decatur High School marching band has returned from a successful trip to Hawaii, where they performed at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu on Dec. 7.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, all 37 members of the high school’s marching band and 10 adults flew to the islands to represent Maryland at the event.

The parade commemorates the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and celebrates the end of World War II. This year's procession was particularly special, marking 80 years since the establishment of peace in 1945.

Jimmy McKenzie, Decatur’s marching band director, said SDHS was the only Maryland school invited.

A band from each state with a battleship of the same name in Pearl Harbor

at the time of the invasion is asked to perform, and the honor is passed around from year to year.

This year was Stephen Decatur’s turn. As the parade proceeded down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, featuring a variety of performances and acts, the Berlin band played selections from their halftime show lineup titled “American Voices.”

McKenzie added that other works included “Aloha Oe,” composed by the last queen of Hawaii, as well as patriotic songs such as “America the Beautiful,” their favorites for football games —“Land of 1,000 Dances” — and their usual parade drum cadence called “Birds of Prey.”

In addition to the parade, the Seahawks also played at the USS Missouri Battleship Memorial in a band featuring all the other invited schools and marching ensembles.

“Our performances went spectacularly,” McKenzie said. “I think it's the best performance they’ve had all year.”

The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade was not the only meaningful experience the Decatur students embarked on during their trip. The band director said the students and chaperones visited the Dole Plantation and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The group returned on Dec. 9.

Since then, McKenzie noted that the excursion has been the talk of the classroom.

“The kids have been telling me all week that it was a really terrific experience and they had a wonderful time out there,” he said.

The SDHS marching band received its invitation to perform at the Hawaiian event in October 2024. However, the hefty $130,000 price tag was a hurdle they first had to overcome before booking their plane tickets.

Ultimately, however, the island journey was funded through donations. Thanks to the $125,000 the group secured, all 37 students attended, with no cost to their families,

OC Fire Dept. Fundraiser 3 x 4.14

except for four meals during the trip.

McKenzie said garnering such a large amount of money was made possible by simply spreading the word.

Because the band had the unique opportunity to represent Maryland and the Eastern Shore, many in the community were happy to contribute to the cause.

“We were able to fundraise a lot through just accepting donations,” McKenzie said.

He added that the band also hosted restaurant nights at places like Crimson Coward and Chipotle and sold blankets to help raise the funds.

Despite the steep cost, McKenzie said the experience for his band students was worth every penny.

According to the band director, he used the trip to teach the children more about World War II. These extra lessons came in handy when the Berlin musicians headed to the USS Arizona Memorial, a battleship that was sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, taking 1,1177 crew members down with her.

“We were able to go to the memorial, which was a special moment for the kids, so that they could be in the exact spot where history was made and maybe become a little more worldly and understand the world around them a bit better,” he said.

McKenzie added that the experience was particularly special for the students whose travels at this point had been limited.

“A lot of the kids had never flown before, so they now have a better opportunity to understand what life is like beyond the Shore,” he said.

While the group may not be returning to Hawaii next year, the band director intends to develop the musical program further. He said he hopes to expand field show productions, perhaps incorporating props into their halftime show. McKenzie also said he would like to attend more competitions next year, such as the state championships in Towson.

DECEMBER 19, 2025

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WORLD WAR II

OBITUARIES

Reflecting on World War II’s legacy

STEPHEN EDWIN HUMPHREYS Berlin Steve was born on June 16,1941 to Pauline Harrington Humphreys and William Wendell Humphreys. He passed peacefully with his family by his side on November 23, 2025.

Steve leaves behind his wife Joan Hawke Humphreys of almost 63 years. His S. Humphreys daughter Ashley Humphreys, her spouse Paul, his son Joshua Humphreys, wife Brooke and grandson Zane Hawke Humphreys and brother William Wendell Humphreys Jr. Steve proudly served in the United States Army, Old Guard, stationed at Fort Myers in Arlington, Va. and asContinued on Page 76

The catastrophic conflict left behind a lasting impact of devastation in its wake

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) Sadly, this issue marks the end of our series of chronicling the salient weekly events of World War II as they occurred 80 years ago.

We began with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident and the Japanese invasion of China and the Spanish Civil War, where the Spanish Caudillo, Generalissimo Francisco Franco and his Nationalist forces, with the assistance of the German Kondor Legion and the Italian Corpo Truppe Volontarie, ultimately defeated the Soviet supported Republican Government, together with their volunteer International Brigades, including the American Abraham Lincoln and George Washington Brigades.

We chronicled the German invasion of Poland and the subsequent occupation of Eastern Poland, the Baltic States, Bessarabia, and Northern Bukovina, by the U.S.S.R. Naval battles, large and small, were covered, beginning with the sinking of the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee off the coast of Uruguay, the sinking of the battleships Bismarck, Prince of Wales and Repulse, and the American destroyer Reuben James, the assault on Convoy PQ-17, “The Channel Dash,” the Battles of Calabria, Cape Passero, Matapan, Mers-el-Kebir, Coral Sea, Midway, Santa Cruz, Java Sea, North Cape, Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf.

Air Raids were covered, such as: Taranto; Pearl Harbor;1,000 Plane Raids on Essen and Cologne; the fire bombings of Tokyo, Hamburg and Dresden; Ploesti; Schweinfurt; Regensburg; and the Dam Busters.

Great sieges were recounted, such as Oviedo, Madrid, Taiershuang, Viipuri, Odessa, Sevastopol, Leningrad, Stalingrad, Murmansk, Tobruk, Singapore, Caen, Budapest, Breslau, Berlin, and Novorossisk.

We visited the great conferences, Évian, Munich, Cairo, Casablanca, Natal, Tehran, Quebec, Moscow, Washington, Wannsee, Yalta, Potsdam, and the ones between the German Führer and the Italian Duce, the Spanish Caudillo, and Marshal Pétain of France.

We chronicled the deaths of important people, such as: the American President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt; the Italian Duce, Benito Mussolini; the German Führer, Adolf Hitler; French Admiral François Darlan; SS General Reinhard Heydrich; Tzar Boris III of Bulgaria; French Resistance Leader Jean Moulin; General George S. Patton Jr.

We followed the war in North Africa between the German-Italian forces and the Commonwealth forces, as well as the war in East Africa between the Italian and Commonwealth forces. We chronicled the Pacific War and the Battles of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, New Guinea, New Georgia, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Tinian, Aachen, Bougainville.

We told of the quick defeats of France, Norway, Yugoslavia, Greece, and the Allied invasions of Sicily, Italy, and France. The titanic struggle between the Wehrmacht and its allies — Italy, Hungary, Finland, Romania, Croatia and Slovakia — and the Red Army, beginning with Operation Barbarossa was examined.

We examined some of the major personalities, such as: Generalissimo and Madame Chaing; Soviet Marshals Konstantine Rokossovsky and Semyon Timoshenko; American journalists Ernest Hemingway and third wife Martha Gellhorn; French Premier Édouard Deladier; Auschwitz Commandant Rudolf Höss; NKVD Chief Lavrentiy Beria; Hungarian Prime Minister Pal Teleki; Pope Pius XII; Cuban President Fulgencio Batista; Finnish sniper Simo Haya; British double amputee, fighter ace Douglas Bader; Leon Trotsky; American aces Butch O’Hare and “Pappy” Boyington; Italian General Mario Roatta; Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg; Field Marshal Robert Ritter von Greim; John Birch.

Finally, we covered some of the many trials seeking to bring wrongdoers to justice: the Soviet trial at Kharkov; French Marshal Henri Pétain; Norwegian Fører, Vidkun Quisling; Hungarian Prime Minister László Bárdossy; Slovakian Vodca, Father Josef Tiso; French Prime Minister Pierre Laval; American Private Eddie Slovik; Japanese Generals Tomoyuki Yamashita and Masaharu Homma; Romanian Conduc tor, Marshal Ion Antonescu; Axis Sally; Hungarian Nemzetvezet , Ferenc Szálasi; and, of course, the Trial of the Century at Nuremberg.

World War II was the most destructive event in the history of mankind. More than 55 million lives were lost and countless more were injured and disrupted. From all of this there were some lessons to be learned.

Militarily, as British Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery noted, “Don’t invade China and the Soviet Union!” Politically, German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller confessed, “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—be-

cause I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

As Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

I hope you, the Readers, have enjoyed these articles as much as I, and my fellow writers, have enjoyed bringing them to you. Happy Holidays!

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 19, 2025

OBITUARIES Continued from Page 75 signed to the White House and Camp David. He served under President Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.

Steve was very proud of his level of success during his 40-year career while employed by Du Pont de Nemours, Directional Industries and retired from Hancock & Moore after 30 years from any salesman’s dream job.

Steve will be missed by all who knew Him. MARIE M. HOUCK Ocean City Marie Margaret Houck, age 80, passed away on December 14, 2025, in Berlin.

Born on July 25, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Margaret White.

Marie was married to the love of her life, Philip I. Houck, for 60 wonderful years.

Marie Houck They moved to Ocean City in 1979 and quickly became very active members of the community. That year they opened Sweet Caroline’s and in 1980 became the founders of Bull on the Beach. Later in 2009, they also adopted the restaurant Crab Alley.

At Bull on the Beach, Marie was known as the Master of the Coin, Queen of the Green Sheets, and the Tornado Cleaner. Throughout the years she was also one of the founders of the Opti-Ms-Club and The Cowgirls Club.

Marie enjoyed the simple things in life including spending time with her family, Sunday Sauce, the Opti-MsClub, fishing, eating crabs, her Happy Hour Bull family, playing shuffleboard, The Cowgirls Club, and her favorite – the casino.

She is survived by her husband Philip I. Houck; three children and their spouses – Michele and Thomas Knopp, Philip and Angela Houck, and Kevin and Pamela Houck; six grandchildren – Zachery Knopp, Jakob Knopp, Emily Knopp, Cooper Houck, Mason Houck and Rylee Houck; one great-grandchild – Benjamin Knopp; and her beloved dog Bently.

Cremation followed her death. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026, at Bull on the Beach on 94th Street from noon to 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home, Berlin.

NANCY SPIES CUMMINS Berlin Nancy Spies Cummins, age 102, died peacefully on December 6, 2025.

She was the daughter of the late Henry Spies, Sr. (pronounced “Spees”) and Mary Macklem Spies.

She was, in her words, “born and reared” at Square Farm, near Easton.

The oldest daughter Nancy Cummins of a family of eight farm kids, she was a fantastic mother, an excellent cook and a beloved teacher. She was remarkably intelligent, the first in her family to graduate from college, the University of Maryland, in 1944. That summer she married James Cummins, Jr., whose mother, Kitty Whaley Cummins, was from Berlin. Then she started her career as a teacher at a high school in Preston. However, most of her career (1962-1985) she taught third grade at Thoroughgood Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Va. She married Dick Cummins when he was back in the states on leave as a B-17/B-24 navigator for the US Army’s 15th Air Corp in eastern Europe. In 1945 he was shot down in enemy territory while on one of his 34 bombing missions and became MIA for over two months, but he

$1,845.

made his way back to allied-held land. As always during this ordeal, Nancy showed she was a strong and resilient woman who loved her country. Like many military families, they raised their three children across America: Texas, Colorado, California, South Dakota, territorial Alaska, Virginia and Maryland.

Nancy loved life and people. She volunteered to help others throughout her life, especially in her retirement. She was a 20-year volunteer at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum in Virginia Beach.

She loved her churches, Old Donation Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Berlin, Maryland. She enjoyed sewing, decorating, cooking, gardening, entertaining, reading and travelling. She had a great sense of humor she often exhibited with a “Spies laugh” that was both outrageous and contagious. For instance, she once explained why she didn’t like to cook pies. With a smirky-smile on her face, she recounted how, after spending hours preparing pies at Square Farm, her brothers would come in from working in the fields and eat them up way too fast.

Dick passed away in 1991. Nancy is survived by her youngest brother, Bill Spies, three children; Carolyn Cummins, Jim Cummins and wife Nancy, and Mary Kay Cummins-Korb and husband Alan; four grandchildren, Kitty Maves, Jamie Sullivan, Caroline Cummins Buege and husband Ryan, Dirick Cummins and husband Damon Branson; three step-grandchildren, Blake, Harrison and Chandler; five great grandchildren, Lana and partner Isaac, Ella, Tess, River, and Lilith; three great-great grandchildren, Duke, Drake, Dallas; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Since 2017 she has lived at Chesapeake Manor, Willards, MD. The family is grateful for the staff and the wonderful care they provided.

A memorial service will be held on January 30. 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in Berlin, Md, with the Rev. Suz Southern officiating. Interment of her ashes, weather permitting, will then be held at the family cemetery in Whaleyville, Maryland, where she will rejoin her husband. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in her memory to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church Street, Berlin, MD, 21811. Condolences and special thoughts can be sent to Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home (http://www.bishophastingsfh.com).

Obituary Submissions E-mail: editor@octodaydispatch.com Submitted obituaries will cost $50.00 for print and online publications.

A sales representative from our office will contact you for payment once your submission is sent.

Sports & Recreation

OC Today-Dispatch Dec. 19, 2025

Page 77

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Lila Gunther converts on two of her 13 points during the game against Pocomoke on Tuesday night.

Paityn Tyre, above grabbing a defensive rebound and below scoring, led Decatur with 24 points in the Pocomoke win.

Decatur hoops split with Warriors

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Dec. 19, 2025) On Tuesday night, the Stephen Decatur varsity girls basketball team flew past the Pocomoke Warriors, 80-24, at home, while the boys team lost a tight contest by one point at the opposite end of the county.

This is their fourth consecutive win this season after a close battle against Queen Anne’s last Friday, 56-55.

The Lady Seahawks are a confident and hard-working team cutting themselves no breaks after every win as evidenced by Senior Paityn Tyre’s after game comment.

“We definitely have some work to do, wasn’t one of our best, but we got it together a little bit,” Tyre said. “We’re going to plan to work tomorrow at

practice and we’re going to improve from today.”

Tyre was this game’s high scorer with 26 game points from 12 baskets and two of four free throws.

Tuesday night’s game started off with a blast from the Seahawks, leading after one quarter 26-8. Tyre made fourteen of those points. The second aquarter continued with a 20-2 run.

Tyre had 10 of those points.

At half time the score was 46 -10. In the third quarter the Seahawks continued to score, outpacing Pocomoke 238. The Warriors showed their lack of depth and the fourth quarter ended 116 with a final game score of 80-24.

“We have to eliminate the turnovers,” said Head Coach Corey Holland said. “Pocomoke is a very

young team. They have a lot to build off of, but right now, for us to go and do the things that we need to do, we can’t turn the ball over like that, and we’re going to have to do a better job of rebounding the basketball.

“Those are the biggest things that stood out to me, and then free throws, we have to do a much better job of knocking down those free throws when we have those opportunities.”

On the boys side, Decatur has lost two close games recently, losing to Crisfield, 41-40, at home on Dec. 11 and dropping an away game to Pocomoke, 82-80, on Tuesday.

In a losing effort against Pocomoke, JP Purnell dropped 27 points and Nicky Soares added 15 points. Kayden Sharkey had 12 points in a losing effort.

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