2/16/2024 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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— Page 42

PRICELESS

Another kind of rental license?

Officials discuss new permit for short-term units Ocean City employs a onesize-fits-all type of registry even though uses and impacts of these units vary according to length of stay.

— PAGE 4

YOUR COMMUNITY Boat show weekend: It may be winter outside, but inside the Ocean City convention center it’s summer, with boats, boats and more boats on exhibit and for sale – PAGE 27

State champs again: The Stephen Decatur wrestling team extends its dominance by winning its fifth straight state title last weekend — PAGE 83

Author to speak: PHOTO COURTESY FRACTURED LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A CLEAR DAY Before the rain arrived, walkers on the beach and Boardwalk took the opportunity for a blue sky Saturday morning stroll in Ocean City.

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ appearance moved to high school due to popularity — PAGE 28

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

State change would require $6M more in county funds

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Local officials are asking the state to review a formula that would force the county to increase its funding to the Worcester County Health Department by $6 million.

The Worcester County Commissioners are supporting Health Officer Becky Jones as she asks Maryland Department of Health officials to review the local contribution required by the Core Funding program. If a change isn’t made, Worcester County will have to increase its Core Funding to the health department from $5 million to $11 million.

“We would like to be held harmless and have a continuation of what was agreed upon for this year,” Jones said.

Jones met with the commissioners last week to update them on her efforts to find out more about the match required for the Core Funding program. She said she was asking for their approval to request that the state review the current match required. She said she was grateful for the Core Funding the health department received but that she was concerned about the required local match, as Worcester County is now expected to increase its match from $5,015,910 in FY24 to $11,022,10 in FY25. She said she’d searched the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) to see how the match

amount was determined.

“It’s pretty clear in COMAR how they determine funding for Core,” she said. “The match, however, we’ve had difficulty finding in regulation.”

She said Worcester County currently provided the second highest match amount in the state, behind only Prince George’s County. She said the only reference to the match she’d been able to find was a sentence in a 1996 presentation that indicated the match was tied to a county’s mean property value.

“Is property value really the best representation of our county as a whole or are there other metrics that should be looked at to define and determine what each individual county should be responsible for their match?” she said. “These are questions we have posed to the state.”

She said in absence of a defined match formula, her department was asking the state to hold the county harmless for the proposed increased and to give Worcester a continuation of the agreed upon FY24 match.

The commissioners voted unanimously to support Jones in her efforts to maintain the FY24 match level.

“I think it should be noted you have taken the lead statewide on this much to the consternation of some of your colleagues across the state,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “It’s very much appreciated here at home.”

Officials approve grant request

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Berlin will seek an increase in its unrestricted grant funds from Worcester County.

Though Mayor Zack Tyndall’s attempt to organize a unified grant request among the county’s municipalities failed to gain traction, municipal officials agreed this week the town would seek $500,000 in unrestricted grant funds, an increase of a 7.5%, from the county for the coming fiscal year.

“I don’t think our $500,000 request is outlandish,” Tyndall said.

During Monday’s town council meeting, elected officials indicated they supported the letter Tyndall said he’d be sending the Worcester County Commissioners regarding the town’s grant request for fiscal year 2025. The letter says the town will be seeking $500,000 as well as $10,000 to assist with quarterly promotional videos for the downtown business district.

“This bubbled up through the business roundtable we had hosted by the mayor’s office and economic

development,” Tyndall said, adding that merchant meetings also revealed that business owners would like some help with promotion during the change of seasons.

The letter also outline the efforts the Town of Berlin made to improve safety on Seahawk Road. The town contracted with a vendor to restripe the road, including directional arrows, crosswalks and no parking zones, as well as a sidewalk extension. While the road is a town road, Tyndall said because of the markings needed for Stephen Decatur Middle School and Stephen Decatur High School, the cost of het project increase. The town is asking the county to reimburse the town for $16,000 of the project cost.

Councilman Jack Orris asked if the commissioners had even been aware of the work the town was having done on Seahawk Road.

“As far as increased cost, this would be the first time they’re seeing this cost in front of them,” Tyndall said.

Councilman Steve Green said the See BERLIN Page 8

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler discusses short-term rentals with the Mayor and Council during a Tuesday work session.

Better short-term regulations sought for OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Resort officials this week directed staff to revise the town’s rental license program in an effort to better regulate short-term rentals.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to have staff

bring back a recommendation for revising Ocean City’s rental license program, which would include dividing rental licenses into different categories based on length of stay. As staff begins its work, Councilman Peter Buas said a joint session with the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission

later this month would focus on uses permitted in those categories.

“It shouldn’t impact the license classifications, but it will impact what you do in those license classifications,” he explained. “They are two different conversations.”

During Tuesday’s work session,

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler briefed the council on the current status of property rental regulations in Ocean City. While other communities differentiate between short- and long-term rentals, Ocean City does not, he said.

“Currently we have two applications for the rental license process,” he told the council. “We have a single family/condo license and then we have a commercial rental for apartment/hotel.”

Bendler said the rental license program currently includes license fees, occupancy requirements and inspections, which are conducted on new rental applications, following change of ownership, or if a formal complaint is filed. He noted, however, that rental licenses aren’t defined by days.

“We just give a definition of it, and we do not put a limit on the number of days,” he explained. “Other communities basically limit it to one contract for rental for less than 30 days.”

Bendler told officials this week he was presenting the town’s current rental license program in preparation See SHORT-TERM Page 8

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OC Today-Dispatch

OVER $46.6 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2023 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203

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The dining room is directly off the kitchen that flows into a spacious living area. The family room has vaulted ceilings and is a great place for family time and entertaining with friends. This condo has an oversized primary bedroom. The second bedroom is on the next level and has a full bath and oversized closet. There is a full deck off the family room, perfect to enjoy an outdoor meal. There is also an outdoor storage closet off the deck. You will love the deeded boat slip that conveys with the property. Offered with a one-year AHS warranty. Heron Harbour is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks, and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding all directly out your back door.

You are very close to shopping, restaurants, and the beach. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MDWO2018196

Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market!

This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level.You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold!

MDWO2014714

733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY • $3,200,000

COMING SOON – GLEN RIDDLE 4BR 3.5 BA WATERVIEW HOME OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 10AM-1PM

WATERFRONT HOME AT REFUGE DERRICKSON CREEK OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 12:30-2:30PM

36939 CREEKHAVEN DR • SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 • $835,000

10201 TWILIGHT GUN LANE • BERLIN • $724,900 Stunning 4BR/3.5BA Glen Riddle home on a premier cul-de-sac lot overlooking a pond hits the market! As you walk through the front door you will immediately fall in love with the open floor plan and the hardwood floors. The family room boasts cathedral ceilings and flows nicely into the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen will be sure to delight the chef in your family with Corian countertops and an abundance of cabinets for storage. The dining room flows off the kitchen and has plenty of room to enjoy home-cooked meals with friends. The family room is set up perfectly for entertaining and has a gas fireplace to enjoy in the winter. There is a screened in porch that overlooks a pond, and a deck is off the screened in porch for relaxing in the sun and summer breezes. The luxurious primary bedroom en suite is on the first floor with a beautiful view and walk-in closet. There’s also a second primary bedroom on the first floor which could also be used as an office if you prefer. The second level has a spacious loft area, two additional bedrooms and a Jack and Jill bath. There is a two-car garage and plenty of yard space for kids and dogs to play. This home is in the gated community of Glen Riddle, with amenities including: a fitness center; outdoor pool; clubhouse; boat ramp; marina; tennis courts; two world class golf courses; and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. The owner has taken great care of this house, and it shows pride of ownership. The furnishings are negotiable. Come take a look today before it’s sold. MDWO2018904

MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS!

121 81ST ST UNIT 706 • OCEAN CITY • $815,000

Stunning 4BR/4.5 bath home in the Refuge at Derickson Creek hits the market! This meticulously maintained home backs up to the pond, has peek of the Bay and is located approximately three miles from Fenwick Island beach. As you walk through the front door you will immediately see the attention to detail. There is an upgraded kitchen with breakfast bar, Quartz countertops, beautiful tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet space. The kitchen opens into the dining area.

Friends and family will enjoy meals there together and will make memories that last a lifetime. The spacious family room, with a beautiful gas fireplace, is off the dining area and is a perfect gathering place for entertaining family and friends. There’s a wonderful, enclosed sunroom with a glass slider to the paver patio deck and beautiful back yard. There’s also a flex room on the first floor that could be used as an office. The primary bedroom suite is located on the first floor and is oversized and has a beautiful full en suite bath. You will enjoy the water views from your primary bedroom. The laundry room is also on the first floor. You will love the first-floor hardwood floors, tile, woodworking, upgraded lighting and upgraded carpet throughout. The hardwood floors continue to the second level. There is a spacious second family room on this level and there are three additional bedrooms all with en suite baths. This is the perfect home for everyone to enjoy. There is a two-car garage, covered front porch, and outside shower. Every room in this house has a view of the pond and a peek of the Bay. The Refuge is an amenity rich community with a large inviting outdoor pool w/separate wading pool for kids, a clubhouse with an exercise/workout room, tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court and playground. In the Refuge you get to enjoy the scenic views and native wildfowl of Derickson Creek and the Delaware Inland bays. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! DESU2052970

OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-1PM

1 66TH ST UNIT 101 • OCEAN CITY • $499,900

NEW WATERFRONT CONDO

301 14TH ST #302 • OCEAN CITY • $695,000

Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market!

This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo. The kitchen is sure to delight the chef in your family with its granite countertops, custom cabinets and plenty of workspace. Off the kitchen is the family room and dining area where you will enjoy family meals and make memories that last a lifetime. The family room is great for entertaining and has a gas fireplace for chilly times in fall and winter. There’s also a wet bar for relaxing and having cocktails with friends. You can see the Ocean and Bay from the primary bedroom suite and the primary bath is luxurious with a tile Jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanities. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and each have their own en suite bathroom. There is also a half bath off the family room. There’s a separate laundry room with washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Privacy is ensured with good separation between the primary bedroom and the other two bedrooms. There are large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee and a cold drink in the evening. The Rivendell has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a fitness center, and the Hobbit restaurant is located in the building as well. This condo is located in Midtown on 81st St. and there is a traffic light at the intersection so crossing the street is very easy. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and shops in the area. There is a parking garage and secure access to the building. Come take a look today and make this beautiful property yours. This is a non-rental building so you will make friends and know your neighbors. MLS MDWO2017698

Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean. As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy. Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172

Stunning 3-bedroom 3.5 bath luxury condo in Laguna Vista hits the market! As you walk in the front door, you will immediately fall in love with the large open floor plan and coastal decor. The gourmet kitchen features an abundance of cabinets, beautiful tile backsplash, granite countertops and center island with stainless steel appliances.

Off the kitchen is a beautiful dining area where you will enjoy meals with family and friends. The dining room flows nicely into the large family area for relaxing and entertaining, and there is a gas fireplace for winter nights. The family room has a glass slider to a covered deck with southern exposure. The famous White Marlin tournament is right next-door, and you have a great view from your balcony.

The primary bedroom ensuite is spacious and faces the water as well. There's also a slider off the primary bedroom to the balcony. The other two bedrooms are private as well. There's also a separate entrance to those two bedrooms off the foyer so one of them could serve as a second primary bedroom. The HVAC was just replaced.

This condo is well taken care of, and the amenities in the condo building include an indoor heated pool and an open year-round exercise room. The condo is just three blocks to the beach and boardwalk. This well-maintained condo is being sold fully furnished and shows pride of ownership. Come take a look today before it's sold.

MDWO2018458

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34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $3,900,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc.

Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528

32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $7,900,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

Permit granted for animal photoshoot on inlet beach Funny Farm Petting Zoo to bring menagerie downtown this weekend

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Community members could see some interesting animals at the Ocean City Inlet this weekend.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council approved a request from Funny Farm Petting Zoo to hold a photoshoot featuring non-domesticated animals at the Ocean City Inlet on Feb. 17. City Clerk Diana Chavis said such activity required a permit.

“As based on town code, to have non-domesticated animals on public property requires a permit from the Mayor and Council,” she explained.

“The Funny Farm Petting Zoo is establishing a destination in Berlin, and they would like to do some photoshoots with Ocean City as the background. They’ll be bringing possibly a baby camel, donkey, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat, chicken and an alpaca. So they’d like to do that on the

beach at the Inlet.”

According to town code, it is illegal to house non-domesticated animals within the town’s corporate limits or to possess non-domesticated animals on public property such as sidewalks, alleyways, the Boardwalk and the beach.

However, there are some exemptions to the rule, as non-domesticated animals may be permitted at certain public locations with a special event permit issued by the Mayor and Council. To that end, Funny Farm Petting Zoo submitted a request earlier this month to bring non-domesticated animals to the Inlet for a one-day photoshoot.

“Tabatha Roberts of Funny Farm Petting Zoo requests permission to bring several non-domesticated animals to the inlet on February 17 from 3 p.m. until sunset for a photo shoot …,” a memo to the council reads. “All animals will be on a lead or leash.”

After some joking from officials, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Frank Knight absent, to approve the permit request for the specified date.

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Short-term rental changes discussed for OC Continued from Page 4 for the council’s joint meeting with the planning and zoning commission on Feb. 27. Buas, however, said issues to be discussed at the joint meeting were separate from the revisions being proposed for the rental license program.

“So you got the license issue, where we contemplate a short-term and long-term license. I think that’s a conversation with the Mayor and Council and the staff,” he said. “Then we talk about the use issue. There’s going to be a lot of passionate discussion for or against restrictions on rentals. I think that’s the joint session topic. I think they can be accomplished independently.”

In terms of rental license revisions, Buas said he wanted to see staff eliminate its commercial rental license and improve its residential rental license

to include two categories - one for short-term rentals and one for longterm rentals.

Under short-term rentals, he proposed a requirement to identify an onsite manager and a fee calculation that would cover the impact short-term rentals have on town resources. Under long-term rentals, he suggested a longer renewal period and a nominal fee.

“I know it’s going to be an evolving process, but that’s kind of what I see the goal being,” he said.

Councilman John Gehrig said he agreed with Buas’ suggestions but argued that a third category for seasonal rentals should be included. He added that property owners who convert their properties from one type of rental to another should acquire the appropriate license.

“Sometimes there are owners who flip-flop based on the market, so when short-term is more profitable they’ll shift that seasonal to a weekly …,” he explained. “If you’re going to be seasonal, that’s fine. You’re going to stay seasonal unless you get a short-term license. You need to actually get that license and follow the rules.”

Buas said topics such as rental conversions and parking could be discussed further at the council’s upcoming meeting with the planning and zoning commission. He noted that separate licenses for short- and long-term rentals would make it easier to impose certain restrictions.

“If you wanted to have a parking restriction on short-term rentals, having separate licenses would make it easier to impose that because now you’ve identified which ones actually need

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that … Right now they’re all on the same license list,” Buas said.

After further discussion, Buas made a motion to have staff present a recommendation for revising the town’s rental license program to include either two or three licensing categories based on the number of days.

The motion passed in a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Frank Knight absent.

As part of Tuesday’s discussion on short-term rentals, Finance Director Chuck Bireley also came before the council with a request to award a oneyear contract, totaling $159,000, to Deckard Technologies for compliance services. He said the company would scan online rental websites daily to identify unlicensed rentals in Ocean City.

“The town’s request is for the organization to continuously monitor rental activity in the town and communicate with the license inspector to identify properties that do not have a current rental license,” he explained.

Bireley told officials this week the town currently has 8,922 non-hotel rental licenses. He noted, however, that Deckard estimates there are 9,100 properties for rent within the municipality.

“That’s 178 units that have not been captured based on their estimate,” he said. “If we multiply that by the license fee and the average room tax per unit, which is $1,549, that equals $275,722 of potential new revenue to the town.”

Bireley noted that while Deckard was the most expensive option of the three proposals submitted, it was more qualified to handle the work. He said the $159,000 cost would be paid for with the interest the town earned on its investments.

“We have excess there,” he said.

Following Bireley’s presentation, the council voted 5-1, with Buas opposed, to approve a one-year contract with Deckard Technologies.

“I just wonder if we should fix our rental program first and then do this,” Buas said. “I just want to make sure we are ready to bring them on board.”

Berlin seeking grant increase Continued from Page 3 roadway improvements had done a lot to increase the safety of the road.

He asked what responses Tyndall had received from other municipal leaders when he’d sent the unified grant request concept around.

Tyndall said the mayor of Ocean City had indicated the resort received more than $500,000, as did the mayor of the Town of Snow Hill. Tyndall encouraged councilmembers to attend the March 5 meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners with him to present the grant request.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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OC Today-Dispatch

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PAGE 10

OC Today-Dispatch

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Wawa’s plans for Berlin move forward with concerns

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Plans for a Wawa in Berlin got preliminary approval this week but developers will have to work elements of the town’s architecture into the design if they want the project to come to fruition.

After nearly three hours of discussion and several failed motions, the Berlin Planning Commission voted 4-2 Wednesday to give preliminary approval to the site plan for a Wawa at the intersection of North Main Street (Route 818) and Route 50. Commission members want the developer to return with revised elevation drawings showing elements that relate to the architecture of Berlin.

“I don’t want to lose this project…,” commission member Pete Cosby said.

“Take a bow to us is all I’m saying. Make the box pretty somehow.”

In December, the commission tabled consideration of the Wawa site plan because they wanted traffic reviewed and design improved. Developers returned to the commission this week with updated renderings. Attorney Dirk Widdowson said that while the developer had reviewed the placement of the store’s dumpster based on the commission’s previous comments, if it was kept where it was it would not open onto North Main Street. He said the appearance of the store would be softened by the landscaped “Welcome to Berlin” sign the property owner planned.

“It would draw anyone’s eye to that,” he said. “We’re a convenience store and a fuel dispensing location. We can’t hide that.”

Widdowson said the store Wawa had planned for Berlin was a new prototype that had only been done in Herndon, Va. “They really feel they are giving Berlin a special building,” he said.

While the commission also wanted a traffic study done, Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) deemed it unnecessary because the site had already been approved for a 7Eleven.

“They’re satisfied with everything that’s been provided to this point,” he

said.

Engelhart said he’d received two emails from the public regarding the project. Resident Marie Velong wrote that a stoplight at the intersection was needed, and resident Gina Velong said she was worried about traffic increasing in what was already a bottleneck.

Property owner Spiro Buas said he’d asked for a light at the intersection years ago, but SHA wouldn’t do it because of the proximity to the on and off ramps for Route 113. He stressed that development of the Wawa would include the widening of North Main Street. There would be a new right turn lane and the North Main Street access to Wawa would line up with the entrance to the medical complex across the road.

“We’ve vastly improved what you see there,” he said. “There’s going to be a huge difference.”

Commission member Ron Cascio said SHA didn’t know the people of Berlin like commission members did.

“State Highway’s not going to be the ones with blood on their hands,” he said.

Commission member Erich Pfeffer said commission members spoke as representatives for the townspeople.

Buas said he had a right to build a commercial facility on a commercially zoned piece of land the town had annexed. Widdowson maintained that the only entity that could bring a signal to the intersection was SHA. “You will be turning down a plan you already approved,” he said, referencing the commission’s 5-1 vote to approve the 7-Eleven in 2021.

Commission member Matt Stoehr said the town had changed in the past three years.

“Do you think without development there there’s a better chance you’re going to get a traffic light?” Buas responded. “If nothing changes, nothing’s going to change.”

Attorney Regan Smith said the town had wanted the property annexed, had charged the property owner for water and sewer and had approved the site plan for a 7-Eleven but now that it was a Wawa officials didn’t support it.

“The town leadership is inconsistent See WAWA Page 12

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Wawa’s plan advances Berlin approves step, grade Continued from Page 10 with you,” he said.

Cosby said he wanted the Wawa but felt developers hadn’t heeded his request in December for architectural improvements.

“We’ve got to have some guidance,” Widdowson said.

Cosby said maybe red brick, awnings or faux windows would help. Buas said Wawa needed direct guidance, as they typically built to a town’s code. Steve Fortunato of Bohler Engineering said the group needed preliminary approval tonight for Wawa to continue moving forward. He suggested the commission provide preliminary approval with a follow-up letter addressing specific changes members would like to see to the elevations.

Widdowson said Wawa would move on if too much time was spent in a back-

and-forth on design.

“They are looking at other property because they are tired of this,” he said.

Cascio and Stoehr said they would not support the project because of traffic concerns. Pfeffer said he understood the developer couldn’t mandate a light but wanted a design that would “speak to the character of downtown Berlin.”

Commission member Newt Chandler referenced the design Pfeffer presented for The Buzz Meadery earlier in the meeting.

“Does that look like Berlin?” Chandler said, holding the rendering up. “I don’t think so.”

After multiple iterations of a motion to approve the project failed, a motion for preliminary site plan approval with the condition that the developer returned with revised elevations passed 4-2. Cascio and Stoehr were opposed.

system for upcoming budget Move carries first-year cost of $211,000 in new payroll expenses in fiscal 2025

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously this week to approve a step and grade system for town staff.

The council on Monday approved a step and grade system recommended

by Berlin’s human resources director.

Implementing the program is expected to cost the town $211,000.

“It puts our employees at ease because they know how to plan,” Councilman Dean Burrell said.

After increasing pay so that current

positions are at 35% of the market value, in November, town officials reviewed plans for a step and grade system for municipal employees.

Officials advised Kelsey Jensen, the town’s human resources director, to move forward with plans for a scale of 25 grades and 21 steps, with 2.5% between steps.

Since then, Jensen has been placing the town’s current employees at the appropriate positions on the scale.

She presented officials with the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 step and grade scale this week.

“What you have in front of you today is bringing everyone to a grade, to the nearest step plus one,” she said.

When asked for the total cost of that, Jensen said it would cost about $170,000 for the salary adjustments, or about $211,000 when fringe benefits were worked in. In her staff report, Jensen recommended the council implement the salary scale as well as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), as it would help keep Berlin in line with the market going forward.

She added that she’d reached out to other jurisdictions to see if they were planning to provide a COLA and had been advised that most were planning See COUNCIL Page 14

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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Council supports step system Continued from Page 12 a 3-6% COLA. She added that she knew the council had asked how tenure would factor into the salary scale but said that she hadn’t yet determined the ideal way to do that.

When asked how much more money a COLA would cost, Jensen said she hadn’t brought that figure.

Mayor Zack Tyndall pointed out that by moving all employees up one step, they were already getting at least a 2.5% increase in the coming fiscal year.

Councilman Steve Green reminded his peers that last year, their concern was that bringing positions up to 35% of market value hadn’t impacted every employee.

“This does. No matter where you are everybody will be impacted because of that step increase …,” he said.

“I like the direction we’re headed for sure.”

Tyndall said that with a step and grade system, it would be clear how much funding was needed for employees each year as the town started the budget process.

“This puts the employees at the front end every year,” he said. “We know what our costs will be, the only difference is what we are going to do movement wise on COLA.” Councilman Jack Orris said there was no code enforcement officer, a

position officials have talked about in recent years, on the scale.

“This doesn’t include positions that don’t currently exist,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said.

Green said he thought incorporating tenure into the scale would be difficult.

“Not all tenures are created equal,” he said, adding that perhaps tenure should be considered on a case-bycase basis. “When you manage people for a living, I think you realize that. I think the case-by-case approach is going to be a big part of it.”

Green said he supported giving employees a cost-of-living adjustment but wasn’t sure at what level. He added that the town could also be flexible with the date of the increase and could start it January 1, which would be halfway through the fiscal year, to help with the budget.

“Everybody did get moved up a step,” he said.

Tyndall said officials could review the cost of the salary scale and potential cost-of-living adjustments as the budget process progressed.

“We should have time for the council to be able to evaluate this in conjunction with the budget and potential COLAs during the general fund work session before we have to introduce any potential changes,” he said.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PAGE 15

OC Today-Dispatch

BZA approves extension for proposed inlet hotel project Second request made as developer, town address delays with construction

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Members of an appeals board granted a one-year extension to the developer of a downtown luxury hotel.

Last Thursday, the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a one-year variance extension for the Kyma Luxury Resort Hotel and Spa, which will be constructed at 700 S. Philadelphia Ave. Officials say the extension will give the developer, Christos Sarantis, more time to work through the project’s design phase.

“It sounds like you all just need more time to get your ducks in a row,” Chair Chris Rudolf said.

For decades, there have been several attempts to redevelop the old Holt’s Landing property, situated between Sunset Park and the Oceanic Fishing Pier. At one time, the site was proposed for a mixed-use development known as Jennieville. There were also plans for an eight-story condominium, but that project never came to fruition.

In recent years, however, Sarantis has been working through the approval process for an upscale hotel on the bayside lot. In January of 2022, for example, the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals granted the develSee CONSTRUCTION Page 16

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

Construction planned for fall OC’s new parking division Continued from Page 15 oper’s request to allow for onsite compact parking and setback variances. And in August of last year, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the project’s site plan.

Ocean City Zoning Analyst Chase Phillips told the appeals board last week the developer had sought, and received, a one-year extension of its variance approvals last January. And last month, a request was made for a second extension.

“Specifically, the extension of one year has been made for the reasons outlined in the letter dated January 26, 2024,” he said. “Staff notes the board previously granted one extension of one year on January 12, 2023, which brought the expiration date to January 27 of this year.”

Attorney Kristina Watkowski, representing the developer, told board members the request for a second extension was based on two points, one of which being construction delays.

“They have pursued this project, but the company has faced a lot of setbacks,” she explained. “As we all know - and we keep hearing it again and again - in construction it’s very much been true with COVID and labor shortages and it’s even difficult to get bids on projects. That was part of the first delay and it kind of contin-

ued.”

Watkowski said there were also questions from the town’s zoning staff regarding floodplains and the developer’s plans for planter walls.

“This gives us time to work that out as well,” she added.

Board member John Moran questioned the timing of the request. He noted the extension request expired in January but was being heard at the February meeting.

“I’m guessing because the request came in before the expiration, and with there being no meeting scheduled, staff had to wait until a meeting,” Maureen Howarth, board attorney, replied.

Staff agreed.

“We’re working with what we got,” Rudolf added.

With no further discussion, the appeals board voted 3-0 to approve the extension request.

In a letter to the town’s zoning administrator, Keith Iott of Iott Architecture and Engineering Inc. said the project would be submitted for a building permit by the end of April, with construction to start in September.

As proposed, the hotel will feature 62 guest rooms, eight suites, an owner’s unit and a 3,700-square-foot restaurant, as well as a private beach and boardwalk.

taking shape for spring Transportation officials continue recruitment efforts for manager, support staff

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Officials say a parking manager could be hired as early as next week.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman provided members with an update on the hiring process for a new parking division within the transportation department. He noted that while interviews are ongoing, a new parking manager would be in place well before the season commences.

“We are expecting to make a job offer pretty soon, before the end of the month,” he told the committee, “and hopefully onboard them as quickly as possible so they’re up and running again, targeting April 1 as the beginning of the paid parking season for the town.”

In November, the Ocean City Council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to create a new parking division under the town’s

transportation department. While paid parking represents a $6 million annual revenue source for the town, officials argued a division was needed to oversee its management.

“What we’d like to do is move virtually everything under that division,” City Manager Terry McGean told the council at the time. “So that division would handle overall administration and management.

Right now, no one does that.”

As proposed, the new parking division would fall under Shearman’s leadership and would feature a new full-time parking manager and seven or eight part-time parking enforcement officers. In an update Tuesday, Shearman said the first round of interviews for a new See INTERVIEW Page 20

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OC Today-Dispatch

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

State change could impact seasonal officer program

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OCPD officials, staff work to identify budgetary needs within local department

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) A plan to promote an employee within the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) led to a larger discussion this week about manpower and the potential elimination of the seasonal officer program.

On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with a plan to promote an officer to corporal within the agency’s patrol division. While commission members expressed a desire to keep a full-time officer on the streets, City Manager Terry McGean said a change at the state level could require town officials to reevaluate the agency’s seasonal officer program and the need for additional full-time patrol staff.

“If we transition out of seasonal, how many full-time officers do we need on the road?” he said. “That’s something we need to figure out.”

During Monday’s meeting, Buz-

zuro said the police department recently moved a corporal from the patrol division to the department of professional standards, which handles policy development, internal affairs and other related duties for the OCPD. To that end, he proposed promoting an officer to fill the vacant corporal position.

“Really there is no downside to this,” he said. “A corporal would give further depth in the field because right now patrol is one corporal down because we did move that corporal over.”

Buzzuro told commission members the reassignment would have a fiscal impact of no more than $6,000, which would be covered in the current year’s budget. He added that the new corporal would also take on officer duties when needed.

“That corporal, at times when he’s not in a supervisory capacity, will work in an officer’s capacity,” he said.

Council President Matt James, a commission member, noted that the promotion would leave one less officer in the patrol division. While he said he understood the need for an additional person in the professional See POLICE Page 20

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 19

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Police summer recruitment effort improves Chief reports increase in officer, public safety aide applications for ‘24 season

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Ocean City’s police chief said seasonal recruitment is on track to exceed last summer’s employment numbers.

During Monday’s meeting of the Ocean City Police Commission, Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members with an update on recruitment for the coming summer season. Ahead of this weekend’s testing date, he said the department had received 56 seasonal officer applications and 40 public safety aide (PSA) applications.

“We are on pace to meet or exceed where we were last year,” he ex-

plained. “So even in a challenging environment, we are still doing fairly well.”

For decades, the Ocean City Police Department has enhanced its workforce with seasonal officers and PSAs during the summer months. And while interest in the seasonal program gained some momentum in 2021, recruitment has lagged in the years since.

In his report Monday, however, Buzzuro said recent testing opportunities have yielded additional candidates for this year’s seasonal program.

In total, the police department has received 56 seasonal officer applicants to date, with another 38 signed up for this weekend’s testing. If successful, Buzzuro said the agency could exceed the number of seasonal 5700 Coastal Hwy, Ste 101 Ocean City, MD 21842 Office: 410-524-6111

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numbers following this weekend’s testing date.

“We’ll see what this one brings us and take it from there,” he said. “But we’ve been very aggressive in our recruitment efforts.”

Officials this week also reviewed the agency’s police activity report for the month of January. Buzzuro said service calls remained consistent, with 1,791 recorded in January 2023 and 1,793 recorded in January 2024.

He added that traffic stops remained the top service call, followed by assist fire/EMS calls.

“We did see a slight increase in assist fire/EMS calls, from 124 last year to 139,” he said. “That is a pretty big jump from 2022, when calls were at 53.”

Under January enforcement, the police department recorded 55 custodial arrests, one criminal citation, two drug arrests, 17 DUI arrests and three weapons arrests.

Police staffing to be discussed

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officers it hired last year.

“This could bring that number closer to the low 90s,” he said. “We finished with 80 last year.

Buzzuro said the same could be said for the PSA program, as 40 have already applied and 17 have committed to this weekend’s testing date.

“Add that to the 40 and that puts us in the mid-50s,” he added. “Last year, we had a total of 45.”

Mayor Rick Meehan asked about returning seasonal officers and public safety aides. As of this week, the agency had 10 existing seasonal officers and 30 PSAs interested in returning to Ocean City this summer.

He said two seasonal officers and eight PSAs have committed to another year.

“We are still in the process,” he said.

Buzzuro told commission members the police department would have a better idea of recruitment

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Continued from Page 18 standards department, he said there was also a need for patrol officers, particularly during the summer.

“We’re a net loss of one on the road then,” he said.

While he supported the reassignment, Councilman Peter Buas said he shared James’ concerns.

“The request is fine,” he said. “I just want to make sure you don’t lose anyone on the road.”

McGean told commission members Monday the promoted corporal would be stationed on town streets when needed. Officials noted, however, that there would be larger discussions about staffing heading into this year’s budget process.

“Moving forward, as we talk about staffing, we’ll certainly discuss those personnel needs for the field,” Buzzuro said.

Following Monday’s meeting, town administration met with OCPD command staff to discuss budgetary needs for the coming fiscal year. Part of that conversation, McGean said,

includes the potential elimination of seasonal officers.

“We have gotten word from the state that the state may change regulations that may impact our seasonal program,” he said following Monday’s meeting. “If that happens, we are working through what to do.”

The Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions is considering changes to its definition of “provisional officer,” which is what a seasonal officer is defined as within the OCPD, according to the department. McGean said if changes are implemented, the department could be forced to transition away from the use of seasonal officers.

“Right now, we don’t know anything definitively, but we’re working on that and the budget impacts it may have …,” he said. “If that change is made, we would have to augment the force with full-time officers and public safety aides.”

McGean said more information would be made available during budget work sessions this spring.

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Continued from Page 16 parking manager are now complete.

“We are in the process of inviting finalists for in-person interviews, which are slated to happen both Friday and next Tuesday …,” he said.

Shearman added that the department was also tasked with hiring a lead enforcement officer and a complement of parking enforcement officers to staff the new parking division.

He said those efforts were also ongoing.

“Our goal is to have the lead enforcement officer on board by April 1 and the staff of parking enforcement officers on board by May 1,” he said.

Last month, Shearman told committee members the transportation department had received more than 20 applicants for the parking manager position. He added that the department had also finalized its office plans and had reconfigured its current budget to account for new parking division expenses.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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OC Today-Dispatch

OCPD corporal retires with 28 years of service Findley praised as one of local department’s finest (Feb. 16, 2024) After 28 years of dedicated service to the residents of Ocean City, Cpl. Sydney Findley retired from the police department on Jan. 31.

Findley was assigned to the day shift watch. During his career, he served in patrol and the support services divisions. Findley was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2007.

One of his most notable achievements is serving on the Quick Response Team for 20 years. The Quick Response Team comprises a team of officers who have received advanced training in specialized weapons and response tactics. They are deployed for various situations, such as search warrants and hostage incidents.

Findley has attended several technical training courses such as Special Weapons and Tactics, Submachine Gun School, U.S. Customs Vessel Boarding, Basic Anti-Terror Training for Law Enforcement, Gang Activities Training, Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Tactical Operations.

During his career, Findley received several noteworthy achievements. He received three Unit Citations, a Meritorious Service Award, four Excellence Police Performance Citations, and a Bronze Star for a bicycle pursuit resulting in a struggle and arrest of a man with a gun on the Boardwalk.

“After an esteemed career with the Ocean City Police Department, among his many other accolades, Findley has earned a 25-year good driving pin,” Lt. Frank Soscia said in a news rerlease.

Findley has not had any preventable crashes in the past 25 years.

“After more than a quarter of a century of service, we congratulate you,” Chief Ross Buzzuro said in the release. “Cpl. Findley is the epitome of what it means to be Ocean City’s finest. His level of professionalism and willingness to lend a helping hand are true testaments to why he was a vital asset to our department.

I am proud to have served with him.”

After his retirement, Findley started a new chapter in his law enforcement career as a Somerset County deputy.

“I am incredibly grateful for the career opportunity provided by the Town of Ocean City,” Findley said in the release. “I extend a special thanks to my fellow law enforcement and first responders for training me and standing by my side for 28 years. The experience and memories are priceless.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OCPD Corporal Sydney Findley’s retirement was celebrated at City Hall last month with colleagues, family members and the Mayor and Council.

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Former SDHS teacher charged with child abuse

By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) A former Stephen Decatur High School teacher is facing a felony child abuse charge related to a relationship he allegedly had with a student in 1991.

Ronald Lee Davis, 63, of Salisbury, faces a charge of “child abuse: custodian” in Worcester County Circuit Court. The case, which has a motions hearing set for March 6, stems from time Davis spent as a music teacher at Decatur during the 1991-1992 school year.

Davis spent recent years working for Somerset County Public Schools but has been on administrative leave since the investigation began last fall, according to Victoria Miele, public relations supervisor and public information officer for Somerset County Public Schools.

“Mr. Ron Davis was placed on administrative leave in mid-October, immediately after SCPS district administration learned of the allegations from the investigating law enforcement agency,” Miele said.

“The alleged events occurred before Mr. Davis was hired by Somerset County Public Schools. I’m unable to comment any further due to employee confidentiality laws.”

According to the statement of charges, law enforcement in Worcester County received a letter from the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Child and Youth Protection on Oct. 17, 2023, after a woman told them she’d been sexually abused as a 17year-old at Stephen Decatur. When local law enforcement contacted the woman, she said she wanted to proceed with an investigation. She told police she had suffered from “depression and nightmares dues to her sexual relationship with Mr. Davis.”

“Although at the time when she was 16-17 years old and in a ‘consensual’ sexual relationship with Mr. Davis, she knew it was wrong but didn’t know how to make it stop,” the statement of charges reads. “It wasn’t until she was in therapy that she learned it was sexual abuse.”

According to the charging documents, during the victim’s senior year in high school she had three classes with Davis. She told investigators they engaged in sexual activity daily.

“Sexual acts occurred at SDHS to include the band room, Mr. Davis’s office, and back practice room in the instrument room, which was all within the band area, and the music library room,” charging documents read.

A parent who saw the victim leaning her head on the Davis’s shoulder See COURT Page 23

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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OC Today-Dispatch

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Court hearing set for March 6 in Worcester County Continued from Page 22 during a band trip expressed concern to Lou Taylor, who was then Decatur’s vice principal and current school system superintendent, according to charging documents. In an interview with law enforcement, Taylor told investigators Davis approached him sometime in the spring of 1992.

“He explained he needed to be honest with him; his conscience was bothering him,” charging documents read. “Mr. Davis told Mr. Taylor that he had a relationship with one of his students. He couldn’t live with himself for having the inappropriate relationship. Mr. Taylor assumed inappropriate meant a physical relationship. Mr. Taylor didn’t believe the relationship was a long relationship.

It sounded to him like it was a couple months. Mr. Taylor did not ask for a timeframe. Mr. Davis resigned, amicably, and went to Somerset County to teach middle school band.”

During an interview with investigators, Davis told them he had a consensual relationship with the victim after the school year ended, during the summer. Charges were filed against Davis in Worcester County Circuit Court Nov. 28. A motions hearing is scheduled for March 6 with a jury trial slated for April 3-5.

The Child Victims Act of 2023, which went into effect Oct. 1, has eliminated the statue of limitations for sexual abuse cases in Maryland.

Prior to the legislation, abuse survivors had to file a claim before their 38th birthday for legal recourse.

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OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

First responder service in firefighter Lampe’s blood

By Steve Price Contributing Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize current life member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Jimmy Lampe.

The fire service is in his blood – his father was a firefighter for the District of Columbia Fire Department and served for many years as a volunteer firefighter in the Prince George’s County Fire Department. Both his grandfathers and his uncles were also volunteer firefighters with the Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department and the Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department in Prince Georges County. His mother and three aunts all served in the ladies auxiliary for the volunteer fire departments.

When his family moved to Ocean City in 1982, Lampe could not wait to join the cadet program with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

Following his years in the cadet program, Firefighter Lampe joined the OCVFC in 1986 before moving back to PG County and serving ten years as a volunteer firefighter with the Chillum-Adelphi VFD. Lampe returned to Ocean City in

PAGE 25

OC Today-Dispatch

Jimmy Lampe

2000 and again became a member of the OCVFC. Jimmy became a life member of the OCVFC in 2014. He has been a firefighter with the Stockton (Maryland) Volunteer Fire Company for the past ten years and currently serves as the company safety officer.

Lampe cites the most significant event of his fire service career as the Sauté Café fire that broke out on July 16, 1983, resulting in the tragic death of Ocean City Volunteer Firefighter Jeffrey Dieter Sr. See LAMPE Page 26

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Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com.

Visit the website for further information and photos.

PAGE 26

OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Lampe reflects on impact of fatal restaurant fire in 1983 Continued from Page 25 He shared his memories of that morning and the days that followed in his own words: “I had been in the Cadets for a little over a year, and I remember my Father yanked me out of bed because he had heard the call on the scanner. We drove to the scene of the fire. At the time I didn’t comprehend what was going on because I was performing the duties that Cadets would do on the scene. Reality set in the next week when we were lined up for at the cemetery and I saw grown men cry. It was then that I knew and understood the meaning of family and brotherhood in the fire department.”

Firefighter Lampe says his greatest accomplishment in the fire service is the opportunity to pass on his knowledge to the younger members.

Lampe offers the following encouragement to young men and women with an interest in the fire service: “Train, train, train! Take advantage of any and all training opportunities available to you.”

We thank Firefighter Lampe for many years of service and commitment to the safety and well-being of his neighbors and the many visitors to our communities.

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

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS SR.

COMMISSION ON AGING SPOTLIGHTED Pictured, from left, at a recent Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City meeting are Worcester County Commission On Aging Director of Operations Stephen Douglas, Club President Bob Wolfing and Aging Commission Executive Director John Dorrough. Douglas and Dorrough spoke to club members about the commission on aging’s programs and efforts to help senior residents.

CROSSWORD

Answers on page 54

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PAGE 27

OC Today-Dispatch

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Creativity may prove elusive this week, Aries. You want to get into a crafty project but you simply can’t find traction just yet. Don’t give up too soon.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a distracted friend or loved one may not be good company over the next few days. Reach out and offer to be a sounding board to help this person re-center their focus.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Are you feeling preoccupied, Gemini?

You can’t seem to focus on one thing or another and friends will start to notice when you are in their company.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Romantic matters are going very well right now, Cancer, even if you may not feel entirely confident. The person who cares for you will not notice your insecurities.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 The more challenging path may prove the best one to take as your work on a certain task, Leo. Dig in and start figuring a way out to the other side.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, there is so much to do around the house that you may not know where to start. Spring cleaning comes a month or two early. Ask for help if you’re feeling frazzled.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 You may be in the mood to expand your knowledge on one or more subjects, Libra. Visit the library or a bookstore and pick up something that piques your interest.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you may pick up on some vibes when hanging out with others that just don’t fit in with your line of thinking. Give it some time before you cut any ties. You may be misinterpreting.

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Boats and vendors line up inside one of the main exhibit halls at the Ocean City convention center during a past Seaside Boat Show.

Seaside Boat Show this weekend Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club hosting annual event at OC convention center

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) The Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club is hosting the 41st Seaside Boat Show at the Ocean City Convention Center from Friday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 18.

The event is expected to draw in roughly 15,000 boating enthusiasts, publicist Charles Smith said.

Guests will be welcomed with 350 boats, 150 exhibitors, and 50 boat dealers to browse. Displayed will be a plethora of sport cruisers, sport fishing, performance, and super boats, as well as booths for marine electronics, boat trailers, canvas products, motors, jewelry, art, financing and insurance.

Expected sellers include All-Star Marine from Baltimore, Bass Pro Shops from Hanover, Bayside Jet Drive from Berlin, Danny’s Marine from East New Market, Advanced Marine from Ocean City, First State

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 There has been a lot going on in your life, Sagittarius. You may be experiencing some apprehension about the future. Take every concern individually and give it thought.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Information coming to you could have you feeling nervous about your financial security, Capricorn. If this is outside your area of expertise, you may want to sit down with a planner.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Confusing messages from work may find you reconsidering plans that you already put into motion, Aquarius.

Get more information before modifying your plans.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, your mind is all over the place right now, so it could be difficult to focus on mundane things like chores or other activities right now. However, don’t push them off.

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Additional Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York businesses will also attend. The complete list can be found on the official Seaside Boat Show website.

Smith said that known as the “Boat Show that Works for Kids,” 100% of the event’s profits go toward helping and advocating for children.

The proceeds allow the Optimist Club to sponsor Berlin and Snow Hill Little See EVENT Page 28

PAGE 28

OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Event raises money for children Author, journalist event Feb. 24 Continued from Page 27 Leagues, an oratorical contest, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts. Last year, the club bought winter coats for 900 Worcester County students.

The boat show’s earnings also provide funds for students pursuing higher education. Smith said that since the Optimist’s founding in 1972, the organization has provided over $3 million in scholarships.

A primary part of the occasion’s success is the door raffle, where visitors can score a pontoon boat, trailer and motor donated by Scott and Mary McCurdy of North Bay Marina, who have contributed the award for 37 years. Smith ensures that everyone who purchases a day or weekend pass is automatically entered into the contest. The winner will be announced on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Set up for the event started at 8

a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, where Optimist Club members and volunteers spent a day and a half marking 150 spaces for the vendors. The largest boats were scheduled to arrive Tuesday afternoon.

“Everyone on the Eastern Shore lives within 75 miles of the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay,” Smith said. “A lot of people fish, swim, and boat. We’re providing the opportunity to see the latest in electronics and insurance, and if they want to buy a boat, we have people that can help finance it.”

Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for children. Additionally, a weekend pass is available for $15. The Seaside Boat Show will run from 10 a.m. until 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 pm on Sunday at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street in Ocean City.

Ta-Nehisi Coates set to talk about Pullitzer contender at event this month in Berlin Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Ties to a historic Rosenwald school will bring a bestselling author to Berlin.

The Germantown School Community Heritage Center will welcome TaNehisi Coates, an award-winning author and journalist, on Feb. 24 to the auditorium at Stephen Decatur High School. Coates, whose grandmother attended Germantown School, will talk about “Between the World and Me,” a Pulitzer Prize finalist that won the National Book Award in 2015.

“His family’s roots are here,” Barbara Purnell, the president of the

Germantown School Community Heritage Center, said. “It’s great that he’s made it that big and it’s good for him to come and speak to the community.”

Coates is the author of the bestselling books “The Beautiful Struggle,” “We Were Eight Years in Power,” “Between the World and Me” and “The Water Dancer.”

Purnell, a cousin of Coates, has always admired his work and has wanted him to visit Germantown School, the Rosenwald school his grandmother attended as a child, for some time. She was able to get Berlin on his schedule for Black History Month but knew he would attract too much of a crowd to speak at Germantown School. She coordinated with the Berlin library to host the event there but realized as soon as the date was announced that even it would be too small.

“As soon as we opened reservations we knew we were full,” Purnell said.

She’s grateful that she was able to work with Worcester County Public Schools to move the event to the auditorium at Stephen Decatur High School. Coates will speak there at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. Those interested in attending can make reservations by emailing See EVENT Page 30

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OC Today-Dispatch

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PAGE 30

OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Event to be at SDHS

8TH ST T.. LIQUORS OPEN EVERY Y DA AY Y

SUNDAY FUNDA AY!

Continued from Page 28 germantownschool@gmail.com or by calling 410-641-0638.

The event is free, though donations will be accepted to the Anna V. Waters scholarship fund. Family members of Waters, Purnell’s cousin and Coates’ grandmother, started the scholarship fund in 2010 in her memory. Scholarship funds support African American students with 2.0 to 2.9 grade point averages who demonstrate desire to pursue higher education.

“We work each day to honor the legacy of Anna V. Waters, a tenacious

woman with an unflinching work ethic,” the scholarship fund’s website, avwsf.org, reads. “Ms. Waters instilled in her children a sense of ‘doing for self’ to lead productive lives in their communities. This is the fundamental tenet in our efforts to support young African-American students. Many financial scholarships are rooted in how a student looks on paper, but grades don’t tell the whole story. We are proud to invest in students who may not have conventional markers of success and who need someone to believe in them and their potential.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates

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PAGE 31

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

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Who’s Where When CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 16 No More Whiskey Saturday, Feb. 17: DJ Giddy Up & Rockoholics CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, Feb. 16: Monkee Paw Sunday, Feb. 18: Otto Grundman Wednesday, Feb. 21: Hurricane Kevin

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Feb. 16

DJ GIDDY UP Coins Pub: Saturday, Feb. 17

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Feb. 16: Fuzzbox Piranha Saturday, Feb. 17: Black Dog Alley FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, Feb. 16: DJ Greg & DJ RobCee Saturday, Feb. 17: Blue Miracle, DJ Greg & DJ Stinson

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Feb. 16

DJ CRUZ Seacrets: Saturday, Feb. 17

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GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Saturday, Feb. 17: Rogue Citizens Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, Feb. 16:

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Thursdays, & Fridays

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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OC Today-Dispatch

Who’s Where When DJ Billy T Saturday, Feb. 17: Mercury Agenda & DJ Harvey Cinco Sunday, Feb. 18: Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo POP RADIO Purple Moose: Saturday, Feb. 17

NO RIGHT WAY Pickles Pub: Saturday, Feb. 17

BLUE MIRACLE Fager’s Island: Saturday, Feb. 17

MERCURY AGENDA Harborside: Saturday, Feb. 17

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Feb. 17: No Right Way Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By TBA Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Feb. 17: Pop Stereo

NO MORE WHISKEY Coins: Friday, Feb. 16

MONKEE PAW Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Feb. 16

ROGUE CITIZENS Greene Turtle West: Saturday, Feb. 17

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Friday, Feb. 16 Harborside: Sunday, Feb. 18

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 16: Opposite Directions, DJ Connair & The Way Outs Saturday, Feb. 17: Full Circle, DJ Cruz & Cherry Crush Band Sunday, Feb. 18: Cherry Crush Duo & DJ Bobby O Thursday, Feb. 22: Blake Haley

PAGE 34

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

Things I Like...

By Steve Green A Super Bowl decided in overtime The quietness of a new keyboard Comparing ‘then and now’ photos of kids When an athlete apologizes for a mistake Blunt constructive criticism Closure to an awkward situation Big helmets on little lacrosse players The first shower after a hair cut Citizen comments at public meetings The peace of an office on a weekend Teens at play in the backyard

Md. DNR accepting apps for specialty crop block grants Farmers can vye for chunk of total $400K from dept. for production promotion (Feb. 16, 2024) The Maryland Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The reimbursement grant program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Maryland’s specialty crops. The department anticipates that roughly $400,000 will be available.

Department officials are seeking applications from eligible nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, and other organizations for projects that promote or enhance the production of and access to Maryland specialty crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops.

Competitive grants will be awarded for projects with a minimum of $15,000. Grants have historically ranged from $15,000 to $140,000.

Funds will be awarded for projects

lasting up to two years in duration and conclude by Nov. 15, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated based on potential for the greatest impact on Maryland specialty crop producers.

Applicants must be Maryland residents, or their business or educational affiliation must be in the state. Proposals can be completed online through Maryland OneStop. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., March 31. All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program manager and review committee.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture administers the program.

Funds derive from the U.S. Farm Bill through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

An informational Zoom webinar about the program will be held at 3 p.m., Feb. 22.

For questions about Maryland’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the application process, contact Karen Fedor at scbgp.mda@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773. More information about the program is available on the department’s website.

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OC Today-Dispatch

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PAGE 36

Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street ■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON DRY DOCK 28 28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City.

From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, eggrolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza. Both locations are famous for their sports atmospheres, especially all things Pittsburgh.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood.

Breakfast: closed Monday through Wednesday; Thursday through Saturday, 7:30-11 a.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon. Open daily for Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 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, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET 19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-3732756, blackoutalley.com Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-6811, Papistacojoint.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks.

Dine in or order online for your carryout.

■ PICKLES PUB 706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410289-4891, picklesoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen.

Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m.

Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily.

Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Don’t miss out on Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m.

■ FAGERS ISLAND 201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-5245500, fagers.com $$ | Full bar Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water.

Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED 8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410723-4665, hookedoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts.

Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:3011:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1.

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.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY 13117 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection. Winter hours Thursday-Sunday open at Noon.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

■ THE CRAB BAG 13005 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410250-3337, thecrabbag.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations.

Open Year Round. The Crabcake Factory started out as a breakfast house in 1996 and still serves one of the best and most creative breakfast menus in Ocean City. Try Eastern Shore favorites prepared daily by Chef-Owner John Brooks including a chipped beef, skil-

lets, omelettes and their famous lump crab creations. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ ORIGINAL GREENE TURTLE 116th Street, bayside, Ocean City, 410723-2120, originalgreeneturtle.com This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more! Join them for weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and happy hour 3-7 p.m. Popular features are game room, gift shop, carryout, party trays, nightly drink specials, MD Lottery-Keno, Powerball and DJs with dance floor. Open year-round.

■ TAILCHASERS RESTAURANT & DOCK BAR 12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-664-7075, tailchasersoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A coastal casual farm to table restaurant with a fun dockside family friendly atmosphere. Menu changes with the seasons and cocktails are handcrafted with care. Bring the whole family for lunch or dinner along the canal. Kids playground available to keep the littles entertained.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, located on the 8th floor of the Fenwick Inn, 410390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking the ocean and the bay. Serving off season weekly specials. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. Check out the website for a full menu.

FENWICK ISLAND ■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-9885000, CCFBayside.com Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining.

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available.

Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu. visit us online at crabcakefactoryonline.com or on our Facebook page.

■ NANTUCKETS Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5392607, nantucketsrestaurant.com Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty. There’s the memorable steaks, fresh seafood, famous quahog chowder and the chef’s daily specials.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu. Open everyday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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OC Today-Dispatch

Dining Pan-searing scallops FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. menu.

WEST OCEAN CITY BREAKFAST CAFE 12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting.

Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-2131500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables.

With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more.

Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out. Something for everyone.

HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL 12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-213-1846, weocharborside.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

SELLO’S ITALIAN OVEN & BAR 9802 Golf Course Road, 410-390-3543, sellosoc.com $$-$$$$ | Full bar Located in the heart of West Ocean City.

You may think you stepped off a city street and not just off the beach or boat. You will find a wide array of choices from a wood-fired oven individual pizza to our 8 oz. center-cut filet mignon. Join us at Sello’s, your new “happy place,” where “va tutto bene” … it’s all good … Open Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. until and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. until.

Buy wild when possible for best, most consistent taste and look for ‘dry’ versions

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) The philosophy of knowledge is actually called “epistemology,” which comes from the Greek words “episteme” (knowledge) and “logo” (reason).

Comprehension is the subject of inquiry, but how often does a chef use their gift to its fullest potential?

Reducing this thought for a more specific interpretation equates particulars. In other words, what do we really know about the types of food we serve? The pieces of the puzzle are about to be sifted and analyzed.

To the naked eye, a scallop is quite simplistic and very unassuming. But if one knew the fascinating facts and understood the culinary wonders surrounding its intriguing existence, you might have more respect and passion when preparing the juicy morsels.

Scallops are a member of the phy-

lum Mollusca, a category that also includes snails, sea slugs, octopuses, mussels, and oysters.

Within the phylum, sea scallops are part of class Bivalvia, which includes animals with hinged two-part shells made of calcium carbonate.

But what is really intriguing – scallops, unlike other bivalves, are freeswimming. In essence, they swim by clapping their shells quickly, which moves a jet of water past the shell hinge, propelling the scallop forward.

Female sea scallops can produce hundreds of millions of eggs in one year. They reproduce through a method called spawning, which is where males and females release eggs and sperm into the water where they unite for reproduction.

Did you know scallops have eyes?

Furthermore, if a scallop loses an eye, it simply regenerate a new one to take its place.

Unlike mussels and oysters, scallops cannot close their shells all the way. And while we are on the subject of their shell, each ring on a scallop shell represents a year of growth.

The soft, succulent flesh that is adored by seafood enthusiasts is actually the abductor muscle. The mus-

cle varies in color from white to beige. Bay scallops are small while sea scallops are much larger. Choosing the size of the scallop depends on the purpose intended.

If you want to buy the best quality scallops, make sure to look for “dry” scallops. Do not get this confused with dried scallops. Dry scallops are not dehydrated. They are “drypacked” and not chemically treated whereas “wet” scallops are packed in liquid that contains preservatives.

Be on the look out for fake scallops. According to Oceana, nearly 40% of the seafood on the market may be cheaper fish mislabed as something pricier.

Buy wild scallops whenever possible. Farmed scallops tend to be See SCALLOPS Page 42

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

ART CONTEST PARTICIPANTS Members of the Worcester County Arts Council recently hosted a student art contest at their gallery in Berlin. The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club donated $2,000 in prizes that were awarded to winning pieces. Pictured are participating students, teachers and friends at the gallery the night of the judging.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

STUDENTS LEARN WATER SAFETY Ocean City Elementary School fourth graders practice swimming during a recent field trip to the Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool. The students learned about water safety, first aid and swimming skills.

SCHOOL ART CLUB Students from Berlin Intermediate School made bird feed strings and gingerbread people during a recent meeting of the school art club, an outreach program of the Art League of Ocean City led by art teacher Joanne Guilfoil.

(Far left) Hunter Rodriguez poses with a gingerbread creation he made. (Center) Landon Anders poses with a gingerbread person he created. (Left) Zoey Brown poses with a gingerbread cat she created.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

FEBRUARY FIRST FRIDAY

Kennie Jones opened his show, “The Black Congress,” a photographic study of Black barber shops, in the Spotlight Gallery on Feb. 2.

Carol Ward poses with her second place winning piece in the “Perspectives” group art show.

NEW EXHIBIT NOW OPEN The Art League of Ocean City’s February First Friday gallery opening was held Feb. 2 at the center for the arts on 94th Street.

The show continues through Feb. 24.

PHOTOS COURTESY ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY

Karen Lembo won honorable mention in the “Perspectives” group art show Feb. 2.

Rebecca Morgan poses with her first place winning piece in the “Perspectives” group art show.

Brendan Harris poses with his third place winning piece in the “Perspectives” group art show.

Rosie Bean poses with a piece that won an honorable mention award at the “Perspectives” group art show.

Itzel Aguilar is shown during the opening of her new art show in the Staircase Gallery on Feb. 2.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Scallops served best golden brown Continued from Page 37 cheaper but are higher in contaminants than their wild counterparts.

Scallops have a natural sweet, succulent flavor and should not be overpowered with seasonings. Seared scallops only need kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the scallops.

You can cook scallops on a gas or electric stove, but gas is the preferred choice for the simple fact that it gets much hotter.

The pan is also another consideration. If you own a cast iron skillet, I highly recommend using it for this particular dish. Scallops need to be cooked quickly at high heat to retain their tenderness. As a result, a super-

hot pan is a must.

Scallops are rich in texture and butter adds to the richness. However, it will burn at high temperatures.

Adding oil to your butter allows the butter flavor to come through and keeps it from burning.

One of the cardinal sins is overcooked seafood and scallops are no exception. The plump morsels will give you clear signs when they are done. The outer surface should have a golden-brown crust, and the flesh should be opaque throughout.

There are pages and pages of scallop recipes that are delectable and deserve their own right in cookbooks.

But I find pan seared scallops is the best way to showcase the protein and allow the natural deliciousness to

shine. Enjoy!

Pan Seared Scallops Ingredients 12 large sea scallops 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter kosher salt 1. Heat canola oil and butter over medium to high heat in a large iron skillet. Sauté scallops until a crispy sear is achieved (approximately 2 minutes on each side).

2. Garnish with kosher salt and serve immediately.

Secret Ingredient – Originality Originality is simply a fresh pair of eyes.

— Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Al “Hondo” Handy

Book signing The Ocean City Life Saving-Station Museum is hosting a book signing for local author Al “Hondo” Handy from 11 a.m. to noon, Feb. 24.

His book, “Defying Expectations,” will be for sale in the museum shop.

Ahead of the signing, the museum will be hosting a giveaway of one of Hondo’s books. The winner will be randomly picked that day. Enter the free giveaway during the museum’s operating hours on the weekend, or by visiting ocmuseum.wufoo.com/ forms/m1ta35h702ik4og/.

More information can be found on the museum’s website at ocmuseum.org, or Facebook page.

Dual enrollment session High school students can get a head start on college credits at WorWic Community College through dual enrollment, which is free for some students in Maryland.

An information session on dual enrollment is set for 6 p.m., Feb. 27, at Guerrieri Hall on the Wor-Wic campus at the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury.

High school sophomores and juniors and their parents are welcome to attend. Visit the events section of Continued on Page 43

Stay informed with our digital newsletter Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC TodayDispatch delivers? Our five-days-a-week digital newsletter might be just what you need.

We are developing an in-your-morningemail product (with updates for breaking news) and invite you to give it a try when it debuts in the spring. If you sign up now, you’ll get a free three-month trial subscription to what will become available by paid subscription only for a nominal charge. How nominal? $2 a month or $12 a year to cover our production costs.

Sign up now and get three months free by emailing malloryp@oceancitytoday.net.

She’ll also keep you posted on our progress.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Continued from Page 42 worwic.edu to register, or for more information.

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OC Today-Dispatch

Eastern Shore Physicall Therapyy d!

Youth Impact Summit ’24 On March 8-10, youth advocates, industry professionals, and changemakers from across the nation will gather at the Golden Sands Ocean Resort in Ocean City for Youth Impact Summit 2024.

The summit aims to empower youth and ignite positive change by joining leaders, advocates, and other individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of young people.

Speakers includes award-winning educators, such as Illinois 2024 Teacher of the Year Briana Morales, who was recently featured on the Drew Barrymore Show for her nonprofit organization.

The event will include a brunch that will explore causes such as youth homelessness, financial literacy, health, early intervention, and education.

Attendees will also have opportunities to network with like-minded individuals and participate in actives such as mini-golf, bowling, laser tag, and more.

For tickets, visit villagebuilders2024.com/ and EventBrite.

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Event vendors sought Berlin Chamber of Commerce staff are looking for participants for the organization’s Midway on Main Street at the town’s spring celebration on March 30.

The event will feature an egg hunt and Easter bonnet contest along with the midway of vendors set up along Main Street. Jolly Roger Amusements is sponsoring the midway and providing cases of plush prizes for contestants.

Business and nonprofit representatives are needed to set up games, such as the Bearded Mens’ Society’s Crab Pot Toss, and Mariner’s Country Down’s Frog Pond offered last year.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for all of the town’s spring and fall events.

For more information, email or call the Berlin chamber at 410-641-4775.

New Homes Additions Remodeling 2nd Floor Additions We Have Set Our 2024 Open House Tour Dates, the Last Saturday of Each Month 11-2: February 24 • March 30 • April 27 • May 25 • June 29 • July 27 • August 31 September 28 • October 26

Arts grants The Worcester County Arts Council is seeking applicants for grants for local art projects for display between July 1 and Dec. 31.

Organizations holding art projects and activities year-round or in both of the six-month periods (July 1 – Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 – June 30) may request grants that cover the entire fiscal year, from July to June 2025.

Proposed projects must be sponsored or presented by an incorporated Maryland not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization and be open to the public.

Continued on Page 46

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

A $249 VALUE FOR ONLY $99 • Check the electrical service panel and wiring • Tighten screws and lugs on circuit breakers to ensure proper functioning • Apply Noalox on branch circuits’ aluminum wires • Check all outlets with tester for loose connections, open grounds, neutral wires, proper polarity

• Test/inspect GFCI outlets and breakers • Check for double tapped breakers to eliminate overloading a circuit breaker • Survey for proper surge protection • Check smoke detectors and make recommendations for compliance with local electrical codes

Continued from Page 43 The amount requested must be matched one-for-one by organization funds. Last fiscal year the arts council awarded close to $50,000 to local organizations through the program.

The deadline to apply is April 15 and application forms and guidelines are available on the arts council website.

For further information or technical assistance, contact Anna Mullis, arts council executive director, at 410-6410809, or e-mail: anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

Call 410-641-1434 Worcester County Lic. #M917 • Maryland Lic. # 3506

Neil Young

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The life, history and songs of renowned singer-songwriter Neil Young will be the subject of a program later this month at the Ocean Pines branch of the Worcester County Library.

Staff members Frank DeLucco and Harry Burkett will host the event at 2 p.m., Feb. 22, at the library on Cathell Road.

They will detail Young’s 1960s beginnings with Buffalo Springfield and his success as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. The release said Young’s most memorable contribution, “Ohio,” became an instant anthem, marking the tragic killing of four students during an anti-Vietnam War protest at Kent State University.

Young’s landmark album, “Harvest,” — featuring his biggest hit single, “Heart of Gold”—came out in 1972, and his 1989 hit single, “Rockin’ in the Free World,” included several domestic critiques amid the fall of the Berlin Wall.

While Young experiments with various genres, ranging from rock and folk to blues and electronic, his raw and pioneering guitar work, indelible lyrics, and unique voice have remained his hallmarks. His frequent collaborations with Crazy Horse are considered the core of his famous sound.

For information on all Worcester County Library programs, check out the Events page at worcesterlibrary.org.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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Criminal Justice Academy graduation for 24 Eight officers included from Worcester, exercises held at resort’s convention center (Feb. 16, 2024) Twenty-four law enforcement officers from Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties recently graduated in the 91st entrance-level class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy operated by Wor-Wic Community College.

Graduation exercises, which were held in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, featured a commencement address by Carsten Wendlandt, part-time instructor in the criminal justice department.

John C. Moses, the director of criminal justice at Wor-Wic, Donald Rollyson Jr., the assistant director of the academy, and Rob Dell’Erba, the academy coordinator, presided at the ceremony. Awards of certification and excellence were presented by agency representatives.

Deborah Casey, the president of Wor-Wic, presented the First Responders Team Challenge Cup to the Ocean City Police Department. Aaron Grauel of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Department was the class speaker.

Graduates from Worcester County departments were Jared Thompson of the Ocean Pines Police Department; Cara-Marie Chiocca, Dylan Gipe, Joshua Glaub, April Knudson, Jacob McElfish and Timothy Passarello of the Ocean City Police Department; and Lawrence Bonneville of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

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Worcester County officers who graduated in the 91st entrance-level law enforcement class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury pose together for a photo. In the front row, from left, are Cara-Marie Chiocca, Dylan Gipe, Joshua Glaub and April Knudson of the Ocean City Police Department.

In the back row, from left, are Jared Thompson of the Ocean Pines Police Department, Timothy Passarello of the Ocean City Police Department, Lawrence Bonneville of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and Jacob McElfish of the Ocean City Police Department.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

PAGE 48

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

A day in the life of a teacher

‘The bright eyes, toothless smiles and boisterous greetings that meet us daily are priceless.’

By Shaneka Nichols Contributing Writer I am thankful for being able to be a teacher and extremely fortunate to work in Worcester County Public Schools.

Being a teacher requires many things in today’s world. Not only are we educating our young friends, but we are also integral parts of their development. As teachers, we are cheerleaders that encourage our students to be best versions of themselves; we are open arms for them when our kiddos need a little TLC; we are sounding boards for their thoughts, dreams, and aspirations.

Teachers are advocates for our students when their voices might not otherwise be heard. As teachers,

we’re prepared to meet our students with a clean slate every day and provide them with a quality education.

Our students make the challenges that come along with education worthwhile. It’s no secret that every day is not going to be filled with rainbows and happy singalongs. Educators are met with obstacles to navigate regularly. But working with our kiddos makes maneuvering through the rough spots worth it.

The bright eyes, toothless smiles and boisterous greetings that meet us daily are priceless. You know you’ve done something right when students from prior years come back for hugs and updates.

Unless they are educators, not many people would truly understand

the amount of additional classrooms materials that are purchased, not to mention costs associated with having materials needed to teach. Don’t get me wrong, the budget or allowances received come in handy.

However, the need for more pencils, and paper, and markers, and crayons, and band-aids, and glue, and craft sticks (I could go on and on) doesn’t end. They all add up, and this additional cost comes out of teachers’ pockets.

These children are ours, like those we’ve birthed, we don’t want to see them go without. So, we stretch our own dollars to provide for our students, just like our family. But when it’s gone where does that leave teachers?

Having grown up attending Buckingham Elementary, Berlin Middle and graduating from Stephen Decatur High School, I knew that when it was time for me to raise a family of my own, I would return and do so right here in Worcester County.

Both being products of WCPS, my husband and I knew firsthand that opportunities available to the students in this county were comparable to some of the best in the nation. The support and sense of community provided by teachers to families as well as their students are added benefits to the quality education provided Worcester County.

School should be a true representation of the world in its best form.

Putting teachers, administrators, educational assistants, custodians, cafeteria staff, etc. in front of our students that look (and maybe sound) like them can be pivotal to their educational success.

Walking into a new school and seeing someone that reminds them of a familiar face or place of comfort can mean the difference in that new student’s success. Worcester is moving in the right direction with diversifying the face of education for our students.

Mrs. Nichols is currently a Snow Hill Elementary School special education teacher

www.oceancitytoday.com

CFES welcomes four members to board of directors (Feb. 16, 2024) The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore recently announced that Gail Foltz, Sharone Grant, Michael Mathers, and Phyllis Mitchell have joined the organization’s board of directors.

Foltz lives in Salisbury and is a senior vice president, commercial relationship manager with Shore United Bank. She has served as a member of numerous civic orGail Foltz ganizations including prior service on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore and the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay. She is an active member of the Wicomico Rotary Club, where she has served as president and was a former Rotarian of the Year. She is also a member of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2019.

Grant lives in Snow Hill and is the Director of Student Health Services at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

She is serves as president of the Links, Sharone Grant Princess Anne Chapter, an African American professional sorority committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans. She served as the president of the Women’s Commission in Snow Hill and was recognized as a “Jewel of Worcester County.”

Mathers lives in Salisbury and is an attorney at Webb, Wilber, Douse, Mathers and Illuminati LLP. He is versed in last will and testament, power of attorney, advanced medical directive, and a variety of trusts, among other areas of law. He is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association (estate planning and See FOUR Page 50

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OC Today-Dispatch

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OCE AN CIT OCE CII Y

WITH BUNK MANN

Few of the many people that visit Ocean City each h year know that a railroad was once a vital link to Maryland’s famouss ocean resort. Between 1876 and 1933 trains brought both passengers an nd supplies across a wooden trestle bridge that entered town at South Division D Street.

In the late 19th century and into the mid-1920s as many as eight excursion trains would pull into Ocean City daily du uring the summer tourist season. Passengers would spend about four hours h at the beach and on the Boardwalk before heading home in the laate afternoon.

On Aug. 23, 1933, a hurricane destroyed the raiilroad bridge and ended train service to Ocean City forever. Contrary y to urban legend, there are no locomotives resting on the bottom of thee Ocean City Inlet or the Sinepuxent Bay y..

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Maryland casino revenues down for month of January (Feb. 16, 2024) Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate more than $153.24 million in revenue from slot machines and table games during January, a decrease of more than $14 million, or 8.4%, compared to a year ago.

According to a news release from Maryland Lottery and Gaming, all of the casinos reported losses last month, with Ocean Downs bringing nearly 13 percent less revenue than in January 2023.

The release said casino gaming contributions to the state for the month totaled nearly $63.2 million, a decrease of more than $7.5 million, or 10.6%; and contributions to the Education Trust Fund were down 11.2%.

The totals were similar to the numbers from January 2022, when gaming revenues were $153.8 million, and contributions to the state were $62.5 million, with $45.5 million going to the Education Trust Fund.

Ocean Downs fared better for the month than two of the casinos in Maryland — Rocky Gap in Allegany County and Horseshoe in Baltimore — while the other three reported lower percentage losses.

Four new board members named Continued from Page 48 elder law sections), Wicomico County Bar Association, and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Mathers has been active in the Ocean Pines Chamber of Michael Mathers Commerce, serving as a board member and then president in 2017. He is also active with the Wicomico County Department of Social Services.

Mitchell lives in Berlin and is a certified financial planner.

She is a registered representative and investment advisor representative through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Phyllis Mitchell She is also a certifiedfFinancial fiduciary, and a certified mutual funds specialist and has taught financial planning at Salisbury University. She has been a speaker to many groups on financial, investment, tax, and estate planning topics for over 35 years and has written many published financial articles over her career. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association, Investment Services Institute, and Financial Services Institute.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Md. sports betting totals skyrocket in month of January (Feb. 16, 2024) Sports betting in Maryland generated nearly four times more this past January for the state than in 2023, with a total 23.4% increase in overall revenue.

According to a Maryland Lottery and Gaming news release, the state’s sports wagering market provided more than $8.2 million last month from a total nearly $545 million handle to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs.

The $8.2 million total surpassed the previous single-month high of $6.5 million in December and was nearly four times more than the over $2.1 million generated in January of last year, a change that gaming officials credit to the NFL playoffs.

“The calendar is always the driving force in sports wagering, and the football playoffs in January reliably produce strong numbers,” Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin said in the release. “The AFC Championship game didn’t go the way Ravens fans were hoping or expecting, which may have contributed to the results we saw. It’s a reminder that unforeseen outcomes happen, so it’s always best for anyone who wagers to set a budget, have a plan and stick to it, and keep the focus on having fun.”

Maryland has a total 13 retail sportsbooks, including Ocean Downs Casino off Route 611, and 12 mobile.

Sports wagering data is tracked and reported based on the state’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. During the first seven months of Fiscal Year 2024 (July 2023 through January 2024), the release sports wagering contributed more than $32.8 million to state education programs. February totals, which will include wagers on the Super Bowl, will be reported on March 11.

OceanCityToday.com FILL

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The Adventures

by Steve Green

I

t’s always interesting how things develop around the house.

Over the last few weeks, Beckett has been talking about Feb. 12 as the day he can get his learner’s permit. On Sunday night during the Super Bowl, our 15-year-old kid inquired who was taking him to get his learner’s permit in the way teens often do. There was more expecting than asking in his teen tone. Though we didn’t, I surmise Pam was pointing to me in her head. I know I was pointing to her in mine.

There was a little bit of snark, curiosity and demanding in the comments that followed. It has evidently been on his mind, but he had not shared this fact for weeks. I completely forgot about the learner’s permit significance of the exact date of three months before turning 16.

On the way to school Monday morning, I asked him if he was prepared for the test portion of the learner’s permit process. He said a lot in the response. In between comments and opinions about how Maryland is the strictest state in the country for teen drivers were questions about why a test is needed to just start learning how to drive. It was a solid ramble without taking a breath. Through all the deflection and editorializing, I learned the answer to whether he was ready for the exam part was no.

When he left the vehicle, he said, “it’s okay, I will just fall behind.”

Since he was unprepared, we pushed it back a day to give him time.

As Pam and I were discussing the appointment coming up the next day, we asked Beckett how he did on the mock test. He said he got a few wrong but passed. We asked him if he could see the questions, he missed so he could learn about them. He said yes, but it was in a way that all parents recognize. I would not call it a lie,

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of Fatherhood but it was close to it. He may have had the opportunity to see what he got wrong, but once he saw he passed after not studying or perusing anything he was shut down to doing anything beyond.

During the talk, since his mom was going to take him, Beckett asked Pam, “Can I drive home afterwards?”

We both said no at the same time, alluding to the highway and needing to get comfortable and familiar with the car first. I also reminded him I would be the one who was going to be showing him how to drive at first. After gaining some experience, he might then be able to drive with his mom in the same vehicle.

Pam admitted to extreme anxiety when it comes to our 15-year-old Beckett driving. Even when I am driving, she is quick to comment, advise and point out certain things that are impossible to miss. It’s her way of helping in her mind. I think her heart needs some time before riding with her teenage son.

On Tuesday, Pam took him to Salisbury for the appointment, but I completely had a parenting fail. I made the appointment for a future Tuesday instead of this week. The waves of guilt were real. It’s been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon. I will be taking him. Hope to be writing about it next week no matter how it goes.

T

here are moments along this parenting journey that truly inspire.

One instance came last week when during our TOPSoccer program, an outreach effort Pam and I coach through River Soccer Club. The program’s goal is simple — to get special needs kids active while playing soccer and bonding with teenage buddies.

Our son Carson, 14, has been in the program for about nine years. He

was at one time one of the younger players and he is now the oldest participant most weeks. It’s been a great thing for him and us on multiple levels as a family.

During last week’s session, Conor, who has Down syndrome and is fairly new to the program, asked if Carson could be his buddy for the “big game.”

I was not nearby but Pam relayed the story of how Carson shook his head yes and reached out his hand voluntarily. Carson is as shy as they come, and strangers bring him anxiety. Pam said Carson did not hesitate one bit when Conor asked if he could be his buddy. It was a significant thing.

I came upon the scene, and Pam quickly filled me in, saying Conor asked for Carson to be his buddy. As they all three ran off down the court, I admit my emotions got the best of me. It hit me heart hard in a good way because I could see a new relationship being created and Carson showed progress with his flexibility. At its most fundamental, here was a special needs teen having fun working with another special needs boy.

I lost the coach hat for about five minutes and just observed as a parent what was happening before us. It was a moment I will remember forever, and I am so glad I got a photo of them running together. Carson was gentle with Conor and seemed to enjoy the buddy role. We fussed over him later, but he never wants any part of being made over or complimented.

It makes him uncomfortable, but we salute him anyway. Just like any other kid, he needs to know when we are proud of him.

It was one of those special moments to treasure.

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

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PAGE 52

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

Wor-Wic offers memberships to new makerspace

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The makerspace at Wor-Wic Community College, pictured, is now open for public memberships and offers access to equipment such as 3D printers.

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(Feb. 16, 2024) The makerspace in the Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury is now open for memberships.

A fee of $20 for 20 hours of collaborative workspace time will allow participants access to 3D printing, laser engraving, poster and decal printing, and design software. Public lab hours will be Monday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For anyone who would like to learn more about the space before they join, Wor-Wic’s continuing education and workforce development is offering a course in “3D Modeling and Printing Fundamentals” from 5-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 28, in the makerspace.

To register for the course, visit worwic.edu and look for the non-credit “Computers and Technology” courses section under “Programs and Courses.”

To join the makerspace, visit worwic.edu/services-support/makerspace.

Local firm hosting retirement tax classes in March (Feb. 16, 2024) InFocus Financial Advisors, Inc. will host a retirement taxation bootcamp next month in Ocean Pines for individuals who want to learn about managing taxes in retirement, Roth conversation strategies and simplifying Medicare.

A news rerelease said the classes are designed to provide education to people approaching retirement, retirees who want to enhance their financial circumstances, and anyone else interested in maximizing their financial strategies for a comfortable retirement.

Financial Advisor Robert Jeter will host the three sessions, which are set for dates in March at the Ocean Pines Public Library.

The schedule is as follows: 5 p.m., March 7 — Managing Taxes in Retirement 5 p.m., March 15 — Savvy Roth Conversion Strategies 5 p.m., March 21 — Medicare Made Simple To register, visit retireinfocus.com/taxation-bootcamp-managing-taxes-in-retirement/ For more information and questions, contact Carol Kurtz at 410-6774848, or carolk@retireinfocus.com The release said the sessions are designed for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Attendees are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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OC Today-Dispatch

Calendar Fri., Feb. 16 41ST ANNUAL OCEAN CITY SEASIDE BOAT SHOW

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring more than 350 boats, 140 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $1 for children 14 years and younger. www.ocboatshow.com

MAHJONG CLUB

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

BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK’ BY JAMES BALDWIN

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

FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER

Bowen Fellowship Church, 8421 Newark Road, Newark, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fried flounder, mac & cheese, green beans, corn bread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10. Carryouts available.

Sat., Feb. 17 41ST ANNUAL OCEAN CITY SEASIDE BOAT SHOW

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring more than 350 boats, 140 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $1 for children 14 years and younger. www.ocboatshow.com

‘VIRTUAL’ WALK WITH A DOC

Visit Atlantic General Hospital’s Facebook Page to watch a brief discussion then go for walk, 9-10 a.m. Share a selfie on social media using #WalkedWithAGH. 410-641-9268, amarzola@atlanticgeneral.org

OCEAN PINES ANGLERS CLUB MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m.

The speaker will be Fred Stiehl from the U.S. Power Squadron. Also, member updates on fishing trips, regulations and all things fishing. All welcome. Jack Barnes, 410-641-7662.

CHICKEN AND FISH DINNER

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. Fried chicken/fried fish platters, $10 each; chicken and fish combo, $15; fried chicken sandwich $5; or fried fish sandwich, $7. Sides available. Eat-in or carryout. All are welcome. 410-641-0270

TEEN JACKBOX PARTY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 1 p.m.

Teens and their families are invited to compete in fun party games on the Nintendo Switch. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Stories, songs and finger plays. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

STORY TIME: COLOR AND LIGHT

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m.

Songs, rhymes and stories. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 4-8 p.m. Tickets $15. Includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, beverage and dessert. Dine in or carry out. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for ages 12 years and younger. Tickets: Brenda Parker, 443235-7693.

OC KNITTING GROUP

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

BINGO MANIA

BLOCK PARTY

OC KNITTING CLUB

OCVFC LADIES AUXILIARY SPAGHETTI DINNER

Wicomico Civic Center, 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. for early bird games. Tickets cost $50: boxoffice@wicomicocounty.org.

Bring 3 nonperishable items and receive 3 free cards. Proceeds benefit the Mardela Middle & High School bands.

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., Feb. 18 41ST ANNUAL OCEAN CITY SEASIDE BOAT SHOW

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring more than 350 boats, 140 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $1 for children 14 years and younger. www.ocboatshow.com

FREE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 8-9:30 a.m. Worship follows at 10 a.m.

410-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Tues., Feb. 20 GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.

STORY TIME: ‘WHALES’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m.

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?

Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m.

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers play with blocks and other toys while socializing with other families. 410-632-3495

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

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

The group meets twice a month to discuss selections from the Great. Books Foundation. Today’s focus is on “The Children of Light and the Children of Darkness” by Reinhold Niebuhr. 410208-4014

‘GIVE BACK NIGHT’ BENEFITING THE KIWANIS CLUB

Don’s Seafood & Chophouse, 11310 Manklin Creek Road, Ocean Pines, 4 p.m. Dine-in from 4 p.m. to close and 10 percent of food and non-alcohol beverages go to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City. www.donsopines.com

PAPER BAG BEAR CRAFT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Make your own bear puppets. For ages 6-12 years. 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIVING INTO THE WORLD OF ZERO-WASTE LIVING

Taphouse W. Bar and Grille, 12513 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join Assateague Coastal Trust and Love Your Mama for an interactive, game-like journey into sustainable living and a zerowaste planet. Cost is $15. Register: https://www.actforbays.org/calendar.

CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6 p.m. Held Tuesdays, Feb. 20-March 26. A free moderated group discussion based on the works of C.S. Lewis. Everyone is welcome. Explore a great opportunity for Lenten reflection. 410-641-7052

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round.

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

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

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

Wed., Feb. 21 EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts.

For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Drop in for a game of strategy that dates back 5,000 years to Mesopotamia and Persia, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzled to trade for new-to-you puzzles. All puzzles must be complete in their original box. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. 410-641-0650

Continued on Page 54

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

CALENDAR Continued from Page 53 50+ BOOK CLUB: ‘THE LADIES ROOM’ BY CAROLYN BROWN Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Pick up a copy of the book in advance at the Snow Hill Library.

Meet for a discussion and a craft. 410632-3495, 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, 410-548-7880

TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY: FURRY FRIENDS, FLAKES OF SNOW AND FEBRUARY FOREFATHERS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3-4:30 p.m.

Come test your knowledge of all things fluffy and white. Prizes and refreshments provided. Free event. No team too big or small. 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

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

MUSIC INSPIRED ART

Members of the Berlin Voyagers 4-H Club pose with cards and notes they made recently to send to veterans as part of the organization’s Valentines for Veterans project.

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. How does music affect your creativity? Close your eyes, listen to the music and then draw what you imagine. For those 6 years and older. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&am p;utm-source=cp&aff=escb.

STORY TIME: ‘ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER’ CAREER RESOURCES AT THE LIBRARY Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5:30 p.m.

Looking for a job or new career? Learn about free library resources in this class.

Spruce up a resume, learn computer skills, and general professional development. 410-641-0650

HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN & CASH FLOW PROJECTIONS - WEBINAR Basics of writing a business plan, developing cash flow projections, their importance and how to start creating them, 6-7 p.m. Register: https://marylandcapital.org/education.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., Feb. 22

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Celebrate Black History Month with this wonderful book by Tami Charles. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495

SAM.GOV SIMPLIFIED - WEBINAR Completing your SAM profile, strategies to earn federal contracts and grants and qualifications for federal work, 12-1 p.m.

Register: https://marylandcapital.org/education.

NEIL YOUNG: BLUE-COLLAR ICON Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. From Neil Young’s years with Buffalo Springfield to “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

Frank DeLucco and Harry Burkett discuss his enduring 60-year career. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FINANCIAL LITERACY: CYBER LIABILITY WITH BRADLEY ATLANTIC

HANDWRITING CLASS

Berlin Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., Berlin, 8 a.m. Breakfast and coffee provided. Free. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/fls2024-2945089?utm-

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Handwriting Class 3 - Cursive. Third of three classes that build upon one another. For ages 8 years and older. 410-641-0650.

www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

PILATES FOR BEGINNERS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.

Joyce Landsman teaches this class that can improve flexibility, strength and muscle tone. Can be done on a mat or in a chair. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CRAFTERS & VENDORS NEEDED FOR FAIR

PROFILE COLLAGES

OCEAN CITY - BERLIN ROTARY CLUB

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 5 p.m. Create a collage of your profile during this relaxing art session. Limit 15. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

Don’s Seafood and Chop House, South Gate, Ocean Pines, 6 p.m., on the first and third Wednesday of each month. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com

POTIONS & REMEDIES: THE HISTORY OF APOTHECARIES Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m.

From Deadly Nightshade to Arsenic (and everything in between); come learn about the apothecaries of yore while making your own soothing balm. Allergy notice: coconut oil. 410-632-3495

ROMANCE BOOK CLUB: ‘THE ROMANTIC AGENDA’ BY CLAIRE KANN The Buzzed Word, 11805 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6 p.m. Join the Ocean City Library with The Buzzed Word for an afternoon of Queer Romance and Wine.

410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, April 13.

Requesting a $20 donation per table.

Deadline to reserve a spot is March 8.

Linda, 443-604-8068, p.grahe@comcast.net

BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., during February. Choose a mystery date from the display to take home and read.

Fill out the brief form inside the book and return it to the library to be entered into a drawing to win a sweet prize. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Crossword answers from page 26

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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56

OC Today-Dispatch

February 16, 2024 Call 410-723-6397

by Monday 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in OC Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

RENTALS

SEEKING ROOM

COMMERCIAL

Now Hiring Year-Round GM Position. Great starting salary, paid vacation. Must have restaurant experience.

Apply in person at The Greene Turtle West OC on Route 611.

Pool General Maintenance.

Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required.

Able to pass CPO test.

Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne.

BOOKKEEPER NEEDED Full time. Flexible hours available. Fruitland, MD. Excellent pay. Real Estate & Property Rental. Must have Degree in Accounting.

Please email your resume/contact info to office@ fenzelinvestments.com

Summer Seasonal Rental, 2BR/1 bath, Garage Apt., Bayside on 26th St. Occupancy six, $13,000 plus $1,000 security dep. Comes with A/C, parking for 1, free Wi-Fi and shared laundry facilities. Resort Rentals, 410-524-0295.

Seeking Room to Rent: 60 yr. old seeking room to rent on annual basis.

Ocean Pines or Berlin area.

Have own funiture for room.

443-513-1421

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft.

Call 443-497-4200

Looking for four months Summer Rental in Ocean City. Gentleman works on beach full-time downtown for local business. Excellent references. Call or text Charles, 410-294-1028

For Sale: 2BR/2BA, Waterfront Condo with deeded boat slip.

Open house, 2-16 through 2-18. Contact Rick, 610-751-5203.

Smal Engine Mechanic Year-round.

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Liquor Store Attendant, Boat Mates, Receivers, Event Space Housekeeper Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr.

Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

HERKER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE An Innovative Approach to Property Maintenance

WE OFFER: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, competitive pay, great benefits, paid holidays and vacation.

- SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER -

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Customer Service, MS Word, Excel, & Outlook, and marketing skills. Bi-lingual & strong math skills are a plus.

- EXPERIENCED MECHANIC -

to repair to maintain gas & diesel trucks and landscaping equipment.

call 610-459-5857 or email resume to Gherker@comcast.net & Gherker@herkerinc.com

Now Hiring Full-Time Dispatcher and Scheduling Person with good people and organizational skills, computer and Quick Books skills are a plus. Paid vacations, holidays, medical, dental, vision and 401K. RYT Plumbing, 443-727-3091

Now Hiring Summer 2024 Positions for Sun Outdoors Ocean City!

Looking for bartenders, cashiers, cooks, housekeepers, activities attendants, front desk agents, security, and maintenance!

Starting at $15/hour and up!

Call 410-213-0097 or email careers@ eoshospitality.com to inquire.

Must have

RENTALS RENTALS

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR, 2BA, Living Room, Dining Room.

Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month.

Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21011.

410-456-0272

ROOMMATES ROOMMATES

Year-Round Room For Rent Ocean Pines $800/month and $200 security. Fully furnished.

All utilities included. 443880-2317

YR Apartment, 3BR/2BA 2 parking spots, Downtown Berlin, $1,550/month plus utilities, security deposit required. 410-375-1035

OFF SEASON RENTALS

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

Houseshare. Furnished room in South Ocean Pines. All inclusive. $800 per month.

Year-round. No smoking.

No pets. Call John 443-880-2317.

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Tools, Transportation, Drivers License Experience Preferred PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS rhp510@aol.com 410-641-9530

Seeking To Rent. Long term, year-round, unfurnished, 2BR/ 2BA, ground floor. Ocean City/Ocean Pines area. Great references. 410-726-0169

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

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL Industrial Warehouse.

Space: 1500 sq. ft.

Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom.

Route 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

BOATS/PWC BOATS/PWC Sailboat For Sale. 1976, 27’ Catalina Yachts.

Best Offer. Call for details, 443-880-7453.

PETS For A, AKC Yorkshire Terrier 8 m Male, UTD on Shots/Heartworms.

Only 4 lbs and will stay that small. Open AKC and DNA health tested + clear. $2200. 302-943-4491

MISC./OTHER Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD Yearly Leases Only

Call 646-812-1212

The hole in my boot Allows the snow to find me Hiding in my sock!

Classifieds 410-723-6397

SERVICES

BUDGET MOVERS 443-664-5797 LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES MARYLAND STATEWIDE BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower NETWORK systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & FOR SALE Prepare for power outages professional installs. Call today with a GENERAC home Now! 877-738-0991. standby generator. $0 Money SERVICES Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a DENTAL INSURANCE from FREE Quote. Call now before Physicians Mutual Insurance the next power outage: 1-855- Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental 993-0969 insurance - NOT just a disMISC. FOR SALE count plan. Do not wait! Call Switch to DISH and get up to now! Get your FREE Dental a $300 gift card! Plus get the Information Kit with all the deMultisport pack included for a tails! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ limited time! Hurry, call for MDDC#6258 details: 1-855-407-6870

www.oceancitytoday.com Order YOur Classifieds Online!

VEHICLES WANTED DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044.

410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397 Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

• Convenient • Quick • No Waiting, No Calls • Days, Nights & Weekends

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PAGE 57

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY AUTO

BLINDS / SHADES

BLINDS / SHADES

CONSTRUCTION

ELECTRICIAN

WAINWRIGHT’S TIRE CENTER INC. Custom Wheels Computer Wheel Alignment Lube & Oil Change Shocks & Struts

Exhaust Systems Air Conditioning & Brake Service Road Service – Truck & Farm

410-641-2000 • 18 Broad St. • Berlin CARPET CLEANING

Raym Raymond mond O’Brocki O O’B Jr. M Master Electrician

443 691 0544 0 Call or Text Electric Veh hicle Chargers

35 Years Exp perience No Job Too Small! Frree Estimates!

Residential/Commercia al/Emergencies!

MD Lic #2268 Worcestter Co Lic #M1337 HANDYMAN SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

AN AFFORDABLE NEW BATH STARTS HERE!

MHIC#76938

Del.#2007215731

Making Your Dream Bath Come True For 20 Years!

Specializing in Bathroom Remodels Tub to Shower Conversions Custom Tile Work Contact Garth for FREE Estimate! atminc4u@aol.com 410-641-8439

HOME IMPROVEMENT

BAYSIDE BUILDERS

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• Flat Roof Specialist • • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Custom Homes • Additions • Repairs • Kitchens • Baths • Tile Work • Decks • Custom Inside Trim Work • Hardwood Floors

Cell: 410-713-8599 HOME IMPROVEMENT

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

RISH A RBEACHMAN PHANDY THE

Exterior Home Repairs

“WE DO IT ALL”

• Roofing Repairs • Rain Gutters • Roof Cleaning • Gutter Guards

• Screening • Painting

• Staining • Caulking

• Gutter Cleaning & Powerwashing •

• Deck Repairs •

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PipeLine

Contracting, LLC

Home Improvement Services Company

“One stop shop for Home Improvement”

Home Improvement Design & Bertch Cabinet Retail • Cabinets & Countertop • Flooring & Tile • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • Residential & Commercial • Servicing Maryland & • General Carpentry & Delaware Beaches Painting

US Veterans Administration Approved Contractor

11312 Manklin Creek, Rd., Ocean Pines, MD ~ Call or Stop in Today!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • MHIC 17433 “A Family Tradition Since 1935”

410-893-9707

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443-235-6249 • ARTISTICRENOVATIONS.COM

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HOME, LAWN & PATIO SERVICES

MD 34948

LOGAN RODRIGUEZ Owner/Field Inspector

443-944-1133 • LEOSHOMEINSPECTIONS@GMAIL.COM LEOSHOMEINSPECTIONS.COM

PAGE 58

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY HVAC

LANDSCAPING

LAWN CARE

Dirty Ducts, LLC HVAC Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning Joseph Payne Manager jpayma200@gmail.com

LANDSCAPING • IRRIGATION HARDSCAPING • FREE ESTIMATES Full Service/Yearly Maintenance Contracts Available

5 Southwind Court Berlin, MD 21811 Family Owned & Operated

484-744-9309

443-783-2224 • edgarcjr@aol.com

MEN’S HAIR SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

MVA LICENSED

BUDGET MOVERS

NEW TITLE AND TAGS AND MORE www.westoceancitytagandtitle.com

The Area’s #1 Moving Company

LOCAL • ENTIRE EAST COAST Residential or Office or Commercial Packing or Loading or Unloading or Complete Move Single Item or Certain Items or Full Home

Call Maria: 443-664-5797

WEST OCEAN CITY

VEHICLE TAG & TITLE TRADER LEE’S VILLAGE 9935 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY #15 Open Mon., Fri., 9-2 & Wed. 9-5

Female Owned & Operated

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www.Facebook.com/ocbudgetmovers 40+ Years in Business

PAINTING • CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING Painting & Powerwashing • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE Interior & Exterior

PAINTING

Zimmerman & Son LLC Serving Delmarva for Over 35 Years Licensed & Insured

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POWERWASHING / SOFT WASH

POWERWASHING Atlantic Coast Powerwashing Services Commercial & Residential • Complete Exterior Cleaning Hot Water, Powerwashing & Soft Wash Systems Year round ser vices • Deck Staining w/yearly & seasonal • Decks • Docks rates • Houses • Restaurants • Shopping Centers ices is ad!

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REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

Kim Dixson

ROOFING REDFIN

190 W. Ostend St., #200 Baltimore, MD 21230 Redfin - Direct 410-868-5666 redfin.com

REDFIN AGENT

Sell for more, pay a 1% listing fee when you buy and sell with Redfin Agents.*

443-373-1328 kim.dixson@ redfin.com License #650977

Contact Kim for a no-obligation home-value consultation. *Sell for more based on difference between the sale and list prices of Redfin listings versus those of comparable listings by other brokerages, per a 2019 study. Sell for a 1% listing fee only if you also buy with Redfin within 365 days of closing on your Redfin listing. If you sell first we will initially charge a 1.5% listing fee and then send you a check for the .5% difference after you buy your next home with Redfin. Subject to $3,750 minimum Redfin commission.

Listing commission subject to change. Buyer’s agent commission not included. More info at redfin.com/disclaimer.

Information provided is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business.

ROOFING

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MHIC 97081 Ocean City 34629 • Delaware 2004 222 381 Licensed & Insured

*Licensed in MD, DE &VA

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PAGE 59

OC Today-Dispatch

DIRECTORY TAX RESOLUTION / CREDIT SERVICES

AMA Consulting & Business Svcs, Inc We Solve Your Problems

Mae Phillips (434) 382-8920 11806 Sheppards Crossing Road Whaleyville, MD 21874 amaconsultingandbusiness@gmail.com www.amaconsultingbusiness.com

UROLOGY SPECIALIST

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Call 410-723-6397

PAGE 60 BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 37 LIBERTY ST. OCEAN PINES A/R/T/A BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated November 26, 2008, recorded in Liber 5176, Folio 564 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $420,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on FEBRUARY 20, 2024 AT 4:05 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $26,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court.

There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. 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, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit.

All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser.

The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale.

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 355517-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

The Farmers Bank of Willards Meeting of Stockholders will be held on April 25th, 2024 at 10:00am at the Willards Lions Hall on Hearn Street in Willards, Md. OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ TIMOTHY J. OURSLER ESQ. 706 GIDDINGS AVE., STE. 305 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-1425

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20046 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARTA LEWIS BEMAN Notice is given that Michael Gordan Beman Jr., 1866 Woodbine St., Apt. 3L, Ridgewood, NY 11385-3747, was on January 18, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marta Lewis Beman who died on December 09, 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 18th day of July, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Michael Gordan Beman Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: February 1, 2024 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ JACOB DEAVEN, ESQ. PARKER, SIMON & KOKOLIS, LLC 110 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 500 ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19967 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FREDERICK EDGAR WILLIAMS Notice is given that Thomas J. Kokolis Esq., 110 N. Washington St., Ste. 500, Rockville, MD 20850-2230, was on January 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frederick Edgar Williams who died on August 18, 2022, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of July, 2024.

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

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 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.

Thomas J. Kokolis Esq. 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 02, 2024 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20057 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARLENE JOYCE FORD Notice is given that Linda F. Wamsley, 1705 Masefield Circle, Salisbury, MD 21801-3265 and Pamela Ford, 36 Knottingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on January 24, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marlene Joyce. Ford who died on September 20, 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 24th day of July, 2024.

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.

Linda F. Wamsley Pamela Ford Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 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 01, 2024 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Beverly Bongiorno, 191 Sandyhook Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Pines Point Provisions, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Pines Point Provisions 869 Yacht Club Drive Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 Formerly: Pines Point Provisions & Seafood Co., 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 21, 2024 @ 1:00 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Edward Dale Cropper, Jr., 207 10th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Joseph Brandon Wilson, 617 Bayshore Drive #49, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Donald Mark Alimo, 14306 Jarvis Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Bird Dog Tavern, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Bird Dog Tavern 9th 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 21, 2024 @ 1:10 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Dina Basel Sbih, 12648 Whisper Trace Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: 67th Street Eats, Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Route 66 Diner

PAGE 61

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices 6909 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Dented Can, 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 21, 2024 @ 1:25 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Joseph John Mark Ochse, 401 15th Street, Unit 6, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: 5th Street Pool Bar, LLC For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Tidelands Caribbean Pool Bar 406 Baltimore Avenue 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 21, 2024 @ 1:40 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Dillon Gerald Harrington, 9741 Mason Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: West Bend Inc. For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Wine Rack West 0 12827 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Route 50 Carry Out, 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 21, 2024 @ 1:50 P.M. The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party.

OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________ ADAM S. ABRAMOWITZ ESQ. STEIN SPERLING BENNETT DE JONG DRISCOLL PC 1101 WOOTTON PKWY STE 700 ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-1074

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20058 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES E. MCGINNIS JR. AKA: CHARLES ERNEST MCGINNIS JR.

Notice is given that Collin M. McGinnis, 61 Braddock Dr., Ohiopyle, PA 15470-1323, was on February 02, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles E. McGinnis Jr. who died on September 19, 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 2nd day of August, 2024.

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.

Collin M. McGinnis 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 8, 2024 OCD-2/8/3t _________________________________ MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP POBOX 910 - 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of WALTER J MAXIMO Estate No. 20065 Notice is given that JOHN BATZIG whose address is 15 DORI CT ERIAL, NJ 08081-9539 was on FEBRUARY 02, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WALTER J MAXIMO who died on SEPTEMBER 25, 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 2nd day of AUGUST,

2024.

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-2/8/3t _________________________________ REENA J PATELL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20066 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BETTY HULCHER SIMPSON Notice is given that Matthew Louis Simpson, 8700 Langmaid Rd., Newark, MD 21841-2122, was on February 02, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty Hulcher Simpson who died on December 19, 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 2nd day of August, 2024.

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.

Matthew Louis Simpson

PAGE 62

OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals: FY 2025 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

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

In addition, capital funds will be requested for the following items: ITEM Two (2) Heavy Duty 60’ Articulating Buses Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance Transition Plan for Zero-Emission Vehicles TOTAL

TOTAL $1,700,000 $916,000 $149,000 $2,765,000

A Public Hearing will be held upon request. Requests for a Public Hearing must be in writing and will be received until 4 p.m. Monday, March 4. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked “Public Hearing Comments”: Ocean City Transportation 224 65th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Written comments can also be emailed to: Rob Shearman Jr. at rshearman@oceancitymd.gov If requested, a Public Hearing will be held: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:00 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers 301 North Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 If special assistance is required at the Public Hearing contact Ocean City Transportation, Administrative Coordinator, at 410-723-2174 prior to 4 p.m.

Monday, March 4, 2024.

OCD-2/1/5t ____________________________________________________________________ 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 08, 2024 OCD-2/8/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19857 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GERALD D. TIMMONS SR. Notice is given that Tammy Timmons, 8945 Ironshire Station Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2927, was on January 31, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gerald D. Timmons Sr. who died on July

07, 2023, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 31st day of July, 2024.

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 pre-

sented 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.

Tammy Timmons 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 08, 2024 OCD-2/8/3t _________________________________ CHARLES ROBERT MOORE 209 East Market Street Suite 300 Salisbury, MD 21801 Plaintiff vs.

VIOLET H. CONCA 1214 Malbay Drive Lutherville, MD 21093 and ROBERT S. SHAW 1214 Ma!bay Drive Lutherville, MD 21093 and WORCESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF TREASURER Serve: Phillip G. Thompson Treasurer for Worcester County One West Market Street Room1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (Pursuant to Maryland Annotated Code 14-1836(b)(1)(v)) Serve: Roscoe R. Leslie, Esq, County Attorney One West Market Street Room 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863 and All persons having or claiming to have any interest in that parcel of land described as LOT B-08-074, 9526 SQ FT Admiral Ave PL Ocean Pines Sec Eight; bearing County Tax Map No. 0016-0000-0045; Deed Reference 2546/308 assessed at $68,000; Account No. 03-061019; List No. 8.

Defendants CIVIL ACTION NO. C-23-CV-23-000282 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESI'ER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following descnbed Real Property in the 3"' Election District, Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Director of Finance for Worcester County and Collector of the Taxes for Worcester County, Maryland and the State of Maryland, to the Plaintiff in this proceeding and being a fee simple interest in and to the following descnbed Real Property: All that lot or parcel of land situate and lying in Worcester County,

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Maryland in District 3 and more particularly described as LOT B-08074 9526 SQ Fr Admiral Ave PL Ocean Pines Sec Eight; (Tax Account# 03-061019) and which is also described in a deed recorded in the Land Records in Worcester County at L!ber 7381, Folio 175.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid, although more than (6) months from the sale has expired IT IS THERUPON ORDERED by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 7th of February, 2024 . that Notice is hereby given by the insertion of a copy of this Order Of Publication in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks warning all persons interested in the aforesaid Real Property to be and appear in this Court on or before the 8th of April, 2024 , and redeem the Real Property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final Judgment Foreclosing All Rights of Redemption in the Real Property described herein will be filed, vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-2/15/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JOAN MARIE THOMPSON Estate No. 20060 Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER THOMAS WILSON whose address is 2945 NW 144TH TER NEWBERRY, FL 32669-2069 was on JANUARY 30, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOAN MARIE THOMPSON who died on JANUARY 06, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of JULY, 2024.

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 pre-

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 sented 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-2/8/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-01 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

municipal or corporations.

3. Prohibit disclosure of confidential information by former official or employee.

4. Prohibit retaliation against individual for reporting ethics violation or participating in ethics investigation.

5. Prohibit disclosure of amount of consideration received from: University of Maryland Medical System, State, or local governmental entities and quasi-governmental entities.

6. Disclosure of name business trades as or does business under.

7. Disclosure of certain business interests.

A Public Hearing

Take Notice that Bill 24-01 (Zoning – Multi-family Dwelling Units in the C-2 General Commercial District) was introduced by Commissioners Elder, Mitrecic, and Purnell on January 16, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: § ZS 1-210(c)(16). (Amends the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to allow detached multi-family dwelling units as an accessory use to a commercial development, provided at least sixty-five percent (65%) or more of the net lot area for a given parcel be developed with a commercial use or structure permitted in the C-2 District, and a minimum of 15% of open space be provided for the residential uses.)

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 24-01 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

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 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 24-02 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Take Notice that Bill 24-02 (County Government – County Ethics Law) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Abbott, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on January 16, 2024.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: Amending the County’s Ethics ordinance, § CG 5-103, et seq. of the County Government Article, to comply with State law as follows: 1. Add the definition for “Quasigovernmental entity”.

2. Disclosure and prohibition of gift acceptance from associations engaged in representing counties or

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

will be held on Emergency Bill 2402 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:35 a.m.

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 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________ BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND IN THE MATTER OF CHABERTON SOLAR SNOW LLC’S APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 4 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. 9714

NOTICE

OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE A pre-hearing conference in the above-entitled matter is schedule for Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., in the Public Service Commission’s 19th floor hearing room, William Donal Schafer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, concerning Chaberton Solar Snow LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Anyone wishing to observe the live stream of the hearing may do so via the Public Utility Law Judge Division’s YouTube Channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. Any questions about the hearing should be directed to psc.pulj@gmail.com. At the pre-hearing conference, any preliminary matters will be discussed, including consideration of any petitions to intervene that have been filed, and the establishment of a procedural schedule.

Petitions to intervene must be filed by February 14, 2024, and may

be filed electronically through the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us or sent by firstclass mail to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Andrew S. Johnston, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-6806, referencing Case No. 9714 Pursuant to the Commission’s March 13, 2020 Notice of Waiver and Relaxed Filing Requirements, no paper copies need to be submitted if the filing is public in nature and no more than 25 pages in length. The Commission encourages parties to use the Commission’s “e-file” system for filing. Instructions for e-filing are found under the “Tools” section of the Commission’s website.

OCD-2/8/2t _________________________________ MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20076 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH VIRGINIA OLSHINSKY Notice is given that Susan Johnson, 113 Dewey Ave., Lewes, DE 19958-1712, was on February 09, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Virginia Olshinsky who died on January 04, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of August, 2024.

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.

Susan Johnson 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 15, 2024 OCD-2/15/3t _________________________________ B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of LOUISE H LITTLETON Estate No. 20062 Notice is given that GARY W HANCOCK whose address is 305 WINTER QUARTERS DR POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218511044, NANCY LYNN HANCOCK whose address is 305 WINTER QUARTERS DR POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-1044 were on JANUARY 31, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LOUISE H LITTLETON who died on JANUARY 13, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 31st day of JULY, 2024.

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-2/8/3t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20035 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF NANCY LEE BISESI Notice is given that Linda L. Dardozzi, 3903 Woodlea Ave., Baltimore, MD 21206-5037, was on February 06, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of

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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices

Nancy Lee Bisesi who died on August 17, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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.

Linda L. Dardozzi 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 15, 2024 OCD-2/15/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20073 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KEITH Y. THOMAS Notice is given that Donna M. Thomas, 311 Yacht Club Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-9427, was on February 07, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Keith Y. Thomas who died on January 12, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal represen-

LEGAL ADVERTISING Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@oceancitytoday.net

tative 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.

Donna M. Thomas 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 15, 2024 OCD-2/15/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20071 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL LYNN MOORE Notice is given that Ruth Sherman Moore, 12 Deerfield Ct., Berlin, MD 21811-1715, was on February 06, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Michael Lynn Moore who died on January 24, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

Ruth Sherman Moore 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 15, 2024 OCD-2/15/1t _________________________________ REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of LINDA JEAN HOPKINS Estate No. 20072 Notice is given that PAMELA H HAMPTON whose address is 105 SEA LN OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-4649 was on FEBRUARY 07, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LINDA JEAN HOPKINS who died on DECEMBER 13, 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 7th day of AUGUST, 2024.

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

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/15/3t _________________________________ KHURRAM RIAZ 429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v.

ROGER D. WATSON 217 Cedar Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851, Defendant, And EMINE WATSON, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF ROGER D. WATSON 56 King Richard Road Berlin, MD 21811 Defendant, and WORCESTER COUNTY Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HA VE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 4.21 Acres E Side Cedar Hall Road SW of Pocomoke, Tax Account # 01-003429, Defendant.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-24-000016

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-003429, Property description 4.2 Acres E Side Cedar Hill Road SW of Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 4456/76, Assessed to ROGER D. WATSON, owned by ROGER D. WATSON. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is, thereupon this 7th of February, 2024, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th of April, 2024 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Worcester County MD

FEBRUARY 16, 2024 OCD-2/15/3t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN C. WILLMUTH Estate No. 20059 Notice is given that MARY LOUISE NEAL whose address is 43223 MAPLE CROSS ST., CHANTILLY, VA 20152-5348 was on FEBRUARY 08, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOHN C. WILLMUTH who died on DECEMBER 10, 2023 with a will.

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/15/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN WILLIAM HRESHKO SR. Estate No. 20078 Notice is given that DANA MARIE WARD whose address is 34623 TINGLE RD, PITTSVILLE, MD 21850-2258 was on FEBRUARY 09, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOHN WILLIAM HRESHKO SR. who died on FEBRUARY 02, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/15/1t _________________________________

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 administrative matters will be reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. The meeting will be held by teleconference via meeting link published on the Town’s website of oceancitymd.gov: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM The following administrative items will be reviewed: a. Minutes from the January 11, 2024 meeting b. Findings of Fact for BZA Case 2668 (BK Merchandising, Inc.) c. Findings of Fact for BZA Case 2673 (Olympic I Apartments, LLC c/o Vangjel Telo) d. Findings of Fact for BZA Case 2671 (Nick’s Golf, LLC) e. Findings of Fact for BZA Case 2672 (Kristina L. Watkowski for Jerry D. Ford) f. Findings of Fact for BZA Case 2674 (Kristina L. Watkowski for the Mauck Family Trust) g. Findings of Fact for BZA Case 2675 (Kristina L. Watkowski for the Sheila S. Withers Revocable Trust) Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-2/15/2t _________________________________

OC eyeing six new pickleball courts at 61st Street center Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) The construction of six new pickleball courts at the Ocean City Tennis Center will proceed following approval from the Mayor and Council this week.

On Tuesday, Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito presented the Mayor and Council with a request to utilize $230,000 in capital reserve funds to convert two damaged tennis courts at the 61st Street tennis center into six pickleball courts and to authorize Bramble Construction as the approved contractor for the project.

The director told officials this week the project presented an opportunity to rebrand the facility and offer additional activities.

“As a reminder, we have been talking about the expansion of pickleball courts as a strategic initiative in town,” she said. “This is really an opportunity for us to do it.”

The redevelopment of the 61st Street tennis center is currently in the town’s capital improvement plan (CIP) as a $1.75 million bonded project to be completed in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. As proposed, the project would include a new building, a new tennis court surface and new dedicated pickleball courts, among other things.

Petito, however, told officials this week she was proposing to expedite the construction of the pickleball courts. She noted that a windstorm See STORM Page 66

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

Storm damage expedites project Continued from Page 65 last September had damaged two tennis courts closest to the parking lot to the extent they are no longer usable.

“The courts are unplayable at this time …,” she said. “I think that there is an opportunity now for us to take some action and instead of just putting funding into repairing those courts and throwing good money after bad, if you will, we actually take action to add new pickleball courts to the tennis center. It would be a midtown battery of courts, which we need. We only have one dedicated pickleball court in town. This would give us six more, which would be terrific.”

While acknowledging that the project presented to the Mayor and Council was smaller than the project presented in the town’s CIP, Petito said it would be the first step in expanding pickleball offerings. She also noted that the tennis center would be rebranded as the Ocean City Racquet Center.

“Obviously, if we did do this, we would rebrand the tennis center to the racquet center, which I think would be a great thing,” she said.

“And it would give us an opportunity to run a battery of new programs including leagues, camps, etcetera.”

Petito said her department was requesting the Mayor and Council ap-

prove up to $230,000 in capital reserve funding for the project and to acknowledge Bramble Construction as the contractor. She noted the company was currently working on the redevelopment of the Downtown Recreation Complex and could extend its contract to include the pickleball project.

“We have an opportunity to get on our contractor’s schedule for potentially a May or June start and a July opening,” she said, “and maybe potentially getting on the schedule a little earlier if we are able.”

When asked if the request went through the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Committee, Petito said it didn’t. Staff, however, said they were in support of the project.

“If you recall, when we established the capital reserve fund, we set that $1.5 million balance and that was always to cover this type of thing, in my mind, where we've had major damage,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “To me, knowing that we need to really replace these right, we might as well do it, do it right, and use that reserve fund to pay for this.”

When asked if the project was listed as a pay-as-you-go project in the town’s CIP, McGean said it was listed as a bonded project. Councilman Peter Buas said he thought the

capital reserve fund was being used to cover pay-as-you-go projects.

“I want to make sure we aren't jumping other projects on that list that we’re evaluating at the same time,” he said.

McGean, however, said he believed the project qualified for capital reserve funds, as it was an unanticipated capital expense.

“I don't really see this as jumping,” he replied. “It may be moving a little faster than it would have normally had the course not been damaged, but I don't really see this is taking the place of something else.”

McGean noted that if the request is approved, the town’s CIP would be amended and presented to the Mayor and Council during the budget process this spring.

“We always do an update, not a full reevaluation of the capital plan,” he explained. “We do that every two years. This is an off year. But we will bring you an amended one that goes through all the pay-as-you-go projects. Some have come off and some are adding to it.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Frank Knight absent, to allocate up to $230,000 for the pickleball project and to acknowledge Bramble Construction as the approved contractor.

February 15 - 22 DA AY/TIME

ADDRESS

BR/BA

STYLE

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Herron o Harbourr,, 120th St., Baysid de

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-

Nanette Pavier/Holiday Real Estate

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3-6BR/3.5-6.5BA

Single Family

Frrom $849,900

Kathleen M. Clark/Monogram Realty

Saturrday Until 4pm

12346 Old Bridge Rd/Rt. 707, Wes st OC

2BR/1 BA

Single Family

-

Larry Holdren/Larry Holdren Real Estate

Saturrday 10am-Noon

1 66th Unit 101, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$499,900

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

Saturrday 12:30-2:30pm

36939 Crreekhaven Drive, Selbyv ville

4BR/4.5BA

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$835,000

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

Sunday 10am-1pm

10201 Twilight Gun Lane, Berlin n

4BR/3.5BA

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$7,24,900

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

Saturrday 10am-Noon

12327 Vista Way, y, Bishopville

4BR/4.5 BA

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$1,449,000

Sandra Dougan/BHHS PenFed Realty

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18 69th Strreet #15, Ocean City y

2BR/2BA

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Justin Damiado/Irro on Va Valley Real Estate

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18 69th Strreet #15, Ocean City y

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Saturrday 10:30am-12:30pm 107 Convention Ctrr.., Drr.. #101B, Oce ean City Saturrday 10am-Noon

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PAGE 67

OC Today-Dispatch

Firm projects increase in transit revenue this season Gateway representatives provide resort committee with outlook for 2024

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 16, 2024) Representatives for a firm hired to handle bus and tram advertising said they expect revenues to inch closer to pre-pandemic figures in the months ahead.

On Tuesday, representatives with Gateway Outdoor Advertising met virtually with members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee to review the outcome of the company’s 2023 campaign for bus and trams advertising and present strategies for increasing revenue in the coming year. Gateway’s Craig Heard Sr. said that while advertising revenues reached $286,000 last year, he projects revenues to reach, or even exceed, $346,000 for the coming season.

“I’m very optimistic that we’re going to well exceed these numbers,” he said.

In 2022, the Town of Ocean City hired Gateway to replace Vector Media as its new advertising contractor. The company has been tasked with overseeing advertising on the

town’s bus and tram fleets, as well as digital advertising placed on the back of Boardwalk trams.

In an update this week, officials said representatives with national companies would be visiting Ocean City this month to prepare the digital tram signs for the coming summer season. Heard also noted that Gateway had hired a new sales representative to secure advertisers for the 2024 season.

“His major function is to go after local and regional advertisers to pile onto the list that we’re already working with,” he explained. “So far he’s already got a couple of leads.”

Heard told committee members this week the advertising firm collected more than $286,000 in revenues last year, but that number was projected to increase by 20% to 25% in 2024. He noted, however, that negotiations with companies were ongoing.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins noted the revenues presented to the committee represented a combination of both bus and tram advertising revenues. He questioned the success of tram advertising and the interest generated by a digital advertising campaign launched last fall.

See ADVERTISING Page 68

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OCEAN CITY WATERFRONT This custom-built 3BR/2BA home is located in the Montego Bay community in North Ocean City. Situated on a 500' wide canal this home features approx. 1700 sq. ft. of living space, an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, a sunroom overlooking the water, granite countertops, a 40' dock, a 36' pier, a boat lift, 2 jet ski lifts and much more. Offered at $775,000 furnished.

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

PAGE 68

OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS

Maryland Coastal Bays staff members perform wetland assessment work.

MD. Coastal Bays offering grants to watershed projects

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(Feb. 16, 2024) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is accepting community stewardship mini-grant proposals and scientific research funding proposals for environmental projects benefiting the watershed.

A news release said the mini grants are available to anyone – groups, schools, organizations, service youths and civic groups — for projects that will raise awareness

about the challenges and solutions to restore and provide education about the coastal bays, and engage residents in community-based restoration and protection projects.

The program is designed to support watershed-based community, science, and educational initiatives that align with the organization’s management plan action items.

See FUNDS Page 70

Advertising reps ‘optimistic’ Continued from Page 67 “What can you tell us about digital tram advertising and what you feel might be the success rate?” he asked.

“What can you say about where you see that going?”

Heard said he was cautiously optimistic regarding interest in digital tram advertising, but that more information would be made available in March. He said the pilot program held last fall to promote the advertising opportunity yielded positive comments from those who participated.

“I’m very optimistic about it because of the response we got from those that did try this test program,” he said. “It also opened the door to us to bring back some advertisers that

weren’t here, knowing now that we have digital to add to the pot.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca applauded the advertising firm for increasing revenue projections in the coming year. However, he questioned when the town would get back to its pre-pandemic revenue figures, which reached $459,000 in 2019.

“So $459,000 is kind of our goal,” he said. “It’s kind of the gold standard.”

For his part, Heard said he hopes to meet that goal in 2024. While he projected revenues at $346,000, he said his company was continuing to negotiate advertising sales.

“Frankly, I think it’s going to be this year,” he said.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 69

PAGE 70

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

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Luxurious primary BA has large double 8 60TH STREET. #403 • MERIDIAN CONDOMINIUMS vanity, soaking tub & separate oversized OCEAN CITY • $859,900 tile shower. 2nd & 3rd spacious BRs are at the rear of the condo & each have own BA. Good-sized laundry room. Outside private lockable beach storage closet. Amenities include off street parking, heated outdoor pool with large sun deck facing west, fitness center & an owner’s social room. Located in mid-town just off the Rt. 90 bridge & close to everything OC has to offer! Unit sold fully furnished!

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Funds to support local projects Continued from Page 68 Through the funding opportunity, Coastal Bays officials want to find new applicants and organizations from diverse communities in small-scale projects that enhance communities, engage residents, and, ultimately, improve natural resources.

The implementation grant program is available to the organization’s partners to help them respond to research needs. Opportunities include reachable scientific goals and the most effective means for implementing them. Existing and on-going projects that seek to augment or add an additional element to an existing scope of work may also be considered for funding.

Both funding opportunities must align with the Maryland Coastal Bays Management Plan. The plan can be

found on the MCBP website at mdcoastalbays.org.

The funding opportunities are provided by the Environmental Protection Agency through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. With the funding, the EPA will be making significant investments in the health, equity, and resilience of American communities and taking significant strides to tackle the climate crisis, the release said.

Mini grant applicants may request up to $5,000 for their projects. Applicants for the scientific research grants may request up to $25,000.

Funding details and contact information can be found on the Maryland Coastal Bays website at mdcoastalbays.org/funding-opportunities/.

The proposed deadline for both grant programs is March 15.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 71

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Worcester County Board of Education are pictured at a budget workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 13, in the Newark office. Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert presented the expected fiscal year 2025 budget, and Coordinator of Instruction Tamara Mills addressed the funding challenges for the summer academy program.

WCPS discusses summer program funding

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) This week’s Worcester County Board of Education’s budget work session focused on a plan to secure funding to continue the elementary, middle and high schools’ summer academies.

Coordinator of Instruction Tamara Mills came before the school board to address the finances required for the program. Before COVID, she said, the local government funded the summer sessions for Ocean City Elementary School, Berlin Intermediate School, Stephen Decatur Middle School and Stephen Decatur High School. Grants funded the other schools’ summer academies. The program was able to service over 1,100 students across the county each summer over the last three years, as opposed to the traditional 700 to 900.

Mills explained that the depleted aid package from pandemic programs would force WCPS to request $377,700 from the county commissioners to support the northern school’s summertime programs. They will also pursue additional avenues of monetary support, such as the Donnie Williams Foundation Grant, from which they requested $150,000.

Most of the locally requested money, roughly $264,000, is intended for staffing, fixed charges, materials of instruction, and a small amount for incentives and field trips.

At the same time, $49,500 will be

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used for bus contractor expenses. Additionally, $64,200 is planned for employing the schools with a registered nurse.

“We knew already with losing

some COVID funding that we would have to scale back,” Mills said. “Even the grant-funded schools will see a decrease because they only have the one grant, whereas in the past they

maybe had two or three grant sources.”

OCES had 12 teachers and four educational assistants across five grade See PROGRAM Page 72

PAGE 72

OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Local legislators weigh in on Program vital to many students gov.’s state of state address

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) This week, the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly saw Governor Wes Moore's State of the State address and had lawmakers prioritize Eastern Shore needs.

In the governor’s speech, he maintained that public safety is the administration’s top priority, but some representatives are concerned about a lack of action.

“Moore put forth an ambitious plan for Maryland,” Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) said. “There are so many ideas, but how they will go about it is missing. Where do we find compromise on crime legislation?”

Senators Mary Beth Carozza (R38C), Ron Watson (D-District, year 12), and Chris West (R-District, year 42) are committed to their bipartisan public safety bills. Bill 326, for example, was heard in the Senate on Feb. 13. The legislation would allow law enforcement to interrogate minors, given probable cause exists that the child committed a violent crime involving a firearm and the officers made a reasonable effort to contact the parents or guardians.

Carozza expressed concerns with Moore’s proposed $63 billion spending plan. While it does not raise taxes, the senator worries that the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan and the $3.8 billion annual Blueprint EducaSee CONCERNS Page 74

Continued from Page 71 levels for their summer academy last year. Mills said that for the upcoming session, they are only requesting seven educators and hope that it is still a realistic figure to service all the students who benefit from the program.

The summer academy budget issues have also presented challenges for Extended School Year (ESY) services. ESY provides amenities such as academic, physical, and speech therapy and life skills to kids with Individualized Education Programs during the break. There is no cost to parents; it is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Code of Maryland Regulations.

Mills worries that if the northern schools cannot host summer academies, the 142 ESY students would have to be bussed to a grant-funded school, like Snow Hill Middle, increasing the ask for transportation and disrupting the ability to estimate costs.

Board of Education President Todd Ferrante reiterated the importance of adequate transportation.

Given the northern schools’ proximity to Ocean City, parents are busiest in the summer and may be unable to drive their children to the program.

Eliminating support from this area

would only hurt the kids that benefit the most.

“Our north end has fewer students living in poverty,” Mills said. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any. Even though OCES may not reach the threshold as an entire school to have free meals during the school year, their summer program was at least 50% economically disadvantaged, which allowed them to get those free meals for the summer.

Knowing that, transportation is critical. If we do not provide the transportation, it is an equity issue. That says that only the students whose parents have a way to get them to and from are the ones who can take advantage.”

The summer academy is vital to many students’ success, Mills said.

The program includes 90 minutes of literacy and an hour of math daily.

Time is also blocked out for art, gym, and music classes.

“Summer academy is designed to look a little different from regular instruction,” Mills said. “With students in fourth grade and up, we compete with summertime to get students there.”

The next Worcester County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20. A closed session will convene at 10:30 a.m., followed by the open session at 12:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

PAGE 73

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PAGE 74

OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Concerns over spending plan Continued from Page 72 tion Plan will hurt Eastern Shore priorities.

Hartman said the environmental legislation that encourages the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles needs to be scaled back.

“Dealers are struggling,” he said.

“The demand for these cars is not there, and sellers are stuck with many electric vehicles. We need to fix these issues.”

Because of the projected $3 billion structural deficit and lofty financial support needed for the education and climate initiatives, $22 million was cut from the Community College Cade funding formula. Carozza addressed the shortfall at the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) Student Advocacy Day on Feb. 6.

“Rural communities on the Eastern Shore face unique challenges, and Wor-Wic Community College has been crucial in addressing these challenges by training local EMS staff, nurses, police, and correctional officers, as 90% of all Wor-Wic students stay on the Shore and strengthen our home community,” the senator said.

She and Hartman are committed to

READ

restoring the full amount of support for junior colleges.

The Hartman-supported adjusted reserve study bill was also dropped this week. The legislation would alleviate the homeowners' association fees for condo owners. House Bill 107, which went into effect in October of 2022, required HOAs in Maryland to secure evaluations for the buildings and provide estimated repair costs. The association would then have three years to garner the recommended funds. The amended bill would stretch the timeline out to five years.

“Condo owners are getting struck right now, so I want to address it,” the delegate said.

The Maryland General Assembly welcomed the Stephen Decatur High School football team on Feb. 6 on the Senate and House floors after winning the 2A State Championship.

Hartman said that coach and Player of the Year father and son duo Jake and Brycen Coleman were also individually recognized.

Next week’s session will host the Seahawk Wrestlers after their fifth straight Class 2A Dual Meet State Championship last week.

PHOTO COURTESY DEL. WAYNE HARTMAN (R-38C)

The Maryland General Assembly welcomed Stephen Decatur High School’s championship-winning football team on the Senate and House floors on Feb. 6.

LOCAL NEWS ONLINE at: OceanCityToday.com

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

OC Today-Dispatch

School system reviews state funds Budget session this week focused on how much WCPS will receive in FY25

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) The Worcester County Board of Education hosted a budget work session on Feb. 13 at the Newark central office. Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert went over the expected funding for the fiscal year 2025.

The estimated numbers are based on Gov. Wes Moore’s budget. Tolbert explained that there is roughly an $800,000 increase in unrestricted money, including $354,000 for special education, $62,000 for transportation, and $180,000 in compensatory aid, an extra amount for each child living in poverty. Additionally, $107,000 will be used for English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

The county also receives restricted funding for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Poverty grants from the state will increase by $620,000.

Last year, four schools qualified as economically disadvantaged, including Pocomoke Elementary School, Pocomoke Middle School, Pocomoke High School and Cedar Chapel. Snow

Hill Middle and Buckingham Elementary were added this year. The grants will be limited to just those schools and part of the money must be used to hire a Community Connection Person.

According to Tolbert, support for College and Career Readiness (CCR) is going down by about $42,000.

‘Many of our students leave Worcester Technical High School to become a welder and are making six figures.

That got taken off the table.’

Annette Wallace, Chief Operating and Academics Officer Many WCPS officials fear the impact this will have on students.

“The state took away multiple options for CCR, which are very impactful for our students because not all choose to go to college,” Chief Operating and Academics Officer Annette Wallace said. “Many of our students leave Worcester Technical High School to become a welder and are making six figures. That got taken off the table.”

Transitional supplemental instruction, which will affect what supplies and materials the county can purchase for reading lessons, is also decreasing by $49,000. At the same time, the budget for national boardcertified teachers will go up by $2,284. Total restricted state funding is expected to increase by $689,000.

Additionally, Tolbert presented revenue sources for the school systems. Worcester’s percentage of state money is the lowest county in Maryland at 26.3%, while Somerset and Wicomico receive over 80% of their support from the Maryland government. Alternatively, WCPS has the highest local funding source.

The reason for low state financial support in WCPS is the wealth-based aid funding formula determined by property assessments and income tax. Because of Ocean City and the money in the north end, Worcester is considered the wealthiest county in the state on a per-pupil basis.

“We have very little chance of getting additional state funding because of that wealth-based formula,” Tolbert said.

The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the central office in Newark, Maryland. An open session will kick off at 12:30.

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Page 76

Summer cops out, major expense in The Ocean City Police Department’s recent struggles to fill its seasonal officer roster are all but over, per the department’s announcement this week that the days of the Boardwalking summer cop are numbered.

“The long-standing tradition of the Ocean City Police Department employing Seasonal Police Officers is potentially closing at the end of the 2024 summer season,” declared the OCPD press release that went out Wednesday afternoon.

The reasons, according to the release, are the decreasing number of qualified applicants for law enforcement jobs of any kind and a conflict between the department’s hiring needs and state regulations governing “provisional” police certifications.

The short version of that divergence is that Ocean City’s seasonal police don’t serve long enough to qualify for the state’s “provisional” police certification.

The Maryland Police Training Commission has been working with the department in that regard, and it appears now that the only solution is for the OCPD to go full-time throughout.

This is hardly a new idea. It has been on the table for years, with the only impediment to making the change being the millions of dollars it will add to the city budget.

Four years ago, when the council agreed to add 10 full-time officers to the ranks, it acknowledged that the cost would be roughly $1 million a year. Anyone with even rudimentary math skills knows that if 10 officers cost $1 million, the expense of converting to a completely full-time department of 140, 150 or more, officers will get into serious money territory.

Even so, there isn’t much anyone can do about it. The department can’t recruit enough seasonal officers to fill the billet as it did in years past, and police training regulations would not allow the state to certify them if it did.

That’s just the way of things these days, as Ocean City continues its transformation from a fun summer beach town that got special treatment from the state to a big-time enterprise that now has to follow the rules.

OC Today-Dispatch Stubbornly local, equally independent EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN ASSOCIATE EDITORS CHARLENE SHARPE, BETHANY HOOPER DIGITAL EDITOR MALLORY PANUSKA AMES STAFF WRITER TARA FISCHER Contact News Room: editor@oceancitytoday.net ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLEY CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS TAYLOR SLOAN Contact Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS web: oceancitytoday.com Facebook: facebook/mdcoastdispatch.com OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2024

PUBLIC EYE

Ban on certain people

There are times when the smallest things can inspire something much bigger, like this week when the City Council agreed to lift its ban on undomesticated animals so a businessperson could stage a oneday exhibit.

That was, for me, a “say, wait-a-minute,” moment, as I reflected on the need to spruce up the resort as part of our national branding effort.

It suddenly occurred to me that if resort can ban undomesticated animals, it might By also be able to impose a ban on Stewart undomesticated people.

The way I see it, if the town Dobson does that, we’ll be in tall cotton image-wise, and will be able to concentrate on other things, such as whether I can use my storage shed attic as a short-term rental.

So, here’s my proposed ordinance, which needs to be gussied up by the legal department so not everyone can understand it, thus giving governing authorities the flexibility to interpret it differently if it suits their purposes.

Undomestic people; Bans on.

I. It shall be prohibited for men of a certain girth who are wearing fishnet T-shirts to enter town if: 1.1. They think it makes them look sexy.

1.2 Said girth is being used as a crumb receptacle.

1.3 Aforementioned shirt is also used to catch baitfish.

1.4 They are wearing a gold chain with it.

II. It shall be prohibited for women of a certain age who are wearing any sort of shirt that has had the sleeves cut off to enter town if: 2.1. More than their arms are hanging out.

2.2. Just because. I mean really?

2.3. They think it looks sexy.

2.4. They are accompanied by a man wearing a fishnet T-shirt.

III. It shall be prohibited for drivers of certain vehicles designed, outfitted or otherwise customized to enter town if: 3.1.The purpose of such vehicular additions or customizations is to compensate for certain personal inadequacies, as defined in Gray’s Anatomy.

3.2. Purely to annoy normal people.

3.3.Their IQs are roughly the same size as their tires.

3.4. Their boyfriends, girlfriends or friends are made up like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean so they can look cool now before transitioning to sleeveless and/or fishnet shirts in their later years.

I’m also working on a couple of special sections, with one that exempts little kids, no matter how undomesticated they are, since they can’t help it if they are being raised by racoons, and another on cyclists who have no peripheral vision.

I realize this isn’t the answer to all our problems, and that this prohibition of undomesticated people doesn’t go far enough. And that would include the guy who cut me off the other day to get just one car space ahead of me on the single lane over the Route 50 bridge. Yeah, that’s right. When this ordinance is adopted, I’m coming for you next.

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Between the Lines

By Steve Green It will be interesting to see whether the Worcester County Commissioners ever revisit adding a specific public comment time to their meetings. At this point, it seems uncertain.

The commissioners voted 4-3 last week to reject the proposal from staff designating a public comment period at their meetings. A few weeks prior, the commissioners voted 5-2 for staff to evaluate a framework for a public comment period on its meeting agenda. The commission majority did not like what was proposed. Currently, the commissioners do allow public comments but only when they must by code – advertised public hearings. Two commissioners who voted against the measure after approving the motion to have county staff return with details expressed disappointment last week over the staff recommendation.

Elected officials typically do not publicly criticize staff, but that was not the case last week when asked by a staff writer after the meeting why they voted against the plan presented. Commissioner Caryn Abbott said, “They didn’t present a way for Worcester County to do it. There was nothing to vote on.” Commissioner Eric Fiori, who also voted against adding a public comment period to the meeting agenda, said, “What was documented was such a range of options there was nothing to vote on there.”

The memo from staff was clear and extensive, offering a mechanism based on what other governments do in an effective manner. There was nothing wrong with the information presented. The hope here is the commissioners do revisit it in the future, but it will take one of the commissioners who voted against the motion last week to bring it back.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic is skeptical, predicting the matter is “a dead issue” and will never be heard again. *** A quick look around the web confirms municipalities around the country continue to struggle with managing short-term rentals. In Ocean City’s case, the Mayor and Council and the Planning Commission are expected to gather in the near future to discuss possible new regulations for the resort’s rental program.

In the meantime, it was compelling to learn exactly how many rental licenses Ocean City has currently. During a report before the council this week on contracting with a possible compliance service company, Finance Director Chuck Bireley said the town currently has 8,922 nonhotel rental licenses. Bireley said the company’s initial research found 9,100 properties for rent within the resort. According to Bireley, Ocean City is losing out on about $275,000 in new revenue based on 178 units being untaxed and unlicensed.

There seems to be precedent for outsourcing enforcement on shortterm rental regulations to firms familiar with this industry. The volume is just too high for staff to monitor consistently and efficiently, and there’s too much revenue at play to ignore. *** A special meeting next week should bring some clarity to a puzzling state of affairs surrounding Buckingham Elementary School. It’s disappointing Buckingham seems mired in state political nonsense and state funding formula rules that are oddly being applied to Buckingham but were not to Showell most recently.

A special meeting is planned for Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Worcester County Government Center between the County Commissioners, the Board of Education and the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC), the powerful body that determines state funding capabilities for specific projects across the state. The agenda states the meeting is, “to discuss school construction funding for Buckingham Elementary School, as well as school construction and maintenance as a whole.” *** It was good to see some knowledge spread at this week’s Board of Education meeting about the importance of summer academies in public schools. Anyone who thinks it’s a “camp” or babysitter replacement is misinformed.

The fact is summer academy is important for education, and the 1,100 students, or about 16% of the county’s school enrollment, benefit from it. This is not a perk. It’s needed. For example, the summer academy weeks are vital for students who need academic assistance or have special needs. Ten weeks off without any school will further set them back. The county’s cost to fund summer academies and the required transportation should not be used as a political football in the ongoing budget battles between the commissioners and school board members.

Letters to the editor Summer academy support needed from county Editor, It has been brought to my attention that Worcester County Commissioners have requested a hold on the Summer School Programs, the “Summer Academy,” in our schools again this year. As a former Special Education educator from Montgomery County Public Schools, I have seen the impact of a continued summer school program that has helped many students that have fallen behind, especially for those students that have special needs.

I understand that some people have referred to the Summer Academy as a “camp”. I assure you that even if the students are not engaged in a “regular” classroom agenda, the students continue to learn! The teachers need to make their lessons engaging for the students to want to come to class and learn. Just because they are working on fun activities doesn’t mean they are not learning! Students are learning, just differently. Our summer academy teachers support our students with tools and resources to thrive. Students that attend the Summer Academy deserve to be rewarded for their efforts, and so do their teachers.

Summer School enrichment pro-

grams are vital to our students with special needs, especially students with autism. In order for our special needs students to survive in our society, field trips to stores and even restaurants help them acquire the skill of how to act in a public setting.

Taking away the summer programs will hinder their learning capabilities.

Children with autism need structure, socialization and repetitive lessons. It is vital to their development! Also, removing the summer academy will impede the development of our students that have other learning disabilities, as well as students that are not fluent in the English language. If they don’t use it they lose it.

To achieve our Blue Ribbon award winning status once again in Worcester County Schools, we need to invest in our students’ academic performance to enrich their education regardless of their culture, background or special needs. A good business plan to achieve this goal in our schools is to increase the salaries of our teachers and make it more attractive for talented dedicated teachers to want to move here, not just visit. A win win! A win for our community to have these teachers reside here in Worcester County and a win for our students academically!

Since Continued on Page 78

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 77 Worcester County has a surplus in revenue, why are we not investing it in our schools? Our children are the future, we need to prepare our children for a bright, successful future by supporting their academic needs, right now! A lot of our students fall through the cracks, let’s fill those cracks with continuing education.

Keep the Summer Academy and enrich our children.

Karen Cossette Ocean Pines

Cease, desist on wind energy projects Editor, (The following letter was sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management with a copy forwarded to this publication.)

I am writing you concerning the US Wind project off the coast of Ocean City, MD. I wish to share with you my concerns about the offshore wind projects that have been in the making. I am asking that you please do not allow this project to be done. The risks involved in this are not worth the vast amount of damage that will be done to marine life as a result of the construction and creation of a wind farm here in Maryland.

There are many reasons that this

should not be allowed to come about.

1. We cannot allow the security risks that this project will create by the interference of radar/sonar operations used by our military to protect our country.

2. The INCIDENTAL TAKE AUTHORIZATION that US Wind is trying to get approved for this project should not be allowed. The harm done to this amount of marine life is not acceptable. Please do not approve this destruction of marine life.

3. US Wind is not an American company. Why should we be dependent on a foreign company for this wind project??

4. The cost of construction of this project will be extremely expensive and will be passed on to our fellow citizens of our country. Our citizens do not need any more increased costs to provide energy for our homes.

5. Wind turbines have never been in existence in a hurricane prone area here on the east coast of Maryland.

How will these wind turbines be able to stand up to this type of destructive weather. Wind turbines are very, very costly to build and how much energy and resources are going to be used to create these? How is that creating a more green environment? The turbines may last 20 years, what happens when they are no longer able to stay in operation. What will you do with all this debris?

Your organization’s purpose is to protect and preserve our Oceans.

Please do not continue to pursue this project. It is not the solution to going green and/or stopping climate change.

I am asking to please cease and desist.

Please do not let your agency be responsible for not protecting our oceans.

Katherine J Azbell Berlin

Intersection improvement needed in Ocean Pines Editor, So much has changed since moving into Ocean Pines Section 10 (Sherwood Forest) in 2001.

I have seen the construction of The Parke, The Point, The Woodlands, businesses in the Manklin Creek shopping area, new homes along Ocean Parkway, summer renal homes now occupied year-round, and now the opening of the latest development of the Triple Crown Estates.

One thing all of these residents have in common is when we leave our homes in Ocean Pines we all need to exit by way of the four-way stop at the intersection of Manklin Creek and Ocean Parkway. I am very concerned about the chaos that would ensue if

OC Chamber 3 x 6.28

there was an emergency evacuation and we all tried to exit at the same time.

Over the years I have read that there have been discussions of an exit road that would lead residents out of Ocean Pines to Route 589 via Gum Pt. Road. I think now is the time to really put that plan into effect and with the construction of homes in Triple Crown Estates this would make perfect sense. Not an exit for convenience but one for the safety of all the people who would be affected if an emergency would arise.

I urge the Ocean Pines board to place this need at the top of their priority list and work with the county to get this road completed as soon as possible.

Madlyn Scott Ocean Pines

Strong schools needed in Worcester County Editor, I want to thank the citizens of Worcester County who are using their voice to make education better in our communities. We need you no more than ever. Thank you to those who are standing up against negative changes by a small group who has an alternate agenda. Changes need to be made by our elected officials if we want to maintain excellent schools and highly qualified teachers and well-paid teachers and staff.

The high school you attended in the 1980s is not the school you will see today. Changes are abundant. No longer do you continually see large class sizes with over 30 students.

After 40 years of teaching our blackboards have been replaced with whiteboards and Apple TVs. Notebooks and binders have been replaced by iPads. Instead of writing notes and folding them into intricate triangles students’ text continually on their own devices. Communication is instant. Parents are continually contacting their children during school hours. It was not like that when you were in school.

Since our return from covid we have struggled with students who are struggling with academic and social skills. Many of my students are parented today by technology. They are constantly online. Quickly they navigate through short clips and bits of information. They have trouble making connections, are easily distracted and truly lack ways to navigate selfreliance and coping skills. They react rather than interact with peers and adults. They have trouble forming their thoughts and words and then their actions in academics and their social arena. The schools’ support from parents has changed. In high school the parents of my students use to line the hallway on parent conference evenings. Today my contact with them is through email if I am lucky.

Continued on Page 79

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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Panel discussion LETTERS TO THE EDITOR materials and supplies. The only dif- collaboratively as a community. We Continued from Page 78 on Black History School teachers today are expected to ference was the student who sat in must demand better from our county the content as well as life skills my class. Highly qualified teachers commissioners. If they won’t act, we Month at Decatur teach and more. Our schools are not the are not coming to our doorsteps any need to elect individuals who will ones you attended. longer. University students do not see work to make our schools strong

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) Stephen Decatur High School’s National English Honor Society (NEHS) hosted a panel discussion to celebrate African American representation in education on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The dialogue revolved around the need for change in the school system, as well as the speakers’ experiences in education and how their identity as Black individuals have shaped their careers.

The panelists, leaders in the Worcester County Public School System, were Community School Liaison Carlton Cartwright, Pocomoke algebra teacher La’Tier Evans, SDHS counselor Veronica Hayes, and Snow Hill High School counselor Ari Johnson. NEHS members Patrick Haines and Deliyah Holland moderated the conversation.

According to advisor Kia Terlizzi, NEHS previously supported the National Council of Teachers of English’s African American Read-In for Black History Month. However, past Buckingham Elementary School principal Terry Smith suggested the education topic for this year’s event.

“The students embraced the panel discussion, which I feel is what we need in the diverse atmosphere of political and social polarization,” Terlizzi said.

Haines began the panel with a question about “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, a memoir detailing a Black man’s experiences with race and sexuality. The story was challenged by parents last year and removed from Wicomico County schools. The controversy spurred a more extensive conversation on book banning, as it is particularly prevalent on the Eastern Shore.

“There’s an old saying that if you don’t want a Black person to know something, put it in a book,” Johnson said. “This speaks to that. When you start to read, there’s an awakening, and once people gain knowledge, you can no longer exploit them.”

Hayes and Johnson maintained that kids must feel represented in literature and that banning a book is the same as forbidding the internet, particularly in schools, where everyone should see themselves on a quick trip to the library.

The panel touched on the lack of Black representation in Worcester County schools. Hayes explained that she had African American teachers throughout middle and high school, but when she came to work at SDHS, she was asked if she was a custodian.

Pocomoke and Snow Hill, the counselor stated, are better at creating a diverse faculty.

“White people need to see Black See EDUCATORS Page 80

Now more than ever we need passionate, high quality and energetic teachers in front of our students.

They need help more than ever and for many students it only comes from the educational system. I came to Worcester County in 1991 from Dorchester County. I received a $6,000 raise. I was able to find good affordable housing. I had the same

a future in teaching. They can’t afford a pay cut, higher medical insurance rates or afford a home to rent or buy in our county. In our future if we don’t make changes the teachers who spent their career in one school will no longer occur.

We need to do better; we need to stand up for quality education in Worcester County. We need to work

again. Without strong schools, strong communities, and a strong business community we will continue to fail in attracting the best. Use your voice and become involved in the change we need. Today’s schools are not the schools you attended in your community. We need you. We can do better.

Marie Wells-Suznavick Pocomoke High School teacher

Have an opinion?

We invite you to share it, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number.

All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.

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TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Stephen Decatur High School’s National English Honor Society hosted a discussion on Black voices in education. Pictured are the student moderators, Patrick Haines and Deliyah Holland, and panelists Carlton Cartwright, Ari Johnson, La’Tier Evans, and Veronica Hayes.

WORLD WAR II

Educators talk books, staffing Armeekorps’ escape from Continued from Page 79 people in professional roles,” SDHS curriculum resource teacher Mary Berquist said.

Staffing tactics may be to blame for the lack of diversity. Cartwright explained that when he was part of the WCPS recruitment team, they promoted the county with the slogan “Teach at the Beach,” which implied teachers who enjoyed the beach were favored. Similar strategies, he said, can be tied to the predominantly white employee makeup.

When the board of education outlined the goal of increasing diversity,

district leadership commented that they would not sacrifice quality.

These microaggressions are an issue, and this type of culture must be improved, Cartwright said.

The panel expressed that conversations about race are the path to change and that education starts with giving African Americans a seat at the table or a chance to interview.

“We can talk about the ramifications of systematic oppression and how we’re still treated because of it,” Johnson said. “That is how we can grow. The problem won’t go away until we can talk about it.”

Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer This week, 80 years ago, the remnants of two under-strength German Armeekorps — the XI Armeekorps, commanded by Wilhelm Stemmermann, and the XXXXVII Armeekorps, commanded by Theo-Helmut Lieb — made their escape from what has come to be known as the KorsunCherkassy Pocket.

Cherkasy is a city in the center of Ukraine with a current population of 270,000, located on the west bank of

the Dnieper River, 124 miles south of Kyiv. Korsun is also located in central Ukraine on the banks of the Ros River, a tributary on the west side of the Dnieper River. It currently has a population of 17,000.

By this time, 80 years ago, the frontline situation had resulted in an Axis salient jutting into Soviet lines.

German field officers all advocated a pullback to shorten the lines, make supplying the troops easier, and reduce the troop’s exposure to enemy Continued on Page 81

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WORLD WAR II Continued from Page 80 fire. Hitler refused. This set the stage for another German army disaster.

The strategic importance of the Ukraine cannot be overstated. It was an important source of food for the Axis conquerors, as well as raw materials, such as manganese and iron ore.

Facing the 60,000 Axis soldiers on three sides of the salient were 336,000 Soviet soldiers of the First and Second Ukrainian Fronts, commanded by Gens. Nikolai Vatutin and Ivan Konev. Gen. Vatutin’s First Ukrainian Front contained the Sixth Tank, Twenty-Seventh and Fortieth Armies, commanded by Ukrainians Andrey Grigoryevich Kravchenko, Sergei Georgievich Trofimenko, and Filipp Feodosyevich Zhmachenko, and three rifle divisions, an artilley corps, a rocket launcher division and the I Guards Cavalry Zhytomyr Red Banner Corps, commanded by Guard Lt. Gen. Viktor Kirillovich Baranov.

Gen. Konev’s Second Ukrainian Front contained the Fifty-Second, Fourth Guards, and Fifth Guards Tank, Armies, commanded by Gens.

Konstantin Apollonovich Koroteyev, Alexander Ivanovitch Ryzhov, and Pavel Alexeyevich Rotmistrov, as well as the XXVI Guards Rifle, V Guards Cavalry, and XX Tank, Corps and 89th Guards Rifle Division.

Gen. Konev’s Second Ukrainian Front attacked the salient from the southeast at dawn on Jan. 24, 1944.

Two days later, Gen. Vatutin’s First Ukrainian Front attacked from the opposite direction. The small city of Zvenyhorodka (less than 20,000) was captured on Jan. 28. Gen. Rotmistrov’s Fifth Guards Tank Army met Gen. Kravchenko’s Sixth Tank Army, on Feb. 3, surrounding the Axis troops and isolating them from their comrades.

An inner ring was formed by Gen. Trofimenko’s Twenty-Seventh Army, Gen. Koroteyev’s Fifty-Second Army, and Gen. Ryzhov’s Fourth Guards Army.

Now the trap was sprung! But would the rat be able to slither away?

Soviet optimism was reflected in Gen. Konev’s message to Stalin, “There is no need to worry, Comrade Stalin.

The encircled enemy will not escape.”

The situation settled into an all too familiar pattern. Instead of authorizing a relief effort combined with a breakout, thereby providing the best chance of conserving men and equipment, Hitler only authorized a relief effort. Even then, he ordered the relieving force to attempt to surround and destroy the Soviet forces surrounding the trapped Axis soldiers, now known as “Group Stemmermann.”

Meanwhile, on Jan. 28, the Luftwaffe’s VIII Air Corps, commanded

by Gen. Hans Seidemann, began supplying Group Stemmermann. Before it was over, Gen. Seidemann’s VIII Air Corps would deliver 82,948 gallons of fuel, 868 tons of ammunition

and four tons of medical supplies to the encircled forces. However, this was only half of what Group Stemmermann required.

Field Marshal Erich von Manstein ordered III and XLVII Panzerkorps, commanded by Gens. Hermann Breith and Baron Heinrich Diepold Georg von Lüttwitz, to attempt the relief of the encircled troops in early February. However, Hitler overruled him and ordered the relieving force to attempt an encirclement of the encircling Soviet forces!

When that, predictably, failed, Field Marshal von Manstein ordered the relief effort. Gen. Breith’s III Panzerkorps crossed the Gniloy Tikich River and began driving toward Group Stemmermann on Feb. 11, 1944. By now, due to Soviet pressure, the pocket had been reduced to six to seven miles in diameter, and the airfield lost. But, it had been moving south, toward the relieving force.

Meanwhile, captured German Gens. Walther von SeydlitzKurzbach, Alexander Edler von Daniels and Otto Korfes visited the front on Feb. 10 and attempted to convince their countrymen to give up the fight. However, their attempts to lure their former comrades into the utopia of the Soviet Union were unsuccessful.

Gen. von Seydlitz-Kurzbach, holder of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, was stripped of his rank, sen-

tenced to death in absentia, and his family punished by the German government. Following the war, the U.S.S.R. charged him with war crimes. He was charged, tried, convicted, and sentenced to 25 years prison, but released in 1955.

By Feb. 16, 1944, the relief force was a mere 4.5 miles from the trapped soldiers. Between the two stood Gen. Rotmistrov’s Fifth Guards Tank Army. The pocket had been compressed to three miles in diameter. That day Field Marshal von Manstein, in defiance of Hitler’s order to stand and fight, ordered Gen. Stemmermann to begin breakout efforts. Gen. Stemmermann ordered 1,450 non-ambulatory wounded left behind with attendant medical personnel.

Gen. Stemmermann ordered that, “Violations of international law may, under no circumstances occur, or else enemy acts of cruelty against the wounded are to be expected.” (Some accounts say the Germans shot their wounded in the back of the head).

At dusk the troops assembled.

They headed south to the small Gniloy Tikich River. With great difficulty, the river was crossed, and most of the troops escaped the Soviet trap — but without their equipment. Gen. Stemmermann had elected to remain behind with the 6,500-man rearguard, which was all that was left of the 57th and 88th Infantry Divisions.

Total German casualties were 31,000, which does not include the relieving force. It does include Gen. Stemmermann, who was killed during the breakout. In addition, the Germans lost 313 guns and howitzers, and 50 tanks. The relieving force lost 240 tanks and assault guns and suffered 10,000 casualties.

The First and Second Ukrainian Fronts suffered 24,286 killed and missing, and 55,902 wounded. They also lost 850 tanks and assault guns.

Gen. Konev was named a Marshal of the Soviet Union on Feb. 20, 1944.

Gen. Vatutin was mortally wounded

by Ukrainian partisans on Feb. 28, 1944. He died in a hospital in Kyiv six weeks later and is buried there. Next to his grave stood his statue, until Feb. 9, 2023, when it was removed.

Gen. Rotmistrov was named Marshal of Armored Forces and awarded the Order of Suvorov, named for the Russian field marshal who never lost a battle.

To celebrate the victory, a 20-shot salute was fired by 224 guns, in Moscow, on Feb. 18, 1944.

Next week: Flying “The Hump” 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.

$1,595.

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Sports & Recreation

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Last weekend’s domination on the mat led to Stephen Decatur’s wrestling team, pictured with the coaching staff, capturing its fifth straight Class 2A title.

Decatur wrestling wins 5th straight 2A state title

Mallards fly to 20-point senior night victory

(Feb. 16, 2024) Stephen Decatur’s wrestling program continued its dominance in Maryland’s Class 2A last week, securing its fifth straight state team title.

Decatur advanced beyond the semifinal round with a 51-15 crushing of Huntingtown. The Seahawks won 10 of the 14 individua matches on the way to the easy win. Winning their weight divisions were Alex Riehl (144 pounds); Gavin Solito (157), Parker Intrieri (175), Kole Kohut (190), Nate McDaniel (215), Juan Hinojosa (106), Elijah Collick (113), Liam Hugues (120), Reid Caimi (126) and Aaron August (132).

In the finals, the Seahawks downed Damascus in convinced fashion, 5022. Securing wins on the mat were Riehl (144), Amarian Manuel (150), Solito (157), Kohut (190), Hinojosa (106), Collick (113), Hugues (120), Caimi (126) and August (132).

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) It’s amazing what a good basketball coach can do in short order with positive thinking players in the final weeks of their regular season. But that’s what’s happening at Worcester Prep.

Early in the season, head coach Mike O’Malley predicted that come time for the ESIAC, or Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference, his team would be ready for the challenge. It appears they are.

Last Friday was the test and they passed it with flying colors. From the time the players took their home court against Salisbury Christian on Senior Night, it was clear who was in charge.

“We’ve been hard at work for the past week or so really focused in on our ball handling and cleaning up on See WORCESTER Page 84

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Worcester Prep’s Baylor Hoen tries to keep possession of the ball from several Salisbury Christian defenders during the Mallards’ Feb. 9 against the Jaguars.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Worcester Prep varsity boys basketball players and cheerleaders pose together for a group photo with their parents on Senior Night, which was celebrated Feb. 9 during the Mallards’ game against Salisbury Christian. At right, senior Connor Ferguson battles for position.

Worcester Prep celebrates Senior Night with big win Continued from Page 83 a few things,” O’Malley said. “We were getting a little too sloppy on offense. We definitely worked on that.

We were grabbing more rebounds.

And I think you saw that tonight.

They’re working with more energy tonight and it was senior night and a lot of people came out for that and the players came out playing and that made it a special night, too.”

The Mallards took the initial tip-off and ran with it. They built a 12-5 lead in the first eight minutes of play. When the buzzer sounded the end of the first period of play, they were up 23-14.

The Mallards lost the third period

11-9, then returned for an explosive final period where they put 20 more on the board for the 52-32 finish.

Junior Michael DePalma led the way with a game-high 12 points that included a three-pointer and seven free throws. Ashton Browne was second high scorer contributing 11 points, three of which were 3-pointers. Baylor Hoen also scored four baskets and Ben Anthony scored three baskets (one free throw for seven total points). Danny Kirwan and Cole Campbell each had four points, while Jeremy Foreman scored three, Connor Ferguson scored two and Carson Rayne had a free throw.

SURF REPORT

Traveling for waves often part of winter life

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) Sooner or later a surfer who is even somewhat, partially serious about the sport/art will want to travel.

Travel, like surfing, can mean different things to different people. It can range from a short drive to the next state to multiple air flights halfway around the world.

I recall a person coming into my shop complaining that there weren’t any waves around here, at least to his satisfaction. He lived in Dover, Delaware, and spoke of a break in New England that he favored. It was

a six-hour drive, one way.

“Do you want to go?” he would say.

“Here’s my phone number.”

I don’t remember his name but he obviously thought that it was worth his time, expense, and effort to go this extra distance to surf what he considered a more quality wave. The shorter drive from Dover to surf our immediate area was no longer appealing to him.

I never took him up on his offer but have had a few opportunities to travel to the New England area. It offers land and bottom formations that are quite favorable to quality waves.

By the way, I didn’t agree with his statement that this area was devoid of waves. Once again surfing is different things to different people and all of it

can be valid.

Going through a winter around the Delmarva area can run the gamut from difficult and tedious to easy and no-big-deal. It’s safe to say that some even revel in the fact that traffic is light and beaches are open. Beaches aren’t guarded, of course, so caution is always advisable.

But despite the advantages that winter can bring, one absolute factor stands out: It’s cold. Maybe not by some standards, giving a nod to those living farther north, but again it’s safe to say that yes, it’s cold. Average air temperatures are mid-40s for highs and mid-20s for lows. Average water temperatures are in the 40s. Cold?

You can bet on it. Otherwise significant wetsuit gear wouldn’t be needed.

I just did some minimal research to find that the current air temperature in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is 63 on a Tuesday afternoon in mid-February. Also of note is the water temperature at 54. Wow! This sounds almost balmy! It’s probably comparable to our area in May or late October to mid-November.

If one is able, maybe a trip south is just the ticket to break up, what can be for some, a long winter season.

Granted, wetsuit gear will still be needed but at least not as much as surfing in our local area. Sure, Florida or even the Caribbean, would be even warmer. But from the illustration described above maybe a trip in that direction, at only part of the distance, might just be enough.

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Mallards, powered by senior, win over Salisbury Christian

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 16, 2024) Led by senior Esther Mehilli, Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team defeated Salisbury Christian 38-27 last Friday.

Mehilli poured in four, three-pointers from deep for the Fighting Mallards.

Sophomore Sidney Mize was the Mallards’ second highest shooter with 10 points on the board. Worcester senior Natasha Richter added nine more, while Anisha Batra made three buckets and one free throw for points.

“They moved the ball well especially in the second half,” Mallards’ head coach Koula Strosnider said.

“We started connecting. When we were down by one, we kept our composure and I’m very proud of them for that.”

For Salisbury Christian, their highest shooter, Natalie Bailey hit for 17 points.

The first period of play ended with the Mallards down by one at 11-10. A strong second quarter earned the Fighting Mallards a 27-21 advantage going into the second period. They extended that lead in the final eight minutes of play for the 38-27 win.

Above, Worcester Prep’s Leah Gaito and Salisbury Christian’s Natasha Richter fight for the ball as teammates surround them during the Mallards’ Feb. 9 game against the Jaguars.

Left, Worcester Prep’s Anisha Batra dribbles the ball down the court on pace with a Salisbury Christian defender during the game.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

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