01/24/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

Wind energy order viewed cautiously

President Trump’s executive order halting the lease of federal lands for wind farms also leaves projects with leases in hand subject to review by federal authorities. Local governments, US Wind aren’t sure what it might mean to them. PAGE 3

Taylor announces retirement

School superintendent says he will step down at the end of the school year, wrapping up a 41-year career with Worcester County public schools. — PAGE 53

Rt. 90 project gets its funding

State Highway Administration said last fall there was no money to pay for studies to make the two-lane road a dual highway. They were wrong. — PAGE 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPOS MEDIA

Half the Bo-Con Apartments remain as the demolition of it and the Beach Plaza Hotel next door continues. As local historian Bunk Mann reported in his “Vanishing Ocean City” column in 2023, the Beach Plaza was built in 1953 by Ethel Griffin Kelley and her son, Harry, who was Ocean City’s mayor from 1970 to 1985. Bought by Brice and Shirley Phillips in 1967, the Beach Plaza closed its doors in 2021. Developers plan to build a hotel on the site. Its style and scope is yet to be determined.

Trump’s wind order cheered by local leaders

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) Local officials say they are optimistic about an executive order that effectively halts offshore wind development, but US Wind states it will not give up on its plans to build a renewable energy project off Maryland’s coast.

On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order effectively withdrawing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from any new offshore wind leasing. The order also halts the issuance of any new or renewed permits, leases or loans for onshore and offshore wind projects, pending the completion of a federal review.

At the local level, the executive order could impact the 114-turbine project US Wind plans to build 10 miles off the coast, as it tasks the secretary of the interior, in consultation with the attorney general, to “conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases.” The order also requires federal agencies to review its leasing and permitting practices.

In response to the executive action, US Wind’s Nancy Sopko, vice president of external affairs, said the company will work with the new administration to meet its energy goals.

“US Wind’s projects are poised to de-

liver on the President’s promise of achieving American energy dominance, especially now that we have received all of our federal permits,” she said. “The energy we will produce off Maryland’s shores will help to meet the region’s unquenchable thirst for new electricity, power more than 600,000 homes, and support good American jobs. We will be at the forefront of an American manufacturing renaissance that relies heavily on American steel by establishing a new factory at the old Bethlehem Steel facility in Baltimore. This site, once used to produce the steel beams for the Empire State Building, will rise again to meet the demands of a new American industry. We look forward to working with the new administration to fully realize the potential of American ingenuity and innovation.”

Local governments praise president’s Executive Order

Throughout his campaign, Trump has vowed to end wind energy development. And during his first day in office, he followed through on his promise, issuing an executive order that paused leasing and permitting practices.

Officials with the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County Government –who for years have fought US Wind at various stages of the permitted process for its offshore project – welcomed the news this week. Worcester County’s

chief administrative officer, Weston Young, said the county fully supported the president’s executive order.

“The language in the order closely mirrors our concerns,” he said. “We will continue working closely with our state and federal representatives to put safeguards in place to protect our coast in perpetuity.”

Young also touched on another executive order signed this week, one that encourages offshore oil exploration.

“Whether we’re talking about offshore wind or drilling, our concerns are the same. All of these massive industrial activities would be detrimental to the viewshed, marine animals, the ocean, and our bays,” he said. “We’ll continue to press the state to pursue clean, stable energy sources, like nuclear. Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant supplies roughly forty percent of the state’s energy. If the

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state brought just two additional plants online, we could meet all of our energy needs and be in a position to sell energy to surrounding states.”

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said this week that the city was working with its attorneys to determine how the federal government will proceed with the executive order. However, he said he remained “cautiously optimistic.”

“After almost eight years. I believe the momentum is beginning to shift with regard to the wind farms and the proposed wind farm off the coast of Ocean City,” he said at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council meeting. “The newly elected president enacted a number of executive orders. A couple of them address wind farms. We’re still trying to analyze exactly with our attorneys what they’re going to do, but it does appear that there

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Offshore wind project remains controversial

is going to be some type of moratorium on the existing wind farms, and I think they’ve at least delayed on those projects in order for the federal agencies to really take a look at these projects, which we’ve asked them to do for the last eight years. And nobody’s really listened and nobody’s really done that.”

Environmental, energy advocates voice concerns

In a statement issued this week, the American Clean Power Association – an advocacy group representing energy storage, wind, solar, clean hydrogen and transmission companies – said it supported Trump’s calls to increase domestic energy production but opposed measures to halt wind development.

“Wind power is an essential element of our ability to serve soaring electricity demand for manufacturing and data

centers that are key to national security,” CEO Jason Grumet said. “It is also playing a growing role in our energy systems in red and blue states across the country. In fact, states voting for President Trump are eight of the top ten states in terms of reliance on wind power with many depending on wind for a significant share of their electricity use. Restricting wind development in these regions is certain to increase consumer energy bills. Wind development is also supporting more than 300,000 American jobs, many in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and plant operations. Offshore wind is also helping to revitalize America’s supply chain, bringing back U.S. shipbuilding, and creating economic prosperity and jobs, with billions of dollars in new investment.”

Ocean Conservancy, another advo-

cacy group for protecting the ocean and addressing climate change, also spoke against the president’s executive actions.

“Climate change is the greatest threat facing the ocean; and the only way we can prevent the worst impacts is by transitioning to clean energy, ending our reliance on fossil fuels, and protecting more, not less, of the precious shared resource that is the ocean …,” Anna-Marie Laura, senior director of climate policy, said. “Promoting offshore oil and gas while halting progress on developing our offshore wind resources in the name of protecting marine life and fiscal responsibility is irresponsible and disingenuous. Offshore wind has the potential to provide enough energy to power the entire U.S. five times over, as well as create thousands of jobs in coastal communities. As we’ve seen time and time again, oil and water don’t mix: more offshore

drilling in the U.S. is bad news for anyone who cares about having an ocean free from devastating oil spills.”

Efforts against US Wind project ramping up

From the outset, officials with US Wind, as well as state and federal agencies, have highlighted the benefits offshore wind could bring to Maryland. The phased project – to include up to 114, 938-foot-tall wind turbines, four offshore substation platforms, four offshore export cable corridors and one meteorological tower – is expected to generate more than two gigawatts of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support nearly 2,700 jobs over the next seven years.

In December, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) granted US Wind’s construction and operations plan, or COP, the final permit needed in the company’s federal permitting application.

Since that time, however, the Town of Ocean City has continued to add coplaintiffs to its lawsuit challenging BOEM’s process for approving the US Wind project.

And in Snow Hill, Worcester County has launched a public relations campaign against offshore wind and has announced plans to pursue eminent domain in an attempt to stop US Wind’s acquisition of two properties at the West Ocean City harbor.

In response to that effort, US Wind has threatened legal action should the county interfere.

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Route 90 funds restored in MDOT capital budget plan

Money for project planning, engineering incorporated in budget, beginning in FY27

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) Local officials last week learned planning and engineering funds for the Route 90 widening project have been restored.

While county and municipal leaders were told last fall the Route 90 project had been paused due to fiscal constraints, they were pleased to learn last week that funding for the project’s planning and engineering phase had been restored in the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for fiscal years 2025-2030.

The capital budget, released on Jan. 15, includes funding for the project beginning in fiscal year 2027.

I don’t know how long now. We finally got some money from the former governor and then that was taken right out from underneath us this year.”

It was also at that meeting that officials floated the idea of providing a county match to keep the project moving forward. However, state representatives said planning and design would require a $2.75 million match.

The topic was revisited in November, when representatives from the Maryland State Highway Administration met with the Ocean City Council to discuss local transportation projects.

‘Funding

for Rt. 90 has been restored in the 2025 Maryland Consolidated Transportation Plan beginning in State FY 2027.’

City Manager Terry McGean

“The state is aware of the importance of the MD Route 90 project and how it’s our priority,” Worcester County Commission President Ted Elder said. “We’re encouraged by this news. We thank Governor Moore and Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary [Paul] Wiedefeld for keeping this project moving forward.”

Citing budgetary challenges, Maryland leaders last fall announced plans to pause various transportation projects, including a project to improve the Route 90 corridor, which spans from Route 50 to Coastal Highway. The news was delivered to local officials weeks before the state was set to release the draft of its fiscal year 2025-2030 CTP, which outlines funding for transportation projects over the next six years.

In September, MDOT officials visited Worcester County, during which time Wiedefeld met with the commissioners to discuss the draft transportation plan, one that focused on projects and programs that maintain Maryland’s transportation system and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on Maryland’s roads. At that meeting, many continued to advocate for Worcester’s top priority project.

“You say you’re about safety,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “Well, Ocean City’s safety depends on Route 90 being dualized, and the Route 50 corridor being taken care of. I see on here that we still have the Route 50 bridge on our shortlist here and, to me, Ocean City, Worcester County and everybody else has been asking about the Route 90 bridge for

“Several counties have come in with similar requests as the state went around to conduct its tour meetings,” District Engineer Mark Crampton told the council. “Those are all right now being considered by [the secretary’s office] with no final decisions. So I don’t really have anything to report other than it’s on hold until that specific request is vetted.”

Last week, following a statewide public engagement process, the Maryland Department of Transportation released its final CTP, with projects totaling $21.2 billion. The program included a plan to advance design on several deferred projects throughout the state, including Route 90. To stabilize the transportation system, Gov. Wes Moore’s administration has proposed an infusion of $420 million per year into the state’s Transportation Trust Fund, beginning in fiscal year 2026.

“Funding for Rt. 90 has been restored in the 2025 Maryland Consolidated Transportation Plan beginning in State FY 2027,” Terry McGean, city manager for the Town of Ocean City, said in a statement last week. “The town is extremely pleased to see that the Department of Transportation recognized the importance of this project. Dualizing Route 90 is critical to the safety of the residents and visitors of Ocean City.”

Mayor Rick Meehan echoed that sentiment during Tuesday’s meeting of the Mayor and City Council.

“The governor presented his budget, and the design for the dualization of Route 90 is back in the governor’s budget,” he announced. “It’s a year behind, but it’s back in the budget, and really that’s one of the most important projects that is on the horizon for Ocean City.”

Other transportation projects listed for Worcester County include a shared-use path along Route 611 and a study to replace the Route 50 bridge, among other things.

Council tackles short-term rental changes

Two ordinances advance to second reading following discussion on requirements

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) City officials this week approved the first reading of two ordinances aimed at regulating short-term rentals, but not before a lengthy discussion on occupancy and property management requirements.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously on first reading to approve an ordinance that updates the definition of family, as well as an ordinance that sets new occupancy regulations for short-term rentals and requires the property owner to provide contact information for a qualified individual who can re-

spond to issues within 60 minutes.

However, at the start of the discussion, Councilwoman Carol Proctor asked that some changes be made. Specifically, she requested that properties be managed by a management company, rather than a qualified individual identified by the property owner.

“There needs to be a distinction between short-term and long-term in this section. Long-term should only require a representative that can reasonably respond to an issue. A shortterm should have a higher burden … a property manager that is licensed by the town,” she said. “If you require a property owner to use a licensed manager, then we can not only hold the property owner accountable, but also the manager.”

However, a majority of the council said they did not support the idea of

requiring a property management company.

“That’s not as important for me,” Council President Matt James said. “The burden is on the property owner to pick the best person to monitor their property when they’re not available. In some instances, that might be a professional company, and others it might be the cousin two doors down, the brother across the street. It doesn’t have to be a licensed business in my opinion.”

Proctor also questioned if the proposed changes should be incorporated into a different section of the town code. She said the changes were more appropriate for the town’s noise code, which outlines regulations and

violations for houses of transient use.

“The question is why are we not addressing our short-term rental issues here?” she said. “The infrastructure in the code is already here. We should take Section 30 and basically rework it to be a short-term rental license board rather than a noise control board.”

However, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said that would require a more comprehensive review. She said if the town wanted to expand its noise ordinance, it was a policy decision, not a legal decision.

“I think it’s in the right place, and we’ve discussed this two or three times,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said.

Council supports Phillips shopping center rezoning

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) The Ocean City Council this week agreed to support a rezoning request for the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center.

On Tuesday, the council agreed to rezone the easterly half of the shopping center from R-3 residential to LC-1 local commercial. The decision comes two months after officials disputed the planning commission’s justification for the rezoning.

On Oct. 8, attorney Hugh Cropper came before the planning commission to seek a rezoning of the easterly half of 2100 Philadelphia Avenue, better known as the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center. He said his client, Mike Ramadan, was looking to double the size of the current shopping center, with additional employee housing and offices above.

In their application to the commission, Cropper, landowner JAMB LLC, and lessee Phillips Plaza Inc. requested that the eastern half of the property currently serving as a parking lot be rezoned from R-3 to LC-1, the same zoning designation found

on the western half of the property adjacent to Philadelphia Avenue.

The applicant ultimately argued the city had made a mistake in its zoning designation. And when the request was revisited later that month, members of the planning commission agreed, voting unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation and the findings of fact to the Mayor and Council for consideration.

In November, however, the council voted to remand the rezoning request back to the planning commission after disagreeing with its finding. Instead, the council took the position that a rezoning could be granted based on a substantial change in the surrounding neighborhood.

To that end, the planning commission reviewed the council’s argument at its Dec. 17 meeting. There, resort planners issued yet another favorable recommendation, this time concluding that the rezoning was supported by a change in the neighborhood.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The council this week agreed to support a rezoning on the easterly side of 2100 Philadelphia Ave., pictured above, from R-3 residential to LC-1 local commercial.

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back to the neighborhood,” Commissioner Janet Hough said at the time.

“That’s my feeling.”

Back on the agenda this week, Cropper presented the council with the commission’s new determination and made his case for why his client should be granted the rezoning. He noted that the portion of the property, which current serves as surface parking, was not suitable for allowable uses in the R-3 district such as hotels and condos.

Mayor Rick Meehan, however, noted that those uses would also be allowed in the LC-1 district.

“It would be a viable location, given it’s on what is called hotel row, to build a hotel or condo …,” he said.

“Just because it’s zoned commercial, doesn’t mean it prohibits condos or hotels.”

Council members also asked about parking and future rezoning requests. Council President Matt James asked if the request would set a precedent.

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“Has the entire neighborhood changed along Baltimore Avenue?” he asked. “Will this request occur up and down Baltimore Avenue where there is surface parking?”

Cropper said that the planning commission had narrowly defined the neighborhood surrounding the Phillips property, so that it would not apply to all properties along Baltimore Avenue.

“Your findings of fact are limited to that rectangle,” he said.

Councilman John Gehrig said that is why he maintained that the property’s current zoning had been a mistake.

“If something gets developed there, the neighborhood keeps shifting … so it will continue,” he said. “That’s why I think it makes more sense as a mistake.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the rezoning, adopt the planning commission’s findings of fact, and advance a zoning map amendment to a first reading.

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City officials review elected roles in government’s code

Governing body discusses mayor, council dynamics to avoid any possible tension

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) While acknowledging past issues, city officials last week came to a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

At the end of the Jan. 14 work session, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury presented the mayor and City Council with an overview of their roles and responsibilities, set forth in the city’s charter. The discussion was brought forward at the request of council members following last year’s municipal election.

“Back on Nov. 18 of 2024, conversation ensued during council comment where it was requested that this matter be placed on an upcoming agenda,” Stansbury said at the start of the discussion. “Specifically, it was a review of the roles and responsibilities of each position – the city manager, the council and the mayor.”

A divide between the mayor and the city council was evident early on in last year’s mayoral race, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca the only council member to actively support Mayor Rick Meehan’s re-election campaign. The majority backed challenger Peter Buas, who lost by 192 votes.

Internally, it is reported the source of dissension among elected officials is what some contend is the mayor’s influence over and involvement in city matters, sometimes without the council’s knowledge or consent.

To that end, in November, following the city’s municipal election, Councilman John Gehrig requested Council President Matt James schedule a future work session to review the roles and responsibilities of the mayor and City Council. He noted that editorials found in the Nov. 8 issue of the OC Today-Dispatch had brought to light what appeared to be a division within city government.

While noting those issues are typically handled internally, Gehrig said they have now been brought to the public’s attention, and as such should be addressed publicly.

“I think it’s about time, since it’s out in the public domain, we should probably have a meeting just to discuss mayor duties, City Council duties, city manager duties, and this may be something we do, just a standing meeting we have after every election,” he said in November.

Kickstarting the discussion last week, Stansbury began with a review of the council’s roles and responsibilities. She noted the body was tasked with making policy decisions, passing ordinances and appointing certain

positions, among other things.

The council is also responsible for qualifying applicants for the office, a charter provision that was challenged last fall when council members –some of which were candidates themselves – voted to disqualify council contender Leslie Smith in the weeks leading up to the municipal election.

“It is hard to change our charter and provision,” Councilman Jake Mitrecic said. “But I do think that’s something that I would like to see focused on, for us to clean that up, so that we don’t have the issues that we had this past year, and sort of the ugliness that came with that.”

Stansbury noted the topic would be revisited at a February work session.

“I don’t want to overstate how difficult a charter amendment is, but it’s more difficult than an ordinance,” she said. “But I believe there is a desire to look into that, not only the fact that this council qualifies its own applicants, but also then the residency requirements and other things that go on to how one sits on the council.”

Stansbury also highlighted the council’s interactions with city staff. She noted a 2011 opinion letter sent by the former city solicitor, Guy Ayres, clarified that the council could only issue orders or requests to city employees through the city manager, except in the case of formal inquiries or investigations.

“I can’t think of an exact example, but I know that at least the majority of this council has, at times, talked about that,” she explained. “We talked about that when we looked at your [organizational] chart and that all requests really should flow from the council to your city manager, and then your city manager to your individual employees.”

Gehrig questioned if that applied to both the mayor and the council, as he said it was one of the problems that currently exists. He noted staff members should do their job without elected officials interfering in their duties.

“I think in general we’re a great team …,” he said. “I just want a consensus that this is how it’s going to run.”

City Manager Terry McGean said that provision did apply to both the mayor and council. However, he said there were times in his interactions with both the mayor and council president that they had gone beyond their duties.

“I have had a conversation with the mayor when I think he’s maybe gone a little bit too far, and he’s told me I didn’t mean to,” he said. “I’ve had a frank conversation with Matt, and I said that, look, this is when you’ve got to stay out of it. So is it al-

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Routine audit highlights the county’s revenues, expenses

Report reviews Worcester’s spending trends, details a healthy general fund status

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Worcester County’s government brought in significantly more revenue from taxes, while also committing to paying down pension debt, according to the results of an annual review of the county’s finances.

The overview of county operations and budget activity for fiscal 2025, called the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, showed general revenue and spending trends. The document is compiled by county staff, while financial statements were audited by the Salisbury accounting firm of UHY, LLP.

Overall, county revenues were generated mostly from property taxes (59.9%), followed by income taxes (20.3%), other local taxes (7.1%), and then a combination of grants, service charges, and investment interest (12.7%).

The report says the county increased its assets by $179.9 million, which was $36.7 million more than the prior year. About two-thirds of that new revenue ($121.7 million) came from higher-than-expected revenue for income tax, recordation and transfer tax, and investment income.

cannabis taxes, and an increase the Opioid Restitution Fund revenue, the report says.

A breakdown of expenses shows that the most money was put toward education (50.7%), public safety (21.1%), and intergovernmental spending (12.4%). Other expenditures included, categorially: libraries, recreation, natural resources, economic development (6.2%); public works (4.6%); health and social services (4.2%), and interest on long-term debt (0.8%).

Spending went up in 2024, the report says, partially because of a 2% cost-of-living increase and a 2.5% step increase for eligible county employees.

About $13.3 million was allocated to pay down the county’s share of debt for post-employment benefits. The county also spent more on needed capital projects and equipment purchases.

For cash on hand, Worcester County showed a very healthy general fund balance of $110.2 million, according to Chris Hall, managing partner at UHY. He said this would be welcome good news for anyone willing to lend the county money.

“Money in the bank shows you’re solvent and you can handle unexpected surprises,” Hall told the County Commissioners at their Jan. 21 meeting. “Your balance sheet would be the envy of many other municipalities.”

The other third ($57.8 million) of new revenue came from the county’s water and wastewater operations, which operate as an independent business venture separate from the county’s general fund. Additional money came from casino revenue,

County staffers file this financial report with the state and federal governments, as well as with the nation’s three major bond rating agencies. It’s public information and gets shared to the county’s website.

Leadership structure evaluated

Continued from Page 13

ways perfect? No, but I think everybody’s respected their boundaries pretty well.”

Officials noted that the mayor served as the chief representative of the town. McGean said an example of the mayor’s role was sharing the town’s position on offshore wind.

However, Gehrig said the mayor should not be meeting with concert promoters, an action that had reportedly occurred last year without the council’s knowledge. For his part, Meehan said he had an open-office policy, and that if people came in to discuss city business, he had always brought city staff into the conversation.

“With promoters, they come to my office to talk to me,” he said. “Once I talk to them, I get Terry or Tom [Perlozzo, tourism and business development director] in there. I’m hands off.

That’s the way I try to handle that.” Meehan said he agreed with Gehrig and would abide by the duties of his office. However, McGean said not everyone understood the city’s form of government. He said that often, they wanted to speak to the mayor, who serves as the face of the city.

“Sometimes there can be a blurring when we’re dealing with a promoter and trying to convince all the people on the Boardwalk, you know, to get on board,” he explained. “They don’t want to hear, to some extent, from me. They want to hear from the face of the city. So, if there’s a reason why some of that might have gone on, if that’s where some of these issues are coming from, sometimes that’s what happens … He brings me into the conversation.”

Gehrig said if that did occur, the council should know about it.

Buyers & Sellers - Let

Work continues at former Bay Club golf course site

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) The former Bay Club Golf Course is being transformed into a Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property as officials work to establish trails and pollinator meadows, restore wetlands and enhance recreation space.

Last week, the Lower Shore Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting natural resources and wildlife habitat, invited community members to an information session about DNR’s purchase of the Bay Club Golf Course property on Libertytown Road outside Berlin.

In 2023, the state acquired the 672-acre property to be managed by the Maryland Forest Service to provide water quality and habitat benefits and create opportunities for public recreation, such as walking, horseback riding, hunting, bird watching, and cycling.

Leaders of the initiative were present at the Jan. 16 information session, providing project updates and outlining their mission with the Bay Club transformation.

Alex Clark of the Forest Service said the work already completed at the site includes the removal of buildings and pavement as a condition of the acquisition, the majority of the parking lot construction, and planting trees across 62 acres. Officials have also coordinated with the Berlin and Ocean Pines fire companies to provide them with access to the property in the case of emergencies.

Still to come are some finishing touches on the parking area, additional signs and more cleanup, especially collecting all the golf balls that have found their way into the space’s ponds. In addition, DNR engineers are making sure the property’s bridges are structurally sound.

“We want to make sure that if you put a horse on [the bridges], it’s not going to fall through,” Clark said.

Officials are looking to change the name of the property. Clark said renaming suggestions are now being welcomed from community members. The forest service representative maintained that any update to the title must be approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works, comprised of Gov. Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman.

Leah Franzluebbers of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service told the audience that the restoration of the wetlands on the parcel is environmentally vital.

“The main animating issue behind this is the sheer scale of wetlands loss that we have experienced both in the

See RESTORATION Page 16

Restoration, improvements ongoing

from Page 15

US and Maryland, historically,” Franzluebbers said. “Prior to European settlement, a lot of the Eastern Shore would have been largely forest, and a lot of that would have been forested wetlands … We do restoration because wetlands are important for clean air, clean water, and species’ biodiversity, and they can be beautiful and productive areas for human recreation.”

The Bay Club acreage will see seasonal wetlands on the golf course fairways, an enhancement to the ex-

isting golf course ponds, using ditch plugs to restore the wet forest in the southern portion of the property, and semi-permanent wetlands in the former agricultural areas.

Franzluebbers said the seasonal wetlands will consist of shallow excavation in the fairway areas to produce areas that are “primarily driven by groundwater and precipitation.” These spaces will likely be dry in the summer and fall but wet in the winter and spring.

“This shortened wet time allows a

different kind of species to inhabit them than if you had a pond that’s wet all year ‘round,” the USFWS representative said.

This excavation project will also generate a good bit of material that will then be used to enhance the existing golf course ponds, such as reducing their depth and adding some islands. This will allow different species of plants to grow in those areas.

“They dig the golf course primarily for aesthetic value,” Franzluebbers noted. “So they are really deep, very flat on that bottom, so we will be mixing that up, adding some differences in the topography.”

Franzluebbers said the forested areas have ditches that were put in by the previous landowners in an attempt to drain the woods. To remedy this, her team will install earth and ditch plugs to keep the wooded area saturated like it once was and keep the roots wet. Additionally, semi-permanent wetlands, which will be damp for more of the year than the seasonal ones, will be established in the agricultural areas.

“Our intent with this project is to seamlessly integrate our wetland restoration activities within the other restoration activities that the Lower Shore Land Trust and the Maryland Forest Service are doing to create a complex of varied upland and wetland habitat that can benefit wildlife, but also is a wonderful place for humans to enjoy for recreation,” Franzluebbers said.

Representatives said they can be contacted with questions and suggestions. Clark can be reached at alexander.clark@maryland.gov, Franzluebbers at leahfranzluebbers@fws.gov, and Matt Heim, Jared Parks, and Beth Sheppard of the Lower Shore Land Trust at info@LowerShoreLandTrust.org.

The Lower Shore Land Trust is hosting the same information session again on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Berlin Library from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Representatives from the Lower Shore Land Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were at the Berlin library last week to update Worcester County residents about the

94th Street redevelopment plan progresses

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) Resort planners this week supported several site plans, which will allow redevelopment to take place at 94th Street.

On Wednesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved three site plans – one for a new ACME grocery store and additional retail spaces and two for townhouse developments. The projects will be located on subdivided lots at 94th Street, currently home to a shopping center.

“It’s a very nice project,” Chair Joe Wilson said.

Last year, the planning commission granted a request from developer OCTC Holdings LLC to divide the shopping center into four separate parcels for future redevelopment. Parcel A, located to the northeast, would feature a new ACME grocery store and retail space, while parcels C and D, located to the west, would feature townhomes, a community center and a community pool. Parcel B, which currently hosts a bank and Blue Fish Restaurant and Bar, will not be redeveloped.

Since that time, the developer has acquired variance requests from the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals to reduce the freeboard elevation for the proposed buildings. And on Wednesday, formal site plans were presented to the planning commission.

On parcel A, once home to the Roses department store, the developer has proposed 61,531 square feet of commercial space, which will be home to the new ACME Market and attached retail space. The parcel will also feature a drive-thru retail site totaling 2,554 square feet, which will be built in a second construction phase.

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told commissioners the plan for parcel A includes 353 parking spaces and wider drive and pedestrian aisles. It also includes two entrances on Coastal Highway.

“This project has two entrances that sit on site that are still going to be allowed by [State Highway Administration] for entrances and SHA is OK with that,” he said.

In addition to the ACME store, 10,000 square feet of attached retail space would host five retail spaces.

“These are vanilla boxes or just plain retail spaces that don’t have tenants at this time,” he said.

Staff and representatives for the applicant also noted the parcel would incorporate screenings and landscaping, which would soften the view from neighboring townhomes.

“My biggest question or concern was screening, particularly if they’ve got that many townhomes going in,” Wilson said. “I just want to make sure there’s a buffer between those commercial spaces and

the residents, and it sounds like they have done a sufficient job of that.”

For his part, Joe Moore, attorney for the applicant, said the parcel would feature an ACME that is 20,000 square feet larger than what currently exists.

“We’re totally code compliant,” he said of the project. “And on a project of this size, to be able to provide that kind of situation and provide, importantly, excess parking. We believe we have a home run. We hope you agree.”

After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan for parcel A.

Officials this week also presented site plans for parcels C and D, which will feature townhomes.

On parcel C, located just north of 94th Street, the developer sought site plan approval for a residential development consisting of 64 townhomes – or eight buildings with four to eight units in each. And on parcel D, located just south of 99th Street, the developer sought approval for 50 additional townhomes, sit-

uated within eight buildings.

“The total count of the townhouses has been noted as 116 several times,” Bendler said. “The true count is 114. They had to reduce that to meet parking codes.”

Staff also highlighted the off-street parking for the two proposed townhome designs, featuring four- and five-bedroom units, as well as the amenities proposed for parcel C – a clubhouse and swimming pool.

“Parcel C will be last [for development] because that’s where the existing ACME is, and they can’t tear down the existing ACME until the new ACME is constructed,” he explained.

Moore added that he believed the projects to be compliant with the city’s comprehensive plan.

After further discussion, the commission then voted unanimously to approve the site plans for parcels C and D, with various staff conditions, including one that prohibits commercial use within the townhouse units.

Pocomoke project is underway

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) As local dignitaries gathered to ceremonially flip dirt with their gold-painted shovels, Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck welcomed those in attendance on an overcast and bone-chilling day.

“Today has been a long time coming. I want to thank you all for being here and sharing in this special moment with us,” she said. “We’re just elated. We cannot wait to welcome people into their new library.”

After five years of planning, construction on Pocomoke City’s new library branch is underway. The 12,500-squarefoot facility will feature more gathering space than its aging predecessor, allowing for expanded community programs. Outside, the design vibes will be contemporary and inviting.

The new library will include a gallery space, a community room, two small study rooms, a room dedicated to local history, and a children’s section, from which an outdoor yard will be accessible.

The project is estimated to cost about $8.4 million, with funds mostly split between the state and Worcester County. The county’s Library Foundation also will contribute with fundraisers.

While Tuesday’s groundbreaking came a little late – it had been scheduled for October – construction is expected to conclude by early spring, according to County Commissioner Caryn Abbott.

“It’s been a long road but we’re finally here,” said Abbott, whose District 1 includes Pocomoke City. “I’m very excited to hopefully stay on scheduled and have this completed in early ’26. It’s going to be a state-of-the-art facility, and an amazing upgrade for the town.”

A library does more than lend books,

Abbott added. “They service a lot of people that don’t have computers, don’t know how to even use one. They help them apply for jobs,” she said.

Built in 1970, the Pocomoke branch is Worcester County’s oldest public library. Once it’s demolished, the new building will be constructed on the same site. Construction will be completed by Keller Brothers, county officials said.

The library’s collection won’t disappear during construction. Contents of the existing branch were hauled to the renovated Fifth Street firehouse, which opened to the public in November.

Finding a new location proved to be the biggest challenge for the library’s champions, said Jeff Smith, president of the Library Board of Trustees.

“There’s going to be a state-of-the art library for Pocomoke, and I think that’s the big positive to take away,” he said. “There were other locations that were considered – would they have been better? Would they have been worse? In the end it’s not really going to make any difference. There’s going to be a new library in Pocomoke and that’s really what we care about.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Pictured, from left, are library board trustees Patricia Tomasovic and Sandra Buchanan; library board president Jeff Smith; County Commissioners Ted Elder, Caryn Abbott, Diana Purnell; library director Jennifer Ranck; library board trustee Vicki O’Mara; County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic; and library board trustee Nancy Howard.

Commissioners pivot on coastal bays grant

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) After excoriating a local environmental nonprofit for its neutral stance on offshore wind, Worcester County officials showed a change of heart this week and are now promising to support the group’s efforts to secure a rare and valuable state grant.

The county’s Board of Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to send a letter of support to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MBCP) in their pursuit of millions in state funding.

It’s a reversal from a position the board took just two months back, when they made a stink about withholding support because MCBP wasn’t on the same page with wind power.

Commissioners President Ted Elder said at the meeting how he was “really

disappointed” to learn MCBP had not only declined to take sides in the offshore wind debate, but also had accepted $125,000 in donations from developer US Wind. The nonprofit has said the money went toward a muchneeded habitat restoration project.

“I have to say, I’m very torn. I want to vote against you so bad for doing that,” Elder told MCBP executive director Kevin Smith. “But I want to vote for the county getting the benefits of this grant money and the good that can come from it. It’s just one of the hardest votes I can make either way.”

Back in November, Smith came before the commissioners asking for support in the form of a signed letter for a grant application. The grant would be worth $16.8 million over five years – a huge sum in the world of environmental subsidies.

That money from the state’s Whole Watershed Fund would be used for restoration efforts in the Newport Bay watershed, around the area of South Point near Berlin. Adding to the tension, this particular pot of state money would only be made available every five years, and only five grant recipients will be selected. Whether the grants would continue into the future also depends on the state’s current budgeting crisis.

At the time, the commissioners not only scolded Smith for MCBP’s neutral stance on wind energy, but for accepting payment from US Wind. “It sounds to me that was a payoff to keep you neutral – a payoff to keep you quiet,” Elder told Smith at the commissioners’ Nov. 19 meeting.

The harsh stance from county officials comes as battle lines continue to

be drawn on wind power and its longterm implications for the Atlantic Coast.

Worcester County has positioned itself as being strongly opposed to offshore wind on many fronts, including partnering with Ocean City in a lawsuit against the federal government, as well as making open plans to use eminent domain to prevent US Wind from buying critical parcels of harbor property in West Ocean City.

However, in this case, county officials were nudged toward a détente by Bob Mitchell, the director of the environmental programs office. In a Jan. 17 internal memo, Mitchell basically told elected officials: psst, this grant is an opportunity too good to pass up.

While the application deadline had passed, “there are still opportunities for the county to express backing for the grant project itself with a letter,” and that the high-dollar award was still competitive because only one other agency had applied.

“This is an opportunity to attract significant investment to Worcester County for restoration and other environmental activities in a watershed whose health has been [poor],” Mitchell wrote.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) made a motion that they send the letter of support, and admitting that the work Coastal Bays does affects his district the most.

“I certainly do have a problem that (MCBP) is not taking a stance on the offshore wind. I still remain the same on that – I think that it’s wrong,” Mitrecic said. “I think that we’ve made our point. I would hate to see us lose this money for the benefit of the coastal bays that surround Worcester County.”

The commissioners voted 6-1 to send the letter, with Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) voting nay.

Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) closed out the conversation by asking Smith: when it comes to taking sides or staying neutral on offshore wind, had his group’s position changed?

The answer was still no, Smith replied, but added that MCBP’s board of directors must now approve any donation over $10,000.

“Our program is made up of a bunch of different partners,” Smith said. “Not everyone agrees. In terms of maintaining ourselves and our program and our partners, we felt the neutrality position was, quite honestly, the only position we could take.”

Moving forward, Smith said the grant application is under review and his team will meet to discuss it next week with the state.

“We’re really very pleased that the county has provided this letter of support because we think it is only going to be helpful in terms of receiving the grant funds,” he said.

Local nonprofits to receive $10K each in grant funding

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) Seven Lower Shore organizations have received $70,000 in grant funding through a Maryland humanities program.

Late last month, Maryland Humanities, a statewide educational nonprofit, announced the 90 recipients of this year’s Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) grant. Among the grantees were seven Lower Shore nonprofits, each of which received $10,000 for humanities programming.

“The humanities explore the human experience and help us think about who we are — our ideas, our histories, and our values — and how we relate to each other,” the Maryland Humanities website reads. “It is through the humanities that we improve our understanding of one another, and this, we believe, will help build healthy and equitable communities.”

Fiscal year 2025 SHINE grants

were awarded to four Wicomico County nonprofits – Buffalo Soldier Living History Site, Epoch Dream Center, Lower Shore Cemetery Preservation Organization and Westside Historical Society – and three Worcester County nonprofits – Berlin Heritage Foundation, Furnace Town Foundation and Beach to Bay Heritage Area.

In total, $70,000 was awarded to the local organizations, which will use the funding to expand humanities programming on the Lower Shore.

In Worcester County, the Berlin Heritage Foundation supports the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, while the Furnace Town Foundation is charged with preserving, restoring and interpreting the 25-acre Furnace Town Historic Site. The Bay to Beach Heritage Area is one of 13 Marylandcertified heritage areas whose mission is to promote, preserve and protect the cultural heritage, historical linkages and natural assets of the lower Eastern Shore.

For more information on the SHINE grant, visit www.mdhumanities.org/grants/awarded-grants/. This year, grants were awarded to organizations in 21 of Maryland’s 23 counties.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, form left, are Beach to Bay Heritage Area staff members Andre Nieto Jaime, program specialist, and Lisa Challenger, executive director, with Board member Ivy Wells.

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New 2025 As Marked

Vast search conducted for lost boy

(Jan. 24, 2025) First responders and community citizens partnered Tuesday night to help locate a lost special needs boy in Ocean Pines.

On Tuesday, at approximately 5:40 p.m., the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) was dispatched to assist the Ocean Pines Police Department in a search for a missing child.

Worcester Central advised a 10-year-old autistic boy had been reported missing and was last seen at approximately 4:05 p.m.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of first responders and the incredible support from the community, the child was located safely at approximately 8:07 p.m.,” according to a press release from the OPVFD. “After being evaluated on-site by Ocean Pines EMS, it was determined

that the child did not require transport to a medical facility. The response was a remarkable demonstration of teamwork and community spirit …”

Over 50 fire, EMS and fire police personnel from Ocean Pines, Showell, Berlin, Ocean City, and Dagsboro responded as well as retired members of other agencies.

More than 50 law enforcement officers also responded from Ocean Pines Police, Maryland State Police (including Aviation), Ocean City Police, Fruitland Police, Natural Resources Police, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Numerous staff members from Worcester County Emergency Services also aided the effort. Canteen support provided by the OPVFD Administrative

Division and the Showell Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

A statement from the OPVFD read, “A special thank-you goes to the 135-plus concerned citizens who reported to the South Station, including many teachers from local schools, who answered the call to assist in the search. These individuals braved snow and sub-20°F temperatures, many with no prior search experience, to ensure the child’s safe return.”

“Last night truly highlighted the strength and compassion of our community,” said Captain Joe Enste of the OPVFD. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this successful outcome – on-duty, off-duty, volunteer, and retired first responders, as well as every citizen who stepped up to help.”

A crowd is gathered warming up after a 10-year-old Ocean Pines boy with Autism is safely located after a community search.

PHOTO COURTESY OPVFD

Settlement talks in Trimper civil lawsuit unsuccessful

Trial in case against former amusement park officers to proceed in Worcester court

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) With no settlement reached, a civil lawsuit among members of the Trimper family will proceed to trial next month.

In March of 2023, three stockholders in several Trimper entities –Joyce Trimper and daughters Antoinette Bruno and Wendy Delamater – filed a civil suit against several former officers and directors, alleging misappropriation, corporate waste and other various wrongful acts. Now, with a settlement conference producing no resolution, the matter will head to trial, set to begin on Feb. 10.

Nearly two years ago, the three plaintiffs filed suit against J. Douglas Trimper, Gordon Brooks Trimper, the estate of Christopher Trimper, Linda Trimper Holloway, Stephanie Trimper Lewis and more than a dozen associated corporations – including Trimper Amusements, Windsor Resort, Trimper’s Playland and Trimper’s Tidal Wave – alleging mis-

appropriation, corporate waste, selfdealing and fraudulent concealment. Of the nine counts listed, seven sought $105 million in compensatory damages and $140 million in punitive damages.

“This is a civil action for legal and equitable relief, including damages, imposition of a constructive trust and stockholder derivative claims …,” the suit reads.

“Beginning in or about 1995 and continually until early 2020, some or all of the Defendants Doug Trimper, Brooks Trimper, Chris Trimper, Linda Trimper Holloway, Stephanie Trimper Lewis and the Related Companies, individually, and in concert with each other, have engaged in a continuous course of wrongful conduct and breaches of fiduciary duties designed to surreptitiously and systematically misappropriate and waste of the Corporations and engage in self-dealing.”

According to the civil suit, the plaintiffs argue the defendants – who had managed operations at the Trimper businesses during the years in question – had presented false financial reports to conceal alleged misuse and misappropriation of

See PLAINTIFFS Page 24

Plaintiffs accuse officers of waste, misappropriation

Continued from Page 23

funds. The suit alleges the defendants had certain corporations pay their personal expenses or the expenses of its related companies.

The civil suit’s allegations are denied by those named in the suit.

The lawsuit also alleges the defendants had misappropriated assets by skimming cash, which the plaintiffs claim did not become apparent until after the corporations instituted a point-of-sale system in 2020.

The civil suit goes on to make claims of corporate waste – including charging sub-market rental rates –self-dealing and fraudulent concealment.

Since the lawsuit was filed in 2023, both parties have gone back and forth, filing several motions against the other. And in a hearing last spring, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge set the schedule for a jury trial, which will be held Feb. 10-28.

In a settlement conference held last month, the involved parties met for two-and-a-half hours in an effort to resolve the dispute. However, no resolution was reached. The plaintiffs’ lowest demand was set at $20 million.

Chamber’s annual banquet to honor Cheryl Taustin

(Jan. 24, 2025) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce announce this week the honorees for the 2025 annual awards.

Typically, the volunteer committee selects one winner in each category and the chamber notifies them before the event. However, this year, the volunteer committee has chosen finalists and the winners will be announced at the event. The only exception is the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded posthumously to Cheryl Taustin of The Taustin Group. She passed away last August, but her contributions to the community were vast. In addition to her work as a teacher, she was a mentor to many. She was the cantorial soloist at Temple Bat Yam for more than 30 years and was her family’s heart and the family business’s light.

Business Person of the Year nominees:

Tonya Agostino, Unstoppable Joy

Mary Anne & Mike Lawson, Barn 34

Matt Odachowski, Royal Plus Citizen of the Year nominees:

Nicholas Cranford, Worcester County GOLD

Wendy Di Buo, Crawl Street Tavern

Jean “Bean” Keagle, Atlantic General Hospital (retired)

Community Spirit/Best Initiative nominees: (New award recognizes a member business that has executed a mission beyond profit-driven goals)

The Original Greene Turtle

The Sterling Tavern

Zoom Car Wash

Chamber Volunteer of the Year nominees:

Dawn Gallick, Delmarva Printing Allison Parcells, Shore United Bank

Trisha Seitz, Effectv

Angie Tamburo, Cardinal Settlements and District 24

Non-Profit of the Year nominees: Diakonia

The Cricket Center

Unstoppable Joy

First Responder of the Year nominees:

Chris Gee, Ocean City Fire Department

David “Gringo” Macia, Ocean City Fire Department

Ryan L. Whittington, Ocean City Fire Department

Young Professional of the Year nominees:

Jeremy Brown, Authentic Merchant Solutions

Jaimie Grazioso, Avalon Hospitality Group

Grace Moriarty, Soul Tide Beach Rentals

Tickets for the chamber awards banquet, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, are $125 per person, which includes two drinks, a three-course plated dinner. Visit bit.ly/OCCCAwards2025 to purchase tickets or contact events manager Colby at 443-664-3052 or colby@oceancity.org.

Sho at Eastern Shor

Draft comments sought

Public comments are now being received on the final draft of a comprehensive master plan for the coastal bays watershed.

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP), along with all National Estuary Programs, is required by the EPA to develop and implement a 10-year Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan (CCMP) as the roadmap for success for the program and its partners. EPA requires the CCMP to be revised every 10 years to reflect changing conditions, challenges, and opportunities.

After two years of effort, thanks to the input from MCBP staff, collaborative partners and stakeholders, and the public, the final draft of the revised Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan (CCMP) is available for public review and comment.

The draft Plan can be found  on their website (https://mdcoastalbays.org/ccmp-draft-review/) It can be reviewed on the website or download it to your computer.

Interested members of the public are being asked to review the draft document and provide individual commentsboth general and specific - to the program no later than Friday, Feb. 28. Specific comments should reference the page number, section and specific location in the text that is being addressed when providing feedback.

All comments should be sent as a Word attachment (preferred) or in the body of an email to Steve Farr at sfarr@mdcoastalbays.org.

Tourney impact increasing

The Governors Challenge tournament saw a record-breaking number of attendees.

Event attendance across the five tournament locations totaled over 20,000, including two days of sell-outs at the Wicomico Civic Center.

“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s tournament. The energy in the Civic Center arena was electric, and the turnout exceeded expectations,” said Tournament Director James Simmons. “The Governors Challenge is a celebration of high school basketball on the Eastern Shore and we hope to make sell-outs part of the tradition for years to come.”

Over 140 high school basketball teams traveled to the area from sixteen states and Canada, totaling over 2,500 student athletes. The lineup included multiple top ten teams and nationally ranked players.

The tournament’s estimated economic impact was $3.5 million.  Tournament staff raised the bar off the court as well, hosting food and toy drives in partnership with the Local Management Board of Wicomico County, M&T Bank, Power 101.7 and local basketball teams. These efforts resulted in hundreds of toys and meal boxes being distributed in the local community.

The Governors Challenge will return

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.

■ 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 PINES

FENWICK ISLAND

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

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, January 25: Shortcut Sunny Sunday, January 26: DJ Giddy Up

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Friday, January 24:

Margot & Valerie

Wednesday, January 29: Cup Of Joe

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, January 24: Joe Esham

Saturday, January 25: LNJ Sessions

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, January 24: DJ Vybe

Saturday January 25: The Dunehounds & DJ RobCee

Tuesday, January 28: Latin Night

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC Friday, January 24: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 25

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

SHORTCUT SUNNY Coins Pub: Saturday, January 25

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, January 25

THE DUNEHOUNDS

Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 25

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN

Greene Turtle West: Friday, January 24

PICKIN’ PARTY

Harborside: Sunday, January 26

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Thursday, January 30

CITIZENS

Harborside: Saturday, January 25

Friday, January 24

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, January 25:

Rogue Citizens & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Pickin’ Party Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, January 25:

Marlin City Madmen

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 24:

Stealing Savanah Duo & DJ Kenny Flight Saturday, January 25: John McNutt Duo & DJ Connair

Thursday, January 30: Opposite Directions

MARGOT & VALERIE

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, January 24

STEALING SAVANAH

Seacrets:

MARLIN CITY MADMEN Pickles Pub: Saturday, January 25

ROGUE

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SWORN IN

At this week’s meeting, recently re-elected members of the Worcester County Board of Education were administered the oath of office for their next terms. Pictured above with Clerk of Court Susan Braniecki are Board members Donald C. Smack, Sr., Elena McComas and Jon Andes. At this week’s meeting, Board President Todd Ferrante was nominated and motioned to remain as president for the next two years. Board member Bill Buchanan was also motioned to remain as vice president. Top, from left, Board members pictured are Bill Gordy, Smack, Katie Addis, Ferrante, McComas, Andes and Buchanan.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WCPS

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you feel loved and appreciated this week and you would like to share those feelings with others by being supportive of their needs. Focus your attention on a close friend.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, even if you do not have anything in common with someone, you can find a way to be friends. Open a dialogue to get the ball rolling.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, accept that you cannot change some things and look for a silver lining. Soon enough you’ll come out on the other side.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you are getting hungrier and hungrier, which makes you determined to get ahead. Just be sure this determination is balanced by a little reservation as well.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Could it be that you are in the market for some romance, Leo? If so, make a plan for rekindling the flame with a current partner or finding someone new who also is looking for love.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Challenges may arise in your relationship this week, Virgo. A serious approach to the partnership is required by both side. Work toward resolving the situation as a couple.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, although your creative juices are flowing, some type of roadblock pops up and restricts your path. Explore ways to work around this obstacle.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, take a deep look at yourself this week, examining all facets of your personality. Instead of being judgemental of others, you may need to make some changes yourself.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, emotions are running high for you and you may not be able to focus on what needs your attention most. If you can’t get a hold of things, try delegating some of your tasks.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Be careful when listening to what another has to say, Capricorn. Read their body language instead of just their words. The two may not match up with one another.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Opportunities you may never have expected are presenting themselves, Aquarius. Find time to process these unexpected developments and mull the best approach.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, resist hurried efforts to get to a destination without enjoying the journey. There is a lot to see along the way, so it’s best if you savor all of it while you can.

(Jan. 24, 2025) The Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary recently presented a check for $300,000 to hospital and AGH Foundation leadership.

The Atlantic General Hospital Auxiliary, a group of more than 200 dedicated volunteers, promotes the welfare of the hospital by fostering good public relations, providing service to the hospital and health system, organizing health-related projects and conducting fundraising activities.

The $300,000 donation was made possible through various fundraising events and proceeds from the AGH Thrift Shop, and will be used towards acquiring new medical technology and providing clinical scholarships, including:

Two endoscopy drying cabinets ($100,000): These new scope storage cabinets continuously filter air into internal endoscope channels to maintain infection control standards, and track scope location, storage time, channel availability and scope lifespan.

Two scope washers ($150,000): All surgical equipment goes through rigorous cleaning and a high-level disinfection process. Due to the unique design and structure of Atlantic General Hospital’s scopes, specialized washers are required.

Laboratory Services scholarships ($50,000): In an effort to attract and retain skilled laboratory professionals, the new scholarship will be open to any individuals, including current AGH associates, who are seeking to

further their education in laboratory sciences. Upon completion of the program, scholarship recipients will commit to working at AGH for a predetermined period of time.

“The culture of Atlantic General Hospital has always been based around commitment to our community,” said Terry Moore, director of Atlantic General Endoscopy Center. “Based on the rising need for gastrointestinal healthcare and colorectal cancer screening services, AGH has made a commitment to expand our endoscopy services. We’ve seen a significant increase in procedure volumes, and these upgrades to our existing equipment are vital to maintaining safety, efficiency and infection control standards. We greatly appreciate the AGH Auxiliary …”

Tropical pineapple bowl for two

By Deborah Lee Walker

Contributing Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Cooking for two is fun and economical but cooking creatively can be challenging.

Every dish needs to be nurtured to the fullest degree. It is then and only then that one achieves uniqueness.

Fried coconut shrimp with dipping sauce has earned its place on menus across the Eastern Shore. If you think fried coconut shrimp is just for the warm months of summer, think again.

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of the snow and yearn for the balmy days of summer. A tropical pineapple bowl filled with fried coconut shrimp and scallops combined with a sweet and spicy pineapple dipping sauce is just what the doctor ordered. Fresh is always the best choice, but frozen shrimp and scallops are perfectly acceptable and easier on one’s wallet. I am always looking for sales, and this makes them even more cost effective.

Large shrimp, 16-20 count, is the preferred size. The larger protein will stand up to the batter and allow the essence of the shrimp to be in the forefront.

A standard dredging set up for coconut shrimp includes an egg mixture, flour, panko, and shredded coconut.

One cannot fry shrimp without contemplating what type of oil to use. Canola oil has a high smoking point and is flavorless and a good option.

The dipping sauce is a matter of personal preference, but a fruity sauce is your best bet. The natural sweetness is a perfect pairing with the tropical coconut.

If you want to turn it up a notch, red pepper jelly adds flavor and a level of heat for a more interesting and tastier sauce.

The addition of coconut rice can turn this starter into a main course.

In closing, no matter if it is freezing cold or steaming hot, a tropical pineapple bowl is a mouthwatering way to enjoy the fruits of the sea. Enjoy!

Tropical Pineapple Bowl

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple

Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

½ cup duck sauce

¼ orange marmalade

1/3 cup red pepper jelly

2 tablespoons minced pineapple

1/8 teaspoon Dion mustard

1 splash rice vinegar

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 pinch of kosher salt

1. In a small bowl, whisk all of the ingredients until fully incorporated.

Pineapple Bowl

Ingredients

1 ripe pineapple

1/2-pound raw shrimp, 16-20 count, peeled and deveined with tails attached 1/2-pound sea scallops

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons water

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

1 ½ cups unseasoned panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup all-purpose flour

fresh chopped cilantro as a garnish black and white sesame seeds as a garnish

canola oil for frying kosher salt to taste

1. Cut the bottom third of the pineapple. Using a grapefruit knife, remove the flesh of the pineapple but leave the inside core intact. This acts as a platform for your sauce. Save the remaining pineapple for a sweet, nutritious snack.

2. In a large iron skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat.

3. Whisk eggs and water in a small bowl.

4. Combine coconut, panko, and flour in a pie plate.

5. Dip seafood, one at a time, in

the egg mixture and then the panko mixture. Press down to make sure plenty of coating adheres to the individual scallops and shrimp.

6. Carefully lower breaded seafood, one at a time, and fry until edges turn golden brown. Turn so the other side gets brown. The frying process will be very quick.

7. When both sides are golden brown, remove seafood and place on a cooling rack. Sprinkle a light dusting of kosher salt. The hot coating will act as a glue for the salt.

8. Place seafood in the pineapple. Then place the ramekin on top of the core and garnish with cilantro, black, and white sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Secret Ingredient – Hard Work

No matter how hard you work, someone is working harder.

Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., Jan. 24

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

MINDFULNESS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 11 a.m. Using Mindfulness and Gestalt techniques, join psychotherapist, Bevin Jones, in exploring and embracing the different parts of self. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ARTSY HOMESCHOOLERS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Every 4th Friday, come to Snow Hill Brach for an art project that includes everything from painting, writing, crafting and more. For ages 6-18 years. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SWITCH PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Play with friends or against them in games like Mario Wonder, Smash Brothers, Mario Party and Mario Kart. For ages 618 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

INAUGURATION OF THE ROMANIAN LIBRARY CORNER - OCEAN CITY LIBRARY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3-4 p.m. More than 160 titles, the collection primarily includes books in Romanian, along with several bilingual editions. Light refreshments. Registration encouraged: https://forms.gle/uVgJPysP3EJinviE9.

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994

Sat., Jan. 25

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon,

sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

SQUISHMALLOW ART

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Choose your favorite squishmallow coloring sheet, trace it on a canvas and paint it. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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. 26

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. 27

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY REGULAR MEETING Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., a.m.-noon. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring your own beverage. Baked goods provided. Cindy Dillon, Lower Eastern Shore Sierra Club, will discuss their work on environmental issues affecting our area.

26TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY BLOOD BANK DRIVE

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. 888825-6638, https://donate.bbd.org/donor/umc/vie w/2025_ocean_city_blood_drive.

EXPERIENCE

STORY TIME: 5 SENSES

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

FIBER ARTS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Bring your own fiber art project (crochet, knitting, etc.) and join in for a casual meet up to work on projects. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Those newly diagnosed, in treatment or in remission are welcomed. Friends and family members are encouraged to participate. 410641-2626

MAGIC MONDAY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Magic the Gathering meet-up, fourth Monday of each month. Teens and adults only. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Jan. 28

26TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY BLOOD BANK DRIVE

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. 888825-6638, https://donate.bbd.org/donor/umc/vie w/2025_ocean_city_blood_drive.

STORY TIME: DINOSAUR STOMP

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, 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

WINTER BIRDING 101

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Jim Rapp from Delmarva Birding talks about our feathered friends during the cold season. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ARTSCAPE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 6 p.m. A casual meetup for artists of all levels to share techniques and explore different mediums. Basic painting and sketching supplies available for use or bring your own supplies. 410-957-0878

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

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. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Jan. 29

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. 888825-6638, https://donate.bbd.org/donor/umc/vie w/2025_ocean_city_blood_drive.

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Learn how to create a delicious and nutritious dish using ingredients that promote brain health. Presented by the Worcester County Health Department. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

THE ORIGINS OF CANDLEMAS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5:30 p.m. Also held via Zoom. Candlemas marks the return of the light, initiations and the midpoint between winter and spring. Registration required for zoom only: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

PAINT & SIP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Cost is $27 and includes wine and crackers. Register: 410-641-7052.

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. 30

STORY TIME: I AM HAPPY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: GROUNDHOG’S DAY

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

LET’S TALK MOVIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Discuss timeless classics and newer box office hits. This month’s topic is the classic western “3:10 to Yuma.” 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. Book discussion featuring books participants

have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

BUS TRIP - WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. EDMONTON OILERS

Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Feb. 23, game time is 1 p.m. Depart from the Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $135 and includes ticket, transportation and food package (unlimited beer and wine for the first two periods of the game). No glass or alcohol allowed on bus. Tickets: 410-6417052.

BUS TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW

Takes place at the Philadelphia Convention Center on March 1. Depart from the Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. Featuring a day of stunning floral gardens, unique plants and artistic displays. Enjoy shopping, live music, entertainment and learning opportunities. Cost is $80 and includes transportation and show ticket. Reservations: 410-6417052.

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

I SPY LIBRARY SCAVENGER HUNT

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., during January. Drop by to complete the I Spy Library game and enter for a chance to win a puzzle prize. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878

SCAVENGER HUNT: SNOWMAN HUNT

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, during January. Find the snowmen in the children’s area to win a prize. For families. 410-208-4014

TEENY ARTS

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during January. A themed craft program available in the teen section all month long. January’s Teeny Art is “Pop Art.” For ages 12-18 years. 410-6323495

Crossword answers from page 30

26TH ANNUAL OCEAN

HVAC INSTALLER/SERVICE

TECHNICIAN

Local company based in Berlin. Starting at $25/hr. Salary dependent upon experience. PTO, paid major holidays and 401K benefits. 443-944-1054

Jessheinhvac@gmail.com

NOW HIRING!

PT Dental Hygienist for busy office in Ocean City, MD

Please call 410-213-1032.

SPEEDWORLD

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047

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.

RENTALS

YR RENTAL

Move-In Ready 4BR, 3BA, W/D Horn Island Drive West Ocean City Call 410-449-1434.

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.

LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

No job too small. Entry doors, storm doors, blinds, window, sheetrock patch and paint, carpentry work, shower doors, flooring. Over 40 yrs. experience. Please call 410-251-9066.

DONATIONS

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

The contents of mini storage units will be sold online at Lockerfox.com. Ocean City Mini Storage. Units to be auctioned; B28B47-BS7-019-029-01510164-0165-Sl17-S173S211-S523-SS24. Units are being sold due to non-payment of rent. Common items in units are, household items, furniture, tools, fishing equipment, paintings, antique and vintage items.

Date: Friday, January 31st, 2025 Time: 10:00 am

This will be an online auction. Please go to Lockerfox.com and register. Feel free to call 410-2132029 for any questions regarding the online auction.

MISC./OTHER

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!

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

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

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.

OCD-1/16/3t

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

– 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 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 (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.

OCD-12/26/5t

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 completeness 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.

OCD-1/9/5t

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 OCD-1/9/3t

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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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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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.

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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

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

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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.

lier 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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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:

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

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.

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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

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 ear-

(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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals: FY 2026 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

The ATP contains requests for operating funds from the following programs: Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which provides funds for general public transit service in rural areas; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, which provides funds for federally required para transit services for persons with disabilities.

In addition, capital funds will be requested for the following items: ITEM

Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance

One (1) ADA 8/2 Cutaway Bus

Three (3) Heavy Duty 60’ Articulating Buses

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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$916,000

$110,000

$3,180,000

TOTAL $4,206,000

A Public Hearing will be held upon request. Requests for a Public Hearing must be in writing and will be received until 4 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked “Public Hearing Comments”:

Ocean City Transportation 224 65th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Written comments can also be emailed to: Rob Shearman Jr. at rshearman@oceancitymd.gov

If requested, a Public Hearing will be held: Monday, March 3, 2025 6:00 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

301 North Baltimore Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

If special assistance is required at the Public Hearing contact Ocean City Transportation, Administrative Coordinator, at 410-723-2174 prior to 4 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025. OCD-1/23/5t

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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MELVIN J. CALDWELL JR., ESQ. CALDWELL & WHITEHEAD, PA 109 CAMDEN STREET P.O. BOX 4520

SALISBURY, MD 21803-4520

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of THELMA S. BOLLACK Estate No. 20455 Notice is given that SHARON LEE HILLIS whose address is 5 OCEAN PARK CT., ISLE OF PALMS, SC 29451-2244,

DONNA S. BENVENUTO whose address is 12930 CENTER DR., OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9744 were on JANUARY 16, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of THELMA S. BOLLACK who died on MARCH 02, 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 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-

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

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs. TERENCE MICHAEL MCCARTHY

KAREN MCCARTHY

102 Hingham Lane, Unit 27 Berlin, MD 21811

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-24-000207

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 15th day of January, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 102 Hingham Lane, Unit 27, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 17th day of February, 2025, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 10th day of February, 2025. The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $376,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 At 3:00 PM

submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) West of Philadelphia Avenue to reduce the required 3’ freeboard elevation in the AE-6 flood zone for a portion of the new residential structure. Locally known as 510 32nd Street- parcel number 112-08-4481.

Owner: The Mauck Family Trust

Applicant: Bowden Construction Solutions

BAAV 25-011 A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) West of Coastal Highway, to reduce the minimum 3’ freeboard elevation requirement above the AE-6 flood zone for substantial improvement of an existing interior townhouse unit. Locally known as 431 BAYSHORE DR UNIT B parcel number 5437 -209AA

Owner: 431B Bayshore Drive QOF, LLC

Applicant: Joerg U. Leineman

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MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL NOTICE

OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2025-01

NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2025-01 was introduced for first reading at a special meeting on January 16, 2025. A fair summary of the ordinance is as follows: An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill (the "Town") to authorize and empower the issuance and sale, upon its full faith and credit, of two series of general obligation bonds, each in the form of a single bond and each in the principal amount not to exceed $180,194.00, in the maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $360,388.00, pursuant to the authority of the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration Act. Each of the bonds to be designated "The Town of Snow Hill Drinking Water Bond," as more specifically described in the ordinance, the net proceeds of the sale of such bonds to be used and applied for the public purpose of financing and refinancing all or a portion of the costs of the Purnell Street Utility and Roadway Improvements Project consisting of replacing the water mains in the Town of Snow Hill's water and distribution system, which costs include design, engineering, planning, construction, fiscal and legal expenses; authorizing and approving the completion, execution and delivery of loan agreements between the Town and the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration with respect to the bonds; prescribing the form and tenor of the bonds and the terms and conditions for the issuance and sale thereof at private sale to the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration; providing for the prompt payment of the maturing

principal of and interest on the bonds, as appropriate, and providing for the forgiveness of payment with respect to one of the bonds,; covenanting to levy and collect all taxes necessary to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds and pledging that the full faith and credit and taxing power of the Town be irrevocably and unconditionally pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on each of the bonds; and generally relating to the issuance, sale and delivery of the bonds for the Purnell Street Utility and Roadway Improvements Project.

The second reading will take place on February 11, 2025 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ.

SCALES LAW GROUP

12417 OCEAN GTWY., STE. 11

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20446 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF TRACEY DELL’AQUILA

Notice is given that Tonia Maddaloni, 242 Ridgeview Rd., Kerhonkson, NY 12446-1553, was on January 17, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tracey Dell’Aquila who died on July 21, 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 17th 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.

Tonia Maddaloni 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 23, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20484 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LOUVINIA EDNA PHILLIPS

Notice is given that Elizabeth Phillips, 8330 Old Westover Marion Rd., Westover, MD 21871-3504, was on January 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louvinia Edna Phillips who died on November 04, 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 15th 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.

Elizabeth Phillips 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 23, 2025

Thomas John Burns who died on September 13, 2024 domiciled in Virginia, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Marjorie Morris whose address is 10827 Boysenberry Ct., Waldorf, MD 20603-3956. 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.

Christopher Burns 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 23, 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 KURT SCHUSTER QUEMORE Estate No. 20454 Notice is given that CLAUDIA MARIE SITKO QUEMORE whose address is 11204 COASTAL HWY., UNIT 4D, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-1279 was on JANUARY 13, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of KURT SCHUSTER QUEMORE who died on NOVEMBER 04, 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.

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NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20480

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Prince William County, Virginia appointed Christopher Burns, 25841 Singleton Ln., South Riding, VA 20152-1727 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of

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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JACQUELYN M GROSSNICKLE LAW OFFICE OF TREGONING & GROSSNICKLE P C

352 W PATRICK ST FREDERICK, MD 21701-4887

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ESTATE NO. 20490

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SUPERIOR court of CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA appointed SARAH ELIZABETH TILLMAN whose address is 501 EASTOWNE DR STE 130 CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514-6224 as the FIDUCIARY of the Estate of DAVID L BOOTHE who died on SEPTEMBER 01, 2024 domiciled in NORTH CAROLINA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JACQUELYN M GROSSNICKLE whose address is 352 W PATRICK ST FREDERICK, MD 21701-4887. 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 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

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ABDULVAHID MUSTAFA

Plaintiff v. JOHN JOHNSON, JR., ET AL.

Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-24-000327

AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

WHEREAS, in the Court Order entered on January 13, 2025, the

Court incorrectly identified the property at issue as "14 Parcel Number 02022141 Property Description

5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martine St.

Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr"; and WHEREAS, the correct property at issue is 14 Parcel Number 02022141 Property Description

5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martin St. Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr"; and

WHEREAS, the object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

"The property is located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 14 Parcel Number 02022141 Property Description 5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martin St. Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr."

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amount necessary for redemptions have not been paid

IT IS thereupon on this 16th of January, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, 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 three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the March 14, 2025, and redeem "The property is located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 14 Parcel Number 02022141 Property De-

scription 5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martin St. Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr." and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered in foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Failure to answer or redeem this property within the time allowed may result in a judgment foreclosing the right of redemption.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 410-296-2550 File #: 462112

Richard E. Solomon

Richard J. Rogers

Michael McKeefery

Christianna Kersey

Kyle Blackstone

Jason Murphy

John Ansell

Jason Beers 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v. Eric Oliver AND Jeremy A. Cubert AND Amy K. Cubert

27 Island Edge Drive, Unit 27C Ocean City, MD 21842

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-24-000196

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 14th day of January, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shovvn on or before the 17th day of February, 2025, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 10th day of February. 2025.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $705,000.00. The property sold herein is known as 27 Island Edge Drive, Unit 27C, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD

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County weighs homeless ordinance

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Taking inspiration from a recent Supreme Court ruling, Worcester County officials say sleeping on public property could go from a civil infraction to a criminal misdemeanor, a move that specifically targets the homeless.

“When the intersection happens between behavioral health issues and homelessness, and then criminality or victimization of others in that area, that’s where my office comes into play,” said Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. “It’s not our goal to prosecute the same person for the same type of low-level offense over and over again. We’d rather resolve the underlying problem.”

Under the guidance of Heiser and county attorney Roscoe Leslie, Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners says it will work in the near term to pen a draft ordinance that revisits penalties for sleeping on land owned by the county. Any such bill would then be subject to a public hearing.

Heiser said the goal of what she called an encampment ordinance is to provide a tool for law enforcement, “to make sure that the community is safe from the other effects these sort of individuals can have sometimes,” she told the commissioners at the meeting.

The commissioners discussed the

issue at length during a Jan. 14 meeting with the input of several officials from the county’s social services agencies.

The biggest issue when trying to help the homeless population – or asking them to move along, if disruptive – is simply figuring out where to put them, said Sandy Kerrigan, who works on behavioral health programs with the county’s health department.

She added how the West Ocean City nonprofit Diakonia, which has shelter space, “is great and wonderful – but it’s often full.”

“Anytime we take somebody from an encampment or somebody hanging out

on the Boardwalk, they’re going somewhere else and they’re somebody else’s problem at that point,” Kerrigan told the commissioners. “We can’t evict them from the county. Where do we go? That’s where we get stuck. Because the people we’re dealing with are very chronically mentally ill individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

Kerrigan also said this segment of the homeless population often cycles through police custody, jail time, hospitalization, and public spaces.

“It’s frustrating and I understand the

Worcester looks to model existing legislation

reasoning behind where we are,” she said. “I wish there was a magic wand and an answer. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know that this will fix anything.

Last year, between 19 and 31 people were identified in a semi-annual survey as living in Worcester County without shelter, according to the county’s department of social services.

Agency director Roberta Baldwin called them “chronic homeless individuals” – people facing some combination of behavioral and mental health issues, addiction, or other problems that keep

them from holding down a job or a place to live.

While some actively choose to remain unhoused, Baldwin said the county is plagued by too few shelter beds, a lack of transitional housing, and a need for an additional homeless shelter.

A limited housing supply and high rental prices also are contributing factors – though you can’t get into subsidized housing if you have certain criminal charges on your record, she said.

“For someone who wants to get into

housing or has a mental health issue and may be eligible for subsidized housing, that prevents them from being able to access a lot of services or programs that, if they didn’t have that conviction, they would be open to,” Baldwin said.

It was the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that inspired county officials to adopt similar tactics when dealing with a homeless population.

In Colorado, repeat offenders caught sleeping in Grants Pass public parks faced fines, a temporary park ban, and eventually jail time, according to the court’s June 28 opinion. A class action case against the city claimed this violated their Eighth Amendment rights against cruel and unusual punishment.

The justices ultimately ruled that a municipality imposing criminal penalties for acts like sleeping in public is not unconstitutional.

When advised Nov. 19 of the high court’s decision by solicitor Roscoe Leslie, the commissioners expressed interest in developing their own anti-encampment criminal ordinance.

There exists now such a law on the books in Worcester, but the penalty isn’t criminal.

Since 1987, it’s been a civil infraction in Worcester County to camp on, tent on, sleep on, or inhabit any countyowned property, including parks or

roadways. Revamping that penalty as a crime is now on the table.

“It’s really up to the commissioners to give us a direction on what you’d like to see,” Leslie said at last week’s meeting, calling the conversation “a starting point.”

Heiser added she’s looking to model existing legislation from San Diego, California, that targets the problem. Hearing that, Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) responded by saying, “I can’t think of a worse state for its homeless and taking over.”

“We got to decide whether we want one that looked like California or Worcester County. And I think we do need to stiffen our laws criminally or whatever it takes to get this under control,” he said.

District 3 Commissioner Eric Fiori said he’s heard increasingly from his constituents that homelessness is an escalating problem in the West Ocean City area, especially in more rural pockets.

“We’re trying to come up with a solution,” he said, “to make sure that we’re doing everything at the county level that we can possibly do as far as helping these folks. But the ones that choose not to have help, or choose to cause problems within the community, we need to have some tools within government to try to get them the help they need.”

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 11603 W

Saturrdday 11am-1pm

City 2BR/1BA Chatham Ct., The Parke, Ocean Pines4BR/3BA 798 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines 3BR/2.5BA

Market statistics show increase in housing supply

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Bright MLS, the regional multiple list service that stretches across six states and serves more than 95,000 subscribers, delivers a weekly market report for their footprint.

For the week ending Jan. 12, they state that high mortgage rates and winter weather sidelined buyers, but that supply is stronger than last year (however, affordability still a challenge).

Below are some of the headlines from this past week’s report.

New Contracts Hit Five Year Low: There were 3,987 new contracts in the Bright MLS service area for the week ending January 12, a 17.6% decline from the same week last year. Market activity is generally slow at the beginning of a new year, but new contracts are the lowest they have been during this week for the past five years.

Supply Strong Over Last Year: This week, there were 29,599 active listings in the Mid-Atlantic, an 11.5% increase over the second week of 2024. A pullback in new contract activity was the main driver of an uptick in active listings.

List Prices Edge Lower From Week Ago But Are Still At Challenging Heights: The median list price during the week ending January 12 was $399,990, a 1.2% decline from the first week of January but a 2.6% increase from 2024. With mortgage rates back up near 7%, many buyers may still feel pushed out of the market.

Bright’s Senior Economist Erica Plemmons said, “The silver lining though with fewer new contracts is that it’s allowed active listings to grow.”

Looking at our local statistics for Worcester County, we ended 2024 with listings up a little more than 10% over 2023.

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

sandy dougan

by Steve Green

The Adventures of Fatherhood

It might not seem like a big deal, but it is.

My sons’ one and only hairdresser (Ms. Robin as they have called her) is retiring.

I remember Beckett’s first haircut in 2010 (above left) like it was yesterday. Pam fought the first trim as she loved his locks, but the mullet the cute toddler was sporting needed some attention.

Back then, with our rambunctious 18month-old boy, there was parental anxiety as to whether he would stay still long enough for the cut due to his highenergy, no-listening ways.

One thing I will take with me as we move forward was Ms. Robin’s laidback ways with our Carson, who has non-verbal Autism. She learned over the years how to pivot with Carson as he got older. She rolled right along with him, and an empathetic approach is something we never take for granted because let’s face it not everyone has it.

I always appreciated and valued her understanding ways with him. It’s something I will miss, as will be the countless

conversations with Robin over the years about a wide range of topics and current events.

As we drove to Ocean City Tuesday night, I was glad we did it as a family. It just happen to work out this way as we were all together when it was time for the appointment.

Oftentimes, especially as life’s obligations increased, Pam or I would often take the kids on our own. It was appropriate on the last cut for all of us to be together. We were able to recreate a photo from eight years ago, above right, and one from after their last cut Tuesday night, right. Another photo from six years is pictured top middle.

It’s special whenever a meaningful chapter closes. It may seem silly for some reminiscence here, but my bet is most parents understand.

Ms. Robin will always be a familiar name for my boys, who I suspect will always be the standard when compared to subsequent hairdressers. Whenever Beckett would fret over his hair style, Ms. Robin would remind him, “there is more to life than your hair.”

We wish Ms. Robin all the best moving forward in her next chapter of life.

(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 Chamber presents awards, names new board

(Jan. 24, 2025) About 100 people attended last week’s Berlin Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Awards Banquet at the Berlin Fire Company.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Berlin Award to Dr. Melissa Reid for her leadership of the Berlin Heritage Foundation, which operates the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.

Reid, an art teacher at Buckingham Elementary School for more than 20 years who lives in Berlin, was surprised with the recognition and presented citations and commendations from the Town of Berlin, Worcester County and the Senate and House of Delegates.

Previous Berlin Award recipients include Frederick Brueckmann, 1964; Jane Q. Parker Gantz, 1965; Willis W. Hudson, 1966; Paul Scott, 1968; Audrey Pennington, 1969; Horace E. Quillin, 1970; Oscar Littleton, 1971; Anna A. Burbage, 1972; William S. Hudson, 1973; James G. Barrett, 1974; Elton W. Parsons, 1975; William Briddell, 1976; Mable S. Holland, 1977; Rev. E.C. Hackshaw, 1978; Charles T. Martin, 1979; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Abernethy, 1980; Edgar Gaskins, 1981; no award, 1982; Wilford and Rhoda Showell, 1983; Laurence Eastburn, 1984; Edward H. Hammond, 1985; Luther Shultz, 1986; Frank Timmons, 1987; Gee Williams, III, 1988; Stuart J. Scott, 1989; Mary E. Humphreys, 1990; Barbara Derrickson, 1991; Doris Taylor, 1992; Mildred Ann Villani, 1993; Denman E. Rayne, 1994; Raymond D. Coates, 1995; Patrick L. Henry, 1996; John T. Bruehl, 1997; Frank Villani, 1998; Bennett Scott, 1999; Leola A. Smack, 2000; Ellen H. Lang, 2001; RoxAnne D. Williams, 2002; Tom & Judy Patton, 2003; Jesse Turner, 2004; Clayton P. Collins, Jr., 2005; Deb-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAMBER

Berlin Chamber President Garrett Neville presented the Best New Business Award to the Berlin Beer Co. and The Street Kitchen. Pictured, from left, are Neville, Tammie Faille of The Street Kitchen and Adam Davis and Lauren Georgevich of Berlin Beer Co.

Reid takes home Berlin Award

orah S. Frene, 2006; William Burke, 2007; Tim and Christine Rayne, 2008; Susan Taylor, 2009; Joel J. Todd, 2010; Terri Sexton, 2011; Jan Quick, 2012; Doug Parks, 2014; Mike and Helen Wiley, 2014; Woody and Cam Bunting, 2015; Barbara Purnell, 2016; no award, 2017-2022; and Nornie Bunting, 2023. Other awards presented were:

Best New Business: Berlin Beer Co. and The Street Kitchen

Bright Idea: The Bubble Project, created by Ivy Wells of the Town of Berlin and Jeffrey Auxer of Jeffrey Auxer Designs

Chamber Partner: Matt and Brooke Borrelli of The Sterling Tavern

Volunteer of The Year: David Fitzgerald of the Berlin Fire Company

Lifetime Achievement in Retail: Doug Westfall of Gold Crafts

Dedication Award: Tanja Giles for her dedication to volunteering and organizing the annual Cruiser events in Berlin Legacy Award: Helen Wiley for her longtime affiliation and leadership of the Church Mouse Thrift Shop

Outgoing Board member and former chamber president Mike Poole was thanked and addressed as a pivotal member of the chamber, and William Outten was inducted as the new board member. Outgoing President Cindi Krempel was also recognized.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA GORFINKEL

Dr. Melissa Reid was surprised with the Berlin Award. Pictured, from left, are last year’s recipient Nornie Bunting, Councilman Steve Green, award co-presenter Cam Bunting, Reid, Mayor Zack Tyndall and Council members Jay Knerr and Dean Burrell.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAMBER

Doug Westfall, owner of Gold Crafts in Berlin, was presented a Lifetime Achievement in Retail award for his decades of being a town merchant. Westfall plans to retire this year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA GORFINKEL

Accepting the Bright Idea award recognizing The Bubble Project was Ivy Wells, economic and community development director for Berlin. Jeffrey Auxer of Jeffrey Auxer Designs was unable attend.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Ocean City shared in the growth and prosperity that the 1920s brought to the country and the hotels and boarding houses stayed full for most of the summer season.

There were no bars or nightclubs during that decade as Prohibition had made the sale of alcoholic beverages illegal but there was still adventure on the Boardwalk for those that sought it. Hotels such as the Atlantic and the Plimhimmon featured dances with live orchestras for their guests and Ocean City’s Municipal Band gave free public concerts from Dr. Townsend’s bandstand on Somerset Street.

The sights and sounds of the Boardwalk were the highlight of many vacations and Trimper’s Amusements, with rides such as the Whip and the Ferris Wheel, were always a big draw. Adding to the fun, the town was compact in that era and a stroll down the Boardwalk from one’s lodging could be made with ease. There were no traffic problems in the 1920s.

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

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Ignoring sports talk radio after a Ravens playoff loss

Filling up on gas when the price is low

Eating out for the first time after a diet

Taking constructive criticism

Sunday newspaper features

Smiling little ones running to their parents after school

Will Ferrell

Smell of fresh paint in a house

A good prank

Days I can enjoy the sunrise and the sunset

Hearing feedback from my kids on school

County passes snow day limit, cuts vacation

School board approves shorter Spring Break, adds ‘virtual learning’ instruction

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Due to school being canceled for a week this month because of snow, the Worcester County Board of Education has waived first-semester final exams, eliminated two days from spring break, and modified virtual day instruction plans.

At the board’s Jan. 21 meeting, the body voted to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to waive final exams for 2024-2025 semester for courses that do not culminate in

state-required assessments. Before modification, the policy stipulated each student must take a comprehensive final exam in all grade 9-12 subject areas.

“The Board believes that final examinations help to bring focus to the essential outcomes specified in the course of study and help to bring closure to a course and promote curricular articulation among the high schools,” the official guideline reads.

“…Experiences with locally developed final examinations can better prepare students for successful achievement in end of course examinations required for graduation, higher education, and the world of work.”

The standard exempts these final exams if the end of the course in-

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

cludes a college, national, or state assessment. For this year, due to the five instructional days lost to inclement weather earlier this month, the policy will be waived not to require the comprehensive exams for semester one classes.

WCPS Chief Safety and Academic Office Annette Wallace said that during the time when the exams would be taking place, students will be completing “some type of final project, so they have to come,” just as if they were taking the originally scheduled tests.

The board unanimously passed the motion to accept this recommendation. Most schools already had informed their students of the plan before the official vote, but Wallace

SOUTH POINT NAMES NEW OFFICERS

vice president; Alex French, director; Michael LeCompte, president; and Brian Julian, treasurer.

said she would communicate the official decision to principals, who will then pass the message onto teachers and students.

The school board also voted to eliminate two days at the end of this year’s spring break: Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23. These days will be reintroduced to the school system calendar as classroom instruction days to make up for the two excess days lost to snow. Additionally, the last day of school will now be June 17.

Worcester County’s public schools were closed for five days earlier this month due to the area receiving about six inches of snowfall. The first three days were used as inclement

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

At its December 15 annual meeting, the South Point Association elected its officers for 2025. Pictured front, from left, are Diane Steiner, secretary; Rick Martelo, director; and Bob Rubenstein, vice president. Pictured back, from left, Eric Fiori, county commissioner

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

WCGC HAS METEOROLOGICAL GUEST

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club were recently given an introduction to weather and climate by Walker Skeeter, Ph.D., whose doctoral degree is in Meteorology. Skeeter explained the causal continuum and fielded questions on climate change. It was a most informative program. Skeeter is pictured with Club President Joan LaHayne. SUBMITTED

STUDENTS BOND OVER CANDY CANES

Opinions

Wind: cloudy picture remains

When President Trump’s executive orders came out yesterday, Ocean City and Worcester County officials, as well as parties on both sides of the offshore wind energy argument, asked, “What does this mean?”

That’s about all anyone would conclude judging from the official responses from Ocean City and Worcester County governments on how the Wind Energy executive order might affect plans by US Wind to erect up to 114 wind turbines off Maryland’s coast.

US Wind, which has almost everything it needs to begin construction, was equally guarded in its reply to similar inquiries.

The order says: “I hereby withdraw from disposition for wind energy leasing all areas within the Offshore Continental shelf (OCS) as defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands act, 43 U.S.C. 1331. This withdrawal shall go into effect beginning on January 21, 2025, and shall remain in effect until this Presidential Memorandum is revoked.

“Nothing in this withdrawal affects rights under existing leases in the withdrawn areas. With respect to such existing leases, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General as needed, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases, identifying any legal bases for such removal, and submit a report with recommendations to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.”

The order seems to be clear, but at the same time it is nonspecific and subject to interpretation.

US Wind has its leases and so would not be affected by the end to all leasing. But its status, along with its permits and approvals, are subject to review. That leaves room to argue that the possibility does exist that the Maryland projects could be shut down if a federal review of the permissions US Wind has received turned up some legal justification for hitting the off switch.

That circumstance leaves the public in pretty much the same place that local governments and US Wind have found themselves: cautiously waiting to see what it all means and whether anything will happen here.

PUBLIC EYE

It’s cold. No shorts

It’s just a wild guess, but I’m willing to bet I’m the only person in my office who’s been above the Arctic Circle ... twice.

Sure, it’s been chilly at work from time to time, but that only happens when I say, “Hey, I just had a great idea.” That’s when frost forms and people who have been around for a while start edging toward the door.

By Stewart Dobson

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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copyright 2025

Nevertheless, my arctic experience gives me standing to ask about something that has bothered me for years: why do some men insist on wearing shorts when the outside temperatures fall somewhere between shinbone-shattering frigid and the level required to neuter a brass monkey?

Just this brutally cold week, I saw a fair number of guys outside dressed like they’re living in two hemispheres simultaneously, with the beltline being the equator.

Up north, so to speak, they’re wearing wool hats and musk ox pelts or something, while downstairs they’re on the short circuit. I don’t know about them, but I’d be concerned about updrafts.

Anyway, I should point out that I’ve never been a fan of shorts in any weather. In fact, it took me 50 years to wear them in public any time of year, since my legs were and continue to be so skinny that back in the day my parents would only take me to isolated stretches of the beach.

That was so they didn’t have to say to the occasional passerby, “Yes, we’re sorry, too, but the truth is he’s completely normal.”

And, of course, I’d complain too.

“But it’s February, Mom!”

“Yes, and the beach is empty. Now get in the water!”

Just kidding. My parents did not take me to the beach in the winter, because they didn’t like the cold any more than I did.

Which does make me wonder how I ended up being sent above the Arctic Circle two times.

Although I don’t buy into conspiracy theories, I have wondered whether someone in the upper echelons of command at Coast Guard headquarters once asked, “Does anyone here want to unload any wise guys who hate the cold? If you do, I have a couple of get-even assignments available.”

So it was up to Cape Lisburne, Alaska, which is described in Wikipedia as a “bleak, treeless location in the most northwestern point in Alaska between the Arctic Ocean and the Chuckchi Sea.

Incidentally, I believe the word “Chuckchi” is Russian for what will get frozen off up there if you’re not careful.

A couple of years later, I was on the other side of the circle above what was then called Godthaab, Greenland but is now known as Nuuk, which is the Inuit word for ...

And I’m telling you, it was so cold there that you’d shrink to fit your clothes instead of the other way around: you go out at six feet tall wearing shorts and return at 5 feet wearing what look like bib overalls.

When I did ask a guy this week how he could wear shorts in this weather, he said he was “just used to it.”

I guess, but it sounds to me like saying, “Yeah, I’ve been stabbing myself in the eye with a pencil for so long I’ve gotten so I kind of like it.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Several concerns were expressed online this week about the condition of local roads after Tuesday’s night snowfall, which was between one and two inches depending on locales. It would seem Worcester County heard some questions as well, resulting in a Facebook post to address it. There seems to have not been enough snow for county and municipal plows to do the work, as evidenced by the state of many secondary roads and shopping center parking lots.

The Facebook post Wednesday from the county read in part, “Historically, the County doesn’t begin plowing operations until accumulations reach 3 inches or more. Plowing less than 3 inches of snow produces sporadic results, as the snow lacks the volume to clump up and be effectively removed from the roadway. Worcester County uses liquid salt brine to pre-treat roads prior to storms. Temperatures must be at or above 20 degrees for salt brine to work properly. Given the ambient temperatures the last few days, crews have been unable to utilize this treatment. However, with temperatures expected to rise above 20º today, Public Works will begin applying brine to larger, collector road, brine routes. While the Maryland State Highway is able to salt roads during small snowfall events, Worcester County does not have enough salt spreading equipment to enact it on a Countywide scale. Salt applications are limited to small spot treatment using a couple pick-up trucks.”

---------

The offshore wind situation is going to be fascinating to monitor for months to come. The impact of Trump’s order against wind projects will take time to play out as will Ocean City’s lawsuit against BOEM and the county’s private property land grab along the harbor.

In the meantime, it was a nice surprise to see nearly all the Worcester County Commissioners look behind their offshore wind concerns and decide to support the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s attempt to secure a $16 million grant through the state’s Whole Watershed Fund. The grant could specifically be used to help Berlin deal with recurrent flooding issues from stormwater. Back in November, after some tongue lashing directed at the bays program, the commissioners refused to send a courtesy letter of support for the grant because they feel the MCBP supports offshore wind by accepting $125,000 in grants from the lease holder. It was wise for the commissioners to reverse course. At the time, it was opined here the commissioners should have separated the two issues. The grant should have been viewed as a major opportunity, and it seems interest in the funding has been low.

Cooler heads prevailed this week, as the commissioners voted 6-1 to send a support letter for the major grant. Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell was right when he advised officials, “This is an opportunity to attract significant investment to Worcester County for restoration and other environmental activities in a watershed whose health has been [poor].” County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic added, “I think that we’ve made our point. I would hate to see us lose this money for the benefit of the coastal bays that surround Worcester County.”

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It's been clear overcoming the $3 billion budget deficit would require spending reductions by the state, but it’s appalling to me Gov. Wes Moore finds it appropriate to propose a $200 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which helps more than 20,000 Marylanders every year. Targeting the most vulnerable among us is despicable of Moore, who clearly has an ocean of other options to target for money.

Though exact details of what programs would be cut are unclear, it has been confirmed Moore’s budget eliminates the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program entirely. According to Maryland Community Connection, “The LISS Program currently serves between 2,000 and 2,500 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and families a year with small grants (max $2,000 a year) for approved purchases like respite, home modifications to reduce barriers, adaptive equipment, and summer camps. Individuals are eligible for the grant through a lottery and may only access the fund if they do not receive other waiver services.”

In the interest of full disclosure, my family has utilized LISS three times previously for my nonverbal, special needs son to help with funding costly speech therapy sessions. It’s an expensive service only partially covered by our health insurance because our provider, who specializes in prompt speech therapy, is out of network. The grant, which is only awarded after a thorough vetting and exhaustive application process, has helped with these weekly expenses. There are other families in the county who have also benefited tremendously from the grant resource.

Several virtual town halls have been announced since the budget was released, including one on Jan. 28 from noon-1:30 p.m. It’s open to the public and a link can be found on The Arc Maryland website. Fingers are crossed this distressing cut is not ultimately included in the final budget.

School superintendent Lou Taylor announces retirement

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Rounding out a 41year-long career, Superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools Lou Taylor will retire at the conclusion of the current academic year. The school system is expected to soon begin a national search for his replacement.

At a Worcester County Board of Education meeting Jan. 21, Taylor announced his intention to step down from his role as school system superintendent, effective June 30. Taylor signed a new four-year contract in 2021 at an annual salary of $210,000.

During his emotional remarks Tuesday, Taylor noted his “entire life has been intertwined with [WCPS].”

The system’s leader said he began as a kindergarten student in 1965 at Ocean City Elementary School. He grew up in the county, eventually graduating from Stephen Decatur High School. Taylor received a Master of Education degree from Salisbury University and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, also from SU.

The current superintendent began his education career as a physical education teacher at Berlin Middle School, now known as Berlin Intermediate School, before advancing to an assistant principal position. Taylor moved to SDHS in 1991 as assistant principal and, eventually, principal.

Taylor led SDHS for 17 years, and during that time, SDHS became the first Maryland Blue Ribbon School in Worcester County. Taylor also established the Worcester County Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing student achievement in WCPS. Before his current role, Taylor served as chief operating officer. He was named as superintendent in 2016.

“Since beginning my career as a teacher way back in 1983, I have loved every single position I have held along the way,” Taylor said.

Taylor acknowledged some of his accomplishments as superintendent, including leading WCPS during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the teachers and staff designed creative and stimulating methods to bring students back safely to the classroom sooner than other Maryland school systems.

Taylor added Worcester County schools continue to outperform other educational facilities in the state and invest in "cutting-edge technology to ensure we are reaching and engaging the learners of today and tomorrow.”

“We invested in the most outstanding educators, and we still do, and support staff that continue to make magic … in our classrooms every single day,” the superintendent continued. “... For the past 41 years of my career, it has been the people, our students, our colleagues, and the community as a whole, who have shaped me into the superintendent of today, and I could not be more grateful.”

Worcester County Board of Education members expressed their gratitude for Taylor’s 41-year service to the school system, including Jon Andes, who acted as superintendent from 1996 to 2012.

Andes said he first met Taylor the summer before his first year as the WCPS leader. Andes acknowledged Taylor’s “outstanding job” as the SDHS principal, one of the largest high schools on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and the soon-to-be retiree’s passionate approach when eventually taking over as the county’s superintendent.

“[Taylor] cares deeply about the school system, he cares deeply about the employees, he cares deeply about each and every day, about making a difference in the lives of our students,” Andes said. “He loves our school system, he loves our community … I look forward to working with him over the next six months to keep our school system moving forward. As he always says, he bleeds blue, the SDHS color, and the difference he has made in the lives of our community will forever be his legacy.”

Board President Todd Ferrante said he has enjoyed a close relationship with Taylor, “since we were younger.”

“Mr. Taylor has dedicated his entire 41-year career to this school system and

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CONSTRUCTION

Taylor leaving WCPS after 41 years

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has left an indelible mark,” said Ferrante, also an SDHS graduate. “He has led this school system through trials and challenges that no superintendent before him has ever faced. From successfully navigating our students and staff through the pandemic to advocating for and implementing the resources to help our staff support our students as they experience growing mental health challenges because of the pandemic, we are deeply grateful for Taylor’s outstanding service but feel confident that whatever

his next journey is, that he will continue to support Worcester County Public Schools.” Board of Education Vice President Bill Buchanan, a former public school teacher, added, “While Lou and his leadership will be greatly missed, his dedication to and unwavering pride in the school system will be a big part of Lou's legacy. Moving forward, we will search for the qualities necessary to keep WCPS on its positive trajectory. It won’t be an easy task, but our future generations are depending on the decisions that this board will make. We take

that responsibility very seriously.”

Taylor will not be stepping down from his post until the end of the school year. He said he looks forward to a new generation of leadership.

“Education today is evolving,” Taylor said. “I have every confidence that this board will select a leader who will, like I did, face this formidable challenge of pushing this already successful school system to great new heights, even higher than I pushed them. They will not only meet those expectations but exceed them.”

Snow ices end-of-semester exams for some

weather days that were built into the backend of the current year’s calendar. WCPS Coordinator of Public Relations Carrie Sterrs said the move left two days that needed to be made up to provide students with the 180 instruction day minimum. Taking away the end of the school system’s spring break will accommodate this requirement.

“We had an excess of two days that we still need to make up,” Sterrs said. “...We couldn't utilize virtual instruction for those days, so the modifica-

tion addresses that. If you look at April, we recommend taking back those two days at the tail end of spring break, April 22 and 23, and changing those into full days of instruction for students and staff.”

The board of education passed the calendar revision unanimously.

Sterrs also brought a virtual learning policy revision before the board. The recent school closures revealed challenges to the plan that was approved last spring, and as such, the system’s governing body unanimously agreed to accept the recom-

mendation to not deploy devices for elementary and middle school students but to mandate that they use personal devices to access synchronous learning on virtual day instruction. At the same time, high school students will utilize the take-home devices that WCPS provides them.

Sterrs maintained that elementary and middle schoolers who do not have access to technology at home would not be penalized for not being able to log in on virtual learning days.

“It was already built into the plan that no student would be adversely

impacted if they do not have access to connectivity or a device,” the public relations coordinator said. “They will have five days from our return to make up that work, which will also account for their attendance.”

Going forward, any inclement weather or otherwise unexpected WCPS closure day will utilize the updated virtual learning to avoid making up any more missed days. The very next day, Wednesday, after the board meeting became a virtual learning day due to two inches of snowfall and school being canceled.

Superintendent Lou Taylor

Joining company ‘one of the best decisions I ever made’

By Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) This week we recognize active member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Delaney Williams.

A lifelong resident of Ocean City, Williams is currently pursuing her associate degree at Wor-Wic Community College with plans to continue her education at Salisbury University. While maintaining her studies as a full-time student, she serves her community in multiple capacities - working part-time as a Firefighter/EMT for neighboring Worcester County departments, serving as a substitute teacher, and coaching the swim team at Stephen Decatur High School, her alma mater.

Williams’ journey with the OCVFC began during her junior year at Stephen Decatur when a teacher recommended, she enroll in the EMT and Fire One classes offered at Worcester Technical High School. This opportunity required joining the OCVFC’s cadet program, as she was under 18 at the time.

“Even though I was hesitant at first, there was no reason to be because this is something I wanted to be involved in for a very long time,” Williams reflects on her initial experience.

In the spring of 2020, Williams transitioned from the cadet program to become an active member. Among her most memorable experiences were the winter duty crews of 2021 and 2022, where she and her fellow volunteers staffed the station on weekends.

“We ended up running a working fire almost every weekend,” she recalls. “Attending drills and taking classes are so important, but actually getting to use what I learned at drills

on those fires made me a better firefighter.”

Drawing from her background as a swimmer, Williams serves on the department’s water rescue team, a specialized unit that requires annual tryouts. “Since we live on a peninsula, water rescues are very common and we must be prepared,” she explains.

“With my swimming background, I found it would be a disservice to the community if I did not try out and become a water rescue swimmer.”

The sense of community within the OCVFC has had a profound impact on Williams. “Being part of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company has become a huge part of my life,” she said.

“I have built many friendships with people I never imagined to be possible. Being part of this fire company means that I have a group of people who were once strangers and have now become like a family and who have my back no matter what.”

For those considering joining the fire service, Williams offers this advice: “Just join. Once you’re in, show up, listen, learn, ask questions and give it your all. There are always going to be things you do not know, but that’s okay because there are plenty of others who will and are more than happy to teach you. Joining OCVFC has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, you won’t regret it either.”

We thank Delaney for her dedication to protecting the lives and property of our residents and visitors to Ocean City, and for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism that makes our community stronger.

For membership information or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

Details of submarine sinking German ship Wilhelm Gustloff

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, the greatest marine tragedy in history occurred when Soviet submarine S-13 sank the military transport ship Wilhelm Gustloff in the frigid Baltic Sea.

The Wilhelm Gustloff was built by Blohm & Voss Shipbuilders in the company’s shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and was launched on May 5, 1937. The ship was 684 feet long and 77 ½ feet wide. The ship’s intended original name was Adolf Hitler, but after der Führer attended the funeral service for Wilhelm Gustloff, der Führer changed the name to honor Herr Gustloff.

Gustloff, a party member since 1927, was the founder and leader of the Swiss Nazi Party. He was assassinated on Feb. 4, 1936, by David Frankfurter, a Jewish medical student from Croatia, in Davos, Switzerland.

Frankfurter immediately surrendered to the Swiss police, saying, “I fired the shots because I am a Jew.” He was convicted and sentenced to 18 years’ incarceration. In the meantime, Gustloff’s widow, Hedwig, received a monthly stipend of 400 Reichsmarks (roughly $13,000), and the name of the vessel was changed to honor the murdered Nazi. Frankfurter was pardoned and released after the war.

The ship was a principal component of the “Strength Through Joy” program which provided leisure activity for German workers and put a respectable sheen on the Third Reich and its Nazi party.

The ship was crewed by 173 men

and carried 918 sailors, 373 female naval auxiliary helpers, 162 wounded soldiers, and 8,956 civilians for a total of 10,582 passengers and crew. On its fateful voyage, the Wilhelm Gustloff was captained by Friedrich Petersen. Passengers included Lithuanians, Latvians, Poles, Estonians and Croatians.

As the Red Army swept, inexorably, west, the Kriegsmarine began evacuating German nationals in the path of the Soviet steamroller. Seaborne evacuations became more critical when the Red Army isolated the Courland Peninsula in Latvia.

Planning for these evacuations under the name of “Operation Hannibal,” under the command of Adm. Oskar Kummetz, began in late 1944. Before “Operation Hannibal” was concluded, more than 800,000 civilians and 350,000 soldiers were evacuated, by sea, away from the Red Army. This was far more that Dunkirk.

On Jan. 11, 1945, Soviet submarine S-13, commanded by Alexander Ivanovich Marinesko, left the Soviet Naval Base at Porkkala, Finland. The Soviets had acquired the base as a result of the Moscow Armistice executed between the two countries on Sept. 19, 1944, which ended hostilities between them.

The Soviet submarine was commissioned on July 31, 1941, was 255 feet long, and carried a crew of 50 officers and men. It had six torpedo tubes and carried 13 torpedoes. The sub also had a four-inch deck gun.

The Wilhelm Gustloff left Gotenhafen (now the Polish port of Gdynia) at 12:30 p.m., on Jan. 30, 1945. The

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ship was overcrowded and hot inside, so many passengers removed their life jackets. In addition to the ship’s captain, Petersen, there were also two merchant marine captains and a Uboat commander.

The U-boat commander, Korvettenkapitän Wilhelm Zahn, advised the following precautions against submarine attacks: zigzagging with no lights at top speed close to shore. Capt. Petersen opted to follow a path further from shore through the minefields. He did not believe that his ship could stand running at full speed. And he opted to run with lights to avoid collision with other ships.

After S-13 spotted the Wilhelm Gustloff on the evening of Jan. 30, it followed the German ship for two hours. Then, around 9 p.m., the Soviet sub moved between the coast and the transport. It fired three torpedoes, all of which hit home. Within the hour, the ship had sunk in 144 feet of water, 19 miles offshore. An estimated 9,600 people perished in the disaster.

The S-13 sank the General von Steuben on the night of Feb. 9, sending another 4,500, of 5,200 German passengers and crew to a watery grave. That was followed on April 16, by L-13 sinking the Goya, with only 183 survivors from 6,000 aboard. With such spectacular success, one would have thought that S-13’s commander would have been feted as a Hero of the Soviet Union. He, as a sub commander, sank the most tonnage of any Soviet sub commander. However, because of his penchant for drinking, he was deemed, “...not suitable to be a hero,” and was only awarded his second Order of the Red Banner. He was dishonorably discharged from the navy in October 1945.

Although Marinesko was born in Odessa, Ukraine, his father was Romanian, and Romania had joined the German Reich and Slovakia in the invasion of the U.S.S.R.

Fifteen years after his discharge, he was reinstated and granted a full pension. In November 1963, he was feted as he should have been in February 1945. Three weeks later, he was dead from cancer. He was posthumously awarded Hero of the Soviet Union star, in 1990. The Museum of Russian Submarine Forces and a street in St. Petersburg are named for him.

Next week: Yalta 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.

OBITUARIES

JAMES WILLIAM NENSTIEL

Ocean City

James William Nenstiel “Jim” was born on Sept. 7, 1933, in Weston, Pennsylvania to William and Anna Nenstiel.

After high school, he enlisted in the Army serving as an SP-3 during the Korean War. After his service to his country, of which he was very proud, Jim started his career with the federal government. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in the late 80’s.

Jim married his wife, Georgia, on Aug. 10, 1957. She was the love of his life, and he would do anything for her. Marrying Georgia also made him a stepfather to Carol Ballas and Joseph Conrad. Carol was married and raising a family of her own at that time, but Jim raised Joe as his own.

Jim and Georgia lived in Silver Spring, Maryland for many years together. Upon Jim’s retirement they moved to Ocean City, Maryland. They kept their life in Ocean City very full by visiting casinos, line-dancing, and playing cards with friends. When Georgia passed away in 2005, Jim remained in their home on the water and continued to make his daily trips

Continued on Page 58

The launch of the celebrated Wilhelm Gustloff is pictured above.

James Nenstiel

out on his boat “Bojak” to get his crab pots up until the time of his passing at 91 years old.

Jim passed away Jan. 15, 2025. He is survived by Janet Conrad, his daughter-in-law that was just like a daughter to him. Jim was “Nono” to his seven grandchildren, Victoria Rittenhouse, Chris Ballas, James Ballas, Jacqueline Grubb, Karyn Houck, Timothy Conrad and Christina Super. He had 13 great-grandchildren that he would brag about to anyone who would listen. He spent much of his retirement attending sporting events that his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were participating in. He could often be found wearing gear from one of their colleges when he was out and about.

Those that knew Jim would say he never met a stranger. Once he was introduced to you, you would always be welcome to visit him if you were in Ocean City. He was happy to invite

anyone into his home or out on his boat. He was always entertaining those he met with stories of his latest adventures.

The family would like to thank Ed Newton for helping Jim with his boat for the past several years. They would also like to thank Dean and Denise Jacoby for always making sure he had some home cooked meals.

Memorial contributions can be made to Coastal Hospice At The Lake, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733. Interment will be private at a later date.

ELLEN HENDERSON WENTZEL Ocean Pines

Ellen Henderson Wentzel, 88, of Ocean Pines, passed away on Dec. 25, 2024.

She is survived by her two children, Deborah Harriet Wentzel and Howard Thomas Wentzel Jr., and her two grandchildren, Emily Wentzel

and Ryder Wentzel.

Originally from Pocomoke, Ellen received her RN at a young age and began working as a nurse in Arlington, PA where she met her husband, Howard Thomas Wentzel. They moved to Huntington Beach, Calif. to raise their children before moving back to Maryland 38 years later. While living in California, Ellen received a Bachelor’s degree and eventually became a nurse administrator. She loved sewing, knitting, and quilting and was a longtime member of Quilters by the Sea. Ellen was a beacon of happiness, hope, and positivity. She inspired others to live their lives with care and cheer. Ellen will be dearly missed by her family and all the friends she made throughout her life.

SANDRA LEA GOODSON Hagerstown

ber of the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Pasadena and the Whaleyville United Methodist Church in Whaleyville.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Valerie Hungerford and husband Chris; three grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her first husband, Charles Whittaker Jr; her second husband, Robert S. Goodson; son, Charles “Butch” Whittaker III; two granddaughters, Jennifer Hungerford and Amanda Hungerford; grandson, Tyler Whittaker; and her brother, Howard Oden.

Online condolences may be made at: www.minnichfh.com.

ILIA TELO Ocean City

Sandra Lea (Oden) Goodson, 85, of Hagerstown, passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Doey’s House surrounded by family.

Born July 14, 1939, in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late Howard Oliver and Mary Elizabeth (Sweeney) Oden.

She graduated from Glen Burnie High School. She was a former mem-

On Jan. 17, 2025, Ilia Telo peacefully passed away at the age of 87. Ilia was born on March 8, 1938, in Schoriades, Pogoni. He was the third child of Vangelis and Olga Telo. His siblings were Thomas and Athena Telo. Ilia attended elementary school in Schoriades. In 1952, he enrolled in Tirana at the Technical and Economic High School, and then in 1955, he studied at the Faculty

Ellen Wentzel

Ilia Telo

of Economics of the University of Tirana.

During his life, Ilia held numerous professional titles, including professor, high-ranking executive in the field of Economics, director of the Economic Institute of the Ministry of Labor, director of the Institute of Independent Trade Unions, the first Rector of the “Logos” University of the Archdiocese, and external collaborator - professor at the University of Tirana. Ultimately, he achieved the highest academic rank of ProfessorDoctor.

Ilia married Lefterie Yannis. Lefterie was a teacher by profession and was an active, good-natured, and always supportive and loving wife for Ilia. Together they had two children: Vangjeli and Eleni. Vangjeli and Eleni are now settled and married to their spouses in Ocean City running their respective businesses.

The country’s official encyclopedia lists him among the 100 most significant people of his time, and his bibliography includes 26 works on statistics, political theory, economics, and an autobiography.

He is survived by, Lefterie (wife), Vangjeli (son), Elena (daughter), Ilia (grandson), Nicole (granddaughter), Elefteria (granddaughter), Alma (daughter in law), Sotiris (son in law), Athena(sister) and Melpomeni (sister in law).

A visitation will be held on Friday,

Jan. 24, 2025, from 5 until 7 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church located at 8805 Coastal Highway in Ocean City. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church with a viewing an hour prior to the service.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home, Berlin.

RUTH MARILYN DUVALL

Ocean Pines

Ruth Marilyn Duvall, age 92, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at The Macky and Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., she was the daughter of the late William Lewis Craig and Helen Ruth (Samuel) Craig.

Ruth was a quickwitted, kind-hearted woman who fiercely loved her family. Her smile, warmth and positivity were infectious. A graduate of Anacostia High School, she spent nine years working in Washington, DC, before dedicating herself fully to her family—a role she embraced with grace and devotion. Ruth and her husband, Ed, were the heart and soul of their

family. A true social butterfly, she treasured her time on 36th Street, surrounded by her beloved husband, family, and lifelong friends. Her sharp wit and endless love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by two daughters, Vicki Verbich (Ted), and Nola Duvall (Jack); three grandchildren, Lauren Martin (Josh), Teddy Verbich, and Jack Gibson-Duvall; and two greatgrandchildren, Isaac Martin, and Zoey Martin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar A. Duvall, and a brother, William Craig, Jr.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, with a viewing one hour prior. Interment will follow at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

LORRAINE CROUSE

Ocean City

With heavy heart we announce the passing of Lorraine Crouse, 87, on Jan. 13, 2025. She was loved by her family and friends and will be remembered for her love and passion for cooking and patronizing her favorite restaurants. She is survived by her husband, David Crouse; three daughters, Sharon Frisbee, Karen McMillan and Nicole Elliott; five grandchildren; her three brothers; and a sister. A celebration of life will be planned in the spring.

OBITUARY NOTICES

Notices

Ruth Duvall

Lorraine Crouse

Sports & Recreation

Mallards routed by Arcadia, prep for ESIAC final games

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

Worcester Prep varsity boys basketball team suffered its second loss of the season last Friday night, falling to Arcadia in a rout, 65-44. The team’s record stands at 5-2 and 3-1 in the ESIAC.

Head Coach Eddie Rohe said the squad’s consistency has suffered due to long layoffs of late.

“We were in good form going into Christmas break. During Christmas

break, we lost time and then snow wiped out an entire week,” Rohe said.

“If we had that time we would have had more preparation time.”

Mallards senior Owen West was the team’s high scorer with 10 points, including two from deep.

In the first quarter, Arcadia pressed hard scoring 21 initial points to just 11 for the Mallards.

In the second quarter , the Mallards bumped up their defense holding back Arcadia to only 14 additional points

while scoring 12. The Mallards were down 35-23 at half.

Early in the third quarter, Arcadia came out in full press mode scoring 18 more with Mallards only able to manage seven points. It was much of the same in the fourth quarter with the talented Arcadia team running all over the Mallards.

“We could have done better, a lot happened, turnovers are only part of the story,” Rohe said after the gane. “We need to be more physical. We let a lot of rebounds get away from us. We gave them a lot of second chances, third chances. I give all the credit to Acarida.

“They are a tough team, you know they came out to play and executed their press pretty well and our guys as a whole I was pretty happy it was a good game everybody got in. not everybody got on the stat sheet. I’m real proud of the effort they gave tonight, they gave it their all and I love them for that, and they are just great guys. The rest of the season we are only getting better.”

After another week off for winter break, the Mallards will return to the court in February for five straight ESIAC games before the conference tourney begins Feb. 12.

DECATUR GIRLS GOING STRONG

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior Ansh Batra drives to the hoop through a defender’s hold for one of his three baskets against Arcadia.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Sophomore Danny Kirwan looks to drive and dish during last Friday’s loss to Arcadia.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK DENNY

Stephen Decatur’s varsity girls basketball team has improved its record to 9-2 on the season as of Wednesday, including a 5-2

record in the Bayside South. Decatur’s squad since the new year has defeated Mardela, 70-6, Salisbury Christian, 59-16, and Snow Hill, 47-34, while losing to Bennett, 57-56, and Parkside, 44- 41. Above left, freshman guard Maleah Blake brings the ball up the court against Parkside. Above right, junior forward

Paityn Tyre drops in a layup in the win over Snow Hill.

SENIOR CHEERLEADERS RECOGNIZED

Mallards drop tight contest to conference foe Gunston

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Jan. 24, 2025) Despite the five-point loss to conference rival Gunston, Worcester Prep Coach Kelly Roberts had nothing but praise for her team’s improvement.

“We played the best we have ever played, the best we have ever played all year,” Roberts said. “We just had a lot of turnovers.”

The team is showing improvement each week, according to Roberts, despite the long holiday break and snow cancellations.

Against Gunston, the Mallards came out strong with two baskets by Carolina Labin and a free throw by Lyla Roberts. Freshman Labin was the Mallards game high scorer with 15.

At half time, the Mallards were trailing 17-11, but the team came out firing scoring 12 in the third frame to reduce the lead.

In the fourth quarter, free throws

made a difference with five total made including four from Labin.

“They did great. They were over 65% on shooting free throws, we usually can’t get over 25 %,” Roberts said,

Both teams scored 11 points each in the fourth quarter, and Worcester Prep lost 39-34. Despite the defeat, Roberts was pleased with her team.

“Absolutely the first time we pressed during the entire game … to do a whole game like that it is definitely working,” she said. “They played the hardest they played all season. They were aggressive and they came out and didn’t beat themselves. They do not have anything to be ashamed of, so I think this gave them a huge confidence boost. Again, we had 43 turnovers and when you have that how do you win? We are getting better every week. Now they have a winter break again, 11 days off for winter break … when we return, we need to work on passing.”

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior Anisha Batra, right, goes up in the first half for two of her 10 points on the night against Gunston. Freshman Carolina Labin, left, the game’s high scorer, looks to evade a block attempt.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

At half time of last Friday’s home game, three Worcester Prep Senior cheerleaders were honored as part of Senior Night festivities. Senior team members, pictured with their family members, are Jayden Scopp, Rori Holland and Avery Roselle.