1/3/20 Ocean City Today

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JANUARY 3, 2020

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More than 400 Worcester County students receive new coats through initiative – Page 25

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MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

WINTER PLUNGE Hundreds of people participate in the 26th annual New Year’s Day Penguin Swim, held at the beach on 91st Street, Wednesday, Jan. 1. The swim benefits Atlantic General Hospital and its various programs. According to the Penguin Swim website, nearly $50,000 has been raised as of Thursday morning. Since its inception, the swim has generated over $1.6 million for the Berlin hospital.

OC officials set 2020 goals County rental license They also look back and conclude, 2019 was very good year

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) As 2019 comes to a close, city officials this week reflected on a year of ups and downs, and shared a glimpse of projects they hope to hunt down in 2020.

“We had a stellar year,”

Councilwoman Mary Knight said. “People might say it was so good because of the weather, but the entire East Coast had good weather, and tourist decided to come to Ocean City.”

Knight said Ocean City easily beat its competitors, such as Virginia Beach and the New Jersey shore.

In conjunction with a good season, the city managed to secure new revenues and re-

lieve some anxieties it had over growing costs.

Revenue-raising accomplishments include the room tax adjustment, conversion of propane gas service to natural gas underground service, parking rate increases and successful petitions for state grant funding for the Ocean City Convention center on 40th Street.

Perhaps the city’s most See PAID Page 5

launch has soft start

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Rental owners in unincorporated areas of Worcester County can expect a soft start for the countywide rental license program. Ed Tudor, director of review and permitting, said although the bill establishing the program is effective Jan. 1, 2020, there is no

deadline for rental owners to apply for and obtain a rental license. They cannot advertise their properties, however, until they do so.

The requirement for rental owners in unincorporated Worcester County to have a rental license passed on Aug. 20, 2019. The Worcester County Commissioners See LAUNCH Page 4

PAGE 2

JANUARY 3, 2020

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Ocean City Today

Officials talk priorities with Sen. Ferguson

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Members of the public and local officials had the opportunity to express their opinions and advocate for their priorities on Friday, Dec. 20 at a meeting with Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-46), the presumptive incoming Maryland Senate president, at the Ocean City Marlin Club in West Ocean City. Ferguson is expected to replace Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, who announced in November that he would resign from the position he held for 32 years due to health reasons.

Hosted by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), the meeting drew representatives from local industries, such as tourism, health care, agriculture and commercial fishing, as well as officials from Somerset County, Worcester County and Wicomico County.

The session was part of a tour Ferguson had arranged of state districts to introduce himself to those areas’ legislators. But instead, Carozza used the opportunity to make the visit a community forum of sorts.

First to speak was Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, who reminded Ferguson of the resort’s major economic impact on the state, and then sought to enlighten the senate leader’s understanding of two big challenges ahead – the unsanctioned car rally better known as H2Oi and the two proposed offshore wind farms.

He described to Ferguson how the H2Oi participants come to defy police and terrorize citizens.

“It’s become not only a challenge, but a critical situation,” Meehan said.

He cited the need the need to strengthen the state law that allows Ocean City to have special event zones. As for the wind turbines, Meehan reasserted his position that he supports the wind turbines, but not the significant increase in turbine size.

“I don’t want to be the mayor when looking back on five, 10 years, they ask ‘How did you let this happen?’”

Meehan said.

ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) introduces Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-46), to her left, the presumptive incoming state senate president, during a meeting with various industry stakeholders and local officials at the Ocean City Marlin Club on Friday, Dec. 20.

Advocating for seasonal workers and J-1 student workers were Melanie Pursel, director of Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, and Susan Jones, executive director of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association. Pursel pointed out that Ocean City has 12,000 seasonal workers with about 4,000 to 5,000 J-1 international students each season.

“Our businesses would be paralyzed without that program,” Pursel said.

Merrill Campbell, of Southern Connections Seafood, reiterated to Ferguson the need to fix the shoaling problem in the Ocean City Inlet and harbor. He mentioned that several boats have relocated, resulting in a major loss in revenue.

Citing their concerns about the next phase of the phosphorus management tool implementation were Delmarva Poultry Industry board of directors member Bill Massey, Worcester County Farm Bureau President Alan Hudson and Wicomico County poultry farm grower Michelle See SEN. Page 6

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

Resort’s bike committee cruises efficiently

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) This year was full of success for the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory (Bike) Committee, as it closes the year with a slew of accomplishments and a long list of goals for 2020.

“The Ocean City Bike Committee believes in planning their work and working their plan,” Committee President and City Engineer Paul Mauser said.

Mauser attributed the committee’s success to its thorough engagement.

“The bike committee meets every month, we are 17 for 17 so far, and engages every member at every meeting, and encourages all members to invest at least five or more hours per month developing safer and more accessible biking and pedestrian infrastructure and initiatives.”

The committee took on project after project, and was able to complete, or are close to completing, each one.

‘The bike committee meets every month, we are 17 for 17 so far, and engages every member at every meeting, and encourages all members to invest at least five or more hours per month developing safer and more accessible biking and pedestrian infrastructure and initiatives.’

Committee President and City Engineer Paul Mauser The committee’s past projects are: submitting a Bicycle Friendly Community application, signs and sidewalk markings from 60th to 63rd Streets, dedicated bike lane on 141st Street, support for the West Ocean City hiker-biker trail, lights on bikes, J-1 student outreach, GIS mapping, Complete Streets Implementation Team, shared-use path on South Philadelphia Avenue, presentation invitations, bike rack installation, Strava profile and elimination of impediment at 68th Street.

One of the highlights among the committee’s many accomplishments was its bike light program.

Launched last year, the group managed to quadruple its distribution efforts by the end of the season, and gave out 864 lights this year for a total of 1,072 lights overall. Next year, the Bike Committee’s goal is to distribute 2,000.

Perhaps the most important goal for next year, however, is earning a Bicycle Friendly Community bronze designation.

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community application recognizes municipalities for their efforts to encourage both recreational and practical cycling.

The league ranks each applicant as

diamond, platinum, gold, silver or bronze.

Receiving one of these ranks gives communities an edge for state grant funding for future bicycle projects, and acts as good PR to boot.

This year, the committee received an honorable mention, which Councilman Tony DeLuca said on Dec. 16 was unacceptable.

To achieve a bronze rank, the committee, under the guidance of City Planning Director Bill Neville, will design a bike master plan, which was one of the key money makers in the application’s point system.

Other goals included adding more bicycle parking racks throughout the resort, create official city bike routes using the Strava app, eliminating more street impediments and developing official bike events.

“The members are driven individuals to say the least, and we work intently and synergize off of each other to achieve [our] goals,” Mauser said.

Launch of rental license plan takes it easy Continued from Page 1 passed the full program and implementation a couple months later on Nov. 19, the biggest highlight being that the short-term rental license fee was reduced from $400 to $200.

As for the short-term rental regulations, which passed on Oct. 15, the largest changes are an increase in the required parking spaces for new rentals, an occupancy restriction based on square footage and a ban on events and functions for people who are not lodgers of the property.

Department staff conducted interviews for the rental program coordinator in mid-December, and if all goes as planned, recommendations will be made to the county commissioners by the Tuesday before their Jan. 7 meeting.

Another factor in the delay is the software system, which the depart-

ment is still preparing.

“I’m suspecting that we may not be ready that very first week, but probably the week after, would be my guess,” Tudor said.

By the second week of January, a paper copy of the rental license application should be finalized, but perhaps not the online version.

“That’s part of what we’re doing with the software – we want to make sure that the paper draft that we do can be easily converted to the digital format once the software is ready,” Tudor said. “I don’t want to have fields, for instance, too many fields on the paper that can’t be imported on the digital format.”

In the meantime, Tudor advised rental owners to check the county website and watch for public service announcements.

Sarah Rayne, government and

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public affairs director for the Coastal Association of Realtors, said that the association hasn’t received any information or guidance from the county.

Even with the county being slightly behind schedule, Rayne said she wasn’t worried about the program.

When the information is released, the association plans to distribute it to members and the general public through their social media channels and consumer newsletter.

“The Coastal Association of Realtors has 1,000 members and 70 percent of those members work in Worcester County and a lot of them work with rentals,” Rayne said. “We want to make sure we get information out to our members so that they are able to comply with the county law.”

She added that the association did try to prepare for the new rental regulations by distributing a one-pager

to members detailing the various changes in zoning guidelines and taxation and revenue articles, as well as the hotel rental tax rate increase to five percent. Rayne advised rental owners to educate themselves on what legislation has passed.

“There are certain things that certain types of rentals are going to require,” Rayne said. “For the short-term rentals, for instance, they’re going to need the floor plan, so they can get that ready so once an application is prepared, they’re ready to just fill it out and submit.”

She said she is looking forward to the finalized rental license program.

“We’re happy that Worcester County wanted to update their rental code and create this licensing program because our members want to be good neighbors, certainly, and professionals,” Rayne said.

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 5

Ocean City Today

Paid parking debate guaranteed to restart Continued from Page 1 major achievement was the renewal of its pier franchise with Charles “Buddy” Jenkins of the Synepuxent Pier and Improvement Company, as highlighted by City Councilmen Dennis Dare, Tony DeLuca and Knight.

The $9.1 million deal received final City Council approval on Monday, Dec. 16, and secured not only another three decades of curated amusements on the pier, but funds for Boardwalk repair and renovations, as well.

“The extension of the pier franchise has assured the continuance of a nostalgic family-friendly experience on the Ocean City Boardwalk for at least 35 more years,” Dare said.

Just as the year came to a close, the city gained another victory when the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) agreed to take a second look at two wind farms slated to be installed in resort waters.

The hearing came after turbine company Skipjack, owned by Ørsted, altered its proposal and chose turbines more than 200 feet taller than the originals.

U.S. Wind similarly has stated it will be seeking taller alternatives, as the 502-feet-tall turbines the company had previously chosen were no longer commercially available.

The change would require a public hearing, which has given hope to city officials who have been vocal in their disapproval of the turbines’ height and proximity to the city’s coast.

“We support clean energy and the economic benefits associated with these projects, but not at the cost of our future,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

“We continue to request that these gigantic turbines — now over 600 feet in height and 2.5 times the heights of the tallest building in Ocean City — be moved further off of our coast. This can be done, and we will only get one chance to get this right.”

Nonetheless, some government ambitions were stymied, despite the city’s best efforts.

For example, an expansion of paid

Dennis Dare

Mary Knight

Matt James

Project updates The West Ocean City hiker/biker trail and the Philadelphia Avenue shared-use path are both on schedule for completion, Ocean City Engineering Manager Paul Mauser said.

The hiker/biker trail is slated to be completed before the 2020 season, and the shared-use path by Memorial Day weekend.

Tony DeLuca

parking proved to be wildly unpopu- ices not provided by them for proplar among residents and business erty owners, businesses, residents and visitors to Ocean City,” Dare said. owners.

The issue stems from state code Business owners in particular were vocal in their opposition of the expan- that states Worcester County “may” sion, fearing how consumers would provide a tax differential, which the react to the loss of free parking — one resort would like to see changed to of the resort’s most coveted features. “shall.”

This one word has been a point of Despite the reluctance of several council members, the expansion was contention between the city and the killed. Even so, city officials have put county for quite some time, and it has paid parking expansion on their long almost become a tradition between the two govern2020 to-do-list. ments to meet anIn addition to seeking more paid ‘We support clean energy and nually to debate the issue. parking, DeLuca the economic benefits The dispute escasaid his attention next year would be associated with these projects, lated into litigation focused on doubling but not at the cost of our future.’ on the city’s part, but resulted in failcity bike light distriMayor Rick Meehan ure. bution and inCouncilman Matt stalling cigarette butt receptacles from 28th Street to James emphasized his desire to see collaboration with the county in order the Delaware state line.

Dare listed widening Route 90 to reach a mutually favorable solufrom two lanes to four lanes as one of tion.

Another huge task the resort must his priorities, as well as preparing for the future implementation of the tackle is finding a solution to the mayhem caused by an annual gathering of mandated minimum wage increase.

On both councilmen’s mind was modified foreign car enthusiasts, colreducing or eliminating city reliance loquially known as “H2Oi.” “This [H2Oi] is a serious challenge on tax increases.

“No taxpayer increases at budget that will take a well-organized plan intime,” DeLuca said. “That goes for cluding additional legislation, evaluresidents, businesses and non-resi- ating city ordinances, working with law enforcement, our city solicitor, dent property owners.”

Another point of cohesion between our state’s attorney and the govercity officials was a tax differential — a nor’s office to come up with both tax setoff or credit for services dupli- short and long term solutions,” Meecated by the city and the county — for han said. resort residents.

“Establishment of a tax differential

by Worcester County … would address the annual collection of over $17 million by Worcester County for serv-

Home is wherre your

OCEAN CITY BIKE COMMITTEE BRIEFS

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The following took place on Wednesday, Dec. 11, during the Ocean City Bike Committee meeting:

Rick Meehan

Perhaps one of the city’s grandest aspirations, however, is the construction of a sports complex in or near the resort.

“Seek promoters who bring events here that match our brand and introduce new families to Ocean City,” Councilman John Gehrig told Ocean City Today. “…Let’s utilize our Godgiven location and all of the infrastructure already in place, allowing us to maximize the return on that large infrastructure investment … Be determined to claim our share of this $19 billion industry.”

In order to do this, Gehrig said it would be necessary to hire an economic development director to sell every aspect of the resort.

The Crossroads Consulting feasibility study has been completed as of early December, and is being reviewed by the Maryland Stadium Authority.

James said the study would be presented to the council in January.

County Commissioner Bud Church told Ocean City Today that the county has identified a potential location for the facility in northern Worcester County.

He said while nothing is official yet, property owners there were very receptive to the idea.

While the city and county have had their share of disputes, Gehrig said it would be essential to work with the county, and other partners, in pursuit of the effort.

“We are built for this, we have to stop waiting,” Gehrig said. “No more being content bobbing our head on the edge of the dance floor. It’s time to get out into the middle of the floor and bust a move.”

Ocean City Today could not get into contact with Councilmen Lloyd Martin and Mark Paddack because of conflicting schedules.

Webpage Committee members invited City Digital Communications Coordinator Bill Funkhouser to discuss creating a committee website or webpage.

Funkhouser recommended a webpage on the city’s official website, as it would be simpler and cause less confusion for web users.

The webpage will provide a description of the committee and its functions and links to important events or announcements.

Funkhouser said the more simple and concise, the more effective the webpage would be in conveying information to web users.

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PAGE 6

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

Recreation and Parks got ball rolling in 2019 Committee gave key input for pickleball court project in Gorman Park, Petito says

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Notwithstanding a year marked by meeting cancellations, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Committee managed to pull out quite a few feats in 2019, and has high hopes for an even better 2020.

“I’m very pleased with the support and guidance shared with us by the members of the Recreation and Parks Committee,” Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito said. “The members’ keen political perspectives have helped us navigate through various issues and have afforded us the opportunity to move forward with several key projects for recreation and parks, and all the new private event requests run through Special Events this year.”

Despite only meeting four times in 2019, the committee helped several Recreation and Parks Department projects.

One of the biggest projects the committee helped guide this year was the renovation of Gorman Park to include a pickleball court.

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Director of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department Susan Petito said the Recreation and Parks Committee gave crucial guidance and support for many of the department’s events and projects, such as a pickleball court at Gorman Park in Caine Woods. The new courts were reopened on July 10, and were immediately used by players.

project … included drainage improvements, the addition of a pickleball court, replacement of the racquetball See PICKLEBALL Page 7

Sen. Ferguson presumed to fill senate president position Continued from Page 3 Chesnick. All speculated if phosphorus from chicken litter on fields actually runs off into the coastal bay.

“There needs to be a lot more science done to prove that the phosphorus management tool actually works,” Hudson said.

Frank Piorko, executive director of Maryland Coastal Bays, explained the importance of continuing to support their environmental monitoring sites that are always at risk due to budget concerns. He said that the health of the coastal bays directly influences tourism.

“As our climate weather changes, as our response to these things change, we’re going to need to commit to continuing the resources to monitor our coastal bays here in Maryland,” Piorko said.

Worcester County Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic explained two major challenges for the county – the fire sprinkler bill and the Kirwan Commission. Mitrecic said that because of the requirement that new home construction must have a sprinkler system, development in the county is hurting. Sussex County has 13 times as many building permits than Worcester, he said.

The Kirwan Commission, formally known as the Commission on Innovation in Education, proposes revamping Maryland’s public education, with Worcester County

having to contribute the most of all Maryland counties, according to the proposed funding formula.

“Kirwan scares us to death,” Mitrecic said to Ferguson. “We look at it as an unfunded mandate.”

In closing statements, both Carozza and Ferguson pointed to the need for all the counties to work together.

“We do work together as partners here and try to have very coordinated strategies so when we come up to the legislature we’re trying to work with them in a powerful way and make sure that we’re prioritizing and also not only highlighting some challenges, but also some possible solutions to those challenges,” Carozza said.

Ferguson agreed and said that it was helpful to hear from everyone.

He laughed as he told about how he grew up in a politically divided household - one parent supported President Bill Clinton, and another did not.

“There’s so much more that binds us together than what separates us,” Ferguson said.

The new Senate president, presumably Ferguson, is expected to be announced on Jan. 8, the first day of the 2020 Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session.

“Our best asset is people,” Ferguson said. “I think that’s proven even more today.”

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 7

Ocean City Today

County commissioners reveal 2020 goals

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) As the new year begins, the Worcester County Commissioners are looking ahead to establishing a balanced budget, dealing with the Kirwan Commission’s effects, and hoping to pursue a sports complex, funding for emergency services and rural broadband.

Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic, who represents Ocean City, said he wants to start with moving the sports complex forward. Ocean City has championed it as a way to attract traveling teams and boost tourism.

“Certainly, sports marketing tourism is the up-and-coming thing,” Mitrecic said. “We’re actually behind Delaware.”

As the new president of the county commissioners, Mitrecic said he will bring shelved items back to the agenda, such as the results of a 2019 strategic planning session.

“We’ve never talked about it and I think it’s time to,” Mitrecic said.

Reflecting on 2019, he highlighted the recent consolidation of the county recreation and parks, economic development and tourism departments as a major accomplishment. He added that it will help the county find new revenue sources, which is one of his goals.

“The budget is the most important thing the county commissioner or anybody does for that matter, any government body does,” Mitrecic said.

Commissioner Bud Church, who represents West Ocean City, listed similar goals as Mitrecic. One of his priorities is to maintain a budget that

Bud Church

Chip Bertino

Joseph Mitrecic

continues to provide top services to county residents without a tax increase. Another objective is the sports complex, which Church confirmed that a location in northern Worcester County has been identified, but nothing is official yet.

“I think that would be a major advancement for the county,” Church said. “It would be a good revenue producer and bring off-season tourism to all of Worcester County.”

Another major issue he wants to tackle is funding for the fire companies and emergency services. According to Church, costs have risen because of having to replace old equipment and fire companies moving toward paid members with benefits rather than volunteers.

“I’m a huge supporter of the firemen and paramedics,” Church said.

“It’s one of my top three priorities, but I’m also a fiscal conservative that wants the best bang to my buck.”

He listed school funding as his top priority.

“It’s no question that we have one of the top if not the top school system in the state,” Church said. “We want to maintain that funding and continue to provide services that keep us top in the state.”

That’s a major concern for County

Josh Nordstrom

Ted Elder

Commissioner Chip Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines. He said the county will have to adapt to the recommendations that are put into law for the Kirwan Commission, a multimillion dollar revamp of state education. The recommendations would have Worcester County contributing the most as a result of the county’s high property value.

“We haven’t seen success in the sense that they’ve changed the funding formulas, but I think the fact that we have spoken as one voice here in the county with both the board of education, the county commissioners as well as the teacher’s association, working together on that one particular issue, I think it’s a tremendous success to show that Worcester County stands together on this issue that is very important to us,” Bertino said.

He also mentioned funding for the fire companies and emergency serv-

ices.

“It’s very difficult to find the individuals who have the time and the interest to be able to put into that sort of training,” Bertino said. “We did a number of things last year to help that, but I think that’s something that we have to continue to monitor and continue to keep a line of communication open with the fire companies, the 10 fire companies throughout the county.”

Rural broadband services was another common theme.

“We are waiting for the results of the study, which we should get in January, as to what courses of action may be available to us so that we can bring internet to the unserved and underserved areas of the county,” Bertino said.

County Commissioner Ted Elder, whose predominantly rural district stretches from the Whaleyville area to near Pocomoke, said he’s looking forward to working with Choptank Electric Cooperative on broadband.

“I think we’re making a little bit of headway,” Elder said. “It’s kind of slow going for my liking, but that’s the way a lot of things march.”

Increasing economic development in the south and middle of the county while also maintaining a budget is one of Elder’s top priorities. He menSee COMMISSIONERS Page 8

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Pickleball continues to grow tremendously report shows Continued from Page 6 court, the resurfacing of the tennis court and the addition of pickleball lines to provide a multi-use space,” Petito said.

Pickleball is a mélange of badminton, tennis and other racquet sports, and was created by three dads back in 1965.

According to a 2018 Sports and Fitness Industry report, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with roughly 3.1 million players and 20,933 courts.

The Gorman Park project had been three years in the making, and got its start in 2016 when a Salisbury University “Vision Study” reported high interest in the sport.

The resort saw explosive growth in pickleball participation over the next two years, from 2,905 in 2016 to 7,200 in 2018, Petito said.

The new court was opened on July

10, and was immediately put to use by local players.

Another project the committee supported was the city’s investment in the renovation of the “Large Dog” portion of the dog playground at Little Salisbury Park.

This involved work such as reshaping the usable space, as well as adding sod and new fencing, Petito said.

The committee’s major goals for next year are to revisit designs for a parks master plan, and discussing how to address recreational needs in downtown Ocean City.

“I’m looking forward to continuing our discussions on how we can improve the recreational opportunities in the downtown area, address the department’s aging infrastructure, including that of Eagle’s Landing and work cooperatively to continue supporting the town’s vision and goals,” Petito said.

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

OC ‘19: one of best seasons ever Tourism and Marketing Dir. Donna Abbott says metrics show tremendous summer SHOWTIMES

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By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The Ocean City Tourism Commission had a lot to brag about this year, according to Tourism Director Donna Abbott.

“Overall, the 2019 season was one of, if not, the best season ever, according to our metrics,” Abbott said.

The year kicked off with a successful endorsement of a resort promotion campaign developed by MGH Advertising and the Tourism Department, and approved by the mayor and City Council.

“While some may attribute all of the success to good weather, that weather scenario played out similarly at other competing destinations, and we remained competitive,” Abbott said.

Abbott’s claims are not biased personal opinions, either, as the commission’s efforts have received state recognition.

“Ocean City Tourism Department … recently won the “Best Use of Social Media” at this year’s Maryland Tourism Coalition state conference,” Abbott said.

Donna Abbott “We are very proud to be recognized by our state tourism industry.

Abbott also highlighted the focus commission members had at each meeting.

Each meeting allowed the commission to gain momentum for each of its tourism strategic plan goals, and produced new ideas to enhance tourism initiatives.

Some of these goals included extending weekend stays in Ocean City and producing more city-sponsored activities.

To do this, the commission directed resort Special Events Superintendent Frank Miller to devise a new extended weekend schedule for the 2020 season.

Another big topic this year had been extending the city’s traditional markets, and targeting states such as

Ohio and West Virginia, and increasing the city’s advertisement and marketing campaign as a whole.

Perhaps one of the commission’s biggest ambitions is to claim the title of “Maryland’s amateur sports capital.”

Councilman John Gehrig first mentioned the idea during the city’s strategic plan update meetings in October, and readdressed the idea at a commission meeting on Nov. 13.

“We are built to dominate and be the national leader in [sports] events,” Councilman John Gehrig said on Nov. 13.

With the completion of a sports complex feasibility study earlier in December, the commission will be able to pursue this goal more aggressively in 2020.

Looking toward the future, Abbott said the commission would continue to concentrate on heightening its influence.

“As far as 2020, the Tourism Commission is already discussing plans to enhance and continue to grow tourism in Ocean City. We are looking at various initiatives and promotions,” Abbot said.

Bond issuance

Additionally, it will advance the refinancing of two outstanding debts: the Calvin B. Taylor loans for Jeeps and trams at $1.238 million and the general obligation bonds of 2010 at $8.05 million.

Both of these initiatives will save the city $12,500 and $71,000 annually, respectively and result in more than $1 million in savings over the next 12 years.

There will also be a bond issuance cost of $175,000, for an overall total of $16.763 million.

It will go on to a second, and final, reading in January.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The following took place on Monday, Dec. 16, at a City Council meeting:

Consent agenda Council members approved minutes for the strategic planning update meeting held on Oct. 29 and 30 and a council meeting on Dec. 2.

They also approved several private events, such as the Best Day Foundation, Mid Atlantic Chapter, June 27-28; recruiting market engagement event series, April-July; and a Legend Management Group Corporate Survivor Team building event, May 20.

Traffic regulation The council also approved a request from Dry 85 and Red Red Wine owner Brian Bolter, to partially close 48th Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, for a St. Patrick’s Day drinking event.

Councilman Dennis Dare voted in opposition, citing safety issues with the event being so close to Coastal Highway.

However, Councilman Mark Paddack said Bolter and his wife/business partner had worked with the Police Commission and the fire marshal last year to secure the area, and the event ran smoothly.

The council approved on first reading authorizing the issuance of general obligation municipal purpose and refunding bonds of 2020 not to exceed $17.3 million.

The ordinance allows the city to issue and sell bonds for wastewater and water projects, specifically a secondary water clarifier project at $4.25 million, a Gorman Avenue water filter project at $1.95 million and the purchase of the Sandpiper property on 67th Street for $1.1 million.

Commissioners list budget, EMS funding, sports complex Continued from Page 7 tioned the Kirwan Commission and rising medical costs as two pressures on the county budget.

Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom is looking to strengthen his southern end of the county, specifically better facilities and rural broadband.

“We need more, better facilities in Pocomoke City for our youth – parks and fields,” Nordstrom said.

He hopes to fund those by securing the casino grant money for Pocomoke and Snow Hill. As for rural broadband, Nordstrom said that those

services are especially vital for businesses and students.

Looking back on his first year as a county commissioner, Nordstrom said he didn’t accomplish everything he wanted, but thinks 2020 will be promising.

“The people I represent feel like they have a voice,” Nordstrom said.

He’s particularly excited to see plans for the new Pocomoke Library make headway.

Commissioners Diana Purnell and Jim Bunting were not available for comments.

www.oceancitytoday.com

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 9

Ocean City Today

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JANUARY 3, 2020

Agricultural, environmental communities react to PMT

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The next step of the phosphorus management tool implementation continues to move forward at the state level, despite mixed reactions from Worcester County. The management tool Transition Advisory Committee voted on Dec. 13 to recommend to the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture to continue, rather than suggest a delay.

Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Bartenfelder will make the final recommendation to Gov. Larry Hogan on whether to proceed with implementation or delay. Hogan will then make the final decision.

The Worcester County Commissioners sent a letter to Hogan in December to request a delay of 12 to 24 months based on the findings of an economic impact report conducted by Dr. Memo Diriker, director of Salisbury’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network.

The issue at hand is controlling how much chicken manure, or chicken litter, farmers apply to their fields. Chicken litter is made up of various organic materials, such as wood chips in bedding, and most importantly, nitrogen and phosphorus.

“This is an organic fertilizer, which basically helps with plant growth because plants require nitrogen, phosphorus and other materials in order to be able to grow,” said Holly Porter, executive director of the Delmarva Poultry Industry.

She said if a farm’s field have been fertilized with poultry manure for years and years, then there is potential for nutrient runoff into the waterways.

“It’s not a guarantee,” Porter said.

“It’s not ‘it will.’ It has the potential.”

The first two phases affected farmland with Fertility Index Value levels of 450 to 499 and then 300 to 449, respectively. This next one to take effect this year is for levels from 150 to 299, which according to the department of agriculture, includes 1,313 operations managing 122,705 acres.

According to Frank Piorko, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays program, soil can only absorb so much nutrient matter. He added that when excess nutrients runoff into water systems, it fuels algae and reduces oxygen levels.

“It upsets the natural levels in the water and can cause increases in harmful blooms,” Piorko said.

Algae blooms and low oxygen levels can destroy marine life.

Nutrient management plans are required so farmers — and others — know exactly what nutrients are being applied to fields. To strengthen these plans, the phosphorus management tool was introduced when Hogan took office in 2015.

According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the tool determines which areas have a high risk for phosphorus runoff and outline practices for oversatuHolly Porter rated soils. The department said that “regulations are expected to help Maryland meet phosphorus reduction targets outlined in its Watershed Implementation Plan to protect and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.” According to Virgil Shockley, former Worcester County Commissioner and current representative for the Delmarva Poultry Industry on the transition advisory committee, fertilizer technology has improved in the last 10 years.

Currently, farmers can purchase fertilizer with their choice of how much nitrogen, phosphorus and potash is in it. Before then, fertilizer was sold in bulk with a set amount of ingredients.

“Because we didn’t have any other choice, most of the land we have around here had high phosphorus levels before you started putting chicken manure on them,” Shockley said.

Another factor is the weather. If it’s a dry year, phosphorus doesn’t get taken up, which Shockley said results in high levels. He questioned how there could be any runoff during a dry season.

“You can make argument that some say it runs off,” Shockley said.

“Others say it doesn’t run off if you have buffer stirps next to the ditches like most of us have. The problem is, nobody has proved it one way or the other.”

Shockley said he was alarmed to hear that Diriker’s report revealed that the infrastructure and funding needed to remove excess manure is not yet in place, and neither is infrastructure for replacing lost nitrogen and alternative uses for excess manure.

“When I was a commissioner for 16 years, 1998 to 2014, in a couple of those years, the agricultural section of Worcester County, money-wise actually beat the tourism section,” Shockley said. “That’s how much is at stake is here at the economic gain that is a piece of puzzle.”

He added that a major financial issue is that some farmers will have to replace their manure with more expensive commercial manure. Meanwhile, the price for a bushel of corn has remained at $4 since 2000, while the cost of growing corn has risen by 40 percent.

According to the department of agriculture, the manure transport See SECRETARY Page 11

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 11

Ocean City Today

END GAME CONSTRUCTION LLC

PHOTO COURTESY WCPS

The Worcester County Board of Education authorized a $2.5 million requisition to continue construction at the replacement Showell Elementary School site during a meeting on Dec. 17. The project is expected to finish in September 2020.

Showell progress continues after board authorizes funds

By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Construction continued at the replacement Showell Elementary School after the Worcester County Board of Education authorized a $2.5 million requisition during a meeting last month.

Over the past month, crews have installed wood blocking for the roof, as well as stormwater structures and piping, according to a construction progress report discussed during the school board’s Dec. 17 meeting.

There are several projects in progress

at the school site, including the ductwork, roofing, metal panels, insulation, and the exterior stud framing and sheathing, according to Oak Contracting LLC. Project Manager Bill Moschler.

Workers are expected to put the quarry tile and kitchen exhaust hood in place within the next 30 days.

Construction began on Sept. 18 and work is expected to finish by next September.

The project’s budget is $39.8 million, and roughly $17.1 million has been authorized since the project’s outset.

Secretary of Agriculture will give final recommendation Continued from Page 10 program pays 87.5 percent of the cost of transporting dairy manure, while farmers pay the remainder. The total cost of transporting dairy manure in FY18 was $1,045,878, of which the state paid $592,002 and poultry farms paid $454,876.

“The next phase may have some different impacts on farmers, specifically on the lower shore, but we’re not certain on that yet,” Porter said.

“Until the phase occurs, we’re really not sure what the direct impact may be.”

She said that for affected chicken growers that also have farm fields, they will either have to transport the manure to other fields where it can be applied or look into alternatives. The department is still determining possible alternatives, one being the mushroom industry, according to Porter.

She agreed with Shockley that cost is one of the main issues, especially whether that falls on the farmer or the broker that receives the manure and transports it to other fields, as well as the cost for different equipment that may be necessary.

“It’s a matter of transporting it to the fields that can use the fertilizer, and there are a number of acres out there, according to MDA numbers, that are able to do that and do not fall into any of these tiers and are under the 150 FIV that could utilize the manure as fertilizer,” Porter said.

She said voting for a delay would not have helped the issue and that the Delmarva Poultry Industry is looking forward to working with other stakeholders to create an action plan.

Exactly when the secretary of agriculture will make the final recommendation has not been determined.

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Fenwick Inn hotel bought by Carousel

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The Carousel Group has joined developer Jack Burbage in a partnership that will manage the Fenwick Inn on 138th Street, making it the seventh addition to the company.

“When the hotel became available, we spoke about it, and Jack and I agreed it would make the perfect Carousel Group hotel given its location and the history of the hotel,” Michael James, president and COO of Hospitality Partners, and managMichael James ing partner of the Carousel Group, said.

The deal was closed on Friday, Dec. 20. Burbage will be the majority owner of the hotel, while the Carousel Group will manage it. Work will begin later this month. The hotel will briefly close for a few weeks of January and February to do some minor work.

“The hotel has great bones,” James said. “So, we’re going to do a lot of improvements to the hotel.

We’re going to start in [later] January with some of the improvements and get it ready for summer.”

The hotel will reopen for the summer season and go into further construction in the fall.

“It’s been a very well-known and established hotel in Ocean City for a very long time,” James said. “Jack and I are both proud to add it to the Carousel Group and we think it’s just going to be great.”

For more information about the Fenwick Inn or the Carousel Group, call 800-641-0011.

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Tips for chimney inspections Fireplaces and wood stoves need to be checked to avoid home fires, nesting animals and other hazards

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) One of the inspections that a buyer might decide to pay for when purchasing a home is a chimney inspection, especially when buying a home with a wood burning fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove.

This inspection is separate from the standard home inspection that covers mechanicals and structural items, but is an important step to take even though it adds about $125-$200 to your total inspection expense.

Chimney/masonry experts can come in and inspect aspects such as the chimney flue and liner, cap, brickwork and mortar, flashing and moisture resistance.

Other items on the fireplace they will address include the smoke chamber, damper, grate, ash container, screen/doors, and hearth protection. If it’s a wood stove or insert, the stovepipe condition and overall installation will be checked.

Inspectors use wire and nylon brushes to clean creosote buildup out of chimneys. Creosote is a byproduct from burning wood and is highly flammable and can increase the risk of a

house fire if it’s not regularly cleaned out.

Inspections can also help you make sure that wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels and birds have not nested in your chimney when not in use.

Chimney experts also warn of pyrolysis, another hazard from fireplaces.

“That is when drywall, wood framing, paneling, cork ceiling tiles and other organic materials located too close to a fireplace break down after prolonged exposure to heat,” The Wall Street Journal reports. “The material can ignite, even when there is no flame present.”

One sign of pyrolysis to look for: a dark stain on the wall or ceiling near the chimney. But there’s not always a warning sign, experts say.

About 19,800 residential fires occur each year in the U.S. from fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

— Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Bunting Realty, Inc. in Berlin.

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 13

Ocean City Today

County presents successful financial report for FY19 Wor. receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for FY18; 11th consecutive

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS LARMORE

The Refuge at Windmill Creek, to be located on the northwest side of Beauchamp Road and north of Racetrack Road, passed the preliminary plat review’s third step at the Technical Review meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Windmill Creek progresses, looks to building permit next

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The Refuge at Windmill Creek, formerly Evergreen Village, passed the preliminary plat review’s third step during the Technical Review meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The proposed 90 single-family lot development is located on the northwest side of Beauchamp Road and north of Racetrack Road.

Bob Hand, the land planner, confirmed that the roads within the subdivision will be private roads. Ocean Pines is still determining the storm water infrastructure.

The project cleared its first hurdle when the Worcester County Planning Commission passed its concept plan in early July. Windmill Creek received its designation as a residential planned community from the Worces-

ter County Commissioners on Sept. 3.

It passed the step two of the master plan on Nov. 7, but only with the requirement that the developer, Blue Water Development, extend the sidewalk to both sides of Beauchamp Road for bicycle and pedestrian safety. The original plan had the sidewalk only extending toward St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

The housing development will be the first residential planned community in Worcester County in 11 years.

According to Chris Larmore, a contractor with Blue Water Development, the project will next go to final construction drawings and the final plat approval, which he hopes will coincide with a February building permit. If that occurs, housing construction could begin by late summer or early fall 2020.

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The Worcester County finance team presented the county commissioners with the comprehensive annual financial report for fiscal year ending on June 30, 2019 during their meeting on Dec. 17, 2019. Finance Officer Phil Thompson, Enterprise Fund Controller Jessica Wilson, Assistant Finance Officer Jennifer Swanton, Senior Budget Accountant and Budget Officer Kathy Whited completed the report.

Chris Hall, a partner with the independent auditor TGM who worked with the finance team on the report, pointed out the consistency of the county budget to the commissioners.

“You look at the general fund and you look at the cash in the bank as of June 30, 2019,” Hall said. “If you open last year’s and look at June 30, 2018, it’s within $16. It’s unbelievable.”

He added that the unassigned fund balance for this year was within $857 of last year.

“Despite all the pay-as-you-go projects, you’re still maintaining your unassigned fund balance,” Hall said.

“That’s fantastic.”

He also pointed out that the county budgeted $176,704.171 for total expenditures and the actual amount ended up being $179,498.184.

“That variance really relates to additional money we put into a postemployee benefit fund, which was planned for,” Hall said. “We knew it.

The commissioners knew it. The finance team knew it and it’s reflected here in the financial statement. You bag that out, you’re within $50,000 of a $176,000 expenditure budget.

That’s pretty good.”

The county also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the FY18 report. This is the 11th year in a row that the county has received this award.

“I would like to sincerely thank every staff member who worked diligently to produce the CAFR and earn this prominent honor once again,” Thompson said.

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JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

Social services prepares for SNAP changes Estimates say thousands could lose food assistance due to work requirement

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The supplemental nutritional assistance program in Worcester County could see a major shift because of a change in federal requirements, although how large an impact that will be remains to be determined.

Last month, the Trump administration approved a measure to require states to enforce the work requirement for able-bodied adults without children to receive food assistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program allows ablebodied adults without children to receive three months of benefits in a three-year period if they are unemployed. These individuals can receive full benefits if they work or participate in a work training program for at least 20 hours a week.

In the past, states have waived the work requirement during times of economic hardship or high unemployment rate. The enforcement measure will make it more difficult for states to waive the work requirement.

According to Roberta Baldwin, director of social services for Worcester County, the county is currently exempt

from the work requirement because of high unemployment.

As of September 2019, Worcester County’s unemployment rate was 4.7 percent and Maryland sits at 3.7 percent.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said that the work requirement will be enforced due to the nation’s low unemployment rate of 3.5 percent and to ensure that Americans do not become dependent.

It is estimated that thousands across the nation could lose their benefits as a result.

Baldwin said she wasn’t sure yet if the enforced work requirement would affect the county.

“It will be based on Maryland’s response, the state’s response to how they would handle the changes,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin listed a few obstacles to employment that are unique to the area.

Since the county has many seasonal opportunities, the unemployment rate is naturally higher during the winter months. As for skilled employment, there might not be a market for the specific set of skills an individual has. Finally, not everyone has access to reliable transportation.

“Our county is so widespread that individuals that do not live where there is a large number of work opportunities are challenged in getting to and from

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF DELMARVA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO ITS RETAIL RATES FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC ENERGY BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND CASE NO. 9630 DECEMBER 17, 2019 PUBLIC UTILITY LAW JUDGE’S NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE On December 5, 2019, Delmarva Power & Light Company (“Delmarva” or “the Company”) filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Maryland (“the Commission”) for authority to increase its operating revenues by $18,523,166. The Company’s application included supporting testimony and exhibits, and requested an effective date of January 4, 2020 for its proposed rates and charges. On December 6, 2019, by Order No. 89384, the Commission suspended the proposed rates and charges for a period of 150 days from January 4, 2020, and delegated this matter to the Public Utility Law Judge Division.

A pre-hearing conference in the above-entitled matter is hereby set for Monday, January 6, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., in the Commission’s 19th floor hearing room, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, to establish a procedural schedule and consider any petitions to intervene, as well as any other preliminary matters.

Delmarva is hereby directed to publish a notice of the pre-hearing conference, including the caption, case number, the time, date, place of the conference, and the purpose of the conference, as a display advertisement in newspapers in general circulation throughout the Company’s service area at least two times before January 6, 2020. The notice shall also advise persons who seek to intervene in this proceeding that petitions to intervene should be filed with the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Andrew Johnston, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-6806, on or before January 3, 2020. The Company is directed to file certificates of publication with the Commission on or before the date of the pre-hearing conference.

Jennifer J. Grace Public Utility Law Judge Public Service Commission of Maryland Reasonable accommodations will be made at Public Service Commission proceedings for qualified persons with disabilities, if requested 5 days in advance of the proceeding. (Dial 410-767-8000 or 1-800-492-0474 or access the prior numbers through the Maryland Relay Service at 1-800-735-2258.)

their job,” Baldwin said. “Sometimes, there is limited routes for the transit programs. We’re a very rural area, so there are some parts of our county where there are not bus stops.”

She added that those who have a physical or mental disability or have the custody and care of a child are exempt from the work requirement. Even if the work requirement does take place in the county, Baldwin speculated that the impact could potentially lower than expected.

“Most individuals are receiving assistance and currently working also,” Baldwin said. “In that respect, it may not impact as many people as you think because it is a supplemental assistance program.”

Despite that speculation, she said social services will be prepared.

“Our department, social services, would look at opportunities to support

the community if this were to take effect,” Baldwin said. “We would very proactive in putting services in place to support those who would lose their SNAP benefits to the best that we could.”

She pointed out that social services has recently worked with the county to receive funding to support distribution food to families without any stipulation on the family’s part, and that the county is working to provide grants to faithbased organizations and other nonprofits who may see a higher demand with the benefits changes.

“The county does already have food pantries that are very active,” Baldwin said. “It might be a good time to ask if any communities are wanting to do something over the holiday season, certainly donating food is something that they could do – nonperishable food.”

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BRIEFS

By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners made the following decisions during their Tuesday, Dec. 17 meeting.

Housing rehab The housing rehabilitation program moved forward as the Worcester County Commissioners approved sending a waiver request to the state and accepted bids for two housing projects in Snow Hill and Berlin.

Jo Ellen Bynum, housing program administrator, advised sending the waiver request for the five percent draw-down requirement for the housing rehabilitation grant. The project implementation schedule states that five percent of the total award needs to be spent by Jan. 15, but Bynum said that timeline would not be possible since the bids were received on Dec. 7.

The program also received $4,730 from a previous loan recipient that must be spent before drawing from grant funds, thus causing a further

delay in meeting the draw-down requirement.

The commissioners then moved to accept the bid from Shoreman Construction Company to repair the Berlin house for $6,400. The second bid they accepted was from Allstate Renovation for the Snow Hill rehabilitation location for $16,200.

Repairs include roof work, new windows, smoke detector installation, new kitchen cabinet and counters and work on toilet and plumbing connections.

Next Generation 911 Commissioners agreed to send a letter expressing interest in formally committing to procuring and implementing the Next Generation 911 services. In October, commissioners had agreed to join with the other eight lower shore county emergency directors to request the Maryland Emergency Number Systems Board to fund the development of a request for proposals document.

The Next Generation is an initiative See COUNTY Page 15

Grant awarded to treat and prevent substance abuse (Jan. 3, 2020) Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (R-1st) this week announced the award of a $125,000 grant to treat and prevent substance abuse in Worcester County.

The grant is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the funds will be administered by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

The $125,000 federal grant is to Mosaic Community Services Inc. in

Pocomoke City for the Berlin Prevention Works Coalition for Drugs and Alcohol-Free Communities.

The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention works with federal, state, public and private organizations to develop comprehensive prevention systems.

The center helps prevent the onset of illegal drug use, prescription drug misuse and abuse, alcohol misuse and abuse, and underage alcohol and tobacco use.

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 15

Ocean City Today

Health department awards Atlantic General Certificate of appreciation thanks hospital for work in helping start Safe Station (Jan. 3, 2020) The Worcester County Health Department presented Atlantic General Hospital with a certificate of appreciation for its collaborative efforts in launching Worcester County’s first Safe Station.

The Safe Station is located at the 15th Street fire station in Ocean City, and is available 24 hours, seven days a week to any individuals seeking addiction treatment services.

The station provides resources for

those struggling with addiction and is able to help connect individuals with the help they need.

“The Safe Station is a tremendous resource to those in our community that are struggling with addiction,” said Colleen Waring, vice president patient care services at of Atlantic General Hospital. “We are proud to be able to provide the support needed to ensure this new resource is successful in aiding those who are looking to start their journey to recovery.”

For more information, visit www.worcesterhealth.org or call 410632-1100.

Worcester seeks residents to fill open board positions Members appointed by county commissioners; 24 volunteer spots available (Jan. 3, 2020) Worcester County Government is currently seeking interest from county residents to volunteer to fill open seats on 24 boards and commissions.

In the event that Worcester County Government receives more individuals interested in volunteering for a particular committee than there are available seats, the commissioners will maintain an interest list to help fill future vacancies.

There are current vacancies on the following boards and commissions: Adult Public Guardianship Board (4), Commission on Aging Board (4), Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board (2), Building Code Appeals

Board (2), Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council (4), Economic Development Advisory Board (1), Board of Electrical Examiners (3), Ethics Board (1), Housing Review Board (2), Board of Library Trustees (2), Local Management Board/Initiative to Preserve Families Board (1), Local Development Council for the Ocean Downs Casino (4), Lower Shore Workforce Development Board (1), Planning Commission (2), Recreation Advisory Board (1), Social Services Advisory Board (1), Solid Waste Advisory Committee (5), Tourism Advisory Committee (2), Water and Sewer Advisory Councils - in Mystic Harbour (2), Ocean Pines (1), and West Ocean City (2), Commission for Women (5), and Board of Zoning Appeals (2).

Members of these boards and commissions are appointed by the See APPLICANTS Page 18

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BRIEFS Continued from Page 14 to improve 911 infrastructure in the United States and Canada. According to Billy Birch, joining the other counties will be cost-effective, as they would all procure their equipment from the same vendor.

The request for proposal form was previously reviewed by the Emergency Number Systems Board, after which it asked for each lower shore county to express formal commitment. Birch highlighted that one solution and one vendor for the geographic area will eliminate any redundancies. He affirmed that all the counties will be treated as one unit.

Recreation and Parks The commissioners awarded a bid for a compact tractor and a front-end loader for the Recreation and Parks Department. Burke Equipment Com-

pany will provide the tractor for the lowest bid at $31,809.44. The county budget allocated $32,000 for the tractor.

The commissioners also awarded bids for athletic field fencing at Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, John Walter Smith Park and Showell Park.

Long Fence will complete the work for the three locations for $138,120. Program Open Space will reimburse 90 percent of the cost.

The commissioners granted the department a waiver from the formal bidding process to buy field lights for John Walter Smith park from Qualite Sports Lighting. Tom Perlozzo, director of recreation and parks, said that Qualite’s LED system could save $72,000 from the competitor, MUSCO lighting.

Qualite will charge $189,070, or $160,710 if the purchase order is received before Jan. 15.

The Worcester County Health Department presented Atlantic General Hospital with a certificate of appreciation for its collaborative efforts in launching Worcester County’s first Safe Station.

Donna Nordstrom, director of community health at Atlantic General Hospital, accepts the certificate of appreciation. She is pictured with Mike Trader, LCSW-C, Behavioral Health Program assistant director, Worcester County Health Department; and Sandy L. Kerrigan, LCSW-C, Community Based Services manager, Worcester County Health Department.

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JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

Fulbright fellow talks lessons gained in Peru Experience taught Dr. Brian Cook that people have tons to learn about one another

By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) For Dr. Brian Cook, serving as an instructor for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program was an experience he said he will not soon forget.

“I think there’s a lot to learn from one another,” Cook said.

Cook, a coach of instructional technology and innovation for Worcester County Public Schools, shared his fellowship experience with members of the Worcester County Board of Education during a Decem-

ber meeting.

Cook applied for the fellowship in December 2017 and was notified of his acceptance in July 2018.

Cook then comDr. Brian Cook pleted a 10-week global education course before attending a three-day symposium in Washington D.C. in January 2019.

Cook completed the program through International Research & Exchanges Board, an organization that strives to “support individuals and institutions to create change in their own communities—and to create person-to-person bridges between nations,” according to the agency’s

website. The program was funded via the United States Department of State, according to school officials.

Cook, a former English language arts teacher at Pocomoke Middle School, spent 17 days in Peru working with other Fulbright fellows and host agencies. He said that he began his fellowship in Lima in late June, but then traveled to Nazca, Peru, to coteach English and reading courses in a Peruvian school.

Throughout the experience, Cook was able to accomplish several tasks including learning to help students build relationships with others, “foster a sense of global citizenship” and advise children about global issues.

“How can we … give our kids experiences to really elevate learning?”

New communications coordinator (Jan. 3, 2020) Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services welcomed Deborah Dean-Colley on Nov. 18 as the new communications coordinator.

This position encompasses social media specialist, preparing press releases, photographing events, attending marketing forums, administrative duties, with an extension of outreach into the Worcester County community.

Dean-Colley, artist at heart, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

Additionally, she studied environmental education at Duquesne University, and traveled internationally to London, England and Rimini, Italy, teaching platform work to her colleagues in the salon industry.

Her experiences in life have utilized nature, her environmental interests, while emerging art to be used as healing components in her everyday life.

Prior to joining Worcester Youth, she served as the Outreach and Volunteer coordinator for the Art League

of Ocean City for five years, managing over 400 volunteers annually.

She has a strong background in project management and volD. Dean-Colley unteer service with additional skills of art instruction throughout the Delmarva area.

She currently teaches healing art programs within the community and at the Art League of Ocean City.

Her previous commitments include a position as the project manager for Grow Berlin Green; an extension of Assateague Coastal Trust, a program initiated to generate a more sustainable, living community within the town limits.

She also served on the PTA board as past president and treasurer, the Arts Council, and the Maryland Extension.

She enjoys spending her free time with her two teenage daughters, Damiana and Kaya, gardening in nature, making vegan culinary meals and creating art, all used as a form of

therapy.

Dean-Colley was thrilled to become a part of the team at Worcester Youth, as she sees herself as a liaison and a beneficial resource to the Worcester County community. Her diverse skills and interests within the community will benefit Worcester Youth and Family at various levels.

More information is available at www.gowoyo.org., or by calling 410641-4598.

Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a nurturing community in which children are well cared for, where the opinions of young people are valued, where adults are empowered to live healthy, productive lives and where all are valued members in the community.

Worcester Youth helps people of all ages with a broad spectrum of services that include mental health counseling, youth and adolescent enrichment programs, advocacy for abused and neglected children, and empowerment programs for those who are less fortunate.

Cook asked.

Cook has since transitioned into a new role consulting with teachers about implementing technological programs into the classroom.

“I foresee the innovation one piece in the future is adding that global component into classrooms and supporting teachers,” Cook said.

Cook said this could be done through a variety of projects that helps Worcester County students communicate with international students. He added that teachers could tailor projects in their curriculum to Skype with students in Argentina, for example, or have a social studies class work with a museum.

“It’s just a matter of harvesting it, teaching people to use it, planning with them and actually implementing it,” Cook said.

County to again offer Christmas tree collection (Jan. 3, 2020) The Solid Waste Division of Worcester County will host its annual collection of Christmas trees through Jan. 31.

Area residents can drop off Christmas trees at the Central Landfill in Newark and the Berlin, Pocomoke and Snow Hill Homeowners Convenience Centers at no cost.

Businesses and organizations that sold trees will not be permitted to drop off trees at the convenience centers, but may take them to the Central Landfill where applicable tipping fees will be assessed.

The trees will be ground into mulch for use at the Central Landfill. For more info, contact Recycling Manager Mike McClung at 410-632-3177.

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JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

National Parks increase entry fees (Jan. 3, 2020) The National Park Service will institute a modest increase for all parks that charge entrance fees.

The additional funds will be used for infrastructure and maintenance needs to enhance the visitor experience.

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, entrance fees at Assateague Island National Seashore will be modified to align with standardized rates being implemented nationwide for similar national park areas.

In response to public comments on a fee proposal released in October 2017, there will be a modest increase for all entrance fee-charging parks, rather than the higher peak-season fees initially proposed only for 17 highly-visited national parks.

The National Park Service has a standardized entrance fee structure, composed of four groups based on park size and type. Some parks not yet aligned with the other parks in their category will raise their fees incrementally and fully incorporate the new entrance fee schedule by Jan. 1, 2020.

The fee schedule at Assateague Island National Seashore will change according to the following: A seven-day pass to the park will be $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, an annual park pass will cost $45, individuals will be charged $15 per person when entering by commercial vehicle.

An entrance pass provides seven consecutive days of access to the National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia.

The park annual pass provides 12 months of access from the month of purchase. There will be no increase to camping fees or Oversand Vehicle Permit fees as part of this change.

Additionally, free annual passes are available for active duty uniformed military and for fourth grade students under the “Every Kid Outdoors” program.

Access Passes are free lifetime passes for individuals with a permanent disability. The annual Senior Pass remains $20.

The price of the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass and

Lifetime Senior Pass remain at $80.

At Assateague Island National Seashore, at least 80 percent of entrance fee revenue stays in the park and are devoted to spending that supports the visitor. The remaining 20 percent of entrance fee income will be shared with other national parks for their projects.

National parks have experienced record-breaking visitation, with more than 1.5 billion visitors in the last five years.

Throughout the country, the combination of an aging infrastructure and increased visitation has put a strain on park roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services and led to a $11.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog nationwide.

Assateague Island National Seashore has had an entrance fee since 1971. The current rate of $20 per vehicle or $15 per motorcycle has been in effect since 2015. The park is one of 112 National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee, the other 307 national parks will remain free to enter.

Applicants should sent cover letter, resume to county Continued from Page 15 Worcester County Commissioners.

There is currently one vacancy as an alternate on the Worcester County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board.

Members are nominated by the County Commissioners, with final appointment by the governor of Maryland.

Send a letter of interest, along with a resume or cover letter outlining any pertinent experience, to kmoses@co.worcester.md.us or Worcester County Administration at One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Visit www.co.worcester.md.us and under Important Links click on County Boards and Commissions to learn about the duties and responsibilities for each board.

For more information, contact Kim Moses, public information officer, or Karen Hammer, office assistant IV, at 410-632-1194.

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PAGE 19

Ocean City Today

Decatur earns character education accolade Berlin-based school snags statewide recognition for second time in three years (Jan. 3, 2020) Fresh off a couple of new inclusion activities, Stephen Decatur High School has been named a Maryland Character Education School of the Year by the Maryland Center for Character Education.

This is the second time in three years that the school has earned this distinction.

To receive a state Character Education School of the Year award, Stephen Decatur had to submit an extensive application that included several essays with accompanying artifacts as pieces of evidence.

School officials accepted the honor during a recognition ceremony on Oct. 3 in Cockeysville, Maryland.

“The mission of Stephen Decatur High School is not only to create productive citizens and lifelong learners, but also to create compassionate, responsible and civic minded community members,” Principal Thomas Sites said. “We accomplish this through instructional excellence in partnership with family and community and by maintaining a safe, caring and well maintained environment.”

Along with a PBIS program (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports), Stephen Decatur has a host of initiatives that promote character growth.

With a longstanding school motto, “The Decatur Way,” that includes the principles of pride, achievement, respect and responsibility, the school begins planning its character education program even before the students enter the building.

Prior to the start of school, Stephen Decatur welcomes all incoming freshmen to an orientation day where National Honor Society members are paired up with students as mentors.

In early September, the school sponsored “Start with Hello Week,” an initiative started in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, where students were encouraged to greet strangers in the hallways in an effort to prevent social isolation and promote unity and acceptance.

During the first month of school, students have also been greeted with positive tear-away messages, which are posted throughout the building.

“We value our partnership with the community and embrace every opportunity to teach our students core ethical values as the basis of good character,” Sites said.

With a strong community connection, Stephen Decatur has several service-based organizations that run extremely successful drives and fundraisers for community agencies See DECATUR Page 20

Stephen Decatur High School has been named a Maryland Character Education School of the Year by the Maryland Center for Character Education.

Pictured, from left, are Stephen Decatur High School officials Mary Berquist, Principal Thomas Sites, Jason Pylypczuk, Lindsay Putman and Assistant Principal Leland Green.

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

OP Community Garden taking reservations

By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) With the new year underway, organizers with the Ocean Pines Community Gardens are now soliciting reservations for plots during 2020.

Co-organizer Tracy Jones said a small waiting list has formed, while past participants are contacted to confirm continued involvement with the garden area in the Manklin Meadows complex next to the playground.

“We have about 10 open plots right now,” she said.

The precise availability will be confirmed soon, Jones said.

“There are some people who have left,” she said. “Some moved out of the area or couldn’t handle the weeds anymore.”

Jones said anyone interested in signing up or requiring further information should contact either her at 215-990-1537 or Sam Schwartz at 410-641-7978.

“We give them a tour of the garden

and we tell them what’s available,” she said. “We have a big shed and the garden has all the tools people need.”

Jones said short of sweat equity, required implements such as shovels and wheel barrels are provided.

“Really, all you need to do is bring your own plants, hand tools and plant,” she said.

The cost to join the Ocean Pines Community Gardens is $27.50 per plot, which includes a trio of fourfoot-by-eight-foot raised garden beds.

The cost for two plot areas is $55.

“We provide mulch and some compost soil in the spring,” she said.

Jones said while warmer weather remains on the distant horizon, initial soil tilling and planting of certain freeze-resistant crops could begin by February.

“We want to get people in as early as they want to take a look at their plot,” she said. “You can start planting some things like radishes, snow and snap peas, broccoli, [or] cauliflower.”

Participants are left to decide what

PHOTO COURTESY OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION

Plot assignments for the 2020 growing season are currently being conveyed for the Ocean Pines Community Gardens.

vegetables, fruits or flowers to grow, with the primary challenge stemming from invasive weeds, which Jones said does require regular attention to

maintain.

“You’ve got to keep on top of the weeds,” she said. “Weeds don’t go on vacation.”

Berlin Restaurant Week highlights diversity

By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Area residents and visitors should go hungry and return well satisfied during Berlin Restaurant Week, which begins next Friday.

Berlin Restaurant Week will take place from Jan. 13-19 at most downtown eateries, according to Berlin Economic and Development Director Ivy Wells.

Cam Bunting, Berlin Restaurant Week founder and owner of Bunting Realty, said 15 establishments will be participating this year.

Wells also said that the type of dis-

Cam Bunting

Ivy Wells

counts will vary from place to place. She added that while some offer a prix fixe or fixed price menu while others will have deals on the menu.

“There’s no structure for our restaurant week because this is Berlin,” Wells said. “We do things our own way.”

Additionally, diners can pick up a Berlin Restaurant Week passport at the

Berlin Welcome Center on 14 S. Main St. or Bunting Realty on 24 Broad St. Wells said patrons should bring the passport during restaurant week to get it stamped by his or her server. She added that those who dine at three or more establishments can turn the passports in at the welcome center.

Patrons would be eligible to win a basket with gift cards from several restaurants and a donation from Bunting.

Wells said Berlin Restaurant Week started four years ago and added that Bunting is the event’s main sponsor.

Bunting said she was inspired to start a restaurant week in Berlin after visiting her daughter in Bethesda, Maryland. She then approached Wells with the idea.

“I said, ‘I can take this. I don’t have a restaurant, but I can certainly take this, and run with it,’” Bunting said.

Justine Zegna, owner of Blacksmith on Pitts Street, said she plans to have a three-course prix fixe menu for $30. She added that the restaurant would also have wine and cocktail specials.

“Whatever’s fresh and really good is what we’re going to do,” Zegna said.

Zegna and Wells agreed that Berlin Restaurant Week is a great chance for area residents to experience a variety of foods at a discounted price.

“I think it’s the perfect time of year because there’s a little lull so we see our locals too,” Zegna said. “We love it, it’s really fun for us. As a chef, because we’re chef-owned, we make a big deal out of it.”

When asked why people should attend Berlin’s Restaurant Week, Wells simply said “because people don’t realize how many restaurants we have and the diversity of our restaurants and you could literally eat here for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert at a different place.”

Bunting agreed and said it’s something she looks forward to every year.

“I love going around to all the restaurants, so it’s my good excuse,” Bunting said.

Wells said the menus from participating establishments will be posted online, on social media as well as on the welcome center’s front window at the office on South Main Street.

For more information about the event, visit the “Berlin Restaurant Week” Facebook page or berlinmainstreet.com.

Decatur HS wins state honors Continued from Page 19 and students often partner with the elementary schools to promote literacy and leadership.

Last year, the student body donated over $7,500 to community organizations.

As part of the PBIS program,

Stephen Decatur High School recognizes outstanding behavior with positive referrals and recognizes a student of the month throughout the year. The school has earned the gold distinction by the Maryland PBIS program for seven of the last eight years.

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 21

Series of kicks may leave local victim blind

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Fifty-seven-year-old Ocean City local Walter Leslie Everett faces a first-degree assault charge after he was accused of kicking a homeless man in the face during a theft, potentially blinding the man in the left eye on Dec. 26.

Everett himself often changes addresses or is homeless, police reported.

That evening, around 7 p.m., police were dispatched to 106 N. Division St. for a report of a theft.

There, police met the alleged-victim who is homeless and physically disabled.

He told police that he was laying under a blanket near the public comfort

station on the Boardwalk to escape the wind and cold temperatures, and next to him was a plastic bottle containing liquor.

Police reported that as the victim was lying Walter Everett under his blanket, Everett approached him and demanded the victim give him the bottle of alcohol.

Everett then allegedly kicked an aluminum can at the victim, which hit him.

The victim told police that after he told Everett to leave him alone, the suspect kicked him three times on the left side of his face, and left with the liquor bottle.

Police reported the victim’s left pupil was dilated and much larger than his right pupil.

Ocean City EMS arrived on scene, and suggested the victim be transported to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin for further evaluation, stating his injuries were serious and could have life-altering side effects.

However, the victim refused treatment.

Police reported interviewing another homeless man who witnessed the incident, and confirmed the victim’s account, stating Everett had kicked the victim and “messed him up.”

Police located Everett on the 100 block of 15th Street, and interviewed

him.

Everett told police that he had encountered the victim and had taken the bottle of liquor, but denied striking the victim.

Police arrested Everett, who faces charges for first- and second-degree assault, robbery, theft less than $100, littering, reckless endangerment, unsafely crossing in the path of a vehicle and failure to yield right-of-way to vehicle.

Around 10 p.m., the assault victim called resort EMS for chest pain.

The victim told police that he could not see out of his left eye, and the victim was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury for further treatment.

Animal abuse suspect gets six months in jail

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Ocean City resident Joseph Brian Cryer, 53, has been sentenced to 5 months and 29 days in jail after he pled guilty to the top count of aggravated animal cruelty on Dec. 23.

“The state requested the maximum sentence of three years’ incarceration, but the [district] court decided to sentence

him to three years’ incarceration with all but five months and 29 days suspended,” State’s Attorney for Worcester County Kristin Heiser said.

The court also senJoseph Cryer tenced him to three years of probation upon his release —

with the condition he does not possess any animals, Heiser said.

On Sept. 10, a Montego Bay resident alerted the city’s animal control division after discovering a dog’s remains in a neighborhood trashcan.

Cryer was later determined to be the dead animal’s owner.

A resort police spokesperson told Ocean City Today that officers who arrived

Choking case goes to felony trial

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Sawndale Wilfred Auguste, 25, of Bridgeville, Delaware, will face a felony hearing after the District Court for Worcester County in Ocean City found probable cause on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Auguste faces 13 charges after his partner accused him of choking her and threatening her with a handgun.

Police reported that on Friday, Nov. 22, Auguste and his partner had been arguing all day over beneficiary matters.

The alleged assault victim told police that the suspect had been S. Auguste drinking all day and grew increasingly agitated.

Later, on a car ride back to the couple’s midtown hotel, she told police, Auguste pulled out a handgun during an argument and began racking the slide of the gun.

Her children later told police that Auguste had pointed the gun at their mother, and threatened to kill her.

When the group reached the hotel parking lot, the woman and her children See SUSPECT Page 23

on scene described Cryer as being in an “altered state due to mental health problems.”

A warrant for Cryer was served on Sept.

24 in Baltimore City, and he was held at the Baltimore Central Booking and Department of Pretrial and Detention Services.

He was later transported to the Eastern Shore Hospital Center until he was determined competent to stand trial on Dec. 23.

He pled guilty to the felony charge, and began serving his jail time immediately.

PAGE 22

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

WORLD WAR II

Gen. Timoshenko rescues messy Red Army

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) This week, 80 years ago, Soviet Gen. Semyon Konstantinovich Timoshenko was given command of the Soviet forces invading the U.S.S.R.’s tiny neighbor, Finland.

He replaced Stalin’s buddy, Marshal Kliment I. Voroshilov, and was given more authority.

He had demanded, and received, a free hand. In the month of fighting prior to Timoshenko’s appointment, the plucky Finns had stunned the disorganized and ill-prepared Red Army, inflicting massive, and embarrassing, casualties.

Timoshenko ordered a pause in the Soviet offensive operation as he assessed the situation, reorganized Soviet forces, and planned a more thorough offensive, making better use of Soviet resources. He was given 21 days to study the plan, initially proposed by Boris Shaposhnikov, but rejected by Soviet leadership.

On Feb. 11, the offensive against the Mannerheim Line was renewed.

Two weeks later, the Mannerheim Line had been smashed and Finland’s second largest city, Viipuri, was almost surrounded, forcing the Finns to accept the Soviet peace. Under Timoshenko’s leadership, the Red Army had recovered some of its pride. As a result, he was named a “Hero of the Soviet Union” and awarded the “Order of Lenin” (for exemplary service) in March, and in May 1940, was named Marshal of the Soviet Union and Defense Commissar, replacing Marshal Voroshilov.

Timoshenko was the prototypical Soviet man, born in 1895 in Odessa, Ukraine, the son of poor peasants, who rose to the very pinnacle of the Soviet military. Considered politically reliable, he survived and prospered during the Stalin years, when many of his fellow senior officers ended their careers in unmarked graves, or, if they were lucky, labor camps in Siberia.

He began his military career when

he was drafted into the czar’s army during The Great War, where he served as a machine gunner. Earning the Cross of St. George, for “undaunted Semyon Konstantinovich courage,” he joined the Red Timoshenko Army in 1918, and quickly rose to be a calvary division commander. He distinguished himself in the Russian Civil War and the Soviet-Polish War, which followed, being awarded the Order of the Red Banner, in 1920 and again in 1921. The Order was awarded “. . . for extraordinary heroism, dedication and courage demonstrated on the battlefield.”

During the 1930s, Stalin repeatedly purged the Soviet officer corps.

Thousands either disappeared or were imprisoned. Timoshenko, enjoying Stalin’s favor and trust, was assigned to almost every Soviet military district, as commanders fell out of favor and were purged.

In 1968, Timoshenko explained, “No one else was alive. I commanded practically every military district as a trusted agent of Stalin and Voroshilov. I would just manage to install a little order and then they’d telephone and ask, ‘Everything all right? We’ve sent a plane for you, fly straight away to Rostov because there is no one in charge and the local Cossacks are dangerous.’”

The Germans invaded Poland on Sept. 1, 1939. On Sept. 17, Gen. Timoshenko led the Red Army into Poland from the east. Now, he was eye-to-eye with the German commander on the other side of the border, but the time was not yet right for war, and Hitler would not launch his attack on the Soviet Union for almost two years.

In that time, Timoshenko under-

took the mechanization of the Red Army, and urged the production of more tanks in an attempt to prepare his country’s military for the struggle he knew was coming. He watched as Germany gobbled up Belgium, France, Holland, Luxemburg, Denmark, Norway, Yugoslavia, and Greece. He knew the U.S.S.R. had to be next.

Throughout 1940, he pushed reorganization and trained regiments hard and also had to accommodate his political master, Stalin. He recreated a large, combined armed formation of tanks, infantry, aircraft, and artillery that had been a part of the Soviet system under the late Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky. They had been disbanded because they were creations of “enemies of the people.”

He was under strict orders, however, to do nothing whatsoever to give the Germans an excuse to attack. In this, Stalin was prudent, as the Soviet army was not ready in 1940 to fight off the Germans. However, this resulted in troops and tanks being held back from the frontier so as not to provoke the Germans.

On June 22, 1941, Germany and Slovakia attacked the Soviet Union across a thousand-mile front, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, in what was known as Operation Barbarossa. Stalin, still clinging to hope that this was simply a provocation, did not order his troops to begin fighting back for several hours.

The next day, Stalin created a supreme headquarters (Stavka) to deal with the war with the Axis. Timoshenko was made the supreme commander, but he was still hamstrung

by Stalin, much as the German general staff was by Hitler. While Timoshenko was in overall command, Stalin’s permission had to be obtained prior to making any major decision, and, also, for many minor ones.

This situation was intolerable, and on June 30, Timoshenko asked Stalin to take personal command himself.

The marshal was then appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Western Front. By this time, Germany had been joined by its allies, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Italy, and Croatia.

In September 1941, he was ordered south to take over the defense of Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. He was ordered to hold the city, “at all costs.”

Unfortunately, for Marshal Timoshenko and the Red Army, German Panzer Gens. Ewald von Kleist and Heinz Guderian had been ordered to take it. On Sept. 16, Timoshenko gave orders that the army retreat and abandon the city. This was directly contradictory to Stalin’s earlier order to hold at all costs, so Timoshenko demanded that his order be confirmed, in writing, by Moscow.

By the time this was done, the Germans had completed their encirclement. Six hundred fifty thousand Soviet soldiers marched into captivity. After capturing Kyiv, Army Group South, commanded by Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt, set its sights on Rostov-on-Don. By the time General von Kleist’s Panzer army succeeded in taking the city, on Nov. 20, it was spent. Three days later, Marshal Timoshenko counterattacked and freed the city.

Marshal Timoshenko’s star was eclipsed when he lost the second Battle of Kharkov in May 1942. It cost the Red Army another 250,000 casualties. As a result, he was relieved of command. It is believed that the only reason he was relieved, instead of being shot, was that the initial idea of the attack was Stalin’s.

For the rest of the war, Marshal Timoshenko was moved from battlefront to battlefront in a supervisory capacity. On Oct. 9, 1943, he was awarded the Order of Suvorov. This was named for Field Marshal Count Alexander Suvorov, who never lost a battle. It was awarded, “. . . for exceptional leadership in combat operations.” He was, again, awarded that Continued on Page 24

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

POLICE/COURTS

Drugs Police arrested Kayla Noelle Parker, 19, of Ocean City, after she was accused of possessing non-prescribed Adderall on Dec. 29.

Police reported that they stopped Parker’s car for driving in the wrong direction on First Street.

According to court documents, when Parker rolled down her window, police smelled burned cannabis, ordered Parker to step out of the car and conducted a search.

Police reported finding an amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pill, a generic brand of Adderall, inside the suspect’s purse.

Then, in the driver’s door pocket, police found a partially smoked cannabis cigar. Police arrested Parker, who faces one count for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and an open container of alcohol.

Double assault arrest Audrey Shirelle Lawrence, 58, and Brian Scott Batten, 46, of Ocean City face an assault charge after police arrested the two for a domestic dispute, but could not determine the primary aggressor.

The two have had a history of assault claims against one another, police reported.

On Dec. 23, an officer was dispatched to a Philadelphia Avenue apartment complex for a domestic assault.

Police said the duo gave conflicting accounts of what had occurred.

Lawrence told police that she had beaten Batten in a board game and that a subsequent argument got physical.

Batten, however, said Lawrence attacked him after complaining about dinner.

Police reported the couple both showed signs of intoxication.

Police arrested and charged the two for second-degree assault, reporting it as a mutual assault.

Crash Ocean City resident Judith Ann Kisly, 72, faces more than a dozen charges after police accused her of driving under the influence, crashing her vehicle and fleeing the scene of the collision.

Around 9 p.m. on Dec. 27, police responded to hit and run on 131st Street.

Witnesses told police that Kisly had crashed her vehicle into a sedan at a parking lot, and fled the scene.

According to the police report, witnesses chased Kisly and managed to stop her until police arrived.

In an interview, Kisly denied hitting the vehicle, but told police she remembered hearing a noise at the time of the crash.

Police reported Kisly failed a variety of

sobriety tests and arrested her.

Upon a status check of her driver’s license, police found her license had been suspended for her failure to comply with a citation issued to her in 2017.

Kisly’s charges include driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, failure to stop after an accident, failure to provide personal information after an accident and negligent driving.

Multiple assaults Burt Aaron Foskey, 41, of Ocean City, faces three assault charges after allegedly hitting his girlfriend and resisting arrest, on Dec. 27.

The alleged victim told police that she and Foskey had been drinking and that he had punched her in the back as they walked home.

She then told police that Foskey grabbed her left arm and pinched it in order to get on the left side of her.

As the two walked home, the victim told police she discretely called 911, and then sat down in a public area.

Police interviewed and then arrested Foskey, who allegedly attempted to walk away from the officers.

Foskey faces multiple charges including three counts of second-degree assault, one count of failure to obey an order, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, obstructing and hindering and resisting arrest.

Suspect threatened victim’s life Continued from Page 21 attempted to flee from Auguste, but the suspect managed to grab his partner and began choking her, police reported.

A witness ushered the children away from the violence, and called police, the report said.

A police search of the vehicle turned up a Taurus handgun on the front passenger floorboard, next to a pint bottle of liquor.

The gun, police later found, had been stolen from the Delaware State Police Camden Barrack, and that Auguste had been prohibited from possessing a handgun after a third-degree assault conviction in 2014.

Auguste refused to speak with police and did not consent to a DNA test.

Police charged Auguste for possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a

handgun, possession of a handgun in a vehicle, violent use of a firearm, possession of a loaded handgun, possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle, illegal possession of ammo, illegal possession of a firearm, first-degree assault, seconddegree assault and three charges of reckless endangerment.

His trial is scheduled for Jan. 17, at district court in Ocean City.

PAGE 23

Berlin house fire results in fatality, cause unknown (Jan. 3, 2020) The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred on Sunday, Dec. 22.

The fire was reported at 6:11 p.m. at 10347 Trappe Road in Berlin.

Volunteer fire companies from Berlin, Showell, Bishopville, Ocean Pines, Ocean City, and Newark responded to the fire.

Firefighters reported heavy fire conditions upon arrival. The fire was placed under control at 7:33 p.m.

A female occupant of the home was located inside the house and transported to Atlantic General Hospital Berlin where she later died.

Identity of the deceased is pending official notification from the Office of the Maryland Chief Medical Examiner.

No other injuries were reported with the fire.

The house did not have a working smoke alarm or residential fire sprinklers.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Fire Marshal Hunter Mauk at 410-6325666, ext. 3 or hmauk@co.worcester.md.us.

PAGE 24

Ocean City Today

WORLD WAR II

OBITUARIES

Continued from Page 22 Order on Sept. 12, 1944, and on Nov. 3, 1944, he received his fourth Order of the Red Banner. On Feb. 21, 1945, he received his third Order of Lenin, and on April 27, 1945, his third Order of Suvorov. On June 24, 1945, he was awarded the Order of Victory. It was only awarded, “ . . . to generals and marshals for successfully conducting combat operations involving normal army groups resulting in a ‘successful operation within the framework of one or several fronts resulting in a radical change in the situation in favor of the Red Army.’”

Only 20 were awarded, with five of those going to foreign leaders. The medal was platinum studded with 174 diamonds, totaling 16 carats. Marshals Vasilevsky, Zhukov, and Stalin each received two of the medals.

Following the war, Marshal Timoshenko served in various honorary posts. The marshal died in Moscow in April 1970, at the age of 75. Like many of the other Soviet Marshals, he is buried in the Kremlin wall.

Next week: oops!

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

EDGAR WILLIAM TURNEY Ocean City Edgar William (Ed) Turney, 83, departed this world on Dec. 23, 2019.

Ed was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on Aug. 18, 1936, son of the late Edgar C. and Marion A. Turney.

He moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, at the age of 10.

He graduated from Ed Turney Blair High School in 1954, where he was a two-year letterman, quarterback and co-captain of the football team.

He attended the University of Maryland and graduated from the Northwest Radio and TV School in Washington D.C. His first job in radio was at WDON in Wheaton, Maryland.

While working at WJWS Radio in South Hill, Virginia, he met his wife, Jeanene Crowder, and they were married in 1958.

He served in the United States Army from October 1958 until February 1962, after being extended for three months during the Berlin crisis.

He was stationed at Fort Ord, California, for most of his service, doing a radio show for the troops and working in the Broadcast Specialist Office.

He also worked part-time at station KSBW Radio and TV in Salinas, California, doing a radio show, TV com-

mercials, and serving as a TV news reporter.

In 1963, he became part of the TV news department of WMAL Radio and TV, which later became WJLA-TV 7 in Washington D.C. Throughout his career, he covered stories ranging from the unlikely friendship of a dog and a duck, to the funeral of a U.S. president.

His unique, immersive reporting style led to him portraying a clown in the Barnum and Bailey Circus, being held captive in Belfast, Ireland, and everything in between.

He will be remembered for his series profiling a young Mississippi boy named Jonathan Lollar, as well as his coverage of the Goofy Games in Walt Disney World.

He is credited as the first Washington D.C. reporter to introduce and popularize the idea of human interest stories on local TV news.

Over his 36-year reporting career, Ed received many accolades for his work, including 17 local Emmy Awards, The Ted Yates Award, and the Ice Capades Good Skate Award.

He touched the lives of many people with one-of-a-kind reporting on his segments Good Neighbors, One Good Turney Deserves Another, Turney’s World, and Turney’s Journeys.

During his free time, he enjoyed boating and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with his family. When he retired in

JANUARY 3, 2020

1998, he and his wife moved to Ocean City, Maryland, for a life of fishing, fun, and relaxation.

In 2000, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, but not being one to let an illness keep him down, he continued to fish and began working part-time at the Sunset Provisions Tackle Shop at Sunset Marina.

Ed enjoyed life to its fullest, loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren, and was a friend to everyone.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Constance T. Springmann, 1993; and daughter, Marianne T. Sevy, 2015.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeanene Turney of Ocean City, Maryland; two daughters, Constance Turney of Frederick, Maryland, and Victoria Radford and her husband, Greg, of Whaleyville, Maryland; son-in-law, Greg Sevy of Frederick, Maryland; and two granddaughters, Ashley Murphy and Laurel Sevy.

The family received friends at Stauffer’s Funeral Home in Frederick, Maryland, on Dec. 30, 2019. A funeral service followed. Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick on Dec. 30.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at the Ocean City Marlin Club, 9659 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, New York 10006.

MALINDA WEST Ocean City Malinda West, age 68, died on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 at her home.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of Amelia Z. Pirog of Baltimore, and the late Joseph Pirog.

Also preceding her in death was her husband, Carl David West, in 2018; and sister, Malinda West Frances Nicholson.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Fisher of Berlin, Karen Thomas of Ocean Pines, and Brenda Taylor and her husband, Michael, of Berlin.

She was an adored grandmother to James, Jacob, Chloe and Rozie.

Also surviving are her siblings, Joe Pirog, Daniel Pirog, Thomas Pirog and Amelia Mannel.

Mrs. West had been a homemaker.

A loving wife and mother, she was devoted to her children and grandchildren.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Deacon Charles Weschler officiated.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Lifestyle

Ocean City Today Arts, Calendar, Crossword, Dining, Entertainment, Events, Features, Music

Jan. 3, 2020

Page 25

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Berlin resident Susanne Hoshino holds Harriet, a tiny kitten discovered in a landfill who was left completely blind. Harriet will eventually be available for adoption.

Nearly 2,000 dogs and cats rescued through nonprofit PHOTO COURTESY CARRIE STERRS/WCPS

Ocean City Elementary School students show off their new coats along with administrators and area firefighters on Monday, Dec. 9. The students were given new coats as part of the Operation Warm initiative sponsored by the Worcester County Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 4916.

Operation Warm distributes coats Worcester children receive winter outerwear from area firefighters during initiative

By Rachel Ravina Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) More than 400 Worcester County public school students received a new winter coat last month as part of Operation Warm, an initiative sponsored by area firefighters to provide outerwear to children in need.

Sean Sullivan, a firefighter paramedic for the Ocean Pines Fire Department, said the Worcester County Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 4916, and other volunteers supplied coats to Buckingham Ocean City, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill elementary schools.

“We try to do everything we can to distribute to as many kids as we can,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan, who serves as a union liaison for the schools, contacted school counselors from the schools to

inquire about the number of coats needed, according to organizers.

School counselors will then send home permission slips to parents and get size information from the students. On distribution day, local firefighters will come to the school and help the children pick out a new coat.

“It’s a wonderful resource for our families who may not be able to otherwise afford a brand new winter coat each year, and this gives them a way to do that for their kids. Every time the kids receive a coat, they’re so proud, and they leave smiling, and they’re so excited to receive a coat,” said Staci Aperance, a counselor at Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin.

Aperance said that 65 children received new coats on Monday, Dec. 9.

Linda McGean, a school counselor at Ocean City Elementary School in West Ocean City, said 20 students received new coats on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

“The children are not just getting a new beautiful warm winter coat, they’re also getting some interaction

with some very important people in our community, and they know that these firefighters they came this year with the firetruck and the whole deal,” McGean said.

LaVerne Cray, a school counselor at Snow Hill Elementary School in Snow Hill, agreed and said approximately 80 children were given new coats on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Cray added that the coats are essential for students as the temperatures begin to drop.

“Even today, it’s very, very cold and so it was just a blessing that they came even today and was able to help our families out a little bit during the holiday season,” Cray said during an interview on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Aperance also said that the coats benefit the children in more ways than one.

“Well, of course, it helps their physical needs to be met, to stay warm in such a cold winter, but also, it helps their self-esteem to be able to have a new shiny coat to be able to See APERANCE Page 26

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Susanne Hoshino has helped nearly 2,000 animals through her organization, Kindness Matters Rescue, which she founded in 2010.

For the last 10 years, Hoshino has lived by her motto, “working together we save them, because every life matters.”

Hoshino, a resident of Berlin since the 1980’s, has spent her life caring for animals and people alike. Equipped with medical knowledge and experience from her former occupations as a nurse and physical therapist, Hoshino uses her skills to help rescue and tend to animals who would otherwise be euthanized and forgotten.

“I wasn’t aware of how many animals need rescue and how many animals would be euthanized if they didn’t find rescue,” Hoshino said.

In 2019, Hoshino rescued 296 animals – 196 dogs and 100 cats – spanning from multiple animal control facilities and kill shelters in Maryland and Virginia.

Since she first started Kindness Matters Rescue, she has rescued just under 2,000 animals, ranging from cats and dogs to more unusual animals like raccoons.

“Rescuers are usually optimistic and try to look at the positive side,” she said. “So, I just feel happy that I See HOSHINO Page 27

PAGE 26

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

PHOTO COURTESY STACI APERANCE/BUCKINGHAM ELEMENTARY

Buckingham Elementary School students, staff and local firefighters gather for a photo after receiving new coats on Tuesday, Dec. 10 through Operation Warm, an initiative dedicated to providing outerwear for children in need.

Aperance: It’s very heartwarming Continued from Page 25 wear and be proud of,” Aperance said.

McGean agreed. She added that she loves how the students are able to meet the firefighters, and she hopes the students will pay it forward one day.

“They don’t have to worry about what am I going to wear when it’s cold? It makes them feel special, puts them on more of an even playing field with other kids who have these things without having to worry about it,” McGean said. “And I’m hoping that down the line they’ll remember that people in their community helped them, and when they’re in a position to do so they’ll help others.”

Cray also said that she loves how the firefighters create a personalized experience for each child by helping to find their size, ensuring it fits properly and writing his or her name inside.

It’s something Cray said that she always looks forward to.

“I love it. I love it every year,” Cray said. “I truly enjoy being able to do whatever I can to help the families at our school and in the community.”

Aperance, Cray and McGean thanked the firefighters involved with this program and helping to change a child’s life.

“It’s very heartwarming not only to help the kids in their families, but also just to see our community step up and reach out and be able to put on such a great program for our kids,” Aperance said.

According to the Operation Warm donation page, the program started in 2012, and firefighters have granted $250,000 coats to area children.

Sullivan said that organizers spend between $8,000 and $10,000 per year to purchase between 300 and 400 coats each year.

Cray and Sullivan agreed that seeing the expression on a child’s face when they receive a coat is priceless.

“That’s what keeps you going from year in and year out and that’s what’s driven me to try to … give as many coats to kids year in and year out,” Sullivan said.

Operation Warm organizers are seeking donations for a $10,000 fundraising goal, according to the initiative’s website. Each $20 contribution “provides one coat for a child in need.”

“I hope that … our community is able to continue to help them through that so we can continue to benefit our kids,” Aperance said.

For more information visit Operation Warm’s donation page at give.operationwarm.org/campaign/worcester-county-professional-firefighters-for-operation-war m-2019-20/c252983.

Pines couple give gifts to homeless

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By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The spirit of giving was exemplified this holiday season when an Ocean Pines family spent Christmas Eve and day giving gifts to the homeless in Ocean City.

Michelle Stapleton and her fiancé, Daniel Szimanski, wanted to set an example for their three children – Carlos, 15, Josh, 13, and Kayla, 3 – and help those who are “overlooked and forgotten.”

“I believe in random acts of kindness,” Stapleton said. “It feels like as if [the homeless] don’t exist around here, but I know that they do exist. I do see them and just want to spark some kindness around … just give them some love and kindness and let them know that they’re thought of and we care about them.

“I wanted to teach my kids about

acts of kindness,” she continued. “I want them to look beyond the materialism and just to do something kind.

I’m just one person, but there has to be more for us to do as a community.”

This is not the first time Stapleton and her family have giving to the homeless. The tradition began in her original home of Glen Burnie, Maryland, in 2016.

This year, three years after the family moved to Ocean Pines, they knew they had to continue helping in Worcester County.

“I knew about the homeless shelters already, but I wasn’t trying to find the ones in the shelters,” Stapleton said. “I was trying to find the ones that were alone on Christmas Eve in the cold or trying to get out of the cold.”

Stapleton and her fiancé asked for help on Facebook to find out where the homeless tend to reside throughout the

resort, discovering many hung around various bus stops, McDonalds and Burger King and a few other locations.

The gifts provided included toiletries such as toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, mouthwash, socks, lotion, candy canes and nonperishable snacks like nuts, as well as homemade Christmas cards made by her children. The gifts were handed to them in festively designed stockings.

The cards said, “You are important.

You matter very much and we love you.”

One man was hanging around Burger King on Christmas Eve and had difficulty speaking, but was so touched he managed to say, “Thank,” Stapleton said.

“He had all his worldly possessions tied up to his bike outside … I went and I gave him the stocking and the card, See STAPLETON Page 28

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 27

Ocean City Today

Hoshino asks for volunteers, foster or rescue animals Continued from Page 25 could help all those animals.”

Most of the animals she has rescued were expected not to survive, riddled with illnesses, starvation and in poor living conditions. Hoshino used her medical training to nurse hundreds upon hundreds of animals back to health and worked around the clock to find them a forever home.

Hoshino travels around picking up animals from shelters. She receives very little monetary assistance from the community, spending a large sum of her own money to care for her rescues.

After nursing the animals back to health, she sends them off to various rescue operations all across Delmarva, spanning as far away as Hughesville, Maryland, to Wilmington, Delaware.

She works with more than 25 animal rescue organizations including Worcester County Humane Society, Town Cats and K9 New Life.

Hoshino takes in just about any animal she can, because in her mind, all animals are worth saving. She uses every available space in her own home to care for these rescues.

There have been many unique cases for Hoshino throughout the years, including just recently when a homeless woman came to her home to ask her to take care of her dog, Mr. Duke, while she stayed at a shelter that could not accept her pet.

“I saw them on my doorstep and it was freezing cold, and here it is, Christmas time, and they had nowhere to go,” Hoshino said. “She came to my door wearing flip flops and my heart just broke for them.”

Mr. Duke is an older dog with a large tumor on his stomach. Hoshino said she will check with a vet to see if it is safe to remove.

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Susanne Hoshino is the creator and full-time employee of Kindness Matters Rescue, a nonprofit rescue which takes in animals in need of fostering and special attention. She has rescued nearly 2,000 animals since she first began the project in 2010.

The woman plans on returning for her dog once she gets back on her feet, Hoshino said.

Kindness Matters Rescue was approved as a nonprofit in May, which enables her to rescue more animals, she said.

Those rescued will be trained to become service animals for veterans and people with disabilities.

“I had saved a lot of animals not being a nonprofit, but I really thought it through and I felt I could save more and do more if I became a nonprofit,” Hoshino said. “That’s why I took that step, and while there’s an expense to it and there’s a lot of paperwork to it … it has been a good decision.

“Animal controls in the state of Virginia will only release to a nonprofit if the animal is going to cross state lines or the animal is not fixed before it leaves a shelter,” she continued. “That gave me the ability to go there and get the animals directly into my non-

profit.”

Hoshino also has three foster families in the area that she can rely on.

Those fosters – Shannon Savage Lindsey, Yvonne La Chapelle and Jacqueline Martins – help her save as many animals as possible every year.

“By having fosters, you save lives because it gives the animal a place to stay [and] it allows the animal to be in a home and decompress, which is a lot different than being in a scary animal control,” she said.

Hoshino encourages the public to contact her if an animal needs assistance, and to adopt rescue pets. She accepts pregnant mothers, bottle-fed babies … any pet in need. She is also looking for more families who are willing to foster animals.

To contact Hoshino about animals in need of rescue, visit Kindness Matters Facebook page or website at www.kindnessmattersrescue.org, or email her at shoshino@aol.com.

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GIVING SPIRIT Ocean Pines residents Michelle Stapleton and her fiancé, Daniel Szimanski, spent Christmas Eve and day giving gifts to homeless living in Ocean City. Stapleton’s children, from left, Carlos, 15, Josh, 13, and Kayla, 3, helped them buy, pack and decorate stockings, which were filled with necessities like lotion, packs of tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and deodorant as well as candy canes and snacks.

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PHOTOS COURTESY MICHELLE STAPLETON

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15th Street & Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. For Reservations, Call: 410-289-7192/7191

PAGE 28

Ocean City Today

MLB star to speak on hope at Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

By Josh Kim Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce has secured another sports legend for its annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast: former Major League Baseball player, Darryl “The Legendary Straw Man” Strawberry.

“I think it’s really great to have someone like him come and speak and tell their story,” Chamber Events Director Lisa Layfield said. “It really does show — it Darryl Strawberry doesn’t matter who you are or how much or how little you have — it [drug addiction] can happen to anyone, but you can come back from it.”

The breakfast will be held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Oceanfront on 101st Street on Friday, Jan. 10, at 7 a.m.

About 100 tickets were still available as of earlier this week. The cost is $20 per person, $100 for open seating sponsors and $300 for a sponsor table.

This year’s theme revolves around optimism in times of despair.

“Today, I have hope,” Strawberry stated in a press release. “No matter what comes your way, or how many times you may fall, you do not quit.

You never give up. You get up and you keep moving.”

The Los Angeles native’s journey to stardom began in 1980, when he was drafted first overall by the New York Mets.

He played for the Mets’ Minor League teams for several years and quickly gained notoriety for his talent.

In 1983 as a Met, he won the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year award.

He played in eight All-Star games, is a member of the 30-30 club (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season) and has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated seven times, five by himself.

However, his career was also marked by a high-profile drug addiction, sex scandals, domestic violence and two battles with cancer.

Major League Baseball suspended Strawberry on three occasions, with cocaine his main vice.

Strawberry has attributed his drug abuse to his father, who he claimed was an alcoholic and physically abusive toward he and his brothers.

His drug addiction came to light in 1994 when Strawberry failed to appear for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ final exhibition game, as reported by Mike Puma of ESPN. It was later revealed that Strawberry had missed the game because of his battle with substance abuse.

The Dodgers released him in May that year, and in 1995 the league suspended him after he tested positive for cocaine.

His next suspension came on April 3, 1999, after he was arrested in Tampa, Florida, for soliciting sex from an undercover policewoman and for carrying a small amount of cocaine.

The league suspended him for 140 days for this incident.

In 2000, he tested positive once again for the drug, and was suspended for the third time.

As the baseball star struggled with substance abuse, his marriages suffered as well.

In January 1987, Strawberry’s first wife, Lisa, filed for divorce after accusing the baseball player of breaking her nose the year before.

Then, in January 1990, Strawberry was arrested for allegedly hitting Lisa in the face and threatening her with a handgun, the Washington Post reported in 1994.

Strawberry found himself in legal trouble again when he was arrested for allegedly striking then-partner Charisse Simons.

Despite the arrest, Simons and Strawberry wed later that year, but separated in 2005.

On top of his drug addiction and domestic abuse scandals, on Oct. 1, 1998, Strawberry was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery to remove a tumor and 24 inches of his affected organ.

Two years later, a C.T. scan revealed his cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, and the next month doctors removed a tumor near his left kidney.

Strawberry’s struggles left him depressed and suicidal.

However, his life turned around in 2000 when he met his third wife, Tracy, at a narcotics anonymous convention in Tampa, as reported by the Florida Times-Union Jacksonville.

Though he continued to struggle with his addiction, Strawberry said Tracy remained by his side and got him actively involved with the church.

Through Tracy and his rediscovered faith, Strawberry said he was able to finally step away from the drugs that haunted him and has remained clean for roughly 14 years.

Strawberry and Tracy got married in 2006, and became ordained ministers a year later.

Since then, Strawberry has opened a drug rehabilitation center in St. Cloud and DeLand, Florida, and the couple has founded the “Darryl Strawberry Foundation,” an organization dedicated to children with autism.

He travels nationwide to deliver his message of faith and recovery in hopes to inspire others battling their own demons.

“I do know that in my life, all my

Stapleton wants children to learn charity, kindness Continued from Page 26 and then I went back to the car and something in my heart told me it didn’t feel like enough. So, I bought him a meal.”

Stapleton and her family do not offer help only during the holidays, but throughout the year. The family regularly donates their old clothing and food to homeless shelters and churches in the area. But the holiday season seems more important since it is a time meant to be spent with family and loved ones.

“There’s not much of a homeless community here, but there is a homeless community,” Stapleton said. “[They’re] actually harder to find. It’s not like where I used to live in Glen Burnie … they don’t want to be found necessarily.”

Stapleton appreciates the work that homeless shelters like Diakonia and local churches provide to help the less fortunate in the community.

“They’re pretty amazing people,” Stapleton said. “It’s pretty cool what they’re doing.

“I don’t like the word ‘homeless,’” she continued. “I really just want to say, ‘Down on your luck,’ because honestly, we’re all a step away from there. Who wants to be alone on Christmas Eve? I wanted them to know that they’re loved because I do really love people.”

More importantly, Stapleton wants to encourage people to help the homeless however they can, whether they are part of a church organization or not.

“We went into Wawa and … talked to the cashier and she’s like, ‘Wow, what church are you from or what organization?’ I’m like, ‘We’re not part of an organization. We’re just a family just going out and trying to spread some love and kindness and holiday cheer,’ and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, what?’

They expected us to be part of something and you don’t have to be a part of something to help others.

“Show humanity,” she continued.

“Just be humble and show kindness.

My kids are the future … the next generation, and I want more love in this world. The only way to do that is by teaching. Anything can make a difference in the lives of others.” successes, failures and experiences have brought me to where I am today,” he stated in a press release.

“My strength and the reason that I am here today is proven through the experiences and conditions I have endured. God continues to bring me through, to carry me and breathe life into my body.”

To register for the event, visit https://chamber.oceancity.org/events /details/2020-mayors-prayer-breakfast-guest-speaker-darryl-strawberry30705

JANUARY 3, 2020

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 There is more to a situation than meets the eye, Aries. Delve a little deeper this week to get to the truth.

Uncovering the truth will allow you to move forward.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, take a break for a few days to recharge your batteries. If you work too hard, you are going to suffer from burnout. Make this a week of rest and recreation.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 You have a funny way of looking at things sometimes, Gemini. That can work to your advantage in providing a fresh perspective that others may overlook.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, when you are approached with a potential career opportunity, do not immediately dismiss it. It may not be the right time currently, but take inventory of your future goals.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 This week you need to make your mark in some way, Leo. You have many clever ideas circling in your head that want out, so think of how you can deploy your creative side.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, accept help when it is offered this week, even if it tugs at your pride a little bit. Sometimes even the strongest can benefit from a shoulder to lean on.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 A failure to recognize all sides of the equation could put you into an unfortunate situation, Libra. Do not assume that your perspective is the right one; do your research carefully.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, just when you think you have everything figured out, something changes. Just because you don’t have the rule book doesn’t mean you can’t plot a course.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Devote more of your attention to family matters in the days to come, Sagittarius. Work may seem all-consuming, but home is where your heart is.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Fun times are just around the corner, Capricorn. You must have the patience to get there. Put some social events on your calendar so you have something to forward to.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Before you give up on an idea, run it by some trusted confidantes, Aquarius. You may be missing just one detail that can make this a recipe for ultimate success.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, it’s time to get a better feel for your finances. Tweak things as necessary, and make all decisions with your finances in mind.

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 29

Ocean City Today

Prom Court candidates host events to raise charity funds

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) Only one month remains before Believe in Tomorrow’s seventh annual Prom Night, and king and queen candidates are planning a few more events to raise as much money possible for the organization before Saturday, Feb. 1.

Eight competitors are vying for the Believe in Tomorrow Prom King and Queen titles. The man and woman who raise the most money for the organization from now until the beginning of February will be declared the winners.

The competition raised an all-time high of $132,000 last year.

The 2019 Prom King was Stevie Day, who collected $5,000. The Prom Queen title went to EJ Foxx, who raised over $33,000.

Money generated from this year’s competition will be used for the new respite house, which has begun construction on 65th Street and is expected to be completed at the end of 2020.

The first event of the month will take place Thursday, Jan. 9. “Hot Stove Plus” will be held at Nicks House of Ribs on 144th Street from 6-9 p.m. The cost to attend the event for candidate Cody Bentzel is $35.

“A hot stove is a baseball term,” Believe in Tomorrow Respite House Coordinator Wayne Littleton said. “It came from people sitting around just talking baseball around their wood stoves in the offseason when baseball was the biggest sport at one time. It’s more of an older generation term. I just like it.”

Attendees can do more than just talk baseball though. Special guest Tom Davis, host of Wall-to-Wall baseball and Raven’s Talk, will be available for autographs, take photos and answer questions about the Orioles and Ravens.

Another special guest will be Al Bumbry, retired Orioles player who was named American League’s Rookie of the Year in 1973 and was the first Orioles player to have 200 hits in one season.

The ticket includes a dinner provided by Nicks House of Ribs with choices including chicken, ribs or salmon and desserts provided by Sweet Disposition. Guests can order drinks at the cash bar.

There will also be a sports silent auction, mystery boxes for $10 apiece and a 50/50 raffle.

For more information or get a ticket, call Littleton at 410-723-2842.

A Mac and Cheese Cookoff will take place at the Residence Inn by Marriott on 61st Street on Saturday, Jan. 18th from noon to 3 p.m. The event will be raising funds for Bentzel’s campaign.

Several restaurants will have stations set up with their own versions of mac and cheese ranging from bacon, seafood and other flavors.

For $25, guests will have unlimited tastings of the mac and cheeses, two drink tickets, an entry for a door prize and music by Full Circle Duo. There will also be mystery boxes and other activities offered during the event.

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com with the search, “Mac and Cheese.”

For more information, call Littleton at 410-723-2842.

Prom Queen candidate Sami Glaeser will April Brilliant hold the second annual Womanless Pageant on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Dunes Manor Hotel on 28th Street, from 7-10 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

More than 10 men Beth Scaniffe will dress up and walk across a stage and strut their stuff, including Sherman the Shorebird mascot for Shorebird Stadium in Salisbury, Justin Acita from Pickles Pub on Eighth Street, DJ MagCody Bentzel ellan from 98.1 Radio, Comedian Stevie Jay, Ocean 13 owner Jeremy Brink and a few more surprise guests.

Guests are encouraged to bring cash to vote for their favorite beauty contestant.

Justin Acia In addition to the pageant, there will be a Chinese auction, 50/50, dollar dances, raffles, door prizes and other activities available. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Sami Glaesar Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For more information, call Glaeser at 617-755-4384.

Glaeser will host a Tats and Tinis event at Ocean 13 on 13th Shania Bailey Street on Friday, Jan. 24.

Six guests will win a free tattoo. Only 100 tickets will be sold for $50 each.

Admission covers food, select beers and discounted martinis. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Wax. For more information, call Glaeser at 617-755-4384.

Candidate Beth Scaniffe will host an 80s-themed party at Whiskers Bar and Grill in Ocean Pines on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 3-6 p.m.

See VARIOUS Page 31

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PAGE 30

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

OUT & ABOUT

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Kathy and Bill Super of Selbyville, Delaware, enjoy the drink specials during Skye Bar’s Customer Appreciation party on 66th Street, Friday, Dec. 20.

Ocean City residents Meg and Gary Laurinaitis celebrate the holidays during Skye Bar’s Customer Appreciation party on 66th Street, Friday, Dec. 20.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Having a blast during Whiskers Bar and Grill’s Christmas Party in Ocean Pines on Sunday, Dec. 22, from left, are Ocean City residents Lorraine Falloni, Patty Most, Todd Clark, and Michael and Kelley Willis.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Ocean City residents Nadine and Mark Byrne raise their glasses during Skye Bar’s Customer Appreciation party on 66th Street, Friday, Dec. 20.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Bartenders Rob Willis, left, and Michael Manescu get into the holiday spirit during Whiskers Bar and Grill’s Christmas Party in Ocean Pines on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Grabbing some sweets during Whiskers Bar and Grill’s Christmas Party in Ocean Pines on Sunday, Dec. 22, are Maisie Genthner, 8, of Berlin, and Whiskers owner Tanya Knott.

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 31

Ocean City Today

Various events throughout Worcester County Continued from Page 29 The event will include a costume contest, raffles, party games and tunes

by DJ Tuff. There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted.

For more information, call Whiskers at 410-208-3922.

Candidate April Brilliant will hold a mini golf scramble at Old Pro Golf on 136th Street on Saturday, Jan. 31 start-

ing at 6:30 p.m.

Families and groups can compete in a mini golf event with a special treasure hunt included.

Photo opportunities will also be available. Prizes for best dressed or themed and largest donation, among others. One person will win a chance to be a DJ for a day at 102.5 WBOC. The event costs $25 per person or

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Employees from the Dover Home Depot begin to lay down the boards needed to complete the back deck for the Believe in Tomorrow House on the Bay on 28th Street, Thursday, Dec. 5.

Home Depot renovates deck for Children’s House on bay

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan 3, 2020) After months of construction, the deck for the Believe in Tomorrow House on the Bay on 28th Street is finished thanks in part to the Team Depot Foundation.

The outdoor deck for the Bay House was falling apart after years of wear and tear, and was completed renovated with help from Home Depot’s Team Depot Foundation.

“Home Depot has a division called Team Depot for the Team People Foundation,” Adam Dempster, store manager for the Home Depot in Dover, Delaware, said. “What we look for are community partners, whether it be veteran-based or nonprofit-based partners, that are looking for things to be done around their homes or properties. Believe in Tomorrow is something that we’ve been partners with for a lot of years.”

The foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities affected by natural disasters. Since 2011, the foundation has invested more than $315 million in veteran causes and improved more than 45,000 veteran homes and facilities in 4,300 cities.

In 2018, the foundation pledged an additional $250 million to veteran causes taking the total commitment to half a billion dollars by 2025.

The project is nationwide, across all

2,500 Home Depot stores.

The foundation is comprised of Home Depot employees who work on the various projects across the country during their days off. In addition to the work being done to the house, Believe in Tomorrow also received a grant from Home Depot as well, which covered the cost of the project and then some.

The grant was also able to cover the cost of work inside the house, including new appliances for the kitchen area, new cabinets, countertops and new floors.

Four local Home Deports coordinated the construction, comprised of Dover, Rehoboth, Salisbury and West Ocean City. Work began on the project around August 2018, and officially finished construction Friday, Dec. 20.

“The saltwater had rotted the wood down … it’s most likely that was the original deck that was on the home,” Dempster said. “It was barely hanging in there, which we had to address to get the deck back up to code and to meet all the requirements. Finally, a year later, we’re able to finish this thing.”

With construction complete, the house was ready to accept a new family for the week on Dec. 20, according to Respite House Coordinator Wayne Littleton.

“It’s great that Home Depot is sponsoring the project. They’ve done a wonderful job ... it looks great,” Littleton said.

“We do Christmas for as many families as See FOUNDATION Page 33

$80 per team of four.

Brilliant will also be holding a Superheroes and Princess Bounce for Believe at Coco’s Funhouse in Salisbury on Friday, Jan. 17 from 5:30-8 p.m.

Bring kids ages 10 and under to bounce for Believe in Tomorrow where they can meet their favorite superheroes and princesses. Tickets cost $5 to bounce. The event is free for chaperones; however, a donation is welcome.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, Brilliant will team up with candidate Shania Bailey to hold a bowling event at Southbound Alley in Salisbury from 6-9 p.m.

Admission costs $25 per person including shoes, two hours of bowling and light fare. There will also be raffles, a 50/50 and mystery boxes for $10 each.

Finally, she will host a “Jamaica Me Crazy” party on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Evo Craft Brewing Company in Salisbury from 7-11 p.m. The cost is $25.

The Caribbean-style party will offer a cash bar, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, mystery boxes and dancing. Participants must be 21 or older to attend.

For more information, contact Brilliant at 443-359-4458 (text preferred) or email aprilbrilliant@comcast.net.

Prom King Candidate Justin Acita will host a mini golf tournament on Wednesday, Jan. 22 starting at 6 p.m. at Old Pro Golf on 136th Street.

Admission for a four-person team,

food and an open bar will be $100.

For more information, call Pickles Pub at 410-289-4891.

The final results of the competition will be announced at Seacrets on 49th Street, Saturday, Feb. 1, during prom night. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the announcement will be made at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance cost $35 and $40 at the door.

Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation provides hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families. Since 1982, Believe in Tomorrow has provided over 900,000 individual overnight accommodations, from every state in the U.S. and more than 82 countries worldwide.

The Believe in Tomorrow facility on 66th Street in Ocean City is open yearround to provide a free getaway to the beach for critically ill children and their families whenever they may need to escape the stresses of their child’s illness.

Each of the four condos feature kidfriendly décor and paintings with at least two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a fully-stocked kitchen, living and dining room areas.

Families can also vacation at the Believe in Tomorrow House in Fenwick Island and House by the Bay on 28th Street.

Learn more about Believe in Tomorrow at http://believeintomorrow.org or call Littleton at 443-978-0680.

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PAGE 32

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

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OUT & ABOUT

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Grabbing some sushi during Nori’s Customer Appreciation party at Gold Coast Mall on 115th Street, Sunday, Dec. 22, from left, are Ocean City residents Claire Billings, Karlie Southcomb, Kari Berger, and Lexi, Lauren and Rich Mathabel.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Enjoying sushi during Nori’s Customer Appreciation party at Gold Coast Mall on 115th Street, Sunday, Dec. 22 are Samantha Pope and Joshua Vetra from Wicomico County.

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

PAGE 33

Foundation helps nonprofits, veteran groups Continued from Page 31 we can during the holidays. Our families are going to have a wonderful Christmas.”

Dempster, a Believe in Tomorrow supporter, is also pleased with the results.

“They’ve been amazing to work with,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of projects in the Baltimore region, but this is the first project we’ve done on the shore for them.”

Littleton returned the compliment.

“It’s very nice what Home Depot did for us. It’s a very expensive project and they took care of everything,” Littleton said. “It’s a wonderful organization. It

was worth the wait to make sure everything is safe for our families. Between Home Depot and Northern Restorations, they’ve done a terrific job there. I appreciate what Home Depot and Northern Restorations have done.

“I’m very lucky that a lot of wonderful people support us,” he continued.

“Everyone’s been extremely generous during the holidays.”

Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation provides hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families.

Since 1982, Believe in Tomorrow has provided more than 900,000 individual overnight accommodations, from every state in the U.S. and more than 82 countries worldwide.

The Believe in Tomorrow facility on 66th Street in Ocean City is open yearround to provide a free getaway to the

beach for critically ill children and their families whenever they may need to escape the stresses of their child’s illness.

Each of the four condos feature kidfriendly décor and paintings with at least two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a fullystocked kitchen, living and dining room areas.

Center for the Arts joins with OC library during First Friday (Jan. 3, 2020) Shared Visions” is the opening show for 2020 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, where visual artists and writers collaborate and inspire each other.

The public is invited to the free, opening reception on First Friday, Jan. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at the Arts Center on 94th Street, bayside.

“Shared Visions” is a partnership between the Art League of Ocean City and the Ocean City branch of the Worcester County Library, home of the Ocean City Writers Group, headed by Ruth Wanberg-Alcorn.

The writers authored prose and poetry that was then interpreted into visual art by members of the Art League of Ocean City. Both sides will be on display during January.

“This is the seventh year for the collaboration,” said Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League. “It is an inspired coming-together of words and images and demonstrates the different forms of self-expression.”

In all, 20 writers inspired 32 visual artists working in painting, photography, mixed media, and fiber art for the “Shared Visions” show.

On Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 6-8:30 p.m., the Ocean City Writers Group will read their work at the Arts Center and discuss what inspired them in a free presentation, also open to the public.

Hanging in the Galleria in January will be an all-media group show by

members of the Art League. The staff of the Art League join together for a group show in Studio E. Photographer Gregory Poulos of Ocean City, occupies the Spotlight Gallery in January. A lifelong resident of Ocean City, he has been photographing his home for the past 30 years.

Poulos studied photography at Brooks Institute of Photography and Maryland Institute College of Art and has won numerous awards including a Merit Award from “Black and White Magazine.” He has also published a book of his photography in the resort, “Moments, Ocean City, MD.” Marisa Longo of Ocean City, is the artisan in residence for January, offering her one-of-a-kind jewelry and sculptures inspired by the natural objects found on Assateague Island.

She creates mixed media metal trees, pendants and figures with the wire wrapping technique, often inset with pearls.

Admission is always free to the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th Street, home of the Art League of Ocean City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects.

More information is available at 410524-9433 or ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.org.

Marisa Longo of Ocean City, is the artisan in residence for January, offering her one-of-a-kind jewelry and sculptures inspired by the natural objects found on Assateague Island at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street.

PHOTO COURTESY EJ FOXX

The Believe in Tomorrow House on the Bay on 28th Street deck was completed Friday, Dec. 20, after a year’s worth of construction donated by the Home Depot Foundation. The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters as well as provide support for local nonprofits.

PAGE 34

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

SINGERS

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Members of the Worcester County Developmental Center sing Christmas carols after a lunch provided by the Victorian Room inside the Dunes Manor Hotel on 28th Street, Tuesday, Dec. 17. Dunes Manor provides a free lunch and the lobby and piano to perform their Christmas concert. Music director June Todd from the OC Lioness club teaches the choir their songs.

Serving hot meals during the 23rd annual NOEL Christmas Day dinner at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church on Third Street, Wednesday, Dec. 25, from left, are, Larry Lorton, Sandy Abrams, Diane Lorton, and Steve and Anita Winkler. Abrams and the Winklers volunteered from Temple Bat Yam in Berlin.

PHOTO COURTESY D.J. LANDIS, SR.

SERVICE RECOGNIZED Sarah Walker has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City for 27 years. She was the first female president of the club and has been active in its events. In recognition of her long service, Walker received the "Kiwanis Legion of Honor Award" bestowed by Kiwanis International. She is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Roy Foreman, center, and Kiwanian Ralph Chinn.

INDUCTED Students from Worcester County recently inducted into the Alpha Nu Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Wor-Wic Community College, in front, from left, are Katalin Damiano, Liangliang DiFilippo and Ana Maria Hajiyev of Ocean City, and in the back, Angela Chronister of Berlin, Jamie Walsh of Bishopville, Lauren Lewis of Newark and Kylie Mohler of Pocomoke City.

PROCLAMATION SCREENINGS The Ocean City Lions Club recently provided vision screenings for Ocean City Elementary School Preschool and Kindergarten students. Pictured, from left, are Lions Steve McMillan and Mike Hooper, Bobbie Kahler and Lion Bill Kahler.

The Worcester County Commissioners are joined by representatives from the Department of Social Services on Nov. 5, to recognize November as National Adoption Month, to honor those who choose to adopt, and to thank the DSS professionals and their partners who strive to provide adoptive parents and families with the resources, support, and care needed to ensure the success of Worcester County sons and daughters.

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 35

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

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE RESTAURANT 15th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Family-owned, serving fine seafood, steaks and poultry on the third floor of the Courtyard by Marriott.

■ COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-524 3100, www.coinspub.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families.

Crab cakes, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood. Everything home-made. Happy hour 3-6 p.m. and early bird 4-6 p.m.

Daily specials.

■ THE CORAL REEF CAFE / HEMINGWAY'S RESTAURANT 17th Street, in the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.ocsuites.com/dining $-$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Four-story atrium cafe and an elegant dining room, Floridian/island-style cuisine, fresh seafood, fresh cuts of meat, farm-to-table produce, artisanal desserts, hearty sandwiches and much more.

■ VICTORIAN ROOM RESTAURANT Dunes Manor Hotel, OCEANFRONT at 28th and Baltimore Ave, Ocean City 410-289-1100, www.dunesmanor.com $$ - $$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Open year round. Oceanfront dining atmosphere with local, farm to table/sea to table cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Also Zippy Lewis Lounge with daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m., featuring Craft Beer selections and light fare menu; Milton’s Deck Dining; and tasty beach grillables at the Barefoot Beach Bar, in season.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street, in the Hilton Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.oceancityhilton.com/dining $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Western Caribbean cuisine, Eastern Shore favorites, extensive wine list and gourmet desserts.

■ BJ’S ON THE WATER 75th Street, Ocean City 410-524-7575, www.bjsonthewater.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Entire dining menu served 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., seven days a week, yearround. Daily specials, daily duck feeding.

Entertainment every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. No cover. Available for parties and banquets. Indoor and outdoor dining.

■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal

Highway 410-524-7981 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast served daily at West OC, 41st, and 70th street locations. Check out our new bar and happy hour specials at our new West OC location. Order online at www.TheDoughRoller.com.

■ DRY 85 OC 12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-6648989, www.DRY85.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Steps from the beach. Gourmet “stick to your ribs” home cooking. A made-fromscratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted. It’s that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, pork chops and wings and turns them completely on their head. Late night bar. Seasonal outdoor seating.

■ HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 31st Street, Ocean City 410-289-2581, higginscrabhouse.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full Bar Known for all-you-can-eat crabs, crab legs, fried chicken, steamed shrimp, and baby back ribs.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 67th Street Town Center, Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving lunch and dinner. Lite fare to dinner entrees offering a variety of burgers, paninis, sandwiches and salads. The "veggies" menu features wrinkled green beans. Signature house libiations and signature entrees made with ingredients from local farms and fisheries. A family restaurant.

■ MARLIN MOON 3301 Atlantic Ave., in the DoubleTree Ocean City 410-280-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Featuring Executive Chef Gary Beach.

Fresh cuisine featuring locally sourced seafood, steaks and vegetables. Small plate appetizers, fresh salads. Local craft beers and cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th Street, Ocean City 443-6646801, www.RedRedWineBar.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Steps from the beach. Coastal cuisine with a focus on local seafood and hand tossed pizzas plus artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ wines By the Glass, 120+ By the Bottle. Flights. Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Late night bar. Seasonal outdoor seating.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Island atmosphere. Soups, salads, Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

■ SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE 66th Street, Ocean City 410-723-6762, www.skyebaroc.com $-$$ | Reservations | Full bar Lunch, dinner, raw bar or lite fare, at the top of 66th Street and Coastal Highway.

Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ ABBEY BURGER BISTRO OC 126th Street, behind the Holiday Inn, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 410-2502333, www.abbeyburger.com/ocean-city $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Large parties welcome. Craft beer. Award winning burgers. Voted Best in Maryland, Wild Game.

■ BEACH BARRELS 13207 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-0522, www.beachbarrels.com $ | Full bar Happy hour Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday. Featuring primo hoagie menu where premium ingredients are fresh, nothing is pre-cut. Open 7 days, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

■ BLUE FISH JAPANESE & CHINESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR 94th Street, Ocean City 410-524-3983, www.bluefishocmd.com $-$$ | Reservations | Full bar Japanese and Chinese restaurant and sushi bar with beer, wine and cocktails.

Dine in, take out and delivery available.

■ BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH 116th Street & Coastal Hwy., (Behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium), Ocean City 443-664-2896, www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com $$-$$$ | Reservations recommended for large parties | Kids’ menu | Full bar Eastern Shore fare with a New Orleans Flare. Seafood, steaks and pasta dishes. Specializing in Jambalaya, Creole, & Gumbo. Home of the Ragin’ Cajun Bloody Mary. Happy Hour 4-7 p.m.

Weekly entertainment.

■ DUFFYS 130th St., in Montego Bay Shopping Ctr. & Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250 1449, www.duffysoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining, indoor or outdoor seating.

Irish fare and American cuisine. Appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Second season and daily dinner specials. Dine in, carry out.

Happy Hour, daily, noon to 6 pm.

■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT 101st Street, Ocean City 410-5243535, www.clarionoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. All-day menu, available 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet, open year-round.

■ NORI 11403 Coastal Highway (Gold Coast Mall), Ocean City443-880-6258 $$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open 7 days serving lunch and dinner.

Our creative menu features hand-cut steaks, grilled fish, crab cakes, sushi and sashimi. Dine-in or carry-out.

■ REEF 118 118th Street, in the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Ocean City 410-524-1000, www.carouselhotel.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Serving breakfast, Friday through Sunday 7-11 a.m. Featuring a breakfast buffet or special order from the regular menu. Enjoy our delicious 3 Course Dinner for $25 served every Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m. with the choice of appetizer, entree and dessert.

■ WHISKERS PUB 120th Street, OC Square, Ocean City 410-524-2609, www.whiskerspub.com $ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Certified Angus® burgers and casual fare.

Call for hours.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER West Ocean City, 12849 Ocean Gateway 410-213-7655 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast served daily at West OC, 41st, and 70th street locations. Check out our new bar and happy hour specials at our new West OC location. Order online at www.TheDoughRoller.com.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR AND GRILL 128741 S. Harbor Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1846, weocharborside.com $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the Original Fresh Squeezed Orange Crush! Open every day, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Appetizers, fresh seafood, steak and pasta. Live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday.

■ HOOTERS Route 50 & Keyser Point Road, West Ocean City 410-213-1841, www.hootersofoc.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu and game room | Full bar New smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings, burgers, quesadillas, tacos and healthy salads. Seafood selections with raw bar and crab legs.

Sports packages and live entertainment.

Large parties welcome.

■ POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN Route 50, West Ocean City 443-6642105 $ | Kids’ menu Family restaurant. Eat-in, carry out or drive-thru. Open seven days, year-round.

Every Wednesday, free kids meal with purchase of combo.

OCEAN PINES ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPyachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Amid a bay front setting, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers dining selections for lunch and dinner. Fresh seafood and signature drinks. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ TERN GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Located next to the Golf Shop, the Tern Grille serves freshly-prepared breakfast and lunch items. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

BERLIN ■ OCEAN DOWNS CASINO, POSEIDON’S PUB 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin 410641-0600, www.oceandowns.com $-$$$ | Full bar House soups, small plates, sandwiches, burgers and entrees including steaks, chicken, veggie and Eastern Shore favorites. Dining room hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. Pub open late.

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Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Coconut shrimp with marmalade

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) The philosophy of possibility precludes existence and therefore is not in a state of actuality.

However, chance is capable of coming into being if thought and experimentation are a continual occurrence.

A chef’s point of view must start from the moment of conception if perfection is to come to the forefront.

Creativity must be nurtured to the fullest degree. It is then, and only then, that one achieves uniqueness and ingenuity.

Every dish deserves the utmost consideration. It is the smallest details that separates a cook from their competitors.

Fried coconut shrimp with dipping sauce has earned its place on menus across the Eastern Shore. Inquisition is a must if conclusion to reign supreme.

How one cooks the shrimp, the exact breakdown of the dredging process, and what type of dipping sauce are just a sampling of the uncertainties that must be worked out before consumption takes place.

If you relish the thought of fried coconut shrimp and want to learn the intricate thought process behind this delicious dish, read on.

Fresh or frozen shrimp is your first consideration.

Fresh is always the best choice, but I find frozen shrimp is just as good and much easier on one’s wallet. The frozen crustaceans are constantly on sale, and that makes them even more cost effective.

The size of the shrimp is another “food for thought.”

Large shrimp are the preferred choice. The larger protein will stand up to the batter and coconut and also be able to support the spicy marmalade.

One cannot fry shrimp without contemplating what type of oil to use.

Coconut oil is a healthy way to cook the shrimp and at the same time enhances the theme of coconut. But if one is on a budget, canola oil is perfectly acceptable and will yield excellent results.

A standard dredging setup includes an egg mixture, flour, cornmeal and panko.

But coconut shrimp requires a much lighter batter. Cornstarch, beaten egg whites, shredded coconut and panko will produce the crispy, airy texture that coconut shrimp is known for.

The dipping sauce is open to personal preference, but a fruity sauce is your best option.

The natural sweetness is a perfect pairing with the tropical coconut. The

level of spiciness is up to the individual chef, but the “heat” will add depth of flavor and make for a more interesting dish.

Football playoffs are here and fried coconut shrimp with spicy, orange marmalade dipping sauce is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

If you serve it as a passed hors d’oeuvre, the shrimp will retain their crispy coating as opposed to leaving the shrimp on a plate for a considerable amount of time. Also, passed hors d’oeuvres are a clever way to control food costs.

No matter the occasion, fried coconut shrimp accompanied with spicy, orange marmalade dipping sauce will be a hit. Enjoy!

have at last ½-inch thickness of oil. Heat oil over medium to medium-high heat.

7. Working in batches, add the shrimp. Do not overcrowd the pan and cook until golden brown, about 1 ½ minutes. Using tongs, flip the shrimp over and cook until golden brown. Remove the shrimp by the tail and place on a cooling rack to maintain crispness. Apply salt according to personal taste.

8. Present dish with dipping sauce and garnish with fresh herbs, black

and white sesame seeds.

Secret Ingredient – Hard Work.

“No matter how hard you work, someone is working harder.”

– Elon Musk

CROSSWORD

Spicy Orange Marmalade Dipping Sauce ½ cup orange marmalade ¼ cup duck sauce 1/3 cup red pepper jelly 1/8 teaspoon of Dijon mustard 1 splash of rice vinegar 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon of lime zest ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper seeds a pinch of kosher salt 1. In a medium sauce pan, heat all ingredients over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Allow to cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. Remove dipping sauce from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Coconut Shrimp ½ cup cornstarch 4 large egg whites 1 cup unsweetened coconut ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs 1 pound large raw shrimp (21 to 25 count), peeled, deveined, with tails attached canola or coconut oil for frying kosher salt to taste fresh herbs, black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds as a garnish 1. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Whisk the egg whites until frothy and place in another bowl.

2. Toss the coconut and panko in another shallow bowl.

3. Working with one shrimp at a time, holding it by the tail, coat the shrimp (but not its tail in the cornstarch mixture then shake off the excess. Dip in the egg whites and shake off any excess.

4. Dredge the shrimp in the coconutpanko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure ample coating. Set aside on a large plate.

5. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

6. Heat enough oil in a large skillet to

Answers on page 38

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 37

Ocean City Today

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

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

Fri., Jan. 3 FIBER FRIENDS Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:00 AM. Bring your lapwork and join the group as they knit, crochet and embroider. All are welcome. Victoria Christie-Healy, 703-507-0708, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:00 AM. Novice and established writers gather to share their fiction, non-fiction and creative writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises.

Drop-ins welcome. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:00 PM. Come explore and experiment.

For ages 4 to 14 years. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. This show, titled “Shared Visions,” is a partnership between the Art League of Ocean City and the Ocean City Writers Group. The writers authored prose and poetry that was then interpreted into visual art by members of the Art League. Both sides will be on display during January. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Free admission and open to the public. 410-524-9433, https://artleagueofoceancity.org

ANNUAL CASH BINGO Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 10709 Bishopville Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., early bird games begin at 5:45 p.m and regular games begin at 7 p.m. Featuring 20 regular games, 2 specials and jackpot. Cost is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Food, beverages and 50/50s available for sale. Advance tickets: 619922-9950.

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Stuff your own Teddy Bear and take it with you. All ages welcome. Register: 410-524-1818. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 PM. For 2 to 5 year old children. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

BOOK PAGE VOTIVE JARS

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Featuring live music, chef demos, children’s activities and other special events. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., 5:00 PM. Repurpose an old book and decorate a votive jar. Register: 410632-3495. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Mon., Jan. 6 CPAP MASK FITTING Atlantic General Hospital Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-6419726.

HYPERTENSION CLINIC Apple Discount Drugs, 314 Franklin Ave., #600, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital and takes place the first Monday of every month. Free blood pressure screening and health information.

Genie, 410-641-9268

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Crafty fun for children of all ages. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 PM. The group meets twice a month to discuss both classic and modern reading selections recommended by the Great Books Foundation. 410-2084014, http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:00 PM. Books, songs and Saturday silliness for kids of all ages. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, 6:30 PM. Doors open at 5 p.m. Every Friday in January the Knights of Columbus Ocean City Council #9053 will donate all proceeds to The Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health. Cost is $22 to play all night. Refreshments available. http://www.koc9053.com

CRAFTY SATURDAY MAKE & TAKE ‘LET IT SNOW’

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. TOPS is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Berlin group No. 169. Rose Campion, 410-6410157

BINGO FOR BABIES BONANZA!

Sat., Jan. 4

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 2:00 PM. Providing one-on-one assistance for those who want to make the most of their tablet or mobile device. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 AM. For children ages 2 to 5. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

GORDMANS JOB FAIR Gordmans, 11561 Coastal Highway, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. To be held at Gold Coast Mall Peebles location; soon to be Gordmans opening Feb. 18. Positions include store manager, assistant store manager, sale associate, stockroom associate and more. Interested candidates are invited to first apply online at gordmans.com/careers and then visit the job fair. Walk-in welcome.

STORY TIME ‘I AM ME’

SATURDAY STORY TIME ‘HIBERNATION’ FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

terlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘WINTER CHILL’ THE MOBILE MENTOR

FIRST SATURDAY WRITERS

TEDDY BEAR WORKSHOP STEM SCIENCE FOR HOMESCHOOLERS ‘SNOW!’

younger. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

KETO•TARIAN VEGETARIAN AND KETO COMBINED FOR HEALTHY LIVING Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:00 PM. Take the best of plant-based foods and add ketogenic elements like organic eggs, wild salmon, avocado and nuts to create a way of eating that is lighter and more sustainable. Food samples available. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

FAMILY TIME MOVIE WITH WOODY AND BUZZ (2019) Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Enjoy movie related activities before the movie begins at 4:30 p.m. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY MEETING AGH DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Open to the public and meets the first Monday of each month. Speaker and education related to diabetes is provided. AGH Diabetes Outpatient Education, 410-208-9761

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 7:00 PM. Come and sing. Drop-ins welcome.

Carol, 410-641-6876

Tues., Jan. 7

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Center, 9730 Healthway Drive, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. TOPS is a support and educational group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. jeanduck47@gmail.com

Wed., Jan. 8 GRACE PARKER BREAKFAST First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Eggs to order, bacon, ham, sausage, biscuits, grits, potatoes, pancakes (plain or buckwheat), coffee and tea. Cost is $9 for all-you-can-eat and $7 for carry-out.

FAITH-BASED PARTNERSHIP

WITTY KNITTERS Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Knitters, crochet enthusiasts, needle artists of all skill levels are invited. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:00 AM. Explore the world of iPads while learning from each other. Register: Norma Kessler, 410-641-7017. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center Conference Room, 9707 Healthway Drive, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. A cooperative effort for local Worship Centers and Atlantic General Hospital & Health System to increase health awareness, education and healthy living incentives. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month. Gail Mansell, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org, 410-641-9725

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE

STEAM STORYTIME ‘PAINTING FUN’

LAP TIME

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 AM. Mother Goose-themed songs and play for children 2 years and

Pocomoke Library, 301 Market St., 10:30 AM. Stories and painting activities for young children. http://www.worces-

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 AM. Songs, stories, games and

IPAD CHICKS

STORY TIME ‘SNOWFLAKES’ Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 AM. For 2 to 5 year old children. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

Continued on Page 38

PAGE 38

Ocean City Today

JANUARY 3, 2020

CALENDAR Continued from Page 37 finger plays for children under 2 years old. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

HYPERTENSION CLINICS Sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital and takes place at Rite Aid, 10119 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin and at Rite Aid, 11011 Manklin Creek Road, Ocean Pines, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Free blood pressure screening and health information.

Genie, 410-641-9268

ACUPUNCTURE: AN INTRODUCTION Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., 2:00 PM. Dr. Mark Stoehr discusses the healing properties of acupuncture, including its use to alleviate stress and pain. Register: 410-641-0650. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

TEEN SILENT BOOK CLUB Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Bring a book (or borrow one) and read with fellow book lovers. Discuss the books and enjoy some snacks. http://www.worceseterlibrary.org

tinuing career in corrections. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to apply.

Ann Hankins, 410-632-0090, http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/hr/jobs

O.C. WRITERS’ GROUP Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Participants share their poetry/prose and receive encouraging feedback. Bring something you’ve written or participate in a writing prompt/creative exercise. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOT STOVE PLUS Nick’s House of Ribs, 14410 Coastal Highway, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. A night of Orioles and Ravens sports talk with featured guests Tom Davis and Al Bumbry.

Cost is a $35 donation to Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation and includes dinner. There will be a cash bar, sports silent auction, mystery boxes, 50/50 and much more. Tickets: Wayne Littleton, 410-723-2842. http://www.believeintomorrow.org

LITERACY NIGHT Ocean City Elementary School hosted a “Super Family Literacy Night” on Oct. 23. Families attended the literacy night to learn additional information about county literacy programs such as “Raising a Reader” and the “100 Book Reading Challenge.” Pictured are Aleksandra Russo, Alexis Castagna and Adelyn Sweitzer.

JAZZ AFTERHOURS KIWANIS CLUB OF GREATER OP/OC Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway. Doors open at 7 a.m., meeting begins at 8 a.m. 410641-7330, http://www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Pocomoke Library, 301 Market St., 6:30 PM. Award winning jazz guitarist Abraham Ovadio plays and discusses improvisation. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLES DELMARVA HAND DANCE CLUB Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave., 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Dance to the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s music. A $5 donation to benefit Veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Members and guests. dance@delmarvahanddancing.com, 410-208-1151, http://delmarvahanddancing.com

OC/BERLIN ROTARY CLUB MEETING Wednesdays - Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, 6:00 PM. 302-540-2127

BRIDGE WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 10:00 AM 2:00 PM. Knowledge of basic Bridge (Goren/American Standard). 410-5965498

Thurs., Jan. 9 STORY TIME ‘SNOW PEOPLE’

Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Beach Singles, 45 years and older, meet for happy hour.

Info: 302-436-9577, 410-524-0649 or BeachSingles.org

GRIEF SUPPORT

SCHOLARSHIP

Thursdays - Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 11:00 AM. Coastal Hospice provides grief support and education. Participants work together to help each other navigate through grief at their own pace. Free and open to the public. Nicole Long, 443-614-6142

Family and friends of the late Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 1st Class Brian K. Heller recently presented a check for $4,300 for the endowed scholarship in his name, which benefits Wor-Wic Community College criminal justice students from Worcester, Wicomico or Somerset County.

Pictured, from left, are Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic Community College; Jessica Hales, director of development and executive director of the Wor-Wic Foundation; Sheriff Matt Crisafulli of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; Heller’s mother, Connie Widmann, and her husband, Dave. The scholarship fund was created in 2004 in memory of Heller, who died in the line of duty in 2000.

ONGOING EVENTS BOOK A LIBRARIAN Through January, contact your closest library branch to schedule a personal appointment for help with resumes, job applications, E-Reader or basic computer skills. www.worcesterlibrary.org

Crossword answers from page 36

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 AM. For ages 2 to 5. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

STEAM STORYTIME ‘PAINTING FUN’ Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 AM. Stories and painting activities for young children. http://www.worcesterlibrary.org

FITNESS WALK JOB FAIR Worcester County Jail, 5022 Joyner Road, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Worcester County Human Resources will host a job fair for those interested in a new or con-

Ocean City Elementary School Physical Education teachers, Tracey Drocella and Mark Engle, took the third and fourth graders to the Boardwalk for the annual Fitness Walk to raise awareness that healthy bodies make healthy minds. The students, teachers and parents walked the entire length of the Boardwalk and back. Third graders Alexis Castagana, Clementine Kohut, Kirra Wright, Madison Andrews, Adelyn Sweitzer and Izabella Willoughby are pictured on the Boardwalk.

JANUARY 3, 2020

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

is now accepting applications for the following positions:

Male or Female Retiree PT or FT Janitorial/ Custodial Work Flexible hours.

Good references needed.

Contact Gene Brewis with Harbour Island at 14th Street on the bay.

410-251-1423

Hiring ALL Positions!!

Full time & Part time To apply go to: www.mygcjob.com

Captain’s Table Restaurant

Cooks, A/V Staff, Painter, General Maintenance, P/T Distillery Tour Guide For more details or to apply, please go online to www.seacrets.com/employment

2 15th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842 Now accepting applications for the following YR position:

• Year Round Line Cook

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew

Apply in person or email resume to: duran.showell@marriott.com All candidates must go through a satisfactory background check.

www.courtyardoceancity.com ~ No phone calls please.

Office Assistant Needed Full-time Position

for our WOC kitchen facility $14-$16/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Part-time position in law office. Proficient computer skills, Word Perfect, Dictaphone, telephone and light bookkeeping required. Familiarity with E-filing a plus, but will train.

Please respond by sending resume to P.O. Box 56, Ocean City, MD 21843

HIRING ALL POSITIONS!!

Full time & Part time Stop by our location on 52nd street! or call 443-664-2825

Become a Better You in 2020!

To Order Product Call Christine 443-880-8397 or email: snowhillavon@ comcast.net To Become an Avon Representative Sign Up at www.

ChristinesBeautyShop.com

RENTALS 3 BR, 1 BTH, Rancher on a large lot in good school district. Berlin, Md. Washer and Dryer, attached garage, heat pump. $1200/month, rental application required.

410-599-6906 to schedule appt.

YR Ocean Pines. Large 2 story. 3BR, 2.5BA, screened porch, fireplace, oversized garage. No smoking, no pets.

Good credit. Security deposit plus utilities. $1495 per month. 301-509-6515

RAMBLER MOTEL 9942 Elm Street, WOC (Behind Starbucks) Sleeps 4, $250 per week Manager onsite 410-213-1764

LACROSSE COACHES

Seasonal (or) Year Round We have two busy rental offices We are looking for someone who can assist in our Ocean Pines and Ocean City office. q References required/Real Estate License a Plus q Professional/Friendly q Must be willing travel to properties mostly in Ocean Pines and Ocean City. q Must work most weekends as needed – No Evenings q Administrative skills needed Please fax resumes letters and references to or inquiries to

Worcester Preparatory School, a coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 500 students in grades PK-12, is currently seeking Head and Assistant Coaches for Boys Lacrosse. Minimum of 2 yrs. experience and CJIS Background Screening required. EOE Contact: Matt McGinnis 410-641-3575 or mmcginnis@worcesterprep.org

FT/ T//YYR SENIOR OFFICE COORDINAATTOR for a fast-paced offffice in the Housekeeping department. Full-time, year round, with benefits. Must be able to work weekends & holidays. Prior offffice experience preferred; customer service skills & the ability to multi task is required.

Hileman Real Estate, Inc. Attn: Chris to fax # 410-208-9562 or email Hilemanre@aol.com

Appppllyy onlliine: w yndcareers.com or ccoontact Micchhelllle Bladdees at: Michelle.Blades@w ynvr.com Employment is contingent on drug screen & background check. ResortQuest is an EOE.

Work At The BEACH...

Work With The BEST!!

Top wages, excellent benefits package and free employee meal available to successful candidates.

Employment Opportunities: Year Round, Full/Part Time: Banquet Server, Server, Bartender, Busser, Hostess/Host, Food Runner, Front Desk, Pool Attendants, Line Cooks, Lobby Attendants, Housestaff, Room Attendants, Wash Room, Maintenance, Dishwasher

JOIN OU UR GROWING G TEA AM! Real Hospita ospitality pita Group is now hiring for:

ACCOUNTANTS C TS

Free employee meal and excellent benefits.

Apply online online at:

Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel Attn: Human Resources Dept.

10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109 EOE M/F/D/V

ssifieds la C r u o Y r e Ord

HELP WANTED

www.realhospitalit pit ygrou oup p.com///c care eers

12800 Hospitalit y Wa y • Oc ean City, MD 2184 2

Online

RENTALS RENTALS

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

WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS Pool Front Room ..$199/wk Family Room ........$235/wk 2BR Apartment.....$315/wk 3BR Suite .............$400/wk Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave. 410-289-8581

Summer Rental Available May 10th-Sept. 10th. 312 Sunset Dr. 2BR/1.5BA, newly remodeled, big kitchen/living area. Sleeps up to 6. $13,500/season, you pay utilities. Security deposit $2,000.

Call 410-428-7333. www.SunsetTerraceRentals.com

Winter-Short Term Rentals ~ until 4/15/20 • SUNSET DR - 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba. Apt., $700/mo.

• TIBURON 139TH ST - 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Condo $900/mo.

• GOLF COURSE RD - 2 bdrm, 1 ba. Apt., $600/mo.

• SILVERPOINT LANE - 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Home $950/mo.

ALL units: fully furnished, include cable & TV, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer. Require: sec. dep., electric, references 410 213-8090 or email: events@oceanpromotions.info

$1200 4BR, 2BA Single Family Starting at $1450

3BR, 2BA Single Family Starting at

Available Winter Seasonal Rentals @ www.hilemanrealestate.com

CALL US TODAY! 410-208-9200

www.oceancitytoday.com

Convenient, quick, no waiting, no calls ~ Days, nights and weekends

Open 6 Days A Week Mon.-Sat., 9-5 * Berlin * Ocean City * * Ocean Pines * * Snow Hill *

PAGE 40

RENTALS

REAL ESTATE

COMMERCIAL

SERVICES

YR RENTAL - 5 Bed / 3 Bath Home in WOC, Cape Isle of Wight. Fenced-in back yard, 2-car garage with full upstairs storage space. New carpet, paint, will be available around 1/1/20. $1750 per month, plus electric and cable. Resort Rentals, 410-524-0285.

$59,900 cash buys you a BEAUTIFUL mobile home!

Thoroughly renovated, near boat ramp. Lot rent $425/month.

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

1 Office/Retail Space & 1 Warehouse Unit available in West Ocean City.

Call 443-497-4200

House and Rental Clean Out, small and local moving, and removal of junk and furniture.

Also, will clean out garages/ sheds. 302-222-7297, 302422-9390

Year-Round Rental Available in West Ocean City. 2BR, 1BA. Call 1-877-289-1616 for more information.

ROOMMATES ROOMMATE Responsible, mature, reliable roommate wanted for midtown OC apartment. $450/ mo. Shared electric. 410251-6678

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Remodeled From Foundation Up, 3BR, 2BA Home on .25 Acre In Bishopville. No HOA. $239,000 Call Howard Martin Realty, 410-352-5555.

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

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

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

Ocean Pines Early Bird 4 Large bedrooms and great room w/cathedral ceiling and fireplace.

Master bed with whirlpool and sit-down shower.

Large kitchen with lots of cabinets. All purpose room. Two car garage and large deck.

Overlooks golf coarse. $359,950 Open Daily by Apt. Call 410-726-0698 Classifieds 410-723-6397

Berlin: 225 sq. ft. Office Space, $350/mo. includes utilities. 120 sq. ft. Storage Sheds, each $95/mo.

Call 410-726-5471.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Spacious, climatecontrolled corner office with beautiful views, available in Class A office building. Use of Conference Room and reception area, in a modern, well-maintained building, in prime mid-town Ocean City location.

Call 410-524-3440 for appointment.

SERVICES

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

Run your business card in our

SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!

FURNITURE

JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH FURNITURE WAREHOUSE -- NEW AND USED Pick-Up & Delivery Available

410-250-7000 146th Street, Ocean City

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 taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065. www.oceancitytoday.net

AUCTIONS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for the Owner 11906 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842 to satisfy a lien for rental on January 14, 2020 at approx.

11:00 AM at www.storagetreasures.com.

The contents of approximately 16 Cubes will be sold.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES Place a business card ad in the Regional Small Display MARYLAND STATEWIDE 2x2/2x4 Advertising Network CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING – Let MDDC help you grow your business! Call TODAY at NETWORK 410-212-0616 to increase AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS your customer base and get DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, results.

RVs Lutheran Mission Society EDUCATION/CAREER of MD. Compassion Place TRAINING ministries help local families with food, clothing, counsel- AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINing Tax deductible. MVA li- ING – Get FAA certification to fix planes. Financial Aid if qualcensed #W1044. ified. Approved for military 410-636-0123 www.CompassionPlace.org benefits.

Call Aviation Institute of MEDICAL LEGAL SERVICES Maintenance 866-823-6769 Lung Cancer? And Age 60+?

You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 844-591-5210 for information. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket.

REAL ESTATE Delaware New Move-In Ready Homes! Low Taxes!

Close to Beaches, Gated, Olympic pool. Homes from low $100's, No HOA Fees.

Brochures Available 1-866--629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com SERVICESMISCELLANEOUS Increase your customer base and get great results by placing your ads in the MDDC – Classified Advertising network! Call today 410-2120616 Ask for Multi-Media Specialist - Wanda & watch your results grow.

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

Print • Web

oceancitytoday.com • baysideoc.com

JANUARY 3, 2020

PAGE 41

Ocean City Today

BLINDS & SHADES

DOOR REPAIR

ELECTRICIAN

Raymond O’Brocki Jr. Master Electrician 443 691 0544 Call or Text Same Rate Day, Evening, Weekends

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PAGE 42 BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 51 OFFSHORE LA. OCEAN PINES A/R/T/A BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated July 26, 2010 and recorded in Liber 5519, Folio 29 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $243,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 21, 2020 AT 3:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this

Ocean City Today / Public Notices property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 339710-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-1/2/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 205 SIXTH ST. A/R/T/A 205 6TH ST. POCOMOKE A/R/T/A POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated January 19, 2008 and recorded in Liber 5053, Folio 589 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of

$116,250.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 21, 2020 AT 3:33 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the

JANUARY 3, 2020 borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 337382-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-1/2/3t _________________________________ 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 11500 COASTAL HWY., UNIT #118 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Patricia Ann Griffiths dated April 20, 1990 and recorded in Liber 1639, folio 254 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 17, 2020 AT 12:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and described as Unit No. 118 in the “Sea Watch Condominium” and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #10-141834.

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.

JANUARY 3, 2020 Terms of Sale: A deposit of $6,000 in the form of certified check, cashier’s check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Sub. Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, including water/sewer charges and ground rent, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale forward. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.

If the Sub. Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest.

If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale.

Trustees’ file number 72176.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-1/2/3t _________________________________

Ocean City Today / Public Notices BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 5005 NASSAWANGO RD. SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated September 30, 2015 and recorded in Liber 6665, Folio 125 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $135,615.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 14, 2020 AT 3:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assess-

ment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341004-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________ Hofmeister & Breza 11019 McCormick Road, Suite 400 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF VALUABLE FEE SIMPLE DWELLING

2502 Worcester Highway, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Deed of Trust from Jeffrey Young, dated June 11, 2010, and recorded in Liber 5499, folio 230, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, as modified, default having occurred under the terms thereof, and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the un-

PAGE 43 dersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Courthouse Door, Snow Hill, MD on

Monday, January 13, 2020 AT 11:00 AM All that lot of ground and the improvements thereon SITUATED IN Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Purchase Money Deed of Trust.

The property is believed to be improved by a Rancher style dwelling believed to contain three bedrooms, two baths, central air conditioning, two fireplaces, a rear deck, and a two car driveway. The property address is 2502 Worcester Highway, Pocomoke City, MD 21851.

Said property is in fee simple and is sold in an “as is condition” and subject to all covenants, conditions, liens, restrictions, easements, rightsof-way as may affect same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $13,000.00 will be required of the purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note or its assigns, at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or certified check, or other form acceptable to the Substitute Trustees, in their sole discretion. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) days of the final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. If payment of the balance does not take place within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit may be forfeited and property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. The defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. Interest to be paid on unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the deed of trust note from date of sale to date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees in the event the property is purchased by someone rather than the note holder.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , including, but not limited to, exceptions to the sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, or court administration of the foreclosure, there shall be no abatement of interest. Taxes, ground rent, water, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges, assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer 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. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit.

Upon refund of the deposit, this sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further

PAGE 44 claims against the Substitute Trustees.

NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustees nor their agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.

Stephanie H. Hurley and Scott R. Robinson, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 410-825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 3864 ALGONQUIN TRAIL SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated August 21, 2009 and recorded in Liber 5349, Folio 1 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $242,723.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:30 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $21,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS

Ocean City Today / Public Notices OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 343321-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838

www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 546 OCEAN PKWY. BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated October 22, 2010 and recorded in Liber 5572, Folio 30 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $360,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:33 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $21,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contrac-

JANUARY 3, 2020 tual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 335352-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 13 WHITE CRANE DR. BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated June 22, 2012 and recorded in Liber 5947, Folio 185 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of

JANUARY 3, 2020 $390,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:36 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $26,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the

PAGE 45

Ocean City Today / Public Notices borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341887-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 11257 SAINT MARTINS NECK RD. BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated November 19, 2007 and recorded in Liber 5036, Folio 164 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $154,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on JANUARY 7, 2020 AT 3:39 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of

$13,000 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, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of current year’s real property taxes are adjusted as of the date of sale, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Taxes due for prior years including costs of any tax sale are payable by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All other public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, ground rent, whether incurred prior to or after the sale to be paid by the purchaser.

Any deferred water and sewer charges that purports to cover or defray cost during construction of public water or wastewater facilities constructed by the developer and subject to an annual fee or assessment are to be paid by the purchaser to the lienholder and are a contractual obligation between the lienholder and each owner of this property, and is not a fee or assessment imposed by the county. Any right of prepayment or discount for early prepayment of water and sewer charges may be ascertained by contacting the lienholder. All costs of deed recordation including but not limited to all transfer, recordation, agricultural or other taxes or charges assessed by any governmental entity as a condition to recordation, are payable by purchaser, whether or not purchaser is a Maryland First Time Home Buyer. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser’s default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver

one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 341838-1) PLEASE CONSULT WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees ALEX COOPER AUCTS, INC. 908 YORK RD., TOWSON, MD 21204 410-828-4838 www.alexcooper.com OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, Maryland 20707 301-490-3361 Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs.

Cynthia C. Marks Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil No. 23-C-15-001099

NOTICE

ORDERED, this 10th day of December, 2019 by the Circuit Court of WORCESTER COUNTY, Maryland, that the sale of the property at 12 Footbridge Trail, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et. al, Substitute Trustees, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 13th day of January, 2020 next, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said County once in each of three successive weeks before the 6th day of January, 2020, next.

The report states the amount of sale to be $177,498.38.

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-12/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18077 Notice is given that the Circuit court of Arlington County, VA appointed Diane Kresh, 3930 Vacation Lane, Arlington, VA 22207 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Joan Helen Hayn Nester who died on March 04, 2019 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is John Joseph Nester Jr. whose address is 1655 Patrice Circle, Crofton, MD 21114.

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

PAGE 46

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the 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.

Diane Kresh 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 19, 2019 OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 18060 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD LEE CORRIGAN Notice is given that Richard Lee Corrigan Jr., 8333 Glenmar Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043, was on December 11, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard Lee Corrigan who died on November 6, 2019, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of June, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim

forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Richard Lee Corrigan Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: December 19, 2019 OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________ Samuel I. White, PC 596 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 JOHN E. DRISCOLL, III, et al Plaintiffs, Substitute Trustees v.

ROGER FREDERICK JORDAN, JR. Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil Action No. C-23-CV-18-000378

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 16th day of December, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 309 W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 13th day of January, 2020, provided a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in the some newspaper of general circulation published in said County before the 6th day of January, 2020.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the sale to be $85,120.00.

Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/19/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held 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.

6:30 p.m.

Case No. 20-1, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, on the lands of James & Jennifer Young, requesting

two variances to reduce the Ordinance prescribed minimum lot area from 10,000 square feet to 9,750 square feet (a reduction of 250 square feet) and two variances to the Ordinance prescribed minimum lot width from 80 feet to 67.5 feet (a reduction of 12.5 feet) associated with the proposed re-subdivision of two previously consolidated lots in the R2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2), and ZS 1305, located at 82 Ocean Parkway, approximately 172 feet west of Moby Dick Drive, Tax Map 16, Parcel 40, Section 3, Lot 280A of the Ocean Pines Subdivision, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m.

Case No. 20-3, on the application of Calvert Crossland, LLC, on the lands of Orlando & Martha Harrison, requesting a special exception to construct a 195 foot tall telecommunications monopole in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(29) and ZS 1-343, located on Ironshire Station Road, approximately 439 feet west of Downs Road, Tax Map 31, Parcel 40, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________ Peter Buas, Esq. 3509 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842 Scully Properties, LLC 5227 Thunder Hill Road Columbia, MD 21045 Plaintiff v.

Dena Shaffer 6955 Meadowlake Road New Market, MD 21774 Marion Shaffer 6955 Meadowlake Road New Market, MD 21774

JANUARY 3, 2020 CM, Deed Reference: 02546/00308, Assessed to Marion Shaffer & Dena Shaffer Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-19-000359

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: Item No. 76, Account Number 10290686; Property Description: U C 143RD ST ATLANTIC MIST I CM; Deed Reference 02546/00308; assessed to Dena Shaffer & Marion Shaffer.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 17th of December, 2019, by the Circuit Court for Worcester, County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 21st day of February, 2020, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________

Atlantic Mist I Condominium Association c/o Dawn Hodge 202 143rd St. Unit A Ocean City, MD 21842 Worcester County, Maryland Maureen L. Howarth, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103 1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 76, Account No. 10290686, Property description U C 143RD ST ATLANTIC MIST I CM, Deed Reference: 02546/00308, Assessed to Marion Shaffer & Dena Shaffer, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 76, Account No. 10290686, Property description U C 143RD ST ATLANTIC MIST I

NOTICE

Pursuant to the Town of Berlin, MD Code Sections 108-214 and 108215, the Berlin Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider a request for a Change in Zoning Classification received from Delmarva Property Management, Inc. during its regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The subject properties are currently zoned M1A Industrial District and are proposed to be changed to B-2 Shopping District, located on the north side of U.S. Route 50 and the westerly side of Maryland Route 818 (North Main Street extended), and are identified as Worcester County Tax Map Number 25, Parcels 0004 and 0461 consisting of approximately 26.67 acres.

OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________

JANUARY 3, 2020

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 9, 2020 At 2:00 p.m.

MAJOR PW 19-103 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 23’.5” perpendicular pier, install (1) boat lift with associated piling and (2) PWC lifts with associated piling.

Maximum channelward 28’.5”. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 1517 SHAD ROW Parcel # 3379 -14 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: RICHARD & JANET WISER PW 20-01 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead, a 6’ x 17’ pier, one (1) boat lift and one (1) PWC lift with all associated poles. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 136 52ND ST Parcel # 8430 -136 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARM OWNER: BRYAN FOREMAN PW 20-02 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated poles.. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 183 JAMESTOWN RD. SLIP 11, Parcel # 3962A-11 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: HIDDEN OAK FARMS OWNER: JOSEPH KOSTACK PW 20-03 A request has been submitted to remove pier and build a new 4’ x 32’ pier, install (2) boat lift pilings and (1) 1,500 lb PWC lift with associated piling. Maximum channelward 36’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2845 GULL WAY Parcel # 4892 -A17 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MCGINTY MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: ROBERT HENNEBERRY PW 20-04 A request has been submitted to install (4) boatlift pilings and (1) parallel 8000 lb. boatlift, maximum channelward 18’6’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 719 TWIN TREE RD Parcel # 9479A-17

PAGE 47

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction beginning DECEMBER 19, 2019 or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

Line No 1235-19 1236-19 1240-19 1244-19

Year N/A 2016 2016 2000

Make SCOOTER HYUNDAI JIAN VOLKS

Model LB500T6 ELANTRA MVP JETTA

Color N/A BLUE RED RED

Style OR 4S OR SD

VIN LFC1CBPK8B1000670 5NPDH4AE8GH772156 L2BB2NCC5GB809007 3VWTE29M2YM161679

Mileage N/A N/A 6178.8 221,135

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police OCD-12/19/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BAYSHORE MARINE CONSTRUCTION OWNER: JEFFREY ESBENSHADE OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(3)(a) requesting a special yard exception to the front yard setback in order to rebuild a stair tower to life safety and building code, resulting in an encroachment of 3.5 feet into the 5 foot required by Code, in a manner similar to, but not exceeding, the conditions of the multi-family structure located adjoining on the west side, at 12 84th Street. The site of the appeal is described as Parcel 0869A, Tax Map 0114, on the Ocean Bay City Plat, dated 1937; further described as located on the north side of 84th Street, and locally known as the Stephanie Lee Condo, 10 84th

Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BELUKA BEACH PROPERTIES - (BZA 2542 #19-09400015) at 6:10 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to design standards as required

by Code to waive ½ parking space (1 parking space) required to add a third bedroom to Unit B. The site of the appeal is described as Lot B, Parcel 2491 of the 209 Dorchester Street Condo Plat; further described as located on the south side of Dorchester Street between S. Philadelphia and St. Louis Avenues, and known locally as 209 Dorchester Street Condo, Unit B, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: NOLEN INVEST LLC – (BZA 2543 #19-09400016) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Alfred Harrison, Chairman Heather Stansbury, Attorney OCD-12/26/2t _________________________________

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Purchase of Off-Road Dump Truck Worcester County, Maryland The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids for the purchase of one (1) new current production model Off-Road Dump Truck to be used by the Solid Waste Division of Public Works. Bid specification packages and bid forms are available from the Office of the County Commissioners, Room 1103 - Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, obtained online under the “Bids” drop-

down menu in the lower right hand side of the home page at www.co.worcester.md.us, or by calling the Commissioners’ Office at 410-632-1194 to request a package by mail. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 PM, Monday, January 27, 2020 in the Office of the County Commissioners at the above address, at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked "Bid for OffRoad Dump Truck" in the lower left-hand corner. After opening, bids will be forwarded to the Department of Public Works for tabulation, review and recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration at a future meeting. In awarding the bid, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever bid they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate. All inquiries shall be directed to Michael Mitchell, Solid Waste Superintendent, at 410-632-3177.

OCD-1/2/1t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PROPOSED CHANGE IN ZONING SOUTHERLY SIDE OF US ROUTE 50 NORTHERLY SIDE OF MD ROUTE 346 THIRD TAX DISTRICT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Pursuant to Section 1-113 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, Rezoning Case No. 422 has been filed by Joseph E. Moore, attor-

PAGE 48

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today / Public Notices

ney, on behalf of M and G Route 50 Land, LLC, property owner, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 18.65 acres of land located on the southerly side of US Route 50 and northerly side of MD Route 346, in the Third Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from A-1 Agricultural District to C-2 General Commercial District. The Planning Commission has given a favorable recommendation to the rezoning application.

Pursuant to Sections 1-113 and 1114 of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, the County Commissioners will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. in the COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' MEETING ROOM ROOM 1101, WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER ONE WEST MARKET STREET, SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 At said public hearing, the Commissioners will consider the rezoning application, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 422 and the recommendation of the Planning Commission, any proposed restrictions on the rezoning, other appropriate restrictions, conditions or limitations as may be deemed by them to be appropriate to preserve, improve or protect the general character and design of the lands and improvements being zoned or rezoned or of the surrounding or adjacent lands and improvements, and the advisability of reserving the power and authority to approve or disapprove the design of

buildings, construction, landscaping or other improvements, alterations and changes made or to be made on the subject land or lands to assure conformity with the intent and purpose of applicable State laws and regulations and the County Zoning Ordinance.

Maps of the petitioned area, the staff file on Rezoning Case No. 422 and the Planning Commission's recommendation which will be entered into the record of the public hearing are on file and are available for inspection at the Department of Development Review and Permitting, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm (except holidays).

Joseph Mitrecic, President OCD-1/2/2t _________________________________ WADE GRIMES FRIEDMAN MEINKEN & LEISCHNER PLLC GRETCHYN G. MEINKEN ESQ. 616 N. WASHINGTON ST. ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18108 Notice is given that the Circuit Court of Alexandria City, VA appointed Carl Christian Thier, 5782A S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822 as the Administrator of the Estate of Alfreda Victoria Miller who died on November 13, 2018 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Gina D. Shaffer Esq. whose address is 9921 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Site C3, Ocean City, MD 21842.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the 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.

Carl Christian Thier 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 26, 2019 OCD-12/26/3t _________________________________ JAMES E. CLUBB JR., ESQ. 108 N. 8TH ST. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18109 Notice is given that the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, VA ap-

pointed Joseph W. Stuart, 10427 North Street, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030 as the Administrator of the Estate of Esmond F. Stanton who died on February 19, 2019 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is James E. Clubb Jr. whose address is 108 8th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the 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.

Joseph W. Stuart 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: January 2, 2020 OCD-1/2/3t _________________________________

Commentary

Ocean City Today Jan. 3, 2020

Page 49

Williams mentions idea of Wor. tax differential Maybe it was an offhand remark or a subtle political jab, but Berlin Mayor Gee Williams’ comment this week about seeking a county tax differential for the town was one of the waning year’s most surprising endings.

For county residents who haven’t been following Ocean City’s decades-long pursuit of a better tax deal with Worcester County government, a tax differential in this instance is a rate that’s adjusted downward to reflect the costs of services the tax-levying entity provides but the taxpaying entity doesn’t use.

Avoiding specifics — therefore avoiding an argument over whether the example is fair — say the Worcester County government keeps and maintains a dozen pogo sticks for use by county residents. The cost of maintenance is paid by every taxpayer in the county. But Berlin has its own pogo stick supply as does Ocean City. With a tax differential, the county’s pogo stick costs would be deducted from the local tax bills.

Breaking down the expenses of duplicate services is complicated, because it involves issues of the public good, degrees of use and other nontangible factors. That makes Williams’ comment a little more startling, since Berlin depends on more county services than Ocean City does.

Another intriguing question, however, is what effect Williams’ comment will have on the county commissioners and their prolonged argument with the Town of Ocean City?

The concern that other jurisdictions might follow Berlin’s lead could cause them to become even more entrenched against the whole idea of differentials, as well as any concessions they might make to Ocean City to keep the peace.

Maybe Mayor Williams was just tossing out an idea that won’t go any farther than that, or maybe he said it to see what kind of reaction it produced both locally and at the county level. Maybe it was nothing at all.

But one thing is certain, it’s an end-of-the-year cliffhanger that entices the public to stayed tuned for the next episode.

Ocean City Today P.O. Box 3500, Ocean City, Md. 21843 Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson MANAGING EDITOR................................ Lisa Capitelli STAFF WRITERS .................. Greg Ellison, Morgan Pilz, ................. Rachel Ravina, Joshua Kim, Elizabeth Bonin ASSISTANT PUBLISHER .......................... Elaine Brady ACCOUNT MANAGERS ........ Mary Cooper, Shelby Shea CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks GRAPHIC ARTISTS ................ Kelly Brown, Kyle Phillips PUBLISHER ...................................... Christine Brown ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts Ocean City Today is published weekly by FLAG Publications, Inc. at 8200 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Ocean City Today is available by subscription at $150 a year.

Visit us on the Web at www.oceancitytoday.com.

Copyright 2020

PUBLIC EYE

We’re all bowled over

As the college football season runs, rolls, reverses and passes into its peak period, all I can say is that I have been amazed and astonished by the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. And the Cheez-It Bowl. And the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. And nothing says this is great college football better than the Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium.

After all, what could be more American than going in debt, listening to some good Nashville tunes and driving a foreign car?

By Oh, and it also features Stewart some football between two Dobson teams (Louisville and Mississippi State) whose season records were excellent, at least on a scale of zero to mediocre.

What’s more, the conferences these teams represented took home about $5.6 million for playing, which is much better than everyonegets-a-trophy because it proves that being half-bad is good.

All that money is why we have dumb bowl names — can the Irritable Bowel Bowl be somewhere in our future? — and why most of the games listed at the top were already played and I didn’t even know it.

I mean, come on, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl? Does that come with gravy? And is the theme song an update of an Elvis Presley song, “That’s Ore-Ida, mama, that’s Ore-Ida for you?”

Then there’s the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl. This, too, suggests some cutting-

edge football, as there’s nothing more sportsoriented than an outlaw lawnmower.

I saw a local landscaping crew of Bad Boys do the yard across the street, and could hear them yelling above the din, “I’m on the 10, the 20 ... the 30 … I … could … go … all … the … way!” And then move on to the next yard.

As for Gasparilla, I thought it was either a nonalcoholic drink or a cigar of some kind, only to find out that it’s a celebration in Tampa that’s named after the 18th Century pirate Jose Gaspar, who apparently cut a dashing figure in his day, but not one blade of grass.

I know, coming as I do from a region that’s known for its Chicken Festival, I have no room to make fun of anyone’s good time event. If only our tradition involved a notorious pirate chicken (a cluckaneer, as it were) or a riding lawnmower gang, we might be able to get into the bowl business too.

Coming in a close second in worst bowl names for the year, is the Tropical Smoothie Café Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

A fruit drink, as good as it might be, just doesn’t sound like the crack of colliding shoulder pads on a brisk winter day to me.

Besides, the only tropical smoothie I know is Jimmy Buffet.

It’s all very confusing, especially since I don’t follow some of these lesser known college teams. There are so many bowls out there that I have lost track of who’s doing what.

In fact, there must be 40 or so places around here that have Acai Bowl signs posted on their premises, and I have no idea who’s playing.

Your Online Community: www.oceancitytoday.com

Letters Bay, South Point water recreation threatened Editor, As all the representatives of the Board of Directors of the South Point Association, we feel it is important to explain to your readers why we are opposed to Maryland awarding a lease for a new aquaculture farm in Sinepuxent Bay. We support the benefits of aquaculture, but the state’s siting process to date has failed to protect the public use of our coastal resources. Currently, the plan is to cover three acres of recreational water in Sinepuxent Bay behind Assateague Island with poles and cages for cultivating shellfish. This will be a navigational hazard to the continued, safe recreational use of the waterway off of South Point.

The proposed aquaculture site is unsafe, inappropriate and unnecessary. The 20-year commercial aquaculture lease application is located in the middle of a residential area where many South Point residents, Worcester County locals and visitors use the waterway for recreation.

The area is heavily used for motor-

Ocean City Today Jan. 3, 2020

Page 50

to the editor

boats, centerboard sailboats, personal watercrafts, water skiing, kite surfing, kayaks, angling and hunting.

Worcester County encourages recreational use of this waterway by providing a public boat ramp on South Point. The National Seashore on Assateague Island has a kite surfing staging area directly opposite the locations of the aquaculture application. However, none of these activities will be safe in or near the lease area.

Boaters attempting to navigate around the farm will be forced into the shallows. There will be more grounding and more calls for assistance. The proposed location will use the deeper portions of the waterway.

To get around the farm, boaters will be forced to navigate the shallow shoals; if they try navigating closer to the shoreline, they will encroach upon submerged aquatic vegetation beds, an important resource that the state spends millions of taxpayer dollars protecting.

Locating this commercial operation in a popular water recreation area presents very real dangers to recreational navigation in a customary boating channel and is a serious

threat to public health, safety and welfare.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, from 2010 through 2018, over 1,800 recreational boating accidents in the U.S. were primarily caused by collision with submerged and floating objects resulting in over 700 serious injuries and 141 deaths. Collision with submerged objects precipitated five recreational boating accidents in Maryland in 2018 along, resulting in 1 death and 2 injured victims.

Due to the limited public notice, few know about the proposed aquaculture lease. If approved as it stands, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will assign exclusive commercial use for decades of an area in Sinepuxent Bay between Green Pint and the public recreational boat ramp on South Point.

Unfortunately, the staff at DNR has taken the position that public safety risk, or negative impacts on longstanding recreational use, is not a reason for rejecting an aquaculture proposal. The state says it has “devel-

oped plans related to improvement and promotion of recreation in state waters.” However, no such plan related to this proposed aquaculture site has been put on the table.

A reasonable solution exists. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has already approved for aquaculture a multi-acre site about 1.5 miles south of the proposed location, where there already are several aquaculture farms. Locating the lease in this broader expanse of the bay would reduce the significant threat of this commercial operation to recreational navigation and the public safety.

This plan just doesn’t make sense, which is why the South Point Association opposes it. Move the proposed lease to the site south of South Point where there will be no homeowner or recreational impact. Safety is our first concern.

Michael A. LeCompte, President Board of Directors South Point Association, Inc. Berlin

Mail your letter to editor@oceancitytoday.net

All letters are subject to editing for clarity and potentially libelous material.

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Ocean City Today Jan. 3, 2020

Page 51 New indoor soccer portable mesh wall at Northside Park

PHOTO COURTESY LOREN HERSHBERGER

The Shore Elite Basketball program held at the Ocean Pines Community Center currently has two teams participating with 10 boys on each. The teams currently practice twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays.

New basketball program in county Children in grades fourth through eighth working to improve skills on court

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) A new basketball program is available for boys ranging from fourth to eighth grade to better their skills on the court.

Shore Elite Basketball launched in early November. Two teams, comprised of fourth and fifth graders and sixth to eighth graders, are participating. There are 10 players on each team.

Practices and other basketball-related activities take place inside the Ocean Pines Community Center located at White Horse Park.

Loren Hershberger and Jake Tyre created Shore Elite Basketball. They are also both coaches.

“We looked around the area and said, ‘Our kids should be playing basketball right now and there’s really no opportunities,’” Hershberger said.

“There’s the rec programs, which are fantastic and provide maybe one or two hours a week of games for the kids, but there’s no outlet out there

for kids to focus and strive to be better basketball players if they really want to.”

Hershberger moved from Ohio to Worcester County almost a decade ago. He became friends with Tyre, who has lived in the area his whole life, and they were both avid basketball fans and players. Both men have three young children, which further inspired them to create the program.

Shore Elite Basketball currently offers practice twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, typically from 6-8 p.m. As the season progresses, there could be an additional day of practice on Sundays.

“Every program provides a game experience for kids, and that’s great,” Hershberger said. “But if you want to get better than the competition that we have in Delaware, Virginia, or the Salisbury area, we need to have some sort of instruction going on.”

The teams have currently played against various Christian and private schools in scrimmages, and will begin playing in tournaments as early as March, he said. Some of these tournaments will even take place across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

“We’d like to get across the bridge

at least once this year and show our kids what it’s like in some of these other areas that are playing a lot more basketball than us,” Hershberger said. “We wanted to be known as a program that is tough and plays hard-nosed basketball. We want kids to learn that now before they get to high school, because that’s when their basketball journey and ultimately basketball career could really take off.

“We’re working out of passion,” he continued. “Jake and myself both work full time. We both have three kids. This is something that we saw a need for. We encourage people if they have any ideas [and] comments how they can help us make this better for the kids.”

Children within the fifth to eighth grade age range are welcome to join practices to test their skills, though younger players with high enough skill levels will be welcomed into the teams as well.

While the two teams currently have enough players, official tryout dates for additional squads will be posted on the group’s Facebook page.

There are three packages offered See PROGRAM Page 52

By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (Jan. 3, 2020) New portable mesh soccer walls have been installed at the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Complex at Northside Park on 125th Street.

The older soccer walls were replaced with new ones in early December. The new mesh walls are 114 feet 8 inches tall by 86 feet wide. Each panel that they conEddie Pinto nect to is 42 inches tall.

The walls take up a majority of the east gym, reaching to the ceiling, though there is enough space for walking around.

“We use the courts for multi sports, multipurpose, anywhere from dancing to basketball and soccer and just about anything,” Recreation Supervisor Eddie Pinto said. “We play everything there, so we have to be able to have something that’s portable that we can put up.”

The special mesh walls are a requirement for indoor soccer.

“For a recreational program like we have on Saturdays, people use the walls to confine the game and to keep the game flowing,” Pinto said. “During our Saturday soccer leagues and the tournaments that we play, where we use the east side walls of the new walls … they use those walls basically as a teammate. You can pass it off the wall around somebody and it confines the game, protects and keeps the game flowing.”

The older walls were beginning to wear down and were difficult to maneuver through, taking up more of the outside space and was shaped somewhat like a large circle. The new walls are squarer and allows easier passage for teams and sports fans to walk through.

The new walls are also easier to set up and remove, at least in comparison to the original ones.

“It gives them much more room to operate on the soccer floor,” Pinto said. “It’s amazing how you look at it and it’s actually taking up less space overall. It was hard to get up and down [between] the walls because outside the walls it was very tight.

And now, you can comfortably get around it.”

See SPRING Page 52

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Ocean City Today

Program for boys who want to play basketball in Wor.

MORGAN PILZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The portable mesh soccer walls inside the east gym of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Complex at Northside Park on 125th Street are 114 feet 8 inches tall by 86 feet wide and are used for indoor soccer programs throughout the year.

Spring program begins in March Continued from Page 51 The winter indoor soccer youth league has been running for about four weeks now, and the response has been positive.

“I have not heard one negative comment,” Pinto, who is in charge of the indoor soccer program, said. “I’ve heard quite a few on the positive side, that they like the quarters being different. The ball comes off [it] differently. I think they’re still getting used to that a little bit, but they do seem to like it.”

Considering there are just under 500 children who participate in the

Saturday soccer tournaments during the winter season, that is good news for Pinto. Children from kindergarten up to senior year in high school compete in various levels.

Winter soccer tournaments will take place every Saturday until Jan. 25. Games start at 8:30 a.m. and finish around 7:30 p.m.

There are also high school teams who compete on Sundays. Games on Sundays run from 12:30-6:30 p.m.

“We’re very happy that we got it through the budget process and it’s definitely a benefit to last us for quite some time,” Pinto said.

The walls cost the department $29,110 with an additional freight cost. The overall cost was $31,310.

The portable mesh walls are set up and taken down every weekend for the winter soccer tournaments.

While it is too late to join the winter soccer tournaments, a spring program for children in kindergarten to eighth grade will be available on Mondays from March 9 to May 11.

Competition will take place from 5-9 p.m. The cost to participate is $58, or $47 for an Ocean City resident.

For more information, call Northside Park at 410-250-0125.

Continued from Page 51 for Shore Elite Basketball.

The base package is $650 per child, which includes the uniforms and a full schedule of practices and games as well as a mentoring program. The second package costs $1,200 and includes everything in the base package as well as the Nike basketball camp. The camp will take place at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, June 18-21.

“The Nike basketball camp comes to this side of the bridge one time per year,” Hershberger said. “My son did it last year … it’s a five-day, five-night sleep away camp.”

The final package for $1,500 includes all of the above as well as personal training from Hershberger and Tyre.

The organization will hold fundraisers to offset the costs for parents who want their children to participate and accept sponsorships.

“The cost is always a hard ask for a lot of folks,” Hershberger said.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff planned to offset costs for parents, because we know that just based on the demographics of where we live, it can be a hardship for a lot of folks. So, we have fundraisers that we’re running actually right now.”

Parents with children interested in trying out for additional teams at a later date can reach out to Shore Elite Basketball at the Shore Elite Basketball Facebook page, or email Shoreelitebasketball@gmail.com.

Lady Seahawks evenly matched with Royals

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 3, 2020) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team competed in the Shore Sports Magazine Holiday Tournament presented by Preston Ford, Dec. 26-27 at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland.

Eight girls’ teams participated. The Seahawks battled the Delmarva Christian Royals on Thursday, Dec. 26 and came out on top, 64-60.

“We jumped out quick. We hit our groove early,” Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz said.

“They sat back and let us run our sets offensively. We got reScott Kurtz bounds and putbacks as well.”

Decatur led 16-14 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Berlin squad was ahead 33-22.

“We had a strong second quarter.

That gave us a nice cushion,” Kurtz said.

Delmarva Christian chipped away at Decatur’s advantage in the third quarter.

After three, the Lady Seahawks led 45-42.

“We went down by three, 47-50, then from that point it was back and forth,” Kurtz said. “We got lucky at the end. We made a few points and they missed a few.”

Decatur outscored Delmarva Christian 19-18 in the final quarter.

“Every time we got something going,

they jumped back. We needed every point we got,” Kurtz said. “They were running a full-court press and it didn’t give us much time to run our offense.”

Freshman Mayah Garner led Decatur with 21 points. Junior Jessica Janney and sophomore Nadia Bullock chipped in with 14 points apiece.

“Both teams were really evenly matched. It was a good first-round matchup,” Kurtz said.

See DECATUR Page 53

JANUARY 3, 2020

Ocean City Today

Decatur has trouble running offensive sets against Easton Continued from Page 52 Decatur played the Easton Warriors the next day and lost, 56-36.

“You could tell Easton watching us play helped them come up with a game plan,” Kurtz said. “They came out right away in a full-court press and that hurt us. They kept us uncomfortable. We’re used to teams sitting back in a zone and we can run our offense.”

Easton led 24-10 at halftime. Kurtz said the Seahawks came out hot in the third quarter. Senior captain Sarah

Engle hit a shot and free throw and Bullock nailed a three and just like that, Decatur had cut Easton’s advantage to eight points.

“The game plan they put together to slow us down was better than our game plan to score,” Kurtz said.

Decatur returns to regular-season competition on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The Seahawks will travel to Salisbury to face the Wicomico Indians at 5:30 p.m.

“We have a couple big weeks coming up,” Kurtz said.

410-289-1283

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EXCELLENCE Worcester Prep girls’ soccer Coach Carol Hartnett presents senior Emily Copeland with the United Soccer Coaches “Senior Excellence Award.” Copeland was honored for her exceptional contributions to the team while exemplifying the finest attributes of a high school student-athlete.

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JANUARY 3, 2020

WP boys’ basketball squad Decatur wrestling team to plays well during Challenge compete in Iron Horse Duals

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 3, 2020) The Worcester Prep boys’ basketball team lost its firstround match, but won its consolation game during last week’s Governor’s Challenge tournament.

The Mallards battled Frederick Force out of Frederick, Maryland, on Thursday, Dec. 26 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne.

Frederick came out on top, 66-51.

“For not practicing Keith Geiger for awhile [prior to the game], we actually played pretty well,” said Prep Coach Keith Geiger. “For us, 50 points is pretty good. We did really well shooting foul shots and threes.”

Geiger said the Mallards struggled defensively to shut down their opponent. The Prep squad also committed a number of turnovers.

Junior Mason Brown led Worcester with 18 points. Sophomore Michael Wehberg scored 13.

The other two teams in the bracket were Salisbury School and King’s Christian Academy of Callaway, Maryland.

Salisbury won, 53-39.

Worcester and King’s Christian went head-to-head in the consolation game on Friday, Dec. 27 at Wicomico High School in Salisbury. The Berlin squad earned a 59-49 victory.

Missing three players, Geiger said his expectations were low.

“I thought we would struggle to score, but we didn’t,” he said. “We did really well. We shot decently from the foul line.”

Worcester led 19-14 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Mallards were ahead, 33-29. After three quarters, the Prep team held a 46-36 advantage.

We scored 19 points in the first quarter, which was nice for us. I think it gave them some confidence,” Geiger said.

“Once we got ahead we stayed ahead the rest of the game. We kept about a 10-point lead. It never got really close.”

Senior captain Ryan Cronin and Wehberg scored 16 points each. Sophomore Brice Richins added 12 points.

Worcester returns to regular-season competition on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The Mallards will take a trip to Frederick, Delaware, to play the St. Thomas More Ravens at 5:30 p.m.

“We’re getting back into it,” Geiger said. “We have a big January ahead.

Lots and lots of games.”

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 3, 2020) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team will compete in the annual Iron Horse Duals, today and Saturday, hosted by C. Milton Wright High School in Bel Air. “[It’s] a very tough one,” Decatur Coach Todd Martinek said. “If we wrestle hard and we’re not the best team, then we’re not the best team, but I think we’re one of the better teams.”

Group A includes Todd Martinek South Carroll, Southern Garrett, C. Milton Wright, Hereford, North County, Walter Johnson and John Carroll.

In Group B are Decatur, Leonardtown, Bel Air, Cape Henlopen, Howard, Boys Latin, Oakdale and Bishop Ireton.

Teams will compete within their groups. The top three in each group will then battle the equivalentlyplaced teams from the opposite group in the championship finals round.

All other teams will be paired with a final round opponent, which will be determined by tournament officials.

“Last year we took third,” Mar-

tinek said. “We’ve been going to the tournament for about seven years and we’ve never won it. Our goal is to win it.”

Friday weigh-ins will start at 2:15 p.m. and competition will kick off at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, weigh-ins will start at 8 a.m., with wrestling beginning at 9:30 a.m.

“They’re working really hard,” Martinek said. “We brought in some college guys and did a lot of high level teaching over the break. All weight classes get a two-pound allowance after Christmas, so we have some guys going down to solidify our lineup.”

For live scoring updates, visit trackwrestling.com.

The Seahawks went 7-1 and finished in third during the 2019 tournament.

Decatur earned victories within its pool over North County (44-18), Liberty (61-13), Bel Air (44-25), John Carroll (66-18), Howard (55-20) and Walter Johnson (63-15). The Berlin squad was edged out by Southern Garrett, 36-35.

Decatur advanced to the third/fourth-place match where the team topped Cape Henlopen, 40-32, to take third.

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(Jan. 3, 2020) The Delmarva Whiskey Club will hold its fifth annual Whisky Winter Golf Outing and Scotch Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The golf outing at Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville, Delaware, will feature a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. in a foursome Team Scramble format.

Golf will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a sit-down pairing of food and high-end Scotch Whisky at the Cove Bar and Grille.

Proceeds from the events will go to Semper K9, a nonprofit organization which provides custom-trained service dogs for wounded service members free of charge.

The Delmarva Whiskey Club was established for whiskey fans. The club sponsors various whiskey-tast-

ing events during the year. It welcomes those who have just begun to appreciate whiskey, as well as seasoned whiskey aficionados.

To register for the Whisky Winter Golf Tournament, or for more information, visit www.delmarvawhiskey.com/golf. The deadline to register is Monday, Jan. 20.

The cost for Troon Golf Members is $115 per person (covers 18 holes of golf with cart and dinner). The cost for non-members is $135. Those who would like to attend the dinner only, the cost is $75. The prices include gratuity.

To become a tournament sponsor or join the Whiskey Club, contact Kevin Clover, president, at 215-8151706 or at kevin@delmarvawhiskey.com.

JANUARY 3, 2020

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