2//10/2023 Ocean City Today

THERAPY DOG AND FRIENDS

Brand program ready to launch

New logo will be popping up everywhere as ad agency, city roll out new marketing plan

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) The bright yellow and blue winking OC smiley face popping up everywhere from internal marketing materials to a billboard in Times Square is about to get more ubiquitous as leaders prepare for the official launch of the resort’s new brand.

While the graphic has received mixed reviews, including not-so-flattering comparisons to logos for brands such as Kraft Mac and Cheese and Wal Mart, those responsible for

County irate over school sex ed bill

Shock, dismay and anger with strong letter to follow

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners will be delivering a “strongly worded” letter to numerous state officials and politicians regarding their vehement opposition to the Maryland Comprehensive Health Education Framework bill.

The legislation now being debated in the Maryland General Assembly requires the state’s health and education departments to to develop a comprehensive health education framework that includes, at a minimum, specified topics, according to the bill’s fiscal note.

In turn, each local board of education in the state would have to develop an age-appropriate curriculum that is consistent with the framework. Under the proposed legislation, parents could opt their children out

the design want people to know it’s more than just a picture.

“We kind of send mixed messages. Who are we? We don’t really know,” Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters said during an update on the impending launch of the city’s new brand during a Tourism Commission meeting Monday.

“So what we’d like to do is to really start to put the brand out there so when people see the smile they know exactly that it means Ocean City, Maryland,” she continued.

The OC smiley face was unveiled during a soft reveal of the brand in November. Officials with marketing firm BVK,

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The Ocean City Fire Department’s new therapy dog, Max, poses with one of his two handlers, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician Ian Spice, left, Fire Chief Richard Bowers, right, and students from Ocean City Elementary School during his official debut Monday at the 14th Street station. See story on page 11.

Resort’s branding campaign will see logo posted all over

Continued from Page 1

who won the contract to overhaul the resort’s brand in December 2021 for $975,000, spent hours upon hours getting to know Ocean City, performing market research and interviewing stakeholders before coming up with the logo and “Somewhere to Smile About” tagline.

With plans to unveil all of the details of the brand in April, BVK and city staff have been teasing the materials for months, and hope to continue displaying them in more places.

Molly Wooten, a graphic designer for the tourism department, presented mockups of the logo on tram Jeeps and carts, Boardwalk signs, bus

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wraps, electric boxes and the town’s beach ball water tank. Waters said the goal is to incorporate “little touches” of the logo around the city so people begin to associate the resort with it.

Staff members are also encouraging business owners and organization leaders to embrace the brand. Waters commended the Art League of Ocean City for a recent call to artists asking them what makes them smile about Ocean City, playing off of the “Somewhere to Smile About” line.

In response to a commission member asking whether it was mandatory to display the smiley face

See GEHRIG Page 4

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Mockups of the OC smiley face are shown on Boardwalk signs during an update on the city’s new brand at Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting.

We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care. We

Commissioners appalled by sex ed concept

Continued from Page 1

of the curriculum, except for lessons that deal with the prevention of HIV and AIDS.

“The laws, regulations, and framework ensure students have access to scientifically and medically accurate information and that all students are treated equitably and with dignity and respect,” the Department of Education stated in a report released last year.

The report goes on to say that the goal of the curriculum is for students to comprehend concepts related to mental and emotional health, substance abuse prevention, family life and sexuality, safety and violence prevention, healthy eating and disease prevention and control.

Further, the legislation calls for students to be able to demonstrate an ability to access valid information,

products and services that enhance health; demonstrate interpersonal communication skills to reduce health risks; demonstrate healthy decision-making and goal-setting skills; demonstrate the ability to practice healthy behaviors that reduce or avoid health risks; and demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family and community health.

The commissioners, however, object to how the curriculum’s developers would have students meet those goals.

For instance, Commissioner Jim Bunting took umbrage with criteria from the report that states that students in the seventh grade should be able to “identify solo, vaginal, anal, and oral sex along with possible outcomes of each” in one example and students in the eighth grade should

be able to “identify proper steps to using barrier methods correctly.”

“This whole thing is really encroaching upon my opinion of what the family job is to do,” Bunting said. “Education should not be involved in this type of smut. I can’t tell you how. I just think this is wrong. If I was a young person and I had children pre-K to 8th grade, I would work three jobs just to pull them out of the county school system if this became a mandate.”

n’t hear anything like that unless you were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be,” Elder said. “I strongly support sending a letter, strongly worded, whatever we can come up with.”

Commissioner Caryn Abbott said the opt-out process is backward and that the whole curriculum should be offered on an opt-in basis.

Jim Bunting

Regarding parts of the framework that deal with gender identification from pre-K through the third grade, Bunting said “it’s kind of disgusting.”

Commissioner Ted Elder commended Bunting for “even being able to talk about this stuff in public” and concurred that it was “horrible” to expose children to this material.

“I’m sure most of us in this room, (when we were in school), you would-

“(That way) parents have the control in their corner and not vice versa,” she said. “I strongly oppose this bill.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino said that the bill will only stoke existing concerns that local taxpayer money shouldn’t be used to fund an education system teaching this material to children.

“This is abhorrent to all of us who live here in Worcester County, I believe,” Bertino said. “Yet another step forward in the state trying to take away the rights of parents. I believe (this is) victimizing the innocence of our children and denying parents a way to parent the way they see fit.”

Gehrig: logo just a ‘brand mark’

Continued from Page 3

graphic as opposed to older ones used over the years, Waters said it is “not recommended” to use previous logos.

Susan Jones, the executive director of the Hotel-Motel Restaurant Association, agreed that it is important to have a united front with the brand art.

“I think the more that we can embrace the smiley face as businesspeople the more the culture of kindness is going to be contagious throughout,” she said.

Councilman John Gehrig, who sits on the commission, pointed out that the logo is only one aspect of the overall brand and message.

“So, I know people have a lovehate thing with this smiley face, but that’s just the brand mark,” he said. “It’s not the brand. The brand is who we are. And our actions and how we interact has more to do with the brand than a sticker.”

He compared the simple smiley

face to logos like the Nike check mark and Target department store bullseye, which on their own do not look like much. But to members of the public, who have been inundated with the logos and now associate them with the brands, they are iconic.

“Nike’s brand, the check mark, such a lazy check mark, what is that? The Target bullseye, a circle with a dot, what is that, a nipple? You can criticize any brand mark that they now own,” Gehrig said. “ ... It’s not the brand. How they treat people is the brand.”

Waters also pointed out that Ocean City has never had an official brand or identity, thus the logo, accompanying tagline and everything that comes with them provides that.

“It’s so much more than just the smiley face,” she said. “And we can’t wait to show what we have planned in the upcoming months. Bear with us as we work out more details.”

Work schedule on Route 568

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will conduct a pipe replacement project on Route 568 (Hatchery Road) in Bishopville beginning Monday, Feb. 13, and concluding by Monday, Feb. 20, weather permitting.

As part of this project, crews will detour traffic around the project limits using Maryland and Delaware roadways. The detour will be in effect beginning 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13,

and will use the following routes: Route 367 (Bishopville Road) north into Delaware (becomes Hudson Road), continue straight past Lynch Road, left onto DE SR 54 (Lighthouse Road), continue on DE SR 54 past Lynch Road to Bishopville Road, and left onto Bishopville Road.

At each location, temporary traffic signs, reflective barrels and signs will alert and guide motorists through the See ROADWORK Page 6

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Snow Hill prepares to open ‘Legacy

Grant’

to applicants

(Feb. 10, 2023) The 2023 Community Legacy Grant will be opened during the monthly mayor and Town Council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the Old Fire Hall in Snow Hill.

This year’s grant will be available to commercial applicants for improvements to business properties, developing mixed-use projects, streetscape improvements, or the acquisition or improvement of vacant buildings.

A statement from the town said the application scoring process gives the highest ranking to projects that improve the value as well as the aesthetic and historical character of a business structure.

Projects that improve accessibility, health and safety, or business development will also receive high consideration.

Properties that lie within the town’s “Sustainable Community Boundary” are eligible to apply. This area includes nearly all of the properties within town limits.

A color map of the sustainable community boundaries will be distributed during the meeting.

Town officials said commercial property owners and business ten-

ants should attend the meeting to hear a grant information presentation.

An application guidance document and grant applications will be distributed.

These documents will also be available at Town Hall beginning Feb.15. Questions about the grant and inquiries for more information may be emailed to the Town’s Grants Administrator, John Rankin, at jrankin@snowhillmd.gov.

Roadwork means Route 568 detour

detour. SHA contractor Covington Machine and Welding Inc., of Annapolis, will perform the work.

The SHA reminded motorists that the side of the road is a dangerous place.

Cold winter months can take a toll on vehicle performance and operating systems, causing mechanical breakdown. Prevent breakdowns by ensuring all critical systems are in proper working order.

Continued from Page 4

Right-of-way petition signatures corrected

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) The number of legitimate signatures on a now-moot petition that would have called voters back to the polls to decide on the abandonment of a Baltimore Avenue right-of-way has grown by nearly 130 names following the correction of a “clerical error.”

At a council meeting Monday, City Clerk Diana Chavis read a letter from Election Board Chairwoman Mary Adeline Bradford stating that the number of approved signatures on the petition was 767, up 128 from the original 639 read into the record in January.

The letter said a “clerical error” was identified, prompting a review of the petition.

Bradford, who did not attend Monday’s meeting, said Tuesday that she and members of the election board recounted the signatures after

they were notified of the error. She did not say what the error was and that she did not remember who told her about it.

“Basically, we were told what the problem was, we knew things had to be done and redid them and that was it. It was no big deal,” Bradford said. “There had been an error and it was corrected.”

Margaret Pillas, a former councilwoman and longtime downtown resident, filed the petition on Sept. 22 in response to the council’s approval on Sept. 19 of a right-of-way abandon-

ment for land between 13th and 14th streets. The developers of a Margaritaville resort planned for the former Phillips Beach Plaza requested the abandonment so they could use a portion of the property to meet space requirements for their project.

The right-of-way is one of several city officials are set to remand back to neighboring property owners as part of a longtime plan to bury utility lines and perform upgrades on Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th streets.

Unspecified ‘clerical error’ prompted recount; nearly 130 more names added

Cause of error not clearly explained

Continued from Page 7

With those plans in mind, council members opted to rescind the ordinance for the Margaritaville right-ofway to avoid the expense of holding a special election, making the petition and subsequent correction of the signature tally unnecessary.

Before that action, though, Pillas was set on collecting enough names to bring the ordinance to a vote because she opposes giving away cityowned land that could be converted into parking or other public use.

In the city’s election code, referendum petitions require signatures from 40 percent of the number of voters in the last election, which for this petition was in 2020. The code also states that all of the people who sign a referendum petition must be registered voters, and according to a resolution that passed in 2021, any voter who has not voted in the previous two elections is stricken from the rolls.

After canvassing the city to collect signatures with a group of volunteers, Pillas turned in a petition with 825 signatures. After the election board members counted the names, they reported that just 639 were valid. And while Pillas only needed 612 to bring the matter to a referendum, she questioned the throwing out of nearly 200

names.

“To throw out 190 signatures, to say I went to their house and they weren’t registered voters, 190 of them? Almost a quarter, let’s say, of your petition,” Pillas said. “ ... Nobody’s questioning that and I’m just wondering why that’s not being questioned.”

Shortly after Pillas voiced her concerns, the election board members brought the petition back for review. Bradford did not say whether Pillas alerted the board members to the error, only that they performed the recount over the course of two days and issued the corrected report. She also said this is the first time anything like this has happened since she has been on the board.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, who advises the City Council on legal matters, said the election board is its own entity and members are not required to meet publicly or share what they discuss if they are performing activities within an administrative capacity. She added that the board members are the ones who determine what falls into that category.

Stansbury also said that she advised the board members, upon request of her legal opinion, to recount the names on the petition. However she said they did not have to listen to

her, as she is not their official counsel.

She added that she knows what the clerical error was but she would not comment on the specifics and referred any public comment on the matter to Bradford.

Stansbury talked generally, though, about counting and authorizing signatures for referendum petitions.

“We always want to make sure we are looking at the correct voter rolls,” she said.

While the matter is put to bed for now, it could come back later, as council members are set to discuss and vote on abandonment of all of the Baltimore Avenue rights-of-way sometime in the next few months. The vote would include the right-ofway the Margaritaville developers asked for, along with multiple others that many of the nearby property owners have been using as their own anyway.

Pillas said last month that if another ordinance is filed she plans to launch a second petition drive to bring the matter to referendum.

“If they give away more city rightof-way, if they abandon it and convey it to the property owners, yes, there will be another petition to follow,” she said.

Council votes on details of three upcoming events

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) Ocean City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, sand soccer tournaments and events at Fiesta Park all received approvals from members of the City Council this week.

Details of the votes held at the council’s last regular meeting on Feb. 6 are as follows:

St. Patrick’s Day parade

After three years of cancelations, the organizers of Ocean City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade are hoping the holiday event will come back this year and asked council members to approve an agreement to use space on 45th Street.

According to a staff report, members of the tourism department and the city solicitor are developing a formal contract with the Delmarva Irish American Club to hold the event this March.

Monday’s approval was for an application to use parking spaces on 45th Street for the parade and festival for the next five years. The request will be formally heard on Feb. 23.

The staff report said the organizer will pay the town $87.50 in private event fees and provide in-kind labor and assets in support. The support is not to exceed $40,000 and the organizer is responsible for costs incurred over that amount.

The parade is set for March 11 and would be the first since 2019. Organizers canceled it in 2020 and 2021 because of covid, and did not hold it last year because of bad weather.

Sand Soccer

Sand soccer tournaments are officially set for weekends in June and August on the beach downtown.

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According to a staff report, organizers of the annual events requested approval from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 17 and 18, and Aug. 5 for use of the beach from Dorchester to Third streets.

The family-friendly event, which has been held for years in Ocean City, attracts dozens of players and spectators of all ages.

The staff report said the beach will be cleaned and maintained throughout the event, and that public works staff will place 20 55-gallon trash cans in the footprint.

The organizer requested access to city electrical power at North Division Street, vehicular access to the beach, and permission to park a supply trailer on the sand next to their event tents. The report said the organizer is also restricted from driving vehicles on the beach before or after the event times, cannot interfere with normal

OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) From a fence bid to housekeeping items, Ocean City Council members approved and discussed the following matters at their last regular meeting on Feb. 6.

Northside Park fence bid

The second lowest bidder who submitted a proposal to complete the first phase of a multi-faceted fence replacement project at Northside Park won the contract in a unanimous council vote this week.

Virginia-based Hercules Fence submitted a bid for $99,800 for the work, which came in above the lowest bid of $88,650 from Jacob’s Yard Works out of Willard, but still below the city’s budget of $149,000.

Two other bids came in for amounts above Hercules’, but were still less than the projected cost.

Fencing at the park is in desperate need of attention, as it has not been replaced for some 35 years, according to staff members.

Zoning and meters

A zoning map amendment and changes in parking meter locations advanced at this week’s meeting with little to no discussion.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury

said the parking meter item, which she called a housekeeping matter, amends the list of paid parking meter locations that exist throughout the town. The list was revised in November and Monday’s vote was the second and final reading to approve it.

On the zoning map changes, several properties were changed to add or remove public governmental zoning designations to reflect current ownership and use.

According to the staff report, a Public/Governmental, or P/G-1, district designates parcels “owned by the city, state or federal government upon which some governmental use or service either exists or is contemplated.”

The change, which passed on first reading Monday, reflects the current conditions, not any proposed changes, the staff report said.

The request moves now to a second reading and final approval.

Beach franchise

Council members approved the first reading of a change to the beach franchise code that clarifies operations during special and private events.

The code was amended last summer to reflect that the town will maintain “sole authority” over the use of

Continued on Page 11

Ocean City Fire Department introduces therapy dog Max

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) From providing stress relief to first responders to comforting school children during times of distress, the Ocean City Fire Department’s newest member has a full list of duties.

But unlike a human who can only take on so much, the 20-month-old black Labrador retriever is up for the challenge.

“Max is a therapy dog that is part of our program now that will help not only the first responders here in Ocean City but volunteers in the fire department, our police department, our 911 call center, any other city department, whether it’s parks and recreation or what have you, or even City Hall,” Fire Chief Richard Bowers said of the department’s first canine member at a news conference Monday.

One of Max’s two handlers, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician Ian Spice, led the friendly canine into a room of elementary school students, local first responders, city officials and an array of cameras at the 14th Street department for his official debut Monday morning.

And despite the crowd, Max stayed calm and collected, which his other handler, Firefighter and Public Information Officer Ryan Whittington, deemed a product of his training.

Whittington said Max underwent more than 18 months of training at Hero-Dogs in Montgomery, where he learned a host of commands that allow him to assist in all types of stressful and traumatic situations.

“[Max will] provide comfort and emotional support and be a source of distraction and stress relief,” Whit-

Items approved during meeting

Continued from Page 8

patrolling, and is subject to other regulations regarding use of the area. The organizer will pay a total $3,270 in private event and asset and support fees for the event.

Fiesta Park events

Council members have granted the Caine Woods Community Association permission to serve beer and wine at several community functions in Fiesta Park during the spring and summer.

The events in the north end community are set for March 25, June 24 and Aug. 26, along with rain dates, and are permitted by the city for $82 a piece.

tington said. “In addition, Max can also be used for our educational and community outreach programs to promote fire safety.”

Max showed off some of his skills for the audience at the fire station Monday, which included bringing items to Whittington, coming when called, placing his head on a chair, and laying quietly on a blanket until he was told to move. Max was highly disciplined and calm, not rowdy like some other dogs his age, and very affectionate, which was obvious by the way he nuzzled every person who leaned down to pet him.

Young students from Ocean City Elementary School and Seaside Academy were among the attendees at Monday’s news conference, and Bowers said they were invited because of they have had perfect attendance for the year.

Max also attended a City Council meeting with Whittington Monday evening, where he showed off some more of his tricks.

Max is the fire department’s first therapy dog, and Whittington said he hopes to obtain another one if funds allow. Max’s initial cost of more than $1,600 was was covered in the fire department’s budget, and Whittington said donations and fundraising efforts will pay for further expenses for the program.

OCEAN CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS

Continued from Page 10

the entire beach, regardless of franchise contracts, and may approve use of parcels for special or private events.

The second reading and final approval will follow.

Max

OC scooter rental business worries about proposed ban

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb . 10, 2023) The owner of an Ocean City business licensed to rent scooters, scoot coupes, mopeds and the like has spoken out against a proposed ban on the practice across the resort.

Local attorney Paul Abu-Zaid, representing Cycle City owner Elias Zacharopoulos, asked City Council members at a meeting Monday to reconsider the pending legislation, as he contended it will hurt his client’s business.

“There is something in the pipeline, so to speak, regarding a scooter rental ordinance, or possibly limiting or prohibiting scooter rentals within town limits,” Abu-Zaid said during the public comment portion of the meeting. “I understand it’s not on the agenda today but we wanted to get our position out before the horse leaves the barn, so to speak.”

The proposed ordinance, which is awaiting formal council discussion, would prohibit the issuance of any new business licenses to rent mopeds, scoot coupes, electric gaspowered scooters, one wheels, hoverboards, electric bikes, and other small mobility devices, and require all ex-

isting business owners to cease renting those types of vehicles within three years of April 1.

Councilman Will Savage proposed the legislation during a discussion on licensing e-bikes in city limits. He contended, and several council members agreed, that inexperienced tourists driving rented scooters and similar small mobility devices create safety hazards on busy roads and wreak havoc in residential neighborhoods. The ordinance only refers to rentals and would not prohibit ownership of the vehicles, or regulate driving them generally.

According to City Hall records, two businesses in town hold licenses to rent scooters and scooter-like vehicles, and Abu-Zaid said Cycle City is the only one actively doing it.

He said Zacharopoulos, an Ocean City resident and native, opened his 31st street store in 2010, just before a nationwide influx of scooter rental businesses.

“This town was not exempt,” AbuZaid said of the phenomenon. “In fact, we were inundated with scooter rental shops, many of which were operating out of parking lots, some out of tents, some out of pickup trucks and they were all over the place. By

our account there were hundreds of scooters being rented in the town limits.”

The state took action to regulate the practice, he said, which reduced the number of owners in the resort renting them. Zacharopoulos was one of the owners who stuck around and made adjustments to continue with his rental business, which included

creating warehouse space, paving his lot for training and installing mechanical lifts.

“The ordinance simply said that if you comply with all these regulations you can continue to renew your license from year to year, and that’s what he’s done,” Abu-Zaid said of Zacharopoulos’ efforts to meet the requirements.

“He’s a great operator, his vehicles are impeccably maintained, he’s the sole mechanic in that business,” AbuZaid continued. “The business has never been cited for any municipal violations in the 12 years of operation. His rental scooters have never been involved in a fatality.”

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Abu-Zaid added that Cycle City has contributed tax revenue to the town and that Zacharopoulos has been a good partner and does not want to relocate to continue operating, which would be necessary if the proposed ordinance passes.

“So what we’re asking for is to consider before you initiate any drastic changes to the ordinance is to authorize a sit down with staff so we can identify and address any specific issues of concern,” Abu-Zaid said.

“We’re confident that we can reach some type of resolution that allows him to continue to operate his business.”

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In response, Councilman John Gehrig asked City Manager Terry McGean to set a meeting with Zacharopoulos and Abu-Zaid to discuss the matter before it comes before council for official discussion.

“I agree that it’s a proper course of action to at least have a conversation with the operator before we strike and kill a business. Not a business, but an industry in town,” Gehrig said. Savage agreed and offered to attend the meeting when it is held.

“You may have some valid points that we may not have thought of,” he said.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Cycle City on 31st Street is the only business in town currently renting out scooters and similar vehicles. The owner is concerned about a proposed ordinance that would require him to stop that practice within three years of April 1 and wants to talk to city officials about a compromise.

’t

Carozza, Hartman can

see common ground with Moore

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman may sit on opposite sides of the aisle as Gov. Wes Moore, but they both came away from last week’s State of the State address feeling that there was at least some common ground with the new governor.

“We share common goals, the difference is how we get there,” Hartman said earlier this week.

“He wanted to see us being a safe and just state and the importance of both. I agree but his budget also cuts budgets for public safety while increasing attorney general money by over 30 percent, pouring a couple of million dollars into the public defender’s office. That only helps those working for the criminals. When I think of public safety, I don’t necessarily think of the public defender’s office as public safety.”

Carozza, in a weekly update, focused on where the two parties can work together.

“I believe both parties will find common ground on shared priorities like supporting our veterans and reducing their retirement taxes, but I also will be urging the governor and the majority in the Maryland General Assembly to take action on crime bills that go after repeat, violent offenders, and we as Senate republicans will push back against bills and regulations that hurt our small business operators, farmers, and watermen,” Carozza said.

Carozza also saw her child custody evaluators bill go through the hearing process last week.

The bill focuses on establishing training and qualifications for child custody evaluators.

Last week, a panel of witnesses with knowledge of child abuse and domestic violence in custody cases testified in support of the bill before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

“I have heard from many parents and child advocacy groups who have shared numerous stories and cases where qualifications and training of the child custody evaluators would have made all the difference in the child’s life,” said Carozza.

Across Bladen Street, Hartman was encouraged by the first full week of bill hearings.

“We’re getting things moving again,” he said. “With session follow-

Mary Beth Carozza

Wayne Hartman

Balloon fest, other events floated for resort

By Mallory Panuska

Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) With help from city government tourism grants, the next year could welcome glow balloons over the beach, some of the strongest people in the world testing their skills at the convention center and a flag football tournament just outside city limits.

Members of the city’s Tourism Commission gave favorable recommendations this week to issue money from the department’s grant program to pay initial costs and sponsorships for the three potential events.

Don Abramson, the city’s sports marketing manager, presented the details, beginning with a flag football tournament on July 4 weekend at the OC Elevate fields behind the White Marlin Mall in West Ocean City.

Calling it the “little brother” of the

NFL version played last weekend in place of the pro bowl, Abramson said the tournament is for players of all ages looking to come not only for the weekend, but the week after. And while the fields are technically not in Ocean City limits, he said the participants will stay in hotels and condominiums across the resort, and have no qualms about the increased rates associated with the holiday.

“These folks were dead set on Fourth of July weekend,” Abramson said. “They actually want it to be a vacation for all families involved.”

Members of the Tourism Commission agreed to recommend to the council that it grant the organizers $5,000 to help with costs for the event.

About a month later, the organizer of the Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival

See FLAG Page 18

Bills hearings picking up steam

Continued from Page 14

ing an election year, it’s kind of slow with the number of bills being dropped. The pace is always slower. But this was a good strong week of bill hearings and it should start moving the momentum of the session.”

Hartman also mentioned that during the State of the State address he had the opportunity to escort Lt. Gov. Arena Miller into the House of Delegates chambers, during which time he was able to talk to her about certain local transportation issues.

“She’s big on transportation issues,” Hartman said. “I took the opportunity to discuss our district needs with the Route 90 bridge and I have requested with her a follow-up meeting so we can talk about its importance.”

Hartman said he’d also like to discuss the safety issues with the Route 50 bridge and its history of challenges.

“It’s a good opportunity to introduce her to some of our needs,” he said. “I’ll be following up with (Moore) as well.”

Hot air balloons hover in the sky over a vineyard in Talbot County during the 2021 Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival. The organizers want to hold the event in Ocean City this year on the first weekend in August.

PHOTO COURTESY CHESAPEAKE BAY BALLOON FESTIVAL

Flag football, strong man games requested

Continued from Page 16

wants to move the Talbot County event to the coast.

The three-day event, which Abramson said typically attracts about 15,000 people to an isolated vineyard, would take place the first weekend in August at the OC Elevate fields in the daytime, with nighttime glow balloons set for launch at night on the beach downtown.

“People go crazy over this as a social media photo opportunity,” Abramson said of the free balloon laser light show.

The daytime activities include flying hot air balloons — low and tethered and out of the way of flight plans — with crafts, food trucks and other festival elements on the ground below.

Then at night the glow balloons will come out, a spectacle that Kim Mueller, the director of sales for the

tourism department, described as “just magical.”

The commission members agreed to issue a favorable recommendation for the town to provide $20,000 for a title sponsorship for the festival.

Finally in December, some worldrenowned strong man games are proposed to take place at the convention center.

Abramson said the organizer of the annual event wants to move it from Daytona, Florida because international flights there are expensive and difficult to obtain. He said competitors come from all over the world for the games, which are a feeder for an international competition broadcast on ESPN.

The games are livestreamed and heavily promoted for months in advance, with the organizers bringing a large online following. The event, if ap-

proved, is set for the second weekend in December, and Abramson said the athletes will come in a few days early to make weight and then stick around after it is over.

“The restaurants will get a gigantic boom once they make weight,” Abramson said. “Their average daily caloric intake is eight to 13,000 calories a day. They’ll be eating plenty of food once they make weight.”

He added that the organizers want a three-year contract and initially asked for $25,000 for hard costs, but that staff were able to talk them down to $15,000.

Mueller urged approval of the funds and pointed out how much of a benefit

the event could be, especially for that time of year.

“So it’s going to be bringing in all of this business at a time when we’re doing Winterfest and trying to expose ourselves [as] a year-round destination,” she said. “Based on the time of year, capitalizing on that, the media opportunity, the international reach, we recommend what they’re asking, $15,000.”

She added that nothing is scheduled at the convention center that weekend, making it a perfect time.

Commission members ultimately voted to give a favorable recommendation to approve the requested funds for the event.

Women’s Club of OP to give scholarships to local youth

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Women’s Club of Ocean Pines will be awarding scholarships in June to promising students who are full-time residents of Ocean Pines.

These students must graduate from high school in good standing with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and plan to attend an accred-

ited institution for further education. These awards may be used by the recipient to help defray post-high school expenses at any approved degree, certificate-granting college or university, technical or vocational school.

The WCOP Scholarship committee will consider the applicant’s needs, See OP Page 20

Youth and Family Counseling searching for male mentors

(Feb. 10, 2023) Worcester Connects, a program of Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services Inc., is seeking male mentors for the large number of male students ranging from age six to 16 who need of a positive male presence in their lives.

Students are typically referred to counseling service’s program because they are struggling with the challenge at home, school, or in the community.

The male students on our waitlist are great kids, a statement from the program said, who simply need a male mentor to believe in them.

While being a mentor may seem like a big task, it is easier and more enjoyable than you may think, organ-

ization officials said.

“We train and support all mentors throughout the one-year process and carefully match mentors to students to increase the chance for success. We ask all mentors to see their mentee at least twice per month and offer free monthly group activities,” the statement continued.

Mentors must be 18 years and older, have a valid driver’s license, pass the screening process and criminal background check, and complete online training.

Any adult males who are interested in giving back to a child/teen from the community should contact Kayla Figueroa at kaylaf@gowoyo.org or call 410-641-4598 to learn more.

OP Club awarding scholarships

Continued from Page 18

goals, citizenship, community service, extra-curricular activities and motivation.

The club adheres to a non-discrimination policy on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin or family status.

Applications for these scholarships

may be found on the Naviance website. All completed applications must be returned to a senior counselor at Stephen Decatur High School by March 22.

Qualifying applicants who do not attend Stephen Decatur High School are asked to call 410-641-8046 for information and/or an application.

POLICE/COURTS

Trespassing

Ocean City Police arrested Tyair Truitt of Claymont, Delaware, on trespassing and obstructing and hindering charges on Saturday.

A security manager at a north Ocean City hotel alerted authorities to the 30-year-old Truitt’s presence on the property at 8:32 a.m. and advised that it was the second call that morning.

Officers had responded around 5:30 a.m. in response to a “disorderly male on the property,” according to the police report.

Police determined that Truitt had been warned for trespassing during that earlier incident.

Truitt informed the police that he had been staying in a car that was parked in the hotel’s parking lot.

After refusing to provide identification multiple times, officers arrested Truitt.

Bench warrant

Ocean City Police arrested Jeffrey Yoakum of Ocean City on 14 charges in addition to carrying out an arrest warrant for failure to appear issued by Maryland State Police.

Yoakum was pulled over after rolling through a stop sign. Yoakum’s charges also included driving on a Continued on Page 21

Ocean Pines man arrested on drug, weapons charges

(Feb. 10, 2023) An extended investigation by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team ended with the arrest of an Ocean Pines man last Friday on drug and firearms offenses.

A statement issued by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday said Tromaine Dontae Briddell, 43, taken into custody after investigators searched his Ocean Parkway residence and a local storage unit.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Enforcement Team, with assistance from allied agencies, seized approximately one and twothirds pounds of marijuana, nine regulated firearms (three of which converted to fully automatic), several loaded high-capacity magazines, and items of paraphernalia for the processing of cocaine.

Because of his prior convictions in Maryland, Briddell is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition in the state, the sheriff’s office said.

Briddell was taken into custody and charged with various firearm and controlled dangerous substance offenses, where he was subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail without bond.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Tactical Armed Response Team, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, Maryland State Police’s Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement Team, Ocean City Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Unit, Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Patrol/K9, Maryland Gun Center, Worcester County States Attorney’s Office, Eastern Shore Information Center, and WashingtonBaltimore HIDTA.

This investigation was also supported through the Maryland Crimi-

See PINES Page 23

POLICE/COURTS

Continued from Page 20

suspended license, knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle and driving on expired tags.

Fighting knife

Ocean City Police arrested Joann Crandell on three charges. The charges include possession of a fighting knife, concealing and carrying a replica gun and operating a vehicle with unauthorized window tinting.

T. Briddell

Pines man busted for weapons

Continued from Page 21

nal Intelligence Network (MCIN)Worcester County Initiative which is through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services that provides grant funding and strategic support to MCIN member sites to identify, disrupt, and dis-

mantle criminal organizations through interagency collaboration.

“I want to commend the exemplary efforts by all those involved in keeping Worcester County safe from individuals who are involved in this type of criminal activity,” Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

and firearms from an Ocean Pines residence

Artwork by local high school students featured at WCAC

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Worcester County Arts Council is presenting throughout February an exhibit of entries submitted by local high school students for the annual art competition sponsored by the Berlin-Ocean City Optimist Club.

The goal of this competition is to encourage, recognize, and honor the artistic expression of talented art students in Worcester County as well as to emphasize the importance and support of quality art programs.

The competition offers $1,350 in cash prizes to the student artists.

The selection of artwork entered for this contest will be judged by artist and former educator, Sandy Glassman.

Monetary awards and ribbons will be presented to students on Friday, Feb. 10.

The exhibit will be on display from Feb. 1-27.

The gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Worcester County Arts Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support, promote, and encourage visual, performing, and literary arts in Worcester County.

Designated by the Maryland State Arts Council as leading arts agency, the Worcester County Arts Council is committed to fostering the excellence, diversity, and vitality of arts, artists, and arts organizations and increasing access to the arts for all members of our community.

The Worcester County Arts Council is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and supported by memberships, donations, and local sponsorships.

Art League of OC celebrates 60 years

By Gee Williams Contributing Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) The arts continue to flourish in Ocean City and throughout Worcester County, resulting from the work and inspiration of the Art League of Ocean City (ALOC).

As the nonprofit organization begins its 60th anniversary year it will mark this milestone by hosting a big celebration in the fall.

Since its establishment in 1963, the resort’s Art League certainly has served as a place where the arts flourish.

It was started by a small group of local artists, and in 1964, they were granted use of the current City Hall building at Third Street and Baltimore Avenue for ALOC’s original headquarters.

The group’s first art exhibit in 1964 was in the former school’s ballroom.

Shortly afterward, ALOC’s first outdoor art show was on the porch of the Beach Plaza Hotel on 13th Street and the Boardwalk.

The show then moved to the Wharf Restaurant at Montego Bay. ALOC soon needed a larger and more versatile placed to operate and used the Boise Cascade oceanfront property, now the Ocean Pines Beach Club, for its headquarters.

The OC Art League then moved its classes and workshops to the Talbot Street Café, owned by ALOC Board Member Bill Fetterolf.

Ocean City’s arts group became incorporated in 1976. Eight years later, ALOC Board Member Alfred Harrison was instrumental in getting approval by the Town of Ocean City for a permanent conditional use to make its current bayside location at 94th Street its home.

At that time, the original 94th Street building was only 90 feet by 20 feet in size.

The transformation of the old building into a permanent cultural arts center was the result of major renovation work provided by committed and hardworking volunteers.

Led by Harrison, the group also included Shirley Hall, Frank Gunion, John Trumpower, Rick Meehan, (now the current mayor), and Jody Veader (since deceased).

Another significant driver for fundraising for the Art League started in 2005 – the Sand Castle Home Tour.

These popular tours highlight the architects, designers and builders of creative people who turn a house into a home.

Since the renovation, the Art League of Ocean City has

See CONTINUED Page 27

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Excessive spending in recent days may have you feeling nervous about your finances, Aries. In addition to bills, you could be waiting to be reimbursed. Be patient.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you may have been working so hard you haven’t had time to spend with family and friends lately. Clear your calendar and make some time for recreation.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

This week you may lock yourself behind closed doors and enjoy some alone time for a change, Gemini. Relax with a good book or binge watch some television.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

A friendship could be tested when you get into a quarrel over money, Cancer. You each have different philosophies on spending. Try to see both sides.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Philosophy and religious principles are of interest to you lately, Leo. Explore the metaphysical and dive into these subjects with all of your energy.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you could be longing for a vacation, so why not make it happen? If you’ve socked away some cash, put it towards a trip to recharge and relax.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Make an effort to reconnect with someone you have known a long time who has become absent from your life. Resolve to maintain this connection in the years ahead.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Honest communication can take you through a rough patch you might be having with your romantic partner, Scorpio. Speak openly and honestly to resolve the issue.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Keep your eyes focused on the future, Sagittarius. It’s easy to dwell on what happened in the past, but that won’t matter much in the grand scheme of things.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

A miscommunication could find you spending money you just don’t have right now, Capricorn. This may be an instance when you need to seek a professional to sort it all out.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, a project that has been on the calendar for some time finally gets completed. It has been a long time coming, but the results are better than you expected.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Go through some old photos and reminisce, Pisces. It can be a quiet way to spend a day or two and enjoy the memories.

Art League of Ocean City Executive Director Rina Thaler.

Continued growth for Art League

Continued from Page 26

grown exponentially not only in the size of its Center for the Arts, but in membership and visitors to both the center and online exhibits.

In response to pandemic concerns, the Art League now provides online exhibits in addition to those displayed at the 94th Street Arts Center.

In-person visitations to the ALOC are now between 15,000 to 20,000 per year, even despite public concerns about the COVID pandemic the last three years.

“Today’s OC Center for the Arts has seen transformational growth and increased our capacity to do so much more than before,” said Executive Director Rina Thaler. “A place like this brings community pride.”

She added that ALOC membership has grown from about 400 members 10 years ago to over 1,100 today.

“Now we also have an art gallery space at the Princess Royale Hotel where people can come and create art. Other than our Art League center, this is the only place in Ocean City that has both,” Thaler said. “Art is all about bringing people together. You can learn a new skill or develop existing skills. And both appeal to all ages.”

She added that last year over 200 youngsters attended ALOC’s Summer Art Adventure Camp that continues to grow in popularity.

Another feature that has also grown in recent years is the Art League’s free “First Friday Opening Receptions.” The first Friday of each month year-round, ALOC host art receptions from 5-7 p.m., which attract residents and visitors to get a preview of the artwork that will be on display.

Then, the process and receptions are repeated every month with new artwork.

This February’s exhibition features artwork called “Opposites Attract,” and also displays of scenes throughout Ocean City, and artistic handmade jewelry.

There are also special events planned in February: Knitting and

Crochet (Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to noon); Family Art Day (Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to noon); Heart & Soul – Dealing with stress and grief (Feb. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.); Writers Group (Feb. 18, 1-3 p.m.); $5 Film Night (Feb. 18, 7 p.m.); and Paint & Pasta Night (Feb. 23, 5:30-8 p.m.)

The Art League’s annual Ocean City Film Festival started in 2017 and instantly grew in popularity.

Now presented Thursday through Sunday, this year’s film festival runs March 2-5 and features over 70 local and international films, plus blocks of short films grouped by theme.

Also featured will be several parties and mixers with filmmakers and industry experts.

“Building an arts community is community building,” Thaler noted, quoting a heading in the Art League’s current newsletter. “We seek to be a place that is an incubator of ideas.”

For more information, contact the ALOC at 410-524-9433 or visit https://artleagueofoceancity.org.

PHOTO COURTESY GEE WILLIAMS

The Art League of Ocean City’s Center for the Arts is located on 94th Street. The ALOC will host the annual Ocean City Film Festival in early March.

American Pickers crew to come to Maryland to film

(Feb. 10, 2023) The American Pickers television show is returning to Maryland in March to film episodes of The History Channel television series.

“American Pickers” is a documentary series that explores the world of antique “picking” on The History Channel.

Th show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. Invariably, they find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

American Pickers continues to

take the pandemic seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC.

Nevertheless, show organizers say they are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories.

The “American Pickers” TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure.

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

Kiwanis Club now accepting funds for scholarships

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City, is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping children and families in Worcester County.

It has a nonprofit fund known as the foundation from which annual scholarships are awarded in early June. Unfortunately, as with all organizations, members pass away. Many of those who pass away are also members of other organizations and have family and friends who wish to donate in their memory.

Anyone who has or knows someone who has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through should let the show’s producers know.

The Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.

Interested parties should send the Pickers their name, phone number, location, and description of the col-

ing 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

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

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 Friday, 3-6 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 1-6 p.m., featuring $10 appetizers, drink specials, and specialty oysters. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner, 4-10 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;

In 2021, contributions funded a five-year memorial scholarship for member Ralph Chinn who passed that See SCHOLARSHIPS Page 29

lection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 4932184 facebook: @GotAPick

“American Pickers” is produced by Cineflix Productions for The History Channel. New episodes air Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on History.

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.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ 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.

The American Pickers television show is returning to Maryland in March to film episodes of The History Channel series.

NOW PLAYING

COINS

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

Feb. 10: Shortcut Sunny, 7 p.m.

Feb 11: Big Game Tailgate Party w/Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes, 3 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

Feb. 10: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 11: Rouge Citizens, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 12: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 13: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 14: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 15: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

Feb. 16: 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. 10: The Way Outs, 6-10 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 7 p.m. to

Feb.

Feb. 12: Super Big Game 2023, 5-10:30 p.m.

Feb. 16: Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.

PIZZA

Scholarships could be given in memory of club members

Continued from Page 28

year. Historically, the Kiwanis Club has made the public aware, in the event anyone would care to donate to the Kiwanis Club of Ocean PinesOcean City Foundation, a 501-(c)(3) account.

Persons can designate the donation, qualified as tax deductible for which a receipt will be issued.

It will be used for a scholarship named to honor their choice of the former member, unless not specified, therefore, going to the fund for any scholarships.

Scholarships are awarded to deserving qualified graduating senior students in Worcester County to fur-

ther their education.

In the last 11 months, the club lost four members. Scholarships could be given in their names in June:

James B. Wheatley, died March 12, 2022

Suzanne M. Foley, died Oct. 16, 2022

Roy M. Foreman, died Nov. 3, 2022

Charles S. Warner, died Jan. 5, 2023

Anyone who wants to contribute to five-year scholarships should make a check payable to Kiwanis Club of OP Foundation and send it to: Sarah Walker, Kiwanis Club of OP Foundation Chair, 174 Sandyhook Rd., Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811.

Pine’eer Club names Jiwa

February crafter of month

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Pine’eer Craft Club has chosen Debra Jiwa as the February crafter of the month.

Jiwa is a multi-talented crafter working with paints, sewing and crocheting.

She paints on a variety of surfaces including stone, glass and even gourds.

Jiwa joined the Ocean Pines Pine’eer Craft Club in May of 2019 and has recently become a co-manager of the shop.

As a co-manager of the artisan gift shop, Jiwa finds herself in Ocean Pines frequently even though she doesn’t live there. She moved to nearby Salisbury in 1989.

After owning a jewelry store for almost 30 years, she now shares ownership of the Finish Line Car Wash with her two sons. Being an entrepreneur allows her to spend time on her true passion—crafting.

Jiwa loves the community of See VISIT Page 31

CROSSWORD

The Pine’eer Craft Club has chosen Debra Jiwa as the February crafter of the month.

Visit gift shop to see creations

Continued from Page 30

crafters she has found and has been very involved in the Pine’eer Craft club since joining.

It was the camaraderie that convinced her she should manage the shop, alongside friend and co-manager Barbara Herzog in January of this year.

“While visiting family here a few years ago, I stopped into the shop for the first time and thought it was such a little gem,” she said. “We have so many talented crafters. If you haven’t stopped in, do yourself a favor and check it out.”

The Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in White Horse Park.

“New creations are added weekly,” she added. “So, if you are looking for a special valentine gift for someone or anything unique for yourself, you are sure to find it at the Artisan Gift Shop.”

The club is always seeking new crafters, and its meetings are open to the public. Artisans who would like to sell their creations at the shop should contact Jiwa or Herzog, or email opcraftclub@aol.com for more information.

All new crafters must go through the juried process, and when items sell, some proceeds go back to the community.

Since its inception, the craft club has donated nearly $179,000 back to Ocean Pines.

SPIRIT DAY AT OCES

Ocean City Elementary celebrated Disney/Cartoon Spirit Day on Jan. 20. Pictured are fourth graders Dallas Kennedy and Nikol Petkova.

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

Fri., Feb. 10

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1:30 p.m. Stories, rhymes and finger plays. For children aged 2 years and older and their caregivers. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OCEAN PINES BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘THE WATER DANCER’ BY TA-NEHISI COATES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Books are available at the Ocean Pines circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER CARRYOUT

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin. 4-6 p.m. Cost is $14 for one-crab cake sandwich platter, $24 for two-sandwich platter and $10 for sandwich only. Platters include green beans, baked potato and cole slaw. Eat in and bake sale available.

Sat., Feb. 11

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. Commercial fisherman,Captain Sonny Gwin, will share the good and the bad about the life of a waterman as well as fishing industry issues. All are welcome. Jack Barnes, 410-641-7662

FAMILY LIBRARY DAY: VALENTINE’S CARDS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10 a.m.-noon. Card making supplies available for all ages. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CRAFTY SATURDAY: VALENTINE’S DAY!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join the group to make some fun handmade crafts. Be prepared for a bit of a mess. For children 4 years and older. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 4 p.m. Steak, shrimp, baked potato, salad and cake. Choice of one complimentary beer or wine. Four seatings: 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Tickets available at Post.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Headquarters, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., 5-7 p.m. Tickets $10. Spaghetti dinner includes salad, garlic bread and beverage. Desserts will be available ala carte. Dine in or carry out. Walk-ins welcomed. Cost is $10. Accepting Venmo OCVFC_Ladies. Pay at the door. 443235-7696

GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Meets 13 weeks, beginning Feb. 11. Sponsored by Fathom Church. Register: Carole, 301-509-2022.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 p.m. VA personnel will provide one-on-one assistance. For those unable to attend, register for phone appointments by accessing the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) at https://vets.force.com. 410-641-0650

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., Feb. 12

SUPER BOWL SCRAMBLE

Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, 12367 Eagles Nest Road, Berlin. Featuring 9 a.m. tailgate party and 18-hole scramble tournament with 10 a.m. shotgun start. Gross and net prizes. Cost is $60. Sign up: 410-213-7277, RCroll@oceancitymd.gov. www.eagleslandinggolf.com.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Feb. 13

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

STORY

‘LOVE’

Worcester County Library

Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and a craft about all thing love and hearts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

GALENTINE’S DAY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Celebrating friendship. There will be waffles and whipped cream, a tradition, and stations for DIY foot and face scrubs and face masks. Registration required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

Tues., Feb. 14

OCEAN CITY AARP CHAPTER 1917 MEETING

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will the Citizen Police Academy in Ocean City. New members welcome. Bob McCluskey, 410-250-0980

STORY TIME ‘VALENTINE’S STORIES’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger plays. Takehome activity included. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY’

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts about Valentine’s Day. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, 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

DOO WOP ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy ice cream sundaes as WEES-FM’s “Dean of Doo Top” plays 1950s hits. Sin-

gles and couples welcome. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. Group provides education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay Kinnikin, 410-641-4765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org

TILE ART

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 5 p.m. Color subway tiles and then spray them with alcohol to let the creativity flow. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Kevin Smith, Executive Director, Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Food and refreshments available after 6:30 p.m. The public is cordially invited.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., Feb. 15

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needles arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-641-

Continued on Page 33

Continued from Page 32

0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held via Zoom, on the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month, for 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. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880

LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK TALK & SIGNING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Gwendolyn Morey Skeens, author of “Last Chance,” a romance set on the Eastern Shore, will discuss her writing and answer questions. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

AFRICAN AMERICAN ART

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. This brief introduction looks at some of the highlights of Black artists from the 19th century to the 1980s. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY: ‘SNOWFALL & VALENTINES’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m. Test your knowledge in this seasonally themed trivia contest. Prizes awarded to the top three teams. Refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology, 314 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 3-4 p.m. For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-641-4765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org

WOODEN BIRDHOUSES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Build, paint and decorate wooden birdhouses, just in time for spring nesting. All materials provided. Register: 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

FAIR HOUSING: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Held via Zoom, 7 p.m. The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights provides information on fair housing law and housing discrimination issues. 443-783-6164

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednes-

day meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., Feb. 16

RESERVATION DEADLINE FOR RWWC FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON

To be held Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Worcester Technical High School in Newark. Cost is $23.50. Reservations: gopwomenofworcester.org by Feb. 16. Info: gopwomenofwc@gmail.com.

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 ‘HIBERNATION’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ALL KINDS OF FAMILIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Come and celebrate all different kinds of families. Stick around for a fun craft. For children ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014,

www.worcesterlibrary.org

OCEAN CITY BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘SAY NOTHING: A TRUE STORY OF MURDER AND MEMORY IN NORTHERN IRELAND’

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.- Join the group with coffee as they discuss this book by Patrick Radden Keefe. Stop by the library to check out a copy of the book. Facilitated by Michael Hayes. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson o genealogy research by Tom Dempsey followed by a Q&A session. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Register: 410208-4014.

CROCHETED RUGS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market 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 1.25” wide strips with as long a length as possible. Register: 410-957-0878.

ICICLE & SNOWFLAKE CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Practice fine motor skills while making unique winter crafts. For ages 4-8 years. 410-208-4014, 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: 410-6410650, 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

ONGOING EVENTS

CHILDREN’S DESIGN COMPETITION

Create a design that captures Unstoppable Joy and their slogan “Hope is stronger than fear.” The winning design will be featured on their 2023 T-shirts. Submit designs now until Feb. 15. Email to Berkleigh.ujc@gmail.com or mail to the Healing Arts Center, attn: Berkleigh at 617 Franklin Ave., Berlin, MD 21811. Include child’s name and age. Judging and celebration to happen in March. www.unstoppablejoyco.org

FREE INTRO TO PLATFORM TENNIS & SPEC TENNIS

By appointment in January and February. Call Vin at 862-219-3352 or email oppaddle2020@gmail.com. Equipment provided.

Crossword answers from page 30

VALENTINES FOR VETS

Ocean City Elementary School students recently participated in the Valentines for Veterans program. The cards will be sent to Perry Point Veterans Hospital, Charlotte Hall Veterans Hospital, Baltimore Rehab, and Baltimore VA Medical Center. Pictured are students from Robyn Diesel’s first grade class.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

Candidates for this position should possess a degree in education. Previous experience teaching lower, middle and upper school students is desirable. State certification is not required. Candidates with experience and an interest in coaching are desirable.

Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City benches. Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K - 12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep.org.

The University of Maryland Extension, Somerset County, Administrative Assistant II (Position #103469), Full-time (40 hr./week). H.S. diploma, 3 years administrative experience.

Base salary $37,418/year. Must apply online: https://ejobs.umd.edu

For best consideration, apply by _________, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Background check required. EEO/AA

Security Guard Positions available in local high-rise condominium. Part time and/or full time. Good starting pay w/salary increase and bonuses available annually. Send resume to apurnell@legumnorman.com

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

www.oceancitytoday.com

MONTEGO BAY CIVIC ASSOCIATION

PT OFFICE MANAGER (30 hrs/wk)

Position will manage all aspects of the day-to-day administrative activities, answering phones and emails, responding to resident inquiries, managing records and information, and providing administrative support.

Qualifications

- Prior Experience as an Office Mgr/Admin. Asst; Strong Interpersonal Skills

- Strong Organizational Skills; Ability to Prioritize; Meet Deadlines.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office

Email resume to: vicepresident@montegobaycivicassoc.com

Worcester Preparatory School seeks an experienced

FULL-TIME UPPER SCHOOL MATH TEACHER

This position reports to both the Head of Upper School and the Head or Middle School. Candidates for this position should possess a BS degree in Mathematics, with the demonstrated ability to teach Algebra at the above referenced level. Previous experience teaching middle and upper school students is desirable. State certification is not required. Candidates with the experience and interest to coach are desirable.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K-12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep.org.

Barn 34 Hiring All Positions Apply in person

Wed. & Thurs. between 9am - 12pm 3400 Coastal Hwy.

Maintenance Positions available in local high-rise condominium. Part time and/or full time available. Good starting pay w/salary increase and bonuses available annually. Send resume to apurnell@legumnorman.com

PAPA JOHN'S MANAGERS, DRIVERS INSIDERS Ocean City 302-541-8081

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

WOC Yearly Apt.

One bedroom, non-smoking with W/D. $1200 plus electric. 2nd Floor. No pets. Available immediately. Call 410-213-1633. Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

Fully Furnished Room for Rent Southgate Ocean Pines. All Utilities Included. Full House Privileges. Year round or Seasonal. $600 per month 443-880-2317

WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS

Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals

We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700 www.holidayoc.com

ROOMMATES

ROOMMATES

Seeking RoommateBayview Estates, Selbyville.

The University of Maryland Extension, Wicomico County, Administrative Assistant II (Position #103475), Part-time (20 hr./week).

H.S. diploma, 3 years administrative experience. Base salary $18,709/year. Must apply online: https://ejobs.umd.edu

For best consideration, apply by _________, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Background check required. EEO/AA

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.

Classifieds 410-723-6397

www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com

It’s not too late to Advertise Your Winter Rentals 410-723-6397

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

DONATIONS

DONATIONS

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

YARD SALE

YARD SALE

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE

Sat., Feb. 18, 7am-1pm. South Gate, Ocean Pines, Johnnys Pizza. Spaces available. Call John, 443-880-2486.

BUDGET

443-664-5797

LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING

Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

Classifieds ~ 410-723-6397

www.baysideoc.com

www.oceancitytoday.com

By Monday, 5 p.m.

MARYLAND STATEWIDE

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK FOR SALE

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REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

PUBLIC NOTICES

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 907-8000

www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

14104 DUKES AVE.

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Marlene T. Dipino dated February 29, 2008 and recorded in Liber 5096, folio 422 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

FEBRUARY 21, 2023 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #10-185777.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $36,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Sub. Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges and ground rent, to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale forward. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.

Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale.

If the Sub. Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, the deposit shall be forfeited, to the Trustees for application against all expenses, attorney’s fees and the full commission on the sale price of the above-scheduled foreclosure sale. In the event of default, all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustees may then re-advertise and resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser or may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser without reselling the property. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Trustees' file number 22-001694MD-F-1.

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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,

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

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

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NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 23-01

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-01 (Emergency Services – General Provisions) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic and Purnell on January 17, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ PS 6-101(e). (Amends the Public Safety Article to include a provision for the naming of a private lane and installation of signage when it is to be served by three or more buildable lots, and clarifying the responsible party for any costs associated with the provisions of this section.)

This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF BILL 23-02 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 23-02 (Electrical Standards) was passed by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic and Purnell on January 17, 2023.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

Building Regulations Article, Title 2 – Construction Regulations, Subtitle II. (Repeals and reenacts this Subtitle for consistency with the Maryland Electricians Act as revised and adopted by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions.)

This bill becomes effective fortyfive (45) days from the date of its passage.

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

CARRIE M. WARD, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs. JAMES JUBILEE, SR.

SHARON D. MURPHY

216 Carsons Court Pocomoke City, MD 21851

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

Case No. C-23-CV-22-000186

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 24th day of January, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 216 Carsons Court, Pocomoke City, MD 21852, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 27th day of February , 2023, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 20th day of February, 2023.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $126,000.00.

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

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

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, Maryland 20707 301-490-3361

Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs. Shana E. Myers Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil No. C-23-CV-22-000214

NOTICE

ORDERED, this 26th day of January, 2023 by the Circuit Court of WORCESTER COUNTY, Maryland, that the sale of the property at 415A 146th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et. al, Substitute Trustees, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 27th day of February, 2023 next, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said County once in each of three successive weeks before the 20th day of February, 2023, next.

The report states the amount of sale to be $435,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

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

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Erin Elizabeth Bilenki, 12A Powellton Avenue, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Health Freedom, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Health Freedom 7 South Main Street Berlin, Maryland 21811

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

February 15th, 2023 @ 1:00 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Shirley Yeung, 16 Westfield Circle, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: PO Chopstick, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Lin Asian Cuisine

128 Newtowne Boulevard

Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

Formerly: Lin's Asian Cuisine, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: February 15th, 2023 @ 1:10 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Request to decrease the privacy wall from 20 feet to 17 feet and a Request to relocate the outdoor bar to the beach area which was previously closer to the building for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Jennifer Reda, 1103 Hunt Creek Lane, Sparks, Maryland 21152; Anne McFaul, 3026 Shepperd Road, Monkton, Maryland 21111; Adam Horn, 10312 Plantation Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Windward OC, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Saltwater 75 115 75th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

February 15th, 2023 @ 1:20 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Michael E. Shott, 1104 Edge Water Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Tippy Toe, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Shotti's Point 12702 Old Bridge Road

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Crab Trap, LLC

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

February 15th, 2023 @ 1:45 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer for a

Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Ronald M. Singer, 11100 Coastal Highway, Unit 801, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: R.M. Singer Tavern, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Whisker Pub

11805 "L" Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: White Beach, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on:

February 15th, 2023

@ 1:55 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

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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 began on January 26, 2023

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

Ross Buzzuro Chief of Police

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023

At 7:00 pm

Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-544, Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the SC-1, Shopping Center, Zoning District by reference to 110-514(10), Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the LC-1, Local Commercial District to permit a water-related recreational activity - specifically to operate five (5) rental pontoon boats at the existing pier projecting into the Isle of Wight Bay. The site of the proposed use is described as Map 113, Parcel 7015, Land Unit 4-C, 10,255 square feet of the Village Land Condominium; further described as located on the west side of Coastal Highway, at the pier directly behind the Taphouse Tavern, and locally known as 4507 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: S & S PROPERTIES AND RON CROKER (FILE #2312100001)

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

Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.

For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-2/2/3t

ANN KARWACKI GOODMAN ESQ PARKER COUNTS

129 N WASHINGTON STREET PO BOX 1209 EASTON, MD 21601

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of EILEEN C SHEA Estate No. 19556 Notice is given that PATRICIA M SHEA whose address is 9 BEACH COURT BERLIN, MD 21811 was on JANUARY 27, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EILEEN C SHEA who died on SEPTEMBER 1, 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 27th 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-2/2/3t _________________________________

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19555

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KATHRYN L. BARTZ

Notice is given that James F. Bartz, 10632 Worcester Highway, Berlin, MD 21811; and Leona Harper, 3122 Rosalie Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21234, was on January 27, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kathryn L. Bartz who died on January 8, 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 27th 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 ear-

lier of the following dates:

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

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

James F. Bartz

Leona Harper 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:

February 02, 2023

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HOLLY A. MUSSELMAN, ESQ. 3314 PAPER. MILL ROAD, STE. 103 PHOENIX, MD 21131

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19554

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES RONALD GOSSER

Notice is given that Kathryn S. Gosser, 82 Hingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on February 01, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Ronald Gosser who died on December 8, 2022, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in

AUTH:

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 1st day of August, 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.

Kathryn S. Gosser

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:

February 09, 2023

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MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP

PO BOX 910

115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19561 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF

BARBARA E. CRNOVIC

Notice is given that John M. Crnovic, 48 Skylark Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108, was on January 31, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Barbara E. Crnovic who died on November 30, 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.

John M. Crnovic

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:

February 09, 2023

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JULIE A. SWANN ESQ. LAW OFFICES OF PETER G. ANGELOS, P.C. 100 N. CHARLES STREET, 22ND FLOOR BALTIMORE, MD 21201-3804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 14219

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MELVIN F. MISLAK

Notice is given that David R. Mislak, 1504 Hawthorne Court, Freeland, MD 21053, was on February 03, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Melvin F. Mislak who died on March 2, 2011, 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 3rd day of August, 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 de-

livery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

David R. Mislak

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: February 09, 2023

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19564 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LOUISE BARBARA MYERS

Notice is given that Angela Rush, 7601 Mulberry Road, Newark, MD 21841, was on February 03, 2023 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Louise Barbara Myers who died on January 14, 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 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.

Angela Rush 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to waive 16 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(1) requesting a special use exception to allow temporary special events during the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and also pursuant to Section 110-94(2)(b) an associated special parking exception to accommodate the tents and other proposed activities. The site of the appeal is described as Parcel 7011, Lots 4A, 4B, 4BA, & 4BB, of the Village Land Condominium plat; located on the west side of Coastal Highway at the 45th Street intersection, and locally known as 45th Street Village, 4501 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: DELMARVA IRISH

AMERICAN CLUB C/O RICK

MEEHAN (BZA 2644 #2309400001)

6:20 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting after-the-fact variances in the MH-Mobile Home zoning district, for a newly constructed singlefamily dwelling unit and HVAC

units which encroaches into the required 5’ eastern side yard setback and the required 10’ western front yard setback along Oyster Lane. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 1119, Section 3A, of the Montego Bay Mobile Home Park Plat; further described as located on the southeast corner of Beachcomber Lane and Oyster Lane, and locally known as 211 Beachcomber Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: LINDA & MICHAEL

MARTIN – (BZA 2645 2309500001)

6:30 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting a variance to the side yard setback to allow egress stairs remain as required by the Fire Marshall providing a maximum remaining setback of 10”. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 41, Parcel 3343, of the Neptune Development Plat, further described as located on the west side of St. Louis Avenue between 16th and 17th Street, and locally known as 1619 St Louis Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: CHRISTOPHER

CHRISTIAN – (BZA 2646 2309500002)

6:40 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2 & 3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception to design standards to allow 42 parking spaces on the satellite parking lot at the southwest corner of 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, dedicated to the entire Hyatt Place Hotel project –Hyatt Place East located at 1 16th Street and the future Hyatt Place West, to be addressed as 101 16th Street, to be a minimum of 8’3” x 18’ instead of 9’ x 20’ as required by Code, and 9 parking spaces which back out into Wilmington Lane to be a minimum of 10’ x 18’ instead of 10’ x 20’ as required by Code. Also, on the same satellite lot and the future hotel site, pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a), requesting variances for the satellite parking lot to 1) Code Section 30-553(c)(8)(h)(ii), the five-foot landscape area required to be provided between vehicular use areas and public street rights-of-way. On the 15th Street boundary, request is to allow minimal width of 3.24 feet. On the Philadelphia Avenue boundary, the applicant is requesting to reduce the requirement to a minimal width of 2.22 feet; 2) Code Section 30-553(8)(h)(iii), requesting a variance to the two-foot, six-inch landscape area required to be provided along adjacent properties and public alleyways. On the south property line adjacent to another parcel, the applicant is requesting to reduce the requirement to a minimal width of 2.25 feet; 3) Code Section 30-553(8)(h)(iv), requesting a variance to the five percent plantable areas required to break up the vehicular use areas for all uncovered parking areas which contain 30 or more parking spaces;

questing variance to the required perimeter landscape ratio of one tree for each 35 linear feet and five shrubs for every one tree. Also requesting variances on the main Hyatt Place West site to 1) Code Section 30-553(8)(h)(iii), requesting a variance to the two-foot, six-inch landscape area required to be provided along adjacent properties and public alleyways. On the south property line adjacent to another parcel, the applicant is requesting to reduce the requirement to a minimal width of 2.26 feet; and 2) Code Section 30553(15)(a), requesting variance to the required perimeter landscape ratio of one tree for each 35 linear feet and five shrubs for every one tree. The sites of the appeal are described as (satellite parking lot) Tax Map 0111, Parcel 4185, Lots 11 and 12, Block 54N of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat, locally known as 1409 Baltimore Avenue; and the site of the future Hyatt Place West Hotel - described as Tax Map 0111, Parcel 4187, Lot 7, locally known as 1507 Baltimore Avenue; Parcel 4188, Lot 6, locally known as 1509 Baltimore Avenue and 103 16th Street; Parcel 4172, Lot 1, locally known as 1508 Philadelphia Avenue; Parcel 4171, Lot 4, locally known as 105 and 107 16th Street – all part of Block 1 of the C. Edward Shute Plat – to be readdressed and locally known as 101 16th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: FISHER ARCHITECTURE LLC C/O HEATHER MORRISON –

(BZA 2647 #23-09500003)

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, Esq. Attorney OCD-2/9/2t

ernmental Zoning from certain properties.

OCD-2/9/1t

4) Code Section 30-553(15)(a) re-

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2023-02

RE: Public/Governmental Zoning

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-02 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 6, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for February 21, 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 February 6, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance changes the zoning classification of certain properties to add the P/G-1 Public/Governmental Zoning and to remove the P/G-1 Public/Gov-

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2023-03

RE: Beach Equipment Rental Franchise

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2023-03 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 6, 2023. Second reading is scheduled for February 21, 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 February 6, 2023, agenda packet. This ordinance adds the definition of Beach Equipment Franchise Agreement and makes it clear that the Operators are bound by the terms of the Beach Equipment Franchise Agreement, bound by the Article and regulated by the Mediation Board.

OCD-2/9/1t

Saving on homeowner’s insurance

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity if your home is mortgaged, and this type of insurance covers the structure of your home and your personal property, as well as your personal legal responsibility (or liability) for injuries to others or their property while they’re on your property.

Many homeowners are seeing increases in their monthly payments due to annual policy renewals being increased enough to cause their monthly mortgage payment to rise.

Here are three helpful hints that could help you save on your homeowner’s insurance:

• Talk to your agent once a year.

It’s a good practice to call your insurance agent each year to review your policies.

But, competition is still fierce for

new customers. It’s worth the effort to see if switching companies can help you save.

And, look into bundling your homeowner’s insurance policy with your auto insurance. This alone can save you approximately 5-15 percent in premiums.

• You may have too much coverage. Check your policy to make sure you aren’t carrying more replacement coverage than you need.

Some policies contain an “inflation protection” provision that automatically increases your coverage annually.

Speak with your insurance agent to see if you can adjust your coverage amount to a more realistic number, and the savings can add up to as much as 10 percent off your premium.

• Small claims can cost you in the long run.

Industry experts say filing a claim for every leak or broken window can cost you in the long run—raising premiums as much as 10-15 percent.

By switching your policy to a higher deductible, and banking the savings to

cover the cost of minor repairs, you can save up to 25 percent off premiums in some cases.

It’s always a good idea to discuss any claim with your agent before contacting your insurance carrier directly—they have the knowledge to help you decide whether the claim is worth filing.

Also keep in mind, just as a lender will pull a credit report before approving you for a loan, insurers will research your past claim history with national databases such as Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).

And, just as a credit report may contain errors that will lower your credit score, these insurance databases can contain errors as well that can negatively affect your pricing.

You can receive your insurance report free during each 12-month period by visiting personalreports.lexisnexis.com.

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

AGH system still locked following ransomware event

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) Most of Atlantic General Hospital’s computer network is still out of commission this week following a ransomware attack discovered Jan. 29.

Toni Keiser, the hospital’s vice president of public relations, said in an email Tuesday afternoon that hospital staff are working diligently to get the system back online, but that no further public updates were available regarding the exact cause, or when the system may be fully restored

“Please know that we will make every effort to continue to communicate with our partners regarding the progress of our response to this event and will provide updates as they are available,” the email said. “Because we are currently devoting all available resources to the restoration efforts and the investigation is ongoing, we

See LOCAL Page 46

large dining room, open layout kitchen that spills into the living room area and two bonus/sunrooms! The open kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances, a french door refrigerator with dual drawers, under cabinet lighting, and pantry closet. There is also a dry bar with lighted cabinet from the kitchen to the dining room, making entertaining guests a breeze. The living room has vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and great entertaining space. The primary suite features a dual vanity, jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower, and a separate water closet for extra privacy. This all leads to a massive walk-in

Meatloaf fritters with dipping sauce

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) There is nothing more comforting than meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Meatloaf recipes vary as family favorites are passed down from generation to generation.

Interpretation and imagination raise the bar of ingenuity and crushes any chance for predictability.

Meatloaf fritters captures the essence of this classic dish with a mouthwatering twist.

The meatloaf mixture is shaped in the form of a ball. Then, it is encased in mashed potatoes and coated with panko breadcrumbs. This ball of goodness is fried until golden brown.

A few helpful hints follow so comprehension comes to the forefront.

The best tasting meatloaf consists of equal parts of ground beef, pork and veal. The beef is the foundation of the dish, the pork gives it flavor, while the veal adds tenderness.

Forgo the meatloaf mixtures in the grocery stores, they are very expensive and one cannot be certain of the

percentages of the various meats.

Combine eggs, milk and Worcestershire in a bowl, then add it to the meat mixture. This ensures the wet ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf.

Personal preference reigns supreme and mashed potatoes are no exception.

The mashed potatoes for this dish should have a slightly stiffer texture and need to be refrigerated for at least four hours before assembling the fritters for frying.

If time is of the essence, instant mashed potatoes are perfectly acceptable.

Just make sure you cut back slightly on the amount of water that is added. A stiffer consistency facilitates the forming of the fritters.

Four cups of unseasoned panko breadcrumbs and one cup of flour is the perfect ratio for a crunchy crust.

Canola oil has no flavor and this allows the essence of the meatloaf fritters to flourish without interference.

Once the fritters are done, place them on a rack underlined with paper towels.

There is nothing worse than to develop a crispy exterior and allow the finished product to sit on soggy paper

towels.

While the fritters are hot, add a dusting of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and parmesan cheese. The hot oil in the coating of the fritters acts as a glue for the garnishes.

Jack Frost has made his presence known and meatloaf fritters are a yummy passed hor d’oeuvre.

The meatballs should not be any larger than one-and-a-half inches. Remember, there will be encased mashed potatoes and you want to keep them “bite size.”

If you want to serve the fritters as an entrée, the meatballs should be about two-and-a-half inches before the mashed potatoes are added.

The dipping sauce is a jarred marinara sauce that is enhanced with some of the drippings from the meatloaf and hot sauce. A touch of baking soda is added to reduce the acidity of the sauce.

The Super Bowl is here and the divisional champs are competing for the coveted trophy. One’s menu must match one of the most watched sporting events of the year.

Meatloaf fritters and a mug of frosty beer are sure to score a win on Super Bowl Sunday. Enjoy!

See FRITTERS Page 48

WATERFRONT LOT

Located on one of the widest canals in Ocean City, this oversized lot features 63' of vinyl bulkhead (instead of the standard 40'), a dock, pier, and electric boatlift. Sold fully furnished; features 3BR/2.5 BA, sunroom, screened porch, crown moldings throughout, cathedral ceilings, new laminate flooring in living area, and a wide-open floor plan. Walking distance to beach, shopping, dining, bus stop, and Ocean City's beautiful 58-acre Northside Park. Community amenities include 2-inground swimming pools, pickleball courts, and a bayfront boardwalk w/3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $360/year!! $799,900

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

CAINE WOODS COMMUNITY

UNDER CONTRACT!

153 PINE TREE ROAD

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

Located in the desirable community of Caine Woods in North OC w/NO HOA DUES! This 3BR/2BA home has been very well cared for by the original owners. Home features an open floor plan w/split bedroom layout, a freshly painted interior, new laminate flooring, natural gas heating, a lg rear deck w/electric awning, an enclosed outside shower, and a 1-car garage. Sold fully furnished. Close to the beach, busline, shopping and dining. Don't miss out, call now to schedule your private showing. $459,000

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

NEW LISTING!

13904 SAND DUNE ROAD

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

Out-of-state boating fees discussed

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) Out-of-state boaters may have to open their wallets to launch their boats in Worcester County, depending on how the Recreation and Parks department responds to a request from the county commissioners Tuesday for more information.

The commissioners’ request arose out of a discussion of parking recommendations and special-use permits at county-owned facilties.

Recreation and Parks Director Kelly Rados appeared before the commissioners to discuss with them the considerations for any such moves, which include legislation, potential staffing additions and restrictions based on the use of federal funds.

For instance, Rados pointed out, if the county used federal funds to replace the George Island boat ramp, it would not be allowed to charge different rates to out-of-state users than those in-state.

Commissioner Ted Elder said they would need to determine how to differentiate between who has to pay and who doesn’t as well as who has paid and who needs to but saw a benefit in exploring the issue.

“This is an opportunity now to have some more income,” Elder pointed out. “Quite an expense this year across the county with the extra mandates coming down from the state and the inflation that we’ll have to take care of our employees also.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell said that added revenue will need to be weighed against the cost of the personnel needed to facilitate the new process and questioned the vetting process.

“That will constitute more funds coming out of us to pay personnel and bring them in to do that,” she said. “And how do we identify these people? Honor system? You have all that to take into consideration. If my mom and dad lived in Ocean Pines … I’d park my boat on their property … use the landing (there), would they have to pay? How would we handle all of this?”

Mitrecic pointed out possible traffic consequences.

“Anything we do is going to push people to West Ocean City or into Ocean City’s boat ramps and exacerbate the traffic issues we have on any given weekend anyway,” he said. “I have huge concerns. I can see in the future the sheriff coming in saying he needs another deputy just to patrol the boat ramps. I don’t know how Ocean Pines ramps are run but it could push a lot of people into Ocean Pines to use the boat

ramps there.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting, whose district runs up against the MarylandDelaware border, asked where all the residents moving in just across the border are going to go.

“They don’t have any respect,” he said. “They’ll pull up their boat and leave. We’ve got to do something. There’s no respect. There are arguments and fights (between people trying to launch boats) … It would be very simple. If it’s an out-of-state person … the sticker should be on the vehicle, not the trailer.

The information that the commissioners requested for their next meeting includes personnel needs, a timeline for implementing a new parking system and associated software, and ways to shore up the county’s process of granting special-use permits for commercial purposes.

Fire chief called example of legacy family for OCVFC

By By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) We continue to “Spotlight” veteran members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company this week by recognizing former Deputy Chief/Volunteer Fire Chief David Cropper.

Chief Cropper is representative of another “legacy family” and cites his family’s commitment to serving our community as his reason for joining the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

Turner Cropper, David’s father, was a member of the volunteer fire company.

His brother, Steve Cropper, is a Gold Badge member and served as assistant chief of the volunteer fire company. His son, “Moe” Cropper, succeeded his father as deputy chief/volunteer fire chief and currently serves as an assistant chief for the OCVFC.

Chief Cropper’s wife, Patti, is a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the OCVFC.

David retired from the Town of Ocean City as a firefighter/cardiac rescue technician following 40 years of service to our community.

His retirement has provided him the opportunity to spend more time with his grandchildren and the great outdoors - duck hunting and fishing. He was in the OCVFC Cadet Pro-

See FORMER Page 49

Local hospital’s network down since Jan. 29

do not have additional information at this time.”

With that, some patients did receive a text message on Tuesday informing them that AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy services, which were not in operation last week, have been restored.

Keiser said in an email last week that officials were investigating the source of what she called a “ransomware event,” after discovering it early on Jan. 29. They were also working to confirm its impact and restore full functionality of the system, efforts which are ongoing.

A ransomware attack is when hackers plant encrypted files in a computer system that lock out the network’s owner. The perpetrators then demand payment to unlock the encryptions.

With the attack on the AGH system, hospital personnel implemented “downtime procedures,” meaning staff began using methods to handle

information that are not dependent on the central computer system. Specifically, they have been forced to manually check patients in and out of appointments, and record all other information by hand instead of online.

Keiser also said last week that hospital personnel are doing everything they can to protect the privacy and security of all information within the system, which includes patient records. The efforts may be moot, though, as federal cybersecurity officials say a ransomware attack does not always involve a breach of sensitive data.

According to the Federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, the goal of ransomware attacks is to strike quickly, take over a system, collect a ransom to re-open it and move on to the next target.

A data breach, however, can be a separate event that takes more time because accessing the information in a system involves more than gaining

entry. It means getting to files through more layers of security and, in the case of sensitive information, cracking the encryptions that protect them.

Even with the network down, the hospital’s emergency room continued to treat patients, and perform elective surgeries and other outpatient services. The Atlantic General Health System offices also remained open over the last week, and patients were still reporting for treatment at the John H. “Jack” Burbage Regional Cancer Center, pulmonary function center, wound and endoscopy centers, and the facility’s behavioral health crisis center.

The hospital outpatient walk-in laboratory has been closed since the cybersecurity attack, and patients set for imaging have been asked to reschedule their appointments until further notice.

The attack is similar to one that occurred a little over a year ago within the Maryland Department of Health network. Hackers took the system

hostage, and it took weeks to bring it back online. That strike was one of more than 3,000 ransomware events that have occurred nationwide over the past two years, according to the Federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

Agency officials, members of the FBI and others have publicly said the threat of these attacks has grown considerably since the pandemic, as criminals deploy malicious software — “phishing” — in fake emails and spam, and gain access to systems through some less secure connections that many people use to get into their office servers while working from home.

Hospital officials did not indicate whether a ransom demand has been made or whether they plan to pay if one exists.

According to numerous sources, 14 ransomware attacks have been made in the U.S. so far this year, with state and local governments the hardest hit.

Continued from Page 43

JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Out-of-state boaters may be charged to use Worcester County boat ramps in the future as the County Commissioners discussed ways to mitigate crowds at the ramps while turning a buck.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

CONFERENCE

Five members of the Republican Women of Worcester County Board attended a Maryland Federation of Republican Women Leadership Conference on Jan. 7, at the Renditions Golf Club in Davidsonville. Pictured, from left, are Sandy Zitzer, RWWC president; Gina Shaffer, legislative chair; Jean Delcher, treasurer; Carol Frazier, Campaign Activities chair; and Liz Mumford, first vice president.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Dr. Amy Gallagher, principal of Berlin Intermediate School, presents the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club with a T-shirt from the "Seahawks on the Move" program. Optimist Vice President George Solyak, center, gives a check for $2,000 to Dr. David Gell, assistant principal of BIS, in support of this program.

DONATION

The Ocean City Lions Club supports the Blood Bank of Delmarva, which serves 19 hospitals across the peninsula and helps save over 20,000 lives each year. Pictured are OC Lions Club President Norm Cathell, left, and Blood Bank Accounts Manager Bryan Shepherd.

ASSISTS SHELTER

During the week of Jan. 16-21, in honor of Betty White’s birthday, Berlin Auto Wash donated $5 from every car wash to Worcester County Humane Society. A total of $5,000 was donated to the no-kill shelter. Pictured, from left, are Jason Simms, WCHS Board Member Sandy Summers, and John Simms.

DREAMFEST

Attending the MLK Dreamfest event in the Ocean City convention center, held Jan. 13-15, from left are Ocean City Tourism Director Tom Perlozzo, Negro League Baseball Goodwill Ambassador Rayner Banks, and Worcester County NAACP President Ivory Smith. Banks also presented his baseball exhibit and shared some history about the Negro Leagues Baseball.

PROVIDES FUNDS

The Ocean City Fire Department was the recent recipient of a $2,000 donation from the Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645. The donation is a percentage of the funds raised at the Elks’ annual Bill Thompson’s Clothing for Kids Golf Tournament. Pictured, from left, are Jeff Heyne, golf tournament volunteer; Bill Thompson, Clothing for Kids tournament chairman for the past 22 years; OCFD Fire Chief Richard Bowers; and Nick Costa, tournament committee member.

Fritters capture essence of classic meat dish

Continued from Page 44

Meatloaf

2 pounds meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork and veal)

4 stalks celery, finely chopped (including the leaves)

2 yellow onions, finely chopped

2 green peppers, seeded, stem removed, and finally chopped

¼ cup minced fresh parsley

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs

1 extra-large whole egg

2 tablespoons whole milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra as a garnish

freshly ground black pepper as a garnish

parmesan cheese as a garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Line a 13x9-inch pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix meat, celery, onion, green peppers, parsley, garlic and breadcrumbs and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl.

4. In a small bowl, whisk egg, milk and Worcestershire until well blended.

5. Add wet mixture to the meat mixture.

6. Shape meat into 1 ½ inches balls. Place them on the pan and bake about 30 minutes or until meat reaches a temperature of 160.

Mashed Potatoes

6 to 8 cups favorite mashed potatoes.

1. Prepare mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Marinara Sauce

24-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce

1/3 cup drippings from the meatloaf fritters few dashes favorite hot sauce (optional)

3 pinches baking soda

1. Heat marinara sauce, drippings, hot sauce and baking soda in a medium pot over medium heat until sauce starts to simmer. Cover and set aside.

Fritters

1 cup flour

4 cups unseasoned Panko bread crumbs

3 eggs

3 teaspoons cold water canola oil for frying

1. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and water together.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and panko, mix well.

3. In a large sauté pan, heat enough canola oil over medium-high

heat to cover the meatballs.

4. Encase each meatball with a coating of mashed potatoes.

5. Dip the meatball in the egg wash, and then in the panko mixture. Make sure the entire surface is covered in breadcrumbs.

6. Cook fritters until golden brown, do not overcrowd the pan.

7. Place cooked fritters on a cooling rack, and garnish with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and parmesan cheese.

8. Serve with a side of marinara sauce.

* Fritters should be served immediately after frying.

Secret Ingredient – Fun. “Don’t forget to have fun.”

– Anonymous

Former chief’s service recalled

Continued from Page 46

gram from June 1973 through June 1977 and then joined the ranks of firefighter on July 12, 1977.

During his 45 years of active service, Chief Cropper has served in a variety of roles in the OCVFC, including but not limited to the following: cadet instructor/supervisor for 20 years; lieutenant and then captain of the Heavy Rescue Truck; engineer; chief engineer; and assistant fire chief.

Chief Cropper was the 1st Officer to hold the position of deputy chief/volunteer fire chief under the newly structured Ocean City Fire Department – a position he held for 10 years.

Administratively, David has been a member of the OCVFC Board of Directors and served on the Equipment Committee for over 40 years.

David was also a member of the Ocean City Disaster Relief Team responding to communities devastated by natural disasters.

The most notable response was to New Orleans, Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Chief Cropper cites the most significant event of his fire service career as commanding the 9-Alarm Dough Roller Restaurant fire on the Boardwalk in 2008.

He cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service as his involve-

ment and leadership in designing, equipping, and placing in service two heavy rescue trucks for service to our community.

Chief Cropper was inducted into the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 2014 for his distinguished service to the OCVFC.

Over his years of service, Chief Cropper has been recognized for his knowledge of fire ground and rescue operations by his fellow firefighters as well as Ocean City government and emergency management leaders.

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

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

David Cropper

New OC logo not designed for us

Whether Ocean City’s new logo will work or not remains to be seen, but area residents and businesspeople who think it’s too simplistic or not glamorous enough should accept that it wasn’t designed for them.

What they or we think of it is irrelevant in the marketing scheme of things, because this sunny-side-up OC circle targets people who are unfamiliar with the product it represents.

People who are already here or who regularly visit have the thought of Ocean City embedded in their minds and don’t require the reminder the logo is intended to be.

But those who don’t know or who don’t routinely think about vacationing on Maryland’s coast do need something direct, simple and easy to remember that says, “Hey, we’re here.”

Logo design and development isn’t just a matter of a group of people deciding what looks good to them. It’s a science that considers functionality, color, subliminal messaging and whether to employ a descriptive logo — the Realtor “R” with the word “Realtor” written underneath — or a nondescriptive logo — the nonverbal Nike “swoosh.”

In both cases, because of decades of use, these products are immediately identifiable by the public, as is the famous Apple Computer logo.

What many people don’t know, however, is that the singular Apple graphic replaced a highly ornate and confusing original pen-and-ink drawing of Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. It looked more like a wine bottle label than it did a computer company.

A good logo, as Apple boss Steve Jobs related to his graphic designer a year later, is simple, direct, easy to remember and can be identified with the company and product it is trying to sell.

Maybe the winking and smiling OC sun will be all those things and maybe it won’t. But one thing is certain: the job of branding is to entice people who have never been here to experience it for the first time or, in some cases, give it a second chance. Branding’s effect on the local population is beside the point because everyone here was sold on this place long ago.

Ocean City Today

11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842

Phone: 410-723-6397 / Fax: 410-723-6511.

EDITOR ............................................ Stewart Dobson

MANAGING EDITOR ................................ Lisa Capitelli

STAFF WRITERS ..............Jack Chavez, Mallory Panuska,

Hoffman

ACCOUNT MANAGERS .......... Mary Cooper, Vicki Shrier

Shick

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin

SENIOR DESIGNER ................................ Susan Parks

GRAPHIC ARTIST .................................... Kelly Brown

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ...................... Gini Tufts

Just say no to gravity

I mentioned in our other newspaper, Bayside Gazette, this week that the anti-virus suite on my computer has blocked hundreds of attempts to get into its operating system over the last four years.

Since then, it has occurred to me that I should clarify that these assaults are not because I have used my computer for purposes of unsavory entertainment, shall we say.

of Anti-Aging Medicine, an organization that is dedicated, apparently, to helping people not get old. Good luck with that.

Nevertheless, as a Baby Boomer, I am familiar with the anti-aging concept and can say that I’ve worked hard at remaining immature for as long as possible.

Signs that my efforts are paying off are abundant at my house, where many of the jokes I’ll tell (for the 45th time or so) will be met with a derisive “Ha-ha, what are you, 12?”

Copyright 2023

By Stewart Dobson

Absolutely not and that is a fact. I know because I always use the classified department computer for that sort of thing, even though it can make for an interesting back-to-work Monday morning.

“Oooooooo. Someone wants to place a classified ad for ... WHAT?”

Just kidding. I wouldn’t do that because I like remaining employed. I use the reporters’ computers instead.

Just kidding again. As far as I know, our computers have never toured the worldwide wicked web. Still, we do get bombarded with email from all sorts of sites and people, including the semi-annual alert that “Estonian Girls Are Waiting For You.” I bet they are.

Anyway, because we do have a heavily visited web site of our own and because we are a newspaper, we get inundated with all kinds of strange email, a good portion of which appears to have been produced by a person or persons whose pots are definitely cracked.

There was a seemingly legitimate one this past week, however, that I did open out of curiosity. That would be the American Academy

But seriously, it seems to me that being anti-aging is like being opposed to gravity. Some things just are and nothing can be done about it.

Still, I can easily see a strong upside of no aging and no gravity. For one thing, I wouldn’t have to staple my pants to my shirttail to keep them from dropping below the equator.

Now that I think about it, maybe this antiaging group could help in this regard by joining an anti-gravity group to create the jointly operated American Academy of Keeping Your Pants Up.

I’m certain if such development did succeed in suspending the laws of nature, thereby resulting in everything being kept on the up-and-up, that the joy expressed by many long-suffering men would be bottomless.

Not that this would have any effect on the Estonian Girls Waiting for You, or so I suspect.

I’ll never know for sure and have no intention of trying to find out, because if I were to try and got caught, I’m pretty sure I know of one aspect that would be in a gravity- and age-defying sling.

Council playing risky games

Editor,

Some of the members of the Ocean City Council appear to be playing a game of “Double Jeopardy.”

In their haste to give away right of way (ROW) land along Baltimore Avenue, some members are ignoring a valid petition to referendum that would have allowed the voters the opportunity to vote for their approval or disapproval of Ordinance 2022-23.

That ordinance called for the free conveyance of 6,000 square feet of ROW between 13th and 14th streets.

Instead of allowing the voters to decide on the matter, a majority on the council voted to repeal Ordinance 2022-23, by way of a simple voice vote.

As far back as 1987, all previous repeals of ordinances successfully petitioned to referendum have been formally repealed by ordinance. Why is this different?

For the record, the City Council has every right to repeal an ordinance which has been successfully petitioned as in this case.

However, what is unprecedented is the fact that instead of allowing the voters to have their voices heard at the ballot, the majority appears to be set on preparing an ordinance to convey the entire ROW along Baltimore Avenue from N. Division Street to 15th Street, without ever allowing the voters their input on the matter on the latest petition to referendum.

In other words, if the voters do not like the council’s first decision, they will circumvent the will of the people and do it another way.

This is not the purpose of a petition to referendum.

A petition to referendum provides

the opportunity for voters to review a legislative action of their elected officials, and if those voters disagree with that action then petition to have the matter placed on the ballot for voter approval or disapproval.

As stated earlier, the City Council can certainly repeal the ordinance, particularly if they revisit the issue and agree that perhaps the matter was adopted in haste, or without weighing all considerations.

However, upon repeal the matter as presented should end the issue. Petitions to referendum cannot be simply ignored, and subsequent ordinance(s) repackaged in an attempt to circumvent the will of the people.

To quote the late Honorable Walter Maloney, a former Administrative Law Judge from Prince George’s County, “A Petition to Referendum is a legal document, it should be treated as such.”

The citizens of the Town of Ocean City deserve better.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel Jr. Ocean City

No free properties to gain new business

Editor,

An Open Letter to the Members of Ocean City Town Council:

First, thank you for dedicating your time and talent to serving the Town of Ocean City and all Ocean City residents. The positive things you do are much appreciated.

I am writing to address my dissatisfaction and the dissatisfaction of many others with the handling of certain aspects of the planned Margaritaville Resort.

There’s absolutely no reason to give town assets and/or property away to attract any new business.

Specifically, I recently signed the petition initiated by Margaret Pillas with over 800 other Town of Ocean City registered voters stating that we are against the ordinance the Council previously passed to give away part of Baltimore Avenue to the developers of the Margaritaville resort.

As I understand it, the council is going to ignore the petition and the statement that the registered voters made in the petition (not to give away any part of Baltimore Avenue to the developers of Margaritaville), and present a new ordinance.

Apparently the new ordinance will not only give away Town of Ocean City land to the developers of Margaritaville, but to other businesses and landowners along Baltimore Avenue.

There’s no reason to give away one square inch of the Town of Ocean City to anyone! We have a beautiful beach town here.

If new businesses, hotels or resorts can’t come to town and build within existing building code guidelines and zoning ordinances, then they need to adjust their architectural plans to fit the property they have purchased.

Please remember that you were elected by the voters into office. You can ignore this matter now, but if you do, don’t expect to be re-elected.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie H. Brucki Ocean City

BIT Prom season nets almost $200K for respite house

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) Wayne Littleton wanted to make sure his last Believe in Tomorrow Prom Night would go out with a bang, it’s safe to say he accomplished that feat.

The annual prom night, the culmination of a months-long prom season that raises money for the respite house for families of seriously ill children, attracted more than 300 people to Seacrets to take part in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-themed dance.

After paying its bills, Littleton said the organization pulled in about $182,000.

This year, Wayne decided to take a trip down memory lane and invited back as many previous prom kings and queens as he could. The result was 33 teams — designated as either a queen or king team — raising money for Believe In Tomorrow’s cause.

The gross revenue included raffle sales, $115,435 raised by the prom queens and $63,219 raised by the prom kings.

On the queens’ side, Jill Ferrante earned the distinction of most money raised with $39,205.

See LITTLETON Page 52

“The prom event is one of our favorite and best-attended events of the year,” she said. “People in the area are very generous and this is a great event to give back and let everyone have fun and celebrate the hard work

that the kings and queens have done to raise money for the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation.”

Ferrante was followed closely by Shelly Leach at $36,801.

“I’ve been involved with this every year since the second year and either

myself or someone in my family has run,” Leach said. “It was a great event, a great moneymaker. It’s fun and it’s nice to see people enjoying themselves.”

On the king’s side, the top earner was actually Jessica Jersey at $25,520.

Littleton said that to keep married couples and groups of friends from competing against each other, the lines were a bit blurred on some teams with queens on the kings’ side.

“I’ve been involved with this prom for six years I think and it’s always more participation on the female side,” Jersey said. “(With working on the kings’ side) we wanted to divide and conquer among our friend groups.”

“It’s always nice to have new ideas. This town takes care of its own and it’s an incredible amount of money we’re able to raise in a short amount of time.”

Todd Dundore followed Jersey with $11,205.

“I thought it went well,” Dundore

said. “We got a little bit of a late start this year but I think all the guys who were involved, especially (Jeremy) Brink did very well. Obviously, the queens did very, very well. I wish I would’ve started a little earlier but it’s tough with a fulltime job sometimes. It’s one of the fundraisers that I’m most passionate about and it was certainly worth it.”

Everyone’s efforts were certainly appreciated by Littleton, who said that he would remember this particular prom “for a long time.”

“I’m excited,” Wayne said when asked about the future of the prom. “I’ve been involved in the organization for 27 years now, lived here for 22. It’s just time. I’m getting older and it’s time for somebody else to take care of it.”

“It’s a different kind of crowd compared to other events. I’ve met so many wonderful people that I otherwise wouldn’t have met. I just want to thank the prom court from the bottom of my heart and the public who support the event every year.”

PHOTO COURTESY DONA JUNG PHOTOGRAPHY

This year’s Believe in Tomorrow Prom Court featured the new concept of “Kings versus Queens,” program coordinator Wayne Littleton said. He wanted a way to bring back as many past kings and queens as possible for his last year organizing the popular charity event.

Soviets boasted two female aces during WWII

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Feb. 10, 2023) This week, 80 years ago, Soviet fighter pilot, Yekatarina Budanova, flying a Soviet Yakovlev Yak-1 fighter, shot down a German Focke-Wulf FW 190 fighter near Rostov-on-Don.

Yekaterina Budanova was one of a pair of female Soviet aces serving in the Voyenno-Vozdushnyye Sily (VVS).

They both flew in the 296 Fighter Aviation Regiment, commanded by Nikolai Baranov. On Feb. 23, 1943, both were awarded the Order of the Red Star.

This award was first established by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. on April 6, 1930, and was awarded for courage and valor displayed during the performance of military duties, or in circumstances involving a risk to life.

“Katya” Budanova was born near Smolensk, on Dec. 6, 1916. At the age of 13, she was sent to join her sister in Moscow, and began working in an aircraft factory.

This piqued her interest in aviation and by 1934, she had obtained her flying license and by 1937 was an instructor, becoming proficient in piloting the Yak-1.

Lydia Litvyak was born on Aug. 18, 1921 in Moscow. During the Great Purge, her father was arrested as an “enemy of the people” and disappeared.

She joined a flying club at age 14 and was graduated from the Kherson military flying school located in Ukraine. She became a flight instructor in the Kalinin Flying Club.

Kalinin was, and is now, known as Tver, and is located 110 miles northwest of Moscow.

After the launch of the Axis invasion of the U.S.S.R.—Operation Barbarrossa — both women volunteered to serve their country in the VVS.

Both were assigned to the all-female 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Air Defense Force, which was formed by Marina Raskova.

This was one of three all-female aviation units that Raskova had convinced Stalin to allow her to organize.

The other two regiments were a bomber (later renamed the 125th M.M. Raskova Borisov Guards Dive Bomber Regiment) and a nightfighter regiment (labeled by the Germans, “The Night Witches”).

The regiment received its first assignment on Feb. 23, 1942, when it was ordered to protect a railway bridge in Saratov, which is located on the Volga River, 242 miles north of Stalingrad. It was near Saratov that Katya flew her first mission.

The regiment continued flying missions to protect Saratov until Sept. 10, 1942, when Budanova and

Litvyak were transferred to the 437 Fighter Regiment, a men’s regiment fighting over Stalingrad.

Their unit was stationed at Verkhnaia Akhtuba, on the east bank of the Volga River.

According to some accounts, the pair combined for their first victory on Sept. 14, 1942 — a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter. At that time, their regiment had acquired the distinction of being named a Guards Fighter Regiment.

The pair was transferred to the 296th Fighter Aviation Regiment (later the 73rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment), in January 1943, because their regiment was re-equipped with the US-built P-39 “Airacobra.” They preferred to continue flying the Yak-1.

The two pilots appeared on the cover of the weekly magazine, “Ogonek,” which means “spark,” on April 30, 1943.

Litvyak was promoted to senior lieutenant and flight commander of the 3rd Aviation Squadron of the 73rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment on June 13, 1943.

She had a white flower painted on her plane, and became known in the Soviet press as the “White Lily of Stalingrad,” and in the Western press as the “White Rose of Stalingrad.”

Several novels were written about her: “The White Rose,” “Girl at the Edge of Sky,” “Call Sign, White Lily.” A museum dedicated to her life is located in Krasnyi Luch.

A little more than a month later, Budanova was shot down near Antrasit, a small city located 56 miles south of Lugansk, 81 miles northeast of Donetsk, in the Ukraine, 20 miles west of the Russian border.

Local farmers found her, but by the time they reached her, she was dead. They buried her on the outskirts of the village of Novokrasnovka, Ukraine, in the Donetsk region.

Three days after her death, she was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War.

On July 22, 1943, Litvyak was awarded the Order of the Red Banner, which is awarded for extraordinary heroism, dedication, and courage demonstrated on the battlefield.

Litvyak, flying from her base in Krasnyi Luch, in the Luhansk Province of Ukraine, was shot down on Aug. 1, 1943.

On Sept. 10, 1943, she, too, was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War. Her body was never recovered — until 1979.

It is claimed that the body was exhumed and identified as Livyak, but this is disputed.

Once the Soviet government was convinced that she had not been cap-

tured, it awarded her the Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union as well as the Order of Lenin.

The latter was awarded for exemplary service, while the former is awarded for heroic feats in service to the Soviet state. It was the highest award in the U.S.S.R. During the war, 11,635 people received the distinction.

Yekatarina Budanova was named a Hero of the Russian Federation on Oct. 1, 1993. This is a successor award to the Hero of the Soviet Union award. It is awarded for heroic service to the Russian state and nation.

Both women are considered by many to be aviation aces, which requires five victories.

The totals for both women are disputed with ranges of three for Budanova and five for Litvyak, to 11 for Budanova and 14 for Litvyak.

Some of the controversy comes from the fact that some of their victories were shared with other pilots. It is probably safe to assume that Litvyak did achieve the minimum number of five victories to qualify as an “Ace.”

Mike Spick, in his book, “The Complete Fighter Ace,” credits her with 13 victories and Budanova with

11.

Next week: Kasserine Pass 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.

Soviet pilot Lydia Litvyak

RUTH ANN LECOMPTE

Laurel

Ruth Ann LeCompte, 95, of Laurel, Delaware, formerly of Cambridge, passed away on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at her home.

She was born in Vienna, Maryland, on Oct. 25, 1927 to the late Claude W. Adams and Anna Cannon Adams.

Ruth attended schools in Cambridge, graduating from Cambridge High School class of 1945, where she was voted “Prettiest girl in class.”

During her school years, she played basketball, which she continued through college, and also worked for JC Penney, Frankel’s 5 & 10 Store, and her father’s logging business in Dorchester County.

Ruth graduated from Penn Hall Junior College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and went on to the University of Delaware, majoring in Psychology and Spanish.

She was a teacher for several Dorchester County schools and was a social worker.

On Feb. 26, 1949, Ruth married Edward Lee LeCompte, who passed away on Sept. 13, 2002.

She sold New England log homes, for which she was featured in local newspapers.

Ruth loved her many pets, sewing, basket weaving, restoring antiques, horseback riding and being a Scout Den mother.

She traveled, camping with family and friends throughout the East Coast.

Many would say that she was a hardworking, dependable, honest, and loyal, as any lady could ever be.

She had that infectious spirit and always made time for family, friends, or people in need.

She was a former member of Zion United Methodist Church in Cambridge, and a current member of Portsville United Methodist Church in Laurel, Delaware. She was a member of the American Legion Post 91.

Ruth is survived by her children Michael A. LeCompte (wife, Connie) of Ocean City, and Betsy A. LeCompte-Anderson (husband, Charles) of East New Market; grandchildren, Taylor Anderson (wife, Eileen) of South Carolina, and Tiffany S. Anderson of East New Market; and her brother, Roger F. Adams.

Besides her parents and her husband, Ruth is preceded in death by her sisters, Adalee Adams and Mildred Murphy.

At Ruth’s request, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Portsville United Methodist Church, 31060

Dogwood Lane, Laurel, Delaware 19956; or to AccentCare Hospice, C/O Seasons Hospice Foundation

Donation Processing Center, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, Illinois 60677. (Seasonsfoundation.org/donate/)

Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.

JOHN DANIEL MAGNES Ocean City

John Daniel “Dan” Magnes, 82, of Ocean City, Maryland, passed away at home Feb. 3, 2023, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.

Dan was born in Homestead, Pennsylvania, to the late John Magnes and Mary Pcsolar on March 3, 1940.

Dan grew up in Homestead, Pennsylvania, and attended Homestead High School class of 1958 where he played many sports.

He was proceeded in death by his late brother, Lawrence Andrew Magnes.

He moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1963 after marrying his wife, Georgeann Kolesar.

In Maryland, Dan started a family and he worked most of his life in sales and marketing.

$1,445.

He was an involved coach for girls’ softball, where he taught his four daughters not only the game, but many life lessons.

He retired in 1998 from Intel Corporation and then in 2002 he custom built a home on the bay in Ocean City, Maryland.

He held the position of president on the Nantucket Point HOA board for 12 years.

Dan became a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church and an involved member of The Elk’s Lodge #2645.

Dan was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing with the Elk’s Golf Club. Dan also enjoyed the Elk’s shuffle bowl league.

Those that knew him, also knew that he was a devout Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Georgeann; children, Paula (Steve) Peddicord, Denise Flynn, Jacqui (Bruce Howard) Magnes and Danielle (Troy) Scogland; grandchildren, Bryan, Sean, Erin, Derek, Joey, Cydney, Riley, Drake, and Sawyer; six great-grandchildren, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a one-hour visitation on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church at 100th Street and Coastal Highway, followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to: Believe in Tomorrow (https://www.believeintomorrow.org /ways-to-give/), St. Jude Children’s Hospital (https:// www.stjude.org/donate) or Coastal Hospice (https:// www.coastalhospice.org/make-a-donation/).

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of Condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

OBITUARY NOTICES

Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications.

E-mail:

editor@oceancitytoday.net

Mail: 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Fax: 410-723-6511

Ruth LeCompte

John Magnes

Decatur boys’ team Bayside champs, girls’ squad third

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Feb. 10, 2023) The final standings for the Bayside Conference championship swim meet after a review by event officials, showed the Stephen Decatur boys’ team still in first place and the girls’ squad now in third overall.

“Overall, everyone swam times that were right on or around their best times for the season, which is exactly where they should be right now,” said Decatur Coach Kristina Watts. “We haven’t let up on the workout intensity just yet, so the fact that they are still holding consistent with their times is a great sign.”

The Decatur boys’ team scored 358 points last Saturday in Cambridge. Kent Island finished in a close second with 355 points, followed by Easton in third with 214.

“I’m very proud of our boys’ team. They went from fifth place last year to first place this year,” Watts said. “We’ve added some key boys to the roster this year who allowed the team to rocket up in the results. We haven’t won the Bayside since I’ve been coaching, so it feels really great to be on top and see our hard work pay off.”

Junior captain Daniel Karcheuski won the 200-yard IM, completing the race in 2:08.21. He also was victorious in the 100-yard butterfly (55.57 seconds).

Senior captain Gavin Stearn came in first place in the 50-yard freestyle race (22.50 seconds). He also won the 100-yard freestyle (49.82 seconds).

In addition, the two boys swam in the 200-yard medley relay race with junior Mason Castanares and sophomore Gavin Conaway. The group took first, recording a time of 1:48.77.

The foursome also scored a victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay event (1:38.34).

Swimmers who scored points for Decatur in their individual events were: Castanares (200-yard freestyle, third, 2:14.15; 100-yard butterfly, third, 1:03.26), Conaway (100-yard freestyle, fourth, 59.14 seconds; 100yard backstroke, second, 1:06.40), sophomores Bryce Gill (200-yard freestyle, fifth, 2:22.94; 100-yard breaststroke, eighth, 1:23.64), Chase Ponton (200-yard freestyle, ninth, 2:34.56; 100-yard backstroke, fifth, 1:15.65) and Gavin Buchheit (100-

yard backstroke, 11th, 1:36.12), and freshmen Alex Gillen (50-yard freestyle, 12th, 32.67 seconds; 100yard freestyle, 13th, 1:21.50), Brian Chester (50-yard freestyle, 14th, 33.90 seconds), Jake Harner (500yard freestyle, fourth, 6:00.21; 100yard breaststroke, fourth, 1:15.93) and Jamison Strawley (100-yard breaststroke, 11th, 1:32.82).

Gill, Harner, Ponton and Strawley finished in third place in the 400yard freestyle relay race (4:30.78).

Easton won the girls’ competition, scoring 423.50 points. Kent Island came in second place with 340.50 points.

Decatur tallied 337 points to finish in third.

“Our girls’ team swam exactly as planned,” Watts said. “We knew Easton’s girls were strong and the only reason we didn’t get second place overall was because of a technicality that got one of our relays disqualified. Relays are a lot of points so that one race bumped the girls down to third.”

Scoring points for the Decatur squad were: senior captains Natalie Canham (200-yard, freestyle, fourth, 2:14.56; 100-yard freestyle, third, 1:00.43), Kayden Hamby (50-yard freestyle, fourth, 28.10 seconds) and Katelyn Pizlo (100-yard backstroke, fifth, 1:12.35; 500-yard freestyle, seventh, 6:24.99), seniors Katie Mitchell (200-yard IM, ninth, 2:47.72; 100yard backstroke, 10th, 1:15.04), Summer Brenner (50-yard freestyle, fifth,

28.27 seconds; 100-yard freestyle, eighth, 1:07.21) and Meghan Bean (100-yard backstroke, 11th, 1:16.81), junior Trista Harner (50-yard freestyle, third, 26.73 seconds; 100yard breaststroke, third, 1:18.54) and Ashleigh Noonan (200-yard IM, 11th, 2:53.36), sophomores Molly Hoffman (200-yard freestyle, ninth, 2:32.75; 500-yard freestyle, ninth, 6:56.33), Elijah Payne (200-yard freestyle, 11th, 2:48.28; 100-yard butterfly, ninth, 1:27.33), Kaolin Riser (100-yard breaststroke, fourth, 1:19.83; 100-yard butterfly, eighth, 1:16.74) and Vienna Williams (100yard freestyle, fifth, 1:04.12; 100-yard breaststroke, seventh, 1:21.91), and freshman Emily Henley (500-yard freestyle, fourth, 6:13.84; 200-yard IM, fifth, 2:35.22).

Canham, Riser, Hamby and

Harner came in second place in the 200-yard medley relay race (2:04.66).

Pizlo, Williams, Henley and freshman Emma Walsh took third in the 400-yard freestyle relay race (4:27.23).

The Seahawks will compete in the 3A-2A-1A East Region championship at the Arundel Swim Center on Saturday, Feb. 18, beginning at 3 p.m.

“This week we are still keeping the amount of swimming we are doing at practice close to normal, but we are focusing on the specific strokes and events they will be swimming in regionals,” Watts said earlier this week.

“Next week we will start to lower the amount of swimming and focus on more technical work so they start to feel more rested and ready going into the meet Saturday.”

PHOTOS COURTESY KRISTINA WATTS

The Stephen Decatur boys’ swim team won last Saturday’s Bayside Conference championship meet in Cambridge and the girls’ squad came in third. (Right) Decatur swimmers and team captains, from left, seniors Gavin Stearn and Kayden Hamby, junior Daniel Karcheuski and senior Natalie Canham earned All-Bayside honors.

Decatur takes down undefeated Wicomico

Decatur gained momentum in the third quarter and pulled ahead, 4946.

sists.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team handed the Wicomico Indians its first loss of the season, winning 72-66, on its home court in Berlin Wednesday night, and in front of a sold-out crowd.

Despite being the underdog, Decatur Coach BJ Johnson was “absolutely” confident his Seahawks would be successful.

“They wanted it and proved it

They’ve been playing very well,” he said. “I think we’re peaking at the right time. They’re starting to gel.”

Wicomico led 17-13 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the visiting Indians held a 30-28 advantage.

“Some hustle plays, we gave up some easy baskets and we weren’t matching their effort, so we had that conversation [at halftime],” Johnson said. “We cleaned that up [in the second half]. The little things can cost you and we have to be aware of that.”

Scoring went back and forth, with the Seahawks leading by as much as seven (60-53) with 4:49 left in the game.

But, the Indians chipped away at the advantage in the final minutes.

Junior captain Jayden Hudson hit two free throws with 24 seconds on the clock to put Decatur in front, 6864.

Wicomico cut the lead to two with two foul shots, but then Hudson came up big again.

He netted two free throws with 13.4 seconds remaining to make it 70-66.

The Indians then miss two shots from the foul line, before junior captain Brycen Coleman was fouled.

He made his two shots with 3.2 seconds left, to increase Decatur’s lead to 72-66 and end Wicomico’s win streak at 17.

It was the Seahawks’ ninth victory in a row. The team’s last lost was to Wicomico (64-59) on Jan. 9 in Salisbury.

Coleman led Decatur on Wednesday with 24 points. He also had seven rebounds, two steals and an assist. Hudson chipped in with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two as-

Sophomore Davin Chandler contributed with 13 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and two steals.

“In the second half we locked in at the free-throw line. It was a big game changer,” Hudson said. “Wi-Hi was undefeated. It was a big win for us.”

Hudson hit all five of his foul shots in the fourth quarter. Decatur was 17for-22 overall from the free-throw line. In the fourth quarter alone, the Seahawks were 13-for-13.

“Free throws, that’s where we won the game. Hitting those foul shots in the fourth quarter made all the difference. [Thirteen-for-13], it doesn’t get any better than that,” Johnson said.

“We knew they were going to foul us and we made our free throws. That’s focus and wanting to get that win.”

Decatur (13-4) will host the Cambridge South Dorchester Vikings today, Friday, at 6 p.m.

“We can’t have a letdown. We have to stay focused and engaged. The ultimate goal is to win the region and state championship,” Johnson said. “Execution and playing hard is key at this point in the season.”

The Seahawks will travel to Mardela Springs to play the Mardela Warriors on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The final game of the regular season is Thursday against the Parkside Rams at 6 p.m. in Berlin.

Decatur wrestling team ends regular season undefeated

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team wrapped up the regular season undefeated, earning a 61-15 victory over the James M. Bennett Clippers last Friday in Berlin.

“They came out to win. Everyone was looking to score and perform at a high level in front of the home crowd,” said Decatur Coach Josh August.

Freshman Elijah Collick (106 pounds), sophomores Juan Hinojosa (113), Liam Hugues (120) and Nate McDaniel (182), juniors Reid Caimi (132) and Parker Intrieri (170), junior captain Gavin Solito (160), and senior captain Logan Intrieri (138) pinned their opponents.

Sophomore Aaron August earned a 12-3 major-decision victory at 126

pounds.

Senior Evan Haworth outscored his 152-pound opponent, 10-3. Bennett forfeited the 195-pound match to Decatur. The Clippers got pins at 145 and 220 pounds, and a 2-1 extra-period decision at 285 pounds.

“They look good finishing up the season. Now we just need to perform,” Coach August said. Decatur was scheduled to host the 2A East Regional Dual meet championship, yesterday, Thursday.

The Seahawks will then compete in the Bayside Conference championship meet, held in Berlin, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.

‘Free throws, that’s where we won the game,’ Coach says after 72-66 victory

BJ Johnson

Josh August

Charity golf tourney March 18

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Delmarva Whiskey Club will hold its eighth annual charity golf event on March 18.

The “St. Patrick’s Day Golf & Dinner” at Bayside Resort Golf Club, Selbyville, Delaware, will feature a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. in a foursome team sScramble format.

Golf will be followed at 6 p.m. by a sit-down pairing of fine food and high-end Irish Whiskey at the Signatures at Bayside restaurant.

Proceeds from the events will go to Semper K9, a nonprofit organization which trains rescue dogs as service animals and donates the dogs to

wounded veterans.

The Delmarva Whiskey Club was established for whiskey fans. The club sponsors various whiskey-tasting events during the year.

It welcomes those who have just begun to appreciate whiskey, as well as seasoned whiskey aficionados.

To register for the tournament, or for more information, visit www.delmarvawhiskey.com/saintpatrick.

To become a tournament sponsor or join the Whiskey Club, contact Kevin Clover, president, at 215-8151706 or kevin@delmarvawhiskey.com.

WP Lady Mallards perform well against Jags, win 44-15

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(Feb. 10, 2023) The Worcester Prep girls’ basketball team tallied 44 points and limited the Salisbury Christian Jaguars to 15 during last Friday’s competition in Salisbury.

“We moved the ball well and shot from the outside well,” said Prep Coach Mike Kelley. “Defense was talking and moving. We started to look like we were getting back in basketball shape [after winter break].”

The Lady Mallards led 18-3 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Berlin squad held a 25-8 advantage.

STATE HONORS

Stephen Decatur soccer players, from left, senior Hannah Dang, junior Brogan Eastlack and senior Mia Kemp were presented their All-State certificates this week. Eastlack led the Decatur boys’ team in goals, with 17. He also had seven assists during the fall season. Kemp led the Lady Seahawks with 15 goals and nine assists.

Worcester put 12 points on the board in the third quarter to Salisbury’s three.

Eight of nine players scored for the Prep squad.

Senior Caitlyn Hoen led Worcester with 10 points. She also had 14 rebounds, three steals and an assist.

Freshman Anisha Batra contributed with eight points, 11 rebounds, seven steals, two blocked shots and an assist.

Freshman Sydney Mize chipped in with seven points, six assists, three steals, two blocks and one rebound.

Sophomore Abigail Ament had six points and two rebounds.

Worcester’s final game of the regular season was scheduled for yesterday, Thursday, against the Saints Peter & Paul Sabres in Berlin. The team planned to honor its soon-tobe-graduates on Senior Night.

PHOTO COURTESY DEVON EASTLACK