12/26/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch DECEMBER 26, 2025

PRICELESS

STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT

Year in Review

Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter.

— Page XX

Top 10 Stories Page 3

OC Today-Dispatch DECEMBER 26, 2025

Year in Review

Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter.

— Page XX

PRICELESS

STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT

Top 10 Stories Page 3

OC Today-Dispatch

Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter.

— Page XX

DECEMBER 26, 2025 PRICELESS

STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT

Year in Review

Top 10 Stories Page 3

OC Today-Dispatch

Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter.

— Page XX

DECEMBER 26, 2025 STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT

Year in Review

PRICELESS

Top 10 Stories Page 3

PAGE 2

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 3

OC Today-Dispatch

Newsroom review: OC area’s ‘Top 10’ stories of the year

By Steve Green Executive Editor (Dec. 26, 2025) Throughout 2025, nearly 1,200 news articles were printed on the pages of this newspaper. Here is our newsroom’s “Top 10” stories of the year for our area. Readers will find a year in review through photos in the rest of the paper.

1. Rental regs controversy Ocean City spent the early part of 2025 discussing ways to regulate shortterm rentals in the R-1 and MH districts.

An approved ordinance was subsequently petitioned to referendum. In July, Ocean City voters by a 34-person margin rejected the ordinance that created a five-night minimum length of stay and eventually a ban on short-term rentals in the stated districts. Months after the vote, Ocean City approved the extension of the existing short-term rental license moratorium in R-1 and MH zones. The year ended with the same group that challenged the previous ordinance working on a new petition drive, which needs 990 valid signatures to challenge an extension of a moratorium on new STR licenses in the R-1 and MH districts. The deadline is Jan. 20.

2. Fourth of July chaos in OC A “takeover” event created on social media ruined the Fourth of July weekend in Ocean City. National headlines were made after a group of individuals reportedly set off fireworks, causing a stampede on the Boardwalk. A video of the chaos surpassed 1.5 million views on the newspaper’s social media account and was shared by 40-plus media outlets. Veteran business owners on the Boardwalk reported never seeing any-

thing like in it their decades of operation.

An actual shooting did take place on 28th Street with an individual hospitalized. The victim did not cooperate, and no arrests were made in the incidents.

3. Tram service ended About 12 months after a 2-year-old was killed on the Boardwalk, the Town of Ocean City officially ended the Boardwalk Tram service in October. A $400,000 settlement agreement between the toddler’s family and the city was inked in 2025 as well. A probe of the fatality found numerous problems with the city’s tram equipment including violations of state motor vehicle regulations.

4. Offshore wind in limbo President Trump immediately began the year with an Executive Order attempting to derail all existing offshore wind projects, including US Wind’s efforts off Ocean City. Ocean City and several private businesses have legal actions filed against the federal government.

Most of the year has been spent with attorneys for both sides arguing their cases to keep the project going and vice versa.

5. Man jailed in Knupp death Three years after 14-year-old Gavin Knupp was struck and killed by a vehicle, the motorist was sentenced in March.

Tyler Mailloux, 25, pleaded guilty in February to the felony count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He was sentenced to 10 years in jail with all but 18 months suspended. Mailloux also received three years’ probation and will have to complete 400 hours of community service within the first year of release.

6. AGH, TidalHealth merge After about nine months of behindSee 2025 Page 6

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PAGE 4

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

American Amerrriican & Regional Reg eg giional Dining Diiin nin ng gW Wi With itth h A Global Global Influence IIn nffllueen n nce 60TH STREET IN THE BA AY Y

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 5

OC Today-Dispatch

OVER $56,500 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2025 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203

NANCY REITHER-SMITH

#1 AGENT COLDWELL BANKER Realty Sales Volume & Closed Units Ocean City and DE Beaches

Realtor® • Licensed in MD & DE Office: 410-524-1203

Cell: 410-603-5050

Email: nreither@cbmove.com

TOP LISTING AGENT FOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY OCEAN CITY & DE BEACHES WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO

LUXURY DIRECT OCEAN FRONT 3 BR, 3.5 BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3PM

201 S HERON DRIVE UNIT 2D • HERON HARBOUR ISLE OCEAN CITY • $429,900

6305 ATLANTIC AVE UNIT 301 • OCEAN CITY • $1,550,000 Luxury Direct Oceanfront 3BR/3.5BA Condo, 2,412 sq ft – Boutique Building with Only 4 Units! Experience the ultimate in coastal luxury living with this direct oceanfront 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo in one of Ocean City’s most prestigious boutique buildings. With only four residences, this exclusive property offers privacy, sophistication, and breathtaking views from every room. Wake up to the sound of waves and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic from your oceanfront primary suite. MDWO2033768

Welcome to this 2BR/2BA waterfront condo, filled with upgrades, located in Heron Harbour Isle. You will be wowed by the remodeled chef ’s kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless appliances and upgraded countertops. The kitchen, dining & family rooms flow seamlessly with an open concept living floor plan leading to a private balcony overlooking the water, bird sanctuary & breathtaking sunsets. Relax in your spacious primary bedroom with a spa-like, en-suite. The second bedroom is freshly painted with new carpeting. Enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, sauna, indoor heated pool, lap pool, family pool, and a kiddie pool. This location is close to the beach, restaurants, shops, grocery stores & mini golf. Come experience the very best of coastal living! MDWO2034104

MOVE-IN READY 3 BR 2.5 BA CONDO with POOL

2 BR, 2 BA CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP LIFT & JET SKI LIFT

1 BR, 1 BA CONDO on CANAL

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11AM-1PM

104 125TH ST #106 • LORELEI II • NORTH OCEAN CITY $575,000 This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in Lorelei II offers an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, cozy gas fireplace, and a private balcony with front-row views of Winterfest and fireworks at Northside Park. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and direct balcony access, plus there are two more large bedrooms and a second full bath. Sold fully furnished and move-in ready, full remodel in 2021. Enjoy community amenities like a pool, plus easy access to the beach, dining, shops, and yearround fun at the park right across the street. MDWO2032542

OCEAN BLOCK 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO

1 66TH ST #101 • VINTAGE OCEAN CITY • $479,000 Stunning 2BR/2BA Condo Just One Back from the Beach!

Welcome to your coastal retreat! Located on 66th Street in a desirable ocean block building, this beautifully updated condo is only steps from the sand and surf.

MDWO2033508

PRIME RESIDENTIAL LOT

204 S HERON DR UNIT 202 G • BAYWATCH II GRAND OCEAN CITY • $575,000

Beautiful 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo with Deeded Boat Slip, lift & Jet Ski Lift in Baywatch II Grand Rarely available for sale, this beautiful second-floor condo in the Grand Baywatch building (with elevator) is now on the market! This spacious unit features one of the larger floor plans and includes a deeded boat slip and jet ski lifts—perfect for the boating enthusiast. MDWO2034514

Build Your Dream Home! A rare opportunity has just become available in the prestigious Lighthouse Sound community! This expansive 20,237.00 sq ft lot one of the largest in the neighborhood - offers the perfect setting to build your dream home. Ideally situated on the corner of Fox Ridge and Southampton Drive. Enjoy a lifestyle of luxury and leisure in a community recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 golf courses in the country. The Links at Lighthouse Sound also features an elegant clubhouse and a highly rated restaurant perfect for relaxing after a round of golf. Just minutes from Ocean City's famous beaches, restaurants, and shops, this lot offers both tranquility and convenience.

Whether you're looking to build a full-time residence or a vacation retreat, this location provides the ideal coastal living experience.

Condo – Canal Views, Community Pool & Prime Location! This upgraded top-floor condo offers the best of both worlds—peaceful canal views and just two blocks from the beach!

Sold fully furnished and move-in ready. Featuring open concept living with updated kitchen & bath, stainless appliances and storage galore. Close to Northside Park, the beach, restaurants, shops, and mini golf, this unit is the perfect coastal retreat or investment property.

MDWO2033766

PRIME WATERFRONT LOT

WATERFRONT TOWNHOME with BOAT SLIP & LIFT

10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN • GLEN RIDDLE BERLIN • NOW $1,090,000

616 SALT SPRAY RD #6 • OCEAN CITY $310,000

Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community. MDWO2023166

Beautiful Waterfront Townhome with Deeded Boat Slip & Lift!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a stunning 2-level townhome located just off 94th Street—offered fully furnished and move-in ready for your immediate enjoyment. This spacious 1bedroom, 1.5-bath home includes a deeded boat slip with lift, making it perfect for boating enthusiasts. MDWO2032774

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $7,900,000

SOUTHHAMPTON DRIVE LOT 46 LIGHTHOUSE SOUND BISHOPVILLE • $449,000

105 123RD STREET UNIT B332 • JOCKEY BEACH CLUB OCEAN CITY • $264,900

34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $3,900,000

COMMERCIAL (C-1)

38967 WILLOW LANE FENWICK ISLAND, DE • $1,229,000 This prime mixed-use property is located on the highly trafficked Route 54 corridor, just one mile from both Fenwick Island Beach and Ocean City Beach. Zoned C-1/ and Residential for commercial use, it offers outstanding visibility and signage opportunities, making it ideal for a variety of business ventures.

The location provides the perfect balance between residential comfort and commercial potential, with easy access to coastal attractions. DESU2085740

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!

3 BR, 3.5 BA TOWNHOME with DEEDED Jet Ski & BOAT Lifts

COMMERCIAL C-1

KEYSER POINT WEST OCEAN CITY $299,000

Prime commercial location 5.13 acres build your in Selbyville of 10.09 acres.

Commercial Site in Prime Locadream home. Popular West tion hits the Market! 2.36 acres on This is a rare commercial dethe corner of RT 54 and W. Line velopment opportunity on Ocean City Location just Rd in Selbyville DE. This location the busy intersection of minutes from the beach off is directly across from Yellowfins Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing US 50 on Keyser Point Rd. Restaurant and shoppingcenter new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approxi- Discover your own private slice of paradise coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller re- mately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & on this large, wooded lot located on Keyser tail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, Point Road in Ocean City, Maryland. Nestled and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance will medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Fi- just minutes from the heart of downtown OC. MDWO2031504 for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978 nancing is available. MLS DESU184528

722 139TH STREET UNIT C • OCEAN CITY $1,199,900 Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a rarely available 3BR/3.5BA bayfront townhome in North Ocean City featuring jet ski & boat lifts, a two-car garage, and breathtaking sunset views over deep water. From the moment you walk in the front door, you'll be captivated by panoramic bay views that stretch in both directions.

MDWO2034516

MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, DE OFFERED AT $2.1 MILLION EACH $4.2 MILLION TOTAL This is a prime location in sought-after Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

PAGE 6

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

D.A. Kozma Jewelry & Coins GIGANTIC DIAMOND SALE!

Since 1978

¾ CARAT T.W.

4 CARATS T.W.

$449

$3299

2 CARATS T.W.

$399

$1399

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1 CARAT T.W.

$699

3 CARATS T.W.

$449

$2599

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1.5 CARATS T.W.

LAB GROWN

$1199

$599

IN 14KT WHITE OR YELLOW GOLD

MANY SIZES AVALABLE AND IN STOCK!

WE BUY & SELL COINS, CURRENCY, SILVER & PLATINUM

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Immediate Evaluations & Payment - 1 Piece or Entire Collection

D GSOOLVER

! !

0 0 $ 40 I

. OZT

GOLD IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH! HIGHEST PRICES PAID!

Look at these great prices we recently paid Watch $2220.00 10K Rings $826.00 $1114.00

Silver Flatware $2332.00

14K Rings $671.00

14K Band $284.00

10K Service Awards $270.00

Old & Broken Gold $1249.00

14K Jewelry $465.00

BUYING & SELLING GOLD, SILVER, COINS & CURRENCY

D.A. Kozma Jewelry & Coins

9936 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY • RT 50 & 611 FOOD LION SHOPPING CENTER WOC 410-213-7505 • 800-882-8827 • KOZMAJEWELERS.COM Lic. No. 2294

2025 review of top news stories for coastal area Continued from Page 3 the-scenes efforts and negotiations, a definitive agreement was signed on May 1, bringing Atlantic General Hospital under the TidalHealth system’s umbrella. Throughout much of the year, an integration plan was followed and in 2026 AGH’s name will officially become TidalHealth Atlantic.

7. Water, wastewater spikes The early part of the year revealed Worcester County’s water and wastewater utility funds were incurring revenue shortfalls. Numerous years of flat rates amid rising expenses resulted in the county looking at massive shortfalls in a majority of the service areas, which are designed to be revenue neutral. The county ultimately decided to raise water and sewer rates over all the service areas, resulting in major increases in the third quarter of the year for many businesses and residents.

8. School board member quits, replacement named At the November Board of Education meeting, first-term school board member Katie Addis abruptly resigned.

In her outgoing speech, Addis was critical of her school board colleagues as well as school system leadership for several areas she perceived as weaknesses. The commissioners appointed Jackie Cutlip to the vacancy last week.

9. Room tax increased Once it was put in writing the county would get additional water and sewer flow from Ocean City, the Worcester County Commissioners unanimously agreed to increase the county’s room tax rate from 5% to 6%. Two commissioners had appeared to be opposed to the increase until Ocean City agreed to help the county with capacity from its treatment system to address emergency situations in West Ocean City. The move is expected to bring in more than $350,000 to the county in new revenue and about $5 million to Ocean City.

10. County lowers taxes With a large influx of revenue thanks to booming property assessments, the Worcester County Commissioners through a majority vote made multiple tax decreases – reducing the property tax rate by 3 cents to 81.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation; lowering the income tax from 2.25% to 2%; and dropping the Homestead Tax Credit to 0%.

Honorable mentions: Alaska Stand closes, Thrasher’s takes spot; Walsh case sentencing; Adkins Co. damaged by fire; 50 Bridge will close in January 2026; Baltimore Avenue reconstruction; Restriction placed on beach canopies; Foxes killed downtown; OC police chief retires, Austin named; OC fire chief retires, acting fire chief retires; Tony’s Pizza done, site redeveloped; Bus lane repurposing; Bike Week event gets saved with new promoter; Devastating fire destroys Bayside Jet Drive.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

LUNCH & DINNER AT DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND NORTH, 12305 COASTAL HWY. With Homemade Sodas & Other Soda Fountain Treats

A Family Tradition For 85 Years!

BOARDWALK: CAROLINE STREET, WICOMICO STREET & SOUTH DIVISION STREET

4901 COASTAL HWY.

WEST OC: CORNER OF ROUTE 611 & ROUTE 50 EAST

ICE CREAM MADE DAILY IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Ice Cream Our Specialty. Stop By Any Dumser’s Location For A Wide Variety Of Homemade Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Sundaes, Floats And Much More.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 9

OC Today-Dispatch

Why Rent When W You Can C Own Your Y Dream m Home for Less?

L Live Where W Otherrs Come too Vacation!! OP EN

MON-FRI HOUSE 9AM SAT & SU -4PM, 11AM-3P N OR CALL M F APPOINT OR AN MENT

LOCALLY LOCALL Y OWNED OWNED & OPERATED OPERATED FOR O OVER VE ER 5 YEARS

DECEMBER DE ECEMB ER SPE SPECIAL ECIAL

50+ COMMUNITY

AFFORDABLE LIVIING EASY UPKEEP P O TIONS for Y OP YO OUR N NEEDS

INTEREST INT TEREST RATES RATES S HAVE HAVE DROPPED! DROP DROP PPED! OFFERING OFFERIN NG 5% DOWN DOWN N • 25-YEAR FINANCING F NEW HOME H BUYER RS MA AYY SELE ECT 1 of the FOLLOWING: O LYY 5% DOWN ONL W PA AYYMENTT • FREE GAR RAGE OR 6 MONTTHS of NO GR ROUND LEASE E FEES until JULLYY 1st, 2026

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Starting St Start Star tti in ting i the th upper up pper $200,00 200,000’s 200 00 00’s 00

In Ground PPool, In-Ground ool,l Sun S Deck, Gazebo wi with ith Grill, Lounging gii g & Di Dining i g Areas,W AAreas,Walking Walki lkiing i g TTrails rails il & PPond ondd FFountains! o t i ! ountains!

S SCHEDULE A TTOUR O OUR TTODAY. ODAY. CALL 410.21 410.213.7693 13.7693

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12430 Old Bridge Road • Ocean City, MD www.SaltLifeCommunityOC.com • 410-213-7693 • Info@SaltLifeCommunityOC.com

PAGE 10

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OPA FOOD AND BEV BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

FIRST SNOWFALL

In January, Touch of Italy representatives Robert Ciprietti and Rick Lawrence, center back, were pictured with OPA Board members and staff following the approval of the community’s new food and beverage contract with Touch of Italy.

A few explorers were seen on the Boardwalk on a Monday morning in January, leaving some of the first footprints on the fresh snow.

Ring in the New Y Ye ear with T Tu ur tle Cheer!

Gr re eat F Fo ood, Games & Lot ts s Of Cold C Beer!

West OC’s Ho ome Of The Ravens F For 26 Years!

NFL, NCAA & Caps C On 53 Hi-Def TVs Inn Stereo Sound

RAVENS vs PACKERS Satturday 8pm w Year’s Eve Par ty 9pm w/D DJ Wo ood No Cover ood, Com mplimentar y Par ty Favor a s Cham mpagne To oast at Midnight New Year r’s Eve Dinner Specials

New Ye Year’s Day D Hair off the Dog Party Noon-7 p.m. $6 Blo oody Mar ys & Mimosas $10 Cheese Steaks Catch All Alll The College Bow Bowl wl Action!

MON.-THURS. 11AM-3PM ~ CHOICE OF 10 LUNCH SPECIALS S FOR $10

DINNER SPECIALS S 5PM MONDA AY Y-THURSDA AY Y

MONDAY: 25% OFF ENTREES

TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY: (IN HOUS HOUSE ONL LY Y • NO SUBSTITUTIONS) BST $10 TACOS ACOS $1 $10 CHEESESTEAKS/ (2 w/ Tortilla Chips) WINGS CHIX X CHEESESTEAKS

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SWORN IN

In January, re-elected members of the Worcester County Board of Education were administered the oath of office for their next terms. Pictured above with Clerk of Court Susan Braniecki are Board members Donald C. Smack, Sr., Elena McComas and Jon Andes.

Inside this week Calendar ..............................40 Classifieds ..........................41 Crossword ............................60 Dining Guide ........................20 Editoral/Letters....................64 Entertainment ......................32 Horoscope ............................61 Obituaries ............................63 Public Notices ......................45 Sports ..................................68

(IN HOUSE ONLY LY Y • NO SUBSTITUTIONS)

MILLER LITE COORS LIGHT MICHELOB ULTRA LANDSHARK

$6.00

$44..50

FLOWERS $9 & $10 T TA AILGA AT A TE MENU MARY 20OZ. STADIUM DRAFTS $6 6 BLOODY MIMOSA BLUE MOON STELLA DOGFISH 60

CORO ONITA BUCKET $11.99 Sun Cruiser or Surfside BUCKET $20.99 TWIST TED TEA BUCKET $18.99

DINE IN ONL LY Y • AV VA AILABLE NFL SUNDA AY Y & MONDA AY Y NIG GHT FOOTBALL

HA P PY H OU R MONDAY DA AY Y- F R I D DA AY A Y 4-7 7P M KIDS’ MENU • CARRY-OUT • APPAREL SHOP • GAME ROOM • KENO • FUN FOR EVERYONE

1500 213-1 ROU T E 611 • W EST O C E A N C I T Y • 410-2 www.greeneturtle.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WCPS

COMMUNITY NEWS Locally Sourced on Ne w s s tands t

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SEA QUEST ROOF

In January, strong winds damaged the roof of Sea Quest in Ocean City.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 11

RAVENS VS PACKERS • SATURDAY 8PM

OPEN DAILY 11 A.M.

KITCHEN OPEN LATE 28th Street • 410-289-2020 PitandPub.com

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 2-5P.M. 25% OFF ALL APPETIZERS • $3 DOMESTICS & RAILS

Happy New Year!

DAILY SPECIALS ALL DAY/ALL NIGHT - In-House Only Monday: $5 1/2-LB RIBS • $5 1/2-LB SHRIMP Tuesday: FRIED CHICKEN Wednesday: $20 AYCE WINGS & SIDES Thursday: 1/2-PRICE ENTRÉES Friday: 25% OFF ANGUS CHUCK & BRISKET Hand-Pattied Burgers

Saturday: 25% OFF SANDWICHES

Crabcake • Cheesesteak • French Dip • Brisket Melt • Smoked Ham & Cheese • Grilled Chicken • Roast Beef • The Porker Buffalo Chicken • BLT • Cuban • Rachel Turkey Club • Chicken Salad • Veggie Wrap • Southwestern Chicken Wrap

Sunday: HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY NORTHSIDE OPEN DAILY 11 A.M. • KITCHEN OPEN UNTIL 11 P.M. 127th Street • 443-664-7482

PAGE 12

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

e Y a r w e !

N e h T o T C heers M

PHOTO COURTESY BERLIN FIRE COMPANY

ADKINS FIRE

In January, a devastating fire gutted The Adkins Company hardware store and lumber yard on Harrison Avenue in Berlin.

Hurry y Hurry y...

The Th Countdown Cou C untd tdoown wn is i on . . .

MAKE MAK KE Y OUR OUR R NEW Y EAR’ EAR’S RESERVATIONS RES SERVA AT ATI TIIONS TODAY TI TOD DAYY !

DA JUST JUST FOR FOR YYOU OU WEE AARE W RE OPEN OPEN JANUARY JANUARY 1ST! 1ST!

Both Both Places Places w willill be be closed closed beginning beginning January January 2 NANTUCKET’S NANTU UCKET’S REOPENS REO OPENS FEBRUARY FEBR RUARY 11

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

CLUB DONATION TO BERLIN

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club made a donation at the beginning of the year to Berlin Main Street. The club sponsored The Merry Marketplace during the 2024 holidays. Pictured, from left, are Cliff Berg, club co-chair for Merry Marketplace; Ivy Wells, economic and community development director for Berlin; and Margaret Mudron, club co-chair for Merry Marketplace. The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Don's Seafood, Ocean Pines South Gate.

LOBSTER R SHANTY REOPENS REOP REO PENS MARCH MAR RCH 11 SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PINES CAFE EXPANSION

Nantuckets: N t k t 302.539.2607 302 3 539 2607 •• Lobster L b t Shanty: Sh t 302.436.2305 302 436 2305 For More M Information Check Out Our Websites W

In January, the Pines Café, a Worcester Technical High School-run eatery located at the TidalHealth Ocean Pines campus, expanded their seating options out into the healthcare building’s waiting room to provide customers with ample availability to enjoy their breakfast or lunch as a dine-in experience.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OCES THREAT More than 100 members of law enforcement converged on Feb. 11 on Ocean City Elementary School, where an "unverified threat" heard over walkie-talkies put the school on lockdown for approximately 45 minutes.

ALASKA STAND CLOSES Alaska Stand owners announced in February that the iconic boardwalk establishment was sold.

A new Thrasher’s Fries location has since moved into the property. The Alaska Stand was an Ocean City staple since the 1930s.

FILE PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Swim Lessons Available

Call for Details

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PAGE 13

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ROUTE 50 BRIDGE WORK

Maintenance work on the Route 50 bridge in February resulted in routine lane closures.

NEW POLICE SUBSTATION

Construction on a new police substation at Somerset Street in Ocean City was well underway in February.

The facility was completed this summer, with a ribbon cutting in July.

BETHANY HOOPER/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Resort Real Estate, Inc. Resort Rentals, LLC

Call Tony Matrona for more info on these properties.

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$235,000

Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom Cottage. New Roof in 2020. Updates in the last 3 years; HVAC, Windows Hot Water Heater, Drywall, LVP Floors, Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Walk in Shower, Sink & Toilet, French Door with Built in Blinds, Enclosed Porch with AC & Heat, Insulation, Composite Deck, Steps & Vinyl Railing, Concrete Driveway. 8 x 10 Shed. Motivated Seller Make An Offer!

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Lot # 434 Beautiful Turn Key 2 Bedroom. Recently Replaced HVAC, Roof, Windows, Doors, Stainless Steel Appliances, Quartz Countertops, LVP Floors, Updated Bath with Walk-in Shower, Washer/Dryer & Hot Water Heater. Courtyard & Shed on a Poolside Lot with a Pond View! Won’t Last Long!

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Lot # 257 Beautiful Spacious Open Concept 2 Bedroom on a Large Corner Lot. Updates include: HVAC, Sliders with Built-in Blinds, Doors, Walk-in Shower, Sink, & Toilet. Roof & Skylights in 2010. Vinyl Siding, Insulation & Windows in 2009. Cathedral Ceilings, Large Master Bedroom, Stack Washer/Dryer. Courtyard & Shed.

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

68 Anchor Way • Berlin • Mystic Harbor

$318,900

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Welcome to Mystic Harbor Close to OC. Assateague Island & Shopping. Well Kept Fully Furnished 3 BR 2BA. Spacious Living & Dining Room to Entertain. Large Kitchen with Pantry & Ample Cabinets & Countertops. 3 Bedrooms All with Walk in Closets. Large Master Bedroom & Bath.

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

assateaguepointesales.com

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS BOARDWALK PROFANITY

In February, the Ocean City Council considered an ordinance to shield minors from obscene or vulgar merchandise, like the T-shirts pictured above, at the Boardwalk. That proposal was passed later in the spring to prohibits the display of profane, obscene, sexually explicit or vulgar materials and merchandise, unless confined to an area of the business that cannot be viewed from outside. The ordinance also requires a merchant to include signage, notifying anyone entering an area where such materials are displayed.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

In February, Phil Cropper and Nick Zlotorzynski were recognized at Worcester Tech for being named the Maryland ProStart Teacher of the Year and Maryland ProStart Student of the Year, respectively.

LUXURY COASTAL TOWNHOME with OVERSIZED BOAT SLIP & LIFT

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

MARYLAND’S COCKTAIL

NOW $1,395,000

A bartender mixes up a couple of Orange Crushes at the bar where the drink was invented, Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City. During the 2025 session of the Maryland General Assembly, the drink was named Maryland’s official cocktail.

13000 MARINA VIEW LANE UNIT 27 INLET ISLE • WEST OCEAN CITY Move-in ready beautifully furnished 3,069 SF townhome with elevator & inlet & marina views. Latest upgrades & finishes throughout including plantation shutters. 1st level 1st family room w/gas fireplace - could be game room, office or 5th BR. 1st level Full BA, custom shower & laundry room. 1st level deck to pier & boat slip. 2nd floor luxurious primary BR suite w/2 walk-in closets, overlooks water, has en suite BA heated floors, steam shower & soaking tub.

Another 2nd level BR has en suite BA w/shower. 3rd level has 2nd family room w/gas fireplace, wet bar, dining area, upgraded kitchen granite countertops, SS appliances, wine refrigerator & breakfast bar. 3rd floor BR full bath w/shower & walk-in closet. Stunning views from 2nd & 3rd floor decks & crow's nest. Close to inlet, restaurants, shopping, water sports & beach & Boardwalk. Boat slip & lift accommodates 38’ boat w/25,000 lbs. weight capacity.

Joan Buchanan

Sales Agent, REALTOR®, LICENSE IN MD

PHONE: 443.783.7415 • EMAIL: joanb@holidayoc.com

7700 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, MD 21842 Office: 410.524.7700 Sales: 888.641.6251

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

HI TIDE DISPENSARY

The old Rite Aid on Route 50 in West Ocean City was transformed into a cannabis dispensary Hi Tide this year.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 17

OC Today-Dispatch

COME HOME TO Cardinal Grove

Here are just a few of the reasons homebuyers love Cardinal Grove:

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES STARTING IN THE $500s Minutes from the Beach | Outdoor Pool

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© 2025 Schell Brothers LLC. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.

All information is subject to change without notice.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

PAGE 18

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

LENGTH-OF-STAY PROTESTERS

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Those opposed to Ocean City's length-of-stay restrictions are pictured at a protest in front of City Hall from this March.

The Delmarva Irish-American Club hosted the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15. With a record-setting 100 entries on a chilly and overcast day, this year’s parade was the biggest ever. The parade’s Grand Marshal was John Fager, founder of the famous Ocean City restaurant and bar Fager’s Island.

COURTESY OF YOUTUBE

JAIL VIDEO

Correctional officers Caleb Foster (left) and Tyler Hunter (right) were filmed outside the Worcester County Jail in a video posted March 18 to the YouTube channel Long Island Auditor. SeanPaul Reyes was the poster of the video. Reyes’ YouTube channel depicts him going into public places staffed by law enforcement and pushing the boundaries of where he can and cannot film. The video has amassed hundreds of thousands of views.

DR. ANDES AT OCES

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City Elementary School welcomed Worcester County Board of Education member Dr. Jon Andes in March as a guest reader for Read Across America Day. Fourth grade students had the honor of hearing Dr. Andes read his very own published book, "The Legacy of Billy Lee: An American Hero." He also presented Mrs. Moeller's class with a copy of the book for their classroom library.

Kathryn Landon "Katie" Sales Associate Licensed in MD & DE

302-236-5738 katie.landon@cbmove.com www.katielandon.com

12207 Coastal Hwy • Ste D Ocean City, 21842 Office: 410-524-1203 • M: 302-236-5738

STUNNING BAY FRONT 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO

745 MOORING ROAD UNIT 202 GEORGETOWN BY THE SEA OCEAN CITY

PENDING

Breathtaking Sunsets in completely renovated & beautifully appointed spacious bayfront unit offers modern coastal living at its finest. Enjoy a large private balcony with panoramic views of the bay - perfect for relaxing evenings and endless sunsets.

Every detail has been thoughtfully updated, making this the ideal retreat or investment property. Boat slips are available to $399,990 rent through COA.

CHARMING COLONIAL 3 BR, 2 BA in GREAT COMMUNITY

Well-maintained Home nestled on spacious lot that backs to pond with peaceful views & sense of privacy. Bright & airy 3-season room & large deck.

Versatile bonus room above garage perfect for home office, playroom, or guest space. Formal Dining Room has tray ceilings. Primary BR also has tray ceilings & has ensuite BA with jacuzzi tub, stand-up shower & 2 sinks. Open layout makes home functional & inviting. Exceptional amenities include pool, community center & sidewalks throughout. Please note that family room, primary BR and Kitchen table 27450 COVERED BRIDGE TRAIL are virtually staged.

NOW $550,000 HARBESON, DE

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. © 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLS. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.

STUDENTS TESTIFY

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Senator Mary Beth Carozza, along with a panel of student athletes and sports officials, testified in strong support of the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act on March 5. While it ultimately failed to pass, Senate Bill 588 would have ensured a level playing field for girls’ sports by only allowing biological girls to play on high school interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity teams designated as a girls’, female, or women’s team or sport. Pictured, from left, are April Bondurant of Stephen Decatur High School; Carozza; Brooke Berquist of Stephen Decatur High School; and James Crawford, veteran volleyball and soccer referee.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 19

OC Today-Dispatch

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PAGE 20

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

ANNUAL TEACHER BANQUET

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Worcester County Public Schools hosted its annual Teacher of the Year Gala in April with Worcester Tech culinary arts teacher Phillip Cropper taking the evening’s top honor. The other outstanding finalists, announced at the banquet, were Shelby Matassa of Snow Hill Elementary School, Alison Semanchik of Buckingham Elementary School, and Gretchen Wallace of Pocomoke High School.

Above left, Cropper is pictured with then-Superintendent Lou Taylor and Board of Education President Todd Ferrante. Cropper was also a top-seven finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

BUILDING RAZED

Demolition of the E.S. Adkins Co. building on Harrison Avenue in Berlin was underway in early spring with the crew from Absolute Demolition razing the structure. Adkins was destroyed in a fire in late January.

WATER, WASTEWATER TALKS

Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino attended a public Ocean Pines Board of Directors meeting in April to inform residents of a proposed water/wastewater fee structure that could spike rates.

The structure proposal was ultimately axed.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT

In April, Annette Wallace was announced as Lou Taylor's successor as superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools. Before joining the executive leadership team of the school system, Wallace served as principal of Pocomoke High School.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

COMMUNITY RIVER OF KINDNESS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Featuring more than 1,000 hand painted rocks by students from local schools, the Community River of Kindness opened in Berlin at Stephen Decatur Park this past April. Students who painted rocks were from Pocomoke Elementary School, Worcester Youth & Family, Stephen Decatur High School, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Snow Hill Middle School, Stephen Decatur Middle School, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, Willards Elementary School, Worcester Recreation Center Afterschool and Cedar Chapel Special School. The Stephen Decatur Middle School’s Kiwanis Builders Club helped build it. The path was sponsored by the Town of Berlin and Humphreys Foundation and spearheaded by the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund. Above, Klump Memorial Fund’s Katrin Huber is pictured addressing those in attendance to celebrate the path’s opening.

COUPON GOOD FOR ONLY 1 PERSON

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COUPON GOOD FOR ONLY 1 PERSON Coupons cannot be combined with other offers or specials. Expires 1/31/26

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

Estate Litigation Probate Estate Planning Civil Litigation

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

TOWER DEFENSE Ocean City’s beach ball-inspired water tower on First Street gets a preseason power wash in early April.

9748 Stephen Decattur Hwyy. #112 Ocean Cityy,, MD 21842 NEW LOCAATTION

1321-B Mt. Heermon Rd. Salisbury, y, MD 21804

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443-856-4676 Monday-Friday www w..batielaw w..com

GIFT CARD SPECIAL BUY $100 - GET $20 FREE THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST! HOME OF THE ORIGINAL & OFFICIAL MARYLAND STATE COCKTAIL

THE FRESH-SQUEEZED ORANGE CRUSH! HAPPY NEW YEAR! SPECIALS

SUNDAY~ALL DAY: 40% Off Entrees MONDAY~4 P.M.: 40% Off Entrees TUESDAY~ALL DAY: $3 Off Margaritas, 1/2-Off Tacos, Quesadillas, HAPPY HOUR Nachos & More Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

NEW YEAR’S EVE $3.75 Domestic Drafts & Rail Drinks DJ BILLY T • 1 P.M. $5.50 Glasses Of Wine NYD THURSDAY~3 P.M.: $8 Original Orange Crush $23.99 AYCE Ribs $10.99 Jerk Chicken & Steamed Shrimp $12.99 Wings FRIDAY~ALL DAY: $10.99 1/2-Lb. Steamed Shrimp Oyster Frenzy $12.99 Steamed Mussels Specials are not to be combined with any other offer, $22.99 2 Dozen Steamed Clams discount or coupon. Some restrictions apply. No substitutions, (Mussel Style Add $2)

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WORCESTER PREP DONATION On April 9, Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) held bake sales during all grade lunches to collect donations to support Morgan’s Message. Then-senior ambassador Emma Zajdel, supported by the girls' varsity lacrosse team, organized a bake sale held during all division lunches (from Pre-K to Grade 12). The proceeds went to Morgan's Message. Approximately $580 was raised. Morgan’s Message is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to eliminate mental health stigma within the student-athlete community and promote equitable treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.

Pictured with Zajdel, center, are fellow then-senior teammates Naz Unal and Danielle Carr.

dine in only. Excludes holidays & holiday weekends.

ENTERTAINMENT SUNDAY: NEW YEAR’S EVE: NEW YEAR’S DAY: FRIDAY: SATURDAY: DJ Billy T The Dunehounds • 1 p.m. Pickin’ Party DJ Billy T Dust N Bones 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

DJ Bigler • 6 p.m.

South Harbor Rd • West End, Ocean City • 410-213-1846 Open 11 a.m. Daily • Waterfront WiFi • www.weocharborside.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

NEW PLAYGROUND The Worcester County Commissioners and the Heather Leigh and Christopher Robbin Hill Foundation cut the ribbon on the new STEM-themed playground equipment at the Newtown Park in Pocomoke on April 16. Worcester County contracted with Cunningham Recreation to install play structures across 5,400 square feet of play space. Inclusive components are used in the play structures that allow children of all abilities to play and adults of varying ages and abilities to actively engage with their children. Funding for the playground was made possible thanks to a generous $450,000 donation from the Hill Foundation.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

BOARDWALK ROCK

A Saturday crowd is pictured at the southern end of the beach and Boardwalk, where C3 Presents held its first-ever Boardwalk Rock music festival May 17-18.

Happy New Year From The Buxbaums & Staff Of The Salty Dog & Dry Dock 28 Open 11am SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

OFFSHORE WIND VISIT

An Ocean City delegation met with U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie in May to request his assistance in halting Maryland’s offshore wind energy project. Pictured, from left, are Castle in the Sand Hotel General Manager Adam Showell Jr.; Ocean City Town Manager Terry McGean; Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38); Mayor Rick Meehan of Ocean City; and Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic.

Wis hi ng Yo u A Brig ht, H Happy & Suc cessfu l New Yea r!

MA ARONICK

2026

Saturday 12/27 Football All Day Sunday 12/28 1pm Steelers vs Browns

New Year’s Eve & Day Football

Get Here Early for a Good Seat

NEW YEAR’S DAY!

The Lawyers L Locals usee

Thomas mas J. Maronicck Jr

• DUIs • Traf fe • ainers • Fake IDs • Special Eveent Zone Citations • • Protective Or O

day

Thurs

1 JAN

2026 Ways To Cure Your Hangover Enjoy Lunch, A New Year’s Toast & Football With Us — Full Circle 6pm Saturday, January 3 — 410-289-BUXY • 28th Street • www.buxys.com Plenty Of Free Parking In Rear

9 (4LAW) W 5000 Coasta al Hwy Suite 5- 2ND D Floor

www.octodaydispatch.com

PAGE 24

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

COMPOSTING CELEBRATION

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Organizers and participants of a resort composting program, Go Green OC, are pictured in May cutting the ribbon in celebration of one million pounds composted.

AUSTIN SWORN IN

STEWART DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

In May, Ray Austin, left, was sworn in by Mayor Rick Meehan as Ocean City Police Department’s new police chief. Austin served on the force for 31 years before taking a job in 2022 as a special investigator for the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

BEACH CANOPIES

City officials in May began to explore a ban on beach tents and enhanced regulations for beach canopies, like the ones pictured above.

New standards were adopted and will be enforced next summer.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SHERIFF SALARIES

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, above, appears before the Worcester County Commissioners at a May budget hearing, where his fiscal year 2026 budget was approved with a bump in starting salaries for deputies.

The Sou Source urce for Lo Local ocal News Ne ws in OC O !

OC! www w.octodaydispatch.com

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

NEW YEAR’S EVE EV VE

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

NO COVER! RAMPAGE 9:30pm 9:30p pm Champagne Toas Toast st at Midnight

THURSDAY-SUNDA AY AY Y 11:30 0AM OPEN YEAR-ROUND EVERY Y DA AY Y

8TH ST. T. LIQUORS OPEN EVERY DA AY Y SUNDAY NFL WITH SOUND NFL SPECIALS LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR AFTER THE GAME!

HAPPINESS MONDAY-FRIDAY 3-6PM MONDAY ALL DAY $4 50 KONAS $4.50

TUESDAY ALL DAY

WEDNESDAY ALL DAY

FRIDAY 9PM

Beats By DeoGee

SATURDAY 9PM

GrooveJoose SUNDAY 9:30PM

Beats By Styler MONDAY 9:30PM

Karaoke w/ Wood TUESDAY 9:30PM

Beats By Wax

WEDNESDAY ALL DAY

FREE Drink Specials 9:30pm

THURSDAY 9:30PM M

Beats By Conna air

SHORT-TERM RENTAL REFERENDUM

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Local real estate agent Terry Miller is shown before the Mayor and City Council in late May after a petition drive she and other community members organized secured enough signatures to bring short-term rental restrictions to referendum.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 27

OC Today-Dispatch

NEW YE EAR’S DA AY SEAT TED BR RU UNCH 2026 (Not a Buf fet) f

~ Featur e red Items ~ BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GOV VISITS OC Gov. Wes Moore speaks June 24 at a ceremony on the Ocean City Boardwalk. During the event, Moore shared his support for offshore wind as an energy source for Maryland.

AMERICAN BOUNTY FRESH F GARDEN OMELET Trricolor peppers, oniions and melted cheddar

SCOTTISH SMOKED D SALMON SCRAMBLE

Fresh far m “good for you” egg whites, carameliz c ed onions, sliced smoked salmon

UPSIDE DOWN BANANA NANA FRENCH TOAST A

Fresh brioche in an eggnog custaard, topped with ripe sugar bananas in a grade A #1 maple syr up

TRADITIONAL A EGGS BENEDICT

Poached h d eggs, grilled ill d C Canadian di b bacon, topped d with i hh hollandaise ll d i sauce

EGGS SKIPJ S ACK

Scrambled fresh eggs, sauteed spinach, frried local oysters on a toasted English muf fin, f topped with a rich r seafood sauce

CHICKEN AND A WAFFLES A

Low countr y marinated chicken breast in butter milk and spices, lightly dusted and fried.

Ser ved over house made sugar wafffles l , to opped with a spicy #1 Ver mont maple syr up

WE HAVE V PANCAKES! A

House made New England pancake batter topped with chocolate chips and maple syr up BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SEA TURTLES Mayor Rick Meehan, left, assists National Aquarium staff in releasing two Kemp's Ridley sea turtles back into the ocean in June.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

COTTAGE FIRE Flames are pictured shooting out of the window of a West Ocean City cottage in June after an outlet caught fire.

OC’ss Local News OC’ Ne ws Source!

Soource ! www.octodaydispatch.com www..octodaydispatch www dispatch.com .

~ SIDES ~ Choice of Bacon or Sausage

SPECIAL HOUSE MADE DESSERTS D T BY CHEF GRETA

On al i N c e Bo e w Y S p 02 5 a g e a r’ s t t le n i m2 Da y we wi l l be O f fe r o S a le r f o ns o f t he 1 b r u o B 2 Fe a t u re d 60TH STREET IN THE BA AY Y • 410-524-5500 • fagers.com

PAGE 28

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

11530 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE SOUTH POINT BERLIN JUST LISTED!

PRIVATE 3 BR, 3.5 BA 3,075 SF RESIDENCE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN EACH BEDROOM HAS PRIVATE BATH 2ND FLOOR FINISHED BONUS ROOM OCEAN CITY GOLF COURSE VIEWS 3-CAR GARAGE $

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GAS TANK BARGE A barge is pictured in June hauling a 100,000gallon gas tank to a new natural gas storage facility in Bishopville.

899,000

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PHOTO COURTESY OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ORANGE CRUSHED Gov. Wes Moore (left) and Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor (right) enjoy an Orange Crush at the start of Moore's keynote address to the summer conference of the Maryland Municipal League (MML) on June 12. The summer conference was held at the Ocean City Convention Center.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PRESERVATION EASEMENT The Ocean City Council in June voted to approve a preservation easement between the city and the Maryland Historical Trust. The agreement will allow for accessibility improvements at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, pictured above.

www w.octodaydispatch.com

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR END CLEARANCE

50-75%

Off Orig.

*All 2025 Clothing

Holiday • Fall Winter • Summer *Yr. Rd. Basics, 2026 As Marked

DECEMBER 26, 2025

AIR SHOW

Wet weather and low cloud cover marred June’s OC Air Show, as the event’s management team was forced to conclude Saturday’s performance early and ground demonstration teams altogether on Sunday.

Above, cloudy skies are shown during the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ practice run on the Friday before Air Show weekend.

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ESCAPE • LULU B • CHARLIE B. • TRIBAL • FRENCH DRESSING HABITAT • PARSLEY & SAGE • KAREN HART • MULTIPLES RUBY RD. • WILD PALMS • DEMOCRACY • SANTIKI SKECHERS • VIOLET RUBY • Many More *Basics Yr. Rd. Styles As Marked

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Open Daily 10-4 • Sun 11-4 Open 12/27 - 1/5

302-537-1414

Coastal Hwy. & Dagsboro St., Fenwick Island

ACCORD SIGNING

State and local elected officials, including Gov. Wes Moore (center) gathered June 24 on the Ocean City Boardwalk to sign a new 10-year management agreement for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SouthernExposureFenwickIsland.com

LocalCrabcakes.com

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 31

OC Today-Dispatch

Delmarva’s Premiere Design Build & Renovation Specialist for Over 31 Years The Sign of Quality

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PAGE 32

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Wishin ng Everyon ne A Happ py New Yea ar!

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, December 26 & Wednesday, December 31

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28 410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, January 3: Full Circle

New Year’s Y Eve Party With First Class & DJ Giddy G Up Accepting Dinner Reserrvations

NEW EW YEARS Y DA AY!

Bloody M Marys & Football F b ll • 33 Big B Screen S TVs OPEN FRIDAY 2PM 2 THRU SUNDA AY JAN. 4 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc..com

WINTER PROTECTIONN SALE

CERAMIC COATING COATING

• Interior Details • Exterior Details • Full Details • Ceramic Coatings • Paint Correction • Water Spot Removal • Water & Mold Remediation

• Prrovides a showroom shine year after yeaar • Protects the value & beauty of your vehicle CUSTOMER CUS TOMER • Simplifies your life with easy cleaning SSATISFACTION SA ATISFACTION TISFACTION IS OUR • Salt and chemical chem mical resistant # PRIORITY!

1

FREE 1 Y Ye ea ar Ceramic Coa ating

AAlso lso so Offe OOffering ffeering ring

w/purchase of an exterior e or full detail ($200 upggrade value) Must mention ad. Offer good thru t 12/29/25 Appointments Required

GIFT CARDS S

The Perfect Gift!

Gift Gi ift!

2 LOCAT LLOCATIONS OCAATTTION ION NS ttoo Serve Serve You: YYoou:

West Ocean City 410-390-5920 • Salisbury 410-860-0800 Call Today for a FREE QUOTE or Schedule or Go to:

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AUTO DETTA AIL / CAR WASH by METROPOLITTA AN MAGAZINE

AUTO AU TO DETAILING DETAILING

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Friday, December 26

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Wednesday, December 31: First Class & DJ Giddy Up CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, December 26: True Country Wednesday, December 31: Rick & Regina CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, December 26: Johnny Cardo Saturday, December 27: C-Burch & The Noize Wednesday, December 31: Fuzzbox Piranha

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays Greene Turtle West: Wednesday, December 31

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays & Wednesday, December 31

DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, December 26: DJ RobCee Saturday, December 27: Pistol Whipped & DJ Stinson Monday, December 29: Bryan Clark Wednesday, December 31: DJ RobCee & Making Waves GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Wednesday, December 31: DJ Wood

DJ GIDDY UP Coins Pub: Wednesday, December 31

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, December 29

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 33

OC Today-Dispatch

Who’s Where When

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

THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, December 27

RICK & REGINA Crabcake Factory Bayside: New Year’s Eve Wednesday, December 31

GROOVEJOOSE Pickles Pub: Saturday, December 27

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside: Sunday, December 28

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

PISTOL WHIPPED Fager’s Island: Friday, December 26

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

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, December 26: DJ Billy T Saturday, December 27: The Dunehounds & DJ Bigler Sunday, December 28: Pickin’ Party Wednesday, December 31: DJ Billy T Thursdays: Dust N Bones PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, December 27: GrooveJoose Sunday, December 28: Pickin’ Party Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesday, December 31: Rampage Thursdays: Beats By Connair SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, December 26: John McNutt Duo, Liquid A & DJ Mary Jane Saturday, December 27: John McNutt Duo, DJ E-State, DJ Connair & Cherry Crush Wednesday, December 31: Full Circle, DJ Conniar, Sky City Social, DJ E-State, Radio Stranger & DJ Bobby O Thursday, January 1: Radio Stranger

QUALITY MEANS DOING IT JUST-RITE

MARINE CONSTRUCTION

VINYL BULKHEADS RIP-RAP PIERS • DOCKS BOATLIFT PILING • DREDGING SKID STEER SERVICES

NOW HIRING CARPENTER/LABORER

JUST-RITE MARINE INC.

410-641-9961 • JUSTRITEMARINEINC.COM MIKE@JUSTRITEMARINE.COM MD MARINE 083(E) • MHIC 71561 • OC 30542 • DE 2019101403

PAGE 34

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 35

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BRIAN SHANE TODAY-DISPATCH

BOARDWALK ARCH

A months-long project to refurbish the Boardwalk arch at North Division Street was completed in July, featuring a fresh coat blue paint to match Ocean City’s smile brand logo. Part of the project also included uplighting during the evening hours.

eople with e h back pain e tight hip p flexors. m meone the gifft of flexibility.

Call 4 410-641-2900 forr Appointment T..COM 410-641-2900 • WWW.EASTERNSHOREPT 314 FRANKLIN A AV VENUE, SUITE 405 (N NEXT TO LAB CORP), BER RLIN, MD. 21811

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WHITE MARLIN PREPARATION

The Army Corps of Engineers Dredge Merritt, pictured from the Route 50 bridge, began removing 7,500 cubic yards of materials from the Inlet in July to improve navigability with the White Marlin Open, set for the following month.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

AGREEMENT INKED

Pictured, from left, Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of Wor-Wic Community College, Melissa Reddish, WWCCFA president, and Morgan Hazel, chairperson of the Wor-Wic board of trustees, celebrate the signing of a collective bargaining agreement for faculty in July.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

THE BIG WHEEL

Workers guide a crane basket loaded with gondola parts to the ground as The Big Wheel is dismantled in July. The amusement park ride was booked by Trimper’s for a partial run in Ocean City.

PAGE 36

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBSTATION RIBBON CUTTING

City officials gather for a ribbon-cutting event in July to celebrate the opening of Ocean City Police Department’s new substation, located at the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Somerset Street.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL DIVIDE

BETHANY HOOPER/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Property owners both “for” and “against” a short-term rental ban are pictured during the reading of results in July’s special election. An ordinance to ban vacation rentals in R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts by 2027 was decided by 34 votes, with 834 voting against the ban and 800 voting for.

UNION CONTRACT

BETHANY HOOPER/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Members of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10 gathered with city officials in July to ratify a new three-year union contract. The signing came after months after the police union shared its intent to go to arbitration over what was reported to be a disagreement over pay and benefits.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 37

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

CAPSIZED BOAT RESCUE

PHOTO COURTESY OCFD

Ocean City Fire Department Fireboat 1 is pictured with a Maryland Natural Resources Police boat in July rescuing victims from a capsized boat at the Ocean City Inlet.

SOCIAL MEDIA TAKEOVER

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The mayor and members of the Ocean City Council, pictured above, addressed community concerns about a social media takeover event that occurred on July 4.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

FOURTH OF JULY CHAOS

A frenzied Fourth of July holiday brought chaos to Ocean City. An illegal fireworks discharge on the Boardwalk led to a stampede, while a social media-driven pop-up event brought large gatherings to the streets, as shown in the photo above.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

EMERGENCY DIRECTOR

Recently retired Ocean City Fire Department deputy chief, Chris Shaffer was hired as the director of Worcester County’s Department of Emergency Services in July.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 39

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

Calendar Sat., Dec. 27 THE DOO WOP PROJECT

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Featuring their brand new 90-minute show, “Echoes of the Street.” Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/809919 68/the-doo-wop-project-ocean-city-ocperforming-arts-center.

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m.

Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

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 - 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. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

Tues., Dec. 30 NEW YEAR’S PRE-EVE KID’S CRAFT DAY

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-641-7052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

Sun., Dec. 28 SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

Mon., Dec. 29 STORY TIME: GIFT GIVING

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

GAME DAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12 p.m. Play everything from Mario Kart to Monopoly. Bring the family and have fun. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off

MEDIA EXPO INFORMATION SESSION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Get information about the WCPS’s Media Expo. While there, students can use the resources and activities available to work on their projects. For families.

410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS - OCEAN CITY

Fireworks held at Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City and also downtown Ocean City on the beach near Dorchester Street. Celebrate the conclusion of Ocean City’s 150th year. https://www.ococean.com/event/newyears-eve-fireworks/2551/

NEW YEAR’S EVE - BERLIN OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12:30 p.m.

Join in on New Years cake pops then create a vision board using magazines, stickers and markers. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 6-13 years will be making festive crafts to celebrate the new year. Bring a lunch. Cost is $45 for residents and $54 for non-residents.

Register: www.oceancitymd.gov/rec Program 206120. 410-254-9433

PAINT & SIP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Wine and crackers included. Cost is $27. For ages 18 years and older. Register: 410-641-7052.

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

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

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.

BABY TIME

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

SENSORY STORY TIME

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

Stories, songs and sensory play for kids of all abilities. For ages 2-5 years. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NEW YEARS VISION AND CAKE POPS

NOON YEARS COUNTDOWN

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 11 a.m.

Countdown to 12 Noon and say goodbye to 2025. Activities for all age groups will be included. For families. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Thursday, Jan. 1 32ND ANNUAL AGH PENGUIN SWIM

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

CLAY-N-PLAY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City.

10:30 a.m. Mold, sculpt, squeeze and stamp with play dough. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Downtown Berlin, 2 S. Main St. Family friendly event with music and fun with ball drop at 6pm. Why, 6 p.m.? Because that’s when it’s midnight in Berlin, Germany. https://berlinmainstreet.com/newyears-eve-celebrations/

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 12 p.m. Annual event supporting Atlantic General Hospital. Cost is $30 until Dec. 30 and $35 Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. 410-6419858, https://secure.qgiv.com/event/penguinswim2026/

ONGOING EVENTS 3RD ANNUAL TRAIN DISPLAY

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.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m.

Use the weight loss program/app/plan

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, North Station, 249 Ocean Parkway, Nov. 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

Crossword answers from page 60

DECEMBER 26, 2025

41

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

eds

fi Classi NOW HIRING!!

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Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

410-723-6397 baysideoc.com octodaydispatch.com

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

RENTALS

RENTALS

YR OCEAN PINES Available Immediately!

3BR, 2BA Central HVAC All Appliances Incl.

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Seeking Year-Round Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YR OCEAN PINES Available Immediately!

South Gate Cul de Sac Recently renovated Unfurnished 4BR, 2BA Screened in porch, Central HVAC No smoking/pets $2,500 per mo. + util’s & sec. dep.

410-404-8851 YR APARTMENT 8th ST. 1 BR, Fully remodeled.

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

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

Call 443-497-4200 COMMERCIAL SPACE Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.

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

410-430-7675 Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed.

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Call 443-497-4200.

Classifieds 410-723-6397

AFFORDABLE TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS 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

It’s not too late to advertise your winter rentals.

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

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

COMMERCIAL

FOR SALE

Commercial Space for Lease.

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

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Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

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

410-218-1970

DONATIONS DONATIONS 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.

Low and Moderate Income

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SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

SERVICES

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Yearly & Seasonal Rentals We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com Classifieds 410-723-6397

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OC Today-Dispatch

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PAGE 42

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

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PAGE 44

OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 45

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

ORDINANCE 2025-33 TOWN OF OCEAN CITY OPERATING BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2026 BE IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of Ocean City, Maryland, that the following fund revenue and departmental expenditures, together with certain restrictions and authorizations are adopted: General Fund

1ST READING

General Fund

1ST READING

AMENDMENT # 1

AMENDMENT # 1

FY - 2026 A.

FY - 2026

Anticipated Revenue: Property Taxes

B. Anticipated Expenditures: 56,486,104

General Government

Other Taxes

31,398,000

Public Safety

51,691,507

Licenses and Permits

5,711,867

General Public Works/Beach Maintenance

7,836,495

Revenue From Other Agencies

7,733,643

Sanitation and Waste Removal

8,467,673

Charges For Current Services

13,884,395

Highways and Streets

7,203,169

Fines and Forfeitures

1,614,936

Economic Development - Tourism

16,394,484

Other Revenue

1,887,936

Culture and Recreation

9,824,982

Prior Year Reserves

3,570,859

Debt Service

Total Revenue

Total Revenue

$

$

$

122,287,740

122,287,740

and Other Financing Sources

To Airport Fund

320,159

To Transportation

2,664,205

To Convention Center

2,407,140

To Capital Maintenance

1,500,000

To Capital Projects

2,021,495

To Vehicle Trust Total Expenditures

$

500,000 122,287,740

Convention Transportation

$

9,390,944 $

Bond Proceeds

Center

Golf Wastewater

Airport

Course

2,454,141 $

2,508,159 $

15,892,697 $

1,463,928 $

3,166,849

0

0

0

0

0

0

142,128

0

0

248,160

0

0

Grants/Capital Asset Sales

0

6,793,573

2,457,139

0

8,571,194

0

Food and Beverage Tax

0

0

1,860,000

0

0

0 7,918

Capacity/Impact Fees

Prior Year Reserves Transfer-In From General Fund Total Revenue

144,980

214,675

465,118

3,283,902

125,029

$

0 9,678,052 $

2,664,205 12,126,594 $

2,407,140 9,697,556 $

0 19,424,759 $

320,159 10,480,310 $

0 3,174,767

$

403,685 $

1,376,271

Anticipated Expenditures: Personal Services

2,540,377 $

3,276,396 $

4,344,437 $

4,766,653 $

Non-Personal Services

4,044,233

3,666,616

3,177,205

5,869,464

1,140,431

Capital Outlay

1,247,701

5,183,582

35,966

6,472,413

8,936,194

33,500

Debt Service

1,845,741

0

1,668,519

2,316,229

0

86,476

471,429 9,697,556 $

0 19,424,759 $

Transfer to Reserves Total Expenditures

$

0 9,678,052 $

0 12,126,594 $

0 10,480,310 $

1,515,940

162,580 3,174,767

Information

Service

Vehicle

Risk

Pension &

Capital

Technology

Center

Trust

Management

OPEB Trust

Projects

Anticipated Revenue: Charges to Other Funds

$

9,005,000 $

0

0

117,699

8,550,000

0

0

0

0

2,405,000

0

0

478,110

0

0

0

28,140

93,922

1,493,316

0

0

$

0 2,840,056 $

0 5,763,822 $

$

1,322,368 $

2,129,424 $

1,477,110

3,634,398

1,292,294

3,887,214

1,135,000

0

0

0

905,092

0

0

0

15,578

0

4,362,258

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12,375,000

0

Transfer to Reserves

25,000

0

0

60,000

6,450,000

Capital Projects Total Expenditures

0 2,840,056 $

0 4,172,221 $

0 19,960,000 $

Inv Earnings/Grants/Insurance

2,796,338 $

5,669,900 $

15,578

0

Employee Contributions

0

Sale of Capital Assets/Lease Rev

0

Prior Year Reserves General Fund Contribution Total Revenue B.

112,874,741

Anticipated Revenue: Service Charges

A.

$

and Other Financing Uses

Water

B.

5,933,280

5,523,151

Total Expenditures

Enterprise Funds: A.

$

4,088,218 $

500,000 6,559,644 $

4,054,522 $

0 4,172,221 $

0

0 19,960,000 $

3,761,495 3,761,495

0 $

0

Anticipated Expenditures: Personal Services Non-Personal Services Debt Service Capital Outlay Benefit Payments

$

0 5,763,822 $

0 $

0 6,559,644 $

225,007 $

0 3,761,495 3,761,495

Special Authorization - Budget Director The Budget Director shall be authorized to reallocate departmental appropriations among the various objects of expenditures as she deems necessary. Such changes shall be approved by the Finance Director & City Manager Restrictions - City Manager: A.

The utilization of any contingency appropriation shall be accomplished only with prior authorization from the Mayor and Council.

B.

Utilization of appropriations established in the Capital Improvement Fund may be accomplished only with the express approval of the Mayor and Council.

Tax Rate: An Ad Valorem Tax Rate of $0.4426 per $100 of assessed valuation of real property and a rate of $1.11 per $100 of assessed valuation of corporate and personal property tax is required to fund this budget.

INTRODUCED at a meeting of the City Council of Ocean City, Maryland held on December 15, 2025 SECOND READING of this ordinance shall be held at a meeting of the Mayor and City Council on January 5, 2026.

OCD-12/25/1t

PAGE 46

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 907-8000 www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 35 TAIL OF THE FOX DRIVE BERLIN A/R/T/A OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from William J. McGraw dated May 20, 2022 and recorded in Liber 8393, folio 494 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 13, 2026 AT 3:55 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #03-039560.

The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

The property will be sold subject to a prior mortgage, the amount to be announced at the time of sale.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $19,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to

Legal Advertising Call Pamela Green 410-723-6397, Fax: 410-723-6511 or

the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, recaptured taxes (including but not limited to agricultural taxes), and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.

If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, subject to order of the court, the entire deposit (including any amount received over the advertised deposit amount) shall be forfeited to the Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 25-003808-MD-F-2.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees

E-mail: legals@octodaydispatch.com OCD-12/25/3t _________________________________

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 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-

DECEMBER 26, 2025 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 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-

DECEMBER 26, 2025 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

PAGE 47

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices 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

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 _________________________________

OCD-12/18/3t _________________________________

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland 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.

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-

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 _________________________________

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

PAGE 48

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

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.

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

DECEMBER 26, 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 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 _________________________________ 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

DECEMBER 26, 2025 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 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.

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 _________________________________

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

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices ADDING SAID CERTAIN LANDS 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 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 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 _________________________________ 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 de-

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

livery 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 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 _________________________________

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.

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 _________________________________ JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8TH.STREET OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 COUNCIL OF UNIT OWNERS OF OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM, INC. c/o Paradise Realty 12505 Coastal Highway, Suite 11 Ocean City, MD 21842 Plaintiff v.

CAROLYN F. BAGINSKI et al.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-25-000193

NOTICE

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 15th day of December, 2025, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by James E. Clubb, Jr., Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before 19th day of January, 2026, provided a copy of this order be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before 12th day of January, 2026.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Timeshare Price Wk 41, #102 $50.00 Wk 51, #102 $50.00 Wk 37, #104 $50.00 Wk 11, #105 $50.00 Wk 38, #202 $50.00 Wk 17, #204 $50.00 Wk 12, #301 $50.00 Wk 8, #405 $50.00 Wk 15, #405 $50.00 Wk 41, #405 $50.00 Wk 2, #406 $50.00 Wk 49, #406 $50.00 Wk 11, #502 $50.00 Wk 25, #502 $50.00 Wk 17, #503 $50.00 Wk 5, #504 $50.00 Susan Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/25/3t _________________________________ JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of HAROLD RANDOLPH MACKNET SR Estate No. 20941 Notice is given that DONNA GRACE MACKNET whose address is PO BOX 19594 RENO, NV 89511-2128 was on DECEMBER 16, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HAROLD RANDOLPH MACKNET 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 16th 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 16th 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 pre-

DECEMBER 26, 2025 sented 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-12/25/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

Mary Patterson, Plaintiff, has filed a complaint entitled Verified Complaint and Petition for Sale in Lieu of Partition in which she is seeking “the Court is requested to order the Defendant to provide an accounting and evidence of all amounts spent on the Property’s maintenance, improvement, upkeep, and related payments, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, and improvements; order the sale of the Property in lieu of partition’ direct the first distribution of sale proceeds to First National Bank of Pennsylvania to satisfy the Deed of Trust; direct the second distribution to the Defendant to compensate her for contributions toward the Property; direct the third distribution to Ms. Patterson to cover all costs, including attorneys’ fees, title report costs, and other appropriate expenses; and order that the remaining proceeds be distributed to Ms. Patterson.”

Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel, Maryland that the relief sought in the aforementioned Verified Complaint and Petition for Sale in Lieu of Partition may be granted unless cause be shown to the contrary.

Defendant, Kimberly Westra is to file a response to the Verified Complaint and Petition for Sale in Lieu of Partition or before January 24, 2026.

Failure to file the response within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought.

OCD-12/25/3t _________________________________ MEEGAN KENNEDY WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of MARY T DELANEY Estate No. 20947 Notice is given that DONNA REID whose address is 28197 OCEAN DR SELBYVILLE, DE 19975-4397, DIANNE DENMARK whose address is 508 BAYSHORE DR UNIT 3 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6188 were on DECEMBER 16, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY T DELANEY who died on SEPTEMBER 18, 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

DECEMBER 26, 2025 the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th 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 16th 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-12/25/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026 Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live 6:30 p.m. Case No. 26-2, on the lands of the Janice E. Kosko Living Trust, on the application of Katrina Durski, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 28.6 feet (to encroach 1.4 feet) for an existing deck in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 6 Decatur Court, Tax Map 16, Parcel 42, Section 5, Lot 238, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 26-3, on the lands of JeanMarie Richardson and Steven Katz, on the application of Greg Wilkins, requesting a variance to the front yard setback from 25 feet to 17.93 feet (to encroach 7.07 feet) for a proposed porch with steps in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1-

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices 305, located at 10356 New Quay Road, Tax Map 21, Parcel 8, Section A, Block 8, Lot 8, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 26-1, on the lands of the Ocean Pines Association Inc., on the application of Milestone Towers, requesting a special exception to allow a 150 foot tall camouflaged monopole in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-206(c)(15) and ZS 1-343, located at 98 Clubhouse Drive west of the Ocean Pines golf course maintenance building, Tax Map 16, Parcel 56, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

OCD-12/25/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 25-07 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 25-07 (Zoning – Off-street parking clear height) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on November 18, 2025. A fair summary of the bill is as follows: Add a new subsection § ZS 1320(b)(2) of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to establish a minimum clear height for required off-street parking provided in an enclosed or covered structure in twofamily, multi-family, and townhouse dwelling units.

A Public Hearing will be held at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM. This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is available for public inspection in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the county website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-12/25/2t _________________________________ RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ COATES,COATES, & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20948 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the COMBINED court of ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO appointed MARY LYNNE GREENBAUM whose address is 6743 W GOULD DR LITTLETON, CO 80123-5112 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of MARIAN R CLAUSSEN who died on APRIL 16, 2025 domiciled in COLORADO, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D COATES JR whose address is 6200

COASTAL HWY STE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698. 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 delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/25/3t _________________________________ LAWS, INSLEY & BENSON, P.A. VICTOR H. LAWS, ESQ. 209 E. MAIN ST., P.O. BOX 75 SALSBURY, MD 21803-0075

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20949 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Shenandoah County, Virginia appointed Marie Dilorenzo, 212 S. Washington St., Winchester, VA 22601-4029 as the Executor of the Estate of Thomas E. Marfing Jr. who died on September 25, 2018 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Victor H. Laws III, 109 E. Main St., Salisbury, MD 218014922.

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.

Marie Dilorenzo 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 25, 2025 OCD-12/25/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

of Public Hearing Worcester County Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) plan on: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 Government Center, One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 The CRRF was established under Maryland’s Cannabis Reform Act of 2023 to support community-based initiatives benefiting low-income communities and those disproportionately impacted by cannabis law enforcement. Worcester County’s proposed plan outlines the distribution and management of CRRF funds through the Worcester County Local Management Board, including funding priorities such as behavioral health services, education programs, housing initiatives, and workforce development.

Copies of the plan are available in the County Commissioners’ Office, Room 1103 of the County Government Center in Snow Hill or online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-12/25/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106 ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, January 8th, 2:00 PM PW 26-003 A request has been submitted to install one 10’ x 14’ floating platform, maximum channelward extension 15’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10602 SHIFTING SANDS DR Parcel # 1666A-100 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Michael Valenti APPLICANT: Sarah Freund, c/o Hidden Oak Farm

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

PW 26-004 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with two associated pilings not to exceed 32’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 105 NEWPORT BAY DR UNIT A Parcel # 3667A-A1 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Lawrence Rupp APPLICANT: Ron Gossard c/o Bayshore Marine PW 26-005 A request has been submitted to install one elevator type boat lift with three associated pilings not to exceed 15’6” channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10624 POINT LOOKOUT RD Parcel # 1732A-33 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.’

OWNER: RJ Blake Living Trust APPLICANT: Kayla L. Short PW 26-006 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkheading not to exceed 18”; to remove old pier structures and install a new 5’ x 40’

parallel platform, a new 6’ x 40’ perpendicular pier and install one boatlift with associated pilings maximum channelward 46’6”. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 620 GULF STREAM DR Parcel # 8020A1496B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Kevin & Alison Snyder, Jr. APPLICANT: Martin’s Construction, LLC PW 26-007 A request has been submitted to remove existing marine structures, install 60’ of replacement vinyl bulkheading not to exceed 18” channelward. To construct a new 5’ x 40’ parallel platform, a new 6’ x 14’ perpendicular pier, to re-install boatlift on new platform, and to install a new PWC lift on proposed pier all with associated pilings not to exceed 16’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 311 OLD LANDING RD Parcel # 1752A-11 in the Town of

Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Tracy L. Welsh APPLICANT: Martin’s Construction, LLC PW 26-008 A request has been submitted to install two boatlifts with associated pilings not to exceed past existing piers, 20’ channelward.

The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 210 WINDWARD DR UNIT A Parcel # 3851A-99A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Jeremy Gavin APPLICANT: J Stacey Hart, Inc. PW 26-009 A request has been submitted to construct a new 6’ x 22.5’ pier and install one boat lift and one double PWC lift with associated pilings not to exceed 28.5’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 156 CAPTAINS QUARTERS RD Parcel # 3748A-120 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNERS: Scotty Miller/David Tromm

Put Your Business Card Where It Gets Noticed and Seen By Thousands of People

Every Week

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and Service Directories Call Pamela at 410-723-6397 for more details!

DECEMBER 26, 2025 APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 26-010 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings not to exceed past existing pier, 18’ channelward.

The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 615 BAYSHORE CT UNIT 2 Parcel # 5292 -2 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Benjamin Mentzer APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 26-011 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift in deeded slip #3 maximum channelward 40’ and to install one boatlift in deeded slip #1 a maximum channelward of 18’ both with associated pilings. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 310 13TH ST SLIP S3 Parcel # 3493 -S3 and 1 Aronimink 6 CM – Parcel #3493 -1 -6 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Thomas Myers, Jr. APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 26-012 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 12’ pier extension to an existing 20’ pier for a total length of 32’. To construct a 3’ x 13’ tapered finger pier, install one boatlift and one double PWC lift with associated pilings, maximum channelward 36’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 507 EDGEWATER AVE UNIT A Parcel # 2873 -A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Rubino Family Revocable Trust APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. OCD-12/25/2t _________________________________ IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: MARY E. SAILORS ESTATE NO. 20952

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all Persons Interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Charles H. Bogino, Esq., 10605 Concord Street, Suite 307, Kensington, MD 20895 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 February 10, 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: 12/25/25 OCD-12/25/2t _________________________________

DECEMBER 26, 2025

PAGE 53

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS RIBBON CUTTING

Mayor Rick Meehan and representatives for Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation are pictured in August cutting the ribbon on the new Children’s House by the Sea II. The respite home serves critically ill children and their families.

OUR MISSION, YOUR SUCCESS. Over 75 Years Combined Experience on the Shore!

An independent firm of financial planners built on a foundation of service, integrity, independence and trust, serves clients of all financial and income levels

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WEALTH MANAGEMENT 401(K) ROLLOVERS RETIREMENT PLANNING TAX PLANNING INSURANCE PLANNING ESTATE PLANNING

HURRICANE ERIN

Downtown Ocean City is pictured in August as the resort started to feel the impacts of Hurricane Erin, which remained far off the coast.

9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY SUITE 18 WEST OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 410.213.2150 MITCHELLHASTINGSandSWEIGERT.COM

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer member of FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor, Mitchell, Hastings & Sweigert Financial Services and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., are not affiliated

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE CUTE AS A BUTTON

160 SANDY HILL DRIVE MONTEGO BAY OCEAN CITY Spectacular 3 BR, 1.5 BA Beach home!!! Own piece of paradise in the heart of OC in the highly coveted Montego Bay community. Complete renovation 2025, offering you a luxurious coastal retreat that embodies relaxation and style.

New appliances, New LVP floors in main Living areas, New HVAC, New Paint. Whether you're seeking a serene getaway or a lucrative investment, this property has it all. Step into a world of modern charm as you enter this meticulously updated beach house. With careful attention to detail, the interiors boast sleek finishes, designer fixtures, and an inviting open layout that maximizes space and natural light. SOLD FURNISHED FOR $339,900!! The Montego Bay Specialist Since 1971

ST !

JU TED LIS

WELCOME TO BERMUDA BAY!!

107 123RD STREET #31 • BERMUDA BAY • NORTH OCEAN CITY ICE ON PR UCTI D RE

!

One of the sought after developments located in North Ocean City. Don't miss this END UNIT 2 story 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath which is a short walk to the beach. 2 private decks on each floor and a fireplace. Community boat slips. Close to Northside Park, restaurants, bus stops, and the beach. Recent upgrades include, New roof & Siding 2021, New Windows & Sliders 2024, New HVAC 2024, New Stainless-Steel Appliances 2025, Freshly Painted 2025. Nice private community pool for relaxing after a day at the beach right at your back door. This unit checks all the boxes so come check this one out today it will not last long.

SOLD FURNISHED. NOW $409,000

©

Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc

Larry Holdren Real Estate, Inc©

For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700

For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700

www.larryholdrenrealestate.net • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com

www.larryholdrenrealestate.net • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com

2 BR, 1 BA HOME JUST a SHORT WALK to the BEACH!

VACANT LOT FOR SALE

13901 Coastal Hwy., #8, Ocean City, MD

Location, Location, Location!! charming home located upfront in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in North OC. Updated HVAC system & hot water heater & sold fully furnished. Screened porch & double storage sheds. Very short walk to the beach, community amenities, shopping, dining bus stop & Ocean City's 58-acre Northside Park (home of 4th of July fireworks!). Community amenities: 2 in-ground pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard court, 9-hole mini-golf course, bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers, wildlife sanctuary/park area with large pond & blacktop walking/jogging path...all for a low HOA fee of $385/year!! Call now to schedule a private showing. $289,900

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

138 SOUTH OCEAN DRIVE MONTEGO BAY NORTH OCEAN CITY

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

13901 Coastal Hwy., #8, Ocean City, MD

Prime building lot located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in North OC. Within walking distance to the beach as well as shopping, dining, bus stop, and Ocean City's 58- acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July fireworks). Come build your dream home just steps away from some of the many amenities that the community has to offer.

Community amenities include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard court, 9 hole mini-golf course, 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, a 5-acre pond with a blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $385.00 a year!! Only the lot is for sale!! Existing mobile home is currently leased until Sept.1st at which point the sellers have contracted to have the mobile home demolished/removed from the lot. $265,000

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

171 OYSTER LANE MONTEGO BAY NORTH OCEAN CITY

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

PAGE 54

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SURFERS HEALING

Families and surfers are pictured at August’s Surfers Healing camp, which pairs children with autism with a surfing budget in search of waves.

PHOTO COURTESY WHITE MARLIN OPEN

WHITE MARLIN OPEN WINNER

Local boat Billfisher won the White Marlin Open three years after taking prize in the 2022 edition.

The fishing team won nearly $4 million during this year’s tournament.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GRAND OPENING

Ocean City officials in August cut the ribbon on a brand-new administrative building at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

JEEP FEST JAM

A planned beach crawl during August’s Jeep Fest event was scratched due to beach flooding and tidal surge from Hurricane Erin. However, participants were able to try the beach obstacle course instead.

PHOTO COURTESY JAMES ACUNA

TOURNEY FUN

The Barbara B had a special day on the first day of the White Marlin Open, bringing in the fifth largest blue marlin ever weighed in during the 52-year tournament and boating the first-place dolphin.

Dec. 25 - Jan. 1 DA AY/TIME

ADDRESS

BR/BA

STYLE

PRICE

AGENT/AGENCY

Fri-Mon 11am-4pm

H ron Her o Harbourr,, 120th St., Bayside

1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+

Co ondos, Towns & SF

-

Nanette Pavier/Holiday Real Estate

Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm

12430 Old Bridge Rd., West OC

2BR/2BA

S Single Family frrom

frrom $284,750

Shelly Wilson/Salt Life Community C

Friday Noon-2pm

115 500 Coastal Hwy #1614, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$579,900

Laurren Bunting/Keller Wiilliams Realty

Saturrday Noon Noon-2pm 2pm

115 500 Coastal Hwy #1614, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$579,900 0

Laurren Bunting/Keller Wiilliams Realty

Saturrday 1-3pm

630 05 Atlantic Avenue #301, Ocean City

3BR/3.5BA

Condo

$1,550,00 00

Nancy Reither/Coldwell B Banker Realty

Saturrday 2-4pm

11877 Man O War Lane, Berlin

3BR/2.5BA

Single Family

$669,900 0

Laurren Bunting/Keller Wiilliams Realty

Sunday 11am-1pm

204 4 S Herron Drive #202 G, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$575,000 0

Nancy Reither/Coldwell B Banker Realty

Tuesday Noon-2pm

115 500 Coastal Hwy #1614, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$579,900 0

Laurren Bunting/Keller Wiilliams Realty

Wednesday Noon-2pm

115 500 Coastal Hwy #1614, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$579,900 0

Laurren Bunting/Keller Wiilliams Realty

Happy Happ p y Ne N New ew Y Year! e ar! ea a Presented free as a courtesy to Lice ensed REALTORS® who are regular OC O Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette Advertisers.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SCOOTER CRAZE

Two people on scooters travel down the bus lane of southbound Coastal Highway in August. The affordable electric scooter became ubiquitous in Ocean City this summer as foreign students on J-1 work visas used them to get around town.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GIZMO DIES

Wild horse Gizmo, a 16-year-old Bay female, was struck and killed by a motorist on Assateague Island in August.

STEWART DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ANCHORED IN

An offshore lifeboat anchored in the Ocean City Inlet in August to ride out the heavy surf as Hurricane Erin passed off the coast.

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

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OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 55

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 56

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.

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

DECEMBER 26, 2025

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 26, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

PHOTO COURTESY JANET HOUGH

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

COASTAL LOW

BERLIN BARRACKS RIBBON CUTTING

In Ocean City, the sea wall did its job but the steady northeast winds still displaced tons of beach sand onto the Boardwalk after a coastal low struck Sept. 16.

Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, center, was joined by state and local leaders in celebrating the opening of the new Berlin barracks for the Maryland State Police on Sept. 9.

LAB CLASS Ocean City Fire Department K-9 Max, a therapy/ facility dog, was on hand Sept. 2 to greet students returning to Ocean City Elementary School.

PHOTO COURTESY OCFD

PHOTO COURTESY OF WCPS

SDHS MURAL CELEBRATED Dona Rodgers, founder of support group Morgan’s Message, was joined by teachers and studentathletes at Stephen Decatur High School Sept. 12 in celebrating the grand opening of a new mural directly behind the SDHS stadium.

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PAGE 58

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS

The Adventures of Fatherhood

I

by Steve Green

love a church sermon that hits home.

Last Sunday was one of those times at our home church, Stevenson United Methodist.

Unfortunately, there are some days I am not at peace enough to receive the word in its totality. I’ll sit there with the best intentions—ready to listen, ready to be filled—and then my mind drifts off like a balloon slipping from a child’s hand. A thought about work sneaks in.

A worry about the week ahead shows up uninvited. A mental checklist starts building itself before I even realize it. It frustrates me when it happens. I want to be fully present, fully receptive, fully still. But from time to time I’m simply not.

December has a way of changing that for me. During Advent—especially as we inch closer to Christmas—the messages seem to resonate deeper.

The season itself pushes the heart toward reflection. Maybe it’s just that I’m more aware of how quickly life moves, and how badly I need to slow down long enough to recognize what matters.

Last Sunday, Pastor Woody’s message about embracing “joy” in our lives was exactly what I needed to hear.

I didn’t walk into church feeling particularly joyful. I walked in feeling stretched. Newspaper deadlines on short weeks have a way of piling pressure onto pressure. Add in meetings and responsibilities that come with wearing a “community hat” and I could feel stress creeping in. And then there’s the home front. This time of year carries the desire to provide a meaningful Christmas. The effort to make the season special without letting the season swallow you whole.

When you combine those things— work, community, family—it can all start to feel like too much at once.

Then Pastor Woody said something that cut through the noise: “Don’t let the one day get in the way of today.”

It landed like a steady hand on my shoulder.

He wasn’t dismissing planning or responsibility. He wasn’t suggesting we ignore the future or pretend tomorrow doesn’t exist. He was talking about the human tendency to live everywhere except where God has placed us: in the present moment. So many of us sacrifice “today” because we’re consumed by “one day.” One day when things slow down. One day when the schedule clears. One day when we finally feel caught up. One day when we’re less stressed, less worried, less tired. We tell ourselves we’ll breathe then. We’ll rest then.

We’ll focus on joy then.

But the truth is, “one day” can become a thief. It steals from us quietly and consistently, taking the good right out of our hands because we’re too busy staring at what hasn’t happened yet.

It was a message about prioritizing—about not letting the future, the unknown, or the heavy things crowd out the gifts right in front of us. And there’s no better time than Christmas to keep that front of mind. If we can’t protect the joy of the present in December, when will we?

Faith is a private thing for me. I know it can be controversial to some.

I know it can be misunderstood by others. I try to keep it simple while also understanding that not everyone agrees, and that’s okay. But I choose to believe in more than the material world. I believe in what the Bible says, and I read it daily to keep myself grounded. I have found—over and over—that when I trust in the Lord, I find a deeper inner peace. Not a perfect peace. Not a life free from problems. But a steadiness that holds when everything else feels like it’s shifting. That matters to me, especially in seasons when stress tries to speak louder than gratitude.

And the message from Sunday didn’t just apply to me. It immediately made me think of our son Beckett.

Beckett is 17 now, a high school senior, and he’s mired in what might be the biggest decision of his life so far: where to attend college. The great

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thing—truly—is that he has wonderful options. Schools that want him. Opportunities that would make any parent proud. Possibilities we couldn’t have imagined when he was younger.

But with those blessings comes weight.

Lately, the weight of it all seems to be leading him to shut down when the topic is broached. I can see it. The moment college comes up, his posture changes. His eyes shift. His patience shortens. It isn’t defiance. It’s pressure. It’s the sense that something enormous is looming, and he’s expected to choose correctly, quickly, and confidently. There are deadlines to keep in mind and financial offers tied to certain timelines.

What that pressure has produced, at times, are a few heated conversations at home. The kind where everyone is talking but nobody is hearing.

The kind where emotions creep in and logic leaves the room.

That’s where Pastor Woody’s message started to work on me.

Secure the joy in each day. Live for the now with a heart of faith. Don’t let the one day get in the way of today.

I’ve been thinking about what it looks like, practically, to prioritize “today.” It might mean sitting with my family without multitasking. It might mean listening to Beckett without turning every conversation into a strategy meeting. It might mean lowering the volume of my own anxiety. It might mean remembering that Christmas isn’t a performance to perfect—it’s a gift to receive.

I’m grateful for Pastor Woody’s real life reminder. And I’m grateful for the nudge to hold the present with open hands. Because “one day” will come soon enough.

But today is here. And today still has joy in it — if I’m willing to notice.

(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.)

PHOTO COURTESY WCPS

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Phil Cropper, a culinary arts teacher at Worcester Technical High School, gets surprised with the new car that comes with his being honored as the Worcester County Teacher of the Year.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WCPS HALL OF FAME

Four former educators were inducted to the WCPS Hall of Fame on Sept.23: Tom Dorman, Willie C. Jackson, Gwendolyn F. Lehman and Francis A. Ruffo, Sr. Pictured, from left, are Board of Education President Todd Ferrante, Tom Dorman, Gwen Lehman, Ruffo’s widow and Superintendent Annette Wallace.

PHOTO COURTESY OC YACHT SHOTS

ONE BAAAD DOG

But a good dog, too, for abiding by Maryland’s motorcycle helmet law while riding as a passenger on this Inlet-bound Harley on Sept. 11.

GOOD BOY!

PHOTO COURTESY NICK DENNY

A stellar time was had by all, including this Frisbee-loving labrador retriever, in Ocean Pines during the Puppy Swim on Sept. 6.

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 59

YEAR IN PHOTOS

PHOTO COURTESY C3 PRESENTS

FULL HOUSE FOR COUNTRY CALLING

A massive crowd at Country Calling on the beach downtown gathers in front of the main stage during a performance Oct. 5. Officials said 55,000 tickets were sold for the three day event.

OFFSHORE SUMMIT

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICE OF ANDY HARRIS

Congressman Andy Harris arranged the Sept. 24 meeting at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City for stakeholders in state, local, and federal government to discuss proposed offshore wind projects in the Atlantic Ocean.

HENRY HOTEL MURAL

IN FOR A LANDING

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Breeze Airways, the newest airline at the Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport, launched twice-weekly flights from the Eastern Shore direct to Orlando, Florida. The first-ever Breeze aircraft to land in Salisbury (pictured) touched down Oct. 1 in an event attended by local officials.

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Foundation President Nancy Howard recognizes the history of the Henry Hotel during a ribbon cutting to celebrate the installation of the new mural.

BETHANY HOOPER/ BAYSIDE GAZETTE

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OC Today-Dispatch

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

SDHS HOMECOMING

PHOTO COURTESY MELANIE COLEMAN

Stephen Decatur alumni Luke Mergott and Brycen Coleman, both now playing Division I football for Duke and Vanderbilt, respectively, returned to their alma mater Oct. 10 for homecoming. Pictured, from left, are Seahawks offensive coordinator Russell Croteau, Mergott, head coach (and Brycen’s dad) Jake Coleman and Coleman.

DOCK DOGS

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Lovely fall weather brought out big crowds to Sunfest in Ocean City, featuring this high-flying competitive display of leaping from Dock Dogs.

CROSSWORD

BOO ON THE BOARDS

The annual “OC-toberfest” maze on the beach in downtown Ocean City on Oct. 31 brought out some spooky costumed characters, like this masked terrifier.

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 61

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 If you are feeling half-hearted about what you are working on, then put it off for a little bit and focus on something more interesting this week, Aries. You can use the rest.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Make it your business to remind others not to take life so seriously this week, Taurus. The best way to do that is to show them how to laugh by example.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Your thoughts are on an important decision that you need to make, Gemini. It’s best to wait a few days before you get into the thick of things. You need to mull all possibilities.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may have the courage and the confidence to deal with whatever life throws at you right now, but not everyone is as dedicated as you. Make allowances for others this week.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Sensitive feelings are coming to the surface this week and you are not sure what to do about them, Leo. You won’t find peace of mind until you have dealt with them thoroughly.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, some unexpected news could come your way between now and the weekend. It may seem like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things, it will only be a minor issue.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 You have reason to be suspicious of someone’s motives this week. Just don’t go to extremes and start reading into every message or nuance, Libra.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you might look super confident on the outside, but underneath you get anxious like everyone else. At some point this week you may need to ask for some help.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 It is easy to believe you have enemies around every corner, Sagittarius. Although you might have rubbed a few people the wrong way, most people actually are on your side.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, usually you couldn’t care less what other people think about you. But this week it seems important to get another person’s approval for your actions.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, be careful when dealing with someone in a position of power.

They may have sights on a promotion you also hope to earn. Keep your cards close to the vest.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, some people believe the world is full of doom and gloom, but you know that every day is what you make of it. Brighten the days of others with your positivity.

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PAGE 62

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Things I Like...

By Steve Green Christmas traditions A weekend without rain Checking out house decorations around Berlin Fixing something believed to be broken Liberty Mutual ads Any kind of breakfast meat Needy toy drives this time of year

Visitors to Ocean City were offered a unique display of public art when the “Beach Birds” arrived in the spring of 2003.

Designed by local artists and sponsored by various Ocean City businesses, the five foot tall fiberglass birds could be found all over town. In hotel lobbies, at City Hall and the airport, on the Boardwalk, and even perched on the roof at Seacrets, these unique birds delighted locals and visitors alike. They even had names such as “Jailbird” (at the police station) and “Birdwalk Elvis” (pictured above at the former Stowaway Grand.)

The 82 colorfully decorated Beach Birds were auctioned off at the end of the season with the proceeds used to fund public art in Ocean City; today a few of the surviving birds can still be found in various spots around town.

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

Photo courtesy of the Mann Family

Aroma of a great Italian restaurant Surprise NFL teams Showering after a hair cut Winning something in a charity silent auction

DECEMBER 26, 2025

YEAR IN PHOTOS

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

CANDIDATE TAYLOR

Former Worcester County school superintendent Lou Taylor (left) was joined by incumbent County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic as both filed to run for a seat on the Worcester County Commissioners on Nov. 4 at the Board of Elections in Snow Hill.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WINTERFEST OPENING

Ocean City celebrated the 33rd Annual Winterfest of Lights last Nov. 20 with an opening-night ceremony featuring a special performance by the Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” choir, along with a spectacular fireworks display.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

VETERANS DAY OBSERVED

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony on a frigid, windy Nov. 11 morning to pay tribute to those who served in all branches of the Armed Forces.

PHOTO COURTESY GOOD BOY MANUFACTURING

TREE LIGHTING

Thousands of people gathered in the heart of downtown Berlin for the annual lighting of the town’s Christmas tree on Nov. 28.

PAGE 63

OC Today-Dispatch

OBITUARIES MICHAEL EDWARD SULLIVAN Berlin Michael “Sully” Edward Sullivan, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on December 20th surrounded by those he loved.

Raised on Long Island, New York, Sully grew up with a deep appreciation for fam- Michael Sullivan ily, friendship, and sports. He was a gifted athlete who played baseball in college, a passion that reflected his dedication, discipline, and love of the game. Later in life, he found great joy on the golf course, where he spent many happy hours enjoying the game he loved most and losing to his daughter.

On December 28, 1986, Sully married the love of his life, Lori Elizabeth West. Their marriage was a true partnership, built on love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Sully was a proud and loving father to his two children, Jennifer West Warren (Brad) and Kelly Lyn Wells (Geoffrey) who were the center of his world. He was also a devoted grandfather whose love, guidance, and gentle presence will be deeply missed.

Known for his sense of humor, kindness, and outgoing spirit, Sully had a rare gift - he made friends everywhere he went and with everyone he met. His genuine nature and easy smile left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all

who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Bones Jones Foundation, under “Sully Sullivan.” The Bones Jones Foundation is a non profit that works alongside the New York Special Olympics. The Foundation provides athletes with equipment, uniforms, etc. Especially golf Sully’s favorite. Please send checks to THE BONES JONES FOUNDATION PO Box 324 Thiells, NY 1098 or Venmo @Golf-Outing-1.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM, at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 4 p.m., at The Ocean City Golf Club, 11401 Country Club Drive, Berlin, MD 21811. Interment will be private.

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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

Dec. 26, 2025

Page 64

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

Between the Lines

YEAR IN PHOTOS DEVASTATING FIRE

By Steve Green It’s that time of the year to look back and see how my predictions – made back on Jan. 3, 2025 – played out this year.

On The Money • I predicted the year would include much “uncertainty” about offshore wind following President Trump’s efforts to derail the effort including the project planned off Ocean City. It was the right call as 2025 will end with many questions about the wind project. Each week there is some new order or ruling on this front.

• As expected, the summer came and went without a Boardwalk tram.

Ocean City made it official earlier this year the tram service – at least as its been known -- is over.

• A deal was reached in the Tyler Walsh case and the man responsible was sentenced to about two years in jail, as I predicted based on dispositions in similar cases. Walsh, 16 at the time and a student at Stephen Decatur High School, was critically injured in September of 2024 when he was struck by a drunk motorcyclist while crossing Coastal Highway. Michael Schneider of New York entered Alford pleas to the two most serious charges, resulting in a 10-year sentence with all but two years and six months suspended.

• Ocean Pines did announce a change in its food and beverages vendor, announcing in January a contract with the folks from Touch of Italy in Ocean City.

• A national search process did commence for the replacement of former Superintendent Lou Taylor. As predicted, the Board of Education tapped an internal candidate – Annette Wallace – to succeed Taylor.

• The year did come and go without any major Baltimore Avenue road work. I predicted a timeline would be announced for work to begin in the fall of 2026. It might be an ambitious timeline but that does appear to be the goal.

• The crystal ball was clear to me that long-time Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito would retire, and the process did result in an internal candidate being selected.

• Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers did announce his retirement in 2025, but I thought it would happen after the summer season. In fact, he retired April 11.

• The post office on 5th Street, as expected, does have plans to relocate further downtown.

• AGH and TidalHealth did in fact come together – as predicted -- with the merger taking effect in May. Off The Mark • While a settlement was reached between Ocean City and the family who lost a child in the tram fatality of August of 2024, it was wrong to call it “large” in my opinion. In fact, payouts of this sort are capped at $400,000 through the Maryland Tort Claims Act, which states local government cannot be liable to any one person for more than $400,000.

• The prediction the Worcester County Commissioners would not approve a room tax increase request was wrong. I surmised the commissioners would not unanimously support an increase in the county room tax rate. Although it did seem that way for about a month, the commissioners eventually came together to support the move after the increase was tied to additional water and wastewater flow from the Town of Ocean City. There was a lot of political maneuvering behind the move with Ocean City’s mayor confirming a commissioner was trying to hold the city hostage, using the room tax hike as a bargaining chip to secure more water and sewer flow from Ocean City in exchange for his vote to increase the room tax.

• Believing the first Boardwalk Rock festival would be a success in the spring, I predicted a second spring music festival would be announced for 2026. In fact, while the Boardwalk Rock event was cheered overall, it was announced in the fall it would take a pause in 2026 and return in 2027. There was no announcement of a second spring fest.

• Worcester County did not embark, as predicted, on condemnation proceedings for two commercial properties in the West Ocean City harbor to try and foil US Wind’s offshore wind farm plans.

• Technically, Ocean City did hire an external candidate for its police chief vacancy when it named Ray Austin the next leader. However, I will put it in this category as he was most recently with the county’s State’s Attorney’s office. Austin did spend 30-plus years with the OCPD. • Ocean City did not move ahead with the creation of a Business Investment District to help fund operations for a new sports complex off the island. The year has come and gone with no official news on the sports complex land acquisition.

• I predicted the intersection of Route 50 and Main Street would be completely transformed with the new Wawa and Hebron Savings Bank opening. The roadway did have a transformation with the opening of the new bank branch but there is no news on whether Wawa is close to commencing construction.

• Wrong again with my Super Bowl prediction, as the Chiefs did not beat the Lions in the Super Bowl. It was the Eagles who pounded the Chiefs. I will try again next week.

PAGE 65

Nearly two dozen firefighting crews from across the area responded Nov. 13 to an inferno that destroyed a watersports dealership, Bayside Jet Drive. The building and the business are owned by Eric Fiori, a member of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners. No cause of the fire has been determined, officials said.

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN PINES VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

DRAGGING BOTTOM

PHOTO COURTESY DRISCOLL DRONES

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge boat Murden maneuvers for position just off Martha’s Landing on Nov. 25 as it removes shoaling outside the West Ocean City harbor.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

The Northern Lights – the phenomenon where charged particles from the Sun collide with molecules in the atmosphere, causing a shimmering array of colors in the night sky – were visible for most in the coastal region on Nov. 11.

PAGE 66

DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS MAJOR AWARD Ocean City marketing business D3 Corp. was honored Nov. 15 as Small Business of the Year at this year’s Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit.

Pictured (L to R): Chase McClure, Jenni Pastusak, John Gehrig.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRR PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GIVING TUESDAY Jolly Roger Amusement Park team members selected the Worcester County Humane Society this year to donate time and resources during Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2.

AGING FIRE HOUSE The Town of Snow Hill has been seeking a buyer to transform its spacious but aging firehouse, built in 1950.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

BIKE LANE IDEA FLOATED

BRIAN SHANE/ BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Community members and city officials attended a State Highway Administration workshop Dec. 8 to view proposed projects aimed at improving bike and pedestrian safety along a portion of Coastal Highway. One idea is to put city buses back into regular traffic and turn the dedicated bus lane into a bike lane.

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DECEMBER 26, 2025

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 67

YEAR IN PHOTOS

SHOP WITH A COP

Troopers from the Berlin barrack of the Maryland State Police on Dec. 13 hosted their annual “Shop with a Cop” event with 33 local children. Kids got to pick toys that were paid for by donations. Chick-fil-A West Ocean City donated lunch for the participants and the celebration continued with a visit from Santa.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ BAYSIDE GAZETTE

NEW MURAL CELEBRATED

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Germantown School Community Center hosted a ribbon cutting and reception Dec. 13 to mark the installation of Patrick Henry’s mural depicting a scene at the former school in Berlin.

OCEAN CITY CELEBRATES 150 YEARS

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY SAAH

The Town of Ocean City threw itself a party Dec. 12 to celebrate the town’s sesquicentennial anniversary. The black-tie gala at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center brought hundreds of guests who were welcomed with a red-carpet entrance and a champagne toast.

OC CHRISTMAS PARADE

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City held its 43rd annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, featuring marching bands, color guards, decorative floats, and appearances by several versions of Santa Claus and the Grinches.

Sports & Recreation

OC Today-Dispatch Dec. 26, 2025

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YEAR IN PHOTOS

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

CONFERENCE CHAMPS Stephen Decatur’s varsity boys basketball team won the 2025 Bayside Championship in January, defeating Cambridge South-Dorchester, 60-48, at the Wicomico Civic Center. After the final buzzer, Stephen Decatur’s basketball players gathered with their coaches. Senior Davin Chandler, who scored 30 points in the championship game, was named Bayside player of the year.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHITE MARLIN OPEN AND UNSCENE PRODUCTIONS

WHITE MARLIN OPEN WINNER Local boat Billfisher won the 2025 White Marlin Open in August three years after taking prize in the 2022 edition. Above, the fishing team is pictured with family members. The crew won nearly $4 million for the big catch.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHEN DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL

DECATUR BOYS, GIRLS SOCCER TEAMS WIN BAYSIDES For what is believed to be the first time in school history, both Stephen Decatur High School varsity teams took home the Bayside Conference championships in October at Kent Island. For the boys team, pictured left, Decatur, which won the Bayside South division, defeated Bayside North winner Kent Island, 2-0, in the Bayside championship. In the girls side, team pictured above right, Decatur (Bayside South champs) was able to win a tight contest over Bayside North winner Queen Anne’s, 1-0.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

SEAHAWKS FALL IN STATE TITLE GAME Stephen Decatur boys lacrosse team fell short of a MPSSA 2A state title in May at Stevenson University. It was Decatur’s third game of the year against Kent Island, which has been Decatur’s nemesis for years on the lacrosse field. On March 28, Decatur lost to Kent Island, 14-13, for its first and only loss of the regular season. The Seahawks avenged the loss with a 13-11 win in the Bayside Championship game in May. In the championship, Kent Island broke a 12-12 tie with just over three minutes left to secure the win. Above left, midfielder Jacob Nelson scored a critical goal to tie the game at 12-12 with six minutes left, but it was enough as Kent answered three minutes later. Above right, junior goalie Declan Horan looks to pass up the field in the second half.

DECEMBER 26, 2025

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OC Today-Dispatch

YEAR IN PHOTOS STATE CHAMPS

Coaches and players on Stephen Decatur’s varsity soccer team are pictured in November with their medals, trophies and sign after capturing the state championship with a 4-1 win over Centennial High School. It was Decatur’s first state title in soccer in 23 years.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

DECATUR BOYS WIN BAYSIDE

Stephen Decatur’s wrestling teams competed in the Bayside Conference Championship in February with the boys winning the crown and the girls securing runner-up. Members from both teams are pictured above with their coaches.

Eleven individual wrestlers won top honors in their respective weight divisions. The champions, pictured with the entire team, were Melani Ruiz, Makaiya Robinette, Amari Purnell, Chaniah Bernier, AJ Johnson, Juan Hinojosa, Elijah Collick, Aaron August, Jake Saullo, Amarian Manuel and Nate McDaniel.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PHOTO COURTESY OF SDHS

DECATUR QB COMMITS

Stephen Decatur’s varsity football quarterback Johnny Hobgood was celebrated in December at his official signing day ceremony. Hobgood’s career at Decatur has been impressive, leading the team last year as the starting quarterback to its second straight state championship. He was a key player on the first state championship team. Hobgood was named Sports Illustrated’s Maryland Quarterback of the Year and was the 2A Player of the Year last year. Located in Fairfield, Conn., Sacred Heart University is a Division I football program that competes in the Football Championship Subdivision, known as the FCS. Hobgood is pictured center in the red tie with teammates and coaches.

YOUTH CHAMPS

The 14-and-under boys Beach Lacrosse team is pictured after winning its division championship in May in the Eastern Shore Youth Lacrosse Association (ESYLA). The team was coached by Jerry Andrews, Paulie Smith, Tucker Parr, Mike Hennigan, Phil Mason, Collin Fohner, Luke Bahlman and Dave Bahlman. The players included Jaxon Andrews, Louie McFadden, Jack Gates, Brax Giardina, AJ Antol, Lorenzo Gagliardi, Ryder Bahlman, Callen Bell, Cruz Smith, William Boutin, Cole Gribble, Fisher Zimmerman, Fletcher Chmar, Maxx Harner, John Parker, Maddox Ferro, Brett Conway Jr., Rylan O’Malley, Remy Leverage-Frye, Ryan Somoskey, Ted Timmons, Makai Siedor, Ashton Evans and Jackson Snarsky.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

GIRLS TEAM WINS CROWN

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Beach Lacrosse won the ESYLA championship in May in the 14-and-under girls division. The team was coached by David Wells, Mike DiPietro, Jessica Waters and Jenny Carven. Players included Riley Mikulski, Bridget Krasner, Brooklyn Brady, Lily Kirby, Hannah Coly, Daijah White, Ella Sullivan, Laila Jones, Kate Reed, Maia DiPietro, Ellie Wells, Jillian Strawley, Brynlee Waters, Clementine Kohut, Rachel Williams, Mykayla Mysco, Mackenzie Maddy, Seaira Carven, Jeorgia Calloway, Carly Watts, Gracyn Robertson, Emmie Seipp and Claire Sullivan.

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