02/07/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Disp a atch

STR licensing suspended

OC Council imposes 11-month moratorium on issuing licenses for shortterm rentals in R-1 single-family and MH mobile home districts as members decide how to handle their proliferation in these neighborhoods. — PAGE 3

Judge dismisses Trimper lawsuit

Two years of motions later, judge says plaintiffs have no evidence.— PAGE 22

Electric

bills hit stun level on coast

County, resort residents see super high spikes in Delmarva Power charges for December-January and wonder if something has changed. But company says it’s the extreme cold weather and supply.— PAGE 50

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

City authorizes a temporary pause for short-term rentals

OC leadership approves retroactive moratorium for licensing in certain districts

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) City officials this week hit the pause button on issuing new short-term rental licenses in single-family and mobile home neighborhoods.

After approving significant changes aimed at regulating shortterm rentals, the Ocean City Council on Monday approved an emergency ordinance establishing a moratorium on the issuance of any new shortterm rental licenses in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts. The 11-month pause, they say, will give officials and city staff time to evaluate the effectiveness of the new regulations.

“This is a pause for us to have a data set that we can look at and see if these other ordinances that have already passed or coming up for second reading are effective in managing the issues that we’re having with the short-term rentals …,” Councilman Jake Mitrecic said.

At a Jan. 28 work session, during

its discussion on proposed shortterm rental regulations, the council agreed to move forward with a moratorium on the issuance of any new short-term rental licenses in the two districts.

However, officials did make some concessions by allowing any shortterm rental license applications submitted prior to Jan. 28 to be considered. They also directed staff to create language in the moratorium that would create an appeals process for short-term rental licenses, should a property be transferred to another family member in the event of death.

With the terms laid out, the council directed staff to create an emergency ordinance, which was presented on Monday. However, during public comments, some property owners asked the council to reconsider.

“I think it’s a mistake,” property owner Terry Miller said. “We didn’t know this was coming. It came out of nowhere that you’re putting a moratorium. Some of us may have plans to rent our property, and you’re taking that away from us. It was done at the meeting on the 28th and put into ef-

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Resort enacts rental moratorium until 2026

fect retroactively.”

But resident Susan Wenzlaff applauded the moratorium, arguing that a pause was needed. She pointed out that one home in her neighborhood was already listed on shortterm rental websites, and another is set to come online.

“I’m uneasy with everything and I think that we need to take some steps to preserve our communities or neighborhoods,” she said.

Councilman John Gehrig said he supported the moratorium, as it would give city officials time to evaluate its rules. He added that it would not impact any existing rental properties or rental income.

“It’s maybe revenue you think about one day, but it’s not realized today,” he said. “So the moratorium,

the reason we’re doing it is we’re not impacting anyone’s revenue today. We’re trying to make all that work and not completely take that away.”

For her part, Councilwoman Carol Proctor said she had concerns. She argued the moratorium failed to provide a safety net for those facing financial hardship.

“We do have a high concentration in this town with people who have second homes that have no intentions to rent at all. And then their financial situation changes –somebody gets sick, somebody loses their job – and now they’re faced in a position where now I’m going to have to rent that property …,” she said. “There’s no provisions in the moratorium for that type of individual, and we do have a very high concentration of second homes in this

town, where people never even dreamed that they would ever have to rent.”

Proctor also took issue with the lack of notice the public was provided.

“The council came up with it last week,” she said of the moratorium. “We never advertised it, we never put it out for public hearing, we never did any of that. And the council is putting it out as an emergency ordinance, and I just don’t feel it qualifies under the definition of an emergency ordinance.”

However, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the proposed moratorium had been advertised.

“This was just advertised in accordance with the current code,” she replied. “If it wasn’t an emergency ordinance, then it could be adver-

tised again next week.”

Mitrecic said when he presented the idea of a moratorium last week, he had made a motion to draft an emergency ordinance. He said he felt time was needed to assess the issues.

“There’s no one in here that has said that has raised their hand and said, ‘I want more rentals near me.’ Whether you’re a rental owner or a full-time resident, no one has said that,” he said. “So in the meantime, while we handle these issues and while we look into everything with the amount of care and respect it deserves, I do want to push pause on adding more rentals to the problem or perhaps maybe not to the problem.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Proctor opposed, to pass an emergency ordinance.

The moratorium states that property owners in the R-1 and MH districts who submitted short-term rental applications prior to Jan. 28 will still be considered, and existing short-term rental licenses could be transferred to a family member upon the death of a property owner, so long as a request is submitted to the city manager.

The moratorium will be revisited in October, when the council is expected to consider how best to proceed in 2026 and beyond.

“I do approve of that emergency ordinance,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “I think that needs the mayor’s approval.”

Positive bird flu case reported on county farm

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) A Worcester County chicken farm has preliminarily tested positive for bird flu, the county’s first reported case of the disease.

State officials quarantined the affected premises, which has not been named, and all birds on the property are being culled to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza, according to a news release from the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The agency said a confirmation with final results is pending.

Maryland and Delaware public health and agriculture authorities have formed a task force, called the Joint Information Center (JIC) to combat the disease and inform the public. JIC spokeswoman Stacey Hofmann in a statement to OC

Today-Dispatch said approximately 201,600 birds were affected in this outbreak.

She also said the task force will not release exact locations of the affected Worcester County farm, or the names of the producers.

“Our primary goal is to prevent this disease from spreading by maintaining tight controls and using effective biosecurity practices. We do not want people visiting or driving by that location to potentially track the avian influenza virus to another location and spread it even wider,” she said.

This is the fifth case of bird flu on the Eastern Shore and the sixth in the state. More than 600,000 broiler chickens had to be destroyed this month after flock samples tested positive for bird flu. Two other cases

have been confirmed in Kent County, Delaware, and one in Accomack County, Virginia.

Carried by free-flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds, bird flu is caused by an influenza type A virus. It can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, according to the state agriculture department.

Migrating snow geese in Worcester County tested positive for bird flu this month, state authorities said. Another die-off of wildfowl occurred last week in Ocean Pines.

The illness does not typically spread to humans, with transmission risk between birds and the general public deemed low, according to state health officials. Poultry farm workers are at higher risk.

Poultry farms in Maryland are tested before any birds are harvested, whether there’s an outbreak or not, to find outbreaks before any chickens enter the food chain.

“We have a really robust surveillance program,” Maryland State Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Trout told OC Today-Dispatch. “What we’re doing is successful. We have this system of checks and balances in place to protect the food supply.”

Officials also are warning hunters to take safety precautions. After handling waterfowl or game, people are encouraged to wash hands, clothes, and tools, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

Anyone who finds a dead bird may contact officials for collection and disposal by telephone at (877) 4636497.

BUY • SELL • RENT

Associate

5-night minimum rental stay passes for communities

Proctor, Gehrig supported three days for minimum

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) City officials are moving forward with an ordinance that sets a minimum length of stay for short-term rentals located in single-family and mobile home communities.

During Monday’s meeting, the Ocean City Council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that will establish a five-night minimum length of stay for short-term rentals in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts. The decision followed a three-plus-hour discussion during which more than 30 rental owners and residents came before the council to express both opposition to and support for the proposed restriction.

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“Short-term rentals are actually contradictory to what our comprehensive plan lays out. That’s what we’re here to talk about,” Mayor Rick Meehan said at the conclusion of public comments. “We’ve seen it coming for a while. And I think after this last election, we all heard from the public as to what their real concerns were, and in a timely manner I think the council has brought it to where we are today. We’re not looking to find ways to create more turnover in the R-1 neighborhoods. We’re looking for ways to limit … the amount of turnover in the R-1 neighborhoods, which in the long run will make them even stronger.”

During last week’s work session, the council agreed to move forward with a moratorium on the issuance of any new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 and MH districts and to set a five-night minimum length of stay for any existing rentals, beginning this season. That restriction, however, was largely opposed by several rental owners who came before the council this week.

Many said the restriction was un-

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Speakers offer mixed feedback

reasonable, as most of their guests stayed for less than five nights, particularly in the offseason.

“For us personally, we only rent for seven days in the summer,” rental owner Helene Fox said. “But in the offseason, five, it’s not an opportunity for our guests to come in the offseason for holidays, especially with the return to office.”

Rental owner Linda Tucker said she also opposed the five-night restriction, as well as the inclusion of the mobile home district. However, she said she could support a threenight restriction.

“All of the three-day events that you’re putting on in the offseason, it’s not fair that we wouldn’t be allowed to rent our houses during those,” she said.

Some said the five-night restriction would hurt their rental income. Others said they relied on short-term renting to pay their mortgage.

“Caine Woods, Montego Bay, they’re all blue-collar neighborhoods,” property owner Mia McCarthy said. “The people who buy in there are the average person who has a dream and wants to own a house at the beach. People can’t afford a halfa-million-dollar house without supplementing.”

Lauren Bunting, an Ocean City resident and president of the Coastal Association of Realtors, said she supported short-term rentals, in all areas of town.

“We’re hopeful that the decisions made by the council will take into account all of the statements being heard tonight both from year-round homeowners and our second-home owners who are such an important part of our vacation town,” she said.

While rental owners asked the council to either reduce the length-ofstay restriction to three nights, or to eliminate it altogether, several yearround residents asked the council to increase the minimum to at least 30

days, a proposal initially presented by the town’s planning commission.

Teal Drive resident Susan Wenzlaff noted that a four-bedroom rental next to her house had advertised an occupancy of 17 while another five-bedroom rental on her street advertised an occupancy of 16. She said those homes have brought in a steady stream of renters, and with it, parking, trash and noise concerns.

“This becomes a vicious cycle. In the end, like others, our children will sell out and move on,” she said. “Families don’t want to raise their kids next to a party palace full of transient guests. We live here, we work hard, we enjoy our family and grandkids, and we know our neighbors.”

Teal Drive resident Jeffrey Mathias agreed, noting that he had bought his home in a single-family neighborhood for the community it provided.

“I purposely wanted to live in a single-family neighborhood that was dedicated to people that I would know, neighbors that I would get along with. But now the whole thing has changed …,” he said, noting that his neighborhood was now 11% rentals. “It’s headed in the wrong direction.”

Resident Palmer Gillis, a member of the city’s planning commission, said he also supported a 31-day minimum length of stay, as well as a moratorium on new short-term rental licenses. He argued the city should follow its comprehensive plan and maintain the integrity of its residential neighborhoods.

“These short-term rentals are a business, and they’re licensed as a business,” he said. “You’re considering them a business. You don’t put a business in a single-family residential neighborhood.”

During council comments Monday, Councilwoman Carol Proctor said she would not support a fivenight minimum length of stay. HowSee ONE Page 15

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Ocean City Mayor and Council are pictured during Monday’s four-plus hour meeting that included multiple votes on short-term rentals.

Officials eye summer open for police dept. substation

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) Construction is well underway on a new police substation in downtown Ocean City.

The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has announced that construction of a new police department substation is on track to be completed by mid-July.

Executive Director Zach Bankert

said when the three-story building is finished, it will feature upgraded facilities for the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), seasonal housing for city employees, public restrooms, and an off-island shuttle drop-off location.

“Most importantly in my opinion, we are going to have a police substation that is more accessible to the

Page 16

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Construction of a new police substation at Somerset Street continues as officials hope to open the facility in mid-July.

One turnover a week council goal

Continued from Page 13

ever, she said she could support a three-night minimum.

“You know, this completely takes out our shoulder season rentals,” she said of the five-day minimum. “Most people come in the shoulder season, and they will rent. They’ll check in on a Thursday and check out on a Sunday, or they’ll check in on a Friday and check out on a Monday because they’re coming down for events or they’re coming down during holiday weekends. And I think it is too restrictive.”

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said that is why he had proposed an ordinance to restrict shortterm rental bookings to once per week. While acknowledging that the proposal would need some work, he argued it was a compromise.

“That gives you the flexibility to rent for three nights if you want to in the shoulder season, or any other time you want,” he said. “So my proposal was to give you the freedom to do that one rental every seven nights. You do with it what you want.”

Speaking to the ordinance before him, Gehrig said a five-night minimum would take away flexibility from the property owners who choose to rent out their homes. However, he acknowledged that something should be done to protect the city’s residential neighborhoods.

“Some people keep emailing saying you’re taking away our ability to rent. That is not true,” he said. “You have the flexibility to rent how you want with certain rules and parameters. The rules that are on the books are poor and not well constructed. are completely unenforceable, and I know why you guys like them because they are unenforceable.

“They were only enforceable when most of the rentals were handled by local rental agencies who actually policed it through their rental agreements, and when rentals were typically weekly rentals. Really, now that VRBO and Airbnb have dominated the landscape, things need to change.”

Gehrig said he didn’t want to eliminate rentals but wanted to create rules that were reasonable for both full-time residents and rental owners.

“We have neighborhoods and communities because we need them. That’s how Ocean City survives,” Gehrig said. “We do not survive by having our neighborhoods turn into commercial zones that are basically mini hotels.”

Meehan also pointed out the expectation of property owners in the residential districts.

“I think what gets lost, and I’ve said this before, is specifically when we talk about our R-1 neighborhoods, we’re talking about the integrity of a singlefamily neighborhood,” he said. “We’re

not talking about maybe one problem property or somebody that didn’t pick up their trash. What we’re talking about is the expectation – which I think was mentioned earlier by some of our R-1 residents – when they moved into that neighborhood, it was going to be a neighborhood. And it wasn’t going to be a business community. And that’s what’s happening.”

Meehan said he and council members were taking a comprehensive look at short-term rentals and wanted to create regulations that worked with all property owners, all while following the city’s comprehensive plan.

“So we are willing to make – and I think have made – compromises and difficult decisions,” he said. “We need to make tough decisions, and I think this is a time when that’s going to

have to take place. And I believe that it’ll be in the best interest of the future of our community and Ocean City as a whole.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 5-2, with Proctor and Gehrig opposed, to approve the length-of-stay ordinance on first reading.

Also on Monday, the council voted unanimously to adopt a new definition of family, as well as new occupancy and property management regulations for short-term rentals. Maximum occupancy will now be set at two people per bedroom, plus two additional guests, with no children under the age of 10 counted toward the limit. A short-term rental owner or manager must also be available to respond to any complaints at the property.

Construction continues at new Somerset Street facility

Continued from Page 14

public than the current location on the boardwalk,” he said last week. “The building itself is going to look good as well and be an improvement to the streetscape downtown.”

Last June, the Ocean City Council awarded a contract with Gillis Gilkerson to construct a three-story substation to replace the police department’s current facility on the Boardwalk at Worcester Street. And in July, officials broke ground at the project site, located at Somerset Street.

When completed, the first two floors of the new substation will feature a public lobby, offices and bicycle storage, as well as interview rooms, a roll call room, and reporting-writing areas. The third floor will

be dedicated to employee housing for officers.

To make the substation a reality, a $4.2 million bond was issued last year. It’s repayment will be a joint effort between the Town of Ocean City and the OCDC. The corporation has also acquired multiple grants – including one for $100,000 and another for $250,000 – to pay for design and construction costs.

“The Ocean City Police Department is grateful to OCDC and the town for this project,” OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said last week. “OCDC has spearheaded this project and truly cares about revitalizing the downtown area while also helping to improve the safety.”

Potential cannabis events worry county commissioners

Maryland legislation could allow consumption lounges for smoke-free products

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) Smoke-free cannabis consumption lounges, and events where cannabis vendors could offer single-serving products direct to consumers, are both being considered under legislation now pending with Maryland lawmakers.

Maryland’s nascent cannabis marketplace, already a billion-dollar industry, moves mostly combustible products that are consumed by smoking. Now, the state’s cannabis oversight agency is looking to

cannabis-infused beverages and edibles as “a way that the industry can grow in a different direction,” according to Andrew Garrison, head of the Office of Policy and Government Affairs in the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA).

Garrison spoke Jan. 30 in Annapolis at a hearing for Senate Bill 215. He told lawmakers how, because the MCA is about to authorize its second round of cannabis dispensary licenses, cannabis events and consumption lounges will be part of the state’s business model moving forward.

However, governments would have to agree to permit on-site lounges and cannabis events before they could go forward. Cannabis lounges can’t operate unless a “political subdivision,” as the bill puts it, authorizes its operation by issuing a permit or license.

“Not everyone is on board with an on-site consumption license,” Garrison told the committee. “There might be only a few jurisdictions open to moving this forward. If there’s only a few, then that’s something I think we’d be comfortable with. We don’t want to necessarily force what is a relatively new model onto local jurisdictions.”

According to the bill, MCA would issue 50 on-site consumption licenses with an application fee of $5,000. No smoking or vaping would be allowed under this bill, just edible or liquid products.

The license allows for the processing of cannabis or cannabis-infused products, or the adding of cannabis to food prepared or served on the premises – which also means such events would now fall under the oversight of county health departments.

Licensees can’t grow the cannabis they’re serving; it has to come from a licensed Maryland dispensary. Also, just like a movie theater doesn’t want you bringing in your own snacks, customers under this law would not be allowed to bring in their own outside cannabis products to an on-site lounge.

The bill also says cannabis provided for on-site consumption must be single-serving products. When lawmakers at the hearing pointed out how the bill doesn’t limit how many single-serving items a customer could have, the MCA’s Garrison said limitations on single servings could be considered.

Agreeable cities, towns, and counties also could adopt their own zoning and planning requirements for onsite consumption establishments. Notably, the bill prioritizes social equity applicants, giving them the first opportunity to establish on-site consumption businesses and host

Ocean City schedules ‘Shared Vision’ workshop for March 14

(Feb. 7, 2025) As Ocean City celebrates its 150th anniversary, the Department of Tourism and Business Development invites community members, business leaders, and employees to take part in a transformative workshop to shape the future of this beloved coastal destination.

The interactive event, “Charting the Course: Co-Creating a Shared Vision for Ocean City’s Tomorrow,” will take place on March 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ocean City Convention Center. The workshop will be led by Rachel Druckenmiller, an expert in leadership and workplace culture, who will guide attendees in envisioning a thriving, engaging, and sustainable future for Ocean City.

“Ocean City isn’t just where we live, work, and play—it’s a special place that’s truly ‘somewhere to smile about,’” said Tom Perlozzo, director of tourism and business development

for Ocean City Tourism. “Every voice matters in shaping our town’s future, and this event is a unique opportunity for our community to come together and collaborate on what’s next.”

Participants will explore what is currently working well, imagine possibilities for the future, and identify actionable steps to enhance Ocean City’s workplace culture and visitor experience. The session will harness the energy, creativity, and strengths of attendees to inspire a unified vision for the town’s growth and success.

Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, a community leader, or someone who loves Ocean City, this workshop is a chance to contribute to a shared vision that reflects the heart and soul of the town. Together, attendees will “ride the waves of possibility” and help ensure that Ocean City’s future remains bright and welcoming for all.

Registration for this event is free. For more information, visit ococean.com/150.

Bill could allow single-serve products at cannabis events

Continued from Page 16

cannabis events.

“It helps level the playing field and ensures that those most impacted by past cannabis prohibition have a real chance to succeed in the industry,” said Audrey Johnson, executive director of the Maryland Office of Social Equity, at the hearing. She also noted that 12 other states have implemented on-site consumption models. When it comes to cannabis events, the rules are slightly different. The MCA would authorize cannabis event permits, which would be limited to four consecutive days or a period of 48 hours – but you can’t host a cannabis event if you already hold a dispensary license, the bill says.

The rules would prohibit smoking at cannabis events, indoors or out, Garrison said. “Having an outdoor smoking event might not be something a lot of folks are going to want to have in their neighborhoods,” he told the committee.

MCA also can issue permits to vendors who want to sell single-serving products at the event. Only social equity licensees can get vendor permits between now and July 2028. Any product sold at an event has to flow through the MCA licensing system, including packaging, labeling, and testing.

And, just like the on-site lounges, local governments can still prohibit or restrict the authorization of cannabis event registrations or assess their own additional fees, the bill says. While this bill is sponsored by state Sen. Pamela Beidle (D-32, Anne Arundel), chair of the Finance Committee, the MCA says the legislation is actually an agency-sponsored bill and Beidle just put her name on it. A companion bill has been filed in the House of Delegates, HB 132, under Del. C.T. Wilson (D-28, Charles). The law would take effect Oct. 1.

Not all lawmakers were sold. State Sen. Benjamin Kramer (D-19, Montgomery) at the hearing noted how edible cannabis products can take a

while to kick in, which opens the door to “a whole new line of public health concerns” if people get behind the wheel of a car after consuming.

“They get up to leave, and now, boom, now we have somebody out in a 4,000-pound missile endangering every motorist and every pedestrian on the road, suddenly getting hit with the effects that will clearly impair their ability to operate a vehicle,” he said. “What we’re doing is simply endangering the public in an effort to expand access to cannabis.”

Authorities in Worcester County are already dubious about the proposal.

Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) at the board’s Jan. 21 meeting in Snow Hill asked county staff to look into preventing such events. “It looks like it probably will go through because it’s a big revenue generator,” he said of the bill.

“People (are) going to come down to the shore and want to have these events here in Worcester County,” Mitrecic added. “And we need to get out in front of it – if the commissioners as a whole decides – to stop these events from happening. I’m not sure we want these going on in our county.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) agreed.

“This stuff that’s being made today, it’s 100 times more potent,” he said. “People don’t realize how it affects you after you leave an event. I actually know three or four accidents that have happened. People don’t even know they have an accident, then they wake up in an ambulance, that’s how strong it is.”

Cannabis was a medical-use only product until 2023, when the market opened to adult use (21+). According to the MCA, the first year of legal adult and medical cannabis sales topped $1 billion, with adult-use sales making up $709 million of the total. For the first quarter of fiscal 2025, adult-use cannabis sales and use tax collections totaled $18.3 million.

Life Line Screening event planned at resort church

(Feb. 7, 2025) On Feb. 27, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 103rd Street in Ocean City, residents living in and around Ocean City can learn about the risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line. Screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular

health; HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels; Diabetes risk; and kidney and thyroid function, and more. Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit our website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

4 Trimper family members cleared by Worcester court

Fraud, corporate waste claims found to not have merit by circuit court judge

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) A civil suit involving the Trimper family was tossed last week after a circuit court judge ruled there was no issue of facts presented in the case.

On Jan. 30, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Leah Seaton granted motions for summary judgment filed by four defendants accused of fraud, corporate waste, aiding and abetting, and other claims during their time as officers of various Trimper corporations. The ruling, which orders plaintiff Joyce Trimper to pay three defendants’ court costs, effectively ends a nearly two-year-long civil suit.

“This Court finds the arguments made by Defendants in their motions for summary judgment to be persuasive, and adopts those arguments as to the statute of limitations, and as to Plaintiffs’ failure to prove damages and provide evidence to support the underlying claims … the Court finds that there is no genuine dispute of

material fact and that the Defendants are entitled to judgment as a matter of law in their favor,” the order reads.

In March of 2023, Joyce Trimper of Florida and daughters Antoinette Bruno of New York and Wendy Delamater of Ocean City, all of whom are stockholders in several Trimper entities, filed a civil suit against area residents J. Douglas Trimper, Gordon Brooks Trimper, the estate of Christopher Trimper, Linda Trimper Holloway, Stephanie Trimper Lewis and more than a dozen associated corporations – including Trimper Amusements, Windsor Resort, Trimper’s Playland and Trimper’s Tidal Wave. Of the nine counts listed, seven sought $105 million in compensatory damages and $140 million in punitive damages.

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

Throughout the course of 2023 and 2024, both parties filed a series of motions, some of which were partially granted and some of which were partially denied. And prior to the court’s ruling last week, only six claims and four defendants remained in the civil suit.

In an order filed last Thursday,

Judge dismisses

Continued from Page 22

Seaton granted motions for summary judgment filed by J. Douglas Trimper, Gordon Brooks Trimper, Holloway and Lewis. The judge also ordered that Joyce Trimper pay $5,193 to Holloway and Lewis and $14,295 to Gordon Brooks Trimper. The fees came from a granted motion for sanctions against Joyce Trimper for failure to appear for deposition. The court’s ruling, “ordered Defendants to submit the detailed costs and fees associated with that motion within fifteen days,” which came to more than $20,000 total. A circuit court trial, which was previously scheduled for Feb. 10-25, has been canceled.

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Student cell phone use on tap for review by legislature

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2025) Several bills requiring all school systems to create a personal device policy are up for consideration by the Maryland General Assembly.

While the potential laws differ in their specifics, they all stipulate that every school system in Maryland would be required to enact procedures and regulations for student use of personal electronic devices, like cell phones.

Del. Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County) is sponsoring House Bill 192, or the No Distracted Learning Act. If passed, the legislation would permit high school students to use their cell phones during their lunch periods. However, the bill would prohibit using these devices at any other point during school hours. Middle and elementary schoolers would be disallowed from accessing any personal devices at all.

Comparatively, Del. David FraserHildago (D-Montgomery) is sponsoring House Bill 57, which would ban the use of cell phones and other personal electronics “during instructional time.” Fraser-Hildago’s petition does not differentiate middle and elementary school students from kids in higher grade levels.

According to Maryland Matters, at a Ways and Means Committee Meeting last week, two high school students from Montgomery County testified, arguing that safety must be accounted for when creating cell phone policies.

“I believe that if phones are banned, school safety is threatened,” Jariane Martinez, a sophomore at Seneca Valley High School, said in a post-testimony interview. “I’ve realized that a lot of school systems kind of have an issue with clear transparency about what is going on during those situations. Without that transparency and without contact with their child, parents are in the dark about what is going on.”

The Maryland Matters report said Ways and Means Committee Chair Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (D-Howard) noted after last week’s bill hearings that while cell phones should not be used during math or science class, teenagers are often involved in several extracurriculars. These electronic devices are how parents communicate with their students to know where they are and when they’ll be home.

“I want my kids to have a phone because they’re so active,” she said. “They do so many things. Plans change. That’s how I communicate with them, so I do think it’s important that they

See COUNTY Page 26

by Steve Green

TThe Adventures of Fatherhood

he first hour home after school and extracurriculars for both my kids looks similar.

It’s straight to his room for Carson, 15, who wants some electronics time as soon as he gets home. So long as he has a good day at school, we say go for it.

For Beckett, 16, it’s also directly to his room after a detour to the kitchen for mass amounts of food.

Both kids seem to crave time to decompress after school. Accepting this is a good way to stay sane for us. We need to resist the urge to inquire how their days at school went and sports after school in Beckett’s case. When I pick him up from practice or school, I simply ask Beckett, “you good, everything good?”

The answer is always invariably some version of yes, even if a few minutes or hours later it’s not when he talks. Sometimes he vents about this or that, but I have found it best to just listen and let him share what’s on his mind. Most commonly he has nothing to share and just want to eat and relax in his room.

There was a time when I didn’t understand the boys’ penchant for immediately heading to their rooms, but I have to accept it and even support it. Even in most case, I need some time immediately after walking in the house from work to relax and process the day. I can empathize with our boys, 15 and 14 years old, who are dealing with puberty, unshared social challenges and academics.

I also respect their wishes to not share everything. I prefer to internalize work things myself and keep those matters outside of the house and away from family. It’s important to have some separation. To me, it’s just important my kids know we are there if they want to talk or share something. Otherwise, I will work under the assumption the “yeah, man” I get from Beckett when I

ask if everything is good is the reality.

All of this is partially why the headline on an online post, “Why I Give My Teen Freedom to Escape to His Bedroom,” caught my attention (raisingteenstoday.com). The story was written by Morgan Hill, a mother of freshman and senior sons in high school sons. She hit the mark.

My son is deep in the throes of his teen years. What that means is that he’s now spending an awful lot of time alone in his bedroom.

… Like a lot of parents, at first, I didn’t understand it. I fought it tooth and nail and I took it all too personally.

I figured I must have messed up horribly somewhere along the way and now he just doesn’t love me like he used to. But I eventually learned that his behavior is all so normal. In fact, most teens go through a pulling away, “just leave me alone” stage.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped knocking on his door, checking up on him, asking him to hang out, and making sure he’s not dealing with any hidden mental health issues. And, it doesn’t mean I’m giving him the okay to become reclusive – he needs balance in his life.

What it means is that I’ve stepped back to give him his privacy. I’m letting him have the time he needs. And I’m respecting the fact that he’s growing up and needs space. …

Though the day may seem short to me, it’s an eternity for my son. School, sports, his part-time job, not to mention social and family pressure – he needs time to process his day, take a deep breath, decompress, and regroup. In fact, one study found that boys, in particular, need seven hours to process information. (Which explains why they suddenly get chatty at 10 o’clock at night.) And, honestly, being a teenager is enough of a reason to warrant time alone in their bedroom.

… Everyone needs “me time,” but I know my son needs it even more. Most (if not all) teens go through a stage

where they crave alone time. It’s normal, healthy, AND necessary for their development. So when my son comes home from school, grabs a cold drink and a snack, and escapes to his room where he knows he won’t be bothered and he can finally get some peace and quiet after a long, loud, busy day, I know that time is soothing his soul.

… I know as parents we have a tendency to worry if our kids are suffering, struggling, or lonely when they choose to hole up in their bedrooms at times. But research has shown that teens who spend a moderate amount of time by themselves tend to get better grades and have lower rates of depression than those who don’t. And, that “selfconnection” they obtain from being alone can also help them withstand peer pressure because they become more in tune with their values and morals.

…Plus, according to experts, learning to be alone is a skill that can be refreshing and restorative for teens. … From social slights to stressful academics, those seven hours at school are filled with pressure and conflict. Challenging classes (or boring ones), homework, extracurriculars, and high expectations put on himself and by others can make my son want to take to his bedroom to relax and recuperate. I see my son’s stress – it’s tangible –which is why I encourage him to relax and unwind in his room.

… Both teen girls and boys have plenty of drama in their day. … There’s no better place to think it all through than the quiet of your own bedroom. Whether my son spends a couple of hours gaming, doing absolutely nothing, or scrolling through Instagram, he needs to escape the drama of his life so he can put things into perspective …

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

County schools review cell policy twice every year

Continued from Page 25

have a cell phone…It’s a big issue this year because we have multiple bills.”

While these bills would require every school system in the state to enact a cell phone policy, Worcester County Public Schools currently has procedures and regulations regarding this issue. Carrie Sterrs, the WCPS public relations coordinator, said the county’s school guidelines are reviewed biannually.

Sterrs maintained that all decisionmaking within the school system, including electronic communication device usage, is made “through the lens of safety for both students and staff.”

“The Board of Education encourages communication among the school, parents, and students,” WCPS’ official cell phone policy explains, adding the board also “recognizes that the use of certain personal electronic communication devices may disrupt the instructional or learning environment.”

As such, the education system has a policy allowing students to possess a personal electronic device, provided they follow a determined set of conditions.

The policy outlines cell phones are permitted to be used before and after regular school hours and before and after school-sponsored activities. Students participating in after-school-related events and extracurriculars can access their devices only with permission from the activity sponsor.

“Students are prohibited from using, activating or displaying personal electronic communication devices on school property during the school day or school-sponsored activities,” the standards continue. “Cellular telephones and other electronic communication devices must be deactivated and out of sight; they must be kept in a book bag, backpack, purse or locker.”

Young learners are also unauthorized to use their communication devices while on a school bus or a bus chartered by the school system.

Violations of these rules could result in the confiscation of the phone or suspension from school.

There are exceptions, however, which include handicapped students having access to their electronic devices for medical reasons, or communication with law enforcement officers and emergency personnel.

While local officials are following the legislation being proposed at the state level, Sterrs said, “school-level procedures in alignment with existing countywide policy will remain in effect until such time that legislation is enacted and/or the Board of Education wishes to revise its existing policy, which likely will not be recommended until the outcome of this legislation is known.”

OC announces annual job fair set for March 22

(Feb. 7, 2024) The Town of Ocean City is hosting a job fair on Saturday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Roland E Powell Convention Center.

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

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

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

Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume. Computers will be on-site to apply online during the job fair. Visit oceancitymd.gov to view current job openings. For questions, call Human Resources at 410-289-8924.

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Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, February 7: Lost Figures

Saturday, February 8: Beach Bandits

Sunday, February 9: Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustesttes

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Friday, February 7: Jack Bannon

Wednesday, February 12: Full Circle Duo

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, February 7: Johnny Cardo

Saturday, February 8: GrooveJoose

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, February 7: DJ RobCee

Saturday, February 8: The Rockoholics & DJ Groove

Tuesday, February 11: Latin Night

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, February 7

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

BINGO W/ BLAKE Greene Turtle West: Every Wednesday

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, February 8

THE ROCKOHOLICS

Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 8

8

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, February 8: The Dunehounds & DJ Bigler

TEENAGE RUST & THE FABULOUS RUSTESTTES

Coins Pub: Sunday, February 9

Factory Bayside: Wednesday, February 12

Seacrets: Thursday, February 13

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Friday, February 7

Harborside: Sunday, February 9

THE DUNEHOUNDS

Harborside: Saturday, February 8

Pub: Saturday, February 8

Sundays: Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, February 8: Rogue Citizens Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, February 7: Opposite Directions & DJ Kenny Flight Saturday, February 8: Dear Zoe DJ Mary Jane, & The Audio Files Thursday, February 13: Full Circle Duo

MARINE CONSTRUCTION

ROGUE CITIZENS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, February

FULL CIRCLE DUO

Crabcake

BEACH BANDITS

Coins

THE AUDIO FILES - Seacrets: Saturday, February 8

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON DRY DOCK 28

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

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRAWL STREET

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

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

■ DISTRICT 24 (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)

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

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

■ PICKLES PUB

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ PIT & PUB

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

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

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE (OPENS FEB. 14)

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

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

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

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

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

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ SOPHIA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

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

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

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS (OPENS FEB. 12) Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

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

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)

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

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

PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar

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

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

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

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

OCEAN

Branches add bilingual corner

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2025) A partnership between Worcester County’s library system and a Washington, D.C., nonprofit will allow better access to Romanian and bilingual books on the Eastern Shore.

On Friday, Jan. 24, the Worcester County Library unveiled a small collection of Romanian and bilingual books at its Ocean City and Berlin branches. The new Romanian Library Corner was made possible through a partnership with Romanians of Washington, DC, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting Romanians and Moldovians and promoting Romanian culture and traditions.

“This partnership came about due to a patron request last summer. We have several Romanian families who use our libraries. They were looking for bilingual books for their children and we couldn’t locate any in our system,” Jennifer Ranck, the library’s director, said this week. “A staff member reached out to the Romanian Embassy to see if we could share any websites or resources. The Embassy recommended ‘Romanians of DC’ a non-profit who serve the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.”

With funding and support from the nonprofit, a Romanian Library Corner was established. And on Friday, officials celebrated its opening with an official inauguration, attended by library staff, Bogdan Banu, Romanians of Washington, DC president, Cristian Gaginsky,

deputy chief of mission of the Romanian Embassy in the United States, and H.E. Viorel Ursu, ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States.

“Thanks to their support we now have a small collection at the Ocean City and Berlin branches,” Ranck said of the nonprofit.

Featuring more than 160 titles, the collection primarily consists of books in Romanian. However, several bilingual editions designed for young children will also be available.

The collection encompasses several genres, including Romanian literary classics, works by contemporary Romanian and Moldovan authors, children’s books, and notable titles from American and international literature.

While books will be housed at both the Ocean City and Berlin branches, officials report they will be accessible for checkout throughout the Eastern Shore.

HOPE4RECOVERY

DONATION

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Hope4Recovery Executive Director Brandon O'Brien, center, accepts a $2,000 donation from Ocean City Lions Club President Scott Stark, left, and Ocean City Lion Danny Lewis, right. Hope4Recovery provides substance use disorder residential treatment for men in recovery.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

JUSTICE ACADEMY GRADS

Worcester County law enforcement officers who graduated in the 93rd entrance-level law enforcement class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury are shown, front from left, Michael Arnold of the Ocean Pines Police Department; Brandon West of the Berlin Police Department; Chad Miller of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; and Ryan Barrett and Fernando Garcia of the Ocean City Police Department. Back, from left, are Kyle Mann of the Ocean Pines Police Department; Nicholas Smithhart and Mitchell Adams of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; and Olive Taylor and Hayden Gable of the Ocean City Police Department.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH FESTIVAL PREP UNDERWAY

One of Ocean City’s most popular ethnic celebrations, the St. Joseph’s Day Festival, will open its doors this year on March 22. Hosted by the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, the day-long fest of home-cooked food, music, games, basket raffles, and a silent auction, will be held at its usual location, St. Andrew’s Hall on 144th Street and Sinepuxent Avenue. Pictured, Festival Co-Chair Vito Potenza (standing) at the final planning meeting for the festival prep.

SCA STUDENT WINS CONTEST

Seaside Christian Academy third grader Kinely Will recently the bookmark contest for this year's "Shorebirds Hit The Books Program,” sponsored by the Delmarva Shorebirds and The Brace Place. Her artwork was selected out of thousands of applicants from 118 schools. It will be featured on every bookmark (55,000 printed) for this year’s program, and she will throw the opening pitch at SCA Game night. Will is pictured with her parents and surprise visit from Becky Trader, Community Relations Manager of the Shorebirds, Sherman and others.

BFC VISITS BERLIN CHURCH

Members and leadership of the Berlin Fire Company each February attend the Sunday service at Stevenson United United Methodist to recognize the memory of former church member and BFC member Franklin Pennewell. Last Sunday marked the 90th year on the first Sunday in February that Pennewell’s passing was observed in his memory. Pennewell’s granddaughter was in attendance. The church gathered with the BFC after the service for a meal and fellowship.

ANGLER OF YEAR NAMED

Secretary John McFalls, left, presented the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association (ACSA) Angler of the Year Award for 2024 to Brian Reynolds. Brian caught the biggest fish of most local species in both the ocean and bay.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

DECATUR RAISES FUNDS FOR BELIEVE IN TOMORROW

National Honor Society members at Stephen Decatur High School presented $,1000 to Believe In Tomorrow representatives Mary Brown and Amanda Koontz after fundraising in the fall. The Stephen Decatur High School National Honor Society has been donating to Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House By the Sea since 2005.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

LEARNING ABOUT ART

Everly Otens and Mia Barnes poured painted jumping dolphins in an art class on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Art League of Ocean City instructor Cindy Strouse led the class for both children and adults.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

VALENTINES FOR VETS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

MAMMOGRAPHY CAMPAIGN SUPPORTED

The TidalHealth Foundation has announced a generous $100,000 donation from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation in support of the “Drive For Mobile Mammography” campaign. This significant contribution is one of the largest donations to the campaign and plays a critical role in helping the TidalHealth Foundation reach its ambitious $1 million goal in support of a mobile breast clinic, which is planned for an October launch. Pictured, front from left, are Carole Sizemore, Vice President, Total Rewards, Perdue Farms; Kim Nechay, Executive Director, Perdue Foundation; Kathryn Fiddler, Vice President, Population Health, TidalHealth and Jessica Hales, Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Foundation President, TidalHealth. Back, from left, are Perry Aulie, President, Perdue Agribusiness; Steve Leonard, TidalHealth President/CEO and Charles Dolan, Vice President, Clinical Operations, TidalHealth.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Students from Ocean City Elementary School made Valentine’s cards as part of their annual participation in the Valentines for Veterans program. Students in PreK to grade four were encouraged to make homemade cards to show appreciation to veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country.  This year, cards will be sent to veterans’ hospitals and rehab facilities such as Perry Point, Charlotte Hall, Baltimore Rehab and the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Pictured, from left, are fourth graders Emma Stallings, Niko Drakos, AJ Denick and Nyah Lopez.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH VISION PROGRAM DONATION Ocean City Lions Club President Scott Stark, left, presents a $1,000 check to District Governor Bijoy Mahanti, right, and his wife Carol, center, for the Lions Vision Research Foundation. LVRF is a joint effort by the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Lions Club International and Multiple District 22 Lions to provide treatment of low vision disorders. The efforts predominately address vision disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other conditions not corrected by glasses, surgery or medication.

OCFD promotion

(Feb. 7, 2025) The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) has announced the promotion of Battalion Chief Derrick Simpson to assistant chief.

“With over two decades of dedicated service to our department and community, Chief Simpson brings a rich legacy of leadership to his new role,” a social media post from the OCFD reads.

Since joining OCFD in 1999, Simpson has served as a firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant, and battalion chief. But his connection to OCFD runs even deeper, the department reports, as he is a fourth-generation firefighter, following the footsteps of his great grandfather, father, and uncles, three of whom served as Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company chiefs.

Among Simpson’s achievements was leading a challenging surf rescue during a 2008 tropical storm, saving seven lives and helping establish the department's water rescue team, OCFP reports.

"My favorite part is knowing the deep-rooted history and traditions of the community and the department. Now I have the chance to help write its future," Simpson said.

Simpson credited his success to family support and the assistance of many colleagues throughout his professional journey.

Students honored

The following represents a collection of announcements from colleges about local students.

- Noah Honick of Snow Hill (21863) has been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the McDaniel College fall 2024 dean's list with Highest Honors.

- Rylie Kirby of Berlin and Carlie Mahan of Ocean City were among the 14,631 students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at the University of Alabama.

- Avery Dawson of Berlin graduated Cum Laude with a degree(s) in Nursing - BSN from James Madison University during commencement exercises in December 2024.

- John Lutz of Berlin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Frostburg State University in December.

- Students from the area have been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University, including Brittyn Leonard of Ocean City, Logan Intrieri of Berlin and John Lutz of Berlin.

- Students named to the College of Charleston’s academic leadership lists include James Barrett, Dean’s List, fi-

nance major; Elaina Elrick, President’s List, communication and political science major; Madilyn Nechay, Dean’s List, undecided major; Abigail Reynolds, Dean’s List, biology major; Hunter Simons, Dean’s List, biology major; and Caroline Taylor, President’s List, hospitality/tourism management major.

- Julianna Fohner of Ocean City is one of 1,131 students who earned a spot on the Dean's List at Shenandoah University for the Fall 2024 semester.

- Connor Hudson of Berlin and Adam Shanklin of Ocean Pines were named to the Fall 2024 President's List at Southern New Hampshire University.

CROSSWORD

- Recognized on the Dean’s List at East Stroudsburg University were Sadie Kauffman, a Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) major from Berlin, and Madelyn Poltrack, a Exercise Science major from Berlin.

- The Dean's List for the 2024 fall semester at Bridgewater College included Addison McDaniel, a health and exercise science major from Ocean Pines and Rafe Parsons, a business administration major from Berlin.

- James Weber of Berlin a sophomore majoring in engineering and management, was named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester at Clarkson University.

Derrick Simpson

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You’re in the mood to get things done this week, Aries. Your ambition is fueled and it is the perfect time to take charge and tackle overdue projects. Be careful not to rush things.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, your focus shifts to personal growth and intellectual exploration this week. You might find yourself investigating travel plans or diving into new hobbies.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Money and other resources take center stage this week, Gemini. Whether you are reevaluating your investments or getting your finances in order, you may need to make a few tweaks.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you may find you’re a bit more introspective than usual. Your emotions are running deep, and it is a key time for some self-reflection. Be mindful of insights coming your way.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, it is a week of transitions for you. Something in your life may seem like it will come to an end soon, but this closing of one chapter is necessary for personal growth.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Work and your career take center stage right now, Virgo. Since you’re in a productive phase, you will make great headway on projects that can really boost your resume.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Think big this week, Libra. Try to see how your efforts can have an effect in the future and not just right now. There is an opportunity to expand your horizons.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, your financial world is looking quite favorable this week. You might have an opportunity to solidify your position on a project or embark on a completely new path.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

The focus is on you this week, Sagittarius. If you have been feeling stuck or unsure, now is a great time to put new intentions into action. People will be drawn to your energy.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

The quiet side of life takes over for the week, Capricorn. You might feel the need to reflect on recent experiences or recharge at home alone. Don’t hesitate to take a step back.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Your social life is booming right now, Aquarius. Networking events, group activities or spontaneous meet-ups are ways to connect with some likeminded individuals.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, this week you are all about setting goals and following through with your plans. The universe is on your side right now, and you will find it is quite easy to succeed.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

- Belmont University recently released the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester featuring Kiley Kaeufer of Berlin and Alexander Jett of Ocean City. - University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated more than 3,200 students worldwide in the summer 2024 term including Alexis Hearn of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management; Donald Giles of Berlin, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology; Saphara Lambrinos of Berlin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Wendy Schneider of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies; and Steven Lentz of Ocean City, Master of Science in Information Technology: Project Management.

- McDaniel College student Noah Honick of Snow Hill participated in McDaniel's annual Interviewing Day on Oct. 4. Honick is a sophomore Ac-

counting Major.

- More than 9,000 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean's List for the summer 2024 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC. The local students were Daniel Del Camp of Ocean City, Cybersecurity Mgt & Policy 2nd; Kathleen Ewing of Ocean City, Social Science BS; Donald Giles of Berlin, Cybersecurity Technology; Bridget Kemp of Berlin, Graphic Communication BA; Alexis Million of Berlin, Accounting BS; Dean Rill of Ocean City, Health Services Management BS; Angela Robinson of Ocean Pines, Communication Studies BA; and Devon Tingle of Ocean City, Web and Digital Design.

- Jill Alyson Gordon of Berlin received

a master of business administration degree from Clarkson University.

- Noah Fisher, of Berlin, has been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University for outstanding academic achievement for the fall 2024 semester, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average.

- James Madison University’s Dean’s List students for the fall 2024 semester included Avery Dawson of Berlin, who is majoring in Nursing, and Charley Corey of Ocean City, who is majoring in Finance.

- Tyler Leitzel of Ocean City was named to the Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg Dean’s List for fall 2024 semester.

- Yvette Rode of Berlin was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at University of Maryland, College Park. Classic Collections

Calendar

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

Fri., Feb. 7

OCEAN CITY FUTSAL CLASSIC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Play soccer on an indoor court, but without walls. Cost is $275 per team. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/ocean-city-futsal-classic/, 410-250-0125

MAHJONG CLUB

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

MIXED MEDIA WITH SISTA BIG

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 5:30 p.m. Create your own art and poetry pieces with guidance from Sharnell Tull. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

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

Sat., Feb. 8

OCEAN CITY FUTSAL CLASSIC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Play soccer on an indoor court, but without walls. Cost is $275 per team. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/ocean-city-futsal-classic/, 410-250-0125

AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTRIBUTION TO LABOR

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Topics include African American labor

history and contributions made to local, state and national labor. Presented by the African American Heritage Society of Snow Hill. 410-632-3495

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. 9

OCEAN CITY FUTSAL CLASSIC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Play soccer on an indoor court, but without walls. Cost is $275 per team. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/ocean-city-futsal-classic/, 410-250-0125

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

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

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Feb. 10

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m.

Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. Group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

VALENTINE’S CARD MAKING WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit the crafting table anytime this week to make Valentine’s Day cards. Ages 618 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION

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

TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB: ‘MURDER ON MARYLAND’S EASTERN SHORE’ BY JOSEPH E. MOORE

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. An afternoon of true crime. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY RESEARCH

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3-6 p.m.

Come tour the local history collection. If you need help finding your roots, contact the local history librarian at history@worcesterlibrary.org. 410-632-3495

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

BRIDGE

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

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Feb. 11

VALENTINE’S CARD MAKING WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the crafting table anytime this week to make Valentine’s Day cards. Ages 618 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories,

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Continued from Page 37

crafts and songs that feature one of the museum’s special animals. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Come see a movie you might have missed in the theaters. Light refreshments provided. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:15 p.m. Discussions and mutual support, along with education on exercise, nutrition, coping techniques, medications and developments in treatment. Kay Kinnikin, 410-641-4765, kkinnikin@atlanticgeneral.org

SONG CELEBRATION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Bring a song and share it with other players and writers in a welcoming and encouraging space. Originals encouraged. Listeners welcome. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB: ‘THEY CALLED US ENEMY’ BY GEORGE TAKEI

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. An evening of books and wine. Stop by the Snow Hill library to pick up a book. Must be at least 21 years of age to participate. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SAFE BOATING COURSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Held Feb. 11 and 12. Cost is $20. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY Tuesdays - Worcester County Health

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

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.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Feb. 12

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Online Zoom call held the first and second Wednesday of each month. For nonsurgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

VALENTINE’S CARD MAKING WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the crafting table anytime this week to make Valentine’s Day cards. Ages 618 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS: COLLAGE BOUQUET

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Create a colorful picture of flowers using collage papers, glue and other art materials. All materials provided. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB: ‘THE KITCHEN HOUSE’ BY KATHLEEN GRISSOM

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Stop by the Snow Hill library or the 50+ Center to pick up a book anytime, then meet for a great discussion. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Neurology at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:15-4 p.m. For stroke survivors, family and friends. 410-6414765, bglime@atlanticgeneral.org

MANGA AND MORE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Come check out an episode of this week’s show, create a comic in that style and make a keepsake. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterli-

brary.org

TABLETOP ROLE PLAYING GAME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come play selected role-playing game. For adults and teens. Registration required: 410-632-3495. Limit 10. www.worcesterlibrary.org

HARRIET TUBMAN AND HARRIET BEECHER STOWE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. Also held via Zoom. Historian Dr. Richard Bell zooms in to talk about these two important women. Registration required for zoom only. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., Feb. 13

VALENTINE’S CARD MAKING WEEK

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the crafting table anytime this week to make Valentine’s Day cards. Ages 618 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: VALENTINES

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

STORY TIME: ‘SLUG IN LOVE’

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

A VALENTINE’S GIFT: THE EIGHT HABITS OF LOVE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Also held via Zoom. This webinar focuses on developing a lifestyle defined by an open heart and an open mind. Registration required for zoom only. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

QUIT SMOKING & VAPING CLASS

Gudelsky Family Medical Center, 10614 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, 5-6 p.m. Participants receive one-on-one support, group support, weekly prizes and quit resources. Register: 410-632-1100, Ext. 1103 or www.worcesterhealth.org.

POETRY & PIE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Learn why we love and hate poetry. Enjoy coffee and pie courtesy of the Ugly Pie. Registration required: 410-6323495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

PHILLIES VS DODGERS BUS TRIP

Bus departs from Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. on April 6 for Citizens Bank Park. Game time is 1:35 p.m. Cost is $85 and includes transportation and ticket. Tickets: Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks, 410-641-7052.

BUS TRIP - BARNES FOUNDATION

Join the Art League of Ocean City and Robinson Fellow - Jenn Carter for a bus trip to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA on Feb. 20, 8:30 a.m to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $95 for Art League of Ocean City members and $115 for non-members. Tickets: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org/classes/2186

BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLAGE

Pocomoke library, 301 Market St. Drop in anytime during February and add pictures, words, poems and anything inspiring to the collage featuring famous Black Americans. For families. 410-957-0878

TEENY ARTS

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during February. A themed craft program available in the teen section all month long. February Teeny Art is “Post-It Art Show.” For ages 12-18 years. 410-632-3495

TEEN TIMESHARE

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, during February, 3 p.m. to close. Drop in and create a seasonal craft or study for a test in your own teen area. For ages 1218 years. 410-208-4014

FEBRUARY INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during February. Art, photography or poetry competition for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing and voting by age bracket. The theme is “Fantasy.” Due by Feb. 20. 410632-3495

BUS TRIP - WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. EDMONTON OILERS

Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Feb. 23, game time is 1 p.m. Depart from the Ocean Pines Community Center at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $135 and includes ticket, transportation and food package (unlimited beer and wine for the first two periods of the game). No glass or alcohol allowed on bus. Tickets: 410-641-7052.

Crossword answers from page 34

HVAC INSTALLER/SERVICE

TECHNICIAN

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

Jessheinhvac@gmail.com

NOW HIRING!

PT Dental Hygienist for busy office in Ocean City, MD

Please call 410-213-1032.

SPEEDWORLD

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

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

JOLLY ROGER FT POOL MAINTENANCE

Inspecting & assessing condition of pool equipment, performing minor & major repairs, documenting all pool maintenance & repair activities for record keeping. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors. CPO a plus/must be able to pass CPO test. Includes weekends and long hours. Wages start at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

Ask for Suzanne.

RENTALS

SUMMER SEASONAL RENTAL

1BR / 1 bath, 47th St., Ocean block Kitchen, A/C and pool. $12,500 for 4 months and 1 day. This includes all utilities. There is an extra, refundable $800 sec. dep. Call OCVacations410-524-0295

Today-Dispatch 39

YR RENTAL

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

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

Commercial Space Available South Gate Ocean Pines 750 sq. ft. $1200/month Call for details 410-430-3758

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

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

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

MISC./OTHER

Standing stiff and chill, Blackbirds to replace the leaves, All rooted in prayer! He knows each of them, And blessed them with life!

ADVERTISING

MISC. FOR SALE

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FOR SALE

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

VEHICLES WANTED

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

REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929 SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

B04-25 – Information Technology Expansion and Remodel

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

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

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

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

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

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BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs. TERENCE MICHAEL MCCARTHY

KAREN MCCARTHY

102 Hingham Lane, Unit 27 Berlin, MD 21811

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

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

NOTICE

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

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $376,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/23/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B05-25 – Convention Center South Stairway Repairs

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

BID Documents for the Convention Center South Stairway Repairs may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are re-

sponsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

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

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2025, BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2025, AT 1:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Convention Center South Stairway Repairs) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 At 3:00 PM

BAAV 25-010 A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) West of Philadelphia Avenue to reduce the required 3’ freeboard elevation in the AE-6 flood zone for a portion of the new residential structure. Locally known as 510 32nd Street- parcel number 112-08-4481.

Owner: The Mauck Family Trust Applicant: Bowden Construction

Solutions

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

Owner: 431B Bayshore Drive QOF, LLC

Applicant: Joerg U. Leineman

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STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ.

SCALES LAW GROUP

12417 OCEAN GTWY., STE. 11 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

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

Notice is given that Tonia Maddaloni, 242 Ridgeview Rd., Kerhonkson, NY 12446-1553, was on January 17, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tracey Dell’Aquila who died on July 21, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17th day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 23, 2025

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20484

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LOUVINIA EDNA PHILLIPS

Notice is given that Elizabeth Phillips, 8330 Old Westover Marion Rd., Westover, MD 21871-3504, was on January 15, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Louvinia Edna Phillips who died on November 04, 2024, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 23, 2025

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NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20480

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Prince William County, Virginia appointed Christopher Burns, 25841 Singleton Ln., South Riding, VA 20152-1727 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Thomas John Burns who died on September 13, 2024 domiciled in Virginia, America.

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

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in

the following Maryland counties: Worcester.

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

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

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

Christopher Burns

Foreign Personal Representative

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

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

Name of Newspaper:

Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: January 23, 2025

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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC

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

Richard E. Solomon

Richard J. Rogers

Michael McKeefery

Christianna Kersey

Kyle Blackstone

Jason Murphy

John Ansell

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

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

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

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-24-000196

NOTICE

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals:

FY 2026 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

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

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

Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance

One (1) ADA 8/2 Cutaway Bus

$916,000

$110,000

Three (3) Heavy Duty 60’ Articulating Buses $3,180,000

TOTAL $4,206,000

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

Ocean City Transportation 224 65th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

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

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

City Hall Council Chambers 301 North Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

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

to be $705,000.00. The property sold herein is known as 27 Island Edge Drive, Unit 27C, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/23/3t

ABDULVAHID MUSTAFA Plaintiff v. JOHN JOHNSON, JR., ET AL. Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-24-000327

AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

WHEREAS, in the Court Order entered on January 13, 2025, the Court incorrectly identified the property at issue as "14 Parcel Number 02022141 Property Description 5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martine St. Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr"; and WHEREAS, the correct property at issue is 14 Parcel Number

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02022141 Property Description

5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martin St. Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr"; and WHEREAS, the object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

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

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

IT IS thereupon on this 16th of January, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the March 14, 2025, and redeem "The property is located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 14 Parcel

Number 02022141 Property Description 5706.36 SQ FT 208 E Martin St. Snow Hill Assessed to: Johnson John P Jr." and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered in foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

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

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/23/3t

BRETT F. BALDINO ROSENBERG MARTIN GREENBERG LLP

25 S CHARLES ST FL 21 BALTIMORE, MD 21201-3322

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20415 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KENNETH F. ARVIN AKA: KENNETH FRANKLIN ARVIN

Notice is given that Ellen Arvin, 814 Cockeys Mill Rd., Reisterstown, MD 21136-5120, was on January 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth F. Arvin who died on October 08, 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 21st day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

Ellen Arvin Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 30, 2025

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JACQUELYN M GROSSNICKLE LAW OFFICE OF TREGONING & GROSSNICKLE P C 352 W PATRICK ST FREDERICK, MD 21701-4887

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 20490

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

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JACQUELYN M GROSSNICKLE whose address is 352 W PATRICK ST FREDERICK, MD 21701-4887. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

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

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

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

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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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 JOANNE B MARINER AKA: JOANNE BEACHBOARD

MARINER Estate No. 20494 Notice is given that R JAMES MARINER whose address is 147 BROMLEY DR WILMINGTON, DE 19808-1373 was on JANUARY 21, 2025 appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of JOANNE B MARINER who died on JANUARY 11, 2025 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 21st day of JULY, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/30/3t

NOTICE

OF

PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live

6:30 p.m. Case No. 25-8, on the lands of Ronnie Thompson, requesting a special exception to use a manufactured home for nonresidential use (personal storage) in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(11), ZS 1-314 and ZS 1-305, located at 8001 Old Ocean City Road, Tax Map 14, Parcel 181, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 25-9, on the lands of Phat Hong Nguyen, on the application of Charles Shade, requesting a special exception to use a manufactured home for nonresidential use (control systems for an existing poultry operation) in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(11), ZS 1-314 and ZS 1-305, lo-

cated at 2519 Payne Road, Tax Map 100, Parcel 5, Tax District 1, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 25-10, on the lands of Fedale Berlin LLC, on the application of Matt Wiley, requesting a variance to a front yard setback from 100 feet to 41.57 feet (to encroach 58.43 feet) for a proposed contractor shop in the C-2 General Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1210, ZS 1-305 and ZS 1-326, located at 11726 Grays Corner Road, Tax Map 26, Parcel 99, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. 6:45 p.m. TABLED FROM THE DEC 12, 2024 MEETING - Case No. 24-69, on the lands of Riverview Park LLC, on the application of Rauch Inc., requesting a special exception to construct a wastewater treatment facility to accommodate the enlargement of a mobile home park and a variance to the 300 foot setback requirement from the facility to other buildings not associated with the facility to 100 feet (to encroach 200 feet) in the R-4 General Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-208(c)(9) and ZS 1328(c), located at 12623 Shell Mill Road, Tax Map 9, Parcels 167 and 268, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

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PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20498 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA JANE RIPPIN

AKA: PATRICIA J. RIPPIN

Notice is given that Randy Rippin, 8 Beach Ct., Berlin, MD 218111527, was on January 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Jane Rippin who died on November 28, 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 23rd day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

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

Randy Rippin

Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 30, 2025 OCD-1/30/3t

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF EMERGENCY BILL 25-01 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Emergency Bill 25-01 (Zoning – Public Utility Operation Center) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on January 21, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds the definition for “marine activity” in the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to describe activities required for, supportive of, or commonly associated with the operation, storage, loading and unloading of boats, waterfront dock and port facilities, boat fuel and equipment supply, and other activities associated with the commercial and recreational fishing industry. Marine activities shall not include portside infrastructure or associated facilities that are intended to support offshore energy production.)

§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds the definition for “marine yard” in the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to describe structures or storage yards for the fueling, boat launching and recovery, dry storage of seaworthy boats in operable condition, maintenance facilities for all types of hull, deck and interior repairs and painting, and boat construction.)

§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds the definition for “public utility operation center” in the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to describe facilities, structures and any or all uses directly relating to the operation and maintenance of a public utility, including, but not limited to: (1) Operating utility system controls; (2) Business offices and associated accessory uses; (3) Indoor and outdoor vehicular and material storage yards for the constructing, maintenance and or repair of the utility system; (4) Incidental fueling and maintenance facilities; or (5) Indoor and outdoor assembly, repair, maintenance, testing and storage of utility system components, equipment, tools and supplies.)

§ ZS 1-103(b). (Adds the definition for “transportation station or terminal” in the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to describe properties

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 01/30/2025

All

AUTH: Michael Colbert

I-Chief of Police

or structures associated with the transportation, loading and unloading of goods or freight by truck, rail or watercraft, but excluding warehousing and maintenance facilities.)

§ ZS 1 214(a). (Repeals and reenacts the purpose and intent statement in the CM Commercial Marine District.)

§ ZS 1 214(b)(8). (Repeals the permitted use for public utility structures and properties in the CM Commercial Marine District.)

§ ZS 1 202(c)(11). (Repeals and reenacts the special exception use for marine yards in the A-2 Agricultural District.)

§ ZS 1 203(c)(18). (Repeals and reenacts the special exception use for marine yards in the E-1 Estate District.)

§ ZS 1 210(b)(21). (Adds a new permitted principal use for public utility operation centers in the C-2 General Commercial District.)

§ ZS 1 211(b)(27). (Adds a new permitted principal use for public utility operation centers in the C-3 Highway Commercial District.)

§ ZS 1 212(b)(22). (Adds a new permitted principal use for public utility operation centers in the I-1 Light Industrial District.)

§ ZS 1 213(b)(25). (Adds a new permitted principal use for public utility operation centers in the I-2 Heavy Industrial District.)

A Public Hearing

will be held on Emergency Bill 25-01 at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 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, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center once County Government Offices are opened to the public. In the interim, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-1/30/2t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

P04-25 – Canoe, Kayak, and StandUp Paddleboard Concessions

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. RFP Documents for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their RFP’s. The Town is not responsible

for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A pre-proposal meeting is not applicable for this Request for Proposal. The last day for questions will be on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2025

Sealed RFP Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2025, BY 3:00 PM RFP submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2025, AT 10:00AM. RFP’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late RFP Documents will not be accepted.

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

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REENA J. PATEL 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. 20487 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANET HANBY JOHNSON

AKA: JANET H. JOHNSON

Notice is given that Jane Johnson, 10524 Sussex Rd., Ocean City, MD 21842-9148 and Joseph Johnson, 110 S. Ogle Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805-1421, were on January 17, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janet Hanby Johnson who died on November 06, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17th day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 30, 2025

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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC

9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE, 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20488 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY MAE KURINIJ

Notice is given that Stephen John Kurinij, 20215 Bristol Mesa, San Antonio, TX 78259-2450, was on January 17, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley Mae Kurinij who died on December 02, 2024, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17th day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

Stephen John Kurinij

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 30, 2025

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REENA J. PATEL 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. 20486 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RUTH ANN AKER

Notice is given that Timothy August Ryan, 10 Windswept Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-2718, was on January 17, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ruth Ann Aker who died on November 21, 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 17th day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 30, 2025

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NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has apparently been abandoned for more than 180 days on the property of: Joseph Crespo, 1256 Ocean Parkway, Berlin, MD 21811, 239-220-6476. The vessel is described as a Bayliner, 20 ft. white and blue boat, boat registration #VA5441AC, hull identification number BIYB62FFB191. Application for the title will be made in accordance with Section 8-722 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article if this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of this notice.

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES W NENSTIEL Estate No. 20503 Notice is given that JANET E CONRAD whose address is 1331 SHENANDOAH VIEW PKWY BRUNSWICK, MD 217169775 was on JANUARY 31, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES W NENSTIEL who died on JANUARY 15, 2025 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, 2025

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/6/3t

ERICA M. WITZ

WEBB, WILBUR, DOUSE, MATHERS & ILLUMINATI, LLP 115 BROAD ST., P.O. BOX 910 SALISBURY, MD 21801-4912

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20507 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FRANCES H. HARRELL

Notice is given that Donald Cashore Jr., 1002 E. Butler Pike, Ambler, PA 19002-4933, was on January 29, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances H. Harrell who died on January 03, 2025, 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 29th day of July, 2025.

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

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

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

Donald Cashore 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 06, 2025

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QUINN MCGINNES WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of KAYRELL J WILKERSON Estate No. 20509 Notice is given that PETER S BUAS whose address is 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334 was on JANUARY 30, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KAYRELL J WILKERSON who died on JANUARY 20, 2025 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, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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BID SOLICITATION

New 6” Well at Roads Building

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to install a new 6” well at the Roads Building in Snow Hill, MD in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda

prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held on site on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10:30am at the Worcester County Roads Department, 5764 Worcester Hwy, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 2:30pm, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – New 6” Well at Roads Building”, in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-2/6/1t

STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ.

SCALES LAW GROUP

12417 OCEAN GTWY., STE. 11 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20485 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN JOSEPH ACHSTETTER

AKA: STEPHEN JOSEPH ACHSTETTER SR.

Notice is given that Carol Ann Achstetter, 14 Juniper Ct., Berlin, MD 21811-1678, was on January 28, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Stephen Jospeh Achstetter who died on October 10, 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.

Carol Ann Achstetter 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 06, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Torrie Marcel James, 604 Thomas Davis Drive, Clayton, DE 19938; Jessica Nicole Maxwell, 351 Banning Road, Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934; Ryan Wayne James, 10128 Blue Marlin Drive, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: SAMAJ Hospitality Group South, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Midtown Roadhouse 7805 Coastal Highway, Unit #2 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: February 19, 2025 @ 1:00 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comment at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

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NOTICE OF PASSAGE

OF BILL 24-10

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-10 (Zoning – Signs) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on January 21, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ZS 1-324(c)(9)B. (Amends the subsection to allow internal community signs within a residential development in the commercial zoning districts.)

§ZS 1-324(c)(9)F. (Adds a new subsection to allow a second electronic messaging internal community sign on the same parcel or lot by special exception.)

This is only a fair summary of the

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGARET COLLINS WESTFALL Estate No. 20500 Notice is given that ROBIN HESSELINK whose address is 8360 OLD TOWN DR., TAMPA, FL 33647-3334; DOUGLAS WESTFALL JR., whose address is 162 INTREPID LN., BERLIN, MD 21811-2773 were on JANUARY 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARGARET COLLINS WESTFALL who died on DECEMBER 20, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of JULY, 2025

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

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

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of LAURA MAE PERRY Estate No. 20511 Notice is given that JAMES D. HARRISON whose address is 796 SW HABITAT LN., PALM CITY, FL 34990-1529 was on

JANUARY 31, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAURA MAE PERRY who died on JANUARY 24, 2025 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, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

To all persons interested in the estate of JUDITH A. MASTROGIANIS Estate No. 20505 Notice is given that SHANNON MARY PAPA whose address is 55 LAKE DR., E WAYNE, NJ 07470-4323 was on JANUARY 29, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JUDITH A. MASTROGIANIS who died on DECEMBER 04, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be ob-

tained 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-2/6/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19322 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF COREY A. LINK

AKA: COREY ANDREW LINK

Notice is given that Brenda A. Link, 131 Brittany Way, Bear, DE 19701-2095, was on January 31, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Corey A. Link who died on May 31, 2022, with a will.

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

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

Brenda A. Link

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 06, 2025

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MICHAEL B. MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20517 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

IN THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS JOHN GREB

AKA: FRANCIS JOHN GREB JR.

Notice is given that Carolyn R. Fitz, 36473 Pine Grove Ln., Ocean View, DE 19970-3571, was on February 03, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Francis John Greb who died on January 14, 2025, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of August, 2025.

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

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

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

Carolyn R. Fitz 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 06, 2025

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Town of Berlin Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF APPEALS

Wednesday, February 19, 5:30 PM 10 William Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811 2nd Floor Council Chambers

Route 818, Parcels 49 & 54, Tax Map 20: Pursuant to the Town of Berlin's Code Sections 108-556 and 108-557, the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear an appeal for a Conditional Use of Parcels 49 and 54 of Worcester County Tax Map 20 to allow the operation of a community solar system. This appeal has been submitted by Mr. Steve Engel of Vista Designs,

Property Owner: Berlin Living, LLC

Route 818, Parcels 49 & 54, Tax Map 20: Pursuant to the Town of Berlin's Code Sections 108-163 and 108-165, the Berlin Board of Appeals will hear an appeal for a Variance on Parcels 49 and 54 of Worcester County Tax Map 20 to permit the construction of fencing not exceeding seven feet in height around a proposed community solar system. This appeal has been submitted by Mr. Steve Engel of Vista Designs, Inc. Property Owner: Berlin Living, LLC

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-03

RE: Zoning District Map Amendment

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-03 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled February 18, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the February 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the zoning district map by changing the zoning classification of certain properties, locally known as Phillips Plaza Shopping Center, from R-3, General Residential to LC-1, Local Commercial.

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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-04

RE: Short-term Rental Length of Stay

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-04 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 3, 2025. Second reading is scheduled February 18, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the February 3, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance amends Chapter 14, Article V, Rental Housing, enacting a five (5) consecutive overnight minimum length of stay for any dwelling rented in R-1 and MH Districts.

Understanding mortgage lending

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) Below is a reference guide for common scenarios in the mortgage lending world and info on loan limits, low and no-money down loan options, as well as common mortgage terms.

2025 Loan Limits (1-Unit Property Only):

Conventional $806,500

FHA $546,250*

VA No limit w/full entitlement**

USDA No loan limit***

*FHA loan limits vary by county. Contact your loan officer for more details.

**VA no longer follows conventional loan limits and has no loan limit for VA borrowers with full eligibility.

***The amount borrowed for USDA loans is limited by income and

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Company earns VIP status

Tier 1 Construction recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) START Program, a comprehensive training and certification program that helps Veteranowned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies.

On Jan. 30, Tier 1 Construction was one of 53 businesses from 16 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, to graduate from the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) START Program.

“Earning the VIP START certification is a game-changer for Tier 1 Construction. This program has equipped us with the knowledge, strategies, and connections needed to compete effectively for government contracts.

With these new tools, we are positioned to expand our capabilities, strengthen our business operations, and create more opportunities to

household’s debt-toincome ratio.

Low and No Money Down Loan Options:

0% down options include: USDA, VA, and FHA with Down Payment Assistance

3% down: Conventional

3.5% down: FHA (FHA mortgage insurance costs are 1.75% Upfront, 0.85% annually if LTV > 95%, 0.80% annually if LTV < 95% for loan amounts less than or equal to $625,500 with a 30-year term).

Common Mortgage Terms:

Closing Disclosure (CD): A form used at closing that provides a statement of final loan terms, projected payments, closing costs, and a summary of the transaction.

Debt-to-Income (DTI): The ratio,

which is reflected in a percentage, of a borrower’s monthly payment obligation, divided by their monthly income.

Loan Estimate (LE): A form provided when applying for a home loan that outlines the terms, projected payments, and estimates closing costs of the loan.

Loan-to-Value (LTV): The ratio between the amount borrowed on the mortgage and the lower of the sales price or appraised value.

Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP): A policy that protects lenders should a borrower default on a loan. Usually required with a down payment of less than 20% and paid to either the FHA or the private mortgage insurer.

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

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serve both military and civilian agencies,” said Bob Thompson of Tier 1 Construction.

The first of its kind in the nation, VIP START is facilitated by subject matter experts from industry and government with a goal of increasing the participants’ ability to win and maintain government contracts. VIP START participants receive handson market-based instruction that helps establish best business practices for federal government contracting. There are over 20 topics taught, including law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing, and proposals.

“We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools they need to succeed as government contractors,” said Barbara Ashe, President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “We hope this training fosters their success as businesses and employers.”

VIP START is a three-day, 27-hour

comprehensive certification program. Participants must be a C-level leader in a Veteran-owned small business operating for at least one year with one year of revenue generation; owner must be a W-2 in their company or full-time employee and spend 100% of their time in their business. VIP START is fully funded by the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, partnerships with SBA, Lockheed Martin, the State of Maryland, and VIP sponsors. VIP START is offered at no cost to participants.

Health system awarded

TidalHealth announced it has been awarded a prestigious honor in the 2025 Advancing Innovation in Maryland (AIM) Contest, hosted by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, the Abell Foundation, and the Horizon Foundation.

The AIM Contest, launched to promote innovative approaches to improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs, received over 40 submissions from across the state.

TidalHealth’s Mobile Community Paramedicine Program also known as SWIFT, the Salisbury Wicomico Integrated Firstcare Team, was selected as one of the top ten winning ideas for its groundbreaking approach to providing care to patients in underserved areas.

The program combines nurse practitioners and paramedics to deliver high-quality care to the community through mobile units. By connecting hospitals with local fire departments, the initiative aims to enhance the de-

Utility bills soar for Delmarva Power customers

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) Spikes in utility charges have resulted in Delmarva Power promising no late payment fees for as much as two years for January and February bills.

For one Ocean City property owner, the most recent bill increased by 101%, from $485 in the last billing cycle (mid-November to mid-December) to $978 on the current bill (midDecember to mid-January).

A mid-town condominium owner’s 1,200-square-foot, two-bedroom unit spiked 91%, from $140 to $268, despite not being occupied with the thermostat set at 60 degrees.

Additionally, a three-bedroom home in north Ocean City recorded a 187% increase, from $355 to $1,050 in a single-month.

Outside of Ocean City, the pain is also being felt, as a two-bedroom, two-bath home in Whaleyville saw its energy bill double in one month from $400 to $800. Another three-bedroom, two-bath home recorded a 83% jump from $637 to $1,166 from month to month.

Surely, the major cold spell in January featuring two snow falls is largely to blame as usage skyrocketed, but Delmarva Power customers are seeing red over the massive in-

creases, which vary in extremes but generally doubled at minimum.

Some new costs were expected, as back in November, Delmarva Power customers were informed a 3% increase in overall residential customer bills would be seen due to winter rates being put into effort.

In response to the increases far exceeding expectations, the utility announced Tuesday, “enhanced support measures for residential and commercial customers to manage their winter energy bills and provide relief from high costs due to extreme cold, increased usage, and the overall cost of energy. … Delmarva Power remains committed to providing customers with the resources they need to navigate energy costs and maintain financial stability.”

As of this week, customers were informed about “new bill assistance and payment flexibility options to better support customers,” according to the news release from Delmarva Power spokesman Zach Chizar.

The new support includes, according to a press release issued Tuesday, “No late payment fees for January and February 2025 with extended repayment periods of up to 24 months; suspension of disconnections for nonpayment in February 2025; Waiving deposit requirements for

customers seeking to restore service after disconnection.”

The utility encouraged customers to check out Delmarva.com/BillSupport or call 800-375-7117 for financial assistance and payment flexibility tools.

The pain from the bill increases has resulted in a new Move On petition campaign online, “Stop Delmarva Power from ripping off taxpayers on Eastern Shore,” that had been signed by more than 10,500 residents as of Wednesday afternoon.

The first parapgraph of the online campaign, created by Adeel Khan, reads, “We, the undersigned residents and energy consumers, demand immediate action to address the excessively high charges, unfair practices, and lack of accountability demonstrated by Delmarva Power. As a monopoly operating in our area, Delmarva Power has imposed unreasonable costs and failed to provide equitable and transparent services to its customers.”

The goal of the call to action is to encourage Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer to probe Delmarva Power’s billing practices, specifically increased delivery charges; audit the utility to ensure property monitoring and crediting; end the utility’s monopoly by provid-

Feb. 6 - 13

ing energy options; and ensure accountability from the provider.

On Jan. 29, Delmarva Power, through Vault Communications, offered residents tips on saving energy, such as scheduling an energy assessment, improving insulation, tracking usage regularly and setting the home thermostat to 68 degrees. “For every degree you lower it, you can save 5% on energy costs,” the energy analysts recommend.

The communication detailed 43% of most home utility bills are for heating and cooling, while 12% can be attributed to hot water heaters.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from Page 49

livery of preventive care and address the growing need for services outside of traditional clinical settings.

“Receiving this award is an incredible recognition of our team’s dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Katherine Rodgers, director of community health initiatives. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to innovative solutions that bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly for those who face barriers to accessing care.”

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Jeep event denied in divided vote

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) The future of Ocean City Jeep Week hangs in the balance after city officials this week denied an event request from its organizers.

During Monday’s meeting, the Ocean City Council voted down a private event request from Amanda and Chris Cropper to hold Ocean City Jeep Week at the beach and Inlet parking lot May 29 through June 1. Those opposed said they were concerned about the safety of certain event components, as well as the revenues the event brought in last year.

“In terms of results, this event really failed,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said.

In 2023, the town’s special events department received applications from organizers of both Jeep Week and Jeep Fest to hold separate events on the same week in August of 2024.

To settle the issue, city staff asked for an extensive proposal from both groups to determine which event would be approved for the August dates. However, it ended up being a moot point, as Cropper opted to change their 2024 event to May.

Back before councilmembers this week, Cropper sought approval to once again host the Jeep Week event this spring. Cropper said this year’s event is slated to have morning Jeep

parades on the beach, a night sand course ride, a Jeep light show and more. The event would also have monster truck rides, provided by The Metal Shop.

“We aim to ensure a more memorable event that appeals to Jeep enthusiasts and a broader community,” Cropper said.

While the private event request was originally included on the council’s consent agenda – which typically contains routine or non-controversial items that are approved with a single vote – DeLuca asked the topic be pulled out for further discussion. He told organizers he would not be supporting their event, highlighting revenues and interest the event generated in 2024.

“First of all, the business sales direct was $40,000. That compares to Jeep Fest, which was $2.9 million … That’s 86% less than Jeep Fest,” he said. “Second thing is the number of Jeeps that attended the event was 200 to 250.”

DeLuca added the event was not supported or endorsed by the Ocean City Jeep Club, and that he had concerns about monster truck rides and night sand course rides that would be held on the beach.

“Is it really safe to have monster trucks on the beach?” he said. “And then you have Jeeps on a night sand

course … from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday evening the weekend after Memorial Day.”

When asked about the monster truck rides, Cropper said the activity would be contained on the beach.

“Rick Disharoon with The Metal Shop was going to take his monster truck, and there would be a separate area, fenced-off in the beach zone, where we could give the kids monster truck rides,” he explained. “So it wouldn’t be several trucks. It would be his one monster truck.”

Councilman Larry Yates said he was most concerned about safety. But others on the council noted that the town made money off the Jeep Week event.

“They are paying us fees, so it’s a net gain to the city,” Councilman John Gehrig said.

For his part, Gehrig said the council did not typically approve an event based on the amount of money an event made.

“You know, we don’t judge events because of rain outs and say, ‘You know what, forget it. People didn’t come to the event so we’re not going to approve it next year,’” he said. “We have a lot of events, some we think will work, some we think will not. But if a promoter believes and wants to be here and wants to invest in Ocean

County joins offshore wind letter opposition

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) The latest chapter in Maryland’s offshore wind saga has Worcester County officials agreeing to join an open letter that speaks out against a just-approved expansion of an already-proposed wind farm project.

The county’s Board of Commissioners on Feb. 4 agreed to put their names on a letter from the nonprofit Stop Offshore Wind. They stand in opposition to the Maryland Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Jan. 24 decision to let US Wind take over wind energy credits that were relinquished by competitor Ørsted, which pulled out of a wind project last year.

The PSC, which oversees any offshore wind projects in Maryland, accepted an updated project proposal from US Wind. The approved proposal grants the developer an opportunity to build more and larger turbines in the combined lease areas, according to the open letter.

Crafted by the public relations firm Bedrock Advocacy, whom Worcester County hired in December, the opposition letter also demands to view any independent analysis upon which the PSC decision was based.

“We are advocating for a transparent process that shows a good-faith effort by US Wind to negotiate with

residents and businesses,” the letter says, “instead of a blind crusade to acquire government funding and secure green energy credits for the State of Maryland.”

Earlier versions of the US Wind project would see a project built to generate 1,056 megawatts of electricity. The company’s re-bid, approved by the PSC, would generate 1,710 megawatts.

One megawatt of electricity is enough to power about 300 homes during periods of high demand. And, for every megawatt of electricity an offshore wind farm generates, it earns one Offshore Renewable Energy Certificate, or OREC. Consider it a documented way to prove to the state that electricity was generated using renewable offshore wind, instead of fossil fuels.

An OREC is also a commodity. Offshore wind developers like US Wind can make money selling their ORECs to utility companies, such as Delmarva Power. In the state’s arrangement with US Wind, the developer gets to sell a certain amount of ORECs annually at a fixed price over a 20-year term.

This latest deal with the PSC grants even more ORECs to US Wind than from its original agreements from 2017 and 2021. That’s because the state OK’d giving US Wind the ORECs that were left over when Ørsted dropped its

own project, called Skipjack.

Ørsted claimed external economic factors led to their decision to mothball the Skipjack project, including “economic and supply chain constraints [which] caused severe disruptions in the offshore wind industry, including unprecedented cost increases on offshore wind developers,” according to public records.

The Stop Offshore Wind letter lists 10 reasons why offshore wind would be “extremely detrimental to the residents of Maryland’s coastal communities,” including higher electric bills, posing a threat to tourism, a drop in property values, and harm to the coastal ecosystem.

Another reason listed is that wind farms would force generational commercial fishing businesses to abandon traditional fishing grounds “and cope

with the unknown changes that the turbine construction and operation will have on the behavior of fish.”

This particular point of discussion was mentioned at the County Commissioners meeting. Commissioner Chip Bertino of Ocean Pines wanted the letter to mention that, by law, fishermen who make a commercial catch off Maryland’s coast must land the fish in Maryland. County staff said they’d look into that and see the point added to the letter.

Stop Offshore Wind is a nonprofit set up with financial support from the Worcester County Commissioners and the Town of Ocean City, and backed by private residents, businesses and community-based organizations. The PR firm Bedrock says it will obtain more signatures before submitting its letter to the Public Service Commission.

Councilman calls vote ‘politics’

Continued from Page 51

City, we want to encourage them.”

Gehrig also acknowledged the division between the organizers of both Jeep Week and Jeep Fest, Live Wire Media and Brad Hoffman.

“I like both parties individually,” he said. “I want both parties to succeed. And they can fight it out, but

that’s not my job.”

Councilman Will Savage made a motion, seconded by Gehrig to approve the special event request. However, the motion failed in a 3-4 vote, with DeLuca, Yates and Councilmembers Carol Proctor and Jake Mitrecic opposed and Matt James in support.

“That’s politics,” Gehrig said.

Meetings on traffic accident protocols eyed

State’s attorney says crash evaluators will deliberate techniques, improvements

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) A new initiative is underway to standardize traffic accident protocols across Worcester County police agencies, one that aims to produce more streamlined investigations.

Starting in March, monthly meetings will be held among crash evaluators to share techniques and improve investigations, according to Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. Her office is working to ensure that best practices are consistent for all law enforcement agencies who deal with car accidents and their aftermath.

Different police departments may have their own rules and regulations about how to investigate a serious car crash where people are hurt or even killed. Not only that, but not every police department has the resources to dedicate one or two officers exclusively to a crash team or a traffic reconstruction detail.

Sitting down in person, as a group, might help police officers start to work from the same playbook on traffic reconstruction cases, Heiser said.

“As State’s Attorney, they’re look-

ing to me for legal guidance,” she said. “Which charges apply? Do we have probable cause? Internally, we’re standardizing these investigations. The faster and more efficiently we get all the work done, we can get everything off to the lab to be tested and make those charging decisions.”

Traffic reconstruction is highly specialized and comes with extensive training. Officers assigned to these cases are working through a process that rules things out: Was there a malfunction in the car? Was there a medical event that caused a person to lose control of their car? Or was it driver negligence?

For families left grieving after vehicular accidents involving injury or fatality, the penalties allowed by law often feel insufficient. Sometimes, the only punishment is a stiff fine, even when someone has died.

“You have all the emotion of a homicide investigation,” she said, “and you have very little in the sense of corresponding jail time. Anybody who’s experienced serious injury or death of a loved one, there’s no amount of jail time that’s going to compensate or make you feel better.

‘As State’s Attorney, they’re looking to me for legal guidance. Which charges apply? Do we have probable cause? Internally, we’re standardizing these investigations. The faster and more efficiently we get all the work done, we can get everything off to the lab to be tested and make those charging decisions.’

Heiser said participating officers in this initiative will include accident reconstructionists and collision investigators for all Worcester County police agencies. They’ll be joined by a State’s Attorney’s Office investigator and prosecutor. Down the line, other specialized partners could join in, like forensic analysts, or specialty auto mechanics.

Kristin Heiser, Worcester County State’s Attorney

“It’s even more difficult,” she added, “when you look at the traffic law and you see the penalties are not the same for traffic violations as something that’s more intentional – but you still have a loved one gone. Families can be very frustrated by this. They feel like, that’s all? That’s all the law allows for.”

Another reason that collaboration is needed for officers on car accidents is because Worcester County and its tourism hub of Ocean City are home

to several annual automotive events, where police sometimes deal with multiple car accidents a day.

The resort’s notorious H2O International car event may be gone, but “we still have bike week, car cruise –these are unique problems that not a lot of cities have to deal with,” Heiser said. “If we’re going to continue to be faced with these motor vehicle events, I think it’s important we stay on top of this stuff.”

In addition to this collaboration, Heiser also plans to propose a strategic highway safety plan for Worcester County, one rooted in data collection. It means collaborating in particular with the Ocean City Police Department, she added, because of how busy resort roadways get.

She said the Maryland Highway Safety Office collaborates with various counties to create these plans, many of which are based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash data and can be grant funded.

“Let’s talk to police officers on the ground to ask, which intersections in your experience are most dangerous?” Heiser said. “The answers won’t always line up with what the data says. We want to make sure we have all of the facts behind where our focus in going to be. I think it will be a helpful tool.”

Sheriff: Agents will not be targeting schools

Crisafulli: ICE’s ‘primary focus’ on gangs, criminal enterprises, not students

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) Anxiety over immigration crackdowns has found its way into Worcester County, but law enforcement assures there are no plans to target local school children.

On Jan. 29, Worcester County Public Schools released a mass message to families in light of a US Department of Homeland Security order permitting certain immigration enforcement tactics.

To uphold the Trump administration’s campaign promise of mass deportations, the DHS issued a directive on Jan. 20 that allows im-

migration officers to carry out enforcement tactics in “sensitive areas” like schools and churches.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country,” a DHS spokesperson said in the department’s policy announcement on Jan. 21. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”

The WCPS communication emphasized that because of the potential increase in this type of regulation, system officials and leaders will do their best to maintain a disruptionfree learning environment.

“Last week, the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive allowing immigration enforcement actions to occur in sensitive areas, including schools and bus stops,” the WCPS message said. A link was attached for recipients to see how the schools are “supporting students and their families.”

Part of the communication was the “Immigration and Resources Support” page on the WCPS’s official website, featuring key immigration facts, including a note that, per federal law, all children are entitled to a K-12 education and college counseling services regardless of citizenship or residency status.

The website adds that without parental consent, schools are prohibited from offering information from a student’s file to federal immigration

agents “unless they have a subpoena.”

Despite the school system’s efforts to provide these services to families potentially impacted by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said ICE will likely not be targeting county children.

“My office is in receipt of the Department of Homeland Security’s directives,” Crisafulli said. “I spoke directly with the Assistant Director for ICE, on two separate occasions … They will not be targeting bus stops or schools. Their primary focus is criminal enterprises, criminal gangs, and other criminally related behaviors.”

He added, “The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is fully committed to upholding the rule of law,” and that the local deputies intend to work collaboratively with all federal law enforcement agencies that may operate in the county at any point.

School administrators were instructed on what to do should a state or federal agency representative unexpectedly stop by a Worcester County school.

“When visitors arrive at the school, the school principal or assistant principal will greet them and ask them to join them in an office or conference area and seek to learn the reason for the visit,” the WCPS’ immigration webpage says. “At that time, the school administrator will contact the designated leadership contact at the Worcester County Board of Education for further guidance. Families will be contacted in case of such an inquiry or occurrence.”

Additional guidelines and resources are offered on the WCPS website to families that an increase in immigration enforcement could potentially impact. Materials created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center are linked, such as the ‘Know Your Rights Handout’ that provides details on how best to create a family preparedness plan and the necessary documents that should be carried at all times, like green cards and work visas. The form notes that country of origin documents and any false identification or immigration documents should not be carried.

Additionally, the WCPS website lists community organizations that support immigrant families.

Lower Shore CASA, a non-profit providing legal services like asylum and citizenship application aid to economically disadvantaged Maryland Immigrants, is included, as are the Immigrant and Refugee Outreach Center and the Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees. The Princess Anne-located Seton Center was also added to the collection of resources.

The Seton Center “works to identify and respond to the needs of local residents, the Hispanic community,

Public schools educate parents of policies

and the area’s migrant farm workers,” the school system’s website says. “As a gateway to the many programs and services of Catholic Charities, the center welcomes families who are vulnerable and in crisis.”

Crisafulli said that he has requested that ICE officials let his office know when they plan to enter Worcester County for any immigration-related activities and that “it is imperative that all partners communicate effectively to ensure that all law enforcement matters are being handled efficiently.”

“Our office has not been made aware of how frequently immigration enforcement initiatives will take place in Worcester County,” the sheriff continued. “Our primary mission remains clear: To ensure the safety and security of all residents of Worcester County.”

In an email response, Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s public relations coordinator, added, “In regard to the Jan. 21 directive from the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration actions, Worcester County Public Schools and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office are committed to continued communication and collaboration in support of students and families.”

A White House spokesperson said last week, no ICE raids have occurred in schools and that, "By ending the absurd policy of exempting many locations from enforcement of the law — and giving criminal illegal aliens places to hide and avoid arrest — this action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and make our country safer; it is NOT a directive to go into schools and churches."

The representative added that "secondary supervisor approval is also needed before any action can be taken in locations such as a church or school” and that they expect these situations to be “extremely rare.”

Since the immigration enforcement directive, the advocacy group, the National Immigration Law Center, has created a fact sheet with information about ICE and schools.

Now that the language on the pro-

tection status of these “sensitive” locations like churches and schools has been rescinded, at-risk individuals can look to the Fourth Amendment. The NILC website says the Fourth Amendment safeguards spaces where people have a “reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Areas like lobbies and parking lots are considered public.

Interior areas and those labeled with a sign as “private” are considered private.

Amendment requires a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge unless staff at those areas consent to the search,” the NILC factsheet explains.

‘“I spoke directly with the Assistant Director for ICE, on two separate occasions … They will not be targeting bus stops or schools. Their primary focus is criminal enterprises, criminal gangs, and other criminally related behaviors.’

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli

“For immigration enforcement to search or enter a private area within a formerly protected area, the Fourth

“If ICE agents enter a formerly protected area — either a public area or by gaining access to a private area through a warrant or consent—they can arrest people if they have a valid administrative warrant for that person or if they have probable cause to believe that the person is ‘removable’ from the United States,” the immigration support website continues.

An individual is considered “removable” if they do not have current lawful status to be in the county or have engaged in violent actions, such as involvement in the criminal legal system. In this case, ICE would have the authority to proceed with deportation efforts. NILC maintains that probable cause can be obtained via “questioning of individuals who disclose their immigration status or documentation that indicates they are noncitizens” and attempting to run from ICE officers, which is why the Fifth Amendment, the right to remain silent, is vital for those that may find themselves in these situations.

More information about the WCPS’ support efforts for immigrant families in the area can be found at https://www.worcesterk12.org/page /immigration-supports.

Local Blueprint information sessions on tap

dents to be successful).

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education will welcome members of the public-school community to information and input sessions to learn more about the system’s progress toward compliance with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a statewide plan to improve the quality of education.

On Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m., Chief Academic Officers Denise Shorts and Annette Wallace will be present at the Board of Education office to discuss Worcester County Public Schools’ progress toward Pillar One (early childhood education) and Pilllar Three (college and career readiness) of the Blueprint.

The following month, on March 12, also at 5:30 p.m., Chief Operations and Human Relations Officer Dwayne Abt and Coordinator of Student Health Services Lauren Williams will share efforts towards Pillar Two (high quality and diverse teachers and leaders) and Pillar Four (resources for stu-

Both sessions will be offered in person at the Worcester County Board of Education Office and livestreamed and recorded on the school system’s YouTube page.

In discussing the first session on Feb. 19, WCPS’s event announcement said, “[Shorts will share] how WCPS’ continued investment in pre-kindergarten programs and building partnerships with local childcare providers shape implementation efforts. [Wallace will present] the varying pathways WCPS has implemented and/or expanded for students to demonstrate College and Career Readiness.”

To be compliant with Pillar One (early childhood education), a school system must prioritize the expansion of early education opportunities that “prepare all children for school and success,” the Maryland State Department of Education’s website says, as a child’s early years are “the most critical period for brain development and set the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.”

Pillar Three emphasizes college and career readiness (CCR). According to MSDE, the Blueprint’s mission is to have all students meet the CCR standard upon the completion of their

sophomore year of high school and aims to develop support pathways for CCR to help students achieve this goal.

The Blueprint outlines that Pillar Three’s priority is to “develop a Career and Technical Education (CTE) system that is aligned with industry’s needs and ensures that prekindergarten through 12th-grade curriculum, standards, and assessments are all aligned with the new CCR standard.”

WCPS community members will have the opportunity to attend a second information session on March 12, where they will hear more about the school system’s progress towards Pillar Two (high quality and diverse teachers and leaders), and Pillar Four (resources for students to be successful).

“[Abt will share] how WCPS is working to implement a career ladder, make progress toward increasing starting teacher salaries, and enhancing Grow Our Own programs to build a pipeline of up-and-coming educators,” the school system wrote.

“[Williams will present] how WCPS is strengthening wraparound services for students, building Community Schools with targeted support, and

ensuring learners with specialized needs are supported.”

Pillar Two (high quality and diverse teachers and leaders) seeks to elevate the teaching profession’s status by implementing a career ladder and competitive salaries. This goal’s stipulations include raising starting pay to $60,000 and offering incentives for National Board-Certified teachers up to $17,000. The expectations for educator preparation, induction, and mentoring programs must also be enhanced to recruit and retain high-quality teachers.

Resources for Students to be Successful is the Blueprint’s Pillar Four. This aspect of the educational improvement plan “focuses on equity and closing deeply entrenched opportunity and achievement gaps to ensure that all students, from advanced learners to those who are struggling and have been historically underserved, receive the necessary support in order to reach their full potential,” MSDE’s website says.

Members of the WCPS community can learn more on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and Wednesday, March 12, by tuning in virtually or in person at the Worcester County Board of Education Office at 5:30 p.m.

Pines Café leader, student earn Md. awards

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) The Pines Café can now accommodate more dine-ins, as the Worcester Technical High School-operated shop has added additional chairs and tables into the space’s waiting area.

Furthermore, the store’s creator Phil Cropper and student apprentice Nick Zlotorzynski were recently recognized for their dedication to culinary arts as the Maryland ProStart Teacher of the Year and Maryland ProStart Student of the Year, respectively.

The Pines Café is located between the main lobby and the pharmacy in building number one of the Ocean Pines TidalHealth Campus, near the community’s North Gate Entrance. The store opened in September and offers baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads prepared by WTHS students to patients, medical staff, and OPA residents.

The eatery is an interactive project created by Cropper, the head chef of the WTHS culinary and pastry arts program, to offer students real-life experience running a retail food business. When the initiative kicked off last fall, the space included 12 seats for patrons who prefer to enjoy their breakfast or lunch as a dine-in experience. The café has now increased that by three tables and eight seats to accommodate more customers.

“It almost doubles the size of our dining room area,” Cropper said.

The new seating options expand into the TidalHealth waiting space. Natural plants were assembled to create a “green wall” around the recently added tables and chairs, dividing the waiting and dining areas.

“It gives people a little bit of privacy and doesn't make you feel like you’re having lunch in a waiting room,” Cropper noted. “It’s aesthetically pleasing, and it brings a little life with all the nice plants and just adds to the whole experience.”

Before the addition, the chef said patrons would stand in the café, waiting for others to vacate the tables. The expansion now provides customers with more dine-in availability. Cropper added that the community had received the changes well and that the establishment was filled up on Monday.

As a testament to the success of the Pines Café, Cropper and his student, Zlotorzynski, were notified earlier this week that the Restaurant Association of Maryland had recognized them both for their dedication to the culinary arts. Cropper was named the Maryland ProStart Teacher of the Year, and Zlotorzynski was honored with the Maryland ProStart Student of the Year award.

Maryland ProStart is a program managed by the Restaurant Association of Maryland and is a two-year high school curriculum “designed to

merge classroom learning with realworld industry experience,” says the Worcester County Public School press release. “Currently, over 4,000 students across nearly 80 Maryland high schools benefit from this program, which equips them with essential culinary and management skills for success in the foodservice industry.”

Cropper said he is primarily excited for Zlotorzynski, his student apprentice, to receive the award.

“He’s a sweet kid; he really deserves it,” the chef said. “Something like this can really shape someone young’s future and what they want to do.”

Cropper added that he believes Zlotorzynski received the award because of his work with the Pines Café.

“He played such a big part in the initial, behind-the-scenes planning,” the educator said. “It was his culinary class where we got the idea [for the café] and started talking about it. [Zlotorzynski] was part of the planning process. And then for him to go full speed and turn into the first apprentice, the first main hire, and the main student intern at the café, it really brought him out of his shell and gave him a sense of ownership and confidence.”

Cropper said he wrote an essay about his student, nominating him for the award. The essay detailed Zlotorzynski's work as a young culinary

learner and expressed the strength of his character. Cropper is unsure how and why he himself was in the running for the teacher of the year recognition but surmised a lot of it had to do with the startup of the Pines Café. According to the culinary program head, he found out about the award on Monday, Jan. 27, when he showed up for a staff meeting and was met with the Maryland ProStart colors, green and blue, in decorations

splashed throughout the WTHS lobby. When he saw the two trophies, he knew that he and Zlotorzynski were both this year’s teacher and student of the year winners.

The pair will be honored at the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s 2025 gala on Sunday, March 2, at the convention center in Ocean City. Zlotorzynski will pull the winning ticket for the organization’s car raffle to raise money for education.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Phil Cropper and Nick Zlotorzynski were recognized last week at Worcester Tech for being named the Maryland ProStart Teacher of the Year and Maryland ProStart Student of the Year, respectively.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Ocean City’s motel industry developed in the mid-1950s following the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the desire of young families for lodging that was casual, inexpensive and that offered easy onsite parking. Within a decade, the vacant land between 15th and 33rd streets became known as “Motel Row.”

Motel Row grew from a few initial motels — the Sea Scape (1954), the Surf and Sands (1955), the Santa Maria (1956) and the Stowaway (1956) — to over two dozen by 1965. In the 1960s, everyone wanted to stay on “the row.”

The growth of the population in that area also enhanced the customer base of the restaurant industry and such storied restaurants as Mario’s, Phillips Crab House, the Captain’s Table and The Embers became household names during that era. Ocean City had entered a new and excited period in its history.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Visiting colleges with my son

Andy Rooney’s old pieces

Cooking out in the winter

Browsing magazine covers

A sprawling old tree with a lot of limbs

Looking forward to spring lilacs

Finding something believed to be lost

Driving with the windows down

A shared bottle of wine with my wife

Recalling Lohmeyer’s many euphemisms

The first shower after a hair cut

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

Photo from 1955 courtesy Mike Quillin

Local named to participate on international torch run team

OCPD Cpl. Neshawn Jubilee will travel to Italy in support of Special Olympics games

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 7, 2025) An Ocean City Police Department officer will travel to Europe this year to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for this year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Cpl. Neshawn Jubilee has been selected as one of the Final Leg Runners of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which will take place in Italy and France.

As a Final Leg participant, Jubilee will join a team of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes from around the world in carrying the Flame of Hope across Italy, culminating in a lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on March 8.

“This is a great honor and a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for me to support the Special Olympics movement and its athletes,” he said.

In addition to running the Final Leg, Jubilee will join the Final Leg team in a Polar Plunge in Turin, Italy. After carrying the Flame of Hope across the country, he will join his fellow runners and take an icy plunge, a way to show solidarity with Special Olympics athletes. “The Ocean City Police Department is proud of the hard work all the athletes have put into making it this far,” a Facebook post from the department reads.

“Cpl. Jubilee has been a pillar in the community and will continue to showcase the Ocean City spirit far and wide.”

As a Final Leg Runner, Jubilee has set a fundraising goal of $10,000 for Special Olympics and is seeking the community’s support. As of Thursday morning, Jubilee’s fundraising page has garnered nearly $7,000.

“Thank you for your generosity and support,” he wrote. “This opportunity is a dream come true and I am proud to represent our community on the world stage. I will keep you updated on my progress and share my experiences along the way.”

For more information on Jubilee’s journey, or to donate, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/ FinalLeg/NeshawnJubilee.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a public awareness campaign and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremony of local competitions and into Special Olympics state, provincial, national, regional, and world games. Annually, more than 100,000 law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope.

The torch run also encompasses several fundraising platforms, including the Plane Pull, Polar Plunge, TipA-Cop, Cop On Top and more. Since its inception in 1981, the torch run has raised more than $1 billion for local Special Olympics programs.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Cpl. Neshawn Jubilee, a participant in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, is pictured, above left, carrying the torch at the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference.

Opinions

OC Council faces the big question

Is Ocean City a community or a commodity? The mayor and City Council wrestled with that question Monday night as they weighed the virtues and vexations of unrestricted short-term rentals in single-family housing neighborhoods.

Obviously, Ocean City is a commodity to the thousands of people who make a living by selling some aspect of it, but ultimately the council came down on the community side of things and imposed restrictions on these rentals.

Council members also declared a moratorium on issuing more licenses for short-term rentals in these neighborhoods to give them time to find a way to balance the commercial and community needs of the resort.

Even though many of the people making a living off the Ocean City product reside elsewhere because of financial considerations or because they choose to live away from the boisterous carnival of summer, they have every right to involve themselves in how this multi-billion-dollar enterprise is marketed and managed. Except ...

... when it’s to the detriment of the slowly dwindling yearround community and the neighborhoods that exist on the perimeter of the commercial hustle and bustle.

These neighborhoods are a critical part of the communitycommodity equation, because the people who live in them are wedded to the town and its fortunes.

As such, they are a major source of local leadership and are or will be responsible for the care and feeding of the commodity on which everyone — here and elsewhere — depends.

People who know the town and who are capable of balancing these sometimes conflicting interests are critical to Ocean City’s all-around success.

Maybe the council thought about that Monday night, and maybe not. Regardless, council members made the right decision to protect the commodity by taking steps to preserve the neighborhoods that will produce its future handlers.

PUBLIC EYE

What’s in a name?

The trademark law is one of those funny things that most of us don’t really understand.

Take the words, “Super Bowl,” for instance. I can use those words as many times as I want in news, conversation or commentary — Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl. See?

But what I can’t do is say, print or otherwise present that specific term in any commercial context.

great and even if you were, there are worse things than having the NFL come down on you. Things like participating in a groin-kicking contest with a Samoan lineman, for example.

I’m not kidding. The NFL once sued a Pennsylvania T-shirt shop for selling apparel emblazoned with “Psycho Ward,” which was a reference to then Steelers’ great Hines Ward.

It demanded $500 a day in penalties, which was somewhat more than half the distance to the goal line.

NEWS

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Web: octodaydispatch.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 2025

By Stewart Dobson

Why? Because the NFL could and would head butt me into the next financial century, assuming that it caught me.

The thing is the NFL has more money than the State of Maryland, which, come to think of it, isn’t saying much really. In fact, it’s so broke these days if the little lads had to get a state grant to buy baseball gear this spring, the boys would be asking their dads how to wear quarter-cups.

Anyway, the NFL got all this money by selling rights to its name, logos, etc. to large vendors and doesn’t want a place like Honest Bob’s Small Mall in Westover making a fortune unfairly, although the big money there won’t start coming in until muskrat season is in full swing.

Nevertheless, many, many entities like to slap the “Super Bowl” name and logos on their parties and events that just happen to coincide with the day of The Big Game.

The chances of being caught aren’t that

You can, however, sometimes skirt the issue with creative spelling, although a sign saying, “Come to Our Super Bowel Party” might draw the wrong kind of crowd.

I do suppose that a sleep clinic could get away with holding a “Stupor Bowl” event, especially since no one would be awake to see the game anyway.

And there’s the Stooper Bowl, which would be applicable to any number of things, including gardening, and Scooper Bowl at the dog park.

But the fact remains that the NFL, being a nonprofit entity and all, will blitz you on your blind side if they find you trying to cash in on its poor self.

The best thing to do is come up with your own name, something like the Very Large Tureen would probably do it. After all, the tight end you save may be your own.

Updated from a 2011 column when the Steelers were really good, but still lost to Green Bay in the SUPER BOWL, Super Bowl, Super Bowl....

Reprint

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

There are many different layers to Ocean City’s ongoing short-term rental discussions, but the commonality is passion. Understandably, there’s much emotion involved in the moves the city is making because there’s money at the heart of the issue.

There’s a lot of reasonable debate when it comes to how far Ocean City should go to protect its residential communities, and it appears the council is trying to exercise balance when it comes to the five-night minimum length of stay to reduce the amount of turnover within year-round neighborhoods. Far more extreme measures have been proposed in fact.

When it comes to the moratorium on granting new short-term rentals, the city is essentially acknowledging the short-term rental situation is out of control and currently there are not enough tools to manage the situation. The emergency measure is effective as of late last month and set to run through December, although the council could lift it at any time.

Throughout this discussion of late has been inherent concerns over conflicts of interests among the decision makers. There is a certain reality to understand for this area. In small communities, conflicts of interest with public and appointed officials exist at nearly every turn. However, there are ethics boards to decide these matters. In addition, each perceived conflict of interest must be viewed through the lens of individuality. When officials are elected, there comes a certain trust from the voters. If the citizens did not feel a certain official would not be able to put aside personal gains or business interests when it comes voting one way or the other, they should not show them support and faith by electing them in the first place. It’s incumbent on these officials to also monitor themselves. It’s all about integrity.

Throughout this short-term rental discussion, those opposed to the city’s direction on short-term rentals have alleged conflicts of interest by council members, including at this week’s council meeting. Additionally, after the meeting on Facebook, a local Realtor opposed to the city’s shortterm rental changes, asked, “Is this because of the many hotels owned by one of the councilman’s family members?” This was a clear jab at Council President Matt James, who did not take the shot without a refute.

In response, James, whose family-run company operates eight hotels in Ocean City, wrote, “I am disappointed to see you suggest that I have supported the current ordinances for unethical reasons. If you did your homework, you would know that this topic has been brought to the City Council in many different versions over the last 11 years, and I have never previously supported any proposed restrictions. Recently, the Planning Commission recommended a 31-day minimum length of stay, which I strongly opposed. In 2022, I moved from an R3 area into an R1 neighborhood because that’s where I wanted to raise a family. There are now four short-term rentals within 100 yards of my home, and I’m tired of the ongoing issues they cause. … I’ve called the police on multiple occasions, but they are very limited in their ability to take action, and that’s only if they see something happening when they arrive. From my experience as an actual resident of an R1 neighborhood in Ocean City, it is clear to me (and many others) that the 2-3 night visitors cause the most disruption to our residential communities. The guests that are staying for 5-7 nights are almost always good neighbors and respectful guests.”

It was disturbing to see the Town of Ocean City have to take action after it, like many other governments, recognized Black History Month on social media. Though I missed the original post’s nasty comments, and I am glad I did, the post had to be removed evidently due to the vitriolic dialogue among the 1,100-plus comments.

The dialogue became so negative the city had to restrict comments on the post. The repost said, “This weekend, we shared a post honoring Black History Month, recognizing the resilience, courage, and achievements of African American individuals throughout history. Unfortunately, the post received an overwhelming number of hateful and offensive comments, which led us to remove it in an effort to prevent the spread of negativity on our page. However, we will not allow hate to silence our commitment to inclusivity and respect. We are reposting our message, and while comments will be disabled to protect our community from harmful language, our dedication to celebrating diversity remains unwavering. Happy Black History Month! During the month of February, we spotlight African American history and reflect on their resilience, courage, and achievements.”

It seems to me there’s a lesson to be learned about the importance of grace, respect and tolerance when it comes to free speech. Points can be made without hate, bigotry and aggression as the prevailing theme. For some, including those on both sides of the political extremes, this is too much to ask evidently.

Police need tools to do their jobs safely

Editor,

An ill-conceived bill making its way through the Maryland General Assembly will further restrict law enforcement officials throughout the state from doing their jobs in order to advance progressive objectives aimed at condemning police officers as a societal threat.

Senate Bill 292 sponsored by Senator Charles Sydnor III (D – Baltimore County) reclassifies multiple primary traffic violations, for which police can pull a driver over, to secondary violations. Included in this category are driving without functioning headlights or taillights, driving without a mirror, window tint, throwing litter from a car and failure to illuminate a license plate among other violations. Under the bill, citations can be written for these violations but only as secondary offenses. Officers would be required to stop vehicles for other, primary, reasons.

So, who is responsible if a car without functioning headlights, ignored by police, causes a fatal accident? How about a situation where a road officer makes a traffic stop and is unable to see inside the vehicle because

the windows are too dark? What if the driver, hidden behind very dark tinted windows, has a weapon aimed at the officer walking alongside the vehicle? And, what if, heaven forbid, the officer is shot as a result? Will the supporters of this bill, should it become law, be held accountable?

This is yet another attempt by Annapolis lawmakers to take away law enforcement tools necessary to protect our communities.

The mindset of individuals attempting to water down the effectiveness of sworn officers working to protect and serve our communities is as frustrating to law enforcement as it is dangerous to the citizens they are sworn to serve.

Admittedly law enforcement has a responsibility to labor without malice toward any individual or group. But just as important is the responsibility of citizens to obey the law, a concept that some people fail to appreciate and accept.

This is a bad bill that’s wasting the time of Annapolis legislators who have much more important issues to resolve for the people of this state. The multi-billion deficit comes to mind.

Chip Bertino Worcester County Commissioner

Center’s First Friday reception showcases six new art shows

(Feb. 7, 2025) First Friday, Feb. 7, from 5-7 p.m., will celebrate six new art shows in the galleries of the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside, home of the Art League of Ocean City. PKS Investments is sponsoring the complimentary refreshments.

Golie Miamee displays her wideranging photographs in the main Thaler Gallery in a show entitled “Sand & Cedar.” An American-born Iranian-American artist who travels

the world, Miamee considers herself a visual artist rather than a traditional photographer. She uses photographs as her canvas and digital editing as her main medium.

“I strive to let the audience see the world as I see it through my lens,” she said. “As soon as we moved to Ocean City, I became a member of the Art League right way. It’s a great organization that gives artists a lot of visibility.”

See ARTS Page 62

Freeman Arts Pavilion project commences

(Feb. 7, 2025) Freeman Arts Pavilion has announced the commencement of a major improvement project to bring a permanent stage and an enhanced experience to the popular concert venue.

Freeman Arts Pavilion leadership and staff gathered alongside representatives from construction management firm Gillis Gilkerson to celebrate the project with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the beginning of the journey in this next phase of growth. The new stage will change the orientation of the outdoor venue and enhance the experience for

both concertgoers and the wide variety of first-class performers who visit each summer.

“The ground-breaking for this phase of this project is a significant moment in our commitment to creating a world-class venue that not only elevates the concert-going experience but also supports the artists who bring it to life. We are grateful for our partnership with Gillis Gilkerson, our trusted builder and a group of worldclass consultants. Together, we’re creating a space where magical moments and unforgettable performances will come to life,” said Patti

Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.

Construction of the permanent stage will be located on the south-side of the venue lawn, facing north. The 42-foot tall by 100-foot-long stage will create the infrastructure needed to support state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and will include the construction of climate-controlled back-of-house facilities to support the needs of artists. Concertgoers will enjoy a new terraced lawn with a more dramatic slope, ensuring maximum visibility for everyone in the crowd, while continuing to offer a

combination of fixed seating, and more flexible General Admission sections.

The new stage and viewing orientation construction is a multi-year project and fundraising for the Capital Campaign is underway to complete it. The 2025 concert season will continue to operate as before, without impediment. Fans will be able to enjoy the Freeman Arts Pavilion this year, just as they have in the past, while the new stage takes shape to the south. For more information about the Freeman Arts Pavilion, visit freemanarts.org.

Arts Center exhibits to run through March 1

Continued from Page 61

At First Friday Miamee and her husband, Peter Elias, owners of Spain Wine Bar, will be providing tastings from the cuisine of their new restaurant, also named Sand & Cedar, opening soon in Ocean Pines. After Miamee’s show closes on March 1 at the Art League, her photographs will move to the new restaurant.

In February, the Sisson Galleria will feature a group art show titled “Complementary Colors,” showing works in all media where artists used

colors across from each other on the color wheel. John Mosher, associate professor of art at Salisbury University, is judging the show, and the Art League will award cash prizes to the winners.

Studio E in February features glass art by students from Salisbury University’s Glass Studio. SU offers a Bachelor of Fine Art Glass Program that is one of only 30 in the country. Current students and recent graduates have gone on to earn MFAs, start their own glassmaking studios, and

work in private studios and commercial factories. The group exhibits in top-tier galleries and museums around the word including the prestigious Corning Museum of Glass.

The Schwab Spotlight Gallery in February celebrates Black History Month and Ocean City’s 150 Years of Smiles with a series of photographs taken from the archives of the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum.

Kathy Heugel and Kacie Neeb share the Artisan Showcase in February. Heugel creates nature-inspired earrings in her home studio in South Bethany Beach. “My earrings are an extension of my love of color, texture, shape, and movement,” she said.

Neeb, the Art League’s gallery coordinator, began as a metalsmithing instructor at a premier summer camp where she taught the art of jewelry making and metal craft. “I have gravitated toward beading where I can explore color and creative adornments,” she said.

Abi Lightner opens a six-month

exhibit in the Burbage Staircase Gallery. Lightner has been developing her skills in digital art, and her love of writing goes hand-in-hand with her love of art. Her strengths lie in digital portraiture, character design, and storytelling through the art.

The Art League’s satellite galleries continue their offsite art shows. Suzy Quader of Ocean Pines shows her pastel landscapes in the lobby of the Princess Royale Hotel at 9110 Coastal Hwy. Alexis McKenzie of Rehoboth Beach is the artist-in-residence at the Coffee Beanery at 94th St. and Coastal Hwy., showing her colorful and abstract mixed media.

Arts Center exhibits run through March 1. Satellite gallery exhibits continue through March 29.

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St. is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., weekends from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and admission is always free. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

Berlin Fire Company continues recruitment

esting or exciting, Berlin officials put a positive spin on it and get it out to the public.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) To address a people shortage, the Berlin Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services plan to prioritize volunteer recruitment and retention throughout next year.

During the Berlin Town Council’s Monday, Jan. 27 meeting, Berlin Fire Company representatives presented a regular update to the governing group. The presentation revealed that a primary concern for the department is successful recruitment.

“It's hard to recruit volunteers and careers,” Chief Andrew Grunden said. “On the career side, finding paramedics … if we knew where that pot was, we would go.”

Grunden added that the company has found securing volunteers has also proven challenging.

“Volunteering right now is hard,” the chief noted. “A lot of us have training when we come in, so getting somebody off the street, telling them, ‘Hey, you have six months of training to do,’ stuff like that. We’re trying to butter that bread and making us more appealing.”

Grunden asked that the Town of Berlin offer their own aid to these recruitment efforts. He emphasized that if the department is doing something that could be considered inter-

“As we go forward and try to recruit, recruit, recruit, anytime you see us out there doing something, saying, ‘Hey, doesn’t that look neat?’ ‘Don’t you want to do that?’ Help us out,” the chief said. “Money is always a thing; resources are always a thing. Everything is getting more expensive by the day. Apparatus especially, so…we will be back for me. For me, the single most important thing right now is people and getting them in.”

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall asked if the department has a link or a page on its website that is easily accessible to potential recruits.

Grunden said they do but are looking to enhance it, as no one in the company “speaks fluent Gen Z.”

Tyndall said that if the emergency services group creates a link that could take those interested in joining the department to an application or a learn more page, town officials would happily include it in the monthly bulletin.

The mayor added that the attachment could also be posted to the town’s get involved page for boards, commissions, and committees.

The emergency services group mentioned that their cadet program is currently “okay.”

“We have a couple of new ones coming in,” Grunden said. “We have some active ones as it is.”

The chief added that they are at-

tempting to encourage recruitment through their young members.

“We are trying to get them to cultivate [recruitment] amongst themselves,” Grunden said. “‘You go out and talk to your friends.’ If I go out and talk to a teenage kid, it doesn’t translate. But they can speak their own language and push that along... Once that fuse is lit, we can generally use the inertia to start grabbing more and more.”

The representatives noted that a few students from Stephen Decatur High School are preparing to enter the cadet program.

Councilmember Shaneka Nichols noted that a possible hook to encourage more kids to get involved is to communicate that a high school student could easily rack up 200 or 300 service hours as a cadet. She empha-

sized that current teenagers are committed to earning honors like the Presidential Service Award for accumulating 100 or 200 volunteer hours.

“I know the big thing with kids in middle and high school right now, a lot of them are really service driven,” Nichols said. “Pushing that aspect of it to these high schoolers, and even pushing that as young as the eighth grade. This group right now wants to be a part of something service-related and rack up their service hours, so that may be a great avenue to sway them in your way.”

Tyndall added that another effective way to encourage involvement is to have a booth at the Berlin Farmers Market during the season to remind the community of the Berlin Fire Company’s presence.

Seafood dip a delicious choice for big game

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Feb, 7, 2025) Super Bowl LIX is finally here, and one’s menu must match the anticipation for one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Wings, tacos, pizza, sliders ribs, and dips are just a sampling of what will be devoured on the big day. While we are on the subject of dips, no ordinary dip is fitting for the Super Bowl.

The Eastern Shore has a natural abundance of seafood, and a seafood dip is sure to score a touchdown. Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are a

winning combination and indicative of the Chesapeake Bay. However, unlike football, there are no set rules for the type of seafood you choose. Shrimp are suggested for the dip because they have texture. Frozen shrimp are perfectly acceptable and much more affordable.

I prefer to use 41/50 count shrimp for the dip. They are considered medium and more affordable, especially when they go on sale. Also, smaller shrimp can actually have a sweeter taste as opposed to larger shrimp. In addition, I like to leave the shrimp whole. It makes for a prettier presentation and intensifies the shrimp flavor.

If you are going to add scallops to the dish, use bay scallops. Again, frozen scallops are fine and are much

cheaper than sea scallops. Bay scallops are small, so leave them whole.

Jumbo lump crab meat makes for a decadent dip. However, it is very expensive. Be careful to not break up the lumps when adding it to the dip.

Claw meat is another option. Since the claw meat will break down and has a stringy consistency, it is best to mix the claw meat with the top layer of cheese. This way your guests will see the crab meat which adds to the wow factor.

Whatever type of seafood you decide on, it must be partially cooked first. Otherwise, the natural juices from the seafood will dilute your yummy cheese mixture and make it soupy.

Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, poblanos, celery, and scallions are the rainbow of veggies that add color and taste to the dip. The same philosophy holds true for the veggies as well as the seafood. After they are cooked, they must be strained of any excess liquid.

If you own a food processor, now is the time to use it. The food processor will save you so much time.

In closing, no one knows the outcome of the game. But one thing is for sure, a gooey, mouthwatering spicy seafood dip is sure to get high fives. Enjoy!

Spicy Seafood Dip

Ingredients

1-pound frozen shrimp, deveined, shells and tails removed 1-pint crab meat, shells and cartilage removed 1 cup bay scallops

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 ½ cups combined finely chopped red, orange, yellow, and poblano peppers

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 large scallions, white and green parts, chopped

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1 (12-ounce) container cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup mayonnaise

3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, plus extra for garnishing

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt to taste

½ cup shredded pepper Jack cheese

1 cup each shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and 5 Cheese Italian Blend fresh parsley for a garnish favorite crackers

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large nonstick pan, saute shrimp in 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat until protein just starts to turn opaque. Pat dry shrimp in paper towels to absorb any juice. Repeat this process for the scallops.

3. Wash pan and saute veggies in remaining butter over medium heat for 5 minutes. Place cooked veggies in a mesh strainer to remove any excess liquid.

4. In a medium bowl, combine cheeses, and reserve 1 cup.

5. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, red pepper flakes, and salt until thoroughly blended.

6. Add seafood, veggies, and cheese to cream cheese mixture and mix well.

7. Place mixture in an 8 x 8inch pan. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of cheese on top. Bake for 23 minutes or until bubbly. Place under broiler for a golden- brown finish (optional).

8. Garnish with a light dusting of Old Bay and fresh parsley and serve with favorite crackers.

Secret Ingredient – Determination

We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.

Vince Lombardi

Four reasons behind Japan invading Burma

Rangoon captured about four months after troops began initial river crossing

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, soldiers of the 20th Indian Division, commanded by Sir Douglas Gracey, began crossing the Irrawaddy River 20 miles west of Mandalay.

Its initial objective was the 1,000year-old city, and ancient capital of Burma, Bagan, which was defended by the 2nd Division of the Indian National Army, commanded by Col. Abdul Aziz Tajik.

Simultaneously, IV Corps, commanded by Frank Messervy, was crossing down river. It joined the 19th Indian Division, commanded by Thomas Wynford Rees, which had crossed the mighty Irrawaddy, 40 miles north of Mandalay, on Jan. 15, 1945.

These units were a part of the Commonwealth’s Fourteenth Army, based in India and commanded by William Slim, and their objective was Mandalay.

Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma (now known as Myanmar), is located 445 miles north of Rangoon on the Irrawaddy River, and currently has a population of 1,225,000. The Irrawaddy is one of the widest rivers in the world.

Mandalay was the last royal Capitol of Burma before the British completed their conquest of the country. In 1935, the British separated Burma from India and ruled it as a separate colony, with its capital at Rangoon (now Yangon).

WWII came to Burma in January 1942, when the Japanese Fifteenth Army, commanded by Lt. Gen.

Sh jir Lida, invaded it from the Kingdom of Thailand. Gen. Lida’s Fifteenth Army was supported by the Burma Independence Army.

tion, between 170,000 - 250,000 civilians died.

The primary force defending Burma was the 17th Indian Infantry Division, under the command of Maj. Gen. Jackie Smyth. After the division was mishandled, suffering a 2/3 loss, Rangoon was evacuated on March 7, 1942. The Phayap Army of Thailand, commanded by Jarun Rattanakun Seriroengrit, invaded the Shan and Karenni States of Burma on May 10, 1942.

The Japanese had several reasons for invading Burma. First, they felt that the conquest of Burma would help protect their new conquests in Malaysia. Second, Burma was a large producer of rubber, one of the few commodities that their new enemy — the U.S. — could not produce domestically. Third, Burma also had some natural resources, such as oil, that the Japanese needed. Fourth, they wanted to cut the Burma Road, which the Allies were using to supply China.

The Thais saw an opportunity to recover provinces to the north of Thailand which had been lost to them in the mists of time. The Burmese, who joined the Burma Independence Army, were, of course, hoping that the Japanese would help them achieve their independence from the British. They were quickly disillusioned by the Japanese definition of “independence,” as it applied to them. During the Japanese occupa-

On Aug. 1, 1943, the “independent” State of Burma was established, with Ba Maw as “Naingandaw Adipadi.” This was equivalent to the German Führer, Italian Duce, Spanish Caudillo, Croatian Poglavnik, Norwegian Fører, Hungarian Nemzetvezet , Slovakian Vodca and Romanian Conduc tor.

The conditions of Burma’s “independence” were that it join the Japanese-orchestrated Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere and declare war on the United States and United Kingdom. Its army, commanded by Aung San, was known as the Burma National Army.

By 1945, Heitar Kimura was in command of the Japanese Burma Area Army and tasked with defending Burma from the coming Allied attack. To do this, he had three understrength, and under-equipped, armies: Twenty-Eighth, commanded by Sh z Sakurai; Thirty-Third, commanded by Masaki Honda; and Fifteenth, now commanded by Shihachi Katamura. The heaviest blow would fall upon Gen. Katamura’s Fifteenth Army.

Gen. Slim’s command consisted of Gen. Messervy’s IV Corps, and

XXXIII Indian Corps, commanded by Sir Montagu Stopford. Less than a third of the soldiers were British, with the balance being Indians and Gurkhas.

After the monsoon season ended in late fall of 1944, Gen. Slim’s army established bridgeheads across the Chindwin River, which roughly parallels the Indian-Burma border.

The Indian National Army was the armed force of “The Provisional Government of Free India,” whose leader was Subhas Chandra Bose. Like the other Axis leaders, he took the title Netaji - “Respected Leader.” The Netaji, and other leaders of the “Free India” movement, had been led to believe by the Japanese that the Japanese would assist them in their quest for independence from Great Britain. Clearly, if the Japanese had prevailed, India would no longer belong to the British Crown. Independent it would not be. Like other members of Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, it would have been under the Japanese thumb and would have come to appreciate British rule. By now, having determined that, the INA abandoned their positions without a fight.

The 2nd British Motorized In-

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William Slim

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 65

fantry Division, commanded by Sir Cameron G.G. Gordon, crossed the Irrawaddy River on Feb. 26.

By March 5, Meitkila, 70 miles south of Mandalay, and defended by Gen. Honda’s Thirty-Third Army, was captured. For the next three weeks, the Commonwealth troops withstood Japanese counterattacks. On March 17, the 5th Indian Division, commanded by Sir Robert Mansergh, was airlifted in to reinforce the defenders.

Meanwhile, Gen. Stopford’s XXXIII Corps began advancing toward Mandalay. By March 7, elements of General Rees’ 19th Indian Division could see the 800-foot Mandalay Hill. It was covered with temples and pagodas. Gen. Kimura ordered the 15th Division, now commanded by Seiei Yamamoto, to defend the city to the death.

In response, he wrote the following poem -

“For our sovereign

Our warriors will fall Defending to the end

This town of Mandalay ...”

A battalion of Gurkhas took the hill the next day. Gen. Nicholson’s 2nd Motorized Infantry Division attacked the city from the west.

After being pounded by the United States Army Air Force and the RAF for several days, the city’s other strong point, Fort Dufferin, surrendered on March 20.

The Union Jack was, once again, flying over the former Burmese capital, and the Burma National Army had turned on the Japanese. Rangoon was captured on May 2, 1945.

Next week: Dresden

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

OBITUARIES

JUDY FAYE ELLIS

Whaleyville

Judy Faye Ellis, 70, of Whaleyville, passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2025, at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury.

Born on Nov. 18, 1954 to Billy and Shirley Tull, Judy grew up in Whaleyville alongside her sister, Jeannine.

Following her graduation from Stephen Decatur High School in 1972, she joined Bank of Ocean City, where she would start a 50-plus-year career in bank accounting. She recently retired from Taylor Bank with 35 years of service.

However, her greatest accomplishment was her family. On Sept. 28, 1974, Judy married the love of her life, Howard Wooten Ellis, and three years later they welcomed a son, Eric. She was a devoted wife, mother and

grandmother, never passing up an opportunity to talk about her granddaughter.

In her spare time, Judy enjoyed doing circle-a-word books, shopping, crabbing, spoiling her grand-doggies (Rosie and Ollie), and spending time with family, especially at her son’s pool in the summer.

Judy is survived by her husband, Howard Wooten Ellis; son Eric A. Ellis and wife Stephanie; and granddaughter Tanner Ellis, all of Whaleyville. She is also survived by her mother, Shirley Tull; sister Jeannine Hooper; nieces Brandy Grahn (Adam) and Bethany Hooper; and great-nieces Heidi and Glenna Grahn.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother-inlaw, Kenneth Hooper.

A viewing will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 10, at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, with a

Continued on Page 67

Judy Faye Ellis

Continued from Page 66

service to follow at 1 p.m. Private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Showell Volunteer Fire Department, 11620 Worcester Highway, Showell, Md. 21862.

RICHARD STACEY LUDLAM

Ocean City

Richard “Dick” Ludlam passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 20, 2025, surrounded by his family, just days after celebrating his 89th birthday.

He was one of the last to be born in Ocean City, Maryland, in a small home off Washington Lane. The son of the late Stacy Sleeper Ludlam and Kathryn (Brady), he was also a great-grandson of Christopher Sleeper Ludlam, the third mayor of Ocean City. A graduate of Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy and Mount Saint Joseph’s High School.

In 1955, he enlisted in the Army and became an honor student at the Sixth Army Communication School at Fort Lewis, Washington. He completed his AAA Operations and Intelligence Specialist Training and took part in Exercise Sagebrush.

In 1951, Richard met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Barrett, while running his beach stand at 1st Street in Ocean City. They married in 1957, beginning a blessed and happy marriage that spanned 68 years. In 1961, Richard opened The Furniture House in downtown Berlin, later expanding to a new location on Route 50 in 1968 and then The Finishing Touch in north Ocean City. He later renamed the business Casual Designs Furniture and grew it into a thriving operation with multiple locations, including stores in Fenwick, Selbyville, and Bethany Beach.

A true Eastern Shoreman, he had a passion for boating, fishing, sporting clays and collecting decoys. Once an avid duck hunter, he later became a dedicated member of Ducks Unlimited. This passion also led him to open a small art gallery, Wildlife Art, where he showcased his love for nature’s beauty. Above all, he cherished time with his family. His strong faith

OBITUARY NOTICES

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

E-mail: editor@oceancitytoday.net

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

Fax: 410-723-6511

and unwavering love for his family were reflected in his kind and humble ways.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy, their four daughters: Susan Russell (widow of Gene), Terry Bell (Jonathan), Jeanne Watson (Wil), and Kathy Ryan (Paul), along with 13 grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren, who knew and loved him as “Pappy.”

He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Blaine.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m., located at 200 S. Baltimore Ave, Ocean City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church at stmaryholysavior.com, or Coastal Hospice at www.coastalhospice.org.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Coastal Hos-

pice and all the caregivers who were involved in his care.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

DOROTHY MARIE SHOCKLEY

Snow Hill

Dorothy Marie Shockley, age 94, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Harrison House Senior Living in Snow Hill. Born in Pocomoke City, MD, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Schoolfield and Emma Merrill Schoolfield.

Dorothy worked in nursing for many years. She loved to cook and bake, especially for her family. She attended Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Berlin, MD, for over 60 years. Dorothy’s parents had 16 children, and she was the last of her 15 siblings to pass.

She is survived by her son, Ernest Shockley of Milton, Del., and her

daughters, Peggy Foreman of Berlin and Linda Sturgis of Girdletree. She is also survived by her 23 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her 15 siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Charles Shockley, Sr., and her sons, Irvin Charles Shockley, Jr. and Glen Shockley.

A memorial service will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Berlin on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery on Assateague Road in Berlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 212 West St. Berlin, MD 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home, Berlin.

Richard Ludlam

& Recreation

Decatur scores solid wins against Crisfield, Wicomico

Seahawks down Crabbers at home before recording 21-point victory over Wi-Hi

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) Stephen Decatur’s boys basketball team scored two conference wins this week.

First, Decatur defeated the Crisfield Crabbers 59-48 behind a fast start at home.

The Seahawks held a 19-9 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Decatur outscored Crisfield 13-5, stretching the halftime lead to 32-14.

After the half, Crisfield came out shooting, scoring 20 to the Seahawks’ 10, ending the third quarter down by eight, 42-34.

A competitive and exciting back and forth final quarter took place with Decatur outscoring Crisfield, 1714, finishing the night with a 59-48

score.

The game’s high scorer was senior Solomon David with 23 points behind eight of 13 free throws due to the number of times he was fouled in the final quarter.

“I feel great,” David said. “I had a little rough stretch you know for a couple of games; I had a pretty strong start to the season so it was good to finally have a good game again.”

After the game, Head Coach BJ Johnson said, “We won the game. We just need to closeout a little better. Once we stick the dagger, we got to

learn how to turn it, and we’re not there yet. But I’ll take the win. We’re trying to execute a lot of new things because I know everybody’s scouting us, but we just have to do a better job on finishing the game.”

On Tuesday night, Decatur won 70-49 over Wicomico High School in Salisbury for a three-game win streak and a season record of 12-3 (9-0 in the Bayside). Seniors Davin Chandler pumped in 19 points and Noah Tucker added 15 points. The next game is Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Mardela gym.

Worcester Prep takes down Dragons, 50-37

Mallards complete regular season sweep with strong second half behind seniors

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) Worcester Prep’s varsity boys basketball team won a hard-fought home battle against the Salisbury School Tuesday night by a sore of 50-37. The teams went back and forth in the first quarter with three ties. At 3:30 remaining in the second period, Salisbury tied it again at 17. At halftime, the Dragons were up over the Mallards, 22-21.

Worcester Prep took the lead in the third quarter with 2:36 left on the clock, making it 27-26, but the Mal-

lards were down by one entering the fourth quarter.

Senior Owen West put in a threepoint shot with 7:46 on the clock, giving the Mallards the lead, 32-30. From there, the Mallards went on a roll to close out the game, 50-37.

Co-captain West said, “We did great tonight, played well together as a team despite the referee calls.” West has chosen the University of South Carolina to continue his studies.

Co-Captain Micheal DePalma, who will play golf for Dickinson University in the fall, agreed, saying, “We did good, we played good as a team we kept it together. It looked bad It just wasn’t going our way; the calls were bad tonight and we just stuck with it and came out with a victory tonight.”

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior center Ben Anthony converts on a jumper during the game against The Salisbury School on Tuesday.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior point guard Mike DePalma pulls up for a runner in the paint against the Dragons Tuesday.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

High game scorer Solomon David, who dropped 23 points, put together an old-fashioned threepoint play after being fouled on this drive.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior guard Davin Chandler was able to get free in the paint to convert an easy layup in the first half. Chandler had seven points in the game.

Powered by big first quarter, Dragons defeat Prep, 38-33

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Feb. 7, 2025) The Fighting Mallards are just that – fighters.

The young team shows improvement every week and never gives up. Tuesday’s game against Salisbury School was the latest example of the team’s tenacity this season.

During the first quarter, the Salisbury School came out firing, outscoring the Mallards 13-3 behind three pointers from Hayleigh Galeone and Abby Willis. For the Mallards, freshman Carolina Labin had the quarter’s lone basket with a free throw from junior Sydney Mize.

In the second quarter, Worcester Prep took charge with 11 points to the opponent’s nine, bringing the score to 22-14 in favor of The Salisbury School.

In the third quarter, Prep’s momentum continued as the quarter ended with the team down by just four points.

Both teams brought out their defense in the final quarter and matched each other with six

ALL-BAYSIDE SWIMMERS

Stephen Decatur’s varsity swimming team competed last weekend in the Bayside Championships. The girls team finished up in second place in the conference. Named to the AllBayside team were, above from left, Molly Hoffman, Kaolin Riser, Bryce Gill and Gavin Buchheit. Individually, Kendal Bagley was named as Bayside champion in the 500 Freestyle; Kaolin Riser, Vienna Williams, Emma Walsh and Kendall Bagley finished as back-to-back Bayside champions in the 200 Freestyle Relay; Ewan Betz was Bayside runner-up in the 200 individual medley; Kate Wanner was Bayside runner-up in the 100 freestyle; Jake Harner, Bayside runner-up in the 500 Freestyle; Vincent Schicchi, Bayside runner-up in the 100 Backstroke; and Olivia Mongelli, Zoe David, Kendall Bagley, and Kate Wanner, Bayside runner-up in the 400 freestyle relay.

points apiece. Unfortunately for the Mallards, the first quarter was where this game was won. The final score was 38-33 with the Salisbury School winning.

Team leader Mize scored 19 of those points with six clean three pointers and a free throw. After the game, she said, “I feel I did good, but I think me and all my team need some improvement. When we get pressed, we need not to be as frazzled and need to work on making faster passes.”

“Yesterday at practice it was a totally different team,” said Coach Kelly Roberts. “These long breaks are killing us. It’s turnovers again, missed free throws and missed shots, pretty much what is killing us each time. I played my whole bench tonight trying to get some energy out there, and they are just concrete footed and tired. I don’t know why they did not play today the way they did yesterday at practice.”

The Mallards return to their home court Friday at 4:30 p.m. against Salisbury Christian School.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Freshman Carolina Labin drives to the hoop against The Salisbury School on Tuesday night.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Junior Anisha Batra is sent to the line after being fouled while shooting in the third quarter.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLORWALLS

HAPPY HOUR

FILET MIGNON OSCAR

Filet Mignon topped with jumbo lump crab Imperial topped with hollandaise sauce served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.

with potatoes and corn on the cob.