01/17/25 OC Today-Dispatch

Short-term rental limit rejected

The Ocean City Council says no way to the planning commission’s recommendation to require a 30-day minimum stay for short-term rentals in single-family residential neighborhoods. — PAGE 14

School system part of international breach

Reacting to county’s effort to stop its harbor plan, company warns of consequences. — PAGE 20 Nefarious actors hack worldwide manager of student information — PAGE 27

OC joins county in anti-wind PR campaign

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 10, 2025) Ocean City will contribute up to $100,000 to support Worcester County’s public relations campaign against offshore wind.

The Ocean City Council on Wednesday agreed to contribute up to $100,000 in matching funds to Worcester County for an opposition campaign targeting offshore wind. Officials report the county has contracted with Bedrock Advocacy Communications, which will work with Worcester County, Ocean City and local businesses to share messaging “on the harmful impacts of the US Wind project on our environment and economy.”

“We’re all in, and I hate to miss an opportunity to really capitalize on what might be great time to get our message out,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week.

In December, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to hire Bedrock Advocacy Communications, a public relations firm based in Virginia, to lead a public relations fight against US Wind, which is seeking to develop a 114-turbine project roughly 10 miles off Maryland’s coast. The campaign, they said, would go hand-in-hand with other local opposition efforts – including a city-led lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and a county-led plan to acquire two

West Ocean City properties through eminent domain.

County officials noted the public relations agency will help with grassroots mobilization, strategic communications and online engagement. Worcester has committed $100,000 toward the campaign and has requested that Ocean City matches their funding amount up to $100,000.

“While the scope of work with Bedrock is meant to be scalable as needed, at this point the county’s contribution to the campaign will not exceed $100,000,” Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young wrote in his request to the city.

“We are asking the Town of Ocean City to match that amount. Further, there are private donations that are accumulating for this cause as well.”

City Manager Terry McGean told the council Wednesday the county’s economic development office is soliciting donations to cover Bedrock’s campaign. However, whatever remained would be split equally between the two jurisdictions.

“Their first initiative was working to help with the Sussex County conditional use request from US Wind,” McGean said of the public relations firm. “I think they were helpful in making sure the public was educated about that, as well as the commissioners. We’ve had a successful result, so the

staff recommendation would be to approve the expense.”

Council President Matt James questioned what Bedrock would do, as both county and city officials have voiced their objections to the US Wind project for years. McGean said the focus was to focus the campaign on Annapolis and Delaware.

“There’s a lot of discussion right now in the General Assembly about electric rates and about the power line that’s being proposed in the northern part of the state that has a lot of people upset,” he said. “So we think there may be an opportunity to revisit the entire project at some point during the General Assembly, and I think their efforts would be geared towards again, educating the public on the other side of the bridge and our elected officials throughout the state, not just locally.”

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Meehan agreed, noting both the city and the county could capitalize on similar concerns Maryland residents had regarding the proposed transmission line.

“This project will build these humongous towers that put in those the large transmission lines all the way through down to Virginia,” he said. “It’s amazing. They’re upset about some of the same things we’ve been upset about for seven-and-a-half years, how it affects their property values, their vistas, their way of life and all these things. So that’s created some doubt. You know, it’s created an opportunity for us to jump in with our messaging as well.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the contribution.

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City staff working to execute parking changes

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) Public works officials continue to work behind the scenes to implement a series of parking changes presented to the Mayor and Council last month.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, Transit Manager Rob Shearman said one of those initiatives included the elimination of most parking kiosks throughout town. While visitors will now be expected to pay for parking using the ParkMobile app, the council last month agreed to keep kiosks at the Inlet parking lot for one

“Toward this effort, we have completed the survey of existing signs, and we’ve made a pretty significant outreach to other municipalities that have done this to obtain recommendations on what signage they have put in place and what’s the spacing of those signs, how many signs at each location,” he said.

In addition to developing best practices for signage, Shearman said various departments – including tourism, the mayor’s office, and the police department – were working together on public outreach. Mayor Rick Meehan said he wanted to encourage visitors to download the ParkMobile app before coming to Ocean City.

“We’re hitting all fronts in terms of getting this message out there, as to

what the changes are going to look like,” Shearman said.

Officials added that they have also met with representatives from the Ocean City Development Corporation to discuss the expansion of paid parking. They are also working with city staff to develop resolutions and ordinances that would allow the city to incorporate new event parking rates, ocean block parking rates and more.

“We’re working on putting those proposals together for council to consider at a future meeting,” Shearman said.

Shearman also noted the city is looking to revamp its “orange dot” program, in which the city makes free parking accommodations for those owning property in front of or adjacent to metered on-street parking. He also said the city would continue to

survey the Caine Woods community as it considers a residential permit zone.

“The consensus is we don’t want to jump the gun and put a residential permit program in place until we’re sure that it’s really necessary,” he said.

Lastly, city staff provided an update on church parking.

While the city has historically allowed free courtesy parking at metered areas near houses of worship during service times, officials noted the practice was never documented or formalized. And when the city’s parking division was established in 2024, newly hired parking enforcement officers began ticketing churchgoers at those metered spaces.

Public Works Deputy Director Scott Wagner said since the issue was first presented to the Mayor and City Council last month, he has met with all seven churches located near metered parking areas. He said he was proposing the city give the churches unenforced parking during certain hours.

“Assuming I don’t hear any rebuttal from council or Terry [McGean, city manager] on that, I’m going to go back and meet with them individually,” he explained.

Meehan said he supported a policy that would address the issue.

“This way, it won’t be a question,” he said.

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Tandem parking, workforce housing code changes pass

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) City officials last week adopted code changes that relax parking for accessory workforce housing and allow tandem parking for residential uses.

During last Wednesday’s regular meeting, the Mayor and Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2024-24, which will allow accessory housing projects that are subject to a conditional use process to establish required parking on the same lot or a lot no more than 1,200 feet from the building being served. The change, officials say, was presented in an effort to attract more employee housing projects.

The council last week also adopted a zoning amendment that allows residential properties to meet off-street parking requirements through tandem parking (stacked parking in which one car is parked behind another), without the need to seek a variance from the city’s board of zoning appeals. Officials say the tandem spaces cannot be shared with other properties and no more than one space could be stacked behind the other.

“Tandem parking, as a concept, was not something that was delineated in your code,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council. “We know of several developers who at one point would seek to come before the BZA to get tandem parking. So this is now establishing tandem parking and setting the requisite dimensions for that tandem parking.”

The council last Wednesday also supported a code amendment that would require site plan applications for improvements greater than 500 square feet – rather than the current 250 square feet – to go before the planning commission for approval, as well as a code change to add “shortterm rental housing unit” under licensed occupations.

However, Councilman John Gehrig questioned how that change would affect current short-term rentals in the R-1 residential district.

“In this code, if we make this a business – and a business is not allowed in R-1 – then won’t we be killing short-term rentals in the R-1?” he asked.

While acknowledging that he wanted to implement some controls for short-term rentals located in res-

idential neighborhoods, Gehrig said he didn’t want to eliminate them. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, however, said the code change was part of a larger effort to implement a licensing scheme for short-term rentals.

“If there is going to be one, then it belongs here in Chapter 14,” she explained. “Moving forward, if the town, for example, wants to preclude all rentals in the R-1, then we have to make sure the code says that. If the town wanted to allow short-term rentals in R-1, with certain restrictions, we would have to change the code to make that clear. So there’s a tremendous amount of code cleanup that has to be done, but we have to start somewhere.”

Stansbury noted that proposed short-term rental regulations would come before the council at its Jan. 14 meeting. For his part, Gehrig questioned if such changes should be done concurrently.

“My big question is, in the next few weeks, wouldn’t we be violating our own code?” he said. “Aren’t we creating a situation where we’re knowingly, with bookings happening daily now, are we violating our code? And shouldn’t we just go through the conversation and just sign the deal together?”

Stansbury said the addition of short-term rental housing units is meant to clarify that there is a license for short-term rentals.

“One of the many things the shortterm rental program is trying to do is to make sure that people have business licenses for a variety of reasons,” she told the council. “And so this ordinance acknowledges that there are short-term rentals, the details of which will come on Tuesday … But this is establishing the concept of this being a business.”

Lastly, the council last week voted to adopt a resolution that updates rental license fees and establishes a supplementary short-term rental license fee. City Manager Terry McGean said the funds will be used to support the city’s enforcement program.

“If you remember, when we came to you in August, we needed to raise the fees to support additional manpower and resources we were going to need to implement this whole program with additional inspections and everything,” he explained. “We thought we’d do the new fees now, because when the new rental licenses go out, they need to reflect the new fee, and that happens very shortly. Whereas all the requests for additional manpower and resources would come during budget time.”

Ocean City advances sport complex funding technique

A business improvement district

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) City officials have agreed to pursue a contract with a national firm as it looks to develop a business improvement district to fund a proposed sports complex.

On Tuesday, Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo came before the Mayor and City Council with a recommendation to implement an alternative funding source for a proposed sports complex and to contract with Civitas, a national consulting firm, to assist with the funding mechanism’s development.

Officials say the funding source –called a business improvement district (BID), or a tourism investment district (TID) – could provide the city with the money it needs to develop an indoor-outdoor facility in northern Worcester County.

“Ultimately, the goal is going to be to request that we take the next steps to establish a TID or BID – whatever we choose it to be,” Perlozzo told the council this week. “I will mention, whether we establish it or not, does not mean that we have to use that tool. It means it’s available to us.”

In December, the Mayor and City Council, at the recommendation of the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force, agreed to explore a BID, in which businesses would be charged a fee, or tax, that is then passed on to the consumer. Revenues generated within that district would then be used to either supplement or replace the city’s plan to use room tax dollars

to fund the project.

The council also invited a consultant to its Jan. 14 work session, during which Tiffany Gallagher, vice president of operations for Civitas, presented officials with the concept. In such a district, she said, tourism businesses pay an assessment, which is collected by the government and managed by a board of stakeholders.

“The government oversees the remittance of this because they are the professionals in the space of enforcement and collection,” she explained. “However, the money is then funneled back to the businesses and property owners who oversee the execution of a plan. And a plan can involve capital improvements, it can involve sports facilities, it can involve advertising, marketing groups, meetings, incentives, things of that nature. That has to be outlined in a plan. It has to be approved in advance.”

To start, Gallagher said the city would need to seek enabling legislation from the General Assembly. She added that a steering committee –made up of industry representatives – would also be formed to develop a plan for the district.

“If you were to choose to form a district, it’s not easy,” she said. “It takes about a year of effort to be able to put these in place and mostly because it requires the business owners to support it in real ways.”

When asked if the city could seek participation beyond its municipal limits, Gallagher said it would require the cooperation of the other governing body.

“The other governing body, they would need to be a willing participant,” Council President Matt James

Civitas Vice President of Operations Tiffany Gallagher is pictured presenting the Mayor and Council with details surrounding a proposed business improvement district.

Diakonia secures additional funding for West OC project

State investment tax credits could give the nonprofit an increase in financial help

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) The nonprofit agency Diakonia expects a $50,000 funding boost this year for its new West Ocean City headquarters from a state program that aims to attract donors to nonprofit projects.

Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) selected Diakonia to participate in its fiscal 2025 Community Investment Tax Credit program. People and businesses who donate at least $500 to a nonprofit get a tax credit in the amount of their gift. The recipient then gets back twice that amount as an award, which must go toward a specific project.

It means Diakonia is slated for a $50,000 award if they can secure $25,000 in tax credits for this funding round. The award specifically funds Diakonia’s long-planned campus project along Route 611 south of the Decatur Diner, part of a $4.1 million project, according to executive director Ken Argot.

“It’ll be a veteran’s center with administrative offices, case management, as well as a larger thrift store. We’re currently renting space for the administrative offices and thrift store right now,” he said.

This first phase of their campus project would include affordable rental units and a living facility where they can move people from emergency shelters to temporary housing. Residents could then get adjusted to paying a monthly rent, and then onto

New district for sports complex?

Continued from Page 10

added, “not just the businesses in that district.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to implement an alternative funding source for the construction of a proposed sports complex, and to have staff come back with a draft contract for Civitas’s services. Officials report the firm would provide legal consulting services, legislative support and help with unique funding solutions for Ocean City.

“They currently work with over 200 destinations worldwide and are the leading international firm specializing in the research and implementation of tourism-related levies,” a report in the council packet reads.

independent living, Argot said.

A new facility would provide more room to serve shelter clients and a much larger space to accommodate food donations. They’ll save money, too, by not having to rent office space, Argot said.

More revenue could come from a larger store in the new location. Argot said about 10 percent of Diakonia’s income is raised through its thrift store

“Our hope is with the expansion of the thrift store, we can move that to 25 percent,” he said. “The more we can get through a service industry like the thrift store, the less we have to beg for money. It’ll allow us to provide more operational money for the program that we serve.”

Founded in 1972, Diakonia now runs a shelter on Old Bridge Road in West Ocean City and has a separate thrift store and office space nearby on Route 611.

Land for the project was gifted by West Ocean City-based Blue Water Development. The real estate development and hospitality business donated $150,000 to Diakonia in 2021 to pay off the loan on the property, which they bought in 2018. “At that point it became ours to start building, this project that we’ve been talking about forever,” Argot said.

Diakonia also participated in the same tax credit incentive program last year, and raised $50,000 from that campaign. Argot said Diakonia still has another $400,000 in preconstruction cost to raise for this phase of the project, which they hope to complete in the next two years.

Argot, who joined Diakonia in 2022 after 15 years with the Salvation Army, also said they still need to secure additional wastewater capacity for the second phase of the project, which has no timetable yet.

For this round of awards, which has a 24-month window, the state will give $1.75 million in statewide tax credits for nonprofits involved in community and economic revitalization activities. To date, the program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects in Maryland, according to DHCD.

The program helps nonprofit organizations to “build connections with the communities they serve on an everyday basis,” said DHCD Secretary Jake Day in a statement. “This tax credit encourages residents and business owners to directly invest with local nonprofit partners to improve the places where they live and work.”

Anyone who wishes to participate in the Community Investment Tax Credit program with a donation to Diakonia may contact Ken Argot at 410-213-0923 for the paperwork.

Public comments for wind project application extended

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will extend the public comment period for US Wind’s air quality permit application.

Following a public hearing last Thursday, the state agency announced it would extend its public comment period for US Wind’s air quality permit application to March 17. The extension will give community members 60 more days to submit comments in writing.

“The Department has received requests for a one-time 60-day extension to the public comment period for the US Wind Air Quality permit to construct, which has been granted,” a notice reads.

In November of 2023, US Wind submitted an air quality permit application for the construction and operation of an offshore wind project to be located roughly 10 miles from Maryland’s coast. The application consisted of an air quality permit-toconstruct application, an application for a New Resource Review (NSR) Approval, and an application for a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Approval.

From there, an informational meeting was held at the convention center in June of last year. There, citizens were able to discuss the application and the permit review process with US Wind and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

“They put in an application, and we apply science and the law,” MDE

Deputy Secretary Suzanne Dorsey said at the time. “If they meet the standards for the permit, then we can award a permit. Typically, the public process is the public’s, the community’s, opportunity to provide input to shape the conditions of that permit or to tell us why they should or shouldn’t have it.”

Following that meeting, the department tentatively determined that US Wind’s project is expected to comply with state and federal air quality requirements. That determination, according to the agency, was the subject of a public hearing last Thursday.

MDE reports that public comments will be accepted through March 17 and can be submitted to Shannon Heafey at shannon.heafey@maryland.gov.

The state agency has posted the project’s draft permit conditions and supporting documents to its website, mde.maryland.gov.

OC council rejects rental limitation

Officials voice opposition to length-of-stay restriction for rentals in residential zones

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) Disregarding the planning commission’s recommendation, the Ocean City Council on Tuesday voted to have staff develop new booking restrictions for rentals in residential and mobile home districts.

During a work session Tuesday, the Mayor and Council agreed to develop its own ordinance, effectively revising the minimum length of stay from the proposed 31 days to one rental every seven days. While agreeing the city needed some regulation over short-term rentals, they argued the length-of-stay provision provided by planning commissioners was too restrictive.

“What this does is effectively ban short-term rentals, and I don't support that,” Councilman John Gehrig said of the planning commission’s recommendation. “However, to completely ignore that it is our priority to protect the character of our neighborhoods is a mistake.”

In December, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted to move for-

ward with proposed short-term rental regulations that establish a 31day minimum length of stay in the R1 residential district, as well as new occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms rather than square footage. The commission also proposed a sunset provision for shortterm rentals, as well as a requirement that all rental owners designate an individual to respond to urgent matters within 60 minutes, among other things.

This week, those recommendations were brought before the Mayor and Council for discussion. However, several property owners came before officials at the start of the meeting to voice their opposition to the proposed regulations.

Many said the changes would impact them financially, as they used short-term rentals to subsidize their mortgage and retirement. Some said the regulations singled out the 230 short-term rentals operating in R-1 neighborhoods.

“The data and statistics presented by the city did not show a history of problems, complaints, or crime within rentals in R-1 neighborhoods. On the contrary, it showed a very small number,” Terry Miller, a property owner and local Realtor, told the council.

“Why is this still an issue? This is like proposing to amputate at the hip because you have a bunion. Let's address the very few problem properties and use the tools we have.”

Others argued the proposed regulations infringed on their property rights.

“A ban would infringe on my fundamental property rights by restricting my ability to use and benefit from my property within the boundaries of the existing zoning laws,” property owner Isaac Spearman said. “Property ownership includes the right to rent within lawful parameters and short-term rentals align with residential use.”

However, Ocean City resident Jerry Wilkins argued that parking was overlooked when discussing short-term rentals. He said one rental brought several people, and cars, to his neighborhood.

“I think one of the things that's been overlooked is the impact it has on parking, not to mention the 17 or 18 people in a house,” he said. “That has got to be a fire violation.”

During Tuesday’s discussion, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told the council the planning commission’s recommendations were based

Officials direct resort staff to develop new restriction

on the city’s comprehensive plan. However, council members argued the length-of-stay restrictions the commission developed went against the council’s direction.

other municipalities that do this.”

Councilmen Jake Mitrecic and Larry Yates said they also opposed the commission’s recommendation. But Yates said regulations were needed.

“What’s proposed here today is not what we asked for and quite frankly, it's only on the agenda because I was told by our attorney that it had to go on the agenda,” Council President Matt James said. “So I think we should just get rid of this and take it off the table, if there's not an appetite, so we can move on to what we actually feel is necessary. I don't think we should send it back to the planning commission because this is what they sent to us, and it's clearly not what we asked for.”

“There are problems in this town that need to be addressed to make this a livable community and a family-oriented community,” he told rental owners in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting. “We don't want to harm you guys and make it impossible or difficult for you to be able to rent your properties. I believe that you deserve that. But you’ve got to do it right, and if you don't do it right, you need to be held accountable.”

For his part, Mayor Rick Meehan said the planning commission’s recommendations followed the comprehensive plan. He said the regulations being proposed were not meant to address bad rental owners, but to protect neighborhoods.

While absent for Tuesday’s meeting, Councilwoman Carol Proctor, in an email, voiced her opposition to the proposed rental regulations, arguing the restrictions would impact property values and hurt community members already facing financial hardship.

“At this time, I believe it is not the right moment to discuss or implement such measures,” she wrote.

“I don't support the limit to 30 days as it has been proposed, but I understand the basis behind the recommendation for the planning commission,” he said. “But I think we do need to continue the conversation.”

Gehrig, however, said something needed to be done to protect the character of Ocean City’s neighborhoods in both the R-1 and MH mobile home districts. He said the city’s current enforcement measures did not work.

“Airbnb and VRBO have just changed the game …,” he said. “I don't think our neighborhoods are intended to be mini hotels. I just don't think that's the intent. And if we do nothing, that's what's going to potentially happen. We just can't allow that.”

With that said, the council voted 6-0, with Proctor absent, to reject the proposed ordinance for minimum length of stay. The council then directed staff to develop a new ordinance, one that prohibited rentals in both the R-1 and MH districts from renting more than one time during any seven consecutive night period. The ordinance, if approved, would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

“Let us talk to the online platforms and bring it back to a work session,” City Manager Terry McGean told the council.

Gehrig wanted a balanced approach to short-term rentals. He said the minimum length of stay the planning commission presented went too far.

“I think one rental a week in R-1 is reasonable, and I don't care if you rent it for seven days or one day. That's your choice,” he said. “There are other properties that do this. There are

The council on Tuesday also voted to advance two other ordinances related to rentals. The first would establish a new definition for family. The second would change occupancy limits to two people per room, plus two additional guests, with children ages 10 and under not included in the calculation. The ordinance also requires all rentals to designate an individual to respond to urgent matters within 60 minutes, and sets penalties for violations, among other things.

Solar farm sought on farm near Pocomoke

Proposal open to public comment on Jan. 23 as part of commission review

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) The public will have an opportunity this week to comment in person about a proposed

36-acre solar panel farm outside Pocomoke City, one that may be built as soon as the end of the year.

The solar farm is proposed for a 121-acre site at 610 Ocean Highway (U.S. Route 13), one located about a mile north of the Virginia state line. The farmland belongs to Wayne and Flora Brittingham, according to property records.

The project’s second hearing for public comment is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Pocomoke City Community Center

The 5-megawatt solar farm is a project of a Boston-based solar developer called ECA Solar. The company in May 2024 filed an application with the Maryland Public Service Commission, under the name Pocomoke

City Community Energy Initiative, LLC.

“One of the goals of this project is to be a hidden quiet neighbor. We’re able to work with the landowner to keep it far enough back from the road,” said Jack Rowland, the Maryland development manager with ECA Solar, during an Oct. 2 public hear-

A rendering by ECA Solar indicates the potential layout of the 36-acre solar farm proposed for the outskirts of Pocomoke in southern Worcester County.

US Wind cautions Worcester to cease, desist

County officials last month said they hope to use eminent domain to acquire those properties themselves.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) The developer of a planned offshore wind farm has sternly cautioned Worcester County officials not to interfere with its plans, threatening a potentially hostile court battle in order to protect its investment.

“US Wind intends to litigate to the fullest extent to protect its constitutional and other rights to construct the offshore wind project,” wrote an attorney for the developer in a Dec. 30 letter addressed to county officials. “You are asked to immediately reverse course.”

The company reportedly wants to purchase two properties in the West Ocean City commercial fishing harbor for a future operations and maintenance facility, one that would service up to 114 turbines at the company’s planned wind farm, one located 10.7 miles offshore.

Those two harborside properties happen to be long-time fish houses, Martin Fish House and Southern Connection Seafood. In a move to disrupt a potential sale, Worcester

County Administrator Weston Young said he and other officials are soliciting outside counsel to begin that process. Faced with the eminent domain threat, “I think they’re trying to intimidate us,” Young said of US Wind. “We definitely take these types of threats seriously.”

He touted the outside-the-box move as a means of preserving the fishing industry in our area while fighting back against the wind farm.

"There are other properties in the harbor where they could build an operations and maintenance facility," Young said. "What they are proposing is to take the two commercial fishing houses and completely cripple the commercial fishing in Worcester County, and that’s unacceptable. They’re industrializing the harbor.”

Added Young: “If there ever was a case for eminent domain, this is it,” he said.

Young also anticipates that President-elect Donald Trump, ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration, may make moves to thwart not just US Wind, but all offshore turbine projects.

Trump has stated publicly that he opposes wind farms, saying as much Wednesday on his Truth Social ac-

count.

"Windmills are an economic and environmental disaster,” Trump posted online. “I don’t want even one built during my Administration. The thousands of dead and broken ones should be ripped down ASAP. Most expensive energy, only work with massive government subsidies, which we will no longer pay!”

US Wind’s letter came from attor-

ney Thomas Prevas, a partner with the Baltimore office of law firm Saul Ewing. He said his client has “contractually binding option agreements” concerning those properties, and that the law prevents government from interfering with private contract and property rights.

The letter threatens that any “intentional interference” with those

County prepares solar farm education campaign, letter

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) As demand grows for filling fields with solar panels instead of corn or soybeans, Worcester County's farmers should be on the lookout for aggressive and predatory salespeople in the solar industry, officials said this week.

land Association of Counties. Fiori met colleagues from Caroline County who shared horror stories of landowners who got mixed up with complex solar panel contracts, and how many didn’t realize they gave up their rights in the fine print of a contract.

“What Caroline County has seen is that, farmers are struggling to make ends meet. They look at the solar as a great option to rent their space,” Fiori said in an interview. “Solar is paying them $800 an acre to let rent their ground and they have to do nothing. It allows farmers to make more money off their property without doing any more work, which is wonderful.”

“It’s almost kind of a David and Goliath situation,” environmental programs director Bob Mitchell told the county’s Board of Commissioners at its Jan. 14 meeting. “These guys and ladies are getting contacted by sales folk from the companies. Some are doing option contracts – there may not be a project in the pipeline, but they want to lock up their land for a time.”

Agricultural lands are now highly profitable for solar development. As a result, county officials plan to mail educational material to eligible landowners, in an effort to help them from being burned by shady sales tactics and questionable contracts.

The trend can be traced to the state’s rising energy demands. Maryland is seeing a surge in popularity of electric vehicles, full building electrification, and the rise of data centers, Mitchell explained in a Dec. 20 internal county memo.

Not only that, but in just five short years, the state is supposed to be generating 14.5% of its energy from solar power, according to the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022.

As state leaders set increasingly ambitious renewable energy goals, vast farm fields become prime candidates for electricity-churning solar panels, Mitchell said, putting dollar signs in the eyes of solar salesmen.

“Environmental Programs can attest to the aggressive tactics by the solar industry locally and have heard concerns from both the agricultural sector landowners and the members of our county Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board,” he wrote in the memo.

Worcester Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) said he first learned about this issue at the 2024 winter convention of the Mary-

The problem, Fiori said, is that salespeople sometimes leave out the part where solar panels eventually reach the end of their useful life, and a site needs decommissioning, which can be costly. Also, as property tax assessments rise statewide, solar leases are simply less lucrative.

One solution Caroline adopted was to mail warning notices with red flags about long-term solar lease. It’s a fix Worcester’s leaders say they want to adopt.

Mitchell on Tuesday presented a draft letter to the commissioners, one that could be mailed to property owners whose acreage is ripe for solar. It asks: are you being pressured to sign a contract quickly? Is the solar company reputable? Does signing a lease trigger a breach of your mortgage?

The final notice will be fine-tuned by county staff before going out to landowners with eligible quantities of agricultural acreage.

Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) at Tuesday’s meeting said solar panel placement, and how much control local government gets in the process, is a conversation many rural counties are having lately in Maryland.

“When it gets right down to it, the individual property owners are the ones that really decide whether those solar panels go on their property,” he said. “The more information they have,

County ‘prepared for any scenario’

Constitutional rights would create a “significant liability,” not only for Worcester County Government but the actual elected and government officials involved in the eminent domain decision.

“To provide context on the magnitude of potential actual damages for this liability,” Prevas wrote, “US Wind’s investment in Maryland and the project to date exceeds the entire annual operating budget of Worcester County.”

US Wind has spent in excess of $300 million on its Maryland project to date, according to spokeswoman Nancy Sopko.

Worcester County’s operating budget for fiscal 2025 is about $262 million, according to spokeswoman Kim Moses.

Also in the letter, Prevas instructs county officials to preserve all communications related to this matter, even ones that happen over text message or using social media platforms.

Finally, the letter says, if US Wind can’t develop its offshore turbine project, then the company stands to forfeit “significant sums of money” already spent with the federal government – for its 80,000-acre openocean lease area, as well as with the state of Maryland for its Offshore Renewable Energy Credits, or ORECs.

US Wind has deposited $12 million into the state’s Offshore Wind Business Development Fund, according to Tori Leonard, a spokeswoman for the state’s Public Service Commission, the agency that awards ORECs to applicants.

Other correspondence

This isn’t the only correspondence

in recent weeks between US Wind and Worcester County that directly responds to the county’s eminent domain play.

In a formal Public Information Act request dated Dec. 23, US Wind asked Worcester County to turn over a multitude of records, correspondences, and other documents related to the company and to offshore wind development in general, some going back as far as 2010. That request came from Ben Cooper, US Wind’s director of marine affairs.

The county shot back, telling US Wind they were overreaching. In a Jan. 3 letter, Moses explained the query was far too broad, turning up about 30,000 emails that fit the bill. She said it would take 17 staffers a minimum of 264 hours to fulfill the request, and US Wind needed to pare back its inquiry.

The company’s follow-up came from lead in-house attorney, Salvatore Vitale, who struck a friendlier tone in his Jan. 8 response. He offered the county suggestions for a narrower and more economical public information search.

“US Wind truly appreciates your time and attention to this matter, as well as the promptness and quality of your initial response after the holiday period,” Vitale wrote.

Young said burdensome Public Information Act requests are frustrating for the county, but it shows that “we got their attention.”

“This could all just be bluster and threats – scare tactics, I would say,” he said. “But they could mean it. And we’re prepared for any scenario. We have this foreign entity that wants to completely dismantle that industry, subsidized by federal dollars. It’s a big fight, but a worthy one.”

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BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The entrance to the commercial harbor in West Ocean City is pictured. US Wind has plans to build an operations and maintenance facility nearby for its offshore wind farm.

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Ag solar project feedback sought

Continued from Page 18

ing.

According to project documents on file from the Public Service Commission, construction of the solar farm would begin in spring of this year and is estimated to create around 37 jobs. Completion could come as soon as October. The builder has to set aside $327,000 prior to the start of construction to pay for the project’s decommissioning when its useful life ends.

Plans call for the farm’s approximately 13,000 solar panels to be set back 550 feet from the highway. Rowland said that’s on purpose: a main reason ECA Solar selected this site was for its low visibility, thanks to natural screening from existing tree lines on the north and east sides of the property.

The developer’s plans also call for taking about 15 acres of forested lands to the east side of the solar farm and place it into forest preservation status.

Rowland said because this is a designated Community Solar project, where the electricity stays local instead of going into the grid, customers who sign up should see a guaranteed discount on their monthly electric bill. The state also requires that 40 percent of customers must be low-income, and would get an even deeper discount than the standard.

“Just a great effort by the state to really open up solar for those who couldn’t previously access renewable energy and reap some of those benefits,” Rowland said.

Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners gave its blessing to the project when plans were presented last spring.

The application and other related documents may be viewed or downloaded from the electronic file available through the Public Service Commission’s website, www.psc.state.md.us, and typing in Case 9740. Written comments may be submitted on or before Jan. 27.

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Council nixes fixture cap on hundreds of OC properties

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) Officials last week agreed to remove the maximum cap on fixture charges, a change that will affect some properties throughout Ocean City.

Last Wednesday, the Ocean City Council adopted a resolution to eliminate the city’s cap on water and wastewater fixture charges. Officials say the change will affect all properties, new and existing, beginning this summer.

“This is to eliminate the maximum cap for fixture charges,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said of the resolution. “This will be effective July 1, 2025.”

In April of 2010, when new water and wastewater rates were established, a decision was made to cap the number of residential fixtures that would be charged quarterly to 20. The logic for capping the fixture count to 20, officials noted, was based on assumed fixture use and assumed occupancy at any one moment, as well as the resulting burden on the city’s water and wastewater systems.

Since that time, however, officials have reported a change in the use of residential dwellings in Ocean City. With residential properties now being rented out on short-term rental websites, Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the council last month that more and more people are now using those fixtures.

“For example, I go out and I build a 10,000-square-foot house on the west end of 120th Street, and I decide

to have a house with 32 fixtures … At that point in history, when my family might have been myself, my wife and one child, I think the thought was the impact on our system, someone would never, ever use all of those fixtures, and a proposal was made and a cap was put on,” he explained at the time. “We’ve seen a change in the use of many of these properties. Along has come VRBOs, along has come Airbnbs, along have come these houses being rented to three families at one time that all converge on Ocean City to enjoy their vacation time, and we feel it is time to remove the fixture cap, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Officials noted that the change would be retroactive, in that homeowners who had not previously been charged for any fixtures over the 20fixture cap would now be billed. Adkins said it would affect roughly 425 properties, most of which have between 21 and 24 fixtures.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the resolution.

“The reason I supported the recommendation is because if someone who has a two- or three-bedroom house is paying for all their fixtures, then some of these individuals that have a five-, six-, eight-, 10-bedroom house can also pay for all their fixtures,” he said. “So I just think it's right.”

The council last week also voted to increase water and wastewater connection fees, as well as update other water service charges.

Consultant obtained to lead search for next

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) The Town of Ocean City has hired a consulting firm in the search for its next police chief.

Of the five firms vetted, the city has selected Sumter Consulting to conduct a national search for a chief to lead the Ocean City Police Department.

The announcement comes nearly three months after the department’s former chief, Ross Buzzuro, announced his sudden retirement.

“Yes we have hired a firm and the position is expected to be posted next week,” City Manager Terry McGean confirmed on Monday.

On Oct. 31, Buzzuro announced he would be retiring from his role as the city’s police chief, effective immediately.

police chief

No additional information was provided other than that Capt. Michael Colbert would assume command of the department as the city conducts a national search for Buzzuro’s replacement. Since Nov. 1, Colbert has served as the department’s interim chief. Hired in January of 1988, he has served in various roles throughout the years, including officer, detective, supervisor and commander.

In July 2006, Colbert was promoted to the rank of captain. Since that time, he has led three major divisions within the police department –the patrol division, the criminal investigation division, and, most recently, the administrative services division. Colbert will continue to serve as interim chief as the search begins.

OC police activity down from previous years

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) Ocean City’s police chief said department activity for the month of December decreased.

On Monday, Interim Chief Michael Colbert presented the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity from last month. While total calls for service declined from previous years, he noted that some calls – including those to assist citizens and motorists and those regarding city ordinance violations – had increased.

“That’s not something to be really concerned about,” he said.

Last month, the Ocean City Police Department recorded 1,385 calls for service, marking a 8% decline when compared to December of 2023 and a 23% decline when compared to December of 2022.

“Because of the time of year, obviously our activity is going to be low,” Colbert said. “When we compare to where we’ve been the last two Decembers, it’s still low.”

“That’s probably more weather related and just people calling us for help for various reasons,” Colbert explained.

He added that calls for city ordinance violations had increased from seven to 14. While the number was low, he said it warranted a deeper look.

“Even if it’s not concerning, we still

In the top 25 calls for service, traffic stops decreased from 615 in December of 2023 to 552 in December of 2024, while assist fire/EMS decreased from 133 to 128, and assist citizen/motorist increased from 120 to 154.

want to look at it,” he said. “And the ordinance violations, the largest increase seems to come from animal control calls. So again, nothing to be concerned about.”

Under December enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 66 to 58, while criminal citations decreased from two to zero. Drug arrests remained unchanged at five, marijuana citations decreased from one to zero, DUI arrests decreased from 29 to 13, and weapons arrests decreased from six to two.

Police recruitment drive continues in Ocean City

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) While applications continue to come in for both full-time and seasonal positions, command staff with the Ocean City Police Department report the agency has not yet reached its quota.

With the police department’s seasonal program ending in 2024, the city has shifted its focus to hiring additional full-time officers and seasonal public safety officers.

According to testing statistics presented at this week’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting, the police department has received 149 applications since recruitment began last July. However, the department has yet to fill all of the 130 full-time positions and 70 seasonal positions budgeted for 2025.

Lt. Allen Hawk told commission members Wednesday that the police department received 29 applications in December – five for full-time positions and 24 for public safety officer positions. That same month, the department lost two full-time officers to other agencies.

In January, the department has received 17 applications for full-time positions and 13 applications for seasonal positions, he added.

“We’ve hired one brand new public safety officer and two returning public safety officers,” he said. “So we’ve hired three for this upcoming sum-

mer.”

Hawk added that the department held in-person testing on Jan. 11, during which seven applicants showed up. Of those, two failed the test, two failed preliminary background checks, and three applicants – two full-time applicants and one public safety officer applicant – had advanced to the background phase.

“We also conducted our physical agility portion of the testing process, where we had seven people who had already taken a test online come in to participate,” he said. “Two failed that, unfortunately, but the others are still progressing in the background phase.”

However, the department continues to recruit both full-time and seasonal officers, Capt. Shawn Jones said. He noted the department would hold another round of testing on Feb. 22.

“The two failures indicated they will come back, and I’m optimistic they will get through,” he said.

To date, the police department has hired three of the 70 public safety officers budgeted for 2025. And as of Monday, the police department had 111 full-time officers of the 130 authorized.

When asked how many full-time candidates could enter the police academy in July, Hawk said he hoped to have at least six.

“The real push up is getting enough viable candidates,” Jones added.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Interim Police Chief Michael Colbert, right, is pictured presenting members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a report o n police activity for the month of December.

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School system’s records provider discloses breach

By Stewart Dobson Editor

(Jan. 17, 2025) Worcester County’s public school system was one of some 60,000 schools around the world caught up in a Dec. 28 cyberattack on a company that stores and manages information on students and their families.

Power School, a California data management company, informed its clients on Jan. 7 that information stored in its system, including student health records, social security numbers and parent-supplied data, might have been breached by criminal actors.

The extent of that incursion is presently unknown, although school Superintendent Lou Taylor said in a Jan. 10 letter to parents that Power School acknowledged “that ... accessed data includes staff, parent, and student contact information and some personally identifiable information, such as social security numbers and medical information.”

Taylor wrote that Power School reported it had contained the breach and that there is no threat to staff, students or parents.

“PowerSchool has assured WCPS that it will provide more information and resources, including the availability of credit monitoring or identity protection services for impacted individuals, as it becomes available, Taylor said in his letter.

“PowerSchool has made a commitment to conduct a thorough notification process to all impacted individuals. WCPS intends to hold PowerSchool to its commitments,” he added. “It is our intention to openly communicate with and support our students, staff, and their families to the best of our ability throughout this process and to closely monitor PowerSchool’s legal obligations to safeguard against and manage cybersecurity data breaches.

Taylor assured parents Power School informed Taylor and his counterparts around the world that the attack was on the company itself and not its customers.

The company also said there was nothing local school systems could have done to prevent the prevent the breach.

Although Power School may not be a familiar name to people outside the field of education, it provides information management services to 18,000 school systems in 18 countries, according to its web site.

As to how the attacker made their way into the stored data, Education Week reporter Caitlynn Peetz said they gained access by using compromised credentials — stolen identification — to enter an online portal the company maintains for the use of its customers. She said the company traced the account and deactivated it.

New series announced

The Freeman Arts Pavilion has announced its latest program called the Spotlight Series, an initiative designed to expand live year-round arts experiences and the nonprofit’s connection with the community.

From lectures and artist workshops to performances, each event is designed to inspire, educate and engage audiences. The series, which is sponsored, in part, by the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, will debut with five upcoming events.

Participants can rediscover their uninhibited, creative side on Jan. 29 with Get Lost: Explore Your Creative Mindset, a hands-on workshop led by Maryland artist Saz Ross. Participants will create miniature creative writing and mixed-media artwork inspired by personal memories.

In celebration of Black History Month, storyteller Kim “Metaphor” Graham and the Jonathan Whitney Trio will honor Black resilience, creativity and joy through captivating stories and jazzy sounds on Feb. 22 with Steal Away: Stories of Black Resilience and Joy.

On March 13, journalist Nancy E. Lynch will share letters from Delaware women who served in Vietnam at The

REAL Women, Veterans of Vietnam. Featured in her acclaimed book “Vietnam Mailbag,” these letters provide a powerful glimpse into their wartime experiences. This free event is underwritten by a Delaware Humanities grant and inspired by Kristin Hannah’s “The Women.”

The public is welcome to experience the art of illusion and psychology on April 4 with The Art & Psychology of Magic. Magician Ran’D Shine presents a Ted Talk-style exploration of cognitive tricks, paired with a live magic performance that reveals the secrets behind the wonder.

Lastly, OperaDelaware will return to Selbyville with a Pop-Up Opera performance on May 3. Attendees will enjoy timeless opera classics and a preview of Derrick Wang’s Fearless, a new opera about WWII aviator Hazel Ying Lee, ahead of its premiere in Wilmington.

Executive Director Patti Grimes said the series celebrates the transformative power of the arts and extends the organization’s reach beyond the classroom.

“As our community continues to grow, we saw an opportunity to expand access to arts experiences yearround,” Grimes said. “The Spotlight Series is about more than just arts

experiences — it’s about bringing people together in a more intimate setting and enriching lives.”

These events will take place at the Carl M. Freeman Foundation Office Building. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased at freemanarts.org.

Library ground breaking

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 1:30 p.m., the Worcester County Commissioners will break ground on the new Pocomoke branch of the Worcester County Library. This official project kickoff will take place on the grounds of the former branch at 301 Market Street in Pocomoke, and all are invited to attend.

Plans for a new 12,500-square-foot library were developed through the cooperative efforts of the Worcester County Commissioners and library officials. Construction will be completed by Keller Brothers. Funding of $3.99 million from the County Library Capital Grant program, Maryland State Library Agency and $4 million from the county as well as the Worcester County Library Foundation have been allocated to construct the new branch.

The Pocomoke Branch Library has been temporarily relocated to the renovated firehouse on 5th Street in

Pocomoke. This will allow the library to continue operating throughout the demolition and construction of a new library facility.

Children’s book release

Tasha Haight will be launching her ninth published children’s book, “Mermaid Tasha’s Friends: Maeve” on Feb. 7.

The Mermaid Tasha’s Friends series explores how the mermaids that are often found performing with Tasha originally met the mermaid and dives into conservation causes that are important to each character. The first in the series, Blue Dragon Mer, discusses invasive species and consent while Maeve talks about entanglement and ghost gear.

Mermaid Maeve loves playing with and protecting the Oceanic and Reef Manta Rays, but when she tries to save an entangled ray she ends up needing help herself! Discover the importance of proper fishing gear disposal and the threat entanglement has on marine life in this adventurous story of how Mermaid Maeve met Mermaid Tasha in the warm Caribbean waters.

“Mermaid Tasha’s Friends: Maeve” as well as Haight’s other books can be purchased online at www.AuthorTashaHaight.com.

(Jan. 17, 2025) Ocean 98.1 WOCMFM, with presenting sponsors Mountaire Farms and Crooked Hammock Brewery, will hold the 11th Annual “Best Wings on the Shore” Contest on Sunday, Feb. 2, from noon-3 p.m. at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Ocean 98 “Cash for College” Fund.

The $20 entry fee charged at the door will provide each attendee a judge’s ballot, allowing for unlimited tastings of the wings prepared for the event by some of our community’s best restaurants. The categories that will be judged are “Best Overall,” “Most Creative” and “Hottest.”

Mountaire Farms has returned as a presenting sponsor, and will be graciously donating fresh wings to each competing restaurant to be used for their competing entry.

Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes, part of the LaVida Hospitality Group, will once again be a presenting sponsor, providing their venue for the competition. This is a family friendly event with children under 10 being admitted at no charge.

The Ocean 98 “Cash for College” fund provides a $5,000 award each year for an outstanding high school student in Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties.

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

COINS PUB

410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, January 17: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

Saturday, January 18: Monkee Paw

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, January 17: True Country

Wednesday, January 22: Dawn Williams

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, January 17: Shredded Cheddar Saturday, January 18: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, January 17: The Rockoholics & DJ Groove

Saturday January 18: Social Drinking & DJ RobCee

Monday, January 20: Bryan Clark

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, January 18:

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 18

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

TRUE COUNTRY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, January 17

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, January 18

SOCIAL DRINKING

Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 18

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN

Coins Pub: Friday, January 17

LIGHT UP THE MOON

Seacrets: Saturday, January 18

DESERT SHADE

Pickles Pub:Saturday, January 18

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, January 19

Seacrets: Thursday, January 23

CECILIA’S

FALL

Harborside: Saturday, January 18

THE ROCKOHOLICS

Fager’s Island: Friday, January 17

MONKEE PAW

Coins Pub: Saturday, January 18

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, January 18:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, January 18:

Desert Shade

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, January 17: Blake Haley, The Philly Keys & DJ C-Miller

Saturday, January 18: Tommi Boi Duo, Light Up The Moon & DJ E-State

Thursday, January 23: Opposite Directions

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primantistyled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com

Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ DISTRICT 24 (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)

BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR, THE EMBERS 2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2893322, district24oc.com

Come visit all your culinary options at this block of fun, including the landmark Embers Restaurant with a new, innovative vision as well as Blu where fresh seafood is king. There’s fun activities for kids of all ages here as well with a miniature golf course and an arcade.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

■ THE BONFIRE (CLOSED UNTIL FEBRUARY)

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available.

Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

UPTOWN

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

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

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

11403 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall next to Sophia’s, Ocean City 443-880-6258, norioc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Voted Ocean City's best sushi, offering a fullservice bar, fresh sushi bar, seafood entrees, fried rice, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free sushi and more. Open year-round, every day from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ SOPHIA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

11405 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 410-723-5188, www.sophiasitalianrestaurantoceancity.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Full service offering entrees, pizza, subs, apps and salads. Expand your horizons with delicious options like sandwiches, calzones, and more. Try the cheese and tomato pizza and see why it's such a local favorite. Call us to order takeout or catering. Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS (CLOSED UNTIL FEBRUARY)

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)

Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Closed through Thursday, Feb. 6. Re-opening Friday, Feb. 7.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Closed through Thursday, Feb. 13. Re-opening Friday, Feb. 14.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com

All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Phillystyle cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for

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

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. MondayWednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

OCEAN

FENWICK ISLAND

Resort service workers named award nominees

(Jan. 17, 2025) The local marketplace was well represented once again in the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s annual awards program.

Each winter RAM announces an official ballot recognizing the best in the hospitality industry in several categories – Chef of the Year, Manager of the Year, Bartender of the Year and Server of the Year.

Ocean City collected a clean sweep in the Bartender of the Year division. Nominated were Hollie Strawley, Fishtales; Caileen Ryan-Goodman, The Shark; Michael “Dirty” Gray, Seacrets; Nick Gibson, Marlin Moon, Ocean City; and Sam Elam, Pit n Pub.

The resort area was also represented in the Server of the Year category with Frank Cascio of Fager’s Island, Loren Manzione of Sunset Grille and John Posner of Sterling Tavern in the running with Marco Samayoa of Lewnes Steakhouse in Annapolis and Antonio Forrester of Azumi in Baltimore City.

Chef of the Year candidates were Chris Amandola, foraged.a hyperseasonal eatery, Baltimore City; Zack Mills, True Chesapeake, Baltimore City; Bianka Mbeng, Pieroma Cuisine, Laurel; Jonanthan Hicks, Black Flag Social House, Marriottsville; and Gregory Webb, Laperaux Bistro, Germantown.

The Manager of the Year division features Andrew Ricagno of Salt and Vine in Olney; Pam Haner, W.C. Harlan, Baltimore City; Kendall Yingling, Brian Boru, Severna Park; Jayleen Fonseco, JesseJays, Churchton; and Jess Steirer, Walker’s Tap and Table, Genwood.

Voting will be open through Jan. 31. The public can visit marylandrestaurants.com to vote. Winner will be announced at the gala, which will be held March 2 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. Tickets are now on sale on the website.

The gala will be held the same weekend as the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association’s Spring Trade Expo, which is held annually at the convention center. According to event promotional materials, the gala will feature “more than 600 restaurant employees, chefs, owners and industry supporters” enjoying numerous food stations, an open bar, live music and the awards ceremony.

NORI

WINTER SPECIALS

Sunday - Thursday

CHECK

New resident artists join Ocean City Center for Arts

(Jan. 17, 2025) The Art League of Ocean City recently welcomed two new resident studio artists to the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St. bayside.

The Arts Center is home to 12 resident artists who permanently display their creations within four open studio and gallery areas.

“We welcome Beth Deeley and Justin Casanova to our family of resident studio artists,” Rina Thaler, executive director for the Art League, said. “What’s wonderful about the studio exhibits is that you get to see a body of work by each artist, rather than one or two pieces, so you can experience their overall visions and skills. The resident artists have their work displayed for all of our guests to enjoy, the entire time the Arts Center is open and free for all.”

Deeley has moved her fiber artwork into Studio C. She was born and raised in New Hampshire and moved to Ocean City in college and stayed, achieving a B.A. degree in Communications from Salisbury University. “I am full-time creative person,” Deeley said. “I connected with the Art League through their online artist registry and things just took off from there.”

“I’ve always been drawn to fiber art in the form of macrame and crochet. It wasn’t until 2018 that I started … floor loom weaving. Weaving is a meditative slow-down for me. You need two hands, so you have to let go of everything you bring with you to the loom, literally. Weaving is freeing for me because there’s no set design, and it allows me to be daring and take chances in a way I might not otherwise do in everyday life.”

Casanova’s photography is now showing on the walls of Studio D at the Arts Center. The artist continues to prefer to shoot film rather than switch to digital.

“In my photos I always try to pay homage to the place I am in, while also striving to create an ethereal feel to the scene,” he said. “Shooting with film helps me achieve this by enabling me to slow down and put care and consideration into my compositions. Also, film cameras are so fun to create with and that is the most important thing.”

The Ocean City Center for the Arts is open seven days a week with free admission. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-5249433.

CROSSWORD

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Artists Beth Deeley and Justin Casanova are pictured in their studios at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, charm is one of your strongest attributes. This week your magnetism is magnified and can work to your advantage. You might attract people who can help with a situation.

TAURUS – APR 21/MAY 21

Taurus, it is never easy to reevaluate finances and cut back. However, this is the week when you likely have to keep your credit card in your wallet; otherwise, the bills add up.

GEMINI – MAY 22/JUN 21

Gemini, now is the time to turn great opportunities into big ideas. Make a plan of action and spell out the steps necessary to see an opportunity come to fruition. Ask for help, if needed.

CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22

Cancer, others are supportive of a new project you recently proposed. Maintain that support by staying focused on the tasks at hand. It’s time to move things along.

LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23

You are open to new activities and friendships, Leo. Luckily, you may not have to work too hard to make these things happen. Bring new members into existing friend groups.

VIRGO – AUG 24/SEPT 22

Do whatever it takes to have some quality time to yourself, Virgo. This may include taking a trip or booking a relaxing day at a nearby spa.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, allow some time to pass by before offering an assessment. Responding too quickly might produce a knee-jerk reaction that could prove regrettable down the road.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Take extra care dealing with a sticky situation at work, Scorpio. You may need to be very careful about checking for mistakes in detail-oriented tasks without stepping on any toes.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You might need to bargain to get something you want this week, Sagittarius. Figure out what you are willing to give up and then identify a person you can work with.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Clear communication is needed right now, Capricorn; otherwise, you may fall victim to hearsay or crossed signals. Get the facts before sharing your opinion.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Start contemplating big changes pertaining to your employment situation, Aquarius. An opportunity might come along that proves too good to pass up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

The feelings you have for someone will help you overlook any imperfections you have noticed, Pisces. Keep your relationship strong by focusing on this person’s good points.

Lights contest winners announced

(Jan. 17, 2025) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce recently announced the winners of its annual decorating contest.

The chamber hosts the annual Chamber Lights Decorating Contest each December to help showcase commercial and residential decorations during the holiday season. The contest is open to all Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce members and Ocean City/West Ocean City residents.

The chamber issued a sincere thank you and congratulations to all the families and businesses for participating: Atkinson/Cascio family, Bad Monkey, Bad Monkey West OC, Barn 34, Bay Club Resort, Beach Bum West-O, Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation, Bishop family, Bull on the Beach, Caine Woods Christmas House, Carousel Hotel, City Hall, Comfort Inn Boardwalk, Comfort Inn Gold Coast, Designing Windows, DoubleTree by Hilton, Engel & Völkers Real Estate, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fager's Island, Fenwick Inn, Ferguson family, Golden Sands, Grand Hotel, Hampton Inn West OC, Hilton Suites Oceanfront, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Howard Johnson Plaza, Jarvis family, Jolly Roger Park, Jolly Roger Park at the Pier, Jones family, Montego Bay Civic Association, Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, Oertel Family, Old Pro Golf, Papi’s Tacos, Park Place Hotel, Princess Royale, Royal Plus, Somerset Jewelers, Stephenson family, The Original Greene Turtle, The Sterling Tavern, Tru by Hilton and Wheeler family.

HOTEL INDOOR: First Place: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites; Second Place: Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort; Third: Comfort Inn Gold Coast

HOTEL OUTDOOR: First Place: Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort; Second Place: Beach Bum West-O; Third: Bay Club Resort

SERVICE INDOOR: First Place: Engel & Völkers Real Estate; Second Place: Golden Sands/Seaside Vacations

SERVICE OUTDOOR: First Place: Engel & Völkers Real Estate; Second Place: City Hall

RESTAURANT INDOOR: First

Place: Barn 34; Second Place: Bull on the Beach; Third: The Sterling Tavern RESTAURANT OUTDOOR: First Place: Bull on the Beach; Second Place: Barn 34; Third Place: The Sterling Tavern

RETAIL INDOOR: First Place: Old Pro Golf; Second Place: Somerset Jewelers

RETAIL OUTDOOR: First Place: Jolly Roger Park

RESIDENTIAL WINNERS First Place: Caine Woods Christmas House; Second Place: Bishop House; Third: Wheeler House; Fourth: Atkinson/Cascio House

The Bishop House, pictured above, took home second place honors in the residential category of the annual lights competition.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Capturing first place in the retail indoor division was Old Pro Golf, above left. Princess Royale earned second place recognition in the indoor hotel division, right, and first place in the hotel outdoor category.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

CIGARFEST PROCEEDS DONATED

The first annual OC Cigarfest was held on Oct 19 at Herring Creek Venue in West Ocean City raising $3,131 for Diakonia. Pictured, from left, are Ken Argot, executive director of Diakonia; Brian Roberts, president of the board; Kyle Hughes, event planner; and Joe Jobson and Ieva Sekace, owners of Beach Bum West-O/Herring Creek Venue.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ROTARY DONATES TO BERLIN

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club recently made a $250 donation to Berlin Main Street. The club sponsored The Merry Marketplace during the holidays. Pictured, from left, are Cliff Berg, Club cochair Merry Marketplace; Ivy Wells, Economic and Community Development Director for Berlin; and Margaret Mudron, club co-chair Merry Marketplace. The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6pm at Don's Seafood, Ocean Pines South Gate.

FEATURED SPEAKER

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City heard from Home Care Consultant Crystal Heiser of Home Instead recently. Heiser is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tom Southwell after her presentation. Home Instead provides personal service like bathing and dressing, mobility meal preparation and housekeeping and provide transportation for doctor appointments, prescription pickup, grocery shopping and more.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

POST RAISED $389K LAST YEAR

American Legion Post 166 provided donations in 2024 to support veterans and charities in 2024 reaching $389,000. Legionnaires, the Auxiliary, Riders, Sons of the American Legion and the Leathernecks all contributed to the total. The money came from members who supported various fundraising activities that each post family holds throughout the year. By far the largest amount, however, came from the post’s slot machines where, by law, the post must donate 50 percent of proceeds.

RETIREMENT CELEBRATED

The Worcester County Commissioners recently commended Water and Wastewater Construction Supervisor Mike McCabe (pictured center) for his contributions to Worcester County government and to the public. Throughout his career, McCabe budgeted, planned, directed, and administered the day-to-day installation and repair of water and sewer service activities and supervised both contractual and in-house construction crews.

OFFICERS GRADUATE

jail and correctional officers

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Thirty-six

from Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties graduated in the 119th entrance-level class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy (ESCJA) operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury. Graduation exercises, which were held in Guerrieri Hall on the college campus, featured a commencement address by Monika Brittingham, assistant warden at the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI). Above, Worcester County officers, from left, were Damien Ward and Tyler Hunter of the Worcester County Jail and Detention Center, and Anna Hoffnagle and Jessica Lagas of the Ocean City Police Department.

Calendar

Fri., Jan. 17

ANNUAL DELMARVA ART EXPO AND WOOL AND FIBER EXPO

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Juried art show with various mediums represented. Wool show includes vendors with natural wool and fiber arts needs. Destash bin available. Cost is $4 daily or $5 for weekend. www.delmarvaartexpo.com, 443-235-2926

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR

Ocean City Performing Arts CenterRoland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Tickets cost $17.95. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/79599691 /morgan-state-university-choir-oceancity-oc-performing-arts-center.

FANDOM FRIDAY: K-POP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop in anytime for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 6-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAHJONG CLUB

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

HOMESCHOOL HARMONIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. An introduction to the world of music. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘SEA OF TRANQUILITY’ BY EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the Berlin Library circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994

Sat., Jan. 18

ANNUAL DELMARVA ART EXPO AND WOOL AND FIBER EXPO

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Juried art show with various mediums represented. Wool show includes vendors with natural wool and fiber arts needs. Destash bin available. Cost is $4 daily or $5 for

weekend. www.delmarvaartexpo.com, 443-235-2926

WHO’S BAD: THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE

Ocean City Performing Arts CenterRoland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Tribute to Michael Jackson. Tickets cost $45 and $55. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/ p/98868134/whos-badthe-ultimatemichael-jackson-experience-ocean-city-ocperforming-arts-center.

WALK WITH A DOC

Southgate Pond, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. Join a brief discussion about a health topic then walk around the park’s trail. The first 10 participants to arrive will receive $10 WalMart gift cards. 410-641-9268, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY: WINTER WONDERLAND

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon. Winter themed crafts, games and activities. For families. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Learn about comics and create your own. No experience required. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FROZEN SING-ALONG PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Wear your favorite Frozen themed outfits and join in for singing, crafts and more. For ages 0-11years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE SOUP AND SANDWICH

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. All are welcome. Sponsored by St. Paul United Methodist Church Men’s Ministry.

THIS OR THAT?

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Peppermint mocha vs hot chocolate … who will win? Create it and taste test the results. Adult assistance may be needed for younger children. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014

ORIGINALS ONLY

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 68 p.m. Join us for a vibrant showcase where artists present their original music, share captivating poetry, and hilarious comics deliver their wit and humor. megan@artleagueofoceancity.org, 410524-9433

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for

everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., Jan. 19

ANNUAL DELMARVA ART EXPO AND WOOL AND FIBER EXPO

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Juried art show with various mediums represented. Wool show includes vendors with natural wool and fiber arts needs. Destash bin available. Cost is $4 daily or $5 for weekend. www.delmarvaartexpo.com, 443-2352926

AN EVENING WITH WAR - 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS’ Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Featuring “WAR.” Tickets cost $45 and $55. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7507040 5/an-evening-with-war-50th-anniversary-of-why-cant-we-be-friends-oceancity-oc-performing-arts-center.

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Jan. 20

VIRTUAL VIEWING OF ‘RESCUE MEN: THE STORY OF THE PEA ISLAND LIFE SAVERS’ Free online screening of the film “Rescue Men: The Story of the Pea Island Life Savers.”

https://www.ocmuseum.org/events/virtual-viewing-of-rescue-men-the-story-ofthe-pea-island-lifesavers, 410-289-4991

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Tues., Jan. 21

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy, followed by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410208-4014.

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. Geared to ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Get your wiggles out with silly songs, rhythmic instruments and motions. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

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

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

LET’S MAKE … TEACUP PINCUSHIONS

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

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. These Victorian inspired pincushions are easy to make and will brighten your sewing room. All materials provided. Register: 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

HIDDEN HEALING

Worcester County Library - Ocean City

Crossword answers from page 34

CALENDAR

Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m.

Discussing the therapeutic properties of common spices and herbs such as black pepper, thyme and sage. Attendees will be given several recipes. Registration required: 410-524-1818.

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m.

The group is reading from Book 6 of the Great Conversations Anthology. Today’s focus: “On the Advantage and Disadvantage of History for Life” by Friedrich Nietzsche. 410-208-4014

SHARED VISIONS READINGS

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 68 p.m. Meet the artists and writers of this year’s “Shared Visions” collaboration. Hear readings of the poetry and prose inspired by the artwork on display. Complimentary refreshments. Free admission.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach HeroesOC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Jan. 22

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2

years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COFFEE & CRAFTS - ART ROCKS!

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. See what you can create with rocks, a canvas and. your imagination. Limit 30. First come, first served. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and swap for another. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original box. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PASTA LIKE A PRO

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2-4 p.m. Learn about dough and how to make hand-formed southern Italian shapes. Then cook the pasta and eat a family-style meal with a paired sauce. Registration required: 410-208-4014.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 34 p.m. Providing participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410-6419725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., Jan. 23

STORY TIME: LITTLE CRITTER

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WINTER WONDERLAND STEAM

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Bring our creativity and craftiness and join for an afternoon of ice-tastic fun. For ages 611 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

CREATIVITY CORNER

Berlin library, 220 N. Main St., during January. Students engage in STEAM-related projects and crafts. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650

Furniture • Exercise Equipment

Outside Play Sets • WiFi Security Cameras • TV Mounting

FOR FASTEST SERVICE: We need your address & contact information and exact brand name, model #’s and quantity. Email us a copy of your receipt/pictures.

Sasha@AtlanticAssemblers.com 302-569-9732

JOLLY ROGER

FT POOL MAINTENANCE

Inspecting & assessing condition of pool equipment, performing minor & major repairs, documenting all pool maintenance & repair activities for record keeping. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors. CPO a plus/must be able to pass CPO test. Includes weekends and long hours. Wages start at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available.

410-289-4902

Ask for Suzanne.

SPEEDWORLD Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available.

443-754-1047

RENTALS

YR LONG TERM RENTAL

3BR, 2.5BA, Townhome Avail. Immed. New Construction. Town of Berlin.

$2,500/mo. + utils. (1 year)

$2,400/mo. + utils. (2 year) 410-430-2118

RENTAL

2BR, 2BA CONDO w/Boat Slip DOWNTOWN OC Yearly or Seasonal (5/23/25-9/1/25) 410-733-0748

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

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE SOUTH GATE OCEAN PINES Call for details 410-430-3758

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.

Many browns and greys, Naked trees and winter sun, All of us and Him. His love is warm and yellow, And dances with the shadows!

Apology To My Wife

I would like to make a public apology to my beautiful wife. I have recently, and other times in the past, said or did things in public that made you feel small and humiliated that was disrespectful which I regret. I am truly sorry for my ignorance and you did nothing to deserve this. Everyone deserves respect, especially my wife. Kevin

COMMERCIAL

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Commercial Space for Lease.

2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885

MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929 SERVICES DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC.

P.O. BOX 762

Ocean City, MD 21842

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

C-23-CV-24-000220

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC.

P.O. BOX 762

Ocean City, MD 21842

Plaintiff v.

Hennriette Ventura, et al. Defendants

TRUSTEE’S SALE

OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN Boardwalk One Condominium OCEAN CITY, MD

By virtue of the power and authority resulting from a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber 8800 folio 392, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland for case no. C-23-CV-24-000220, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction on the steps of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, located at 1 West Market Street (Main Entrance), the following described property located in Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:15 PM the following timeshare intervals:

Condominium Unit Time Interval

UNIT 103 Week 27

UNIT 306 Week 36

UNIT 206 Week 37

UNIT 602 Week 38

UNIT 302 Week 38

UNIT 303 Week 39

UNIT 206 Week 38

UNIT 108 Week 38

UNIT 209 Week 39

UNIT 107 Week 39

UNIT 104 Week 39

UNIT 306 Week 40

UNIT 302 Week 40

UNIT 504 Week 40

UNIT 107 Week 40

UNIT 102 Week 40

Each time interval being one per year in the corresponding unit, each being part of the Boardwalk One Condominium Time-Share Regime, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property 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 warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to

withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A payment of the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made in cash, check, or electronic payment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2025 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser at settlement. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited, and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting the deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. 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. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443.672.8107.

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AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. TRUSTEE

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC.

P.O. BOX 762

Ocean City, MD 21842

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

C-23-CV-24-000216

COUNCIL OF CO-OWNERS OF BOARDWALK ONE, INC.

P.O. BOX 762

Ocean City, MD 21842

Plaintiff v.

Nicholas Peters, et al. Defendants

TRUSTEE’S SALE

OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN Boardwalk One Condominium OCEAN CITY, MD

By virtue of the power and authority resulting from a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber 8800 folio 392 and Liber 8599 folio 115, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland for case no. C-23-CV-24-000216, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction on the steps of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, located at 1 West Market Street (Main Entrance), the following described property located in Snow Hill, Worcester County, Mary-

land, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM the following timeshare intervals:

Condominium Unit Time Interval

UNIT 307 Week 18

UNIT 403 Week 18

UNIT 106 Week 18

UNIT 504 Week 18

UNIT 402 Week 23

UNIT 303 Week 18

UNIT 108 Week 18

UNIT 101 Week 19

UNIT 203 Week 19

UNIT 205 Week 19

UNIT 103 Week 19

UNIT 202 Week 20

UNIT 102 Week 20

UNIT 102 Week 21

UNIT 104 Week 21

UNIT 306 Week 21

UNIT 205 Week 22

UNIT 306 Week 23

UNIT 602 Week 23

UNIT 504 Week 23

UNIT 106 Week 23

UNIT 601 Week 22

UNIT 106 Week 22

UNIT 504 Week 22

UNIT 109 Week 40

Each time interval being one per year in the corresponding unit, each being part of the Boardwalk One Condominium Time-Share Regime, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property 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 warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A payment of the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made in cash, check, or electronic payment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2025 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser at settlement. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited, and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting the deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. 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. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443.672.8107.

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Hofmeister, Robinson & DiPietro 11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza II, Suite 601 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE OF VALUABLE FEE SIMPLE DWELLING

5724 Blake Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Part Purchase Money Deed of Trust from Ursula Ayanna Lockwood, dated November 30, 2006, and recorded in Liber 4831, folio 64, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, default having occurred under the terms thereof, and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Courthouse Door, on

Tuesday, February 3, 2025 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 Part Purchase Money Deed of Trust.

The property is believed to be improved by a residential dwelling believed to contain one full bath, one half bath, and approximately 1,120 +/- square feet of above grade living space. The property address is 5724 Blake Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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 $12,000.00 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 or 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

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 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.

Ralph J. DiPietro and Scott R. Robinson, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 410-825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com

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McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

5 EVERGREEN COURT BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Kelley E. Galyen a/k/a Kelley E. Gaylen, dated December 26, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4859, folio 684 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale 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 28, 2025 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling.

The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $8,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and 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 the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off

the loan prior to the sale. The Substitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #2013-42873).

Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

BID SOLICITATION

P06-25 – Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either emailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM AT NORTHSIDE PARK, WEST CONFERENCE ROOM, 200 125TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY PER FORM OF BID. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM

Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 2025, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 24TH, 2025, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Northside Park Ceiling Grid Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

– P07-25

Turf Fertilization and Weed Control Services

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Turf Fertilization and Weed Control Services and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Turf Fertilization and Weed Control Services may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting is not applicable for this RFP. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, JANUARY 21ST, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 2025, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2025, AT

BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Turf Fertilization and Weed Control Services) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

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EHRHART LAW, LLC

AMY E.W. EHRHART ESQ. 118 CARLISLE ST., STE. 202 HANOVER, PA 17331-2486

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20433

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Court of Common Pleas court of Adams County, Pennsylvania appointed Denise S. Geiman, 225 N. Allwood Dr., Hanover, PA 173317834 as the Executrix of the Estate of Leigh Anne McGonigal who died on March 07, 2021 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Donna B. Eisenhart whose address is 2949 Uniontown Rd., Westminister, MD 21158-3527.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Denise S. Geiman

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, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARIE S. DEANGELIS Estate No. 20463 Notice is given that ERIC B. GARVEY whose address is 2006 CRANBOURNE RD., LUTHVLE TIMON, MD 21093-7016 was on DECEMBER 19, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of

the estate of MARIE S. DEANGELIS who died on DECEMBER 06, 2024 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 19th day of JUNE, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B04-25 – Information Technology Expansion and Remodel

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Information Technology Expansion and Remodel and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Information Technology Expansion and Remodel may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the com-

pleteness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will not be applicable for this Invitation to BID. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2025 AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2025, BY 3:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2025, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Information Technology Expansion and Remodel) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

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Chad & Nathan Ventures, LLC 122 Mcculloh St. Frostburg, MD 21532

v.

Annie Tindley Deberry 1937 S. Corning Street, Apt. 3 Los Angeles CA 90034

George Donald Tindley 1937 S. Corning Street, Apt. 3 Los Angeles CA 90034

Worcester County, Maryland Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103 1 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 12, Account No. 04-001184, Property description LOT DIDRICKSON FARM N SIDE

LABOR CAMP ROAD, Deed Reference: 677/475, Assessed to Annie Tindley Deberry and George Donald Tindley, 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 No. 12, Account No. 04001184, Property description LOT DIDRICKSON FARM N SIDE

LABOR CAMP ROAD, Deed Reference: 677/475, Assessed to Annie Tindley Deberry and George Donald Tindley

IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-24-000328

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: Account No.: 04-001184 assessed to Annie Tindley Deberry and George Donald Tindley

Brief Legal Address: LOT DIDRICKSON FARM N SIDE

LABOR CAMP ROAD

Deed Reference: 677/475

Full Legal Description: All that lot of land situate in the Fourth Election District of Worcester County in the section called Hog Quarter on the Northeast side of the outlet road aforesaid and adjoining and on the Northwest side of the lot of the said John S. Ayres described in the second descriptive paragraph of a deed to said Ayres from the said deceased dated December 26, 1946, recorded in Liber C.W. N. No. 15, folio 460, and BEGINNING for the lot hereby conveyed at the West comer of said Ayres lot on the Southeast side of said outlet road and thence running in a straight line by and with the said Ayres lot in a Northeasterly direction 30 yards to the middle of a drain; thence by and with the middle of the drain 75 yards; thence in a southwesterly direction 30 yards to said outlet road; and thence by and with the Northeast side of the said road Southeasterly 65 yards to the beginning: containing one-half ( 1/2) acre, more or less.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is thereupon this 2nd of January, 2025, 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 3rd day of March, 2025, 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

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NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 24-08 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-08 (Zoning – Detached Accessory Buildings and Off-Street Parking in Campground Subdivisions) was passed by Commissioners Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on December 17, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1 318(d)(1)E. (Amends the accessory building section to permit two detached accessory buildings on

each campsite, one of which must remain unenclosed, with a separation distance of three feet between accessory buildings and any other building or structure on the same or other lot.)

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19982 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DINO O. IACCHETTA

Notice is given that Lori A. Iacchetta, 13388 Rollie Rd. W, Bishopville, MD 21813-1129, was on December 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dino O. Iacchetta who died on September 17, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of June, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

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

Lori A. Iacchetta 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: January 9, 2025

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

B05-25 – Convention Center South Stairway Repairs

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Convention Center South Stairway Repairs and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Convention Center South Stairway Repairs may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2025 AT 10:00AM, IN THE CONVENTION CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM, 1ST FLOOR, 4001 COASTAL HIGHWAY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 The last day for questions will be on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31ST, 2025 AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, 2025

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2025, BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2025, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Convention Center South Stairway Repairs) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ.

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20470 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DEBRA LEE RUBY

Notice is given that Jennifer Schmalzer, 707 York Rd., Apt. 8321, Towson, MD 21204-2930, was on January 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Debra Lee Ruby who died on November 14, 2024, 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 2nd day of July, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

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

Jennifer Schmalzer 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: January 09, 2025

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WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY, ESQ.

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20471

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania appointed Stephanie M. Berstein, 1166 S.

Lefever Dr., Lititz, PA 17543-9373 as the Executrix of the Estate of John A. Moeller AKA: John A. Moeller Sr. who died on August 09, 2024 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Christopher T. Woodley whose address is 3509 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842-3334.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Stephanie M. Berstein

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 09, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20467 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ERIC GARFIELD GOLDEN Notice is given that Erika Golden, 328 62nd St., NE, Apt. 302, Washington, DC 20019-2854, was on December 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eric Garfield Golden who died on December 10, 2024, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of June, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

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

Erika Golden 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: January 9, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20465 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT PATRICK WEINMAN

Notice is given that Shawn Patrick Weinman, 2 Ivy Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-1616, was on December 27, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Patrick Weinman who died on November 27, 2024, 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 27th day of June, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

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

Shawn Patrick Weinman 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: January 9, 2025

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 23, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 30554(d)(3) has been filed to request an after-the-fact variance to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area (ACBCA) Buffer Management Area (BMA) from 10 feet to 0.5 feet, an encroachment of 9.5 feet) for an afterthe-fact impervious deck/roof. The property is described as Lots 13, 14, 15, and 25, of the Hitchens-Trimper Development in Isle of Wight Plat. It is further described as being located on the west side of Coastal Highway and is locally known as Shotti’s Point at 3505 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOSEPH MOORE, ATTY. FOR CHRIS SHANAHAN (BZA 2708 #24-09500006)

AT 6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception to waive 13 out of 23 parking spaces for the proposed conversion of a fire house to a retail store. The property is described as Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 109, of the Isle of Wight Land Company Plat. It is further described as being located on the northwest corner of Coastal Highway and 74th Street and is locally known as 7401 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: AVRAHAM SIBONY (BZA 2710 #24-09400029)

AT 6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception to waive 4 out of 5 required parking space for the conversion of a laundromat to a private office. It is further described as being located on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue and is locally known as 409 Philadelphia Avenue, Unit 31, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: BRITTANI PHILLIPS (BZA 2711 #25-00001)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-1/9/2t

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20472

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the court of PIKE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed CATHERINE E. HEATLEY whose address is 802 SUGAR BUSH LN., TAFTON, PA 18464-9673 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of GLENN D. JOHNSON who died on OCTOBER 30, 2024 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. whose address is 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE 112, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358

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

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/16/3t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DOUGLAS P. BERRY JR. Estate No. 20405 Notice is given that CURT P. BERRY whose address is 25198 N. LEGACY LN., LAUREL, DE 19956-2047 was on NOVEMBER 04, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DOUGLAS P. BERRY JR. who died on OCTOBER 11, 2024 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20464 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DIANNE MARGARET WEBER

Notice is given that Barbara Walker, 10311 Quarter Deck Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-2760, was on December 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dianne Margaret Weber who died on December 13, 2024, 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 30th day of June, 2025.

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date,

or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Barbara Walker 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: January 9, 2025

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RUSSELL THOMAS SMITH, AKA: RUSSELL T. SMITH Estate No. 20473 Notice is given that SHARON SMITH whose address is 5 LONG POINT CT., BERLIN, MD 21811-3813 was on JANUARY 08, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of RUSSELL THOMAS SMITH who died on SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-

tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF: KATHLEEN A. SOTH ESTATE NO. 20478

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Christina Taylor, Esq., c/o Hartley Nursing & Rehab, LLC, 16701 Melford Blvd., Ste. 400, Bowie, MD 20715 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on February 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529

Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: January 16, 2025 OCD-1/16/2t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20421

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ANN E. ROSE

AKA: ANN ELIZABETH ROSE

Notice is given that Mary Atlas Terry, 361 Green Aspen Ct., Millersville, MD 21108-1872, was on January 08, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Ann E. Rose who died on March 31, 2024, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six

months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Mary Atlas Terry Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 16, 2025

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGIE ALLEN AKA: KAZUKO YANAGI ALLEN Estate No. 20479 Notice is given that BRENDA KAY SHOCKLEY whose address is 5910 LAWS RD., SNOW HILL, MD 21863-3054 was on JANUARY 10, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of MARGIE ALLEN who died on DECEMBER 26, 2024 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty

days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 At 7:00 pm Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-514(22), Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the LC-1, Local Commercial, Zoning District, to permit an interior tenant fit-out with an amusement use that the Mayor and City Council may approve in keeping with uses specifically permitted in the LC-1 district. The site of the request is described as Lots 1 and 2, Block 103 of the Oceanbay City Plat; further described as being located on the west side of Coastal Highway, between 80th and 81st Streets, and known locally as 8001 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MAZE GAME LLC C/O EKATERINA GOLUB AND ASIYA ABDRAKHMANOVA, PRINCIPALS (PZ FILE #2512100005)

No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.

Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates. For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON

On Behalf of Atlantic General Hospital/Health System and Foundation, we would like to thank our Event Sponsors for their generous support.

LEGACY SPONSOR FOR 31

“The Emperor Penguin” Bull on the

BLIZZARD SPONSOR

Ocean City Tourism

GLACIER SPONSORS

AGH Auxiliary D3 Corp

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort & Condominiums WBOC

ICEBERG SPONSORS

AGH Medical Staff

Chris Parypa Photography Duffie Boatworks, LLC WMDT

IGLOO SPONSORS

Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy and Almand, P.A. Barn 34 Celtic RnR Tours, Inc.

Ellen Waters

SNOWFLAKE SPONSORS

Dara Murray

Carpenter Malibu’s Surf Shop

Top Fundraisers:

& Lefty’s

ICICLE SPONSORS

American LegionSynepuxent Post #166 Auxiliary

Atlantic Dental Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Bank of Ocean City

DJ Street

Farmers Bank of Willards

First-Rate Movers

Guerrieri Family Foundation

Jess Hein HVAC

Long Life Treated Wood, Inc.

Monte Carlo Hotel Group Ocean 13

Red Sun Custom Apparel, Inc.

Sally Dowling Family Foundation

The Shrimp Boat

The Windrow Group

TPG Hotels & Resorts

Park Place Jewelers

Snow Hill Middle School

Trond’s Pool Construction, LLC

Vonnie & Charlie Brown

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

OLDEST PENGUIN: Robert Reese (80 years young)

YOUNGEST PENGUIN: Zachary Tybrowski (4 months)

TRAVELED THE FARTHEST: Ansley Heckscher Boulder, Wyoming

COSTUME CONTEST

BEST YOUTH COSTUME: Thomas Riccardi as “Banana”

BEST ADULT COSTUME: Butch Lorditch as “Poseidon”

BEST COUPLE COSTUME: Cinzia Lombardo and Hannah Dulas as “Old Bay and Crab”

BEST GROUP COSTUME: Crabby Matty’s Crew as “Finding Nemo” “BLINGIEST” COSTUME SPONSORED BY PARK PLACE JEWELERS: Melissa and Olivia Page as “Wintery, Christmasy Mermaids”

Thank You to all of this year’s Penguins, Teams, and Supporters for their participation and contributions to the 2025 Penguin Swim!

Thank you to Ryan Kirby, Caitlin Evans and the Penguin Swim Committee for their hard work and dedication to make this event a success!

Special Thanks to... the Princess Royale Staff, Ocean City Beach Patrol, and the many AGH Associates and Community Volunteers who helped with this event!

Property prices rise at slowed rate

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

This past year in real estate proved to deliver more pent-up supply and demand, with continued elevated mortgage rates — despite two Federal Reserve (Fed) rate reductions. And, once again, prices continued to rise, albeit at a slower rate. Here’s an “at a glance” recap of some of the various market stats for Worcester County (no data for December 2024 is included in these figures).

• The average sales prices varied monthly throughout the year, but October had the highest sales price average increase year over year for Worcester County at a 23.1% increase and a $596.242 sales price average in 2024. November was the only month that did not show an increase in sales price average, and it was even with 2021. The lowest sales price average reported in 2024 was for the month of January at

Saturrdday 10am-Noon

$402,857 (in 2023, January was also the lowest sales price average month at $436,082).

• The months of inventory reported figure for November 2024 showed Worcester County was at 3.8 months, compared to the same time in 2023 where the months of inventory average was 3.3. At the end of 2022, statistics showed we were sitting at 1.6 months, so we have more than doubled our inventory since then.

• For the month of November, in 2023 there were 527 active listings but this November 2024 showed 610 units of active inventory. This is compared to the beginning of the year, where January showed only 458 active units.

• For the month of November, inventory remained limited at 141 new listings in 2024, a decline over November 2023, which saw 172 new listings.

• As of the first week in 2024, there are 74 direct oceanfront listings, an increase over last year’s 57 direct oceanfront total units actively listed.

• The luxury market saw 85 homes

selling over the $1 million dollar mark in 2023, and 2024 posted a similar number at 89 luxury homes sold.

• The highest priced sale in Worcester County in 2024 was for a single-family waterfront home in West Ocean City which sold for $8,600,000 (that particular home had been on the market since 2020 and started at over $15 million). The highest priced sale in Worcester County in 2023 was for $6,100,000, also located in West Ocean City.

• At the end of 2023, there were 14 homes listed under the $400,000 price mark in Ocean Pines. In the first week of 2025, there are now 20 homes available for sale under the $400K mark.

• In 2021 Worcester County saw 82 new construction units sold; in 2022, it increased to 123 new construction units sold with the same amount sold in 2023. In 2024, new construction jumped to 181 units sold in the MLS with an average price of $536,580.

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

Jan. 16 - Jan. 23

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Bank promotions

Reid Tingle, president & CEO of Bank of Ocean City along with the Board of Directors, has announced the promotion of Robert Carpenter to Assistant Vice President, Christina Rogers to Vice President and Jason Parker to Senior Vice President. Parker is a graduate of Wilmington University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. With an extensive tenure at the bank since February 2003, Parker has cultivated a robust career in the financial industry and demonstrated a commitment to professional growth by successfully graduating with honors from Maryland Banking School. He is highly engaged in commercial, residential, and consumer lending, as well as business services and business development, demonstrating a well-rounded expertise in banking and financial services.

Continued on Page 54

Familystarting at $239,750Shelly Wilson/Salt Life 3pm 12346 Old Bridge Rd, West OC2BR/1BA

0th St. Unit 502, Meridian, Ocean City3BR/3BA

Familystarting at $179,900Shelly Wilson/Salt Life

$929,900Monica McNamara/Coldwe 103 125th St. #105, Ocean City3BR/2.5BA

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 11603 Windwar

$529,900 T Teerri Moran/Coldwell Ba 702 Ocean Parkwayy, , Ocean Pines 6BR/4BA Single Family $529,900 Power of 2 T Teeam/Hileman Windwarrd d Drive, Unit A, Sea Mist, Ocean City 2BR/2BA

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 27035 Bluf

$429,000Katie Landon/Coldwell B 035 Bay Bluff Rd., Bayside, Selbyville6BR/3.5BASingle Family 1,150,000Michele Pompa/Coldwell

Saturrdday 11am-1pm Saturrdday 11am-1pm 103 23rrd

424 Lark Lane #E303, Ocean City 2BR/1BA

d St. Unit 305A1, Jockey Beach, Ocean City1BR/1BA

$273,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B

$252,000Michele Pompa/Coldwell ve., Unit 101, Harrington T antic A Av Toowers, OC 2BR/2BA

$699,900 Katy Durham/Rick Meehan/Cold r rccester St. #111, Assateague House, OC 1BR/1.5BA

11am-1pm 11964

The ABC T Teeam/Coldwell W 964 W W. Waar Dancer Lane #105, Berlin 3BR/3.5BA

Saturrdday 11am-2pm 143r

Saturrdday Noon-2pm 73 Richar

3 King Richarrd d Road, Ocean Pines 4BR/2.5 BA

Saturrdday 1-3pm 108 120th Str

Saturrdday 1:30-3:30pm 733 Bradley Road, Ocean City5BR/6BA/2-Half

Saturrdday 2-4pm 189 Ocean Parkwayy, , Ocean Pines

Jason Parker

A

ESTATE MARKETPLACE

PHOTOS COURTESY ERIK DOWELL

It takes a lot of work to make a radio show sound this free, open and disorganized, but that’s how it’s been for 20 years ... and counting

ude Awakening R

Story and photos by Brian

(Jan. 17, 2025) Who knew that waking up at 3 a.m. and cracking jokes for a living could last this long?

Ocean City radio station WOCM-FM, better known as Ocean 98, hit a major milestone on Jan. 10, when its Rude Awakening Show celebrated not only two decades on the air with thousands of shows, but 20 years of building a fervent community of listeners.

“Every day, you wake up and you’re excited to go to work. How many people can say that?” said show host Bulldog, who is also Ocean 98’s general manager. “Why would you stop? I’d be a fool to. When you talk about someone living the dream, that’s what I am.”

Growing up in Illinois, Bulldog

Shane

long had harbored dreams of a career on the airwaves.

“When I was a kid, I had in my bedroom a shoebox,” he said. “A hairbrush was my microphone and the shoebox was my (mixing) board. And I had a turntable. I used to pretend I was on the radio. So, I loved this from that time, from when I was 11 or 12 years old.”

Bulldog eventually did get to work in radio as an unpaid intern at a Chicago rock station. Needing cash, though, he took his first paid job as a runner with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. That position led to a successful 18-year career as a commodity broker – and an early retirement.

Their two kids were still very young when Bulldog (whose real

name is David Rothner) and his wife, Nancy, decided to leave Chicago and move to the Caribbean. There, Bulldog met a radio station owner who offered him a job. What was supposed to be a one-year family trip to the islands turned into six years and a new career on the air.

Bulldog was co-hosting the “Buzz and Bulldog” morning show on St. Maarten when he met his future employer, Leighton Moore, through a mutual friend. Moore soon recruited Bulldog to Ocean City to run his fledgling radio venture – which happens to be located on the campus of one of the country’s busiest nightclubs, Seacrets.

“I got tired of paying other radio stations for crappy ads, you know?” Moore said. “Why not take that money and start your own station?”

WOCM-FM went on the air in Ocean City in 2002. Moore had bought and moved the station to Ocean City and built a plush studio at Seacrets, but “couldn’t find any-

Bulldog

Coach

‘There’s no sense in having a local radio station if you don’t take care of the locals.’

body who was worth a (damn) to work it,” he said.

“I didn’t sell any ads because it wasn’t worth anybody’s money,” Moore recalled. “I kept trying to find somebody that would lead it because I’m not a radio guy. Then when I found the gem, Bulldog – gift of gab, funny, intelligent – I didn’t have to do anything anymore.”

Bulldog said the Ocean 98 opportunity presented a clean slate and checked all his boxes: it was an independent, non-corporate radio station in a cool area with very low ratings – ones he hoped to quickly boost.

Fans of the station owe Moore a debt of gratitude, Bulldog noted, for hanging in with Ocean 98, “because this was not a big money-maker, trust me, at the beginning. I didn’t think we were going to last,” he said.

In the station’s offices that overlook Seacrets and the Isle of Wight Bay, it’s a small team running the station. Everyone wears a lot of hats, said Bill Fuhrer – and he’d know, since he’s the station’s promotions director, ad scheduler, sales manager, and the voice of many an advertisement.

“When it comes to a true family work environment, you couldn’t have a better model for a group of co-workers that become a family,” said Fuhrer, who started as a volunteer and then part-timer at the station. “If you take all of us, we got the top of the top of the business. They’re the best. And it starts from Bulldog.”

Bulldog is joined in studio weekday mornings — 6-10 a.m. — by co-hosts Coach and The Dude, as well as producer Marla Robertson. They talk about current events, conduct celebrity interviews, and share laughs with a rotating cast of

regular guests – Lee from Malibu’s, Micky Fitz, Drew Curtis, and many more – over the course of a 6-10 a.m. show.

But they’re not just working four hours a day. Listeners would be surprised how much time goes into making a live show seem frenetic and freewheeling, Bulldog said. He pulls out his iPhone to show a Notes app chock-full of lists and ideas, with a different file for each day of the week.

“I’m constantly taking notes. I put everything in order. And then, when we’re on the air, you make it seem like it’s unorganized. That’s what we do,” he said.

While they have fans around the world thanks to online streaming, Bulldog said he and the morning show crew take great satisfaction in connecting with local listeners.

“There’s no sense in having a local radio station if you don’t take care of the locals,” he said. “What I have always loved is the fact that I’m telling you about the same potholes that you drive on. I’m telling you about the same beach conditions. We have live jocks. We’re live as much as we can, and local.”

Coach (whose real name is Doug Grimes) was a two-time college intern under Bulldog in the show’s early days. Now, 15 years later, he’s the station’s operations manager. And like Bulldog, he says he’s “living the dream.”

“A listener comes up and remembers something you did from a month ago and says: I really liked that. I’m a long-time listener. Thanks for what you do. It’s like – no, thank you for listening,” he said. “It’s the connections that you make with people, keeping them entertained, knowing that you’re giving them something to

look forward to.”

Show producer Marla is the one booking guests, talking to publicists, and answering phones during the broadcast. A veteran on-air personality, Marla is the station’s longesttenured employee, with 17 years at Ocean 98.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had in my life. I love working behind the scenes on the morning show. I can hold my own with them. It’s just like being one of the guys. This is a home away from home,” she said.

The Dude (whose real name is Bill Todd) joined the radio station at age 19. He’ll be 40 this summer. A gifted guitarist, Todd first came on the air to promote his band, and ended up sticking around.

“There was nothing like it,” The Dude said of Ocean 98’s early days. “It was just really cool that Leighton provided this place. Different styles of music we used to play. You know, it was freedom on the radio.”

What’s next for the Rude Awakening Show? They’ll be temporarily without their leader, at least in person. Bulldog and his wife plan to spend two months visiting Las Vegas at the end of an extended road trip, though he will still be part of the show by connecting remotely.

After all this time, “Honestly, it’s still a work in progress,” Bulldog said of his show. “That’s a key part of this thing, too, is it never stops evolving. We meet, the four of us, every single day in my office after the show and come up with ideas. If something was bad on the show, we’ll bring that up.

“You gotta make it better – not for us – for the audience. For the show, for the sake of that. And so, I think we keep going,” he said.

The crew: Dude, Coach, Bulldog and Marla make The Rude Awakening Show work five days a week.

Rogers has been an integral part of the Bank of Ocean City team since joining in September 2004. Over the years, she has demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence by earning certifications from the American Bankers Association (ABA) in Deposit Compliance and Small Business Banking. Further solidifying her expertise, she graduated with honors from the Maryland Banking School in 2020, a testament to her dedication to continuous learning and advancement in the banking industry.

Carpenter joined the bank in November 2023 as the BSA Officer, with 11 years of banking experience, including seven years specializing in AML Compliance and Fraud Prevention. Robert has established himself as a dedicated professional with a keen eye for safeguarding financial institutions and their

customers. He brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked in both local and national banks. His diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of banking operations at various levels, allowing him to navigate the unique challenges of community banking while leveraging the broader perspectives and strategies gained from national institutions.

"True leadership is not just about guiding a team, but about recognizing and nurturing the talents within it. Congratulations to Jason Parker, Christina Rogers and Robert Carpenter on their well-deserved promotions,” said Reid Tingle, president and CEO of Bank of Ocean City. Bank of Ocean City is a locally-owned, independent community bank with six offices -- two in Ocean City, one in Ocean Pines, one in Berlin, one in Fenwick Island and one in Selbyville, Del. Continued from Page 50

Christina Rogers

R. Carpenter

DEMOLITION WORK

A demolition crew is pictured this week tearing down the former Beach Plaza Hotel and Bo Con Apartments, located on the Boardwalk between 13th and 14th streets. A developer has plans to build a new oceanfront hotel in its place.

Berlin Restaurant Week starts Sat., runs till Jan. 23

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 16, 2025) Berlin residents are encouraged to support local eateries over the next few days, as tomorrow, Jan. 17, the town’s restaurant week kicks off. The festivities will extend through Jan. 23.

Restaurants all over town will be offering deals and modified menus for the next week. Those who wish to participate may pick up a ticket at the Berlin Welcome Center or one of the participating locations, dine, and get the form stamped at three different eateries. The cards can be dropped in a drawing box at the welcome center for the chance to win restaurant gift cards and $100 donated by Cam Bunting of Bunting Realty.

Local favorites will be revamping their menus for diners this week. Burn Woodfired Pizza, for instance, is participating in the annual festivities. The restaurant is offering $12 baked goat cheese, $14 shrimp in a Brandy cream sauce dish, and $16 chicken parmigiana.

Forgotten 50 Distilling Company is also getting in on the action.

“Restaurant Week is here from Jan. 17 to the 23rd, and Forgotten 50 Distilling has an incredible menu waiting for you,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook. “From savory soups like duck chili and cream of crab to mouthwatering entrees like shrimp and grits, chicken piccata, and ribeye, there’s something for everyone to savor.”

In addition, the restaurant will serve French onion soup for $12, cream of crab soup for $14, a black truffle Caesar salad for $18, a chef's special salad for $16, and polenta fries for $12.

Baked Dessert Cafe will serve chicken pot pie croissants, tomato pesto, Italian Cheese Quiche, and gluten-free Old Bay macaroni and cheese for $9.99 each with a side salad. The shop will also offer a peach dumpling, “the official dessert of Berlin,” for $5.25.

2nd Wave Coffee will offer patrons a variety of caffeine options, including a strawberry shortcake latte made with vanilla, strawberry, and a strawberry shortcake crumb topping; a snowball latte featuring coconut, marshmallow, dark chocolate, and coconut flake topping; a no-use for a name latte with raspberry, white mocha, and macadamia; and a salted caramel toffee latte with buttery toffee, gourmet sea salt, and creamy caramel.

For the first time, the Berlin Beer Company and The Street Kitchen will also participate in the week-long event. The location’s menu includes $7 Mexican street corn soup, $12 sal-

Berlin reallocates from unassigned funding

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 16, 2025) Berlin officials unanimously agreed to reallocate $2.7 million from the town’s unassigned general fund balance to act as a cushion for potential new projects and financial challenges.

The transfer of funds will bolster the capital reserve, the debt reduction reserve, the police Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension (LEOPS) reserve, and the stabilization reserve.

At its Monday, Jan. 13 meeting, the Berlin Mayor and Council voted to dip into the municipality’s unassigned general fund, which currently holds around $4.8 million, and put more money into certain reserves to

Website lists deals, menus

ads and $15 sandwiches, such as a ham brie and apple grilled cheese with fries.

The full list of participating restaurants and their menus can be found on the window of the Berlin Welcome Center, berlinmainstreet.com.

act as a cushion for potential new projects and financial challenges.

Of the changes, the town will add $1.6 million to the capital reserve, bringing the total from approximately $1.1 million in fiscal year 2024 to $2.7 million for FY25.

“The recommendation for that is covering the remaining balance that we need for the town hall renovations,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “This is going to close that gap and bring this project to fruition.”

The mayor added that, unlike the upcoming community center project, an initiative planned for the construction of a neighborhood facility with public amenities on Flower Street, the town hall renovations do not qualify for much grant funding.

Reassigning these funds will help get the upgrades off the ground. According to Tyndall, the current town hall building is “subpar,” does not meet Berlin's needs, and is negatively impacting recruiting, retention and overall operations.

The town will also transfer $200,000 to the debt reduction reserve. For FY24, the fund’s balance came in at $298,017. The adjustment will bring this figure up to $498,017. Tyndall said that this recommendation comes from the town’s intake of a “new level of debt with the public works facility” as Berlin works to

create the new complex at Heron Park.

The improved structure will be funded through a $3.8 million bond from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Of this, approximately $2.8 million is earmarked for the construction of a public works facility, while $1 million is for electric meter replacement and upgrades.

“The Mayor and Council’s goal of establishing the [debt reduction] fund is to carry at least one year’s debt service balance in this reserve,” Tyndall said. “It just gives us that ability to handle any fluctuations we may have. In a time of distress or challenge fiscally, we want to have some levers we can pull to bolster and not cause the public or the employees to feel the burden of a big shift. We want to be able to weather that storm if we have to.”

Berlin will also increase the LEOPS balance, bringing the total from $429,938 to $829,938. Tyndall said the decision to pad this fund comes from a recommendation from the Local Development Council of Worcester County, which has been hesitant to approve casino funds for the reserve due to potential fluctuations. In 2023, the Berlin Town Council voted to use Local Impact Grant funds from Ocean Downs Casino rev-

enue for the LEOPS program.

“This comes in part from the recommendations and feedback we have received from the local development council and their reluctance to use casino funds because they could fluctuate in a given year toward the repayment of LEOPS,” the mayor noted.

“There is $429,938 in that account and that came from shifting in our multi-year plan some of those funds over to a stabilization fund for LEOPS. We want to bolster that fund a little bit more. Not that we see anything on that horizon, but just to really insulate us. That should cover at least two years of the LEOPS if we had to.”

Additionally, Berlin will add $500,000 to the stabilization reserve, from $1.68 million to around $2.18 million. The stabilization reserve is used for disaster and/or debt recovery. Tyndall said increasing the amount of money in the fund is “not a bad idea.”

“If things go bad, we want to have our unassigned fund balance, but really, the last resort that we have is this stabilization resort,” he said. “It is designed to say, ‘Okay, our first stopgap hasn't worked; now we have another one in place.’”

With the reallocations, the unassigned fund balance will drop from $4.8 million in FY24 to $2.2 million in FY25.

by Steve Green

CThe Adventures of Fatherhood

ollege tours.

It was the subject of a conversation recently with a friend who I have known for more than 30 years. We have gone through all the stages of life as buddies, from high school and college to weddings and kids.

Through each phase, we have laughed at the absurdity of how time moves so fast. and the impossibilities of the weird new titles accumulated along the way, including college graduate, business owner, husband and father. A new title seems to be college tour guide.

Though there’s geographical distance now between us, we remain tight, communicating weekly (even if it’s just a dad joke and a meme). Now, both our families are embarking on the college tour process, albeit in different areas. He has a junior daughter, and I have a junior son.

The commonalities are numerous, but there are stark differences, too. His daughter is dedicated and involved in the college process, having been a planner throughout her life.

My son, Beckett, prefers to focus on what’s directly in front of him, like a mock trial case on Monday followed by mid-terms next week. What’s going to happen in the fall of 2026 is not on his mind at all.

While I compare the two kids, I realized I have a bit of both personality traits in me.

Though supportive of Beckett’s facing each day as it comes, there are times when a little bit of long-range thinking and planning are needed. Beckett prefers to look at life through a straw, focusing intently on what’s weighing on his mind at the moment rather than broadly looking around at other matters that deserve some attention.

The best current example is the aspect of college. At the mid-way point of his junior year, we have advised Beckett we should start touring some schools to

see what he likes and doesn’t. General chats have revolved around geography, school size and possible interests of study.

It’s tough to get him to focus energy on something 20 months away. I get it.

I want him to enjoy his high school years and not rush these days away, but we are encouraging him to be aware of what’s ahead.

At this point, I would just like him to not leave the room (figuratively) whenever the college topic is broached. Though I understand he would prefer to leave the room literally, I certainly can notice his attention waning elsewhere when the discussion begins.

The focus is on his current school, his social life and daily issues, such as why the tires of his car say they are low on cold mornings.

The 16-year-old’s approach is understandable. Since he should focus on mid-terms and school, Pam and I have taken the lead a bit and plan to take him to a handful of schools over his upcoming winter break. He’s excited but he does not seem to possess the bandwidth to decide where he wants to look.

Armed with help from his college counselor and some general information about school size and locations, we are heading south in a couple weeks to explore some schools.

Whether any of these colleges are the right fit is a guess, but I think he will start to get an idea of what he likes and does not during these visits. The tours should help provide some basis for a decision on what kind of college will work for him and what he is not interested in.

From conversations, Beckett has indicated his confusion over what comes after high school. He’s not sure what he wants to do for a career and where he wants to live when he’s older. I assured him most 16-year-olds share these uncertainties. I can share my own unawareness at that age as well with him. It’s all overwhelming to him but it doesn’t have to be.

As a parent, I share the uneasy that comes with the unknowns. Since he needs a push to get started, Pam and I are essentially choosing colleges we think could be a good fit for his round of tours. We are banking on our kid’s feedback along the way to help guide next steps.

Eventually, we want him to control the situation and not worry about what others are doing and where they might be considering. For now, we will steer. A magazine article I read recently about this college process described parents in a unique way that resonated.

The article read, “A sidecar seems to be a more appropriate metaphor for where we ought to be as parents—not plowing, tugging, dozing, or hovering— but along for the ride and certainly not driving. We can point out potential hazards on the road and offer our guidance, but in the end, where our children choose to steer is up to them. Whether they crash or cruise, we will feel the impact as well, but we have a bit of separation and the ability to be by their side with support and love.”

At this point, Beckett’s parents are driving. I am confident when he gets on several college campuses, he will start to take the lead.

In the meantime, I remind him college was a memorable time of my life. I met most of my best friends during the college years. He should look forward to this next chapter with excitement and allocate some mental time to thinking about it in time.

My kid hears me but it’s the noise from everything else that distracts him and keeps his mind on the now. In time, his mindset will evolve. Here’s to hoping some college visits will bring it closer to top of mind.

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

Berlin to phase out moratorium as director hired

Town agrees to lift pause on final site plan approvals

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) Berlin’s moratorium on final site plan approval, rezoning, and annexation will begin a phasedout approach as the town secures a new planning director.

On Monday, Jan. 13, the Berlin Town Council unanimously voted to lift the pause on final site plan review while continuing the moratorium for 45 days for rezonings and annexations. The decision was made at the same meeting the town announced it has hired Ryan Hardesty, an experienced senior code enforcement officer with the City of Salisbury, as the new acting planning director.

The position has been vacant since April following the passing of Dave Engelhart. Rick Baldwin has worked as a consultant in the planning department since then, but a moratorium on certain actions, including final site plan approval, rezoning requests and annexation, was put in place in July to limit the burden on staff until a replacement for Engelhart could be found.

“The initial moratorium was enacted to ensure that the town’s growth remained aligned with the unique character that we have and to make sure projects don’t jeopardize our quality of life,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

According to Tyndall, Hardesty will begin her new role on Feb. 3 and will have a transition period before stepping into the full planning director position.

“From a town perspective, we are very excited to have Ryan start and fill that role,” the mayor noted.

After the mayor’s announcement at the council meeting, Berlin opted to lift the moratorium with a gradual, phased-out approach to ease the new hire into the position. The proposal includes lifting the ban on final site plan approvals while maintaining the pause on rezoning requests and annexations for an additional 45 days.

“The hiring of a full-time planning director is essential in lifting [the moratorium] fully,” Tyndall said. “We have to be understanding that we have a new candidate that is starting, and to throw the floodgates open in one fell swoop is probably not the best approach. It also allows us to have the candidate understand and us to hopefully further develop our strategic vision for Berlin and make sure the projects we approve maintain the

Ryan Hardesty

Consultant to stay with town through 2025, mayor says

Continued from Page 58

character of our town.”

Hardesty graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 2000 and immediately began working as a rental agent for Shoreline Properties in Ocean City. In 2010, Hardesty accepted a position as an administrative records clerk for the City of Salisbury before transitioning to the city’s senior code enforcement officer in 2014. After 10 years in the post, Hardesty is set to bring her experience to Berlin as the town’s planning director. Code enforcement has long been a weakness in Berlin.

The moratorium was initially enacted on July 8 and was set to expire on Sept. 15. As Berlin struggled to lock down a full-time planning director, the pause was extended to mid-October on Aug. 12, until Nov. 15 in September, and to Jan. 15 on Oct. 15.

Tyndall said the decision to lift the pause on final site plan approval is because of engineering support, which “can be helpful in getting those projects across the finish line while still onboarding the new candidate.”

While the 45-day extension for annexation and rezoning requests is a “ballpark” estimate, the town hopes to lift the moratorium fully around March 1. The mayor added that final site plan approvals are the bulk of the work, and rezoning requests and annexations are “one-offs.”

Councilmember Steve Green said it was noteworthy Baldwin will remain on as planning consultant as Hardesty enters her new role and transitions to Berlin.

“It is important to the planning director talk to remind the public that our planning consultant will be involved and staying on through this transition,” he said. “I support the phased approach we have here. We enacted the moratorium in July with the idea that it would be a temporary pause. The clincher for me is knowing that we have direction … I think it’s a wise approach.”

Tyndall confirmed Baldwin has agreed to stay through 2025.

Not your average egg roll recipe

Sloppy Joe, cheesesteak assortment sure to please at next game day gathering

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) Mastering the art of cookery is far more challenging than just following a recipe.

A chef is a teacher and therefore subliminal foresight is a consequence of daily endeavors.

In addition, one must have a vision and take that creativity to new levels. And it is this ability to constitute perception that yields a manifestation of virtuosity and successful merriment.

That being said, originality should not be confused with intelligence. In-

spiration generates alternative approaches and is crucial for success. Paying attention to the smallest detail borders is a must, but it is this relentless intensity that creates works of art. And with that thought in mind, egg rolls are the subject of the day.

The NFL playoffs are set. Whether your favorite team made it or not, football fans will be glued to the TV. Buffets packed with your favorite goodies will be in full swing. Dips, tacos, and wings are popular choices for the famed game. But in the end, individualism dictates success.

Disposition of the mind creates

habit and the choice of actions is relative to the principle of purpose. An assortment of egg rolls will score a high-five with your guests. One might thinking be thinking the art of egg rolls is complicated and tedious. In actuality it is quite simple. Following is a simple guide on rolling egg rolls.

Prepare your filling of choice, strain filling to remove excess liquid, and set aside. Then whisk one egg to form an egg wash.

The next step is actually rolling the egg roll wrapper. Lay the egg roll wrapper out like a diamond. The corner furthest from you is the corner one, corner two is to the left and corner three is to the right, and corner closest to you is corner four.

Continued on Page 61

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Ocean City’s first mayor was William Sydney Wilson, the son of US Senator Ephriam King Wilson. He was born near Snow Hill in 1853. Elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1877 he was elected state’s attorney of Worcester County in 1883.

Wilson was also successful in fields other than law and politics. He was a prominent banker and investor and served on the board of the Sinepuxent Beach Corporation. He was instrumental in the early development of Ocean City serving as mayor from 1892 to 1896.

Sadly, William Sydney Wilson never lived to see the later development of Ocean City as s prosperous resort; he took his own life at the age of 45.

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

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Feeling organized (even if it’s a stretch)

Sending an unwanted call to voicemail

Bread that does not overwhelm a sandwich

Reading an article about a subject I know nothing about

That my wife is an overachiever

Close NFL playoff games

Catching up with a friend

Days without meetings

Finding a binge-worthy show

Pocket doors

Trying different styles of eggs benedict

Stuffing makes the roll

Continued from Page 59

Place two to three tablespoons of filling in the middle of the egg roll. Roll corner four over the mixture, make sure it is tight. Using your finger, spread a little of the egg wash on corners two and three, and tuck these corners in. The roll the egg roll towards corner one and seal with a little egg wash.

In the beginning, it will be a little awkward, but once you get it down, you will be knocking out egg rolls left and right.

If you have a deep fryer, this is the time to use it. If you don’t, no worries. Heat a large cast iron skillet with 2inches of canola oil over medium high heat. Carefully lower the egg rolls and fry until crispy and golden brown. It will take only a minute or two. Then flip so the other side gets brown. Place on a cooling rack for one minute and serve immediately.

Now comes the fun part, the filling. Just recently, I was at a restaurant that served sloppy joe egg rolls as an appetizer with a side of Yum Yum sauce. My curiosity got the best part of me and I ordered it. To my surprise, it was delicious and the egg roll was crispy.

One of the secrets to a winning egg roll is to make sure the filling has been strained. Otherwise, the natural juices will cause the wrapper to become soggy.

Cheesesteak egg rolls are another twist to the classic egg roll. Saute yellow onions, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, Steak-umm, provolone cheese, garlic powder, and salt. The veggies and meat should be sliced very thinly. Again, the mixture must be strained in a mesh strainer to remove any excess liquid.

As the steak mixture sits, the

cheese will harden. Don’t fret, once the egg roll hits the hot oil, it will get soft again. A creamy horseradish sauce is the perfect condiment for a cheesesteak egg roll.

Shrimp and crab egg rolls with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce are a favorite at the Eastern Shore. Shredded Napa cabbage, bean sprouts, green onions, chopped garlic in a jar, bamboo shoots, carrots, shrimp and crab meat are sure to score a touchdown. Again, the ingredients must be chopped very finely. A food processor facilitates this step and saves a lot of time.

The Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce recipe follows: ½ cup duck sauce, ¼ orange marmalade, 1/3 cup red pepper jelly, 1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard, splash rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, ½ teaspoon lime zest, ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper seeds, and a pinch of kosher salt. Garnish the egg rolls with sprigs of fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of black and toasted

sesame seeds. In closing, entertaining is predicated on great food and pleasant surprises. Sloppy Joe, cheesesteak, and crab and shrimp egg rolls will have your company screaming for more. Enjoy!

Secret Ingredient – Experimentation

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Opinions

Commission can do what it wants

Without jumping into the discussion of short-term rentals in single-family home neighborhoods, it does seem a couple of misconceptions continue to drive the conversation. One of these involves property rights. All private property comes with some rights, of course, but rarely does it come with all rights. If it did, zoning in general would not exist. Besides, zoning regulations change all the time to accommodate new ideas, procedures and what society wants.

There was a time, for instance, the zoning for Montego Bay was based entirely on single-wide mobile home design. Nothing beyond that was permitted ... until modular and doublewide homes came along and people wanted them. In other words, zoning may be a law, but it isn’t an eternal guarantee. Things change, and generally it depends on trends in the real estate and building industries, regulatory bodies further up the government food chain, and whether enough people want change to occur.

What has not changed is the Planning Commission’s official relationship with the agency that created it, in this case the mayor and council.

Although the mayor and council can tell the commission what kind of recommendation they want, the commission is not obligated to produce it. It can recommend anything it believes follows the comprehensive plan, no matter what anyone says.

The council, obviously, can ignore the commission’s conclusions and then write laws however they want them written.

As a formal advisory body to the legislative body, the commission can forward to that upper tier a variety of opinions on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. The council this week, aggrieved as it was by the commission’s recommendation, decided to leave it. And that’s how it’s supposed to work.

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PUBLIC EYE

By Stewart Dobson Editor

It’s not that I’m anti-technology, but I’d rather haul around a washtub full of quarters for a parking meter than put one more app on my phone so I can pay to park my car.

Which is what this and many other towns want me to do. I’m not doing it; I’ll pay the fine, or the impound lot fee, or the shipping and handling charges should the authorities decide to punish me by returning my car in pieces on a weekly schedule.

“Oh boy! I got a door handle back this week. Thanks, guys!”

Look, I’m not some anti-gadget grump who thinks technological advances should have ended when they came out with the variable-setting toaster. Not at all.

I love gadgets and digital devices. I have a smart phone, a smart TV, computers and a car that will tell me, “Move it, Pop-pop. The car at the light in front of you is pulling away.”

What I object to is the notion that all these things make life easier. They do not. Back in the day, for instance, I could turn on my TV and flip to whatever channel I wanted without first having to engage my set in conversation.

TV: “Would you like to receive our recommendations for shows and movies based on your viewing habits?”

TV: “Your TV is due for a system upgrade would you like to upgrade now, even though Washington is on the verge of another great comeback with 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter?

Me: “No and hell no.”

And then, many of the apps and programs I do have to make my life easier require “authentication.”

Computer: “To proceed with this program,

check the authenticator (or text or email) on your other device and type the code you see there on this device. Incidentally, you left your phone somewhere. Maybe the car or something. Who knows? Anyway, you have 10 minutes to find it or else.”

And that’s somehow easier?

Add to this my increasing fear of hacking and tracking because of all the things I can “control” with my smart phone.

If you think I’m being paranoid, consider this: If they, whoever they are, can hack the Department of Defense on the second Tuesday of each month or something like that, it’s not a stretch to believe that one day I’ll get a message that says, “Helloooo, Mr. American Person. We have seized the pork chops in your smart oven. Transfer $75,000 and all your Popeye’s Chicken coupons to ... or we’ll make those pork chops so dry you could re-sole your boots with them!”

So, no. I don’t need to add any apps to my over-crowded and over-complicated phone, which already has apps to run other apps because it’s easier ... for someone else.

As an aside, I’d also like to protest the use of the word “technology” as a synonym for “computer” or “tablet’ or “phone” or any digitally driven devices with circuitry that looks like a map of downtown Phoenix.

Technology is not a thing. It’s a word that means the “application of knowledge.” At one time, for instance, a pencil was “new technology.”

“Look, Thorg,” says Caveman Bob as his friend makes handprints on the cave wall. “You don’t have to blow charcoal dust on your hand to leave a print. You can trace your hand with my invention. I call it a ‘pencil.’”

Thorg takes the pencil and looks it over.

“Nah,” he says, handing it back. “It looks too complicated.”

Reprint from Jan. 28, 2022

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

The dynamics at play at City Hall in Ocean City between the elected officials of the mayor and council and the appointed officials of the planning commission merit a deeper dive.

Late last year the planning commission, with Chair Joe Wilson in opposition, sent the council a list of recommendations to essentially ban short-term rentals in the primary residential district. Though the proposed 31-day minimum length of stay was well intended in seeking to protect year-round communities, the commission was, presumably, well aware it would never pass the full council. In fact, it was learned this week not one council member supported the minimum length of stay measure. Instead, the council is looking to create a one-week rental minimum to cut down on the rental turnover in these districts, effective next January.

The divide has grown between the council and planning commission on this matter. It’s a compelling situation here because the commission membership is created through the mayor and council. It stands to reason most of the viewpoints would align, but the elected officials have the added duty to view matters with balance. The commission can come to conclusions in more of a vacuum, offering recommendations individual members as residents may feel are appropriate but without politics playing a factor. Council President Matt James was blunt this week, saying, “What’s proposed here today is not what we asked for and quite frankly, it's only on the agenda because I was told by our attorney that it had to go on the agenda. I don't think we should send it back to the planning commission because this is what they sent to us, and it's clearly not what we asked for.”

The council’s rejection will not surprise the commission, as member Palmer Gillis said last month, “I don’t think the City Council has the political will to do what we’re recommending. But somewhere you have to have a neighborhood that can be for families...”

US Wind means business when it comes to Worcester County’s attempt to stop the company’s plans to buy private property in West Ocean City for an operations facility. It’s also clear the county is not going to be bullied either. The theater here is going to be interesting to watch. The thought here is the legal threat will halt any private negotiations between the county and landowners, resulting in the eminent domain legal action occurring sooner than later.

In a letter to the county, US Wind’s legal counsel wrote in part, “An intentional interference with contract, civil and constitutional rights not only creates significant liability for the County, but also creates personal liability for governmental officials involved in such activity. To provide context on the magnitude of potential actual damages for this liability, US Wind’s investment in Maryland and the project to date exceeds the entire annual operating budget of Worcester County. US Wind intends to litigate to the fullest extent to protect its constitutional and other rights to construct the offshore wind project. … You are asked to immediately reverse course ...”

In response, county Administrator Weston Young said the threats and intimidation attempts are not taken lightly. The juice in this case is worth the squeeze, according to Young, who said, “This could all just be bluster and threats – scare tactics, I would say. But they could mean it. And we’re prepared for any scenario. We have this foreign entity that wants to completely dismantle that industry, subsidized by federal dollars. It’s a big fight, but a worthy one.”

An educational campaign is fine, but Worcester County needs to proceed with caution when it comes to informing private property owners about potential dangers from solar companies. This effort will be about the tone of the messaging.

It’s clear some commissioners frown on solar panels on farmland. It’s why the body tried in 2023 to block a Snow Hill area farmer from striking a deal with a solar provider before the county was told the position is not legal. The county was forced by the circuit court to rescind its denial letter to the state and take no action. Last October, the county officially opposed a 35-acre solar farm project outside of Berlin, but the state ultimately controls that decision too. The county did give support to a planned solar farm between Pocomoke and the Virginia line last spring, though.

The county needs to be careful here. Educating ag landowners to read all the details proposed by these solar companies when they are approached is good policy, but painting all the approaches as nefarious would be misleading. The fact is farmers here – like their counterparts across the nation -- face rising costs amid dwindling revenues. It makes sense for these folks to explore these alternative revenue avenues. The county’s public service attempt has merit, but the delivery will be key as scare tactics would be inappropriate.

Assessment protection leads to more spending

Editor,

Your article “Local Property Assessments Jump” in the January 10 edition left out a very important piece of information.

The statewide Homestead Tax exemption credit allows both counties and cities to adopt a lower ceiling for the exemption than the state standard of 10%. The exemption applies only if the property is the primary residence of the owner. I believe that Worcester County uses 3% and Ocean City actually uses 0%.

When the budget is being considered in open meetings in other jurisdictions, you will see many

homeowners testify asking the politicians to hold the line on property tax increases. In Worcester County and Ocean City, about all you hear are requests for more funding.

The reason is the owner occupied properties have a cap of 3% per year in Worcester County taxes and are capped at 0% for Ocean City taxes.

The result is that all the voters either pay no property tax because they are renters or are shielded from any significant property tax increase.

The bottom line is no one is trying to put a lid on spending in the county or city because voters are largely unaffected by any property tax increase.

Jim Thomas Silver Spring

Berlin council approves sign purchase for town messaging

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) The Berlin Town Council unanimously approved purchasing a new variable message sign (VMS), not to exceed $19,000, to act as a board providing event, parking, trash, and law enforcement updates to municipality residents.

The device purchase, passed at the Berlin Mayor and Council's Monday, Jan. 13 meeting, will be funded through the Capital Outlay Equipment—Street Department budget using savings from under-budgeted projects. Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said that the sign would be used as a general information board.

“One of the ideas, too, was for trash,” Charles said. “Like around the holidays, I could put it in certain rotations. Like leading into Christmas week, we could have put it over on

the western side of the town and said, ‘Tuesday's route will be picked up on Monday.’ We would be able to use it for water outages or upcoming events. The police could use it for anything that they need to. Emergency, detours, traffic control patterns, and things like that.”

The sign will be purchased from Sunrise Safety Services, INC., a traffic control company based in Glen Burnie. The official title of the purchase is a Wanco Full Size Matric Message Board with a Hydraulic Lift. The public works director added that the board’s capabilities include pictures and scrolling through messages.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that the town had rented similar signs in the past and that “from a logistics” standpoint, the purchase makes sense to improve the municipality's messaging services.

WORLD WAR II

The Red Army’s Vistula-Oder offensive on the Eastern front

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, the powerful Red Army crashed across the frontier of the 1,000-year Reich. At 4:35 a.m., on Jan. 12, the artillery from the First Ukranian Front, commanded by Marshal Ivan Konev, commenced firing, signaling the be-

ginning of the offensive. The artillery fired for 15 minutes, and then the marshal sent the infantry forward. At 10 a.m., Marshal Konev’s artillery began firing again, and this time fired for 107 minutes.

Marshal Georgy Zhukov’s First Belorussian Front had secured two bridgeheads across the Vistula River

Zhukov, center, and Ivan Konev, right, during the Battle of Kursk, 1943.

on July 27 and Aug. 4, 1944, while Marshal Konev’s First Ukranian Front captured another bridgehead south of Warsaw in August. At 651 miles, the Vistula River is the longest in Poland and the ninth longest in Europe. It empties into the Baltic Sea at Gda sk, by way of Gda sk Bay.

Prior to the offensive, German intelligence had estimated that the Red Army had a 3:1 numerical superiority over the German forces, 7:1 in tanks and 20:1 in artillery and aircraft. The actual numbers were worse. Between the two fronts, the marshals had amassed 163 divisions, with a total of 2,203,000 soldiers, 4,529 tanks, 2,513 assault guns, 13,763 field artillery pieces, 14,812 mortars, 4,936 anti-tank guns, 2,198 Katyusha rocket launchers and 5,000 aircraft.

Opposing the Soviets was Armeegruppe A, commanded by Col. Gen. Josef Harpe, with a mere 450,000 soldiers, 4,100 artillery pieces, 1,150 tanks and 1,100 aircraft. Within four hours, the Fourth Panzerarmee, commanded by Fritz-Hubert Gräser, had lost two-thirds of its artillery and one-quarter of its soldiers.

After Marshal Konev’s 107-minute barrage, the Soviet soldiers executed a feint, lulling the Germans into thinking the shelling was over, and they could come out of their shelters. Once they were out, the Soviet soldiers went to ground and Marshal

Konev’s artillery fired again for 15 minutes. Then, the full-scale assault commenced, with tanks supporting the infantry.

Within three hours, Marshal Konev’s First Ukranian Front had advanced six miles. After noon, the weather cleared and the Red Air Force lent its support. By the end of the day, Marshal Konev’s First Ukranian Front had advanced 15 miles on a 20-mile front. Marshal Zhukov’s First Belorussian Front attacked on a 75-mile front on Jan. 14, 1945. By the end of the day, it had advanced eight miles.

The Polish city of Kielce, which today has a population of 192,000, was defended by Gen. Gräser’s Fourth Panzerarmee, and was liberated on Jan. 16, when Gen. Gräser’s Fourth Panzerarmee evacuated. The Sixty-Ninth Army, commanded by Vladmir Kolpakchi, from Marshal Zhukov’s First Belorussian Front, captured the city of Radom on Jan. 16. Radom, today, has a population of 196,000 and is located 60 miles south of Warsaw.

The Second Guards Tank Army, commanded by Semyon Bogdanov, captured Sochacezw, which currently has a population of 38,000. The next day, the ancient Polish capital of Kraków was liberated by the FiftyNinth and Sixtieth Armies, commanded by Ivan Korovnikov and

Pavel Kurochkin, on Jan. 19.

That same day, Eighth Guards Army, commanded by Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov (hero of Stalingrad), captured ód , which today has a population of 655,000. During the German occupation, the city was renamed “Litzmannstadt,” to honor Karl Litzmann, a WWI German general who commanded the 3rd Guards Infantry Division at the Battle of ód against the Russians, for which he was awarded the "Pour le Mérite."

After the war, he joined the Nazi Party, and served in the Reichstag. Of the 233,000 Jews living in ód at the beginning of WWII, less than 11,000 survived.

The next day, Gen. Harpe was relieved of command and replaced by Ferdinand Schörner. Prior to that Schörner had commanded Armeegruppe Courland, which was trapped by the Red Army in the Courland Peninsula, Latvia. He would soon acquire the sobriquet “Hangman,” as well as the coveted title, on April 5, of field marshal. Due to the disintegrating wartime situation, he never received a field marshal’s baton.

He was known as the “Hangman” because, on his orders, so many Germans — soldiers and civilians — were hung for desertion as they attempted to evade the onrushing Red Army.

He was tried, convicted and sentenced to prison by the Soviet Union, and after his release, by the West Germans. At his death, on July 2, 1973, he was Germany’s last field marshal.

Marshal Konev’s First Ukranian Front captured the 400-year-old city of Katowice, in Upper Silesia after the Seventeenth Army, commanded by Friedrich Schulz, withdrew. Today, the city has a population of 300,000. Meanwhile, Fourth Tank Army, commanded by Ukrainian Dmitry Danilovich Lelyushenko, captured a bridgehead on the Oder River at the town of cinawa. For this he was awarded his second Hero of the Soviet Union star.

A second bridgehead on the Oder River was captured at O awa by First Ukranian Front’s Fifth Guards Army, commanded by Aleksey Semenovich Zhadov. He was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union star on April 6, 1945. First Belorussian Front’s Fifth Shock Army, commanded by Nikolai Erastovich Berzarin, also captured a bridgehead over the Oder River at the town of Letschin. Gen. Berzarin also received the Hero of the Soviet Union star on April 6, 1945, and a promotion to col.-general two weeks later.

First Ukranian Front’s Third

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OBITUARIES

BILLIE LEE COOPER

Pittsville

Billie Lee Cooper, age 91, of Pittsville, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at Margate Health and Rehab Center in Jefferson, N.C. She was born in Berlin and was the daughter of the late Edgar Hammond and Mary (Smack) Hammond.

She was a poultry grower and was the owner of Billie's Beauty Shop for

over 30 years. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and the Pittsville Vol. Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Billie is survived by two children, Edgar W. "Eddie" Cooper of Pittsville and Linda Lee Calhoun of West Jefferson, N.C.; one sister, Shirley Tull of Whaleyville; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Cooper in 1987 and a sister, Norma K. Bradley.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday Jan. 18, 2025, at BishopHastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main St. in Selbyville, DE. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pittsville Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, 742 Gumboro Road Pittsville, Md. 21850.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

CHARLES ELWOOD BAILEY

Berlin

Charles Elwood Bailey, age 82, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Berlin. Born in Ocean City, he was the son of the late Ollie Bailey and Pearl Clark Bailey.

Charlie, as he was called, grew up in Ocean City and attended Stephen Decatur High School. Charlie was a painter and after retireContinued on Page 67

WORLD WAR II

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Guards Tank Army, commanded by Pavel Semyonovich Rybalko, and Fifty-Second Army, commanded by Konstantin Apollonovich Koroteyev, reached the Oder River on Jan. 20, 1945. Both commanders received the Hero of the Soviet Union star on April 6, 1945.

First Belorussian Front’s Second Guards Tank Army, commanded by Semyon Ilyich Bogdanov, also reached the Oder River near the village of Küstrin. Gen. Bogdanov’s Second Guards Tank Army had traveled 300 miles since the offensive began. He, too received the Hero of the Soviet Union star on April 6, 1945.

On Feb. 2, 1945, the Soviet high command declared the offensive’s objectives had been met. At that time, both fronts were solidly on the Oder River, 45 miles from the German capital, with bridgeheads over the river. That river is 522 miles long and forms 116 miles of the current PolishGerman border.

Next week: Wilhelm Gustloff 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.

Charles E. Bailey

Billie Lee Cooper

ment, he became a volunteer at the Spirit Kitchen within Stevenson United Methodist Church. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the other volunteers and the visitors that came in. Spending time with family was most important to Charlie.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vina Bailey; a daughter, Karen Cooper (Lee); two grandchildren, a granddaughter Emylee Cooper, and a grandson Pastor Andrew Cooper (Haley); and one great granddaughter, Elsie Jane Cooper. As well as one surviving sister, Louise Richardson and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his son, L/Cpl (USMC) Charles Keith Bailey; four brothers, Monroe, George, Preston and Dennard; and three sisters, Hilda, Sarah and Joyce.

Services were held. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s name can be made to the Spirit Kitchen c/o Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N Main Street, Berlin, Md. 21811 or a charity of one’s choice.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

SARAH ROSE WENDLING

Ocean City

Sarah Rose "Sally" Wendling beloved and devoted wife, mother, Granmaw, Great-Granmaw, Aunt, and Happy Homemaker, was carried away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Saturday December 28, 2024 at the ripe age of 90 and 11 months due to a stroke.

She was born on Jan. 27, 1934 in Allentown, Pa., daughter of Morris Nagle and Carmelita Yori and grand-daughter of Peter Yori & Bridget O'Donnell and Arthur Nagle & Emma Laub. In addition to her parents and grandparents, she is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Alvin Philip Wendling (Popeye); her grandson Jacob Landacre; her sisters Mary, Patricia, Barbara, and Helen; and brothers Morris and John whom she missed dearly. She is survived by five sons and a daughter, Matthew (Brenda) of Edinburg,VA, Peter (Prayoon) of College Park, MD, John (Lynne) of Ocean City, MD, Suzanne Landacre (Dave) of Camden, WV, Chaz (Kelle) of Rockledge, FL and Drew of Ocean Pines, MD. She also leaves 5 grandchildren, Coty Sue Swiger, Josie Lynn Landacre, Paige and Adam Wendling,

and Kylie Wendling. Also her adored great-grandchildren: Kolby, Kolton, Korbon Swiger and Maddox Landacre. In addition to her family "Aunt Sally" had numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved and made a point to stay in touch with because family meant so much to her.

After high school she spent a short time in a Catholic convent studying to be a nun. and teaching near Baltimore until she met her future husband Alvin and decided family life was for her. She worked a number of jobs in the Washington, DC area and moved to Landover Hills, MD to raise their family. She spent 15 years working for the Prince Georges County School system as a school health aide. She found her calling as both a mother and health aide as all the children were near and dear to her.

She shared countless memories and stories with those closest to her

always offering encouragement, a kind word, wisdom and laughter. She could be quite funny and not know it and never took herself too seriously. She made an indelible impact on all who knew her for her kindness, faith and her ability to listen with a sympathetic ear and a smile. Sally especially valued and enjoyed her time with her loyal and fun friends from the Happy Homemakers which she shared a lifetime of fellowship even though separated by many miles.

She moved to the "beach" in Ocean Pines after raising her kids. There her life was filled with creative endeavors such as ceramics and decorative painting at which she excelled. She thoroughly enjoyed the visits of her children, grandchildren and greats which always kept her in the kitchen whipping up her delicious crab cakes, chicken salad, 7 layer salad and black

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Sarah Wendling

OBITUARIES

walnut cookies which everyone delighted in eating. She even gave lessons in making the Maryland crab cakes the "right way" to her sons, and she was a crab picking warrior and was quite the fisherman. Through it all she supported her husband in his business, Pop's Joke Shop, in downtown OC. During that time she really enjoyed the company of their cockatiel Tonto and fur-babies Gideon, Pugsworth, Penny and Scout.

Mom's life can be defined by her ever-present love for her family and friends and will be remembered for her kindness and concern for everyone she encountered. She was a happy soul with a warm heart and sense of humor which will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Though her life here on earth may be over we rejoice that she is up in heaven with Jesus and her family gone before her. May her light be carried on in all of us who had the fortune to share our lives with her and that we may share that light with those we meet in our lives being a "good and faithful servant" of Christ and in remembrance of her.

Services were held and coordinated by Burbage Funeral Home. Because her Catholic faith and children were especially near and dear to her heart the family requests that in lieu of flowers a suggested me-

morial donation be made to the Annual School Fund of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Private School in Berlin. www.mostblessedsacramentschool.com.

GARY LEE KUEBLER

Berlin

Gary Lee Kuebler, age 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded in love, on Friday Jan. 10, 2025, at Atlantic General Hospital. Born in Salem, Oregon, he was the beloved son of the late Lowell and Elizabeth Kuebler.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 76 years, Doris Jean Kuebler, and his sister, Janette Wheeler. He also leaves behind daughters, Dian Lawrence and husband Ken, Carol Massey and husband Wayne, Julie Stuart and fiancée Edwin Zajdel, Sandy Crawford and husband Scott, along with his cherished grandchildren Michelle, Melinda, Heather, Tessa, Cassie, Brandon, Jenny, Kristy, Evan and Josh; great-grandchildren Kayla, Abbott, Ethen, Brooke, Braden, Collin, Raegan, Carter, Billy, Cody, Tori, Tiffy and Taylor; and greatgreat grandchildren Kaiden, Dylan, Vivia, Bentley, Leila Kayden, Luca,

Aven, Ava, and Stevie.

Gary was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Christopher Stuart; grandson, Chadwick Stuart; and brother, Lowell Dean Kuebler.

Gary met the love of his life at the age of 16 in high school, at Laurelwood Academy, in Oregon. They married June 17, 1949. After attending Walla Walla College in Washington, Gary began his career with General Foods. He was later recruited by Eastman Kodak and moved his family across the country to Maryland.

Upon retirement Gary and Doris built a home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where they enjoyed the beach, golfing, fishing and traveling, especially to the Caribbean and Europe.

Gary was not only hard working but loved to stay active; he was an avid gardener, and took pride in his lovely yard, plants and shrubs. He loved spending time with his cherished family, playing cards, fishing, skiing, camping, and loved holidays when family would visit. Gary’s family was his greatest accomplishment, and he was deeply loved by all. He will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, on Friday, Jan.17, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. S service will be held following the viewing. Interment will follow in Evergreen

Cemetery in Berlin. Letters on condolence may be sent to www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

WILLIAM “BILL” LEWIS CUMMINGS JR. Berlin

William “Bill” Lewis Cummings Jr., 78, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, 2025, at Tidal Health Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 26, 1946, Bill was the son of the late William Lewis Cummings Sr. and Eleanor Jarrell (née Walls). He was also predeceased by his stepfather, Fred Jarrell.

A graduate of Seaford High School in Delaware, Bill went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, earning an honorable discharge.

Bill had a long and successful career in Finance at DuPont, where he worked for over 30 years, and ended his professional career as an IT project manager at CSC. His favorite hobbies included spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, reading—particularly about American history—driving his beloved 2001 Boxster, and playing golf.

Bill was known for his kind and gentle heart, his love of family, and his deep compassion for animals.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Laura (née McWhorter); his daughters, Kimberly Cummings-Shreeve (Dana) and Kerri Cummings; and his step-sons, John Matthew “Matt” Terranova (Dominique) and Stephen Terranova (Kellie). He is also survived by his brother, Bob Cummings (Dori), and their two daughters, Marcie Hassett and Cathie Tyler and their children.

$1,595.

Bill leaves behind 12 cherished grandchildren, Parker and Mack Williams (and their father Sean Williams); Sydney, Benjamin, and Aiden Usselmann (and their father Alex Usselmann); Austin Conway and Nash Terranova (children of Stephen and Kellie Terranova); and Kieron, Myla, Lauren, Noemi, and Aniyah Terranova (children of Matt and Dominique Terranova).

A small, private service was held at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bill’s honor to the Worcester County Humane Society or Town Cats of Ocean City.

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Gary Lee Kuebler

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Sports & Recreation

Mallards resume season with loss to Sabres at home

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Jan. 17, 2025) Coming off a full month off from the holidays and then a week off due to snow, Worcester Prep’s varsity girls basketball team lost a tough battle at home on Monday against Sts. Peter and Paul High School of Easton, 40-27.

Worcester’s last game was on Dec. 16 when it lost to Indian River High School. Last week’s game against Holly Grove was canceled by snow as was a planned tournament at Greenwood Mennonite.

First-year Coach Kelly Roberts said the layoff was beneficial for players who had been hurt but led to inevitable rust for her team.

An exciting first quarter end in tie at 11-11. Rani Yonker, Sydney Mize, Carolina Labin and Anisha Batra each scored in the opening frame for the Mallards.

In the second quarter, Mize scored a three pointer and Labin added a basket but, the Sabres scored eight in the quarter on their way to a threepoint halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Mize, Labin, Batra and Lyla Roberts each score while the Sabres stretched their lead.

In the fourth quarter, Yonker scored and Batra made a free throw but the Sabres were able to hang on for a 13-point win. The Mallards fell to 4-4 on the season.

“Part of the debacle was our high

turnovers and lack of rebounds,” Roberts said. “We had three injuries before Thanksgiving so in someways it’s like a new team getting to know each other. We are disappointed but

I’m proud of their hard work tonight.”

The boys and girls basketball teams play conference rival Gunston on Friday night at home.

Football coach, players earn all-Maryland team honors

(Jan. 17, 2025) Stephen Decatur’s state champion football team celebrated some individual recognitions this month.

Senior Davin Chandler was recognized as the Maryland 2A Player of the Year and Head Coach Jake Coleman was named the Maryland 2A Coach of the Year. Coleman led the Seahawks to an undefeated season and their second straight 2A state title.

Named to the 2A All State Team were quarterback Johnny Hobgood, wideout Trybe Wise, defensive back Ethan Bradshaw and defensive back Chandler.

Tapped for the All 2A Region team were Hobgood, Wise, wide receiver Zakhari Baker, offensive lineman Garry Maloney, kicker Blake Wallace, defensive end Nate Tapley, linebacker Peyton Travers and defensive backs Bradshaw, Chandler and Dalontae Henry.

Junior Sydney Mize puts the ball on the floor on her way to the hoop in Monday’s home loss to Sts. Peter and Paul of Easton.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Freshman Rani Yonker looks to dish while a Sabre defender voices an attempt to distract.