1/27/2023 Ocean City Today

BLOOD DRIVE

RIVERBOAT SALE

Town of Snow Hill selling paddlewheel vessel after years of financial headaches — Page 14

Scooter crash victim backs proposed ban

Just two resort businesses hold licenses to rent them

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) A little more than six years ago, Patty Gregorio’s life changed forever in the few seconds it took the driver of a rented scooter to run a red light at a Coastal Highway intersection.

It was a sunny August day in 2016. Gregorio and her wife, Stephenie Fowler, had headed into Ocean City to see an author who was signing autographs at the convention center. It was Jeep Week and the center’s parking lot was full of cars, so they had to park on the oceanside near 41st Street.

The couple waited at the intersection until the sign to walk switched on, and all the cars on both sides of the busy road came to a stop at the red light. They stepped out into the crosswalk and struck head-on by a man on a scooter speeding through the traffic signal in the bike lane.

Gregorio said she took “about 90 percent of the hit” and ended up in shock trauma in Baltimore.

Today, she is still living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury

Major resort restaurant shuffle underway

taking on new management and owners before the kick-off of the 2023 summer season.

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) Some may not show it much on the outside, but several resort area restaurants will be

“For the last several years, the hotel industry has seen quite a bit of change in ownership and that seems to be happening to the restaurant industry now,” Susan Jones, the

“All around the country, and in Maryland, there are restaurants closing and changing hands,” she added.

The following restaurants have either inked deals with new owners or managers, or are working on getting there:

Expansions, relocations, sales, leases make it tough to know who’s going where

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Blood Bank of Delmarva conducted its annual January drive at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center this week from Monday to Wednesday. A total of 609 donors had their blood drawn. Whole blood donor Lynn Callo of Berlin talks with phlebotomist Careen Harris as her blood is drawn.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

Scooter victim backs rental ban

Continued from Page 1

that have had an impact on every facet of her life, from her work, to her social life, to even her personal relationships.

“It certainly has changed my personality. My wife will tell you my personality is not the same,” Gregorio said. “Fortunately, I retained my sense of humor but my ability to be in a place like a party where there’s a lot of people, a lot of noise, it’s impossible. It’s just very, very difficult.”

Gregorio has endured years of painful and difficult recovery challenges, including having to cover her own medical bills and all other associated costs, as a direct result of the collision.

Gregorio called the experience “a nightmare.” And that is why, when

she saw a recent article about Ocean City Councilman Will Savage calling for legislation to ban the rental of all scooters, electric bikes, and other small motorized devices across the resort, she jumped in to support it.

“When I saw the article in the paper, I was super excited because I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, finally, somebody’s listening,’” Gregorio said of reading the Jan.13 OC Today story on the proposed ban.

“I sent a general statement to all the council members explaining what happened to me and that I wanted to have an opportunity when it came up for public discussions, that I wanted to be able to share my side of it,” Gregorio continued. “Because I understand that businesses have a right to

See SCOOTER Page 6

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A rentable scoot coupe sits on an Ocean City street in 2009, around the time council members first banned drivers from operating them on the busiest city streets. While the state legislature approved them for driving on all roads in 2011, local officials are now looking to ban their rental, and the rental of all similar small mobility devices, across the resort.

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New operators on deck for multiple eateries

Continued from Page 1

Macky’s Bayside

For 45 years through the summer and shoulder seasons, Macky’s Bayside owners Macky and Pam Stansell have run the wildly successful 54th Street restaurant and bar. It began in 1978 with Tio Gringo’s, followed by Macky’s Bayside in 1994. The success of Macky’s made operating Tios on the same block impractical, so the couple closed it and concentrated on Macky’s for almost three more decades.

Now, as the couple moves up in age, they have decided to lease the waterfront restaurant to a highly regarded Delaware company known for running successful establishments.

“When we were approached, we were a bit reluctant, but it’s time for Pam and I to do something else with our life,” Stansell after finalizing a deal just a few days ago with Rehoboth-based SoDel Concepts. “We’ve been on that property for 45 years. It’s just time to move along.”

According to the company’s website, SoDel owns and operates 14 restaurants across the Delaware beach area, including three Matt’s Fish Camp locations, Catch 54 and Papa Grande’s in Fenwick Island, Ocean View Brewing Company, and Bluecoast restaurants in Bethany and Rehoboth, among others.

Macky’s will be the group’s first restaurant across the Maryland line, and Stansell does not expect manychanges to the existing footprint or staffing with the takeover.

“These guys are perfect. I don’t think they’re going to change much, if anything,” Stansell said. “They’re keeping the name. I’m pretty sure they’re going to keep 99 percent of the menu.”

Stansell added that he’s received offers to buy the restaurant before and turned them down, but he was intrigued by SoDel’s interest given the success and overall positive vibes of the company’s other spaces.

The new owners are set to take over when Macky’s reopens in April following its usual off-season closing,

and for the average patron, it will likely not look too different.

“They want everybody,” Stansell said of keeping the existing staff. “ … They want a smooth transition, a successfully run restaurant like we have been. They’ve indicated to me that they want to talk to everybody. What transpires after that remains to be seen, but they’re a pretty up-front group.”

The Stansells will retain the other rental establishments on the property but will be completely out of the restaurant business soon after the takeover. From there, the couple will have a lot of free time to do whatever they want.

“We’re going to travel some, going to drive across the country, do some different things,” Stansell said. “Not that we haven’t been doing that all these years, we’re only open barely six months, so we’ve had the ability to travel a lot in the wintertime.”

He added that from here on out he just hopes Macky’s keeps running as successfully as always and knows the

city will support it.

“The most important thing for me is the restaurant,” Stansell said. “The success of that restaurant is because of the people that we’ve hired and because of the support that the city has always given us.”

The Globe

A historic downtown Berlin staple is again changing hands as the owners of a successful Ocean City establishment prepare to take it over.

The Globe restaurant inside the Globe Gastro Theatre in the middle of Broad Street is set to reopen next month under the wing of the owners of Braddah Barney’s in West Ocean City.

“Basically, I’m leasing The Globe,” Braddah Barney’s owner and Chef Jon Lane said of his new venture. “We won’t have the tiki bar out back but we have the upstairs and downstairs, all the music, all the inside.”

Lane said Globe owner Bryan Brushmiller reached out to him recently to do the menu for the Berlin

restaurant, and Lane worked out a deal to take over the whole space. His lease begins Feb. 1 and he hopes to be up and running by Valentine’s Day.

The Globe Gastro Theatre consists of the Globe restaurant, which serves Broadstreet Barbecue, the Library bar upstairs and Tiki Tim’s tiki bar outside. Lane will take over the food and drink menus for everything but the tiki bar and looks forward to the new challenge.

“I’ve been looking for a couple years to expand my space,” Lane said of the Braddah Barney’s location on Sunset Avenue in West Ocean City. “With rising food costs, I’ve wanted to be able to sell liquor for a while and kind of closed that down with nothing to fall back on.”

Lane plans to create a new menu for the Globe, which he said will stray from the Asian Fusion and sandwiches he sold at Braddah Barney’s for the past nearly six years.

“We’re going to be doing some sweet tea-brined fried chicken, a lot of different smoked meats, ribs, pulled pork, kind of southern sides, salads. And we’ll have a good cocktail program as well,” Lane said.

Like the owners who have taken over the Globe before – there have been several over the years — Lane plans to keep the name and as much of the history as possible.

“I grew up in Ocean Pines and then Bishopville. I’ve been going to the Globe my whole life,” Lane said. “ … I’m excited to take on the challenge. I really respect the space and understand the history behind it. We’re going to try to do it some justice, make it the best version we can do.”

Coastal Smokehouse

While the real estate representative for the buyer is staying mum, Matt Ortt, a managing partner of Matt Ott Companies, confirmed by email this week that the owners of the Ropewalk franchise will be taking over the Coastal Smokehouse on Route 50 in West Ocean City.

No other details were available on

See SMOKEHOUSE Page 6

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Macky’s Bayside on 54th Street sits empty following closure for the season at the end of the summer. After 45 years, owner Macky Stansell has sold the lease for the restaurant to SoDel Concepts out of Rehoboth, who will take over ownership and management duties, but keep the name and many of the details, when the space reopens in April.

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Scooter rental ban proposal results in minimal backlash

Continued from Page 3

transact business. However, they should not be allowed to transact business that could potentially cause harm to people.”

Savage proposed the ordinance, which is set for full consideration at an upcoming council work session, during discussions about the sale and rental of electric bikes at a work session Jan. 10.

Instead of voting on an ordinance that would have established licensing parameters for all classes of e-bikes, with higher-ranked Class 2s and 3s allowed by conditional use, Savage called for the blanket ban of all rentals.

He said at the time that allowing for the rental of personal mobility devices is unsafe and hinders the quality of life in neighborhoods. While owners of the vehicles tend to have more experience and expertise when maneuvering them, people who hop on scooters and other small mobility vehicles on vacation with no experience or real knowledge of the local terrain naturally pose a threat — as indicated by what happened to Gregorio and Fowler.

Palmer Gillis, an Ocean City resident and member of the resort’s planning commission, also commented on the hazard and nuisance these types of vehicles create when buzzing around during the summer.

“They’re unsafe, they’re noisy, they’re obnoxious, they dart out in front of people. You can’t see them, they think they’re cars,” Gillis said. “There’s nothing good about having that type of product for rent for tourists in Ocean City. Nothing good can come from that.”

He recalled the council’s recent

denial of a request for slingshot rentals — which are not in the same category as scooters and similar vehicles as they require licenses and insurance — and hopes that they have the same reaction to Savage’s proposal.

“I’m encouraged by Will’s proposal and his discussions and, hopefully, the City Council will follow suit in the same vein that they talked about with the slingshots,” Gillis said.

Savage’s proposal aims to ban the rental of all mopeds, scoot coupes, electric and gas-powered scooters, one-wheels, hoverboards, and the like in city limits. His plan would require the holders of existing business licenses that rent them to cease those operations by this coming April. The proposal passed 6-1 at the Jan. 10 work session, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed.

Since introducing the idea, Savage said he has received feedback in favor it, both in person and directly to his council email. He said the only negative feedback he has seen was in response to the newspaper article online.

“I haven’t heard any negative feedback at all other than on [the Jan. 13] article: ‘You’re going to put somebody out of business.’ Nobody has contacted me directly,” he said.

City Manager Terry McGean said this week that there are currently only two business owners in town who hold licenses to rent small motorized devices. One is Continental Cycle, which has a location on 72nd Street. The other is Cycle City on 31st.

Continental Cycle’s website

See VEHICLES Page 7

Smokehouse goes to Ropewalk

Continued from Page 4

the transition this week and Chris Reda with Chris Reda Real Estate Team, the entity listed as the owner of the Ropewalk company, declined comment.

Several Ropewalk restaurants exist throughout the region and state, including in Ocean City on 82nd Street; in Bethany Beach; in Chincoteague, Virginia; and in Federal Hill near Baltimore. The company also owns other establishments, such as the Alley Oops spots in Ocean City.

Matt Ortt Companies runs several other establishments as well, including Coastal Salt and Ocean City Rum Shack on the Boardwalk, and the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

His company came under fire after a hit-and-run in July that took the life of 14-year-old Ocean Pines resident Gavin Knupp because of his then-

partner Ralph DeAngelus’ alleged involvement with the still unsolved incident.

Ortt has since cut ties with DeAngelus but members of the public have not stopped urging people not to patronize Ortt’s businesses. In turn, no one has officially confirmed that the Coastal Smokehouse sale had anything to do with the public’s call to the ban the restaurants.

Full Moon Saloon

The owners of Shotti’s Point, which operates next to the K-Coast shop on 36th Street and Coastal Highway, has reportedly bought the Full Moon Saloon in West Ocean City. Shotti’s also has a Boardwalk location.

Jones said the owners of the Full Moon confirmed the transition at a meeting this week.

Vehicles could still be ridden, just not rented

presently does not include any information about renting scooters or electric bikes, only regular bicycles. Scooters and e-bikes are only listed for purchase.

Cycle City’s site advertises the rental and sale of bicycles, scootcoupes, and a range of scooters.

McGean also said he has not heard any feedback about Savage’s proposal.

If the ordinance passes in its current proposed form, personal mobility devices will be available for sale

and can still be ridden in the resort, as they are allowed to exist under state law.

Banning rentals would have presumably saved Gregorio and Fowler in the 2016 incident, as the driver of the scooter that hit them was a renter who Gregorio said was not properly trained to be riding the device.

She also contends that a loophole in the city’s law kept both the driver and the scooter rental company from having any liability in the incident. In turn, she and her wife were on the hook for all of the nearly $250,000

in medical bills and other losses.

“Had we not had our own insurance, we would have lost our business, we would have lost our home,” Gregorio said.

She added that she hopes that even if rentals are allowed, or grandfathered in for existing business owners, that the loophole in the city’s law is fixed so that no one else has to endure the same expense and damages.

Gregorio, who lives today with Fowler in Fenwick Island, also said she plans to attend the work session

when council members discuss the ordinance to share her story with the public. And while she is grateful that she survived the crash, everything about her life has been harder, all because of an inexperienced scooter renter.

“I’m thankful to be here,” she said. “The doctors obviously told my wife that things could have come out a whole lot differently, had maybe I’d been hit just a different way it may have caused permanent paralysis or whatever. I’m certainly glad to be here. But I’m not the person I was.”

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City working on employee housing

Code amendment slated to allow third-party developers to create projects in works

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) Ocean City officials are almost ready to pull the trigger on the creation of a zoning code amendment that would pave the way for more employee housing in city limits.

For months, staff and planning commission members have been going over the details of the proposed amendment, which aims to make creating housing for resort employees easier.

The number of rental properties available for seasonal workers has declined significantly since the pandemic, as property owners shifted to vacation rentals, Airbnbs and the like. The lack of housing put strain on workforce availability and left establishments shortstaffed during busy summer weeks.

To remedy the problem, officials began working on a code change.

The city’s current code is limiting when it comes to developing housing for employees. The zoning regulations only allow for specified “employee housing” as an accessory use on the same site occupied by the employer’s business.

At a meeting last week, planning

commissioners continued discussions about adding option for “employee housing non-accessory” that would allow for projects run by third-party managers with contract rentals to sponsor agencies and employers.

Bill Neville, the city’s director of planning and business development, asked commissioners last week for some guidance, such as how to define employee housing and the approval process to use on each type of project.

After discussions, the commissioners agreed that the types of projects should be divided into small, medium and large.

Small will be defined as any project with 16 occupants or less, and can be approved by staff at the building permit level without having to come to the planning commission.

“This is the easiest project to get through this process with the simplest set of requirements,” Neville said.

Medium projects will call for between 16 and 40 residents, and will require site plan review by planning commissioners, with an option to issue conditions as they review the plans.

The largest projects are anything over 80 — or another number if members of the development community want it changed after they weigh in while discussing the draft — and will be allowed by conditional use.

The commissioners also discussed parking, which is tricky, as the code has been lenient on requirements for other projects that were proposed solely for international J-1 work and travel students.

For example, a seasonal housing project at 205 Dorchester Street that was built to house 85 occupants was not required to have any parking spaces, as it was considered a rooming, boarding or lodging house within the code.

In the new code amendment, commissioners agreed that parking may need to be addressed, as buildings may not always house only foreign stu-

dents.

“Employee housing is a great thing, we need it. We need it. I think we need to kind of control where it’s going to go, how many is going to go in specific congested areas. And understand that, yes, that parking isn’t a requirement,” Commissioner Kevin Rohe said. “But if it’s American employee housing, there is going to be more parking. So, I just think it’s something to look at.”

As a potential remedy, the commissioners and Neville discussed adding parking criteria in the code amendment, such as requiring employee housing projects to be constructed within so many feet of bus stops or other public transportation venues.”

“I can come up with criteria, if you like, so it’s not just a blanket parking waiver. One that has some dimensional restrictions on it,” Neville said.

Glenn Irwin, the executive director of the Ocean City Development Corporation, also weighed in last week on the discussions, as OCDC has been involved in many of the seasonal housing projects built and in the works downtown. He said one piece of feedback he received was a desire to have rooms with fewer people in them, like at a 54bed project at 104 Dorchester St.

“I remember speaking with the property owner and asking, ‘what would you have done differently?’” Irwin said. “[They said,] if I could have put more rooms and maxed out at four people and not six or eight … management would have been much easier.’”

At the end of the discussion, Neville said he and his staff had enough guidance to produce a draft ordinance to introduce and bring to a public hearing. The document will get many eyes on it and there will be plenty of time to collect feedback and refine the details before approval. After the planning commissioners sign off on the draft, they will send it the mayor and City Council for review and discussions, which will include more public hearings, before the final vote.

A private property at 104 Dorchester St. underwent full renovation to its exterior and interior to provide 55 seasonal housing beds. These types of employee housing projects are allowed within the city’s code, and officials are continuing to work to broaden the scope to legally allow for thirdparty owners to develop similar projects.

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Innovative power project still planned for 100th Street lot

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) A battery energy storage system planned for a lot off 100th Street that was supposed to be finished by now has run into some snags, but Delmarva Power officials say the project is still on.

“We are working with the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County to resolve questions regarding a county ingress/egress easement for the parcel where Delmarva Power would potentially construct the battery energy storage facility at 100th Street,” said Zach Chizar, Delmarva Power senior communications specialist, in an email Wednesday.

“We are confident in our ability to move forward with construction on either of the properties being considered – the parcel we currently own or the adjacent parcel currently owned by the Town,” Chizar continued. “We would like to support the Town in their desire to swap parcels and move forward with construction.”

Nearly a year ago, Delmarva Power officials introduced plans to build the battery energy storage system, or BESS, on one of two lots behind the Worcester County Public Library. The process began with the planning commission’s approval of a conditional use permit and continued with the council’s approval of a land swap between two parcels. Delmarva Power owns one of the lots and the city owns an adjacent one, and the land swap paved the way for the project to be built on the city’s lot.

A question about the project, which was supposed to begin in the fall and finish up by this past December, came up during the public comment portion of a recent City Council meeting. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the holdup is on Delmarva Power’s end and that council members have no intention of rethinking the land swap or changing any plans that have already been approved for the project.

Chizar said the innovative BESS, which is set for construction as part of a pilot project, will “improve the reliability and quality of energy service for customers” throughout the town, including at the nearby library.

The facility will be built to collect energy from an electric grid or renewable power source and store it in modules of lithium-ion batteries. Company officials have said it is a less invasive and cleaner way to power the surrounding properties than a substation, like the ones at 35th, 69th and 138th streets. They have also said it will provide a more sustainable energy source for the future.

“The facility will take advantage of excess capacity when energy usage is low and support the system and our customers when demand is at its highest,” Chizar said in the statement. “Additionally, the battery energy storage facility will act as a back-up system if there is an issue with critical equipment in the area and will reduce the need for additional infrastructure projects in the area.”

Hartman, Carozza preparing for bill hearings in Annapolis

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) The second week of the 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly looked much like the first one — everyone familiarizing themselves with their places, obligations and goals for the next three months — save for the inauguration of Maryland’s first Black governor on Jan. 18.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza attended the swearing-in, inauguration and a “faith and community” event before both, according to a press release from her office.

“I appreciated being invited to attend these historic events, and I am making every effort to keep our shore priorities in front of the new governor and his administration,” Carozza said in the statement. “I recognize that there will be areas of common ground

as well as fundamental differences, and my focus will remain on working with both sides of the aisle in support of my constituents.”

Carozza took in an education briefing with the Education, Energy and Environment Committee in which the state superintendent spoke on curriculum development, financial literacy, the teaching workforce and student performance.

According to her statement, Carozza brought up the need to maintain local control and avoid a “canned curriculum.”

“Our local school superintendents know the challenges of implementing

See HARTMAN Page 13

RENDERING COURTESY DELMARVA POWER

A planned battery energy storage system, or BESS, on a lot behind the library on 100th Street is shown in a rendering. The project was supposed to be finished by now but Delmarva Power officials are still working out details.

Mary Beth Carozza

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Council to decide whether to discuss sportsplex study

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) Ocean City Council members will decide next week whether to invite consultants to publicly present details of a Maryland Stadium Authority study on a proposed county sports complex near Stephen Decatur High School.

While the project is hanging by a thread — or potentially not hanging on at all — following denial of a county bond issue by both a majority of voters and the newly elected Worcester County Commissioners majority, some city advocates are hoping for a breath of new life.

On Nov. 28, the stadium authority released the study, which details the cost estimates and other elements of developing an outdoor field complex and indoor fieldhouse, known collectivity as the “Sports Complex,” on roughly 95 acres off Route 50 near SDHS.

The project has been a dream of both city and county advocates for a while and seemed to be advancing over the last year. It also has many opponents, however, who argue against city and county taxpayers bearing any of the estimated $153.5 million cost.

Although the county commissioners ended their talks of advancing the project with a recent 4-2 vote to cancel a land purchase agreement and cease all other property acquisition efforts, some city officials are still holding out hope.

City Manager Terry McGean said council members will decide at a work session on Jan. 31 whether to invite the consultant who worked on the stadium authority’s city-sponsored study to present its details at a public meeting.

Mayor Rick Meehan said in an email this week that the council should definitely set the meeting.

“I think it is extremely important that we have the Maryland Stadium Authority appear at a council meeting to present the Sports Complex and Economic Analysis Update to the

council and to the public,” Meehan said. “I believe the council will also invite the county commissioners and other county elected officials to attend this meeting.”

The mayor and other city officials, residents and business owners have pushed for this project for some time, and Meehan said they want to hash out all the details on their end before giving up on it.

“The report will provide facts and answer a lot of questions that have been bantered around about the proposed project,” Meehan said. “It will also give everyone the opportunity to ask questions they may have about the proposed project and the report. It is unfortunate that the county commissioners did not take the time to hear the entire presentation before voting to abandon all further discussions on this project.”

He added that the mayor and council “remain interested” in constructing a complex in Worcester County.

“Hopefully, this presentation will open some doors, and possibly some minds, and lead to future discussions on how to move forward with what we believe is an exciting opportunity for economic development, tourism and our local county citizens,” Meehan said. “If you just stand still and do nothing, nothing will happen.”

The study calls for 10 rectangular outdoor fields, several of which can also be used as baseball or softball diamonds; a 125,000 square-foot indoor fieldhouse with 10 basketball courts or 20 volleyball courts and 20,000 square feet of indoor expansion space; a tournament central area with parking, a playground and an array of support spaces incuding lobbies, restrooms and more; as well as future expansion areas.

And while the study analyzed the specific site that the county had optioned near the high school, some city officials have also floated the idea of building the complex somewhere else, such as off Route 113 or 589.

RENDERING COURTESY POPULOUS

A rendering of a proposed sports complex on a nearly 100-acre lot off of Route 50 near Stephen Decatur High School is shown. City Council members will decide next week whether to invite a consultant from the Maryland Stadium Authority to present details of the proposed project as detailed in a study released in November.

Hartman takes on tax office over face-to-face meetings

Continued

the Kirwan Blueprint, and I will keep pushing for local flexibility regarding curriculum development and teacher preparation, and for more meaningful and early parental involvement,” Carozza said.

Carozza was also looking forward to this past Tuesday, which included a hearing on the Maryland 529 College Investment Plan. She, along with other senators, wrote a letter to several state college presidents requesting that they delay billing for the 2023 spring semester until the plan has been finalized.

“Many Maryland families have been forced to make difficult financial choices that the 529 Program was intended to alleviate,” Carozza said. “We need to resolve this issue for our Maryland students and their families as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, across Bladen Street, Del. Wayne Hartman spent the week taking in briefings on various bills, both favorable and unfavorable, and also dealing with what he described as troubling news from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

“I learned from a constituent that the assessments office is not taking face-to-face interviews for appeals,” Hartman said. “We had reached out to them with a letter, just a day or two before they got there. No response yet. But we asked them some pretty direct questions as to why (this is the case).”

What he’s heard is that it’s a combination of staffing and some residual covid concerns.

But Hartman pointed out that many organizations and businesses have found ways to work around such issues.

“Zoom is not something that everybody is familiar with. I think that would be a challenge (for some),”

Hartman said. “I committed that if anybody wanted an in-person appeal and review, our county offices would accommodate that. The ability for someone to get that face-to-face interview should be there.”

“It’s state law for them to conduct face-to-face interviews. State law requires ‘phone hearings’ and ‘hearings.’ … that meant face-to-face because Zoom was not a thing when the law was written.”

The Ways and Means Committee, of which Hartman is a member, also held a briefing on the matter.

Another issue Hartman has his eyes set on is fraudulent checks.

Reid Tingle, president of the Bank of Ocean City and a member of the Maryland Bankers Association’s Solutions Board of Directors, brought to Hartman’s attention that instances of fraudulent checks are on the rise.

Convictions for fraudulent checks can carry a sentence of up to 10 years, Hartman said.

“What I did was put them in touch with the State’s Attorneys Association so they can bring awareness to the State’s Attorney’s Office. This level of fraud is increasing and they can, when they get these cases they can make sure that the highest penalties, that they’re consistent with how they charge it.”

“Putting those two organizations together will create the best outcome for stiffer penalties.”

Elsewhere, Hartman said that Worcester County was “shining” in two areas concerning its schools. It’s the only county in the state with no open positions for teachers — during a time when there are probably around 2,000 openings statewide. Also, its scores for kindergarten preparedness were tops for the state “by a very large margin.”

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Snow Hill selling Black Eyed Susan riverboat

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) The fate of Snow Hill’s woebegone Black Eyed Susan riverboat has yet to be decided, but one thing is certain — it won’t be an anchor around the necks of the town’s taxpayers much longer.

At a town hall meeting earlier this month, Snow Hill Mayor Mike Pruitt and the Town Council unanimously voted to authorize Pruitt to look into selling the 149-passenger, 111-foot paddlewheel boat.

“We’re looking at a ‘right away’ time frame (for selling the boat),” said Town Manager Rick Pollitt last week. “Ideally, we’d sell it before the end of this fiscal year (at the end of June) so we don’t have a budget item for this moving forward.”

The first job on the list, Pollitt said, will be to identify someone in the boating industry to establish the riverboat’s value.

“One of the things we may have missed when we acquired it is no one had experience in acquiring, preparing and maintaining a riverboat and likewise we don’t have experience in selling one either,” he said. “I want to find someone who can coach us through the process.”

Despite all the troubles that have befallen the town since purchasing

the riverboat in 2020 — the latest was a $600,000 price tag for repairs ordered last spring by the US Coast Guard — there is still hope that someone can turn the vessel into an attraction for the lower Eastern Shore.

“Any new owner will have to restore it to Coast Guard (passenger vessel) standards,” Pollitt said. “We just didn’t have ($600,000 to spend on it). They would have to get it seaworthy. From there we’d talk about if

they wanted to leave it here (or) if they wanted to move it somewhere else. That would be their option.”

Pollitt said that the town is aware of two interested parties, one of which is Pocomoke-based and wants to raise money to purchase and restore the boat. The other has loftier plans — possibly connecting the railroad between Berlin and Snow Hill to the riverboat on the Pocomoke River for a type of rail-to-river excursion.

The Town of Snow Hill has authorized its mayor to look into the selling of the riverboat the town purchased in 2020. Though the town is open to the boat sticking around, the intent is to take the financial albatross off the taxpayers.

“We’ve got both of those interests. I don’t know if anything will come of it but that’s the sort of thing I’d like love to see take place to save the boat,” Pollitt said.

“Properly funded and properly maintained, I think the Black Eyed Susan could be an economic engine and a real tourist draw for the area. It’s just not something that the taxpayers of Snow Hill can afford to carry.”

SHA maintenance will begin on Route 90 bridges Monday

(Jan. 27, 2023) The State Highway Administrationwill begin routine maintenance work on the Route 90 bridges over the St. Martin River and the Assawoman Bay on Monday.

Crews will make repairs to the bridge deck and substructure to prepare for the summer season. Work is expected to be complete by late spring.

Crews will work 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday. Motorists can expect intermittent single-lane closures with a work zone and flagging operation.

The work zone will accommodate emergency vehicle access to each side of the bridges. Motorists are encouraged to use Route 50 to and from downtown Ocean City as an alternate route during the project duration. ANA Contracting of Bethesda will perform the work.

For a list of all major SHA projects, go to “Project Portal” or visit the SHA home page at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Omicron subvariants most dominant covid strain now

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) As the third anniversary of the declaration of the covid pandemic approaches, people are still testing positive and spreading mutated forms of the virus as they try to keep up with the latest vaccines and boosters.

Heather Snyder, the director of quality and infection prevention at Atlantic General Hospital, said in an email last week that the most dominant strains of covid right now are subvariants of the omicron variant that reared its ugly head last year.

“The most recent to pop up is XBB 1.5. This ‘mosaic’ subvariant is a sublineage of two previously circulating variants (XBB and BQ.1),” Snyder explained. “According to one branch of the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], this latest strain of Omicron is currently spreading 12.5 percent faster than previous variants. In the U.S., XBB 1.5 currently accounts

for approximately 43 percent of total US COVID cases, with BA.5 and BQ.1 comprising the remainder.”

All three of the variants have similar symptoms, Snyder continued, including sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache and fatigue. And as with previous strains, those most at risk are individuals with comorbidities, such as heart disease and asthma; the very old and very young; and those with weakened immune systems.

Data shows that health officials have not been able to determine individually which covid variant is responsible for each infection, however population trends have been reported.

“Currently, for, example, XBB 1.5 comprises only 7 percent of the cases in the Midwest, while it encompasses 70 percent of the incidence in New England,” Snyder said.

As for protection, the best defense

See VACCINATION Page 16

SHORE UP assists with utility bills

(Jan. 27, 2023) SHORE UP, the community action agency for the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, is once again providing qualifying households in Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties with assistance in paying their home energy bills.

Last year, SHORE UP’s Energy Assistance office provided more than 6,500 households on the Lower Shore help paying their energy bills through three programs: the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, The Electric Universal Service Program, and Arrearage Retirement Assistance Program.

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps with home heating bills.

Last year, the average amount of assistance provided for approved MEAP applicants was $776. SHORE

UP provided assistance totaling $5.1 million through this program.

The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps households who are struggling to pay their electric bill.

It also provides recipients with a budget plan to avoid seasonal spikes in their monthly bills.

SHORE UP provided a total of $5.2 million in EUSP assistance, with an average assistance payment of $876.

The Arrearage Retirement Assistance Program assists those who are carrying a past due balance of $300 or more and may be in danger of having their service terminated.

In FY2022, SHORE UP made a total of $1.5 million in arrearage payments, with an average payment of $1400 on past due balances.

SHORE UP’s Energy Assistance programs are open to households in Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester Counties regardless of homeownership status. Income limits do apply in determining eligibility.

For more information about the program, including how to apply, call 410-341-9634.

SHORE UP!, Inc. is a non-profit community action partnership that has served vulnerable populations on the Eastern Shore since 1965. SHORE UP!, Inc. is dedicated to strengthening communities, achieving goal-driven outcomes, and empowering individuals and families through a comprehensive system of services, resources, and strategic partnerships that charter a path to economic security and long-term independence.

Vaccination still best defense, flu also going around

Continued from Page 15

against covid is still vaccination.

“The bivalent boosters, introduced in the fall of 2022, are still thought to be the best way to avoid serious illness, hospitalization and long term complications associated with COVID,” Snyder said.

Today, all individuals six months and older are eligible for bivalent boosters if it’s been at least two months since completion of a primary series or latest monovalent booster dose.

Snyder said the current vaccine tracking rates are still reflective of primary dosing, and show that an estimated 44.5 percent of the state residents who are fully vaccinated have received recommended boosters.

Locally, Atlantic General has administered more than 53,000 covid vaccines, which includes first, second and booster doses across all age groups.

And while some adverse reactions to vaccines and boosters have been reported in some instances, AGH has not not seen it.

“Currently, no vaccine reactions have been reported through Atlantic General in relation to the COVID bivalent booster,” Snyder said. “The side effects experienced with the primary series and monovalent booster continue with this latest formulation. These include soreness at the injection site, fatigue and headache.”

Along with covid, the flu is also still going around.

Snyder said an increased volume of hospitalizations have been reported locally since the start of the new year, with moderate numbers statewide. She said Maryland overall has reported 134 flu positive hospitalized patients and 43 adult deaths.

Snyder said the types of flu are A and B and that vaccination is the best defense against both.

“While these viruses change yearly, classification does not. Through such basic strain distinction, science is able to keep up with prevention needs,” Snyder explained. “Annually, circulating strains of the flu are isolated and studied to help determine annual flu vaccine components. This approach allows for employment of a predictive model aimed at providing immunizations that result in the best coverage and protection within each annual flu season. This variability in infection composition, combined with waning immunity, is why yearly flu vaccines are so important.”

Support for caregivers of loved ones with dementia

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) If you happen to be one of the more than 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, help and understanding are available: an Alzheimer’s support group meets at the Ocean Pines Library the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m.

One person who attends those meetings is Steve Habeger, who said, “So many people think they are the only ones going through this. This group is a way for us to at least commiserate with each other.”

Habeger said tools and techniques to help are available as well.

“I applied for and was accepted into a research study by People Power,” he added.

People Power and U.C. Berkeley received a grant from the National Institute on Aging to address issues related to caregiving for people with dementia.

Habeger applied online and was accepted.

“So far, University of California has provided me with door sensors, should my loved one wander; motion sensors to detect a fall; an alert button that alerts my phone; a water sensor to detect possible water overflows in the bathroom, and a base station to tie the components together,” he said.

Both his wife and he were given an Apple Watch, which has a fall detector.

“They are paying me a stipend to provide them with feedback and observations” Habeger said.

Habeger encourages caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s to apply for the study at https://www.peoplepowerco.com/caregiver.

“They are especially interested in people in small towns or rural areas. Additionally, they would like to have Spanish-speaking caregivers,” he said.

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. One in nine seniors over the age of 65 has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Warning signs for Alzheimer’s

*Note: Stages 1-2 may indicate the beginnings of the disease, but rarely lead to diagnosis. Stages 3-6 typically lead to early diagnosis, treatment efforts, and the need for outside support, and stage 7 includes physical and mental difficulties associated with a severe decline that necessitate extensive help.

Stage 3: Early stage, can lead to a diagnosis for some

• Frequent difficulty with names, new or known, and right words

• Work suffers because of lack of attention

• Reading a problem, no memory of what was read

• Difficulty in social settings

• Losing or misplacing valuable object /money

• Problems with planning/organization

Anxiety as person begins to deny what’s happening

Stage 4: Moderate decline, doctor should be able to detect symptoms and family/friends are aware

• Forgetful of recent events, headlines, etc.

• Travel, even familiar, causes anxiety

• Mental math a problem, counting backward by 7

• Problem with paying bills, managing money

• Forgetting own personal history

• Moodier, likely to withdraw

• Shies away from tasks that are a challenge

Stage 5: Gaps in memory and thinking are noticeable to all, begins to need help with daily activities

• Unable to recall own address /phone number

• Confused about where they are, day, time

• Trouble counting backward from 20 by 2’s

• Need help choosing clothes

• Remember details about themselves and family, but

• have trouble recalling relatives rarely seen

• Do not need help eating or using the bathroom

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

• Lose Awareness of surroundings

• Recognize familiar faces, not names and relationships may be forgotten

• Experience sleep disorders

• Need help with most daily routines, dressing, bathing, etc.

• Bowel or bladder issues may occur

• May exhibit agitation, anxiety, delusions, and sometimes aggressive behaviors.

Chart compiled by Steve Habeger

Recognizing former OCVFC Chief Steger, Sr.

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) This week we recognize Past Chief Roger A. Steger Sr.

Chief Steger represents one of the many families that for generations have provided service to the community through their commitment to our volunteer fire company.

His father, William A. “Pop” Steger Sr., held the office of president and served as chief engineer while providing 47 active years of service to the community.

His brother, William A. Steger Jr., is a Gold Badge member of the volunteer fire company with 25 years of active service.

Chief Steger’s son, Roger Steger Jr., currently has 16 years of service

with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Roger Jr. served four years in the OCVFC Cadet Program and is currently an honorary member.

Roger is an employee of the Town of Ocean City Public Works Department acting as the Safety and Continuity of Operations Coordinator.

He served in the OCVFC Cadet Program from February 1968 thru January 1972 then joined the rank of firefighter on Jan. 25, 1972 - “to provide fire and emergency services to my neighbors and the community.”

During his 51 years of active service, Roger served as the assistant chief for seven years and as chief of the department for 18 years.

Roger currently serves as a Worcester County Fire Police Officer.

Chief Steger recalls his most significant event as commanding the scene of a “working” building fire at 12th Street and the Boardwalk during Hurricane Gloria in 1985.

Roger cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as the relationships he has developed for a lifetime while serving as President of the Worcester County Volunteer Firemen’s Association (2005-2006); President of the Maryland State Fire-

men’s Association (2000-2001) and President of the Maryland Fire Chief’s Association (2003-2005).

We thank Chief Steger and his family for their years of service and commitment to the safety of our neighbors and visitors to our community.

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

OCVFC Past Chief Roger A. Steger Sr., left, with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

PHOTO COURTESY OCVFC

ARIES – MAR 21/APR 20

Aries, make a concerted effort to focus your attention on something that interests you. This may require that you find something new to stoke your passion.

TAURUS – APR 21/MAY 21

It’s a week for love and you have all of the resources available to take advantage and explore your feelings, Taurus. Work things out in your head before taking action.

GEMINI – MAY 22/JUN 21

Gemini, currently you are playing a much smaller role at work than you would like. It is not that you aren’t capable, but it’s a matter of paying your dues before taking the next step.

CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22

Cancer, don’t box yourself in with a strict to-do list and schedule. You need a little more wiggle room to explore your creativity and what makes you happy.

LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23

Your open and outgoing nature may lead many people to think they know all about you, Leo. Instead, you can be quite a mysterious person. Show others only what you want.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Believing someone is flawless can set you up for disappointment when you realize no one can live up to that standard, Virgo. Be realistic when assessing partners or other people.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Being available to other people is admirable, Libra. Make sure this is not at the expense of your own well-being. You may need to dial back and prioritize your own needs.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Living in your comfort zone may lead to missed opportunities, Scorpio. You may need to let your risk-taking side show this week. Enjoy the ride.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You might start to notice you are losing some traction in your love life, Sagittarius. Figure out a way to talk and spend more time together in the days ahead.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

You may believe you can think your way out of a situation this week, Capricorn. But sometimes logic just doesn’t cut it. You may have to use your heart to get to the root.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Take a second look at your talents and your abilities, Aquarius. You may have been selling yourself short for some time. But you can accomplish anything with some effort.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Don’t make assumptions about how others see you, Pisces. You have a lot to offer. It’s time to recognize all your strengths.

Make impression by serving guests duck confit tacos

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) Contentment is the state of being happy and at peace with oneself.

But if one wants to reach their full potential, is contentment really feasible?

The philosophy of progression negates any notion of satisfaction for perfection is always one step ahead.

That being said, one might wonder what does this have to do with cooking?

It is very easy to get comfortable with one’s cooking skills and choice of dishes. It is also a risk when one goes beyond their comfort zone.

Just recently, a friend went hunting and brought me back a container of duck breasts. There was only one catch. All of the fat had been removed from the breasts, which changes the cooking process.

After some contemplation, I decided a duck confit would be my best option.

“Confit” is a French word that literally means to preserve. A confit is a technique traditionally used to preserve meats by cooking them in their own fat at a low temperature for an extended period of time.

Dark meat is preferred since it is a juicier cut of meat and has more natural fat.

It just so happened I had a container of duck fat, which I bought on Amazon. My trusty pressure cooker will tenderize the breast for a succulent, delicious dish.

With this thought in mind, duck confit will make a decadent winter taco. A crunchy slaw will add much needed texture.

A sweet, spicy pineapple salsa will offset the rich gaminess, and pickled red onions will bring some acidity to the dish.

Football playoffs are here and tacos are always a popular choice. The addition of duck tacos will add variance, which is always a good thing.

Chicken, beef and seafood tacos are great, but predictable. Duck tacos will make an impression and score points with family and guests.

A classic duck confit recipe can take up to 24 hours to make. Following is a quick recipe that anyone can make.

Duck Confit Tacos

Duck Confit

3 pounds duck breasts

4 cups duck fat

3 tablespoons bacon drippings

½ cup kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

4 teaspoons garlic powder

3 teaspoons onion powder

2 tablespoons black peppercorns

15 sprigs fresh thyme

1 teaspoon juniper berries

1. Wash duck breasts thoroughly in cold water. Place all of the ingredients in a pressure cooker.

Turn the burner to the lowest setting, cover and cook until fork tender, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Once the meat has cooked, place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Using a fork, break up the meat.

Pickled Red Onions

1 small red onion

1 cup rice vinegar

¼ cup cold water

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl, and allow to marinate for 30 minutes. When ready to assemble tacos, strain onion mixture in a mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. Reserve the liquid.

Pineapple, Mango Salsa

1 cup diced fresh pineapple

1 cup diced mango

¼ diced red onion

2 teaspoon minced fresh jalapenos

¼ cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

1. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Gently stir until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate

until ready to serve.

Cabbage Filling

3 cups combined green and red cabbage

¼ cup pickling liquid from the pickled onions

2 scallions, very thinly sliced and cut into 2-inch strips

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1. Combine the ingredients and place in a small bowl. Set aside.

Avocado Crema

1 very ripe avocado

1 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

¾ teaspoon ground cumin

kosher salt to taste

1. Halve and pit the avocado, and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and place in a food processor. Transfer the crema to a squeeze bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Presentation

Heat tortillas in a sauté pan, optional. Place cabbage on top of the tortilla.

Add shredded duck confit. This is the star of the dish so be generous.

Top with pineapple salsa, pickled onions and a generous drizzle of avocado crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dusting of Cotija.

* While the duck is cooking, you have plenty of time to get the toppings ready. But if you prefer, the toppings can be made a day in advance.

Secret Ingredient – Habit. “To fall into a habit is to begin to cease to be.”

– Miguel de Unamuno

Ocean City Chamber Lights

Decorating Contest winners

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Chamber Lights Decorating Contest each December to help showcase both commercial and residential decorations during the holiday season.

The contest is open to all residents and members of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA).

Ocean City Chamber ambassadors served as judges of the contest.

Businesses could enter the following categories: Retail Business Indoor/Outdoor, Service Business Indoor/Outdoor, Hotel & Motel Indoor/Outdoor, and Restaurant Indoor/Outdoor.

Residents were judged on outdoor decorations only.

To view photos, visit oceancity.org for links to the chamber’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

The following businesses participated: Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty, Bull on the Beach, Cambria OC Bayfront Hotel, Carousel Oceanfront Hotel, Coastal Getaways, Coconut Malorie Resort, Comfort Inn Boardwalk, Comfort Inn Gold Coast, Country Inn & Suites, Courtyard by

Marriott, Dolle’s Candyland, Dough Roller, Frick Rimel Accounting, Golden Sands Condominium, Grand Hotel & Spa, Grotto Pizza, Hileman

Real Estate, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Hyatt Place Oceanfront, Jolly Roger at the Park, Jolly Roger at the Pier, Long & Foster Realty, Main Street Home Loans, Old Pro Golf 68th Street, Papi’s Tacos, Park Place Hotel, Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, Residence Inn Marriott, Somerset Jewelers, The Original Greene Turtle, Town of Ocean City: City Hall (OC Beautification Committee) and Tru by Hilton OC Bayside.

Choosing winners for some of the business categories was very difficult for the Chamber Lights committee. It was obvious an incredible amount of time and effort was put into decorating.

There were so many hotel entries, an additional category was created for hotels with smaller lobby areas.

The committee was so impressed with the residential entries, awards were named specifically for each one.

Winners of the 2022 Chamber Lights Decorating Contest:

• Hotel Indoor:

First place: Holiday Inn Hotel &

Edward Bishop was presented the Best of the Best award for the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lights Decorating Contest.

CROSSWORD

E. Powell Convention Center

WPS Lower School THRIVE’s with balloon-happy activity

(Jan. 27, 2023) During December, Worcester Preparatory School students practiced ways to help each other be happy as part of this year’s THRIVE theme, and the Lower School was all smiles with a balloon activity.

THRIVE is an acronym for Trust, Happiness, Respect, Innovation, Value and Empathy.

All of these concepts will be practiced throughout the school year through activities and will culminate in one big THRIVE celebration at the end of the year.

On Dec. 13, the Lower School participated in a “Happiness Activity.”

Teachers started the day with a group discussion about things that

make them happy. Students were then instructed to go out into the hallway, which was filled with balloons, and find the balloon with their name on it.

When they realized how difficult it was to find their balloon within the mix of the other balloons, they were then instructed to select the balloon nearest to them and give it to the student whose name was written on the balloon.

The goal was to teach the students that when they are focused only on their own happiness, it can be harder to find, but when they focused on the happiness of others, they were able to find happiness too.

NOW PLAYING

PICKLE’S PUB

706 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, 410-289-4891 / picklesoc.com

Jan. 27: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Jan. 28: Runner Ups, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Jan. 29: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Jan. 30: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Jan. 31: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 1: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 2: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

SEACRETS

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

Feb. 2: Full Circle Duo, 5 to 9 p.m.

PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922 / pizzatugos.com

Jan. 27: Tonight’s Crush Trio, 9 p.m. to midnight

Pizza Tugos: Fri., Jan. 27, 9 p.m. to midnight

Worcester Preparatory School Pre-K students Hannah Farr, William Hall and Enzo Fitzgerald are the first to emerge from their classroom to see the hallway filled with balloons.

TONIGHT’S CRUSH TRIO

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Thur., Feb. 2, 5 to 9 p.m.

Winners of decorating contest

Continued from Page 22

Suites

Second place: Cambria OC Bayfront Hotel

Third place: Carousel Oceanfront Hotel

Fourth place: Princess Royale Resort

• Small Hotel:

First place: Park Place Hotel

Second place: Hampton Inn West OC

Third place: Country Inn & Suites

• Hotel Outdoor:

First place: Carousel Oceanfront Hotel

Second place: Park Place Hotel

Third place: Coastal Getaways

• Service Indoor:

First place: Main Street Home Loans

• Service Outdoor:

First place: City Hall (OC Beautification Committee)

• Restaurant Indoor:

First place: Bull on the Beach

• Restaurant Outdoor:

First place: Bull on the Beach

• Retail Indoor:

First place: Somerset Jewelers

• Retail Outdoor:

First place: Jolly Roger Park

• Residential:

Best of the Best: Edward Bishop

Magical Masterpiece Award: Caine

Woods Christmas House

Santa’s Workshop Award: Lisa and Sean Stephenson

Gingerbread House Award: Byron

Atkinson

North Pole Award: Bruce Jones

Toyland Award: Katie and Cory

Rimel

Light Up the Town Award: Wheeler Family Winners were presented with awards at the monthly Alive After 5 at Ocean Downs Casino.

More than 60 chamber members and Chamber Lights awardees were there to celebrate the competition.

Ocean Downs provided every guest with a free play ticket, happy hour drink specials, and a dinner buffet. Fager’s Island provided transportation for the committee to judge the entries and 5 Star Plumbing Heating & Cooling sponsored the awards that were created by PlakThat.

The Chamber Lights Committee looks forward to even greater participation in 2023. Keep watch in the fall for entry details on oceancity.org or follow the chamber on Facebook or Instagram.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside

The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis. Open for breakfast and dinner everyday. Happy hour; seven days a week, 4 to 6 p.m. Breakfast; Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday through Sunday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dinner; Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2 to 5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine with a Caribbean flare from a selection of house specialty entrees such as burgers, seafood, and pastas! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring specialty rums; Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10

p.m. Happy hour drink specials and $10 eats, Everyday, 3 to 6 p.m.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street @ Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-861, PapisTacoJoint.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Try the new Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy build your own street taco’s with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsas. Serving foods such as little cravings, Papi’s trio guacamole, Queso Fundido and choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in, or order online for your carryout and delivery by Door Dash. Catering is available.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-289-4891, www.picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open daily. Serving food until 1 a.m. Free parking across the street. Daily food and drink specials. Live entertainment 6 nights a week. Lots of pool tables. Liquor store attached. Game room. 30+ drafts on tap. Dine in or carry out.

■ 32 PALM

Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

32 Palm’s inviting decor fuses the perfect atmosphere with Eastern Shore favorites for an exceptional dining experience! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a unique selection of bourbons. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of

the year! Don’t miss our on Happy hour, Every day, 3 to 6 p.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFE

6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-6445639, www.longboardcafe.net

Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Dine-in and curbside pick-up.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon offers a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Happy hour; Monday through Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. featuring $10 appetizers, drink specials, and specialty oysters; Breakfast, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Lite fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4 to 10 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

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

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel. Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday,

4 to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11403 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-880-6258

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving daily small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, fried rice, entrees and desserts. Also, Nori’s premium rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hand-roll combos. Full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Inside dining and take out, 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery via Door Dash online.

■ SOPHIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

PIZZERIA

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11405 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-723-5188

$$ | Kids’ menu

Appetizers, salads, subs, soup of the day. Specialty pizzas, calzones and low-carb alternatives, Italian entrées. A la carte fresh vegetables, homemade desserts. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. Call for take-out or delivery by Door Dash and Uber Eats.

OCEAN CITY

■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE

12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-390-5998, coastalsmokehouse.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar with 18 TVs

Steak and barbecue experts. Menu reflects nation's hottest barbecue destinations. Top-notch bourbon list. Open daily for lunch and dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com

$$/Full bar/ Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

Hampton Inn of West Ocean City was awarded second place in the small hotel category of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lights Decorating Contest.

Fri., Jan. 27

HOBBIES CLUB: BEHIND THE SCENES DETECTIVES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Join Mr. Jake and some special guests to get the inside scoop. Recommended for ages 7 years and older. www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-208-4014

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #9053 ‘BINGO FOR BABIES’

Knights of Columbus - Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 6:30 p.m. Cash prizes. Play every game for $25. Refreshments offered for sale. Proceeds benefit the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health. 410-524-7994

Sat., Jan. 28

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Buffet includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.

CAREER FAIR!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Career day program. Various professions will be set up for friends to explore, ask questions and look to the future. All ages welcome. Jake Nail, jnail@worcesterlibrary.org, 410-208-4014

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays until Feb. 25 - 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. 29

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Jan. 30

STORY TIME ‘ALPHABET’

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, games and songs about the alphabet. For ages 2-5 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CROCHETED RUGS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 2 p.m.

Bring a size K, L or M crochet hook and old sheets, cotton or poly cotton fabric or

clothing cut into 1 1/4” wide strips with as long a length as possible. Registration required: 410-632-3495.

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-6410157

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

Tues., Jan. 31

STORY TIME ‘RABBITS’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger plays. Take-home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘HIBERNATION STATION’

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Find out what animals do during the cold winter season. For ages 2-5 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

LOVE BUG CRAFT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 3:30 p.m. Get crafty and make your own Love Bug, just in time for Valentine’s Day. For ages 11 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4-6 p.m. Come participate in a virtual expungement session. Clients receive assistance from volunteer attorneys. Register: www.worcesterlibrary.org, 410-524-1818.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., Feb. 1

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held via Zoom, on the first and second Wednesdays of each month, for non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410-641-9568

CREATIVE KIDS CORNER

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Come create a winter craft at the library or take it to go. Most supplies included. For ages 4 years and older. 410524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRADEMARK LAW: THE BASICS

Held via Zoom, 12 p.m. Supervisory Patent Attorney Leigh Callander joins the group to talk about trademark law and how this differs from patents and copyrights. Register: 443-783-6164.

COLLAGES: INSPIRED BY ARTIST & AUTHOR

BRYAN COLLIER

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. Create a collage project inspired by Bryan Collier’s artistic style and learn about his life and his art. For ages 8-12 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. Group provides discussion, education and a speaker on the topic of diabetes. Darlene Jameson, 410-208-9761, djameson@atlanticgeneral.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., Feb. 2

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for

patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

STEM THURSDAYS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Use your creativity and build using one of the library’s STEM building kits. For ages 4 years and older. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ONCE UPON A TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. It’s Fairy Tale February. Join the group for a fun, classic fairy tale. Stick around after for a fun craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS - DIY WITH CORKS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Make something with corks. Pinterest has lots of good ideas. All materials provided. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

POCOMOKE BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘LONG WAY DOWN’ BY JASON RAYNOLDS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Books are available at the Pocomoke circulation desk. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. Celebrate Black History with special crafts inspired by Black art. For ages 8 years and older. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA FOR ALL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org

Crossword answers from page 22

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Competitive wages. 443-754-1047

M/F Roommate Wanted in The Parke Retirement Community in Ocean Pines. Prefer older, mature, non-smoker. Quiet neighborhood. Housemate would have entire second floor which includes bedroom w/cable TV, private bath and den/sitting area. Shared kitchen and laundry area. Available Feb. 1st. $450 includes utilities. 301-4603084

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.

FOR SALE

The contents of mini storage units will be sold online at Lockerfox.com. Ocean City Mini Storage. Units to be auctioned; B28B89-S35-S136-S233-O34.

RENTALS

2BR/2BA Monthly Rental until June. $850/mo. plus utilities. No pets. 410-524-0295

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

Seeking RoommateBayview Estates, Selbyville. 5.7 miles to beach. Includes utilities & internet. Shared kitchen, W/D, living room, outdoor space, POOL. VERY CLEAN. $850/month. 302-386-7818

ROOMMATE NEEDED

1BR. 94th St. Bayside. Nonsmoker. Must love dogs. $200/week plus utilities. Year round or Winter rental negotiable. Hot tub access. Text 410-726-5200 difficult to answer calls.

COMMERCIAL

Industrial Warehouse

Spaces: 4000 sq. ft., 2100 sq. ft. and 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18 ft. high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1600 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

PUZZLES FOR SALE. LIKE NEW. 300+ COUNT. $4 each / 3 for $10. Call 814-977-0333.

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 27th, 2023 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.

ADVERTISING NETWORK FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855993-0969 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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

MISC. FOR SALE

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190

Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855407-6870

REAL ESTATE WANTED

Wanted to Lease +/- 25 acres for solar farm, $75,000+ /yr. Call to qualify (443) 926-9069.

Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

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

WANTED TO BUY

TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 888-491-4534

PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 844-5063622.

JANE FRANKEL SIMS, ESQ. SIMS & CAMPBELL, LLC

500 YORK ROAD

TOWNSON, MD 21204

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19493 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES A. PAYNE JR.

Notice is given that Veronica C. Payne, 10460 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on January 04, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James A. Payne Jr. who died on July 5, 2021, 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 4th day of July, 2023.

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.

sonal Representative of the estate of VERA W MANGUM who died on SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 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 withthe Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2023.

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

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

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

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

OCD-1/12/3t

Mission Hill MD, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 Plaintiff

v.

Stephen W. Dlubala, Jr.

6810 Collinsdale Road

grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 3 lvy Lane and described as Legal Description LOT B-03-035 11146 SQ FT IVY LANE PL OCEAN PINES SEC 3 Being known as District 03 Account Number 083101 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-22-000281

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 3 lvy Lane in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Mission Hill MD, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT B-03-035 11146 SQ FT IVY LANE PL OCEAN PINES SEC 3, District 03 Account Number 083101 Known as 3 Ivy Lane.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

tative 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 6th day of July, 2023.

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.

Sharon Stamer

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 12, 2023

OCD-1/12/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Veronica C. Payne Personal Representative True

Baltimore, MD 21234 and

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 12, 2023

OCD-1/12/3t

CHRISTOPHER T WOODLEY ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of VERA W MANGUM Estate No. 19518 Notice is given that VANESSA B LEMLEY whose address is 10125 HAMMOND ROAD BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 was on JANUARY

The Estate of Stephen W. Dlubala, Jr.

S/O Personal Representative 6810 Collinsdale Road

Baltimore, MD 21234 and Sharon E. Dlubala

6810 Collinsdale Road

Baltimore, MD 21234 and

The Estate of Sharon E. Dlubala

S/O Personal Representative 6810 Collinsdale Road

Baltimore, MD 21234 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Brian Frosh, Attorney General 200 St. Paul Place

Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector l W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and

All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees. personal representatives, and executors, administrators,

It is thereupon this 3rd of January, 2023 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 three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th day of March, 2023, and redeem the property 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 to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-1/12/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19519 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THOMAS EDWARD YARKO

Notice is given that Sharon Stamer, 830 Berrymans Lane, Reisterstown, MD 21136, was on January 06, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thomas Edward Yarko who died on December 27, 2022, 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 represen-

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19383 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDWARD A. WISE

Notice is given that Coretta R. Marshall, 508 Canon Court, Evans, GA 30809, was on January 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward A. Wise who died on September 13, 2022, 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 9th day of July, 2023.

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.

Coretta R. Marshall 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 19, 2023

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MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19527

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT L. HEIMERT

Notice is given that Michael B. Mathers, 115 Broad Street, P.O. Box 910, Salisbury, MD 21803, was on January 12, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert L. Heimert who died on January 1, 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 12th day of July, 2023.

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.

Michael B. Mathers Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester

Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

January 19, 2023

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Brian T. Gallagher, Esq Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, PA

125 West Street, 4th Floor Annapolis, MD 21404

BRIAN T. GALLAGHER, Substitute Trustee Plaintiff, v. WILLIAM HENDERSON, et ux. Defendants.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No.: C-23-CV-22-000048

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court of Worcester County this 13th day of January, 2023, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, 1848 New Bridge Road, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851 made and reported by Brian T. Gallagher, Substitute Trustee, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 13th day of February, 2023, provided, a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said county, once in each of three successive weeks, before the 6th day of February, 2023.

The Report of Sale states the amount of sale to be $13,500.00.

Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/19/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19525 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF TERRENCE CONNORS

Notice is given that Taylor Connors, 170 Wyckoff Ave., 3L, Brooklyn, NY 11237, was on January 10, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Terrence Connors who died on January 7, 2023, 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 10th day of July, 2023.

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.

Taylor Connors

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 19, 2023

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NOTICE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS INVITATION TO BID

Housing Rehabilitation

Worcester County, Maryland

The Worcester County Commissioners are currently accepting bids for rehabilitation work to be performed on single-family homes located in Worcester County. Bid specification packages and bid forms are available to licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractors. Packages may be picked up from the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street- Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, obtained online at www.co.worcester.md.us under the "Bids" dropdown menu in the lower right hand side of the home page, or by calling the Commissioners' Office at 410632-1194 to request a package by mail.

The projects are proposed to be funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are thus subject to all applicable Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights guidelines. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, in the Office of the County Commissioners at the above address at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Envelopes shall be marked:

"Housing Rehabilitation Bid –February 13 - Pocomoke" in the lower left-hand corner.

"Housing Rehabilitation BidFebruary 13 – Snow Hill” in the lower left-hand corner

Bids will be reviewed by staff and awarded by the County Commissioners at a future meeting. In awarding the bids, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all bids, waive formalities, informalities and

technicalities therein, and to take whatever bids they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best bid, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of bidders being considered, previous experience of bidders with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate.

All inquiries regarding the bid specifications shall be directed to the Housing Program Inspector, Dave Walter, at 410-603-4096. All other inquiries shall be directed to Davida Washington, at 410-632-1200, ext. 1171.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2023-01

RE: Existing Parking Meter Locations

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-01 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of January 17, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for February 6, 2023. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the January 17, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance is a housekeeping measure to amend the list of paid parking meter locations that currently exist throughout the Town of Ocean City. OCD-1/26/1t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

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

Thursday, February 9, 2023

At 2:00 p.m.

PW 22-139 A request has been submitted to install one 4’ x 24’ pier and one boat lift with four associated poles a maximum channelward ex-

tension of 24’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 779 94TH ST Parcel # 9626 -779 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Adam Ramos

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-004 A request has been submitted to remove existing boat lift and reinstall 14’ south of existing placement of parallel pier not to exceed 17’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 10614 POINT LOOKOUT RD Parcel # 1727A-38 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Amandio Morais

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-005 A request has been submitted to install seven temporary mooring buoys (Sub -Moor T3C buoys, 18” in diameter, 100 lb. buoyancy in white w/reflective taping) a maximum channelward extension of 50’ at seven specific sites in Assawoman Bay. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 4501 COASTAL HWY Parcel # 7011 -4-0 -0113768957 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Aloft Hotel t/a Hotel at 45 LLC

APPLICANT: Kristina L.

Watkowski

PW 23-006 A request has been submitted to install a 3’ x 40’ platform and one boat lift with associated poles, maximum channelward extension of 15’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 315 136TH ST Parcel # 9843A-14 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Richard Greger

APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC

PW 23-007 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum of 40’ channelward of existing bulkhead; channelward distance not to exceed existing mooring piles. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 417 14TH ST UNIT 62 Parcel # 3486 -62 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Robert T. Osborne

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-008 A request has been submitted install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum of 35’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 415 14TH ST UNIT 53 – Slip 50 - Parcel # 3486 -53 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Douglas & Lisa Colonell

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-009 A request has been submitted to install one double PWC lift with associated pilings a maximum of 40’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 3603 N CANAL ST SLIP 203 Parcel # 4326 -203 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Patrick & Melissa John

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification begins on January 26, 2023

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

PW 23-010 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with six associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 28’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2001 HERRING WAY UNIT B Parcel # 3269 -125 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Ryan Daubert

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-013 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with four associated pilings, a maximum channelward extension of 29’ not to exceed adjacent lift. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 501 EDGEWATER AVE UNIT 201 Parcel # 3870 -201 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Thomas Kester

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-014 A request has been submitted to remove a 6’ section of dock on east side of property and to relocate boat lift 11.5’ west of existing placement not to exceed 19’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 719 LOOP RD Parcel # 9443A-19 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland

OWNER: Ronald Armiger

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-015 A request has been submitted to remove existing parallel platform, install new 5’x30’ platform with two pilings and one boat lift, maximum channelward extension 17’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 513 136TH ST Parcel # 9866A-34 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Michael Melvin, Sr.

APPLICANT: Ocean Services of DE, Inc.

struction is described as being located at 10618 POINT LOOKOUT RD Parcel # 1729A-36 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Daniel Rothermel

APPLICANT: Ocean Services of DE, Inc.

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REGAN J.R. SMITH ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19544

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GERTRUDE RUSSO

Notice is given that Anthony B. Russo, 207 King Fish Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, was on January 23, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Gertrude Russo who died on December 6, 2022, 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 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.

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.

Anthony B.

Russo Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

January 26, 2023

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

PW 23-016

A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with four associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 16’6”. The site of the proposed con-

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

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

February 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM

AUTH: Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to waive 10 parking spaces for proposed new commercial tenant spaces and outdoor dining. The site of the appeal is described as Lots 4, 7-9, and half of Lot 5, Block 9N of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat; further described as located on the west side of Atlantic Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets, and known locally as 801-807 Atlantic Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: JOSEPH G. THOMPSON, PLLC – (BZA 2641 23-09400001)

6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to waive 3 parking spaces for the construction of an elevated outdoor patio bar. The site of the appeal is described as part of Lot 2 and Lots 3-6, Block 69 of the Sinepuxent Beach Plat; further described as located on the southeast corner of Philadelphia Avenue and 24th Street, and known locally as The American Legion Post 166 at 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: SINEPUXENT POST 166 – (BZA 2642 23-09400002)

6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to waive one (1) required parking space for the construction of two (2) newly created bedrooms providing a total of two parking spaces for the four bedrooms. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 34 of the Caine Keys II Extended Plat; further described as located on the east side of Point Lookout Road, and known locally as 10622 Point Lookout Road, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: ROBERT’S COASTAL CONTRUCTION, INC. –(BZA 2643 23-09400003)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman

Maureen Howarth,

Attorney OCD-1/26/2t

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ. P.O. BOX 188

BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19080 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HARRELL HARPER JR.

AKA: HARRELL W. HARPER JR.

Notice is given that Diane L. Harper, 8941 Clark Road, Berlin, MD 21811 and Harrell W. Harper III, P.O. Box 1378, Ocean City, MD 21843, was on January 23, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Harrell Harper Jr. who died on January 16, 2022, 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 23rd day of July, 2023.

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.

Diane L. Harper Harrell W. Harper III Personal Representatives

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 26, 2023

sentative of the small estate of Gloria Crocker Moyer who died on December 26, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

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

Sandra Moyer Crothers Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 26, 2023

NOTICE

Worcester County Board of Elections Gets Additional Democratic Seat with Incoming

Governor Wes Moore

With the election of a new Democratic Governor, several boards and commissions will undergo significant changes according to Democratic Central Committee Chair Roxie Dennis. One significant local change is to local Board of Elections which will change from having only two Democratic seats of the five-member board to having three such members. County Election Boards make recommendations that determine the election policies for maintaining voter registration and overseeing the conduct of all State and federal elections held in its jurisdiction. Local boards of elections are supervised by the State Board of Election.

The Central Committee of each county goes through the process of picking names to send to the Governor for approval. The Central Committee will be vetting and sending names to the Governor for these slots shortly. Nominees must be a registered voter in the county for at least 5 years. Appointment to the new 4-year term begins June 2023. If you are interested in being considered for the county board of elections, please contact DemCCWorcesterCounty@gmail.co m. Deadline is January 31.

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NOTICE

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Town of Berlin, MD Board of Zoning Appeals

NOTICE of an Appeal

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19515 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GLORIA CROCKER MOYER

Notice is given that Sandra Moyer Crothers, 29259 Channel Drive, Selbyville, DE 19975, was on January 20, 2023 appointed personal repre-

Pursuant to the Code of the Town of Berlin, MD Sections 108-165, 108166, and 108-788 (d)(4), the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals will consider an Appeal submitted by R&S Investments, LLC for a Special Exception for a Variance to allow parking spaces 18 feet in length where Town Code specifies parking spaces be 20 feet in length for a proposed mixed use building to be constructed at 19 Gay Street.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers of Berlin Town Hall at 10 William Street, Berlin, MD to hear the Appeal.

Worcester County Democratic Central Committee Seeks Candidates for Expanded Membership Chair Roxie Dennis (Berlin) announces that by-laws changes to ensure gender equity enacted by the Maryland Democratic party doubled the seats available on all county democratic committees. These committees serve as affiliated arms of the state party. Through the county Central Committees, nominations are made to the state for a variety of boards. They are also tasked with recruiting and supporting democratic candidates for local, state and federal elections as well as ensuring representation at the polls and election sites. There are currently several openings available for the Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County (DCCWC), Those include: slots for male and female or non-binary individuals for District 1 (Southern/Pocomoke area) and District 3 (Sinepuxent Bay/Berlin) as well as a slot for a male/non-binary in Districts 2 (Central), 5 (Ocean Pines) and 7 (Ocean City) as well as for a female or non-binary individual for District 6. Additionally, there is 1 At-large seat available for a male/non-binary individual. If you are interested in serving on the DCCWC, please contact DemCCWorcesterCounty@gmail.com or if you have questions call 443-3339793.

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RPAC promotes like-minded people

By Lauren Bunting

Contributing Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) Since 1969, the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC), has promoted the election of pro-Realtor candidates across the United States.

The purpose of RPAC is to use voluntary contributions made by Realtors to help elect candidates who understand and support Realtor interests.

These are not National Association of Realtor member dues; this is money given freely by Realtors in recognition of the importance of the political process.

The Realtors Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry.

RPAC is one of the most bipartisan PACs in the country, giving to both Democrats and Republicans alike.

The only stipulation is that the candidate be a member of the Realtor Party – members of Congress and candidates who support Realtorfriendly issues.

Through direct contributions, our opportunity race program, and inde-

pendent expenditures, we ensure that Realtor issues are heard on Capitol Hill.

Also under the RPAC umbrella, NAR’s President’s Circle is a unique program that allows individual Realtors to support candidates running for reelection or for higher office.

Among national trade associations, only NAR has developed a voluntary, direct-to-candidate contribution program designed to support Realtors most stalwart Capitol Hill champions in their elections.

Launched in 2003, the President’s Circle identifies candidates whose position in Congress and support for Realtor legislative initiatives is unparalleled.

Like all Realtor political support,

BUSINESS BRIEFS Anniversary

Becker Morgan Group enters its 40th year of providing professional architecture and engineering services to clients in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the US.

Since 1983, the firm has built trusted partnerships with enterprising clients to meet a wide variety of proj-

the candidates chosen for inclusion in the President’s Circle program must meet requirements set by the national RPAC Disbursement Trustees.

The result is a group of candidates, of both political parties, reflecting our Realtor Party strategy, who have placed a primary focus of their legislative activities on the promotion and protection of the real estate industry.

Given the expense and complexity of modern campaigns, the contributions provided by individual Realtors to President’s Circle candidates can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

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

ect goals.

Becker Morgan Group’s architects, civil and structural engineers, interior designers, surveyors, and landscape architects have collaborated with an array of stakeholders to successfully complete thousands of design ventures.

Throughout the year, the firm will

Continued on Page 34

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!

paved walking path, & a 5-acre open park. Additional amenities include city streets & sidewalks, city water & sewer and city trash collection. HOA fees are just $360 a year. Either bring this home back to its glory, and make it your own special project, or redevelop the property and built your Ocean City dream home. The choice is yours! (Note: Active listings in the Montego Bay community are currently, as of 8/20/22, listed from $359,900 and up.) $215,000

Call Michael “Montego Mike” Grimes Montegomike@verizon.net 800-745-5988 • 410-251-6821

416 NAUTICAL LANE

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In the highly sought-after community of Montego Bay in North OC, this 3BR/1.5BA home sits on a culde-sac at the end of a quiet street... steps away from community amenities. Meticulously maintained by long-time owners, features a new roof (2021), heating system (2021), double-hung insulated windows w/low-E glass, drywall interior, open floor plan, laminate flooring throughout, and a stackable W/D. Turnkey; Sold fully furnished. Amenities include 2 In-ground swimming pools, a shuffleboard court, a 9-hole mini-golf course, and a bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of only $360.00 a year. $385,000 186

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Town of OC to host job fair at Northside Park Feb. 4

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Town of Ocean City is hosting a job fair on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9-11 a.m. at Northside Park on 125th Street, in the South Community Room.

The job fair will provide attendees access to supervisors seeking talented candidates in every discipline, from public safety to camp counselors, to bus drivers and lifeguards, and everything in between. Admission is free.

The following departments with the town will be present and taking applications: Recreation and Parks, Convention Center, Beach Patrol, Police Department, Fire Department/Fire Marshal, Emergency Communications, Public Works, Construction, Maintenance, Solid Waste, and Transportation.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 33

be sharing the story of Becker Morgan Group through various channels –LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and www.beckermorgan.com.

Promotion

Reid Tingle, president and CEO of Bank of Ocean City along with the board of directors, announce the promotion of Joseph Dembowski to the position of assistant vice president.

Dembowski joined Bank of Ocean City in 2016 as a customer service associate and quickly moved into the BSA Department, where he was named the assistant BSA compliance officer.

Dembowski is currently the co-BSA

Ocean Pines winter market popularity keeps improving

“This job fair is a great opportunity for anyone seeking employment in Ocean City and surrounding areas to pursue a new position or even a new career,” said Human Resources Director Katie Callan. “The job fair provides direct access to hiring managers from a wide variety of departments, who are seeking committed, hardworking, and enthusiastic employees to fill available positions.”

Attendees should bring a resume and dress to impress. Computers will be on-site to apply online during the job fair.

Anyone seeking employment and unable to attend the job fair, visit www.oceancitymd.gov to view current job openings. For questions about the job fair, call Human Resources at 410-289-8822.

(Jan. 27, 2023) Winters in Ocean Pines can be chilly, but Saturday mornings are warm and welcoming at the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market, according to market manager David Bean, who said many people make it a habit to bundle up and gather with family and friends at the market each week.

“’Winter market warrior’ is a title the market shares with its shoppers and merchants, and the number of those who brave the elements of a winter morning have grown significantly over the years,” Bean said. “We have a steady and growing winter artisan participation that is beginning to match the number of participating green market merchants.”

The marketplace will celebrate its 12th anniversary this year, and the 11th year for the offseason market.

compliance officer and has earned the certifications of CAMS (Certified AntiMoney Laundering Specialist), CBAP (Certified BSA/AML Professional) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner).

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University, College of Business.

Bank of Ocean City is a locally-owned, independent community bank. Established in 1916 and headquartered in West Ocean City, the bank has five offices; two in Ocean City, one in Ocean Pines, one in Berlin and the Delaware branch located in Fenwick Island.

“It’s rewarding to see the embrace of the community supporting all those who participate. Our merchants saw the desire for a yearround marketplace, and we are hoping this love for the offseason market will only continue to grow stronger over the coming years,” Bean said.

For Ocean Pines shoppers, the winter marketplace provides a source for locally grown winter crops and other products from area producers.

Story Hill Farm from Frankford, Delaware brings their grass-fed beef, pork and poultry, while Brightman Farm sells fresh eggs by the dozen.

Bean said shoppers visit the winter market to stock up on local ingredients, such as locally grown carrots, potatoes, and winter radishes.

This year, customers of produce merchant D. J. David can find locally grown winter varieties of radishes, along with Brussel sprouts and cab-

bages. Brandon Brady at Stag Run Farm helps fill customers’ salad bowls with artisan lettuces grown at his farm’s greenhouses.

Many treat themselves to handcrafted pastries and baked goods from the market’s bakers. John DelVecchio, owner and baker at DelVecchio’s Bakery, works through the night to bring fresh baked goods to his Saturday morning customers. His bread selections are popular with his customers, and few can pass on his Danishes, cookies and scones.

“The winter market also features several other bakeries, including those that specialize in gluten free and plant-based baked goods, as well as homestyle baked goods like grandma made,” Bean said.

Other items found at the winter market include spices, honey, jams and jellies, spirits, seafood, and kettle

January 19 - January

Joe Dembowski

David Joseph Deacon of D.J. David & Company/Greengrocer displays produce during the Sunday morning Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market. See

MCBP receives major new funding stream

Program to get over $1.8 million via infrastructure law, paid out over 2 years

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program will be the recipient of more than $1.8 million through a federal funding stream created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law in November 2021.

The law provides $132 million for the 28 longstanding National Estuary Programs — the Coastal Bays Program is one of them — for fiscal years 2022 through 2026. This funding will be evenly distributed by the Environmental Protection Agency to the local programw, annually providing each with $909,800. The first allocation for the Coastal Bays Program included two years of funding for (FY22 and FY23).

The funding locally is to help the program reach the restoration goals in its 10-year strategic plan.

The EPA wants this and similar estuary programs to invest a portion of the funding to address how this area can respond to the affects climate change affects in their watersheds as well as ensuring that some benefits reach disadvantaged communities that may have been historically un-

derserved by environmental programs.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to significantly increase and enhance our investments in protecting and improving the environmental conditions in the coastal bays watershed,” said Kevin Smith the program’s executive director.

“[This] funding will allow us to initiate new projects that have been beyond our reach up ‘til now as well as enhance our capacity to continue our

priority ongoing efforts.

“Climate resilience has already been an increasing focus of our work in recent years and more effectively reaching underserved communities is a challenge we are eager to address. These[federal] funding priorities couldn’t come at a better time for us.”

The list of investments slated for the first installment of this funding range from shoreline restoration in Sinepuxent Bay to stormwater management in Berlin, and from enhanc-

Winter farmers market strong

Continued from Page 34

corn.

Bean said the winter merchants also have more time to deal directly with their customers.

“The offseason market gives many shoppers the opportunity to really get to know the merchants, since the merchants have more time to stop and chat during the colder, slower months,” he said.

That’s also true for the many community organizations and groups that participate.

“We are so lucky to have such stellar businesses and organizations that help make our winter market season

ADVERTISING SALESPERSON WANTED

Good Income, Good Benefits, Good Company

Ocean City Today, the newspaper of record for the Ocean City resort area, and the Bayside Gazette need a top account executive to handle established accounts.

Clients range from real estate to retail to restaurants in an established territory. Face-to-face meetings with clients required, some cold-calling necessary, although many aspects of the position are handled by phone and email.

This is a plug-and-play job for the right person.

Work week Monday through Friday with weekends off, even in season. Sales experience or experience working with the public required, outgoing and easy-going personality goes a long way.

This is not a high-pressure sales situation, but is a relationship-building opportunity that helps customers do better in the marketplace.

Salary, plus commission, health insurance program and 401K. Vacation time, sick time too. (Please don’t expect vacation time in the summer... no one gets that during peak season)

Apply to Stewart Dobson or Christine Brown at: 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City or email sdobson@oceancitytoday.net;

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410-723-6397

a success and a joy for the community,” Bean said. “Bundle up and enjoy your market this winter!”

The market will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweetheart market on Saturday, Feb. 11, featuring special activities and all the necessary ingredients for a special Valentine’s dinner.

The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon in White Horse Park. In-season hours return on March 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/far mers-artisans-market.

ing the program’s inventory of water quality monitoring equipment to expanding an environmental education retreat targeting high school students from underserved communities. Planning for the next allocation of the funding expected next fall has already begun. The Coastal Bays Program will be assessing its needs and interests, and conducting outreach to its local and state partners to identify priority challenges and opportunities to address in the watershed.

Samantha Kent of Willow Grove Knitting Co. sells hats and ear warmers as well as other items.

Choptank Electric offers D.C. youth tour trip

Leadership experience for five high school juniors and seniors from Eastern Shore

(Jan. 27, 2023) Choptank Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for its Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. on June 19-23.

All high school juniors and seniors who are Choptank Electric members are encouraged to apply for participation in this national leadership experience.

“Students will have the opportunity to meet their U.S. representatives and senators, explore the

museums and monuments in our Nation’s Capital, learn about rural electric, and network with students from around the country,” said Katie Luckett, manager of Marketing, Communications and Education. “This trip inspired me as a high school junior to study communications and come back to my community to serve our cooperative’s members, making a local impact with the understanding of the support we receive from Washington, D.C.”

Five students will be selected to attend Youth Tour from high schools in the nine counties of Maryland’s East-

ern Shore.

Selection is based on the content of a completed application, essay, and video. Parents/guardians of all applicants must be members of Choptank Electric Cooperative.

Youth Tour is hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-forprofit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. Choptank Electric Cooperative will coordinate and chaperone its selected students during the entire trip.

All completed applications must be submitted by Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit choptankelectric.coop/youth-tour or contact Luckett at katiel@choptankelectric.coop or 410-479-8678.

Choptank Electric, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, is a not-forprofit, member-owned, electric distribution co-op located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore serving over 55,000 members.

For more information about Choptank Electric Cooperative, visit choptankelectric.coop or call its Member Service Center at 1-877-892-0001.

AARP offers residents free tax preparation

(Jan. 27, 2023) The following is a communication from the AARP Foundation:

AARP Tax Aide volunteers have been training for the current tax season and are ready to take appointments.

This year, the program will return to in-person tax preparation where community members can bring their tax records and have their federal and state taxes prepared in a single sitting.

The AARP program is for those with regular wages, retirement income, in-

terest, dividends, capital gains, nonemployment income, and most other common tax situations.

This free tax preparation service is available to most everyone, but focuses on seniors and those with lower incomes. Those who make more than six figures, or have rental income/depreciation or multiple brokerage statements or special tax situations, may be better served by a paid preparer.

Those wishing to have their taxes done should call 443-373-2667 to

Lois James d.d.s.

make an appointment.

Tax Aide volunteers serve the Ocean Pines area on Mondays at the library starting in early February. Volunteers are in Ocean City on Saturdays, in Salisbury on Tuesdays, and in Pocomoke on Fridays.

AARP membership is not required. Clients are asked to make sure they have all current tax documents and related information with them and sorted prior to their appointment. A copy of the previous year’s return is also helpful.

Virtual boating safety class offered by US Coast Guard

(Jan. 27, 2023) The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course, virtually, Feb. 7-9, from 6-9 p.m.

The first class of 2023 will be held virtually, making it possible for anyone to attend from anywhere.

The course is taught by the same US Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors as the in-person class.

All the required material is covered along with time for questions.

The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to

operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Those attending the class, and passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate which is NASBLA approved and valid in all states.

The cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410935-4807, or email CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Checks should be made payable to: USGCAUX 12-05 and mailed to: USCGAUX 12-05, P.O. Box 1682, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

Payment via PayPAL is also accepted.

Mediacom application date extended for scholarships

(Jan. 27, 2023) Mediacom Communications is extending the application deadline for its scholarship program, Mediacom World Class Scholars.

In its 22nd consecutive year, the program will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 60 high school seniors planning to obtain further education.

Scholarship applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. The deadline was extended from an earlier date and high school seniors are encouraged to apply.

Mediacom’s World Class Scholar-

ship applications are available online at mediacomworldclass.com.

Applicants do not have to be Mediacom customers but must live in areas where Mediacom’s fiber-rich broadband network delivers Gigabitspeed internet service.

Recipients will be selected from the 22 states where Mediacom’s residential customers reside. A complete list of communities in Mediacom service areas is included with the online application.

Inquiries may be sent to scholarship@mediacomcc.com.

WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Jan. 27, 2023) The following was discussed at the Jan. 17 Board of Education meeting:

BES replacement

Representatives for the Becker Morgan Group presented their feasibility study for the replacement or renovation of Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin during the meeting and highlighted two options.

The group recommended option “B,” a replacement school for a total cost of $60.7 million. The local funding request would be $55.9 million.

Option A would be to renovate and add on to the current school, which is projected to cost $68.6 million but could increase to upwards of $82.8 million with potential price escalations factored in. The local funding request would be $65.6 million.

The replacement school option could cost around $73.1 million with escalation factored in.

The elementary school in its current iteration opened its doors in 1978.

Board members

Prior to the start of the meeting, reelected members Bill Buchanan, Todd Ferrante, Bill Gordy, and newly-elected Katie Addis were sworn into service on the Board of Education.

Addis replaces Nathaniel Passwaters, who was appointed to the seat following the sudden passing of Eric W. Cropper in July 2021.

Ferrante was elected as board president and Buchanan as vice president for the 2023 board.

Teacher of the Year

Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor presented the nominees for the 2023 Worcester County Teacher of the Year during the meeting.

Those nominees are Chris Adkins (Snow Hill High School), Michelle Bradley (Pocomoke High School), Dawn Davis (Snow Hill Elementary School), Carli Dixon (Pocomoke Elementary School), Silviya Gallo (Worcester Technical High School), Michaela Hatlee (Buckingham Elementary School), Wendy Macrides (Ocean City Elementary School), Kristin Morris (Cedar Chapel Special School), Jaimie Ridgley (Stephen Decatur Middle School), Kristina Salvorola (Snow Hill Middle School), Elizabeth Singer (Showell Elementary School), Brittany Tracy (Stephen Decatur High School), David Wells (Berlin Intermediate School) and Stephen Zubko (Pocomoke Middle School).

“These teachers are amazing examples of the high-quality teaching occurring in our classrooms across this county,” Taylor said. “I hope the next time you enter one of those schools, you’ll join me in congratulating each of these educators.”

The 2023 Teacher of the Year will be

announced on March 24.

SDMS addition

The Stephen Decatur Middle School addition is now in use following the winter break, meeting its opening goal. Stormwater accommodations were completed in the last 30 days and courtyard plantings have been installed. Still to come is artificial turf and lighting in the courtyard, waiting for grass to grow around the property and CCTV and intercom replacements, the latter should be completed over the next month.

ESSA

Dr. Tom Hamill, coordinator of research and student information systems and grant manager Dr. Brian Cook presented the updated ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Consolidated Plan for the 2022-23 school year at the meeting.

The plan is meant to highlight focus areas and goals for improving the school experience for Worcester County students.

Goals included improving i-Ready (an online program) assessment scores in English language arts and mathematics, a safety goal to reduce chronic absences and risk ratios and a gifted and talented goal to increase minority student representation, development time for gifted and talented teachers and increased STATT (Skilled Trades, agriculture, Technology and Tourism) enrollment.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Clerk of Court Susan Braniecki, right, swears into service on the Worcester County Board of Education, from left, Bill Gordy, newly-elected Katie Addis, Todd Ferrante and Bill Buchanan during last Tuesday’s meeting.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Worcester County Board of Education listened to a report on the feasibility study ordered to examine whether to renovate or rep lace Buckingham Elementary School in Berlin. The report favored a total replacement, which it indicated should be cheaper than a renovation. Above are two site plans.

debbennington4@gmail.com

• 4BR/3BA w/(2) Primary Suites + 1-Car Garage

• Lg Screen Porch

• Newly Built Inground Swimming Pool (2021)

• Walking/Biking Distance from Historic Downtown Berlin

• Fully Renovated One-Level Living

• Lots of Natural Light

• Cathedral Ceilings, Mantled Gas Fireplace, New Vinyl Plank Flooring, Custom Paint

• Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen: SS Appliances, Granite Counters, Tile Backsplash, Self-close cabinetry, Designer Light Fixtures, Walk-In Pantry

• New Siding, Windows, Encapsulated Crawl Space, Pool Shed w/1HBA,

PHOTO COURTESY LISA GUERRIERO

Accreditation Commission seeks public input on LSLT

(Jan. 27, 2023) Lower Shore Land Trust received national accreditation in 2017 from the Land Trust Commission and is now applying for accreditation renewal.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Lower Shore Land Trust is applying for renewal of accreditation and a public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

“Although the board of directors was initially skeptical about the need for accreditation, the process to become accredited made the organization stronger as a governing body,” said Kate Patton, Lower Shore Land Trust executive director.

Land trusts are required to renew their accreditation every five years.

Patton recognized that the process ensures that the policies and procedures are keeping up with the grow-

ing organization.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications.

Comments must relate to how Lower Shore Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust.

For the full list of standards, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.o rg/help-and-resources/indicatorpractices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

Comments on Lower Shore Land Trust’s application will be most useful by March 31.

For more information about Lower Shore Land Trust or how to become involved, visit www.lowershorelandtrust.org or call 443-2345587.

OC residents have until Feb. 24 to apply for dune plants

(Jan. 27, 2023) For the 18th year, the Town of Ocean City will be offering beach district plants to the public for planting in the secondary dune area.

The plants being offered are hardy plants that tolerate the harsh environment of the ocean front areas.

In addition, these plants provide habitat enhancement, food and shelter, water quality treatment and erosion control to the secondary dune area, which tends to be overlooked and needs attention.

“We began this program to help create habitat and prevent erosion of the area behind the dune, which was in need of attention,” said Town of Ocean City Environmental Engineer Gail Blazer. “The plants are very beneficial to the stability of the dune system and help with erosion and scour. Our residents and property owners

love the program and it benefits the environment and the beach, so it is a win for everyone.”

Ocean front and ocean side residents will have the opportunity to order plants that will need to be picked up at a predetermined date and time.

Suitable plants to add to a secondary dune area include beach grass, bayberry, rugosa rose, beach plum, high tide bush, red cedar and panic grass.

Applications are now being accepted. The deadline is Feb. 24.

For more information or to receive an application, contact Joann Landon at 410-289-8887 or email JLandon@oceancitymd.gov.

Also, more information is provided by visiting https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planningcommunity-development/.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

GUEST SPEAKER

POP ART

Artist Jacki Yamin taught a "Pet Portraits in Pop Art" class in December at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, and students from Ocean City to New York painted their favorite pets. Pictured are Claire Dunphy of New York, left, and Beverly Pettus of Salisbury.

FIRST FRIDAY

GIFT DONATION

As the year ended, the Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge 2474 of Ocean City continued its tradition of donating gifts for Christmas to less fortunate families. In December, four families with 16 children received an estimated 100 wrapped presents and 30 gift cards to local stores. The families were being supported by the St. Vincent DePaul Society operating through St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach and St. Mary Start of the Sea/Holy Savior Parish of Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are George and Rose Madden and Mary and Sal Castorina.

COAT DELIVERY

CLUB BOARD

The Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County announces its 2023 board of directors, sworn in at their December luncheon. Pictured, from left, are Debi Koczen-Doyle, board member at-large; Susan Buyer, vice president; Debra Fisher-Reynolds and Mary Anne Whitcomb, co-presidents; Dana Barney, recording secretary; Sue Challis, corresponding secretary/newsletter; and Maggie Miller, treasurer. Not pictured: Rosie Bean and Becky Simonds, board members at-large. The group was sworn in by Past President Susan Hubbard.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

Local gardener Carol Cross was the guest speaker at the weekly Wednesday meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City on Jan. 4. She and her husband, Shawn, own Cross Farms LLC in Berlin, which does hydroponic and conventional ground farming. She is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing.

John Rego, Art League of Ocean City board member Crystal Collins, and Lilly Rego attend the First Friday art opening at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street on Jan. 6.

PHOTO COURTESY ROGER PACELLA

Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club members Bill Thomson, left, and Bill Hickey recently delivered two carloads of winter coats – 344 in total – to seven schools in Worcester County.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

FIRST PLACE

The Art League of Ocean City presented Town Cats with the first-place $500 prize in the “Trees for the Arts” program at the Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park on 125th Street. The prize was sponsored by the Town of Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Elizabeth Scott, Ina Kotzin, ALOC Executive Director Rina Thaler, Susan Mohler, Barbara Wasiakowski and Aubrey Sizemore.

‘MOANA’ PRESENTED

Close to 980 guests attended the Ocean Pines Children’s Theater’s presentation of “Disney’s Moana, Jr., The Musical” in the Performing Arts Center, inside the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street, during its two-day run, Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7.

WELCOME BACK

The College Counseling Department, together with the Alumni Association at Worcester Prep, started a new tradition with a College Age Alumni Luncheon & College Fair on Jan.

4. The event provided an opportunity for current juniors and seniors to ask recent Worcester Prep graduates about their experience with the college application process, choosing the right school and college life. Pictured, in front, from left, are Vickie Garner (WPS director of College Counseling), Grace Baeurle ‘22 (University of North Carolina, Wilmington), Hannah Merritt ‘19 (University of Delaware), Brooke Phillips ‘22 (Penn State University) and Olivia Bescak ‘17 (Salisbury University ‘21, New York University - MA candidate); center, Summer Walker ‘21 (Duke University), Meredith Cummings ‘21 (New York University), Isabel Abboud ‘19 (University of Redlands), Owen Tunis ‘19 (Virginia Tech) and Devin Wallace ‘20 (Furman University); and in back, Joseph Schwartz ‘21 (Duke University), Frank Carter ‘20 (United States Naval Academy), Anderssen Taylor ‘22 (University of Maryland, College Park) and TJ Bescak ‘21 (Arizona State University).

SCHOLARSHIP

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Foundation presented the 2022 Eunice Q. Sorin Workforce Scholarship to Katie Rimel of Frick-Rimel Accounting. She is studying business management at Wor-Wic Community College and finished her first semester with a 4.0. Rimel is pictured with her husband and partner, Corey, and Chamber board member and foundation Chair Stefanie Rider and Chamber Executive director Amy Thompson. The chamber developed the scholarship to enhance workforce and economic development in the region. The program awards individuals who are either further pursuing professional development to advance their career and/or upgrading skills with intention to stay on the Eastern Shore.

GUEST SPEAKER

Ashlie Kozlowski, outreach coordinator for Assateague Island Alliance, right, was the guest speaker at a recent Worcester County Garden Club meeting. Members were provided with an overview of coastal ecology on the Eastern Shore and the importance of protecting and preserving Assateague Island National Seashore for current and future generations. She is pictured with WCGC President Deborah Young.

CLUB TALK

Ellen Yannuzzi, president of the Ocean Pines Camera Club, was the guest speaker during a recent Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean PinesOcean City meeting. The Ocean Pines Camera Club that meets on the second Monday of the month in the Ocean Pines Library at 7 p.m. She is pictured with Kiwanis President Bob Wolfing.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

Casablanca a timeless classic

Editor,

A magnificent film! I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen “Casablanca” and thought his (writer Peter Ayres Wimbrow) readers would have enjoyed this update tidbit.

As, I believe, pointed out in Noah Isenberg’s “We’ll always have Casablanca” (2017), Mr. Wimbrow could have had some fun with exposing the wonderfully ludicrous centerpiece of the “stranded refugees” subplot when … Peter Lorre, petty crook Ugarte, boasts to Bogart’s ‘Rick’ of “Letters of Transit,” signed by Free-French Gen. Charles de Gaulle, which cannot be rescinded.

The letters allow any bearer to travel freely through German-occupied Europe and to neutral Portugal; they are priceless to the refugees stranded in Casablanca.

However, you don’t always get what you pay for: Casablanca is within ‘Vichy France’, the French state headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II. Vichy adopted a policy of collaboration with Nazi Germany. Gen. Charles de

Gaulle, head of the exiled FreeFrench in London, is Vichy’s sworn enemy who considers all Vichy’s leaders to be traitors.

As such, being caught with Gen. de Gaulle’s Letters of Transit in Vichy territory would confine your travel to the nearest jail to await further prosecution!

Dan Fichter Ocean City

Margaritaville needs better planning

Editor,

Recent reviews by Planning & Zoning of Ocean City has shown a definite lack of foresight and/or planning.

Think Margaritaville project or planned project at inlet.

Parking should be a major consideration for both proposals.

Think parking garages … Does lease with Winsdsor Resorts/Trimper have renewal options? Is it in perpetuity? Parcel is small.

Margaritaville is large. Parking garage would be no problem.

Parking on street at taxpayer’s expense. No meters exist.

When OC town limits were extended to the Delaware line decades ago, little consideration above 62nd Street given. Curb cuts are too close to Coastal Highway. Think 133rd Street for one.

No more parking waivers. Same “Old Boy Family Network Attorney” usually represents developers or petitioner, ordinances written decades ago ....”parking experts” do reviews during February. Is this a peak time?

Check minutes of previous meetings for confirmation.

We all support growth, but must be controlled with foresight.

Robert R. Hemp, Jr. Ocean City

No evidence wind projects harm whales

Editor,

Here are some critical facts regarding offshore wind projects and the safety of whales.

Scientists from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and independent academic institutions have all stated that there is “no evidence” that

offshore wind vessels caused any whale mortalities.

Off the Maryland-Delaware coast, offshore wind companies finished their geophysical surveys at sea nearly a year ago with no marine mammal incidents.

Their vessels include protected species observers who watch for whales and other protected species and halt work when they are in the area.

Whale mortalities are also occurring in North Carolina, Florida, Oregon, and California — states that have no offshore wind projects at all.

In fact, the fourth whale to wash ashore on the West Coast was found Sunday.

Marine mammals do face severe threats. NOAA has stated that entanglements in commercial fishing gear — not offshore wind — are the primary cause of North Atlantic right whale mortalities.

Whales are also known to be moving closer to commercial shipping lanes in pursuit of another food source, menhaden, which puts them at greater risk of encountering commercial cargo ships.

Continued on Page 44

Tough road ahead for sports complex

When the mayor and City Council of Ocean City open a discussion next week about whether to invite the Maryland Stadium Authority to present details of their sports complex study to the public, the obvious question is what do they hope to accomplish by doing it.

Presumably, the City Hall’s strongest proponents of a major facility out on Route 50, or somewhere else close by, hope that a line-by-line explanation of the costs and benefits of a complex will change the minds of opponents by simply giving them more information or by convincing them through increased public pressure that backing the proposal is in their best political interests.

The odds of the latter occurring, however, fall somewhere between slim and none, because of the inward-looking nature of voters in all the commissioner districts.

It’s unlikely, for instance, that Snow Hill and Pocomoke residents can be brought around to Ocean City’s way of thinking, because of their long-held notion that “Ocean City gets everything.”

It is not Ocean City’s fault, of course, that it was born with a beach, an ocean and a great tourist base from which to draw, or that it pays a huge chunk of the county’s bills because of its popularity. Still, it’s that feeling of being left out that influences south county voters and the people they elect.

As for some of the other commissioners who oppose the sports complex, their reasons involve an unwavering antispending philosophy that obviously resonates with their voters.

Essentially, this discussion is all about risks and rewards, and while the sports complex study update sees great rewards and little risk, it fails to answer the critical question for residents of Ocean Pines, Bishopville and, to some extent Berlin, “What’s in it for me?”

That’s the question a public examination of the study will have to answer if the council wants to sway some commissioners’ votes. Absent that, the only course for the mayor and council would be to convince their constituents that they and the state could handle the job on their own.

Ocean City Today

EDITOR Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska, Cindy Hoffman

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier Amanda Shick

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER Nancy MacCubbin

SENIOR DESIGNER Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTIST Kelly Brown

PUBLISHER........................................ Christine Brown

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Gini Tufts

Money for the asking

We must be doing something right around here judging from my email, which shows that we — as in this newspaper — have been preapproved for somewhere around $270 million in small business funding if I Apply Now!

It’s true. Every day I receive at least six or seven notices from various institutions and government agencies telling me that I have been pre-approved for a low-interest — repeat: low interest — loan of $654,000 or more just by asking for it.

By Stewart Dobson

That is, of course, assuming I “Don’t Miss This Incredible Opportunity” and “Apply Now!”

The way I see it, this $270 million will be just enough to get us through the year, given the cost of things these days and my propensity for wild spending:

“Get me a box of 12 Ticonderoga #2 pencils, and hang the cost. I don’t care! Hahahahahaha!”

Maybe I should, though, because inflation has driven the cost of a gross of Ticonderoga #2s up to around $32, as compared to what they used to cost, which was nothing because you just took them off someone else’s desk when they weren’t around.

Still, with my $270 million loan, I should be able to afford pencils and all kinds office supply whatnots beyond my wildest dreams.

If you think I’m lying, just ask “Janine,” who virtually swore in her email that I could have $669,000 by the end of the day.

That’s what I call real walking-around

money.

I mean, I could walk into a bar, tell the bartender to buy the house a drink, plop down $669,000 and say, “Take it out of that, sir.” You have to admit that it’s tempting.

And then there’s good ol’ Nicholas, who, interestingly, seemed to work at the same place as Janine, if the email address is any indication.

Still, it looks as if Nicholas missed the staff meeting, because he only offered $664,000.

Stephen, on the other hand, informed me that he had $669,000 set aside for me, which would make sense, considering he could be reached at the same phone number as Janine. I guess they share a desk.

Coming in a little low, though, was Casey with his $644,000, and again this appeared to be a mistake, since he also was emailing from the same workplace as Nicholas, as was Robert, Falecia, Lorenzo and Daphne.

So, for just the last week alone, from last Friday to Thursday of this week, I have well more than $5 million I can tap into if I Apply Now!, which means not only could I walk into a bar and say, “Set ‘em for the house,” I could add, “And get something nice for yourself as well.”

All these years I thought getting your hands on a lot of money required hard work, only to discover that I can Ponzi scheme my way to financial stardom by using one loan to pay off another.

I should point out, though, that I am somewhat skeptical of these offers.

Yes, they do sound inviting, but I just got an email from Justin, who says I can get up to $50 million by the afternoon. It kind of makes you wonder why the others are holding back.

Continued from Page 42

The foremost threat is ocean acidification caused by a changing climate.

Ocean acidification is associated with a 50 percent drop in the krill populations that are a critical whale food source. Transitioning to clean energy sources like offshore wind enables us to reduce our dependence on the fossil fuels that acidify our oceans. Whales deserve our protection but protecting them can only happen if we have a clear understanding of the facts and the actual threats they face. Only then can we all work together toward sensible solutions.

Anna Henderson Executive Director Offshore Wind Alliance

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397

Natal Conference was 80 years ago

(Jan. 27, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, the President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, met the President of Brazil, Getúlio Vargas, aboard the USS Humboldt.

The Humboldt was a small seaplane tender, which had been commissioned on Oct. 7, 1941.

For the Conference, the Humboldt was docked at the Potenji River harbor in Natal, the capital of, and the largest city in, the state of Rio Grande do Norte, which currently has a population of 890,000.

The city lies at the mouth of the Potenji River on the Atlantic Ocean and is the closest South American city to Europe and Africa.

Following the conclusion of the Casablanca Conference in Casablanca, Morocco, the president began his return to the U.S. in the same Boeing 314 Clipper Flying Boat, named “The Dixie Clipper,” that had transported him to Morocco.

On the return, he flew first to Liberia on Jan. 27, 1943. From there, “The Dixie Clipper” flew him to Natal, on Jan. 28, where he met with President Vargas of the República dos Estados Unidos do Brazil.

He was accompanied by Gen.

George C. Marshall and trusted advisor Harry Hopkins.

The Dixie Clipper departed Natal the next day, and stopped in Trinidad for the evening, before flying to Miami. There, he boarded his special train, the Ferdinand Magellan, for the trip back to Washington and the White House.

At the outbreak of war in Europe, Brazil had declared its neutrality.

Even after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Brazil, although cooperating with the United States, resisted active participation in the war.

The Germans did not believe that it would. Hitler went so far as to say, “A snake will sit up and smoke a pipe before Brazil enters the war.”

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer Getulio Vargas

But then, in August 1942, U-507, commanded by Harro Schacht, torpedoed, and sank, in less than 10 days, seven Brazilian ships, including four passenger ships, resulting in more than 600 Brazilian deaths, prompting demonstrations all over the country advocating war.

On Aug. 22, 1942, “The snake sat up and smoked a pipe,” as Brazil declared war.

At the Natal Conference, President Vargas told President Roosevelt that Brazil wished to send a corps and fighter squadron to fight alongside the Allies in Europe, but would have to be equipped and trained by the Americans.

On July 31, 1943, the Brazilian Minister of War, Gen. Eurico Gaspar Dutra, announced to the Brazilian public that Brazil would be sending troops to fight with the Allies.

Many of the other South American countries, especially Argentina, were opposed to this since they knew that the soldiers would return well equipped, highly trained, and battlehardened after fighting with, and against, the best soldiers in the world. It would be the most powerful force on the South American continent.

Ultimately, the total strength of the Fora Expedicionária Brasileira was 25,345. President Vargas’ desire to send a corps proved unrealistic, so it was scaled back to a division.

The Divisáo de Infantaria Expedicionária contained three regiments: Sampaio, from Rio de Janerio; Ipiranga, from Sáo Paulo; and Tiradentes from Minas Gerais, the second most populous state located in southeastern Brazil.

The first Brazilian soldiers, from Sampaio, departed Rio de Janeiro and arrived at Naples on July 16, 1944. It was commanded by Gen. Zenóbio da Costa.

Upon arrival in Italy, the Sampaio infantry regiment would be a part of the U.S. Fifth Army, commanded by Gen. Mark Clark.

The Fighter Squadron, known as the Senta á Pua Squadron, would be

a part of the U.S. Twelfth Air Force, commanded by John K. Cannon. The remaining two regiments, commanded by Gens. Osvaldo Corderio de Farias and Falconiere da Kunha, arrived in Naples on Oct. 6. Eleven days later, the troops received a visit from Gen. Dutra, who ordered the issuance of the “smoking snake” shoulder patch.

On Nov. 1, 1944, all of the Brazilian forces were united in line under the command of Gen. João Baptista Mascarenhas de Morais.

Later that month, in an attempt to capture Bologna before Christmas, Gen. Clark ordered the IV Corps, commanded by Baltimore-born Gen.Willis D. Crittenberger, to assault the Gothic Line three times — Nov. 24, Nov. 29 and Dec. 12.

The Brazilians went forward three times and each time they were repulsed. Gen. Mascarenhas de Morais ordered a rest and refit rotation, for his men, in Florence.

In the meantime, Gen. Crittenberger, on Feb. 19, 1945, ordered the Encore Plan initiated.

The responsibility of the Brazilians, together with the green U.S. 10th Mountain Division, in that plan, was to conquer Monte Castello, which was defended by a battalion from the Wehrmacht’s 232nd Infantry Division, commanded by Baron Eccard von Gablenz.

On Feb. 21, 1945, they did just that. The 3200-foot high Monte Castello is located 30 miles north of the 2000-year-old city of Pistoia, in Tuscany.

Three days later the Division captured La Serra. On March 5, the Brazilians captured Castelnuovo.

The Allies launched their spring offensive on April 14. The objective for the Brazilians was the capture of the town of Montesse in the province of Modina, which today has a population of 3,500.

Today there is a neighborhood in

OBITUARIES

EDWARD HURD

Ocean Pines

Edward H. Hurd of Ocean Pines, Maryland, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at Coastal Hospice, Stansell House in Ocean Pines.

Born Nov. 10, 1930 at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Francis C. Hurd and Josephine Hurd of Montclair, New Jersey.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Johanna M. Hurd of Ocean Pines, Maryland; daughters, Christina Harrigan, of Berlin, Maryland, Lauren Wieghorst of Shelburne, Vermont, and Amy DiTullio of Big Sky, Montana; and five grandchildren, Gavin Harrigan, Johanna Wieghorst, and Drew, Anthony and Dominic Di Tullio.

Ed graduated from Montclair High School and earned a BA degree from Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey.

Upon Graduation from Upsala, he served in the Army during the Korean conflict and received an Honorable Discharge. A Celebration of Life service is planned for Feb. 18, 2023 at 3 p.m. at the Community Church of Ocean Pines in Berlin, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Edward H. Hurd may be directed to: Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21802; or Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

STANLEY BRASURE MCCABE Ocean City

Stanley Brasure McCabe, age 79, of Ocean City, Maryland, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at home.

He was born in Berlin, Maryland, and was the son of the late John William McCabe and Madelyn Brasure McCabe.

Stanley graduated from the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy (‘67) and was a pharmacist for 52 years. For 38 years, he owned and operated Bailey’s Pharmacy located on the corner of 8th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City.

At 15 years old, Stanley began working as a stock clerk for the previous business owner.

He bought the store in 1973 and operated the only independent pharmacy in the area until his retirement in 2011.

A past member of the Ocean City Marlin Club, he enjoyed fishing and everything about being on the water.

For years, he sponsored a team, Bailey’s Hookers, in local fishing tournaments.

Stanley had a great sense of humor and

never hesitated to do things for other people. He was compassionate and selfless.

He shared his time and talent with so many throughout his career and retirement, but he always made time to be there for family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Warren McCabe; his children, Kim Justice (Lester) of Bishopville, Maryland, and Kevin McCabe (Kim) of Ocean City, Maryland; his granddaughters, Alli Hudson (Brian) and Madelyn Frohm (Phillip); his grandsons, Gavin McCabe and Graham McCabe; and his brother, John McCabe (Donna) of Fort Myers, Florida.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 24, 2023 at Bishop Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Delaware. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Atlantic General Hospital, Pulmonary Care Program, 9733 Healthway Dr., Berlin, Maryland 21811.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

MICHAEL CHARLES NARDONE, JR. Ocean City

Michael Charles Nardone, Jr., 77, of Ocean City, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at TidalHealth Hospital.

Michael was born Nov. 4, 1945, in Harrisburg Pennsylvania to Michael and Lucille Nardone.

He graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in 1963 and then served in the United States Army until 1967.

Michael was blessed with a daughter, Christina, on Nov. 16, 1971, from his first marriage.

He spent the first half of his career life in the fast food industry as regional vice president of Burger King until he found his true passion as a PGA golf instructor.

Anyone who knows him knows his first love is for the game.

He worked for 15 years at the Ocean City Golf Club, where he also had the good fortune of meeting his beautiful wife, Brenda. They married on Oct. 21, 2005.

He was currently employed with Plantation Lakes up until his passing.

Michael is survived by his wife, Brenda Nardone; daughter, Christina Cumbie and her husband, Buna Cumbie; two step-daughters, Deanna and Lucy Collins; sister, Lucy Nardone; niece, Michelle Latinak; grandniece, Shaylynn Tompkins; grandnephew, Corey Tompkins and his wife, Maria Tompkins; three step-grandchildren, Taylor Collins, Brooke Drinnon and Bo Dickey; step-great-granddaughter, Zy’lah Corbett; and two cousins, Lisa Yakobitis and Joseph La Cava.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Lucille Nardone; brother, John Zarno; and step-grandson, Devin Collins.

REVEREND REUEL LANPHIER HOWE, JR. Lewisburg

Reverend Reuel “Lanny” Lanphier Howe, Jr., 79, of Lewisburg, passed away Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023.

Rev. Lanny was born March 9, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Rev. Reuel Lanphier Howe and Marjorie Martin Stryke Howe.

Rev. Lanny was a graduate of Olivet College, Temple University, and Lancaster Theological Seminary.

He has been serving the Lord for over 40 years, most recently as the minister at Alderson Presbyterian church for the last 12 years.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda Jane Halliday Howe; daughter, Sara Howe of Stanley, North Carolina; son, Doug Howe and wife, Kristi, of Colorado Springs, Col-

Continued on Page 46

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 44

the Brazilian city of Fortaleza, named Montesse, in honor of the soldiers who died in taking Montesse.

On April 22, 1945, the Brazilians occupied Vignola, which today has a population of 25,000.

Four days later, the towns of Collecchio and Fornovo, were captured, which resulted in the surrender to the Brazilians on April 30, 1945 of the 148th Infantry Division, commanded by Otto Fretter-Pico.

The Brazilians met the French in Turin, on May 2, and learned that the Germans, in Italy, had surrendered.

Now it was time to go home.

The first Brazilian soldiers left Italy on July 12, 1945, with the last leaving on Oct. 13, 1945, having lost 451 killed in action (who are buried at the WWII Memorial in Río de Janeiro), 58 missing in action.

Força Expedicionária Brasileira also suffered 1,577 wounded.

On July 18, 1945, the first returning Brazilian troops paraded in Río de Janeiro. Shortly after addressing the troops, President Vargas ordered them disbanded, because he was concerned they were a threat to his power. Gen. Mascarenhas de Morais became a marshal, the highest rank in the Brazilian military, in 1946.

NEXT WEEK: Chindits

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.

Edward Hurd

Stanley McCabe

M. Nardone, Jr.

Rev. R. Howe, Jr.

Continued from Page 45

orado; grandchildren, Kira, Keaton and Kate Howe; step-daughters, Tiffany J. Halliday and husband, Jim Greene, of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Amanda J. Myers of Castle Rock, Colorado; stepgrandchildren, James Ian Myers and Talus Frederick; sister, Marjorie Goldstein of Centennial, Colorado; and niece, Jen Frank of Centennial, Colorado.

A Memorial Service was held at the Alderson Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, with the Reverend Sam Groves officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Rev. Lanny Howe’s honor to the Alderson Ministerial Association.

Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is assisting the family with Pastor Lanny’s wishes. Send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.

JOHN EDWARD FISHER, III

Ocean City

John Edward Fisher, III, age 74, of Ocean City, Maryland, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 in Bradenton, Florida.

He was born on Aug. 4, 1948. in Washington, D.C. and was the son of the late John Edward Fisher Jr. and Jean Evelyn (Beach) Fisher.

John graduated from Northwestern Senior High School in

1966.

He then enlisted in the Air Force in August of 1966, and was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. John was honorably discharged after serving for five years.

John retired as a master firefighter for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service after 25 years. His distinguished service as an active volunteer firefighter was one that lasted for over 58 years.

He served as chief of Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department, Brentwood Volunteer Fire Department, Cottage City Volunteer Fire Company, and most recently, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

John also had a passion for teaching, and was an instructor for the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute of The University of Maryland for 45 years.

He is survived by his three children, daughter, Jennifer (Michael) Hickman of Berlin, Maryland, and sons, John E. Fisher IV of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Jason (Kristen) Fisher of Bowie, Maryland; two brothers, James Fisher of Huntingtown, Maryland, and Jeffrey Fisher of North Beach, Maryland; four sisters, Jeanette Colea of Owings, Maryland, Joanne Wargo of Owings, Maryland, Julie Smart of Huntingtown, Maryland, and Janice Cooke of Brandywine, Maryland; and two grandchildren, Kendall and Jakob Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Janet Lucille (Granzow) Fisher, in January 2021.

A Mass will be held at noon on Satur-

day, Jan. 28, 2023 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 9903 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

Friends may call one hour before the service.

A Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland 20722.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

JOSEPH FITZPATRICK MALONE SR.

Ocean City

Joseph “Joe” Malone, 92, of Ocean City, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2023.

Joe was born on Dec. 21, 1930 in Ellicott City, Maryland, to Joseph and Martha Malone.

He raised his family in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He and his wife moved to Montego Bay in Ocean City after his retirement from Pantry Pride.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Doris Malone, as well as his sister, Grace Morissette.

He leaves behind his son, Joseph Malone Jr. and his partner, Gaylea; daughter, Denise Romano and her husband, Nick;

$1,445.

grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaitlin and Michael Romano, and Kimberly Warfield; and sisters, Rose Burns and Jenny Uhl.

Joe was a dedicated Orioles fan, watching every game, win or lose. He loved his weekly pinochle games with friends at the senior center.

Good weather meant fishing and crabbing on the bay. Many neighbors enjoyed crabs steamed by Joe.

You would often find Joe sitting on his porch passing the time with family and friends, watching the tides ebb and flow. He will be missed.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

CALVINA W. FISHER

Ocean City

Calvina W. Fisher, age 91, passed away at her home in Ocean City on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023.

Born in Ocean City, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Calvin and Katie Wainwright.

Calvina was a key part of the family business, Fisher’s Popcorn, for decades. She was actively involved right up until the end, monitoring things remotely. Her employees over the years became like her own kids. She taught them everything from how to count change to the importance of quality and honesty.

The entire Fisher’s staff both current and over the 65 years benefitted from her leadership and guidance.

She is survived by three children, Cindy Twilley (Ed), Marty Hall (Bill) and Don Fisher (Becky); seven grandchildren, Will Hall (Samantha), Corey Hall (Mary Beth), Russell Hall (Michelle), Carrie Hall-Hunsucker (Dan), Hannah Fisher, Courtney Fisher and Ross Fisher; a special niece, Patsy Taylor; and a nephew, Phillip Simpson.

She is also survived by six greatgrandchildren and her caregivers, Darlene Ragman, Geraldine Blake, Cheryl Leonard, Sandy Ballard and Pam Bobst.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Donald R. Fisher, Sr.; a sister, Lorraine Bowden’ and a granddaughter, Stephanie Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, Station 5, P.O. Box 27, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th St. Ocean City, Maryland 21842; or Coastal Hospice, 2604 Old Ocean Blvd. Salisbury, Maryland 21804.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin. Rev. George Patterson will officiate.

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

John Fisher, III

J. Malone, Sr.

Calvina Fisher

Decatur wrestling squad gets victory on Senior Night

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team celebrated its seniors on Wednesday evening, then topped it off with a 51-15 victory over the Kent Island Buccaneers in Berlin.

“They wrestled well. We knew Kent Island was going to be tough, so we just tried to prepare and get hard practices in this week, and we just went out there and wrestled,” said Decatur Coach Josh August. “They just fought through positions … Our guys that needed to get pins got pins. We had a couple guys out tonight and the backups still came through and got wins. It was just hard wrestling, tough wrestling.”

Junior Parker Intrieri started things off with a pin, with 41 seconds left in the second period of his 170pound match. Sophomore Nate McDaniel then won, 5-4, over his 182-pound competition.

Kent Island earned a pin at 195 pounds, then the Buccaneers forfeited the 220-pound match.

Senior Eden McMullen pinned his 285-pound opponent in just 18 sec-

onds, then sophomore Mike Hoos won, 9-3, at 106 pounds.

Sophomore Juan Hinojosa pinned his 113-pound opponent with 44.6 seconds remaining in the second period.

Kent Island scored a 5-1 decision at 120 pounds.

Junior Reid Caimi boosted Decatur’s advantage to 36-9 with a pin with 1:39 left in the second period of his 126-pound match.

The Buccaneers forfeited the 132pound match, then won the 138- and 145-pound competitions, 6-0, and 54, respectively.

Senior Evan Haworth outscored his 152-pound opponent, 9-5, then junior captain Gavin Solito finished the meet, pinning his 160-pound competition in just 56 seconds.

The undefeated (10-0) Decatur squad will travel to North East, Maryland, today, Friday, for a meet with Rising Sun and C. Milton Wright at 4 p.m.

“We got two hard matches coming up on Friday. We have to wrestle better than we did tonight,” August said. “We just have to fix a few things. I know that they’re going to come out, they want to win … We’ve got to go out there and score as many points as we can, get pins, don’t give up pins, and wrestle hard for six minutes.”

SD Seahawks put 72 points on board ‘playing together’

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Jan. 27, 2023) The unbeaten Stephen Decatur Lady Seahawks played together as a unit on the basketball court and their efforts helped produce a 72-37 victory over the Washington Jaguars on Monday in

Berlin.

“The girls have just been real unhappy with their individual efforts in terms of executing our offense, but tonight we did a lot better in terms of executing the things we’re trying to do,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Decatur junior Parker Intrieri kicked things off pinning Kent Island’s Nick Morey with 41 seconds left in the second period of their 170-pound match on Wednesday.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

(Left) Stephen Decatur sophomore Nate McDaniel pulled out a 5-4 victory over his 182-pound Kent Island competition, Jon Crutchley, during Wednesday’s meet in Berlin. (Right) Senior Evan Haworth outscored his 152-pound opponent, Chase Kelley, 9-5.

Josh August

Girls challenged to ‘have each other’s backs’

Continued from Page 47

“Seventy-two is a number that reflects the fact that they were playing together out there as a team.”

Decatur put 21 points on the board in the first quarter and held Washington to six. At halftime, the home team led 36-16.

After three quarters, the Seahawk held a 60-25 advantage.

“Coming out here we wanted to just really be ourselves, we really want to make sure our girls are playing as a team and sticking together and I think the first half we did OK, but defensively, we know we can be better,” Kurtz said. “We’re one of the few teams that plays man-to-man defense in the Bayside and there’s principles that you have to do to be successful in that defense … it’s about having each other’s backs.

“We just challenge them to have each other’s backs, and it’s all just an effort-based thing,” he continued. “You have to want to do the extra thing to help your teammate if you’re going to play man defense and we weren’t doing that in the first half. We got lucky because Washington didn’t hit as many shots as they could have – the game could have been a lot tighter – but we tightened things up in the second half.”

Nine of 11 Seahawks scored at least one basket. Senior captain Mayah Garner led Decatur with 21 points. She also had eight rebounds, four steals, one block and one assist.

Sophomore Allison Swift contributed with 18 points, seven rebounds, three steals, three assists and a block.

Freshman Jozlyn Tyre had 10 points, three rebounds, two steals and a block.

Sophomore Sam Boger added seven points, three rebounds and three assists.

Senior captain Shelby Rosemond chipped in with six points, seven rebounds, seven steals and five assists.

“We put a lot of effort out there, we work really hard in practices and the last few games we just haven’t been able to convert [so] 72 points, it’s good to see that number up there,” Kurtz said.

Decatur will take a trip to Crisfield to play the Crabbers today, Friday, at 5 p.m. On Tuesday, the Seahawks will host the Pocomoke Warriors at 5:30 p.m.

Seahawks avenge early-season loss

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team went into Tuesday’s game on the road against the Washington Jaguars hungry to avenge the Dec. 14 overtime, 83-77, loss, and the Seahawks did just that.

“We went in with the mentality that we wanted redemption. The kids were up for it,” Decatur Coach BJ Johnson said after the 76-62 victory.

“[In the second matchup] we didn’t allow them to get easy baskets, and we had [several players] out with injuries [in the first game].”

On Tuesday in Princess Anne, Washington led 17-15 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the score was tied 30-30.

Decatur turned it up in the third quarter, outscoring Washington, 2619, to pull ahead 56-49.

The Seahawks put 20 points on the board in the final quarter to the Jaguars’ 13.

“It was a tale of two halves,” Johnson said. “In the first half, we weren’t playing bad. They were making shots, we were making shots.

“In the second half we made some adjustments,” he continued. “We were playing man defense in the first half. In the second half we went fullcourt press back into 2-3 zone. That caused them some trouble.”

Junior captain Brycen Coleman led Decatur with 30 points. He also had 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists.

“Brycen had a great game. He carried us the whole night,” Johnson said.

Sophomore Davin Chandler chipped in with 21 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and

a block.

Sophomore Zakhari Baker contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals and an assist.

“I thought we rebounded the ball exceptionally well. We were able to get the quick transition and get easy baskets, and we made free throws, which is important,” Johnson added. “We have been struggling from the free-throw line, but [Tuesday] we were on it. It helped us keep a lead.”

The Seahawks were 17-for-25 from the foul line (68 percent).

“Our pressure defense caused them some problems,” Johnson said. “We were able to take them out of their comfort zone.”

Decatur will travel to Pocomoke on Monday to play the Warriors at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, the Seahawks will head to Oak Hill, Virginia, to face the Arcadia Firebirds at 7 p.m.

Coaches pleased with performance

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Stephen Decatur indoor track teams both scored the most points in a meet that they have all season during the Bayside Conference championship, held last Wednesday at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill.

“I was very happy with how both

the girls’ and boys’ teams performed at the Bayside Conference meet,” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel.

Both teams placed 10th out of 15 schools represented.

“We scored more points in this meet than we had scored in any previous meets, which was rewarding for our athletes who have been working hard all season,” Hommel said. “Our

coaching staff was even more happy to see the majority of our athletes PR at this meet, which demonstrates continued growth and improvement late into the season.”

Parkside won the boys’ competition, scoring 97.5 points. Kent Island finished in second with 78 points, followed by Cambridge in third with 60.

Scott Kurtz

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

(Left) Senior captain Mayah Garner led Decatur with 21 points. She also had eight rebounds, four steals, one block and one assist. (Right) Freshman Jozlyn Tyre had 10 points, three rebounds, two steals and a block in the 72-37 victory over Washington on Monday in Berlin.

Boys’ 4x200 relay team, Fitzgerald, Woroniecki medal

Continued from Page 48

Decatur tallied 23 points to come in 10th place.

Decatur athletes who scored points for placing eighth or better in events were: sophomore Brandon Fitzgerald (high jump, 5 feet 6 inches, third), junior Waylon Hobgood (55meter dash, 6.86 seconds (PR), sixth) and senior Nick Purnell (shot put, 38 feet .50 inches, seventh).

Hobgood, seniors Jaden Holland and Riley Calloway, and sophomore Ethan Cowder took third in the 800meter relay race (1:41.66).

Fitzgerald, Cowder, Calloway and sophomore Alex Ward crossed the finish line sixth overall in the 1,600meter relay event (4:04.86).

Seniors Evan Justice and Nick Moreno, sophomore Brandon Karvoski and freshman Collin Pennington finished in sixth place in the 3,200-meter relay race (9:48.60).

“The boys’ team continues to improve in several events …” Hommel said.

Kent Island won the girls’ competition, scoring 148 points. Parkside was runner-up with 83.5 points, followed by Snow Hill in third with 43.5 points.

Decatur recorded 19 points to

come in 10th.

Junior Macy Woroniecki was Decatur’s lead scorer again, earning points in all four events she participated in.

Woroniecki earned a silver medal in the 3,200-meter race, for her second-place finish (13:07.46). She took sixth in the 1,600-meter event (5:54).

Junior Tiara McDonald came in eighth in the 500-meter run (1:31.88).

Woroniecki, sophomores Alessandra Fernandez and Nevaeh Horton,

and freshman Ellie Cheynet crossed the finish line fifth overall in the 3,200-meter relay race (11:32.10).

“The 4 x 800 relay team improved by nearly 30 seconds with the addition of Nevaeh Horton to the team,” Hommel said.

McDonald, Woroniecki, Horton and junior Kyleigh Powell took seventh in the 1,600-meter relay event (5:15).

Junior Sauna Vick joined McDonald, Powell and Cheynet for the 800-

meter relay race. They placed eighth with a time of 2:07.80.

The next meet is the 3A East Regional championship at the Baltimore Armory, beginning at 4 p.m. on Feb. 7.

“Overall, both teams continue to work hard at practice, and it is great to see many of our newcomers improving as well,” Hommel said. “With continued effort, I would be thrilled to see several of our runners score at the Maryland 3A East Regional meet.”

PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA HOMMEL

Several Stephen Decatur indoor track athletes earned medals or ribbons for placing eighth or better in their events during the Bayside Conference championship, held last Wednesday at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. Pictured, from left, are the 4x200 relay team of senior Jaden Holland, sophomore Ethan Cowder, junior Waylon Hobgood and senior Riley Calloway (third place), sophomore Brandon Fitzgerald (high jump, third), and junior Macy Woroniecki, who earn points in all four events she participated in (3,200-meter race, second; 1,600, sixth; 3,200 relay, fifth; 1,600 relay, seventh).

SD swimmers wrap up regular season, Bayside meet up next Interesting, humorous stories about surfing in resort area

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Jan. 27, 2023) The Stephen Decatur swim teams wrapped up regular-season competition last Thursday against the Easton Warriors, as the Seahawks now prepare for the Bayside Conference championship meet.

“[It] was also our Senior Night, so there was a lot of love on the pool deck between all of our teammates as we are graduating eight seniors, whom most of have been swimming together for longer than their four high school years,” said Decatur Coach Kristina Watts.

The Decatur boys’ team won, 9459, in their home pool at the Pocomoke YMCA.

“The boys’ team had a dominating performance, winning a majority of the events,” Watts said.

Seahawks who came in first place in their individual races were: senior captain Gavin Stearn (50-yard freestyle, 22.28 seconds; 100-yard breaststroke, 1:05.87), junior captain

Daniel Karcheuski (100-yard butterfly, 54.88 seconds; 200-yard freestyle, 1:55.66), and sophomore Gavin Conway (100-yard backstroke, 1:06.47).

Stearn, Conway, Karcheuski and junior Mason Castanares came in first place in the 200-yard medley relay race (1:48). The boys also won the 200-yard freestyle relay event (1:38.72).

The Decatur girls’ squad lost to Easton, 68-102.

“This was the toughest competition our girls’ team has faced this year, but that pushed our girls to get season-best times and show their racing abilities,” Watts said.

Senior captain Katelyn Pizlo scored the only victory for Decatur. She took first in the 100-yard backstroke event (1:12.31).

Decatur will join the other Bayside teams for the conference championship meet on Saturday, Feb. 4, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cambridge YMCA.

“We will have a week of solid workouts still, and then the following week we will lessen the intensity of the workouts only slightly and focus on our starts and turns,” Watts said.

‘Spec Tennis’ founder visits Ocean Pines Racquet Center

(Jan. 27, 2023) “Spec Tennis” inventor Nate Gross visited the Ocean Pines Racquet Center on Dec. 21, where he spoke with players, signed autographs, and played several rounds of the new sport.

A tennis pro at the Belvedere Tennis Club in Tiburon, California, Gross invented Spec Tennis in 2016 by combining elements of tennis, racquetball, beach tennis, pop tennis, table tennis and pickleball.

“I played a little bit of paddle tennis in Venice Beach as a kid, and I was basically trying to play that in Northern California,” Gross said. “I was trying to play on pickleball courts with my dad, but the equipment we were using wasn’t quite right. The court was smaller, so we needed to slow it down. So, I started playing around with different paddles and different balls.”

Gross said he settled on a platform tennis paddle and an orange-dot tennis ball, and the new sport evolved from there.

“I started having fun with it, and I invited some tennis friends out to play in a tournament and they seemed to have a lot of fun too. From there, it kind of went full steam ahead,” he said.

Spec Tennis became part of the regular offerings in Ocean Pines last

year.

Gross said the advantage of the sport is that it’s easy to learn.

“You can have fun on day one –you don’t have to have private instruction,” he said. “You can also play with people at different levels, so families can play together, and husbands and wives can play together, just because it’s easier to find the sweet spot on the shorter paddle.

“It’s quick, so you can get a good workout in a short amount of time, and you can really play anywhere,” Gross continued. “They’re playing here on platform tennis courts, but you can play on pickleball courts or tennis courts – really any hard surface.”

Gross said the name “didn’t really have a meaning at first.”

“I just wanted a one-syllable name like ‘spec,’ but now it’s come to take on a meaning of ‘tennis, with specifications for anybody,’” he said. “You can just be watching from the bench and come on and have a good amount of success, unlike regular tennis where it might take a long time with lessons and drilling, before you feel like you’re able to play in a real game.”

Gross said the response to Spec Tennis has been amazing.

“We just had our first U.S. Open in

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Jan. 20, 2023) I’ve heard some rather interesting and humorous stories about surfing in this area.

It seems like surfers enjoy “talk story,” as the Hawaiians would say, and this area can easily fall into that category.

One has to do with water temperature and it isn’t necessarily exclusive to the coldest winter months.

“I’m not going into the water if the temperature of that water is below my age,” is the phrase that I’ve heard.

There are some who use this as a “yardstick” for measuring their tolerance to the water and therefore their surfing activity.

Now for the younger crew this can leave a lot of room if the story pertains to them, but I hear it mostly from older people.

The younger set might have a bit of trouble finding enough funds for good wetsuit gear, but they don’t seem to have a mantra of this age/water correlation. To them, it’s either cold or it isn’t.

There are other factors that can apply here.

The feeling, the stoke of surfing can have a direct connection to the conditions of the particular day.

It’s not only water temperature.

Many other factors can come into the picture. Tide, wind, swell size and swell direction are just a few that come to mind.

All of this will have to do with how the waves are breaking.

Being that nature plays such a large role, the surf will be subject to its vagaries.

“If it was summer time we’d be out there,” is a line I’ve often heard.

This naturally conjures up a picture of quality and is one that has been heard in the winter, therefore most related to colder conditions it would seem.

Coral Springs, Florida a couple of weeks ago, and there were about 75 players there,” he said. “And now to come out here [in Ocean Pines] and see all these banners up and people playing it, it’s pretty cool.”

Karen Kaplan started organizing Spec Tennis clinics in Ocean Pines last summer.

“I was so happy that the founder of Spec Tennis could pay us a visit today.

Now most any activity that is conducted outside will be subject, to some degree, to the outside conditions.

A good example would be spring training in baseball. That’s why it’s held in Florida and Arizona and why the standings for the exhibition games are referred to as the Grapefruit League and the Cactus League.

There would probably be some difficulty for the Minnesota Twins or Toronto Blue Jays to hold spring training in their respective locales, assuming that their facilities would be outside.

Golf is probably another example as I would think most golf course owners and workers would agree.

Another story involved a person I spoke to who claimed that he no longer surfed around here.

Apparently, he kept tabs on a particular spot “farther north,” and tried to get there any chance he had.

The conditions would have to at least be worthy, of course. There would have to be a chance of decent surf.

“Here’s my phone number,” he would say. “Do you want to go?” “Give me a call.”

I must admit that I was a bit taken aback by this person’s attitude but it didn’t take too long to understand his angle.

I knew about the particular spot that he was talking about and it quickly became obvious that he was using his surf time for the best quality that he could find even if it did require a lengthy road trip to get there.

It wasn’t that I agreed with him regarding the quality of the surf in this area but as was said, the understanding on my part came quickly.

Surfing icon Gerry Lopez recently wrote a book titled “Surf Is Where You Find It.”

Dare I say that the above examples/stories can be looked at as just that. Surf, indeed, is where, and when for that matter, you find it.

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

Since we’ve introduced Spec Tennis to the platform tennis courts, our membership has grown by a third and we have a new game for people to play. It’s great for all abilities, so if you used to play or want to play a racquet sport, come on down and join us.”

For more information on Spec Tennis in Ocean Pines, visit www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/spe c-tennis.

Kristina Watts