02/14/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

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— Page 12

Hoax threat leads to lockdown

OC Elementary, county school officials go into student-protection mode, as more than 100 law enforcement officers flood grounds until all-clear signal given. — PAGE 81

Oceans Calling reveals fall lineup

Green Day, Lenny Kravitz, Noah Kahan, Weezer and Fall Out Boy headline three-day festival scheduled on beach Sept. 26-28, with 40 acts in all on three stages. — PAGE 10

After three years downtown, bullriding rides into the sunset. — Page 6

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The 42nd Annual Seaside Boat Show, sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, is underway in Ocean City through Sunday. See page 35 for event details.

Crab Bag redevelopment gets site plan extension

start date for restaurant’s project another two years

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor Resort commission extends

(Feb. 14, 2025) City planners last week gave the connections of the Crab Bag restaurant two more years to begin a phased redevelopment project.

At its Feb. 4 meeting, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted unanimously to extend the site plan for the Crab Bag restaurant, located near 130th Street. Regan Smith, attorney for applicant Nolen Graves, said the extension would give his client more time to begin demolition and redevelopment.

“It’s exactly the same plan,” he added.

In 2023, Smith came before the planning commission to request a site plan extension for the Crab Bag. The site plan, first approved in September of 2021, shows a new 8,665 squarefoot addition to the existing restaurant, plus an additional 857 square feet of enclosed area, all with on- and off-site parking areas.

In her presentation last week, Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy told

commissioners that that site plan extension was set to expire this month.

“This is an extension request of the site plan that was approved because the expiration is Feb. 15,” she said, “so a week and a half from now.”

Smith told commissioners that he was once again seeking a two-year extension. He added that he also wanted the concept of a phased project, which was first presented in 2023, to be reflected in the record.

“When we brought that forward [in 2023], one of the requests was to do it as a phased project,” he explained.

“Start the project, get it done, get a temporary [certificate of occupancy] for the season, and finish it the next winter. When Kay and I went back to look at this in the fall, the record of that hearing got corrupted, and there was no video or recording. So we wanted to bring this back to actually reaffirm that stepped process so we can get that on the record.”

After a brief discussion on the applicant’s demolition permits, the commission voted unanimously to extend the site plan another 24 months. The new expiration date would be Feb. 15, 2027.

“I don’t have any problems with this,” Commissioner Palmer Gillis said.

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) It appears the Town of Ocean City will have a gap in its spring special events calendar after one event was voted down last week and another did not announce its return to the resort.

Citing concerns about the success of prior events, as well as the safety of

certain event components, the Ocean City Council last week voted down a request from promoters Amanda and Chris Cropper to hold the annual Jeep Week in Ocean City the weekend of May 29 through June 1. It was also during that discussion when the promoters pointed out their event had been moved from mid-May to a later weekend previously held by PBR Ocean City Classic, which was part of the Professional Bull Riding circuit.

“I guess since PBR is not happening, they pushed us to PBR weekend,” Chris Cropper said.

With both events cut from the lateMay calendar, it remains to be seen if another special event will take its place. However, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said more effort will be placed on promoting the city’s 150th anniversary celebration.

“We are extremely appreciative of PBRs past appearances in Ocean City. As the event finished its third season, financially neither the town nor PBR could move forward in 2025,” he said this week. “As always, we will evaluate and recommend additional opportunities. Currently no replacement event is scheduled to replace things and our emphasis is now directed to the town’s 150th anniversary.”

In 2022, PBR held its first event in Ocean City, transforming a portion of the Ocean City Inlet parking lot into a professional rodeo arena for a weekend of bull riding competitions. The event returned in 2023 and 2024, each time during the first weekend in June. Attendance at the 2024 event was noticeably lower than previous years.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY POULOS

Oceans Calling Festival lineup announced

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) Green Day, Noah Kahan and Fall Out Boy will be among the headliners at this year’s Oceans Calling Festival, set to return to downtown Ocean City Sept. 26-28.

On Wednesday, promoter C3 Presents announced the lineup for the third annual Oceans Calling music festival. This year, more than 40 national acts will perform across three stages.

In addition to Green Day, Friday’s concert lineup will include Lenny Kravitz, The Black Crowes, Nelly, O.A.R., Cake, Live, The Fray, Fountains of Wayne, The 502s, Spin Doctors, Letters to Cleo, Ballyhoo!, Bel and Izzy Escobar.

The festival will conclude on Sunday with Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Train, Devo, Vance Joy, Ziggy Marley, 4 Non Blondes, Michelle Branch, Blind Melon, Burning Spear and Marcy Playground, with a special set performed by O.A.R. and Friends.

The festival returns to Ocean City’s Inlet beach with more than 40 artists performing across three stages throughout the weekend. The entire lineup, and additional information, can be found at www.oceanscallingfestival.com. Ticket sales begin

See FESTIVAL Page 14

On Saturday, the festivities continue with performances by Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Good Charlotte, Modest Mouse, Jack’s Mannequin, Collective Soul, En Vogue, Franz Ferdinand, Natasha Bedingfield, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mat Kearney, Wheatus, Bumpin Uglies and Rachel Ana Dobken.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Oceans Calling promoter C3 Presents announced the official lineup for this year’s festival. More than 40 artists will perform throughout the fall weekend.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Acting police chief optimistic about summer hiring process

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) Ocean City police leaders say they’re optimistic about hitting recruitment goals ahead of the first summer in 125 years without a seasonal officer program.

Officer recruiting is getting into full swing ahead of the summer season. The department has held informational sessions via videoconference, hosted in-person testing, and will hit up colleges and universities in the spring to scout recruits. Additional leads from lateral transfers are in the pipeline, too.

Acting Police Chief Mike Colbert at Monday’s Police Commission meeting said recruiting is consistent from last year and expressed hope about

the latest applicant crop.

“They’re not vetted in the sense that they were prior seasonal. We’re probably going to have a higher dropout rate, or a higher percentage that can’t make it through the process. But if even half of them get through the process, we’re looking at pretty decent numbers,” he said.

OCPD received 67 applications since July 1, the start of the fiscal year, for full-time police officers. Overall, 15 full-time police applicants are in the process of backgrounding.

Another 109 people applied for a seasonal civilian position, the public safety officer, or PSO; previously, the role was known as a public safety aide. A total of 33 new PSO applications are in the background stage, with another nine returning PSOs also being backgrounded, according to police.

The current OCPD roster is 111 officers, and its hiring goal for summer 2025 is 70 PSOs and 125 sworn officers. More applications are expected in the weeks to come, as college-age applicants wrap up their spring semester, according to Lt. Allen Hawk, who oversees recruiting.

“It’s almost like a landslide with the hiring of seasonal personnel, where it starts as at trickle and then it comes in full force as the backgrounds come in,” he told the Police Commission.

The hiring of seasonal police officers in Ocean City started in the year 1900, when police constable Cyrus Purnell hired two officers to help in summertime. Since then, generations of law enforcement officers from across the country got their start here as seasonals.

State law mandates that all new police hires, for any police agency, must undergo six months of academy training. However, Ocean City for decades had a work-around for that: as long as any police department can recruit 100 seasonal officers, and has 70 full-timers already on the roster, then those summer cops would be ex-

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The Ocean City Police Department is making use of the convention center digital board to advertise the department’s job openings. Police say their summer 2025 recruiting efforts are on track and they expect to have a full complement of sworn officers and seasonal aides.

2025 recruitment in full swing

empted by law from attending the full academy. OCPD would then provide seasonal cops a month of its own inhouse training.

Nationwide, recruiting numbers for police have been dwindling and OCPD is no different. Department hiring figures from Monday’s meeting showed, for 2021, there were 279 total applicants for full-time and seasonal roles. In 2022, there were 165, and in 2023, there were 133.

OCPD says they have not recruited 100 seasonals since 2015. By missing that mark, it meant OCPD’s special policy exception for academy training was no longer in play.

Next, OCPD tried hiring officers on a “provisional” basis – a policy stipulation that says police departments can employ someone for a year before they go into the full-time academy.

But new leadership on the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions eventually decreed that provisional officers are really supposed to be in training mode, not working full-time with all the responsibilities of a full-time sworn officer. The result was that state police officials formally put OCPD on notice that they could no longer have seasonal officers without hitting the 100person minimum.

Ocean City’s solution was to authorize the hiring of more full-time police officers, boosting starting officer salary from $50,000 to $58,000, and to expand its seasonal aide program. public safety officers will now round out the department’s staff to lend a hand during the summer influx.

Unlike the role of seasonal officer, PSOs are civilian positions, so they don’t have arrest powers and won’t carry a gun. But they can issue citations, help with tow trucks, direct traffic, and handle booking and fingerprinting at the police station, among other duties. PSOs also will receive a week of training, instead of a month.

“They're still going to be our presence up on the Boardwalk to keep that peace and good order,” said police spokeswoman Ashley Miller. “They can handle those municipal infractions. It's those administrativetype tasks that they can handle to allow our sworn officers to handle calls for service that may need a police presence.”

Miller added that while PSO roles are meant to bolster summer months, it’s also possible some might return in the off-season to assist with crowd-heavy special events like Oceans Calling, Bike Fest or Cruisin’ OC.

City to develop new outdoor display regulations on boards

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) In an effort to clean up visual clutter on the Boardwalk, city officials this week directed staff to develop new standards for outdoor displays.

Following a lengthy discussion on a master plan to consolidate and revamp city signage along the Boardwalk, the Ocean City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to develop a draft ordinance on outdoor displays and to forward it to the Ocean City Planning Commission for review. Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said the changes are part of a series of revisions that began last year.

“If everyone remembers, last year in June, we did adopt the enforcement ordinance that gave us revised enforcement standards we could use when interacting with these outdoor display merchants, so we do have

that enforcement mechanism,” he told the council. “Now we need to look at the overall ordinance for outdoor displays, and having a year to talk with OCDC, talk with some of the merchants, talk with our enforcement agents, we came to the conclusion that we really need to kind of tear down what we have. We're going to redo it, to just make it easier to enforce, easier for the merchants to understand, and to make it just a clear, concise way to take away some of the clutter that's out there.”

Last year, at the beginning of the summer, the council adopted an emergency ordinance that set stronger enforcement procedures for outdoor displays located on the Boardwalk. The change included a six-step enforcement procedure with increasing fines and penalties for Boardwalk merchants who violated

See ORDINANCE Page 15

Festival set for Sept. 26-28

Continued from Page 10

Friday, Feb. 14, with presale beginning at 10 a.m. and public on-sale beginning at 11 a.m. for any remaining tickets.

In addition to the music, Oceans Calling celebrates the return of chef Robert Irvine alongside culinary stars Michael Voltaggio, Brian Voltaggio, and Anne Burrell, who will all be presenting cooking demos hosted by Jason Biggs.

Festivalgoers will also have access to the Ocean City Boardwalk and businesses within the festival footprint, as well as Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, as admission

will be included with the purchase of an Oceans Calling ticket.

Since last fall, town officials and C3 Presents have been at work behind the scenes preparing for the third iteration of Oceans Calling, which has sold out the last two years. However, this year’s festival will be one of three that the promoter will host in downtown Ocean City in 2025. In addition to Oceans Calling, plans are in place for the inaugural Boardwalk Rock musical festival in May, featuring national rock artists, and Country Calling, featuring national country artists, in October.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Officials are looking to clean up outdoor displays on the Boardwalk through a new set of regulations. One proposal is to do away with mounted displays above a door frame, like the one pictured above.

Ordinance to go before planners

the rules of their outdoor display permit.

However, staff at the time made it clear that they would review the ordinance’s success at the end of the summer and come back to the council with a more comprehensive rewrite of the outdoor display ordinance later in the year.

And on Tuesday, staff did just that, presenting an outline of proposed revisions.

Bendler said the new code being proposed would include the elimination of mannequins and provisions that ensure a merchant’s outdoor displays do not encroach on neighboring stores, the Boardwalk, or on utility poles, benches and signs.

“We have them placing stuff over their pylons, over their fences. We have stuff hanging over the town's right-of-way,” he explained. “We're trying to get them to stay within the bounds of the property and not be on the town’s right-of-way.”

Bendler also addressed outdoor displays facing the side streets, and presented a new formula for the number of freestanding and wallmounted displays allowed outside of a merchant’s store. That formula, he added, would be based on the width of the storefront rather than a percentage of the storefront.

“That way when an officer goes out

there, you’re not doing trigonometry to figure out the whole intent of this,” he explained. “You can go, ‘One, two, three, OK you're good.’”

Bendler added that the code would also prohibit open umbrellas and feather flags, but encourage decorative amenities, including plants and benches.

“That decorative functional amenity would not be anything that is an advertisement or something for sale,” he said.

The code would also change the type of A-frame signs allowed as an outdoor display, as well as prohibit the outdoor practice of henna tattoo and hair wrap services and mounted displays above the door frame.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to have staff develop an ordinance to bring to the city’s planning commission for a public hearing. When asked if the Ocean City Development Corporation supported the change, Executive Director Zach Bankert said it did.

“We've been working hand in hand together on this,” he replied. “We are taking this to our Boardwalk committee on Thursday, and I'm really happy with the progress that we made so far. I think it makes a lot of sense what we're proposing here, and I think it’s doable as well.”

Officials ‘frustrated’ over sports site process

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) Progress has stalled on Ocean City’s planned sports complex, along with half a million dollars in state funding, because resort leaders haven’t decided yet on a location for the ambitious project.

Three potential sites for a youth sports complex in Worcester County have been vetted and appraised, but each also comes with its own headaches, according to Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development. He gave an update at Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting at the convention center.

The “wheels are in motion,” Per-

lozzo told the committee members, with the hiring of both an operator and an architect.

“We’re just missing one key component at the moment: we need a place to put it. So, we’re kind of stuck in third gear. We’re ready to roll if we can get a consensus on the location,” Perlozzo said.

“We’re trying,” he added with a sigh. “That’s all I’m gonna say. We’re very frustrated.”

City Manager Terry McGean said the project needs, at minimum, a 100acre site near a highway and within 10 miles of the resort. The land doesn’t necessarily need to have active water and sewer service, but for a parcel to

work, the city would need to be able to get water and sewer access, McGean added.

The design stage of the project comes with an $850,000 budget. Of that, $500,000 is coming from a grant administered by the state’s Department of General Services. However, the state won’t release that money until the city has a site selected, according to McGean.

“Right now, honestly, we’re treading water. Every one we have [considered] has a significant obstacle,” McGean told the Tourism Commission. “The Stadium Authority calls me about every week (to ask) what’s going on. I tell ‘em, ‘I think we’re close on this

one,’ then, ‘well, not close enough.’”

Resort leaders have had a sports complex on their wish list for years, in an effort to capture a share of the lucrative youth sports travel market. Ocean City has struck an 80/20 funding partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority to pay for this project, which by some estimates may cost about $30 million.

At approximately 147,000 square feet, the indoor portion of the sports complex would include courts for basketball and volleyball, as well as a 5,000 square foot community room. Outside, there would be fields for lacrosse, baseball, and softball and

See RESORT Page 18

Ocean City’s Tourism Commission met Feb. 10 to discuss ongoing challenges with the process to acquire property for the proposed sports complex.

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

City modifies event fees for local nonprofits

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) Holding a local nonprofit event in Ocean City will become cheaper after city officials this week voted to modify some of its private event fees.

Last year, the Ocean City Council adopted a new fee structure for private events held within the resort. On Tuesday, however, the council agreed to modify certain fees that apply to Worcester County nonprofits.

“As many of you recall, it was about a year ago we came in front of you to get all of our private event fees approved. It was the first change that we had since 2014, so about a decade,”

Special Events Director Frank Miller said. “What we’re bringing to you today is a request to make a modification to those private event fees. It’s a small modification, but it’s important. It’s related to our local Worcester Countybased nonprofits. It is a small handful but for them, they did see the largest increase based on the fees that were approved about a year ago.”

City staff report that local nonprofit events are typically smaller and generate less revenue. And after years of being charged nominal fees, the nonprofits felt the new fee structure was an “unjustified” cost increase.

To that end, staff proposed a reduction in the city’s space use fees to $100

for county-based nonprofits, regardless of when the event takes place. The change would reduce fees for the Jesus at the Beach by $1,200 and fees for the ESA Surf Series by $2,000, to name a few examples.

“This will help alleviate a lot of concerns over those costs that are coming from within the town as well as from the organizations themselves,” Miller said.

However, the application fee will remain the same, as well as fee structures for larger, Tier 3 and Tier 4 events. All fees for out-of-county nonprofits and for-profits will not change, as well as labor and equipment incentives for out-of-season nonprofit events.

Councilman John Gehrig, however,

said he wanted the city to use the recreation and parks department’s facility fee, should an organization choose to host an event at a city park.

“In a recent rec and park committee meeting on Monday, as part of the budget process, we reviewed fees for rec and park facilities …,” he explained. “Part of that is special event fees and renting of parks. So I’d like those fees to be separate than the beach or Inlet parking lot or anything like that. Those fees would apply for that fee schedule.”

If a private event applicant wanted to use the 3rd Street Park, for example, Gehrig said he wanted recreation and parks fees to apply, rather than the town’s special event fees.

“Closing a park is a bigger deal than

with the beach,” he said.

Miller said that is how the city operated in the past and would continue to operate moving forward.

“When we have a private event come to us with an application that involves the use of park space, managed by our recreational and parks department, we do ask them to complete an application for the recreational and parks department and the fee related to the park space itself – park or field – does run through them, not through us,” Miller replied. “So we don’t charge a space use fee on those particular opportunities.”

With that said, the council voted 60, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the fee changes as presented.

Resort reviewing 3 potential sites

Continued from Page 16

soccer.

McGean said three sites are shortlisted for the project — a site immediately adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School on Route 50, another site to the west of the high school, and another one to the north off Route 113.

The national architectural firm CannonDesign has been retained to evaluate the costs and infrastructure

needs at each site. “They’re ready to go,” he said of the design firm.

Since it was first proposed in 2022, the Decatur site has faced intense opposition from neighbors in Berlin who aren’t wild about having a major tourism facility in their backyard. As for the other two sites, McGean declined to go into details because they are still subject to potential private real estate transactions.

A more specific description of possible locations was made public by the Maryland Stadium Authority last summer during a request-for-proposals period.

Those sites named included the original 95-acre Decatur property; a 150-acre parcel roughly two-and-ahalf miles west of the Decatur site off Route 50; and a 147-acre parcel near the intersection of Routes 113 and 589.

Fire chief asks OC council to reclassify admin roles

Officials agrees to create two new deputy chief roles amid OCFD “restructuring”

By

Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) A change is coming within the Ocean City Fire Department as city officials this week agreed to a restructuring.

As part of a quarterly update, Fire Chief Richie Bowers on Tuesday presented the Ocean City Council with a plan to restructure the Ocean City Fire Department. He said personnel changes will allow for a more efficient department.

“I believe we’ve reached the point in our fire and EMS career department that we need to restructure some,” he said. “And I think unequivocally right now, what I’d like to communicate to the council is we need to optimize the continuity of the administration and operations for the fire department.”

Bowers told council members this week that he had recently met with the city manager, the budget manager and fire department command staff, as well as the city’s human resources director, about restructuring. As part of that effort, he told officials he was seeking their support to reclassify an assistant chief position into a deputy chief position.

“So I’ll have a deputy chief in administration and a deputy chief in operations,” he explained. “Then all the duties and responsibilities associated with each of those would then be supported by assignments, by the battalion chiefs, and then down as far as lieutenants.”

Bowers said the change was the result of a growing number of career and volunteer personnel. While acknowledging that growth was a good thing, he said it also came with additional demands, on both administration and operations.

“So restructuring is essential to the department – without question – and the community,” he said. “And one of the things that’s very important that I want the council to know, and the city manager knows, is this restructuring is cost neutral.”

As part of the restructuring, Bowers said roles and responsibilities will be better defined and would reduce the amount of overlap for certain responsibilities. He said the restructuring would also improve communications across all three of the department’s divisions and up and down the chain of command.

“That’s probably the most, or one of the most, important things that this will do,” he said.

For his part, City Manager Terry McGean told the council this week he was seeking their approval to reclassify the assistant chief position.

“What I need the vote on is the change from the assistant chief position to creating the second deputy fire chief position,” he said. “I support the chief’s goal in doing this. I think as his department has grown, particularly the administrative side has become more time consuming. I think the split is similar to how the police department operates, where you have a captain in charge of basically, in the police department’s case, patrol. In this case, it’s akin to operations. And then you have a second captain assigned to administration that holds those responsibilities … It’s brought to you all because it’s a change in a position that I need the council’s approval for.”

When questioned how the restructuring would be cost neutral, McGean said the savings would be found in the upcoming retirement of Assistant Chief Eric Peterson.

“It is cost neutral because Chief Peterson is currently in the upper edge of his pay scale and the person filling that would be at the lower range in that pay scale …,” he explained. “You’ll have that savings for years to come, but in the long run, it will be a cost increase.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to move forward with the fire department restructuring. Fire department command staff this week also presented the council with an update on part-time hiring, as well as overtime, for the fourth quarter of 2024. While contractual overtime and overtime related to workers compensation and no parttime availability had decreased, the chief noted that overtime related to callouts had increased.

“That’s one of the things that’s very difficult for us to get our arms around and manage,” he said.

When asked what the department contributed its callouts to, Battalion Chief Derrick Simpson said it was a result of sickness and personal time.

“December, we had the personal time crunch,” he explained. “Everybody’s burning their 16 hours before the end of the year.”

Bowers agreed.

“We do have managing controls in place, but we also have a collective bargaining agreement that we have to honor and manage …,” he added. “There are amounts of leave that personnel are afforded, and it’s a benefit. In order for them to use that, they have to use it before their anniversary date or the end of the year.”

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Senator seeking child custody law changes

Per proposed legislation, a custody evaluator must be properly trained in trauma

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) When Annie Kenny discovered that her ex-husband was abusing her eldest daughter, it took four years in family court to get a no-contact order from a judge.

“Our case involved complex issues of child sexual abuse, grooming, signs of childhood trauma, and the longterm effects of trauma on children, just to name a few,” Kenny told state lawmakers last month. “But not a single individual in the courtroom during our numerous hearings was trained on any of these topics.”

Kenney, of Mechanicsville, shared her story on Jan. 28 before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, where lawmakers were considering legislation to mandate specialized training for child custody evaluators.

Primary sponsor Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said the measure, Senate Bill 25, will support the safety and wellbeing of children involved in custody proceedings that may involve domestic violence and child abuse allegations.

In a contested custody or visitation case, Maryland judges may appoint a custody evaluator to assess the best interests of a child. Carozza’s bill says those evaluators must be licensed and board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical therapists, or certified social workers.

The text of the bill also says evaluators must have training, knowledge, and experience in the areas of domestic violence, child neglect and abuse, the impact of trauma, the dynamics of family conflict, child and adult de-

velopment, and the impact of divorce and separation on children and adults.

This year marks the fifth consecutive legislative session that Carozza (R-28, Worcester) has introduced some version of the bill in Annapolis. On each attempt, the bill died in committee.

Carozza says her efforts failed in part because members of the state judiciary have hurt the measure with unfavorable feedback – because judges would rather self-govern, she says, and not have the legislature dictate policy through laws.

“When we think about the many qualifications and training bills that this Maryland General Assembly has passed into law over the years,” Carozza said at the hearing, “yet we have not put this into law – dealing with our most precious responsibility and resource, our children. I believe we as legislators have a moral obligation. It is simply long overdue.”

The issue arose in 2019 after a bipartisan group of legislators convened to study custody proceedings. One goal was to update a regulation regarding the appointment or approval by a person to perform a child custody evaluation.

Their findings, published in 2020, showed that courts follow the recommendations of the custody evaluation in more than 90% of cases, according to Carozza.

After listening to parents, advocates, and legal experts over the past five years, “there is a distinct need for custody evaluators to have consistent qualifications and training before being appointed or approved to one of these most sensitive court cases,” Carozza said.

“That time,” she added, “is forever lost by not having these child protections in place.”

At her bill hearing, Carozza made her case with statistics: An estimated 58,000 children nationwide are court-ordered into visitation or custody with a dangerous parent. In Maryland alone, 21 youths were reported killed as a result of situations involving divorce, separation, custody visitation, child support or court-involvement between 2008 and 2023.

Other testimony came from Hera McLeod. Her child’s father was convicted of homicide in connection with the 2012 death of their 15-month-old son, Prince. The boy died by drowning during an unsupervised visitation that had been granted by a family court judge.

“My son came home to me in a body bag,” she told legislators in 2022.

Carozza said the man’s attorney was able to get a child custody evaluator’s testimony thrown out of court because of a lack of training specific to child abuse. If the custody evaluator had been properly trained, Carozza argued, “Hera’s case most likely would have had a different outcome and Prince would be alive today.”

Additional testimony came from court reform advocate Tina Swithin. She said custody evaluators wield incredible influence over children’s lives, yet their training and expertise varies widely and “often falls short, leading to inconsistent and dangerous outcomes.”

“It’s fundamental that anyone making decisions that impacts a child’s life has training in domestic violence, child neglect, abuse, and trauma. This is common sense. We need to raise the bar when it comes to the safety of our children,” Swithin said.

In 2022, the legislature passed a bill requiring training for judges and

magistrates presiding over child custody cases involving child abuse and domestic violence. Carozza says “it only makes sense” that custody evaluators would require the same kind of training.

Proposed pullover law controversial with police groups

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) Local law enforcement honchos say they’re not happy with a proposal in Annapolis that outlaws a police officer pulling over a driver for minor infractions like a busted headlight, expired registration, or missed turn signal.

Those and other now-primary reasons for a traffic stop would be relegated to secondary violations under legislation now pending in the Maryland General Assembly. It means police action on a secondary infraction would only be legal after an officer has already detained a driver for a suspected violation of another offense.

Traffic violations relegated to secondary enforcement under the bills would include driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without evidence of registration, improper turning or stopping, wheel-spinning, excessive noisemaking, or driving in a bus lane.

The legislation, cross-filed under Senate Bill 292 and House Bill 635, also says if a police officer doesn’t comply with the rule, then evidence obtained in a traffic stop may be inadmissible in court. It also says noncompliance would be grounds for disciplinary action.

Bill looks to restrict causes for traffic stops

Sen. Charles Sydnor (D-44, Baltimore) is the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 292. He was inspired to draft the legislation after a “distressing experience” being pulled over for a moving violation with his family in the car. It led him to pursue recommendations on more equitable policing.

“This particular officer was harsh. He was condescending. I felt as though he was attempting to emasculate me in front of my wife and girls. For what? Driving too slow in the left lane,” he shared in testimony Jan. 28 before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. “Not only did this unnecessary interaction have no public safety purpose, but it made my entire family feel unsafe.”

Sydnor also shared that Black drivers in Baltimore County were 73% more likely to be stopped by county police than white drivers, based on 2018 data. The data also showed Black drivers were more likely to have their vehicle searched during a traffic stop, according to Sydnor.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli in a statement posted to social media called the legislation “another attempt for Maryland Legislators to limit the ability of law

enforcement officers to effectively shield our communities from danger and lawlessness.”

“If these dangerous bills pass, it will limit the ability of law enforcement officers to effectively keep our streets and communities safe,” Crisafulli wrote Monday.

Crisafulli penned a letter to the legislature expressing his opposition, saying, “… reducing law enforcement engagement in traffic enforcement may lead to increased reckless driving, impaired driving and other traffic-related offenses that endanger innocent motorists and pedestrians. This legislation would effectively weaken the safeguards of our Maryland communities. This type of legislation is dangerous.”

Such a law might have a chilling effect on how his officers enforce traffic laws, according to acting Police Chief Mike Colbert.

“A lot of our enforcement comes through stopping cars without – with a headlight out, you know, taillights out. Besides being unsafe and some other issues, then we can (be) able to find other things wrong with them,” he told members of the Police Commission at Monday’s meeting.

“I don't know how having an unregistered motor vehicle becomes a secondary. I just don't understand

that. I mean, you see a guy's tags, and it's, like, three years since they renewed it. And you gotta look for something else,” Colbert added.

State Police also would be impacted by the bill. While a supervisor with the Berlin Barrack of the Maryland State Police declined to comment directly when reached by telephone this week, the Maryland Department of State Police (DSP) seems to have taken a position.

“DSP notes it will advise its troopers to stop making traffic stops because of the risk of administrative sanctions, including termination,” according to a state legislative analysis of the measure. “While DSP did not provide statistics, the bill may preclude an appreciable number of DSP traffic stops.”

On the policy side, pushback is

also coming from the Maryland Municipal League, where Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan serves on the group’s Legislative Committee.

“We took a position to oppose the bill,” Meehan said during Monday’s Police Commission meeting. “It’s a public safety issue in a lot of ways. I mean, people are driving around without headlights – how is that safe for everybody else? How does that work? None of it. Just from that simple, practical point of view, it doesn’t make any sense.”

If passed, the measure is not likely to impact Ocean City’s Special Events Zone – a tool for resort police carved out by lawmakers in 2018 specifically for a rowdy annual gathering of gearheads –because a traffic charge of “exhibition driving” isn’t mentioned as a secondary offense, according to Colbert.

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Ex-gymnastics coach pleads guilty in child abuse case

Staff member at Berlin facility takes plea deal to reckless endangerment

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) A former gymnastics coach has plead guilty to reckless endangerment for his role in an incident that occurred at the Berlin Activities Depot last summer.

Last September, Lionel Evans, now 58, of Princess Anne, was indicted in Worcester County Circuit Court on charges of second-degree child abuse, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment, all stemming from a child abuse investigation at the Berlin Activities Depot last summer. And on Tuesday, Judge Brian Shockley sentenced Evans to 18 months, all but one day of which was suspended, for a guilty plea he had entered on the charge of reckless endangerment.

“This was one incident where Mr. Lionel went out to discipline a child and it went too far,” Thomas Maronick Jr., Evans’s attorney, told the judge this week.

Last August, Berlin police launched an investigation after the parent of a four-year-old attending the Berlin Activities Depot reported an incident that occurred at the facility’s playground on Aug. 13. The parent told officers Evans, a gymnastics coach at the Berlin Activities Depot, had grabbed his child by the back of his neck, leaving a red mark, scratches and bruising. The parent said his child was not listening and had run away from Evans on the playground.

Police report that footage obtained from the Berlin Activities Depot showed the child running toward the playground equipment and Evans chasing after him. According to charging documents, Evans grabbed the child by the back of the neck, and the child fell to the ground. Police said Evans was also seen “forcefully grabbing the child’s right upper arm and lifting him to his feet.”

“Our center remains committed to providing the highest standard of care for your children,” a message sent out last year reads. “We are continuously evaluating and improving our practices to ensure we meet and exceed all safety and care requirements set forth by the state of Maryland for childcare.”

In court this week, Assistant State’s Attorney Pam Correa said the parents of the victim were adamant that Evans was not the only culpable party. She argued the facility had violated the family’s privacy by allowing “viewing parties” of the incident, and had failed to inform the family of the incident.

“Their child was assaulted and no one even told them,” she said.

Correa also noted that Evans was not typically tasked with supervising a young age group, as he was a gymnastics coach that worked with teenagers. The victim’s mother also detailed what she believed to be the facility’s mishandling of the situation.

“Mr. Lionel was put in the wrong place at the wrong time because of mismanagement of staff,” she said.

Maronick said his client acknowledged his wrongdoing and took accountability for his actions by entering a guilty plea. He asked, however, that the court grant probation before justice. He argued a conviction would hurt his career prospects.

“He’s going to struggle to find a job, struggle to find employment,” he said.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s plea hearing, Shockley sentenced Evans to 18 months, with all but one day suspended. However, Evans will receive credit for the one day he has already served in jail.

Shockley also sentenced Evans to five years of probation, during which time he will have no contact with the victim or their family and no supervision of children under the age of 12. He must also pay a fine and court costs and take an anger management course.

As a result of the investigation, Evans was arrested on the three charges, terminated from his position, and suspended from USA Gymnastics, according to his attorney. And last September, the case was forwarded from district court to circuit court as a result of a criminal indictment. Evans continued to deny the allegations last fall, and several parents and children at the Berlin Activities Depot have voiced their support for the former gymnastics coach. The incident also received a swift response from owner Carmella Solito, the facility’s owner, who invited parents to view video footage of the incident.

The judge said Evans has 90 days to request a modification of his sentence, which Maronick said his client intends to do.

“While I’m pleased that my client didn’t return to jail … I’m hopeful we’ll obtain a result that keeps it off his record,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

Evans’s arrest came on the heels of another child abuse investigation, which resulted in two former daycare workers at the Berlin facility being arrested last year.

Steve Rakow, the attorney representing the facility and its owner, Carmella Solito, declined to comment on claims made against the Berlin Activities Depot in court this week.

Conditional use would allow more escape rooms

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) A conditional use request could allow the operators of local escape rooms to develop a new location in the city’s local commercial district.

On Feb. 4, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use request from Asiya Abdrakhmanova and Ekaterina Golub, principals of Maze Games LLC, to permit new escape rooms at 8001 Coastal Highway. The business, to be located within one of the interior units of the strip center, will differ from other escape rooms the company operates within the resort.

“We’re going to build at least three new rooms,” Abdrakhmanova said. “This is a good opportunity for people to escape the beach, for at least an hour. It’s a very good rainy day activity, which we are lacking.”

Abdrakhmanova said Maze Games has operated in Ocean City since 2018, when it opened what is believed to be the first escape rooms in the state of Maryland. Since then, she noted, the industry has grown, to the point where customers are now seeking new escape room experiences. As proposed, the new escape rooms at 80th Street would feature kid-friendly themes.

For her part, Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said the applicant was seeking a conditional use permit to operate the business in the LC-1 local commercial district. She said the proposed location was surrounded by retail and restaurants.

“The reason they have to come is this use is not specifically mentioned in our zoning code,” she told the commission. “And in the LC-1, we do have the ability to bring it forward as a use that the Mayor and Council may approve in keeping with uses specifically permitted in the LC-1 district. And this has been successful with our proprietors here and others in the past.”

Gordy also noted that the project was code compliant with parking, as well as with the city’s comprehensive plan.

“It is a use that has been permitted successfully many times in the past,” she said, “with this specific business and many others in Ocean City.”

Gordy said staff recommended approving the conditional use request with certain conditions, including that the games are appropriate for families and friends group, that there be no locking mechanism on interior doors, and that video monitors be installed and in constant use, among other things.

The commission voted unanimously to support the conditional use request. Once the commission adopts its findings of fact, the request will advance to the Ocean City Council for final approval.

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Changes in store at Berlin’s disc golf course

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) Ahead of a disc golf tournament next month, the Berlin Town Council approved changes to the course at Stephen Decatur Park to improve pedestrian safety and appeal to beginners.

Eastbound Disc Golf representatives came before the Berlin Mayor and Council at the body’s Monday, Feb. 10 meeting to request modifications to the Stephen Decatur Park course in anticipation of the event.

These changes will include an improved design that focuses on safety for pedestrians and non-disc golf park goers.

“The general idea behind the reorganization of the layout is focused on the crossing of pedestrian walking paths,” Eastbound Project Manager Taylor Hubbard said. “Right now, the course has a

few that are probably a little too close, being a danger to people walking on the path. We have never had an issue that I’m aware of…but this plan makes it safer for the community.”

Hubbard said that the new layout ensures that a disc golf player only crosses a path when they’re throwing the frisbee instead of where the frisbee is landing.

“You have the most control when you’re throwing the frisbee versus 100, 200 feet away where it’s landing where someone could be walking across the corner,” the project manager said. “This new layout proposal gets rid of a lot of blind shots and a lot of blind walking paths. You have a full view of the path the entire time.”

The new design will see the repositioning of three current baskets and the rearranging of tee pads, where disc golfers begin a hole. Hubbard maintains that the

alterations “follow the general layout of the old course with just a few modifications.”

According to Hubbard, hole two will be cut in half, creating two different holes to “reduce any cross of the walking path.” Hole four is to be moved slightly to avoid again crossing the path. Holes six and seven are where the “major moves” will occur. These locations heavily cross main paths, so hole six will be shifted to only cross where the tee pad is. Hole seven, which the project manager said was the biggest complaint hole, will not cross any paths upon the redesign’s completion.

“Overall, the goal was to take the design and make it something that was shorter, more beginner friendly, and flowed better with both disc golfers and pedestrians not having to wait on the other group,” Eastbound President Shawn Johnson said.

The Berlin Town Council approved the changes, and officials were happy with the proposed modifications.

“Course layout is beneficial to walkers and players and makes it safer for everyone,” Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said.

Eastbound Disc Golf will also apply new blue vinyl wraps to the metal bands along the top of the disc golf baskets. The group’s representatives argued that this enhancement would “provide better wayfinding for disc golfers by presenting the proper number for each hole” and improve the course’s aesthetics.

During Monday’s presentation, Eastbound Disc Golf shared usage data with the council courtesy of the UDisc app, which players use to keep score and also navigate courses new to them. In 2024, 997 total rounds were logged on the app for the park with 210 of the rounds reported as first-time players to the course. In 2023, 1,213 total rounds were reported with 258 being first-time course users.

The course redesign will be finished in time for Eastbound’s tournament on March 1, Double Dip Double Dash. The morning portion will take place in Ocean Pines, and the afternoon segment will kick off at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin. The event will welcome teams of two and will not exceed 36 total players. Participants will switch parks between rounds, with the first segment at Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m., the games begin at 9:30 a.m., and activities conclude around 11:30 a.m. Players will then head to Stephen Decatur Park for the afternoon tournament session. Sign-in starts around noon, and the second round will begin at 1 p.m.

The tournament will have a $70 entry fee per team. As Eastbound is a nonprofit organization, the event is not generating revenue for the group. Hubbard emphasized at the council’s Monday, Jan. 27 meeting when the organization sought a special event permit that Eastbound was not profiting from the game series.

“It’s a net negative total tournament, so there is no actual money going to the organization,” Hubbard said.

STUDENT PAGE IN ANNAPOLIS

Stephen Decatur High School Senior Evan Todd, the Worcester County Page Representative for the Maryland General Assembly, spent one week recently in Annapolis engaging with elected leaders, helping maintain bill books, running errands, delivering messages for members and assisting visitors as they navigate the Maryland State House. Todd will serve an additional week as a Maryland Page in March. Todd is pictured with Senator Mary Beth Carozza last week.

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Festival to feature 100-plus screenings in Ocean City

(Feb. 14, 2025) Passes are now on sale for the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival, a production of the Art League of Ocean City, coming to resort theaters and venues March 6-9. Major sponsors for the festival include the Town of Ocean City and the State of Maryland Film Office.

Over four days, the festival will screen more than 100 independent films, both locally made and from around the world, including short films and feature-length movies. The entire Film Festival program for 2025 is available to view at OCMDFilmFestival.com, where passes are available for purchase. Prices are $125 for a 4-day pass that includes access to all the films, parties, and extra events. Day passes are also available: Thursday, $35; Friday, $40;

Saturday, $40; and Sunday, $20.

The four-day and Sunday passes include admission to Sunday’s March 9th screening of the film “The Biggest Little Farm” at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. The film was directed and produced by two Ocean City natives, John Chester and Erica Cramer Messer, who have gone on to be successful in the film industry. They will be live on stage during the screening, commenting on their roles in the film and sharing backstage stories. The pair will introduce and show trailers of their new TV series based on the movie. Tickets for The Biggest Little Farm only are also available at the door for $25, and children 14 and under are free with a paid adult.

“We are honored to welcome home John and Erica as the headliners for the 2025 OC Film Fest,” Rina Thaler, Executive Director of the festival and the Art League, said. “The entire festival is a great opportunity for film lovers to watch never-before-seen films, including locally-created movies, and mingle with the filmmakers and film crews. We invite you to come on inside our warm theaters and out of the chilly March weather to enjoy the creativity of film and celebrate with your neighbors.”

Resort oceanfront and bayfront hotels are offering special rates to festival goers, starting at $59 per night.

“Make it a weekend. Traveling to Ocean City is incredibly affordable this time of year, even more now that our hotel sponsors are offering festival attendees discounted rates,” B.L. Strang-Moya, creative director of the festival, said. “These are waterfront rooms in major hotels that are booked solid in the summer season.”

The Film Festival is an annual production of the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City. The festival receives broad support from the Town of Ocean City, The State of Maryland Film Office, and the Ocean City community. The event is organized by Film Festival Director and Towson University alumnus Strang-Moya.

The 9th year of the festival will showcase independent films in multiple genres at iconic Ocean City venues including Flagship Cinemas in West Ocean City, Gold Coast Theaters in Ocean City, Morley Hall at Seacrets, Ashore Resort Hotel, Cambria Hotel, Dough Roller 41st. St., and the Performing Arts Center. Happy Jack’s Pancake House and Papi’s Tacos in Ocean City and The Stoke in West Ocean City will host conversations and after-parties.

Short films are packaged into showcases so viewers can attend their preferences. The festival will screen 15 documentary and 10 narrative films of feature length.

Information about the festival, including a list of films, parties, and events is available at OCMdFilmFestival.com. The films have not been rated, and some feature adult content.

Volunteers Lori Rudolph and Natalie Boutin, shown with the OC Film Festival 'bots, helped keep the 2024 festival running smoothly.

Optimists Club brings 42nd annual boat show to resort

(Feb. 14, 2025) The Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club is hosting the 42nd Seaside Boat Show at the Ocean City Convention Center this weekend, beginning Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16. The event is expected to draw in roughly 15,000 boating enthusiasts.

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

Expected sellers include All-Star Marine from Baltimore, Bass Pro Shops from Hanover, Bayside Jet Drive from Berlin, Danny’s Marine from East New Market, Advanced Marine from Ocean City, First State Detailer from Selbyville, Flowers Reclaimed from Pittsville, and Chesapeake Bay Brooks from Pocomoke. Additional Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York businesses will also attend. The complete list can be found on the official Seaside Boat Show website.

Known as the “Boat Show that Works for Kids,” 100% of the event’s profits go toward helping and advocating for children. The proceeds allow the Optimist Club to sponsor Berlin and Snow Hill Little Leagues, an oratorical contest, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts.

The boat show’s earnings help to provide monetary support for students pursuing higher education. Since the Optimist’s founding in 1972, the organization has provided over $3 million in scholarships.

A primary part of the event’s fundraising success is the door raffle, where visitors can score a pontoon boat and motor donated by Scott and Mary McCurdy of North Bay Marina, who have contributed the award for 38 years. Everyone who purchases a

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

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Freeman Pavilion releases first slate of summer shows

(Feb. 14, 2025) With more than 70 performances in its 2025 season, Freeman Arts Pavilion recently announced the first set of performances in this summer season lineup.

The outdoor venue — a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a fundraising arts nonprofit located in Selbyville — will present its 18th season with a mix of live music, dance, theatre and children’s performances.

Headlining performances include Blood, Sweat & Tears on May 31; Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on June 1; Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ on June 7; David Foster and Chris Botti featuring Katharine McPhee on June 13; Brothers Osborne on June 26; Pure Prairie League, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Orleans and Firefall on June 29; The Beach Boys on July 2; Buddy Guy on July 10; The Wallflowers on July 15; Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons on July 18; Kevin Cronin Band on July 22; country music artist Sam Hunt on July 24; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on July 26; Foreigner on Aug. 4; acapella group Straight No Chaser on Aug. 7; Andy Grammer on Aug. 2; Lake Street Dive on Sept. 4; and Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas on Sept. 14.

Crowd favorites, who will once again grace the stage, include Almost Queen:

A Tribute to Queen who will kick off the season on May 30; Hollywood Nights: A Bob Seger Experience on June 6; Eaglemania — The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band on June 14; 287th Army Band: “The Governor’s Own,” on July 3; Yächtley Crëw: Seas The Night Tour on July 19; Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on July 23; The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Aug. 8 and First State Ballet on Aug. 27.

Additional performances also include An Evening with The Music School of Delaware’s Youth Symphony Orchestra and Esteemed Faculty on June 12; Elevate Vocal Arts presents Lift Every Voice on June 19; Sons of Mystro on June 27; So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary on July 5; and Pink Martini featuring China Forbes on July 30.

Public on-sale begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at freemanarts.org.

Performances will continually be announced as shows are confirmed, said Patti Grimes, executive director.

“We are thrilled to present another season filled with exceptional performances that bring our community together,” she said. “With a diverse lineup of world-class artists, we are delighted to offer an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages to enjoy.”

As an arts nonprofit, Freeman Arts offers performances for all ages to enjoy with the support of the local community, including its Season Sponsors, who include Sara Chase

Carlson of Sodoka, Inc., Schell Brothers, TideHealth, The Armstrong Family and The Eugenio Family. For more information, visit freemanarts.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Buddy Guy, who is slated to appear July 10, was among the featured performers announced this week at the Freeman Arts Pavilion.

Sisson grateful for lessons learned as cadet

By Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company member Braden Sisson, whose journey from cadet to firefighter exemplifies the opportunities available to young people interested in the fire service.

A 2023 homeschool graduate, Sisson’s path to firefighting began while taking Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) classes during his high school years. His introduction to OCVFC came through a transformative experience at a cadet camp in August 2022. “The Ocean City cadets hosted a three-day camp, and I got to make friends with some of the other cadets,” Sisson recalls. “When it came to the last

day of camp, I was asked if I would like to join. Later that night, I filled out their application.”

Joining the cadet program in October 2022, Sisson quickly rose to the position of Vice President. His dedication and hard work led to his advancement to probationary firefighter in August 2023, and he achieved full firefighter status in August 2024. During his probationary period, he earned his Firefighter 2 certification, demonstrating his commitment to professional development.

One of Sisson’s most profound experiences came during a recent commercial structure fire in Berlin on Jan. 29.

“My crew was assigned to help with fire attack on the first floor,” he shares. “Roughly 30 minutes at work trying to

contain the fire, my crew had an extremely close call. While my crew was inside, the roof collapsed with very little warning. Thankfully, everyone was just outside of the collapse. This really showed me how much of a brother/sisterhood this really is and how much we have each other’s back and that we never leave a person behind.”

As a participant in the live-in program at Fire Station 5, Sisson appreciates the unique opportunities OCVFC provides. “Being able to be a live-in and being able to get right on the road when the bell rings - it’s very rewarding knowing I’m going to be one of the first on scene to help.”

Sisson has already begun giving back to the community. While completing his Firefighter 2 certification, he and

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two classmates conducted a presentation at Ocean City Elementary School, teaching students how to call 911 in emergencies. He notes that OCVFC stays “ahead of the game with training and keeping us prepared” as Ocean City continues to evolve.

As a first-generation firefighter, Sisson particularly values the mentorship he’s received from Past Battalion Chief M. Wood and Assistant Chief M. Todd.

“I have learned many lessons from both of these gentlemen, and some go beyond just the fire service. I’m proud to have and still learn from them,” he said.

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For those considering joining the fire service, Sisson offers enthusiastic encouragement: “Give it a shot and see where it can take you. This is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, and I highly encourage everyone who has ever thought or even joked about joining. You will meet people that will turn into family and moments that turn into life stories. Joining the OCVFC is one of the best things I have ever done.”

What makes OCVFC special to Sisson is its unique setting and opportunities:

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“Being able to join the cadet program, being able to volunteer/live-in at a department right on the beach and being able to enjoy the summer with duty crews and making memories I will never forget.”

Recently, Sisson has begun his career as a firefighter with the Salisbury Fire Department, crediting OCVFC for providing opportunities that boosted his professional development.

“It has given me opportunities that no other department could give you,” he reflects.

We thank Braden for his dedication to the fire service and for exemplifying how the OCVFC cadet program can launch young people into rewarding careers in firefighting.

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

Braden Sisson

Turtle sanctuary at Northside Park set for removal

(Feb. 7, 2025) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) turtle nesting sanctuary at Northside Park will be dismantled at the site for natural reasons.

Several years ago, MCBP hosted Chesapeake Conservation Corp member Maddie Talnagi whose capstone project was to design and install terrapin nesting sanctuaries at Northside Park and the Assateague State Park Living Shoreline.

Terrapin nesting sanctuaries aim to provide a protected space for terrapins to safely nest. Both sanctuaries consisted of 22 tons of sand and marsh vegetation, strategically shaped into a shallow mound with gentle slopes to replicate the terrapin’s natural nesting habitat. The goal of the project was to encourage terrapins to nest in the sanctuary rather than the developed and unsuitable areas.

At first, both sanctuaries provided successful results with several reports of terrapins nesting. As these projects required a lot of maintenance, MCBP recruited volunteers who worked tirelessly to attempt to maintain the gardens.

Unfortunately, the site at Northside Park has become increasingly more difficult to maintain throughout the past few years due to vegetation growth on the marsh side of the project. Additionally, in the last two years, bees have burrowed into the sand of the terrapin sanctuary, making it unsafe for volunteers to maintain the site. This growth has created a blockage for turtles to access and making it virtually impossible for volunteers to be able to keep up with the maintenance.

“Northside Park is such a pristine and beautiful park, we felt this garden was becoming an eyesore and since it wasn’t providing any opportunities for our terrapins, it was time to take it down,” said MCBP Outreach Coordinator Sandi Smith. “Fortunately, the sanctuary at Assateague State Park is still functioning, but mother nature put a halt to this effort at Northside Park.”

Smith added, “Not all projects are going to be as successful as we hope, but we truly learn and grow from these projects to continue to provide undertakings to help preserve our watershed and community.”

MCBP will continue monitoring the Assateague project as well as work with partners on other terrapin projects from a mid-Atlantic survey program to a turtle cage initiative to protect nests.

BOOK SIGNING PLANNED

The public is invited to meet Anna Dolle Bushnell for a book signing at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum on Saturday March 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. "Images of America: Dolle’s Candyland, Inc Book," written by Anna Dolle Bushnell, spotlights her family’s business in Ocean City with over 200 photographs of Dolle’s 110-year existence on the Boardwalk of Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach. Books will be available for purchase from the museum store.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Briddell family recognizes Berlin leaders for support

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 13, 2025) Mayor Zack Tyndall and Berlin council members were honored this week with the Briddell Family Foundation Service Award for the body’s dedication to the small town community.

Co-founder of the foundation, Kwanza Briddell, and her father, Walter Briddell, a member of the group’s board of directors, were present at the Berlin Mayor and Council’s Monday, Feb. 10 meeting to present the recognition and update the governing body on the service foundation’s recent ongoings.

“Thank you for what you do,” Kwanza Briddell said, addressing the Berlin Town Council. “Not just for the foundation. Every year the foundation gives out several awards to people in the community, and this year we just thought it would be robbery if we did not recognize you for everything that you have been to us since our inception. So we have this award. It’s our community service award for everything that you do for the Town of Berlin. Not just for the foundation, but all of its citizens. We appreciate you.”

The Briddell Family Foundation was birthed in 2001 to help students in their pursuit of higher education.

“The Briddell Family Foundation is dedicated to strengthening our community by helping individuals on their path to higher learning,” the nonprofit’s website says. “We work to aid the community in three areas of focus: humanitarianism, benevolence, education and scholarship gifts. The mission of the Briddell Family Foundation is to help students reach a level of success that will aid them in their academic career and beyond.”

The organization offers two scholarships, including the George and Martha Briddell Legacy Scholarship, which was established in 2001 to “assist descendants of George and Martha Briddell as they further their education.” The group also sponsors a Community Scholarship, created in 2021. The scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing full-time enrollment in a college, university or technical school. Both financial gifts are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, demonstrated leadership skills, and community service.

While the start of the organization was humble, giving away less than $200 via their scholarship fund, Briddell maintained the foundation’s aid has grown by “leaps and bounds.” This year alone, the foundation offered approximately $3,400 in scholarships.

“In addition to that, we reached six schools in the continental United States and two in Ghana,” Briddell said. “With that, we were able to do $1,500 in literacy grants to those students.

Through those six schools, we reach over 3,000 students and we give out books to all of them on their birthdays, brand new books.”

The co-founder said that the group also hosts altruistic events in the Berlin area each year, primarily to benefit students. One such program is the Backto-School Movie Night. The foundation welcomes students and their families to enjoy a film on the Henry Park lawn, offering popcorn, pizza, refreshments and school supplies free to all students. The event has been going on for about four years now. Briddell said that with leadership support, it has grown since its conception.

“Your faith in us has not gone unused,” the co-founder said, addressing the Berlin Town Council.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA GORFINKEL

During this week’s meeting at Town Hall, representatives of the Briddell Family Foundation presented a recognition award to Mayor Zack Tyndall and members of the Berlin council as a token of appreciation. Pictured, from left, are Walter Briddell, Council members Jay Knerr, Jack Orris, Dean Burrell and Shaneka Nichols, Kwanza J. Briddell, Mayor Zack Tyndall, Councilman Steve Green and James Allen Briddell.

Residents oppose increased racquet fees

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 13, 2025) Racquet sports players in Ocean Pines continue to oppose the transition from separate rates to a single, multi-sport membership choice and the increased prices as a result.

In an effort to increase revenue and avoid logistical headaches, Ocean Pines has opted to eliminate the various membership options and instead offer racquet players a bundled three-sport annual fee, a decision that has proven controversial with residents for at least the last three years.

At the Ocean Pines Association’s budget town hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5, Racquet Sports Director Terry Underkoffler presented the new rates with price comparisons. As proposed, the annual entrance fee for this coming fiscal year for residents will be $295. Resident families

will incur a cost of $495. The membership fee for a nonresident individual will be $370, and the rate for the nonresident family will be $590. The resident junior cost will be $70, while nonresident juniors will pay $90.

The new fees are an increase from the previous year’s rates. In fiscal year 2024, the pickleball and platform resident family membership cost $295. Resident individuals paid $180. For tennis in FY24, the resident family membership was $420, while the resident individual membership was $265.

The racquet director maintained OPA’s proposed fees remain lower than those of other centers in surrounding areas, even with the intended increases. Aside from the price comparisons, officials argue the rise in rates is needed to cover increasing costs.

“Our factors have gone up,” Under-

koffler said. “Minimum wage is now $15. Utilities have all been up since the pandemic. Our site is 44 years old with things that need to be repaired … We are attempting to operate on a break-even level.”

Underkoffler continued maintenance costs also are expected to become major expenses in the near future.

“We have hard court repair costs because of crack problems because the site was built on a marsh. We thought fixing the cracks might be a two- or three-year fix, but it’s not. Vendors said that the cracks are going to come back,” he said.

“We have clay court yearly maintenance. Umbrellas, furniture, court tools, rollers, touchless water fountains, and professional portable pickleball nets. Replacement tennis nets. Those are factors. We have capital improvements that are happening. We have improved the shade

structure. Area fencing. Security cameras.”

Underkoffler acknowledged the new prices are higher for some members but maintained that it’s a “jump that should have been done over years of time” but has not occurred.

“I knew coming in, I was going to be the one coming forward,” the racquet director said. “We are not looking at this year $295, next year $400, year after that $600. We are trying hard to stay at an affordable level for everybody to play. I want to encourage people to play more than one sport.”

Many racquet center players are against the proposed changes.

At last week’s town hall, resident Jim Ferguson spoke at the public comments portion, arguing that most center goers do not wish to play more than one sport, as this new fee structure encourages.

According to Ferguson, a pickleball club survey revealed 84% of those asked would only participate in a single racquet activity. The resident also addressed his concern that increasing rates will reduce memberships, ultimately decreasing revenue.

According to the proposed budget, there are currently 302 pickleball members, 59 tennis members and 67 platform tennis members. The new prices would impact pickleball and platform memberships the most, as the pickleball and platform family option currently costs $295 compared to the proposed $495.

The tennis family membership price will increase by $30 from $465 to $495, and individual tennis players who paid $295 in the most recent fee structure will continue to pay the same amount in next year’s combined sport price.

“Our recommendation is to maintain the current rate structure,” resident Carl Vincent said during the town hall’s public comments section. “Adjust the rates as needed … We want to spur the membership, grow all three sports, and continue to be competitive.”

Racquet center members also took issue with the increase in drop-in rates. The daily pickleball fee for Ocean Pines was $8 for residents and $11 for non-residents. The proposed budget increases the cost to $10 for OPA residents and $13 for non-residents.

“Drop-in fee increases are a major concern,” Vincent said. “In the past, it was as low as in the $7 and $8 dollar range, which is very competitive for the surrounding area. Going up to $13 is, I feel, going to have a negative impact. Drop-in is good marketing.”

“In the pickleball world, we enjoy having people come from Ocean City when they’re vacationing. That drop-in fee of $13 is not in line with the alternatives. Ocean City racquet center is $6. Northside Park is $5. Salisbury is free. Higher fees are going to have a negative impact on our revenue stream. ”

Despite the feedback, Ocean Pines officials maintain they support the combined fee structure and the increased rates.

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• Brand new fully encapsulated extra high crawl space.

• Kitchen SS

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• Walk to Yacht Club & 1 block to Ocean Parkway.

• Smart thermostats, video doorbell, exterior cameras & cat 6 network ports.

• Efficient 2 independently controlled Bryant 18 SEER heat pumps for 1st & 2nd floors.

• Crawlspace insulated & climate controlled.

• Smart-controlled exhaust fans in attic spaces.

• 12.5kW backup generator for emergency or short-term power outages.

• Amenities: 5 swimming pools (indoor & outdoor), Tennis & Pickleball courts, championship 18-hole golf course, country club & clubhouse, walking trails, parks, marina & boat ramps, access to St. Martin’s River & range of social clubs,

& beaches &

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vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

The Beach Plaza Hotel was built by Ethel Griffin Kelley and her son Harry, a future mayor of Ocean City, in 1953. Located at 13th Street and the Boardwalk, it was the last major hotel constructed on the Boardwalk before the motel era.

In 1967, the Beach Plaza was purchased by Brice and Shirley Phillips of Phillips Crab House fame. With its existing front porch overlooking the ocean, its beautiful lobby, and the famous Phillips by the Sea restaurant, the Beach Plaza quickly became one of Ocean City’s most celebrated hotels for the next three decades.

The hotel closed and was put up for sale in 2021. It sat vacant while negotiations continued unsuccessfully for several years on a massive Margaritaville hotel/convention complex. Today another type of hotel is planned for that location but the demolition of the Beach Plaza marked an end to an era.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Eating out in small towns while on a trip

Berlin’s quiet Main Street at night

That the Chiefs lost

Going out for brunch after church

A really good Hallmark card

When fakeness is confirmed

Walking the halls of a school

Nice bank tellers

Volunteering types

Youth athletes having fun competing

When a movie lives up to the hype

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

by Bunk Mann from Jan. 30, 2025

Photo

JUNIOR RING CEREMONY

The annual Junior Ring Ceremony took place at Worcester Preparatory School on Feb. 6. It is tradition that seniors present the juniors with their class rings along with a few insightful comments as to why the recipient is special to them. Juniors pictured include front, from left, Lena Parker, Renata Lovitt, Sydney Mize, Ayla Yonker, Sam Botempo, Kobe Bouzaglo and Jamie Nguyen; second row, Livi Owens, Emily Patrowicz, Anisha Batra, Catherine Cullen, Marina Farlow and Quinn Solloway; third row, Beckett Green, Jake Campbell, Chase Ginnavan, Max Carpenter, Joshua Greulich, Jay Moyer and Preston Adkins; and, back, Dawson Davis, Michael Herbert, Jake Timmons, Kain Crossett and Ansh Batra.

Below left, Class of 2026 students stand with their alumni parents. Pictured, front from left, are Lena Parker and her mother Linsey Parker ’94, and Preston Adkins with his father Law Adkins ’93; and, back, are Beckett Green and his father Steve Green ’93, and Jake Campbell with his mother Erika Campbell ’88. Second from bottom, junior Jake Timmons celebrated with his parents, Andy and Sara Timmons. Bottom, seniors Jayden Scopp, far left, Danielle Carr, fourth from left, Avery Roselle, second from right, and Naz Unal, far right, are pictured with, from left, are Emily Patrowicz, Anisha Batra, Catherine Cullen, Sydney Mize, Ayla Yonker and Kobe Bouzaglo.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

FIRST FRIDAY HELD IN OCEAN CITY

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Ocean City Center for the Arts, home of the Art League of Ocean City, hosted its monthly First Friday art reception on Feb. 7. Above left, members of the Salisbury University Glass Club presented their fine art glass creations in Studio E. Above right, Marian Bickerstaff greeted visitors to her studio.

Debra Howard, above left, won second place for her painting in the "Complementary Colors" Group art category. Above right, from left, Sharyn O'Hare, Donna Smith, Carole Spurrier and Christine Torres enjoyed the art and friendship. Below left, artist Leo Kahl demonstrated his watercolor technique to interested visitors. Below middle, Carl Wolleyhan won third place for his painting in the "Complementary Colors" Group art show. Below right, Abi Lightner, an artist specializing in Manga/Anime, will occupy the Burbage Staircase Gallery now through June.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

‘LOVE IS ...’

Students in Ms. Thompson's kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary have been preparing for Valentines Day. The students wrote about and drew pictures of what love means to them. Some examples include “Love is” making cards and being a good friend. Pictured, from left, are Chloe McCallum, Adeline Kominos, Grady Miller and Rasul Bedir. SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH NEW CLUB BOARD MEMBERS

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club has presented its newly elected board members. Pictured, from left, are Sargent-At-Arms Larry Campbell, Vice President Jill Anthony, Director 7 Chairman of the Youth ID Program and the Winter Wear Committee Bill Hickey, Optimist President Christina Dolomount-Brown, Treasurer Cindy Malament, Director and Chairperson of the Arts and Oratorical Committees Sharon Sorrentino and Director of Hospitality Committee Melva Middleton-Dorman.

CANNABIS SPEAKER

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City has guest speakers at every Wednesday morning weekly meeting. On Feb. 5, guest speaker Bob Davis, owner of the Hi Tide Dispensary in West Ocean City, was in attendance to discuss cannabis. Davis, pictured with Kiwanis Club President Tom Southwell, reported to attendees his Hi Tide dispensary will be moving into the former Rite Aid building on Route 50 and Keyser Point Road.

GARDEN CLUB OFFICERS

DORMAN SALUTED

The Ocean City Berlin Optimist Club recently honored Charlie Dorman, left, former boat show chairman, for his dedication and years of service in making the Optimist-sponsored Annual Seaside Boat Show the success it has become. Presenting the award is the current Boat Show Chairman Bill Brown.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

The Worcester County Garden Club’s 2025-2027 officers were recently installed during a meeting and luncheon in the Clubhouse at the Ocean City Golf Club. Special guest Ann Street, Assistant Director, Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District 1, did the installation. Pictured, from left, are Membership Chair Rebecca Galyon, Corresponding Secretary Jackie Davies, Recording Secretary Ellen Howse, Treasurer Martha Bennett, Second Vice President Jan King, First Vice President Pat Arata and President Susan Fletcher. Above right, Outgoing President Joan LaHayne was presented a floral arrangement by successor Fletcher.

by Steve Green

AThe Adventures of Fatherhood

surprise blessing with parenting is what we learn from our kids throughout their respective journeys.

It’s what I was thinking about last Monday night as I sat in a Worcester County court room for about five hours. Beckett, our 16-yearold junior, was participating on his school’s mock trial team. This was my first experience ever watching this sort of thing, as Beckett was trying something new as his winter extracurricular.

For those who don’t know, mock trial pits students from two different schools against each other in a simulated courtroom proceeding. Students from one school form the prosecution team, while the opposing school is the defense. Each side has attorneys played by students and witnesses also played by students.

The courtroom bailiff is also a student. The judge is a member of the local legal community. The students learn courtroom etiquette and strategies along the way with both sides presented the same court case to study and litigate.

For my kid, his team from Worcester Prep was the prosecution in the first trial with Beckett serving as one of the three prosecutors.

The two-hour-plus case is heard with the judge finding for the defense or the state, but more important than the verdict is the scoring of each side. The winner is determined in the end by who has the most points, which are awarded by the judge for quality of openings, closings, directs and cross examinations, among other things.

It was fun to watch the students navigate through the case, and I was impressed with my kid as well as the other students from both schools. These teens gained invaluable experience and demonstrated a general understanding of the law and the case before them. In fact, it was amazing to see how professional these teens handled themselves, offering confident objections and reasonable counter points to arguments throughout.

In mock trial, after the case is heard and decided, the roles are reversed with different students from both schools participating in a second trial. It was during this second running of the case when my mind began wondering to the fact it was 7:30 at night, my phone had died a while ago and my son next to me was doing his homework.

Since I had already heard the case once, I was fighting boredom. The kids are not to blame, of course, for the monotony. I was alone with my thoughts –always a scary proposition.

Another new extracurricular this winter for Beckett has been his school’s musical, which is Footloose this year. This is a prime example of him going outside his comfort zone. After attending the musical last year, he vowed to become a part of it this year.

I’m looking forward to seeing the months of work play out on the stage next weekend. The most stressful part of this experience has been the weather, which has severely hampered rehearsals.

As for the other kid in the house, Carson has probably been the biggest teacher in my entire life. With his special needs and complex diagnosis, I have learned much from our guy about life, most notably the importance of tolerance, empathy and patience.

We live with Autism every day in our house. Carson, 15, is our tour guide on this unexpected journey, and we get through his disabilities each day with resilience and the lessons we have learned along the way.

It’s uncomfortable more often than not. There are good days and rough days. In between we live in a sea of gray for what the present and future holds, but we live for the day and do our best to keep him happy and productive while accepting our family faces unique challenges only known and understood by those charting similar courses with special needs kids.

A major theme throughout the various articles and essays I often read about Autism is acceptance, which means everything to us. There are public meltdowns associated with anxieties. Car-

son wears hooded sweatshirts each day because it brings him peace. If he needs it to help him, it’s fine with me.

Being realistic about life is key. There are uphill battles, none of which are simple and easy. Some days we feel like we are doing great by our kid. Other times it’s difficult not to feel like a complete failure. I just accept there are days when the disabilities win in a rout. The key is to learn and try again the next day.

There are many positives that have come our family’s way because of Carson’s special needs. His greatest gift to us is perspective, as I often think of him when I get overwhelmed by juggling life. I remember his challenges and the grace and courage he displays every day. Through watching him overcome or at least navigate through his disabilities, I am motivated to be a better person. I have learned a lot from my son.

With his involvement in Unified sports throughout his freshman year, I have learned exactly how much importance Carson places on being included.

It’s funny because if you watch Carson – and don’t know him – you might not think Carson enjoys Unified sports. During his tennis practices and meets in the fall and the strength and conditioning sessions in the winter, Carson is not exactly radiating, but it’s later you realize how much he enjoys it. It’s clear he values being a part of a team.

For instance, Carson never wants to miss a practice. He also wants to be included in all the recognitions at the school board and the commissioners and next week’s opportunity in Annapolis.

These occasions are building Carson’s internal value and boosting his confidence. As his parents, we need to continue to seek these activities and opportunities for him because they are clearly important to him.

(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.)

State flush fee exemption saves Pines residents

(Feb. 13, 2025) The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has exempted residents in the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area (SSA) from paying the $5 monthly charge to the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) for the upcoming year. This exemption will result in an annual savings of $60 per household in the Ocean Pines SSA.

“This exemption is due to the exemplary work done by our staff,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said. “It’s the Public Works professionals maintaining meticulous reporting methods coupled with the knowledge and experience of our Water and Wastewater operators overseeing the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant that make this exemption a reality year after year for those residing in the Ocean Pines SSA.”

Commonly referred to as the Flush Fee, the BRF is a dedicated fund financed by residents and businesses served by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) throughout the State of Maryland. BRF funds are used to upgrade publicly owned WWTPs throughout Maryland, with enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) technology to reduce nutrient discharges to the state’s waterways.

The Ocean Pines WWTP is equipped with ENR technology that meets the criteria for the fee exemption, which requires a maximum effluent concentration of three milligrams per liter (mg/l) of total nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l total phosphorous.

“The Ocean Pines WWTP sets the standard throughout the state for environmental stewardship,” Baker said. “For 2024 the Ocean Pines WWTP maintained a yearly flow at 299.5MM gallons, with an average concentration of 2.4 parts per million (PPM) total nitrogen and 0.2 PPM.”

Life Line planning screening event

(Feb. 14, 2025) On Feb. 27, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 103rd Street in Ocean City, residents can learn about the risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with 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 more Screenings are affordable and convenient. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com. Preregistration is required.

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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 14: Dawn Williams

Saturday, February 15: First Class

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Friday, February 14:

True Country

Sunday, February 16:

Brian Bishop

Wednesday, February 19: Tony Mowen

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, February 14: Shredded Cheddar

Saturday, February 15: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, February 14:

The Boh Daddies & DJ Vybe

Saturday, February 15:

The John Frase Project & DJ RobCee

Monday, February 17: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Saturday, February 15:

DJ Hook

Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, February 17

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

BRIAN BISHOP Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, February 16

DJ HOOK Green Turtle West: Saturday, February 15

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

OTTO GRUNDMAN Vista Rooftop: Thursday, February 20

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, February 15

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, February 15:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, February 15:

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, February 16 FIRST CLASS - Coins Pub: Sunday, February 15

Saturday, February 15

Risky Business

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 14:

John McNutt Duo, The Benderz & DJ Davie

Saturday, February 15: Faith Noel, DJ Connair, DJ E-State & Tommi Boi

Sunday, February 16: Tommi Boi

Thursday, February 20: Blake Haley

THE BOH DADDIES

Fager’s Island: Friday, February 14

RISKY BUSINESS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, February 15

THE BENDERZ - Seacrets: Friday, February 14

THE JOHN FRASE PROJECT

Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 15

TRUE COUNTRY

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, February 14

CECILIA’S FALL

Harborside:

Pine Tones to hold open auditions for upcoming concert

(Feb. 14, 2025) In advance of its spring concert, The Pine Tones Chorus will hold rehearsals from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at the Ocean Pines Community Center.

In preparation for the spring 2025 concert, Sounds of the ‘70s, the Pine Tones Chorus will have open rehearsals to build their chorus membership. These are not auditions, but an opportunity for interested folks to try out the group, meet other singers, ask questions, and decide if they want to join. Musical training and experience are appreciated, but not necessary.

If you love to sing, they want you and will help you be the singer you want to be. If you are interested in joining but can’t make the first rehearsal, or aren’t sure yet, contact the Director, Jenny Anderson at 443-655-5636. Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center up to the concert date.

The Sounds of the 70’s concert will be performed Sunday, June 8, at 3 p.m. at the Community Church at Ocean Pines. Chorus members and audience alike will groove to classic favorites like, Moonshadow, Joy to the World, Love Me Like a Rock, Fire and Rain, and I’ll Be There.

The Pine Tones Chorus has a 40-plus year history as a non-profit, all-volunteer group of folks who love to sing for their community. The chorus holds spring and fall concerts every year, and each season they also travel to several area senior centers to share the music with those who are not able to come to the shows.

This season is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, through the Maryland State Arts Council and Worcester County Arts Council. Follow Pine Tones Chorus on Facebook and on Instagram @pinetoneschorus.

PHOTO COURTESY NICK DENNY

The calendar saying it was late January with temperatures in the 30s did not stop a local photographer for going for a swim with his trusty camera to capture this shore break shot in Ocean City.

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

Try grilled Thai chicken skewers

By Deborah Lee Walker

Contributing Writer

The Super Bowl is over and I find myself dreading Sundays. What is a fanatic fan supposed to do without football? Boredom and depression instantly set in and acceptance guides me to a setting of change.

I am wearing out the remote control and nothing satisfies the excitement of my favorite sport. Staying in the house is not good for my sanity, so I decide to clean the grill and turn my attention to outside activities.

The town is quiet and there is a certain calmness about grilling during the night and enjoying a glass of vino. Serenity sparks the flame of peacefulness and all of a sudden football is put on the back burner.

Before you know it, company will be coming in full swing. Grilling is always a crowd pleaser and grilled Thai chicken skewers sounds yummy. I want a dish that is packed with deliciousness and easy to make.

A few pointers put this dish on top. Grilling can dry out meats so brining is a must. Brining is a cooking technique that involves soaking meat or fish in a salt and water solution to enhance its taste and texture.

In this recipe, sweetness is a key component. So, the meat is marinated in Sprite, Thai chili sauce, fish sauce, and salt. The lemon, lime essence of Sprite and the Thai chili sauce enhance the overall flavor profile while the fish sauce and salt support the theory of brining.

When you live at the beach, unexpected company can be the norm. Double the recipe, and freeze half of it for future use. Then all you have to do is grab the meat from the freezer, mix a little sauce, and grill. I would recommend writing the recipe for the sauce on the freezer bag. This way you have everything at your fingertips. How easy is that?

The next consideration is to whether to grill the strips of meat with the bamboo skewers or insert the skewers into the meat after the grilling process. There are no set rules but I prefer to insert them after the grilling process.

Sometimes the chicken sticks to the grill and having the skewers inserted can become awkward. Also, the strips of chicken are small so keeping the meat intact helps keep the meat moist.

However, if you choose to grill the meat with the bamboo skewers, you must soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise, they may catch on fire.

Garnishing the chicken with chopped peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, black and white sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of Thai chili sauce adds to the taste, texture, and presen-

tation. Think of yourself as an artist and don’t hold back on the garnishes.

Grilled Thai chicken skewers can be served as an appetizer or main course. Mini bamboo skewers should be used for an appetizer portion. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe, grilled Thai chicken skewers are so, so good. Enjoy!

Grilled Thai Chicken

Ingredients

3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch strips

8 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary

1 ½ cups Sprite

1 ½ cups Thai chili sauce, divided ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon fish sauce

3 tablespoons canola oil kosher salt to taste juice of 3 limes

1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro bamboo skewers chopped peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, white & black sesame seeds as a garnish coarsely ground black pepper as a garnish

1. Combine garlic, rosemary, Sprite, 1 cup Thai chili sauce, ½ cup fish sauce, canola oil, salt, and chicken in a large Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and turn a few times to ensure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Place in a bowl and refrigerate for 8 hours.

2. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat.

3. Cook chicken until it gets a good

sear. Remove from grill and insert bamboo skewers.

4. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, cilantro, remaining chili sauce, and remaining fish sauce. Taste sauce and readjust seasonings if necessary.

5. Place chicken skewers on a platter or individual serving plates. Spoon sauce Over chicken, then spoon some of the sauce on the plate for an artistic look. Garnish with chopped peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, white and black sesame seeds.

Secret Ingredient – Acceptance

Life is accepting what is and working from that.

Gloria Naylor

New chair named

The Worcester County Department of Social Services (DSS) Advisory Board recently elected Voncelia Brown to serve as the new chair.

“I hope to foster continued cooperation across disciplines in order to increase access to services for all those who are living in Worcester County,” Brown said.

The DSS Advisory Board currently includes nine members representing all of Worcester County. The three -year appointments are made by County Commissioners. Current members include Voncelia Brown, Janice Chiampa, Becky Colt-Ferguson, Shelly Daniels, Harry Hammond, Nancy Howard, Margie Labesky, Diana Purnell and Mary White. This board meets monthly and has a mission to “strive to provide timely services to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families”.

Board activities include systematic review of relevant statistics, providing support for staff activities, keeping informed of new legislation that impacts DSS, and educating the community about the mission of DSS. In April of 2024 the Advisory Board hosted a community resources gathering in order to bring together a variety of local stakeholders. This gathering allowed agencies to share their missions and highlight available resources. Participants reported the opportunity to network with other agencies was useful.

Key areas of concern included mental health services, transportation, decent and affordable housing and unmet needs of the growing senior population.

Students honored

The following represents a collection of press released from colleges and universities.

- Maggie A. Mathews of Berlin was named to second honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Fall 2024 semester.

- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated nearly 5,900 students worldwide in the fall 2024 term. The following students in the area earned degrees: Jarrett Metro of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Aydelotte Alfred Deshields of Snow HIll, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Taryn Lynn Bradley of Ocean Pines, Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication & Marketing; Alexis Million of Berlin, Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude in Accounting; and Kyle Lentz of Ocean City, Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

- Casey Mull of Ocean City (21842) was named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List at Georgia State University.

- More than 16,000 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 term including Mark Andrews, Berlin; Katelyn Bern, Ocean City; Larry

Bickel, Berlin; Makayla Brown, Ocean City; Kathleen Ewing, Ocean City; Antonio Franco-Loosemore, Ocean City; Keegan Gould, Snow Hill; Bridget Kemp, Berlin; Alexia Mcdonald, Berlin; Katelyn Mcintyre, Ocean City; Blake Moore, Ocean City; Darby Moore, Ocean City ; Kayla Purnell, Snow Hill; Dean Rill, Ocean City; Angela Robinson, Ocean Pines; Dane Thurston, Ocean City; and Devon Tingle, Ocean City.

New book released

The children’s book “Return of the Terns – How Scientists Are Saving Island Birds” was just released highlighting the

CROSSWORD

artificial-habitat program partnership between Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP), Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service, and Audubon Mid-Atlantic.

Authored by Jennifer Keats Curtis with MCBP Bird Habitat Coordinator Kim Abplanalp, and illustrated by Phyllis Saroff, the story follows the journey of Common Terns and the innovative efforts of scientists to save their nesting habitat in the Coastal Bays.

After the terns’ island eroded away, a 48-square foot raft island was designed to give the birds a safe place away from disturbances, flooding, and predation. It is made of floating sections that are as-

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

A good first impression is really important right now, Aries. Be sure to wear your best clothes and check out your appearance before you meet up with anyone this week.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you are bound to have a lot of fun this week, and you will spread cheerfulness to others. You might host a party or plan some sort of night out with friends.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

None of the usual strategies to confront family issues are working right now, Gemini. You may need to take a step away and give others distance for the time being until things cool off.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, some tech upgrades can help ensure an exciting new project starts off on the right foot. Enlist others to help and welcome any insight.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

This week is your chance to take a break and let someone else take center stage for a bit while you enjoy time out of the spotlight, Leo. Right now you may need a little alone time.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you know what you have to get done, so it is well past time to put one foot in front of the other and get moving. Others have helped, but you have to see it to completion.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Focus all of your energy on the important people in your life right now, Libra. Other things can wait for the time being. Don’t be too hard on yourself for not getting everything done.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, as things in your life continue to evolve, you may be tempted to jump into something new. You might want to slow the pace and exercise due diligence first.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, have you bitten off more than you can chew this week? If so, you probably have to ask for some helpers to step up and pitch in. Teamwork is a good thing.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Some tough decisions are ahead of you, Capricorn. It might be best to think things through logically and leave emotion out of the equation for the time being.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, it can be dangerous to think you know everything. This week, listen to what others have to say before deciding if their ideas have merit. This approach can benefit all involved.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Step up this week with confidence, Pisces. Now is not the time to be inflexible or shy. Go with the flow as much as possible, and learn and listen along the way.

sembled, locked together, and anchored near the old island for the terns’ summer nesting season.

The project was launched four years ago after the decline of Common Terns had reached only 30 pairs. Twenty years ago, that number was over 650 pairs. The island is a stop gap measure until we can rebuild islands in the Coastal Bays. The last two years we’ve had over 300 pairs nesting on the raft and have fledged over 750 chicks since the project began.

The book includes learning activities and is also available in Spanish. Proceeds from the sale of the book when purchased through the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, will go directly to the program. You can stop by the office or make arrangements to purchase online at this link https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WLDDMJWB5SC78.

Filters offered to Newark

Newark residential water customers are eligible to receive one free whole house sediment filter per home from the Worcester County Water and Wastewater Division of Public Works to remove iron sediment from their water.

“This program will provide a cartridge filter system, installation by a local company, and four replacement filters,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said. “Additional filters can be purchased at local hardware stores and online.”

Only residents who are currently con-

nected to the Newark water system are eligible. Public Works will verify eligibility, and each property owner will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the county authorizing a certified plumber to complete the installation and acknowledging that maintenance or deinstallation thereafter will be the responsibility of the homeowner. Public Works will then notify the installation company of each resident’s eligibility.

“The installer will contact the resident to inspect the home plumbing arrangement, determine the best location to install the filter, and schedule the actual installation,” Baker said.

The free whole house sediment filter program will expire on December 31, 2025. Any requests for filter installations received after that date may not be processed.

Interested residents should contact the Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater Division at 410-6415251 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Monday thru Friday, or email Gary Serman at gserman@co.worcester.md.us.

Bingo fundraiser planned

Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) will host the “Pot of GOLD” Cash Bingo at the American Legion Post 166 in Ocean City on Saturday, March 8.

All proceeds benefit the local registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization providing emergency financial assis-

tance and items to meet basic needs for Worcester County residents living in low-income circumstances.

Doors open at 1 p.m. and games run from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 online at www.WorcesterGOLD.org or $45 at the door. The venue has limited seating, so advanced purchase is recommended. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite St. Patrick’s Day outfit and bring a “lucky charm”. Cash prizes, a photo backdrop, free giveaways and a hilarious MC will be featured. Pull tabs and 50/50 raffle tickets will be available for purchase for even more chances to win.

“We’re obsessed with bingo and can’t wait for our supporters to join us for some good old-fashioned fun with a St. Patrick’s Day twist”, said GOLD Executive Director Nicholas Cranford. “The success of this event is crucial to our goal to meet the growing need for GOLD’s emergency assistance program. What could be better than helping a deserving neighbor while getting a chance to win a cash prize?”

Must be 18 or older to participate and no alcohol is permitted. Worcester County GOLD is a local nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for Worcester County residents living in lowincome circumstances by providing emergency financial assistance and items to meet basic needs. For more information, visit www.WorcesterGOLD.org or call 443-235-6525.

$245,000

3

Extra Large Lot. Furnished with Many Upgrades including: HVAC, Tankless Water Heater, Windows, Slider & Entry Door, Dry Zone Encapsulation, Refrigerator, Dishwasher & Roof. Large Courtyard with Pond View. 8 x 10 Shed with Electric & Refrigerator/Freezer for your Beer & Bait!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Spectacular Bay View! 2 Bedroom Cottage with a Million Dollar View of Assateague Island, Sinepuxent Bay & 1000ft. Pier! This Cottage has Drywall Interior Cathedral Ceiling, Skylights & Updated Bow Window in Dining Area. Spacious Kitchen with Gas Stove & Built-in Microwave. Full Size Washer/Dryer. On a Corner Lot with Courtyard & Shed.

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Well Kept Turn Key 2 Bedroom Single Wide with Finished Florida Room. Updated HVAC & Roof. Spacious Florida Room with Lots of Space to Entertain. Den/Guest Bedroom with Built-ins. Gas Stove, Stack Washer/Dryer. Enjoy the Outdoors with a Large Courtyard and a Covered Rear Deck & Golf Cart!

Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Winter surfing requires full coverage, unique approach

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

Surfing in the winter can almost seem like a different, more specific activity.

The month of January featured this notion in a big way. There were a few weeks where the high temperature stayed in the 30s and the low air temperature at night fell well into the teens. As far as average, “normal,” air temperatures go this was roughly 10 degrees below what is generally expected. Water temperatures had also followed this trend and had dipped into the 30s.

As of this writing all of the above conditions have mitigated but of course is subject to change, as evidenced by this week’s snowfall.

A good friend of mine puts it into perspective by saying that we will get two weeks of very cold winter conditions, two weeks of very hot summer conditions, with the rest of the year not being too bad.

So, what does this mean for the surfer? Assuming surfable waves can be found, adequate wetsuit gear is an obvious necessity. Full coverage is essential. This means the entire body including feet, hands, neck and head. Little tricks can be discovered such as suiting up before driving, biking, or walking to the surf. To stay warm, start warm. Waiting for a sunny day with lighter winds can help. Parking a vehicle with the windshield facing the sun can provide passive solar heat which will feel good after a cold surf. If changing out of wetsuit gear post session, finding a spot out of the wind can help. Even carrying a couple of bottles of warm water in an insulated container might be an idea.

At any rate winter surfing adds an enhanced element to the experience. Is it counter intuitive? Yes indeed, though it can still be a lot of fun.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

It’s been said that meteorology is 50 percent science and 50 percent art so maybe the above mentioned twoweek theory is as good as any. Typically, people will talk about the weather, but no one can really do anything about it.

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. 14

SEASIDE BOAT SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring approximately 350 boats, more than 140 exhibitors, more than 50 boat dealers, show specials and more. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $1 for those 13 and younger. www.ocboatshow.com, 410-250-0125

KINDNESS CARDS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Be prepared for Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17. Create a Kindness Card to share with someone you appreciate. All materials provided. For families. 410-641-0650, 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

THRIFT SHOP VALENTINE SPECIAL - $5 BAG SALE

Atlantic United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 105 Fourth St., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fill a huge shopping bag for $5. Debit/credit cards accepted with minimum purchase of $10. 410-2897430

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

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. One crab cake sandwich platter cost $14; two crab cake sandwich platter, $24; and one crab cake sandwich, $10. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Eat in or carryout. Bake table.

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. STREAM activities and socialize with other homeschool families. For ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS’ BY MAYA ANGELOU

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

Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories. For ages 0-2 years. 410-641-0650, 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. 15

SEASIDE BOAT SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring approximately 350 boats, more than 140 exhibitors, more than 50 boat dealers, show specials and more. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $1 for those 13 and younger. www.ocboatshow.com, 410-250-0125

WINTER PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Part of the 2025 Eastern Shore Pickleball Addicts Tournament Series. https://pickleballtournaments.com/tour naments/ocean-city-winter-pickleballtournament-2025-part-of-the-2025espa-tournament-series

WALK WITH A DOC

Southgate Pond, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. An AGH representative will host a brief discussion about a health topic, then lead the group for a walk around the park’s trail. First 10 to arrive, receive a $10 Walmart gift card. 410-641-9268

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.

THRIFT

Shop, 105 Fourth St., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fill a huge shopping bag for $5. Debit/credit cards accepted with minimum purchase of $10. 410-2897430

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Learn about one of our nation’s leaders in inventions and about his promotion of alternative crops through some fun activities. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC FILM FEST KICK OFF PARTY

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 6-8 p.m. Please join us for a night of selected short films from the OCFF Season 9 catalog as well as the grand reveal of our 2025 poster design by artist Ian Postley! Content not rated by MPAA. 410-524-9433

Sun., Feb. 16

SEASIDE BOAT SHOW

Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4001 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring approximately 350 boats, more than 140 exhibitors, more than 50 boat dealers, show specials and more. Admission cost is $10 for adults and $1 for those 13 and younger. www.ocboatshow.com, 410-250-0125

WINTER PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Part of the 2025 Eastern Shore Pickleball Addicts Tournament Series. https://pickleballtournaments.com/tour naments/ocean-city-winter-pickleballtournament-2025-part-of-the-2025espa-tournament-series

OCEAN CITY LUXURY WEDDING EXPO

Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront, 2800 Baltimore Ave., 12-3 p.m. Vendors, giveaways and exclusive offers. Admission cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oceancity-luxury-wedding-expo-tickets1053210102769?aff=oddtdtcreator, 410-390-3937

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. 17

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. 410459-9100

Tues., Feb. 18

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

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

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

STORY TIME: BLAST-OFF TO SPACE

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

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: SYMBOLS AND SIGNS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Learn about the secret meanings of the Underground Railroad quilts. Create

Continued on Page 62

CALENDAR

colorful wall hangings using these intentional graphics. Registration required:. 410-524-1818. www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stores. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The group is currently reading from Book 6 of the Great Conversations Anthology. The focus will be on "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" by H. G. Wells. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about comics and create your own. No experience required. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., Feb. 19

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Online Zoom call held the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of Backgammon, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

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

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

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

TRIVIA WITH JIM MECKLEY: HIT AND MISS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m. Come test your knowledge. Prizes and refreshments provided. Admission is free and there is no registration necessary. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORYTELLERS THEATER TROUPE

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Theater activities like improv, memorization, public speaking and learning about theater. For ages 6-18 years. 410632-3495, 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.

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30

a.m. Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Thurs., Feb. 20

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

STORY TIME: DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

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

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

NATURE LOVERS CRAFTING

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 1 p.m.

Nature themed craft projects for adults. Refreshments provided. February: Wood Chip Wind Chime. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CODE SONGS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Code and signal songs were used as means of communication by those traveling the Underground Railroad. Join in for a live performance of some of those songs. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAGIC THE GATHERING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Battle it out with sorcery, dragons and giants. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 12-18 years. 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.

ONGOING EVENTS

FREE IN-PERSON TAX PREPARATION

Takes place through April 15. By appointment only, call 443-584-5661 or online at the following sites.

• Mondays at the Ocean Pines library,

www.tinyurl.com/t8km843p

• Tuesdays at the Berlin library, www.tinyurl.com/2rvvha2y

• Saturdays at the Ocean City library, www.tinyurl.com/3bt6ujx7. The program is open to taxpayers of all ages. AARP membership is not required. Find sites near you: aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

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 nonmembers. Tickets: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org /classes/2186

BUS TRIP - WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. EDMONTON OILERS

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

BUS TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW

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

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, 410-6417052.

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. 410-9570878

Crossword answers from page 58

NOW HIRING!

PT Dental Hygienist for busy office in Ocean City, MD

Please call 410-213-1032.

Willing to train. Must have a valid Driver's License. Wages based on experience.

DEPENDABLE CAREGIVER needed for disabled Senior. Light housework, hours & salary negotiable. References required. Fenwick, DE area. 814-201-2601, leave message

SPEEDWORLD Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

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

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

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

SUMMER SEASONAL Modern Condo 1BR/1BA Bayside, off 123rd St. 2 queen beds, furnished, full kitchen, washer/dryer, POOL, parking. Next to bars & restaurants, Near Northside Park (70 acres). PROFESSIONALS ONLY, max. 2 renters. NO pets or smokers. $11K + sec. dep. & utilities. Email: jimreeves99md@gmail.com

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.

FOR RENT YR TOWNHOME

3BR, 2 1/2BA. Furnished, modern appliances, washer and dryer. Newport Bay Dr., Bayside on canal.

$2,300 monthly, no pets. Call 410-848-1767. Dougherty35@aol.com

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

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

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

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 MISC./OTHER

JAMES

E. CLUBB, JR.,

108 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

VALUABLE IMPROVED REAL ESTATE

21 COASTAL DRIVE BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811

By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-25000006, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the property located at 21 Coastal Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811, on

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025 AT 9:00 AM

ALL that certain lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, which is more particularly designated as Lot Number 195, in Block P, Section Two, in Mystic Harbour, as shown on the plat entitled Mystic Harbour Subdivision Section Two recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Plat Book No. 113, folio 33, et seq.

The property will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 7929, folio 118, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $225,834.00 on February 1, 2021. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier's or bank check, or in other form as the Trustee may determine acceptable, in his sole discretion, with the balance to be paid in cash at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Lien. Taxes, homeowners association dues and wastewater charges will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall be

responsible for obtaining possession of the property. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the Purchaser's sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee

410-289-2323

OCD-2/13/3t

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

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

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

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

TOTAL

$916,000

One (1) ADA 8/2 Cutaway Bus $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.

OCD-1/23/5t

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

OCD-1/9/6t

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

OCD-1/30/3t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET

P.O. BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of 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

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

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

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

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

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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

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

AUTH: Michael Colbert I-Chief of Police

Date of publication:

30, 2025

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

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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 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,

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

OCD-2/6/3t

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.

OCD-2/6/2t

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

OCD-2/6/3t

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 de-

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

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

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 OCD-2/6/3t

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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INVITATION TO BID

General Contractor seeking Certified MBE/WBE quotes for the following project:

Lewis Road Gravity Sewer and Pump Station

Bid Date: February 19, 2025

Bid Time: 2:30 p.m.

Work consists of the construction of approx. 5,200 LF of gravity sewer main, precast manhole structures, approx. 1,700 LF of sewer force main, regional sewer pumping station, installation of sewer laterals and connection to homes, abandonment of existing septic systems, trench and pavement restoration. Plans and Specifications are available for review:

Teal Construction, Inc. 612 Mary Street Dover, DE 19904

Phone: (302) 678-9500

Fax: (302) 678-9715

An Equal Opportunity

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ.

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20518

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of City of Alexandria county, Virginia appointed Susan Harris, 5116 Heritage Ln., Alexandria, VA 22311-1347 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Patricia Ann Harris who died on October 04, 2023 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Peter S. Buas whose address is 3509 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842-3334.

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 de-

livers 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.

Susan Harris

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: February 13, 2025

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RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20521 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANICE HOPE SORIN

WAINWRIGHT

Notice is given that Harold Long Wainwright, 13028 N. Shore Rd., Ocean City, MD 21842-9730, was on February 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice Hope Sorin Wainwright who died on January 04, 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 5th 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.

Harold Long Wainwright 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 13, 2025

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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 MARY KATHERINE PUSEY Estate No. 20522 Notice is given that LISA MARIE JERSCHEID whose address is 5184 LITTLE MILL RD STOCKTON, MD 21864-2236 was on FEBRUARY 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY KATHERINE PUSEY who died on DECEMBER 27, 2024 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate

of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th 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.

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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MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS,

LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. GLENN E SHERMAN, BONNIE GALE SHERMAN, QUAY CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 10700 COASTAL HWY, #1005 AND

Unknown Owner of the property 10700 COASTAL HWY, #1005 described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-125138 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000017

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 7th of February, 2025, by the Circuit Court for

Worcester County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 3rd day of March, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of April, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/13/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs.

CAROL A WILKINSON, ISLAND AT HIDDEN HARBOUR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., DONNA MILLS, PAUL A. MILLS, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 388D ISLAND AT HIDDEN HARBOR #BS 388 AND

Unknown Owner of the property 388D ISLAND AT HIDDEN HARBOR #BS 388 described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-405157 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000018

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 8th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this

Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 3rd day of March, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of April, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian

D.

Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/13/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS,

LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC

Plaintiff vs. BAY ROSE, LLC,

BAYSIDE KEYS CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 725 BRADLEY RD, UNIT A AND Unknown Owner of the property 725 BRADLEY RD, UNIT A described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-769179 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000019

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of al I rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 8th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 10th day of March, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of April, 2025 and redeem the property described above and

answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/13/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs.

CORA DANIELS NEELON, GAIL E NEELON, OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION, INC.,

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 1300 OCEAN PKWY AND

Unknown Owner of the property 1300 OCEAN PKWY described as follows: Property Tax ID 03-105830 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000021

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

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

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 8th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 10th day of March, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of April, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD

OCD-2/13/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20508 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES A. GRIMM

Notice is given that Tracey Drocella, 13299 Rollie Rd., E, Bishopville, MD 21813-1109, was on February 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles A. Grimm who died on January 01, 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 5th 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.

Tracey Drocella 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 13, 2025

OCD-2/13/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20514 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RALPH M. RAYNE JR.

Notice is given that Laura R. Gaylor, 11241 Bell Rd., Whaleyville, MD 21872-2005, was on February 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ralph M.

Rayne Jr. who died on January 31, 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 5th 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.

Laura R. Gaylor

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 13, 2025

OCD-2/13/3t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20482 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LORETTA CRAWFORD WEBB

Notice is given that Howard C. Webb Jr., 10 Annapolis Ct., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-3341, was on February 05, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Loretta Crawford Webb who died on August 25, 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 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 repre-

sentative 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.

Howard C. Webb Jr. 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 13, 2025 OCD-2/13/1t

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. 20524

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DEBORAH ZIZWAREK

AKA: DEBORAH ANN ZIZWAREK

Notice is given that John A. Price Jr., 4113 Apple St., Felton, PA 173228442, was on February 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deborah Zizwarek who died on January 29, 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 7th 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.

John A. Price 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 13, 2025

OCD-2/13/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. RNR PROPERTIES, LLC, SURFSIDE 84 CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 4 84TH ST, #1B AND

Unknown Owner of the property 4 84TH ST, #lB described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-090687 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, dcvisccs, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLA D FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000022

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

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

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 8th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 10th day of March, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of April, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

OCD-2/13/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. SCOTT WILLIAM ROEMER, ELIZABETH M ROEMER, OLYMPIC CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 15 40TH ST, #14

AND

Unknown Owner of the property 15 40TH ST, #14 described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-238129 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE N0: C-23-CV-25-000023 ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

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

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 8th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 10th day of March, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of April, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

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

Delaware

Acadia Landing LEWES, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

Bridgewater SELBYVILLE, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

Draper Farm MILFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes and Villas

Heritage creek MILTON, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

liberty east MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

lakeside at trappe TRAPPE, MD

Milos Haven FRANKFORD, DE

Now Selling Villas from the Low $400s

Newdale acres

ELLENDALE, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes and Townhomes

North shore at Plantation Lakes

MILLSBORO, DE

Final Opportunity Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

Pelican Point MILLSBORO, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Townhomes from the Mid $300s

lighthouse bay OCEAN CITY, MD

Now Selling Townhomes from the Low $600s

Somerton Chase

MILLSBORO, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

SOUTH shore at Plantation Lakes

MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes, Villas and Townhomes from the Upper $200s

Currently selling out of North Shore

Schooner Landing

SELBYVILLE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Mid $300s

Sea Oaks Village BERLIN, MD

Final Opportunity Luxury Townhomes from the Upper $400s

Tides at River Marsh CAMBRIDGE, MD

Now Selling Single Family Homes, Villas and Townhomes from the Low $300s

Office leader named

Alexis Mumford has been named to take over the local Edward Jones office located at 29 Broad Street in Berlin, the firm announced recently. Mumford transferred to Berlin from an Edward Jones office in Salisbury.

Mumford said she is enthusiastic about taking over the branch office.

"In my Edward Jones branch in Salisbury, I had the pleasure of building deep, personal relationships with my clients in order to understand what really mattered to them and put their money to work toward those goals," she said. "Now, I'm looking forward to partnering with the people here in Berlin and helping them find, and fund, the possibilities for their lives."

Top producer joins firm

Keller Williams Realty Delmarva has announced the addition of

Sharon Daugherty and The Sharon Daugherty Group to its brokerage.

Daugherty is a dedicated professional with a proven track record of being a top producer in the field of real estate.

Daugherty brings 20 years of real estate experience serving the Delmarva area to the brokerage.

“The addition of The Sharon Daugherty Group further strengthens Keller Williams Realty Delmarva's ability to be the at the top of local brokerages serving the diverse needs of buyers and sellers in our coastal communities,” a press release from the firm reads.

Leaders graduate

Four Salisbury University professionals recently graduated from Leadership Maryland Class of 2024 programs.

"On behalf of our staff, board, and membership, I congratulate the Emerging Leader first class and Executive Program Class of 2024 on com-

pleting the programs and joining our alumni family," said David Fike ‘16 (LM), president and CEO of Leadership Maryland.

Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of SU’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, was among the 52-member Executive Program’s 31st graduating class.

“Each class year brings its own unique lessons, and I am proud to have witnessed the ways the Class of 2024 embraced each one on their journey to become a force for positive change in their organizations, communities, and state,” said Fike.

Among the 39-member inaugural cohort of the Emerging Leader Program were Dr. Deirdra Johnson, associate vice president of student affairs; Lauren McDermott, Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) practice manager; and Jessica Iacona Jahnke, Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) associate director.

“When we decided to launch this new program, our goal was to enhance the opportunity to meet incredible community leaders and rising

Feb. 13 - 20

stars from around the state, and I am honored to have spent the last six months with them on this journey,” said Fike. “I know they will use this experience to be more adaptive and impactful leaders in their careers and communities.”

Grant received

Wor-Wic Community College recently received a grant of $262,500 from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) through its Campus Safety Program.

“We are grateful to MHEC for the grant, which will help fund enhanced access control on campus building doors, as well as some video surveillance camera replacements,” said Jennifer A. Sandt, vice president for administrative services.

“MHEC is a diligent partner in meeting the public safety needs of Maryland’s institutions,” said Dr. Sanjay Rai, MHEC secretary. “We must continue to uplift our institutions of higher education to ensure our students, faculty and staff have ideal learning and working environments.”

11am-3pm

Mon-Fri 9am-4pm,

11am-3pm

2-4pm 6201 Atlantic A Sat-Mon 11am-1pm 16 138th St. #301 Island Br

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 11 142nd Str

142nd Strreeet #213, Ocean City 1BR/1BA

Saturrdday 10:30am-1pm 210 W

Saturrdday 11am-1pm

Saturrdday 11am-1pm

T Teerry Miller/Coldwell Ba

Bunting/Coldwell r 0 Worccester St., Unit 111, Ocean City 1BR/1BA

711 Mooring Road #5, Ocean City 2BR/2BA

The ABC T Teeam/Coldwell

Eileen Bumba/Long & Fos 27035 Bay Blufff f Road, Selbyville 6BR/3.5BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 3801 Atlantic A

Michele Pompa/Coldwell tlantic Ave. Unit 411, Diamand Beach, OC 1BR, 1.5BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 101 123r

3rd St. #375C, Jockey Beach, Ocean City 1BR, 1BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 5603 Atlantic A

03 Atlantic Ave., Unit 301, Ocean City

Saturrdday 11am-2pm 34039

Kim Bounds/Coldwell B

$254,900 Kim Bounds/Coldwell B

Nancy Reither/Coldwell B ner Rd, Frankfor 039 Peppers Cor rdd, DE 4BR/3BA/2 half BA

Saturrdday Noon–2pm 6201 Atlantic A

Saturrdday Noon-2pm 1308 McHenry Court, Ocean Pines

Saturrdday 1-3pm 252 Road, Ocean Pines

Rich DiFilippo/Keller

Kotwica/Coldwell Banker Realty

Alexis Mumford

S. Daugherty

MEMBERS RECOGNIZED

The Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy recently honored Joann Ward of Frankford, Del., and Andy Maggio of Ocean View, Del., as the organization’s Distinguished Citizens of the Year for 2024. Ward, above right, has served as vice president and currently assists the social chairperson in planning socials, travel and other events. Maggio, above left, has invested time to promoting his faith and has been the subject of local stories for his rosary and scapular initiatives. He has created a ministry serving the local Christian community.

FHA loans offer unique options

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

FHA loans are mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA began offering loans in 1934 and was created by Congress as part of the National Housing Act, which was signed into law by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

They are intended to help low- to moderate-income families become homeowners. Here are important details about FHA loans:

• FHA loans offer debt to income ratios that are significantly higher than conventional loans. The max debt to income is 56.9%.

• FHA is not a mortgage lender, it

is a mortgage insurer.

• FHA offers a low down-payment option of 3.5%.

• The down-payment can be provided as gift money.

• FHA loans are assumable. An assumable mortgage involves one borrower taking over, or assuming, another borrower's existing home loan.

• FHA is not just for first-time homebuyers.

• Usually lower interest rates than conventional financing.

• Sellers may contribute up to 6% toward a buyer’s closing costs.

• FHA loans have two mortgage insurance premiums—an upfront MIP of 1.75% and an annual MIP calculated at .55% and paid monthly.

• FHA offers renovation loans called 203K loans.

• The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a Good Neighbor Next Door program through FHA loans: Law enforcement officers, teachers (preKindergarten through 12th grade) firefighters and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return, an eligible buyer must commit to live in the property for 36 months as his/her principal residence.

• FHA offers reverse mortgage options for 62 and older.

- Lauren Bunting is the Broker for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Md.

OC shares first glimpse of Boardwalk signage overhaul

Smiley-face tourism logo part of overall look and feel for hundreds of new signs

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) The Ocean City Council this week gave the green light on the design of new Boardwalk signage.

On Tuesday, Tiffany Chen and Hillary Pickard, representatives with Sky Design, came before the Ocean City Council to present their progress on a plan to consolidate and revamp Boardwalk signage. Using the city’s new “Somewhere to Smile About” brand and color scheme, they laid out proposed designs for welcome signs, wayfinding and regulatory placards, and more.

“Our next steps, with your feedback today, is to continue the design process and move it forward to completion,” Chen said.

Last year, the town hired Sky Design to create a comprehensive signage master plan for the entire length of the Boardwalk, including the two pedestrian plazas at South 1st and Somerset streets. That process also included an in-depth analysis of the city’s current signage system.

Chen told the council this week an

inventory had been completed on more than 670 municipal Boardwalk signs, including those alerting visitors of the city’s smoking ban and those asking visitors to curb profanity. Using that information, she said, Sky Designs created a standardized system for both regulatory and informative signs.

“Both have a similar language, feel and consistency …,” she explained.

Chen said the proposed designs incorporate blue and yellow colors for wayfinding signs and green and pink for prohibitive and regulatory signs. She added that regulatory signs would also incorporate more welcoming language.

“You can see that we’re proposing a ‘Please do’ and ‘Please don’t’ language that just gives it a little bit, not so much cheeky, but certainly conversational lightness to it, but still clearly says ‘Please don’t do these,’” she said.

However, Councilman Jake Mitrecic questioned its effectiveness. He said he wanted to ensure that visitors to the Boardwalk followed the city’s ordinances.

Mayor Rick Meehan and Council President Matt James agreed.

“We’re not asking you,” James

Examples of new wayfinding and informational signs that might fill the Boardwalk in the near

Sign redesign leans into tourism branding

Continued from Page 77

added. “We’re telling you.”

In addition to wayfinding and regulatory signs, Chen presented design concepts for a new welcome signage, a sculpture for picture-taking, information kiosks and dumpster screenings. She also included design improvements for the Boardwalk restrooms. Those improvements, she explained, could include a new blue-and-yellow color scheme, or new signage.

Lastly, Chen presented the council with an idea to add signage along the seawall. However, Meehan said he did not support that concept.

“People sit on the seawall. They’ll be sitting right there with their feet banging up against them, benches are in front of the seawall in those areas, trash cans are right there as you come off the boardwalk …,” he said. “Also when the seawall was designed, it’s very light gray in color. It’s meant to just blend in so you don’t really see it, because your focus is on the beach and the ocean.”

When asked about the signage overhaul, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said it provided the city with an opportunity to better communicate with guests.

“I just like to be out-of-the-box and a little different because I think the significance and the impact, how the visitors are going to perceive what they see on the Boardwalk, is going to be a huge opportunity for us to continue to grow a positive perception,” he said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca applauded the signage master plan, but questioned how many less signs would be on the Boardwalk. Chen said that number would be decided as they worked through the design.

“Whatever the final quantity is, it will be intentionally built to reduce the signs out there,” she replied.

When asked about the timeline for placing new signs on the Boardwalk, City Manager Terry McGean said it would likely happen in phases. He said the first step, which would happen this summer, would be to consolidate the signs and add new wayfinding and regulatory signage.

“Some of the more intensive things – the kiosk, those types of things –that’s going to take a while longer,” he added.

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to move forward with the next step in the design phase.

“I love it,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “I think it’s worth it.”

future were presented this week to Ocean City leaders by consultant Sky Design.

Rubberized floor said to lure sports to convention center

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 14, 2025) Officials this week agreed to waive the bidding process for a project to replace flooring at the Ocean City convention center.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council agreed to sole source the purchase of sports flooring at the convention center through Sourcewell, a cooperative that helps governments secure products and services at the best price. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said a municipal bond issuance will fund the $782,000 project.

“The flooring itself is going to be one of the largest in the U.S.,” he told the council, “and we should really see some economic opportunities with that flooring installation.”

Late last year, the council voted to

move forward with a bond sale, which would fund several projects throughout town. Among them was a project to replace flooring at the convention center.

Perlozzo told officials at the time that promoters who use the convention center for indoor sporting events must rent flooring to cover the facility’s concrete base, resulting in additional costs for users. He said a permanent, rubberized flooring could increase usage at the facility.

Back on the agenda this week, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the sole source purchase. For his part, Perlozzo said the new flooring is already drawing new sports events to the convention center, including a USA Field Hockey event in December.

“It was originally placed at Virginia Beach, but due to the flooring, they're moving that event to Ocean City,” he said. “In addition to that, we are in discussions with USA Volleyball Olympic trials and some other stuff.” OC Council members agree

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SNOW SQUALL

A slushy, slippery snowstorm blanketed the area Tuesday afternoon with as much as three inches of accumulation, including here at Jolly Roger Amusement Park at 30th Street in Ocean City.

KIWANIS SPEAKER

Ocean Pines resident Russell Lederman, known to some as the Snake Whisperer or Snake Wrangler, gave an interesting and informative presentation about local snakes to the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City. Russell often captures and relocates snakes, but not further than three to five miles from where they are caught. Lederman, left, is pictured with Kiwanis Club of Ocean PinesOcean City President Tom Southwell.

‘Unverified threat’ leads to elementary school lockdown

100-plus officers respond to Tuesday morning threat at Ocean City Elementary

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) An undisclosed “verbal threat” put Ocean City Elementary on lockdown midday Tuesday, bringing a nerve-wracking, full-scale police mobilization to the West Ocean City school. Nobody was hurt and the incident remains under investigation.

Police responded to Ocean City Elementary School (OCES) when an “unverified threat” was heard around 11:30 a.m. over the school radio, according to Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli. He did not specify what was heard.

“In an abundance of caution, numerous law enforcement agencies were deployed,” Crisafulli said in a statement following the incident. “Within a matter of minutes, we probably had 100-plus law enforcement officers on the ground to quickly deploy into the building to search the entire building.”

The school formally went on lockdown at 11:45 a.m. School leadership sent out a message over text messaging and social media that the school was in lockdown status “due to a verbal threat.”

“Our emergency response procedures have been activated, and we will provide further information as it becomes available. Please know we

are working diligently to keep our students and staff safe at this time,” the message said.

Dozens of police SUVs crammed into the school’s bus loop and spilled out onto Center Drive, including members of the Ocean City Police Department, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Police also set up a boundary around the campus, leaving some concerned parents to show up and bottleneck at the perimeter, in person and in cars.

Acting Ocean City Police Chief Mike Colbert was among those on the scene early, parked on the perimeter along Center Drive. He said there had been no injuries, no shots fired, and police officers were checking on every room.

“When it involves a school, you’re going to get everybody,” he said of the intense and immediate response.

By noon, police officers stood watch around every corner of the building and its entrances. Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools, could be seen walking into the school with members of his leadership team.

From the curbside, students in front-facing classrooms could be seen pressed up against windows, cupping their eyes to peek through the glass. Some waved.

Schools in Worcester County already had been scheduled to close three hours early ahead of a snowy forecast. For OCES, that meant a 1

SUBMITTED

School incident remains under investigation

p.m. departure, instead of the usual 4 p.m. bell.

During the lockdown, a handful of people waited outside in the bitter cold, including Jody Taylor of West Ocean City, there to retrieve her 8year-old grandson. Just minutes before, she had been on a run to the grocery store when she watched police car after police car speeding down Golf Course Road.

“My daughter and husband are in Mexico and I’m watching the boys,” she said through nervous tears. “We’re scheduled to go home at 1 p.m. because of the storm. I just want to get him and take him home. I hope everybody’s OK.”

Aaron Evans of Berlin stood on the concrete sidewalk, waiting for the youngest of his four children, an OCES third grader. As the lockdown dragged on, Evans said he was relieved to hear from “multiple sources” that children inside were unharmed.

“It seems to be an enormous re-

sponse for just a verbal threat,” he said about the police. “It’s just being overly cautious, probably. Luckily, being here, a few people have told me the kids are OK. But anybody that’s not here – all these people in traffic, I don’t know they’ve been given that information. There’s four or five people texting me, basically crying, like, what’s happening?”

Minutes before the lockdown ended, a policeman with an assault rifle slung over his shoulder approached the teachers and parents waiting outside. A woman called to him, asking if everyone was okay. He said yes, students were safe, and dismissal would begin soon.

At 12:22 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office announced on social media that the lockdown had been lifted and “the threat has been deemed unverified.” At the school, a flurry of ringtones could be heard, as the all-clear message went out to parents’ cell phones.

Adults who’d been waiting patiently quickly made their way to the

entrance, where they were met by Taylor and Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.

“Every room has been searched in the school by law enforcement. Kids stayed calm. Teachers did a great job,” Taylor told them.

OCES Principal Julie Smith in a statement late Tuesday said any lockdown that isn’t a drill “can create some big feelings within our students” and that counseling would be made available to students both in-

person and via online platforms.

“As the events of today continue to sink in for our school community, I want to share my personal thanks to our staff and students for their bravery and composure during such a difficult moment,” she wrote. “While we hope that situations like this never touch our school community, I am grateful to know that our staff, students, and our law enforcement and emergency responders are ready to respond.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Superintendent Lou Taylor, left, and Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, right, are pictured addressing parents in front of Ocean City Elementary School Tuesday.

Continued from Page 81

Opinions

They know what to do and show it

The lockdown Tuesday at Ocean City Elementary School may have been the result of a hoax or a sick joke, but that should take nothing away from the exceptional response to the situation by area law enforcement agencies and the school system itself.

As Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli observed in his post-incident comments, more than 100 police officers, troopers and sheriff’s deputies swarmed the school grounds just moments after the alarm had been sounded.

That is a heroic response at a time when the extent of the danger and the specifics of the circumstance were unknown. The call went out and they showed up ... in force.

Although it turns out that someone apparently voiced a threat of some kind over a school radio — presumably a mobile device — police and school officials could not know that at the time and reacted accordingly.

The school’s students, teachers and staff followed the established protocols flawlessly, Superintendent Lou Taylor later declared, and parents were notified quickly via established communications procedures. All this took place as everyone operated under the chilling assumption that this could become the worst day of their lives.

And why wouldn’t they think that? School shootings have become almost common in the last dozen years. In 2024 alone, there were 39 school shootings resulting in injury or death, according to Education Week.

Time was, these were isolated events, and the odds of their spread across the country were viewed as unlikely. But now, as communities small and large experience this shock and pain with greater frequency, it has become evident that there’s no such thing as an unlikely place anymore.

Considering that, the actions of law enforcement and the schools this week should offer parents and the public some reassurance that if a threat does turn out to be real, the law and the schools not only know what to do, they will do it.

PUBLIC EYE

Art of doing nothing

Just so everyone knows, as of Feb. 13, 2025, I hit a major milestone: On this day, I played an even 15,000 games of FreeCell Solitaire on my computer. And that’s just at work!

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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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

I’m kidding, of course, because I don’t play solitaire at work ever, because everyone will be able to see I’m wasting time and think less of me for it.

Besides, there are much better ways to waste time at the office that look like work but aren’t. Checking email comes to mind.

“Can I bother you for just a minute,” someone will ask.

“Nooooo,” I’ll reply slowly, sagging into my chair like I just got back from unloading hay bales from the flatbed out back, “I am (deep sigh) checking my email.”

While it is a fact that I’ll get somewhere around 200-300 emails a day, most of them are either political, sales solicitations, or announcements involving “Amazing Opportunities.” I used to get other kinds, too, but apparently I have reached the age where “Russian Women Are (no longer) Dying to Meet You.”

As it is, I could delete-delete-delete my way through a couple of hundred emails in no time ... if pressed. On the other hand, there is no reason to push it if it gets me out of doing something I don’t feel like doing.

“Excuse me, but the Secretary of State is here to see you for tips on global affairs.”

“I’d love to but I’m checking my email.”

“Holy Cow! Bob the reporter just burst into flames!”

“Wow! OK, but I’m checking my email

right now, so call the fire company. Oh yeah, and turn on the exhaust fan.”

Obviously, I would not react that way if one of our staff were to experience a personal flare-up. I’d rush to the scene at the first sign of smoke curling up out of Reporter Bob’s hair.

Never mind that I was being drawn to an email from my new friend Yoongee Hwang, who wants me to know that she has a “Wide Range of Sturdy, Adorable Plush Toys” that I can buy at a deep discount for “National Love Your Pet Day.”

As handy a timewaster as going through email is, there are even better ways to hide behind the a façade of earnest effort.

“Can I bother you for just a minute?”

“Um, not right now. I’m trying to figure out this computer network so we don’t lose all your work. Want to help?”

Most people will, when confronted with this question, run away screaming with their hands in the air for fear that they really will burst into flames at that prospect of lost files ... and then have to decide whether they want you to save their work or put out the fire. It can be a tough call for some of them.

But the best part of tech work is that you can “work” on a computer without doing anything at all. All you need to do is stare intently at the computer monitor, bite your thumbnail and squint from time to time. Everyone just knows you’re deep in thought and that years of their work hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, you just sit there and enjoy the quiet.

Incidentally, I have since completed FreeCell games 15,001 and 15,002 between spells of writing this. That’s why I love my work. In fact, I can hardly wait to go into the office where, I am positive, I’ll find plenty to do.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

As I reviewed staff photos from outside Ocean City Elementary on Tuesday, I couldn’t help but flashback to when I was one of those parents rushing to the school during an unknown threat to the building.

It was in early 2016 when a rash of bomb threats were made at schools across the country, including here in Worcester County. Ocean City Elementary and Stephen Decatur High schools were evacuated on back-toback days for live callers who threatened to blow up the schools. Other areas of the country were at the time receiving robotic calls in what became a disturbing trend.

Similar to 2016, parents were informed organically on the scene this week’s “unverified threat” was believed to be a hoax and all the children were safe. With the worst-case scenarios no longer rushing through their minds, a sense of ease was experienced. Nonetheless, the situation was stressful all around. What made the ordeal unique back in January of 2016 was students were transported to the nearby fire station until the threat was verified as not legitimate. Then, hours later, the school was evacuated again due to a malfunctioning HVAC unit producing smoke in classrooms. That was a day many at OCES will never forget.

The same will be said for this week’s lockdown, which happened to come on a day when schools were to shutter early due to snow. The excitement of a half day and impending winter weather was certainly dampened once emergency shelter in place protocols were activated. Emotional posts on Facebook from teachers followed the night of the event and in the days following. These sorts of situations are traumatic and take a toll on everyone, including emergency responders, teachers, administration staff, general school employees, parents and students. It’s the teachers, students and parents who are most affected psychologically, while the emergency responders deserve admiration for storming the scene with tremendous haste and courage. For many, the snow day on Wednesday was well timed as a breather even if the dreaded virtual learning was part of it.

***

It was unfortunate but expected the bull riding event would not be returning to Ocean City.

The novelty had worn off it seems. After a solid first year in 2022, the attendance for the event waned in the following years. Last year attendance was clearly hurting, and it was immediately surmised after the event its days could be numbered in Ocean City.

It’s worth pointing out none of us around the newspaper office even noticed the event was not on the city’s special events calendar until last week. The general irrelevance seems to confirm the event had lost some luster.

***

Judging the individual Oceans Calling Festival lineups is always difficult and best left to personal tastes. In my opinion, this year’s lineup is impressive with each day featuring highlights for me.

At first, due to the graphics spacing, the lineup appeared to not feature as many bands as years past, but the reality is this year’s festival will feature 41 bands, as opposed to 40 in 2024 and 40 in 2023. Tickets will surely go fast on Friday, but I am most interested in seeing how festival organizers handle general concerns from last year about crowding.

The perception last year was more tickets were sold than previous years as the crowds were larger. I attended all three days, and the experience was different last year, as there seemed to be many more people in attendance than years past. The city said that was not the case, but most of us who attended do not believe it. I am still going to go and buy tickets because it’s a special event, but also hopeful for some changes to improve the overall flow of the festival.

***

The upcoming Superintendent of Schools search in Worcester should be intriguing, as there are aspects of the process that become public near the finish line.

Back in 2016, when then-Superintendent Jerry Wilson said he would be moving on, the two finalists – then-Chief Operating Officer for Worcester County Public Schools Lou Taylor and West Virginia Department of Education Superintendent Michael Martirano – participated in a media question-and-answer session with other opportunities for meetings with community members. At that time, Wilson opted to not seek another contract and was later appointed superintendent of Shippensburg Area School District in Pennsylvania before resigning halfway through his contract in 2019.

Taylor was ultimately chosen by the school board at the time. Taylor announced earlier this year at the conclusion of his current contract in June he would be retiring after 41 years in education. As for the other finalist Maritrano, he would go on to be named the Superintendent of Howard County Public Schools from 2018-2024.

Disturbed to hear Black History Month comments

Editor,

All week after reading Steve Green's editorial comments about the response to 1,100 “nasty” comebacks about Black History month, we have been pondering what kind of people would do this. This is our third year of living in Delmarva in Berlin and we have seen no evidence of this “nasty” attitude. It's been refreshing to experience people of different races so comfortable with each other.

Our children are grown with families of their own and they grew up with February being Black History month and March being Women's History month - because it had become obvious that the writers of previous History books had omitted in many cases the accomplishments of both large groups of Americans. It's not like this a new idea to bring balance to our American story. Would you prefer to remain ignorant?

When you shanghai Facebook to spew hatred, picture that hatred as black smoke with which you are polluting your atmosphere and ours. Pouring it out, breathing it in. Is that what you want? We are hoping some of you writers of racism are reading this and will remember it.

Sometime in your life, you may be in a terrible accident like one we saw yesterday on Route 113 where a small car had smashed into the back of a logging truck. Perhaps you or a special person in your life will be found to have a deadly disease or maybe your house will catch fire.

Trust us. You will not care what is the color of the skin of your EMT or Doctor, or Fireman or the one who discovered the cure for your loved one's disease. See how important the

color of one's skin is in the big picture of life?

Stop polluting our atmosphere and let's clean it up together.

Dorie and Dave Ranaghan Berlin

Changes needed to state elections

Editor,

(The following letter was sent to members of the Ways and Means Committee and shared with this paper for publication.)

I live in Worcester County, and have served as an Election Judge in 2020, 2022 and 2024. I hope to continue in the future as I really enjoy serving and think it is so vital to have citizen involvement.

My thoughts on the need for passage of the Senate Bill 0018 legislation:

1. Primary voters vote - it is not necessary to have eight (8) days of early voting, especiallly in the Primary. I conducted my own informal poll in 2024 and asked 17 voters as they were leaving the polling place if early voting made it possible to vote or if they would have been able to vote in the primary without early voting. Everyone said early voting made it more convenient but they would have been able to vote regardless.

2. In every primary election in which I have worked there were long periods of time in which all judges were just sitting with no one to greet or check in or provide a ballot. It is, frankly, ridiculous.

3. In every election in which I have worked, several voters have thanked me and the other judges for “volunteering”. I then inform the voter that everyone in the room is being paid.

Continued on Page 86

They are shocked. Eight days of early voting is excessive and incredibly expensive, especially considering Maryland’s multi-billion dollar deficit. It also puts an enormous amount of strain on our local Board of Election employees. Frankly, I don’t know how they do it. Eight 15-16 hour days in a row. Awful.

Please vote to approve SB0018. Thank you for your consideration. Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Sincere appreciation to all who responded

Editor,

This teacher’s excitement at the early dismissal for snow was quickly replaced by the mom-fear of an emergency lockdown at the school her daughter attends.

There are not enough words. As a teacher I hope to never expe-

rience the fear of an unknown emergency lockdown. I cannot begin to understand what went through the head of every member of Ocean City Elementary School.

As a mom it is difficult to put into words how grateful I am for the quick reaction of the leadership at Ocean City Elementary and the dedication demonstrated by teachers and staff. Their protectiveness, combined with the swift response time of law enforcement, reinforces my love of Worcester County.

My sincerest thank you to all involved.

And thank you to the homeowners on Center Drive. Many came out of their houses to help strangers park in their driveways and on lawns so that parents could get as close to the school, and their children, as possible.

Truly, Worcester is an amazing community.

Megan Seyler Salisbury

Mail your letter to editor@octodaydispatch.com All letters are subject to editing for clarity and potentially libelous material

School board prepares for next superintendent search

Officials detail recruitment process, advises board on interview rounds, transition

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 14, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education is preparing to search for a new superintendent following Lou Taylor’s announcement to retire this summer.

Prior to the board’s Tuesday, Feb. 11 budget workshop, the board heard a presentation from Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) Executive Director Milton Nagel and Edward Shirley of the MABE Superintendent Search Committee, detailing the process that Worcester County is about to undergo in their search for Taylor’s replacement. MABE is offering its services to assist the county in recruiting and hiring.

According to Nagel, the goal is to have a superintendent selected on or before the end of Taylor’s term, which expires on July 1. Ideally, the chosen candidate and Taylor would have some overlap so the new hire may transition into the position seamlessly.

“We would love to get to the finish line by early June, especially if it’s an external candidate that has to relocate to the area,” Nagel said. “You want to give them plenty of time to do that. It would be a bonus if there is some overlap with the outgoing superintendent … it’s hard to turn over the keys to the castle in just one day.”

The first phase of the process is planning the search. This includes identifying a spokesperson to represent the board who will help develop a timeline and communicate information to the public when the search transitions out of its confidential status. The board will also establish candidate criteria and identify the characteristics they hope to prioritize in the new superintendent during the initial stage.

The second part of the search process is advertising and recruiting, where staff at MABE will work with Worcester County to develop marketing materials to get the position posting and corresponding information pushed out to the world. Nagel maintained that once the job is posted on the website, anyone can apply, regardless of whether in the region or the state.

Board members hear presentation from MABE

Continued from Page 86

“Some boards think they just want to do a local search,” the executive director said. “You can ultimately want that, but as soon as you put something on the internet, you have opened it up to the whole world to look through.”

Nagel said any candidate who meets the state requirements to fill a position like the superintendent of a Maryland school system will be screened. However, it is up to the Worcester County Board of Education to decide whether they want to weed out who they believe “doesn’t fit the mold,” like someone unfamiliar with the education system in Maryland.

Following the recruitment phase, the board will then begin to screen and select candidates to speak with. The board will review and rank applications based on established criteria and characteristics, identify potential hires for first-round interviews, agree on questions, and conduct the discussions.

“The first interview should be very structured in that you develop a list of set questions, and those candidates are only asked those questions and only respond to those questions,” Nagel said. “It’s meant to be that way because there could be a lot of [candidates] and you want to have a uniform grading process in how to determine from that first round of interviews who makes it to the second round.”

Upon the completion of the first round, the board will identify candidates for second-round interviews

based on their performance from the initial conversations. Nagel said these follow-up talks will be more openended and allow for additional questions.

Before the second-round interviews, but after those selected to move on, MABE will perform a deeper background check on each potential hire while maintaining candidate confidentiality.

A few finalists will be selected based on the second-round interviews. According to Nagel, the quantity is subject to the board’s decision, based on how many “high fliers” there are and how many the educational body is willing to make known to the public.

Nagel said that a top priority of the search process is maintaining the confidentiality of the applicants to ensure their current jobs are not at risk. However, when the finalists are chosen, the candidates must be ready to have their intent of switching roles known.

“Up until the point of which you name finalists, all those candidates probably are employed somewhere else,” Nagel said. “They may or may not have told their current employer that they have applied, so you have to respect and protect that confidentiality they have… Don’t disclose any individual names because you could have a detrimental impact on somebody’s professional career if they are working for a neighboring school district or around the state. Once you have decided on finalists, it becomes public, and that’s when those candi-

dates have to be okay with becoming forward-facing.”

The goal is that after the final interviews, the board will reach a unanimous agreement on who will make the next superintendent. Nagel emphasized that while some board members may prefer one candidate over another, it is important that the group is united in their public decision to ensure an easy transition for the new hire.

“If that is not unanimous, you have already set the new superintendent up with a challenge, and that is that they don’t have the full support of their board,” the executive director noted. “They need full support.”

While not ideal, if the board cannot unanimously select a new superintendent, they can hire an interim for one year.

Once the new superintendent is selected, a contract will be negotiated. The terms of the agreement will extend for four years. Board member and former Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Jon Andes said that a standard contract would include an agreed upon salary, wages, benefits, reasons the agreement can be terminated, under what conditions a contract can be terminated, and what timeframe the party must give to terminate the contract. The document may also detail how the superintendent will be evaluated.

The salary range or minimum the board is willing to offer will be advertised in the job posting to avoid a crossroads upon final negotiations. Taylor’s annual salary was increased to $210,000 (from $186,000) when he signed his current contract in 2021.

Recounting American, British bombing attacks on Dresden

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

Today, 80 years ago, the German city of Dresden was under attack by hundreds of British and American bombers. Today, Dresden has a population of 790,000. At the time of the bombing, its population was about half that.

The city serves as the capital of the state of Saxony and is located on the Elbe River. Until the formation of the German Empire, Dresden was the capital of the Kingdom of Saxony.

At the time, Dresden was the largest, mostly unbombed German city. The Americans had bombed the railway yards near the center of the

city on Oct. 7, 1944, with 72.5 tons of high-explosive bombs, killing more than 400. The rail yards were hit again by 133 American bombers, which dropped 280 tons of high-explosives and 42 tons of incendiaries, on Jan. 16, 1945.

Dresden’s status was about to change. Upon Churchill’s arrival at Yalta in the Crimean Peninsula, on Feb. 4, 1945, for the Big Three Conference, Soviet leader Josef Stalin asked him why Dresden remained unbombed. The Soviet leader was assured that an attack was imminent.

The attack was scheduled for Feb. 13, by American bombers to be followed that evening by British bombers. Due to bad weather, the American raid was canceled. It fell to the Royal Air Force Bomber Command to get things started.

Before they departed, they were told, inter alia, “The intentions of the attack are to hit the enemy where he will feel it most, behind an already partially collapsed front, to prevent the use of the city in the way of further advance, and incidentally to show the Russians when they arrive what Bomber Command can do.”

At 5:20 p.m., the first British

bombers took off. These were fourengine heavy Lancaster bombers, which would serve as “Pathfinders,” to mark the target. The “Pathfinders” were followed by twin-engined Mosquito marker planes, armed with 1,000-lb. “target indicators.”

Although, most of the city’s manufacturing was in its suburbs, the city’s center was the target of the attack. The British bombers arrived over the city at 10 p.m. The 244 Lancaster heavy bombers dropped 881.1 tons of

Continued from Page 88

bombs in 15 minutes, 57% of which were high explosive, and 43% incendiaries.

Three hours later, 529 more Lancasters dropped more than 1,800 tons of bombs on the stricken city. As the second wave approached, they could see the fires 90 miles away.

At noon on St. Valentine’s Day, 316 B-17 Flying Fortresses from the U.S. Eighth Air Force, commanded by Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, dropped 771 tons of bombs on the German city.

Approximately 40% of the American bombs were incendiaries.

As they approached the target, the Americans had no trouble identifying the target, as the smoke from the burning city rose to a height of 15,000 feet. Other Saxon cities were also targeted, so that, with their 784 North American P-51 Mustang fighter escorts, there were almost 2,200 American planes in the Saxon skies. The Americans followed this the next day by dropping another 466 tons of highexplosive bombs on the Saxon city.

Deaths were between 22,000 and 25,000. More than 90% of the city’s center was destroyed.

The Reichsminister of Propaganda, Dr. Joseph Goebbels, attacked Luftwaffe chief Reichsmarshal Herman Göring, who had promised that German cities would not be bombed, since “his Luftwaffe” had failed to protect the city, saying, "If I had the power I would drag this cowardly good-for-nothing, this Reichsmarshal, before a court. ... How much guilt does this parasite not bear for all this, which we owe to his indolence and love of his own comforts...."

But Gen. Doolittle’s Eighth Air Force wasn’t finished with Dresden. On March 2, 406 of its bombers dropped 940 tons of high-explosive and 140 tons of incendiary bombs on the city. And on April 17, 580 American bombers dropped 1,554 tons of high-explosive and 164 tons of incendiary bombs on the city.

American author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. was a prisoner of war in Dresden during the bombing. While in Dresden, he had been housed in a slaughterhouse. When the bombing began, he went to the meat locker, which was three stories underground, and one of the safest places in the city. When he came out of hiding, he said, “... the city was gone ... They burnt the whole damn town down!” His famous 1969 novel, “Slaughterhouse-Five, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death,” was based on his wartime experiences.

Next week: Iwo Jima 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

RITA JOHNSON VILLANI

Ocean City

Rita Johnson Villani of Ocean City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Born November 30, 1927 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of Kenneth W. Johnson and Pearl Elizabeth Payne. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Angelo Michael Villani in 2009 and a beloved granddaughter, Angela Lewis in 2002. Surviving are her two daughters, Karen Camp (David), of Layton, Utah, and Anita Chandler (Shel) of Ocean City, MD.

On November 7, 1949, she married Angelo Villani in Washington, D.C. and moved to the Eastern Shore. She opened the Rita Villani Dance Studio, teaching Tap, Ballet, and Ballroom Dancing. She was also a Brownie and Junior Girl Scout Leader with the Chesapeake Bay Council. She organized dance recitals, church events, and variety shows, especially the “Womanless Beauty Pageant.

She began her show business career at age 5 with dance lessons and modeling children’s clothing for Woodward & Lothrop in Washington, D.C. She performed for soldiers at the USO, and even met Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a pupil at Phil Hayden Dance School and then became an assistant teacher.

Rita graduated from Saint Patrick’s all girl High School and attended one year at Catholic University on a scholarship! In 1943, she won a spot with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes in New York City. Rita had constant energy and a vibrant passion for music and dancing.

In 1959, her husband opened the Villani Real Estate Office in Ocean City on 63rd Street. Rita was a rental manager. She was also President of the Berlin-Ocean City Soroptimist Club, a member of American Legion Post 166, and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for 70 years. She loved volunteering whenever she could.

Angelo and Rita retired in 1987. Rita took pride in forming the ladies dance lines in 1991 at The Mac Center, called The O.C. Senioretts, Ocean Pines Tappers, Happy Huffers, and Seaside Tappers. They performed at SunFest, nursing homes in Berlin and Salisbury, hotels, and civic clubs in Worcester and Wicomico Counties.

Rita will be remembered and loved by her seven grandchildren, Kristen Hamilton, Jessica Camp, twins Jonathan and Michael Camp, Meghan Reynolds, Shel Chandler, IV, and Sarah Bromley. Also, 14 greatgrandchildren, Braeden, Kaelin,

Matthew, William, Nathan, Kyle, Clarissa, Aiden, Ryker, Chase, Kaylee, Emma, Drake, and Harper. She also just found out that she would be a great-great grandmother in August.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City, MD. A visitation will take place one hour prior. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or www.stjude.org.

JEFFREY ALAN FLUHARTY

Berlin

Jeffrey Alan Fluharty, born Oct. 10, 1967, passed away Feb. 2, 2025. Jeff's legacy continues to live on in the lives he touched and the memories he created, a true testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished. Jeff is survived by his wife Holly Hogan, his mother Diane Fluharty, his sister Kim Wheatly, Continued on Page 90

Rita Villani

Jeffrey Fluharty

sons Tyler and Connor Garvey and Zach and Colby Hogan, grandson Liam, niece Taylor Wheatly, three great-nephews River, Brandon, Jr., and Waylen, Aunt Carol Jones and cousins Scott and Ryan Jones. He was preceded in death by his father Bob Fluharty and nephew Brandon Wheatly.

A celebration of life will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5246 at 2630 Veterans Drive, Federalsburg, Md. 21632 on Feb. 16, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements with Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md. 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

JOSEPH F. PALMISANO Ocean Pines

On Jan. 24, 2025, Joseph F. Palmisano, M.D., 97, of Baltimore and Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully.

Joseph Palmisano, son of Frank C. and Mary J. Palmisano, was born the seventh of nine children in Shamokin, Pennsylvania on March 14, 1927. At age 13, the family moved to Baltimore, where Joseph graduated from

Baltimore City College in 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy at 17 and served on a destroyer as a radar operator in the waning days of WWII. After discharge, he graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park and the School of Medicine in 1953. After residency at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Palmisano began a family practice on Loch Raven Boulevard that he continued for more than 40 years. Dr. Palmisano was proud to say he never turned down a patient, and he made numerous house calls, with up to 17 in one day. He belonged to the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland and was recognized for his instrumental role in helping Baltimore’s Good Samaritan Hospital grow into a fine institution.

Dr. Palmisano’s motto was, “work hard, play hard.” He was a diehard Colt and then Ravens fan, boater, golfer, fisherman, and especially skier. He belonged to the Baltimore Yacht Club, and as an avid historian, participated in the Baltimore Civil War Round Table. He skied more than 40 times in Europe and earned 12 gold medals for ski racing before he hung up his ski poles at 79.

Dr. Palmisano retired to Ocean Pines in 2001, where he became an active member of the community. In his later years, he could be found riding his scooter on the Boardwalk as he met new people and shared his

popular autobiography, “Doctor Joe, A Family Doctor in the Twentieth Century.” He also wrote numerous bi-weekly columns about word history for The Dispatch.

Dr. Palmisano was predeceased by his first wife and childhood sweetheart, Jeanne T. Kell. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Kathleen Palmisano (nee Enright), by his two sons Joseph (Jody) F. Palmisano Jr. (Marcia), Michael J. Palmisano (Christine), and step children Laura M. MacNamara (Brian), and Ross E. Burchill, as well as 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Joanne Strassner McClayton, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be on March 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Ursula Church at 8801 Harford Road in Parkville, Maryland, and internment in Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Rosedale, Maryland. A Celebration of Life will be held in Ocean City, Maryland at a future date. Donations can be made to the US Olympic Committee.

PAMELA LOUISE HOLBROOK Parsonsburg

Pamela Louise Holbrook (Pam) of Parsonsburg passed away suddenly at Tidal Health Hospital on February 3, 2025.

She was born on January 15, 1951 to John Roy and Barbara Holbrook.

She was a graduate of Nathan Bedford Forest High School in Jacksonville, Fla. Pam had worked various jobs over the years, the most recent as a housekeeper at the Seagate Condominiums in Ocean City, MD.

In earlier years, she became a skilled bowler, nearly reaching professional level befor a hand injury got in the way. She was an active and talented arts and crafts person, having produced many clever and artsy items over the years. Pam will always be remembered for her generosity in always giving to others. This trait was exemplified in her over four years of weekly volunteering at the Parkway Church of God food pantry in Salisbury. She always brought great enthusiasm and spirit to family gatherings, to which she often shared her delicious cornbread and desserts.

Pam is survived by her son, Tron Thornton, of Salisbury, and numerous relatives locally and in New England. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her ex-husband, William Thornton.

Her body was donated to the Maryland Anatomy Board.

Continued on Page 91

J. Palmisano

Pamela Holbrook

Long-time restaurant owner passes at 72

THOMAS

CHARLES HEIDERMAN

Naples, Fla.

Thomas (Tommy) Charles Heiderman, 72 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Naples, Fla. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, surrounded in love by his family.

Tommy was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 1, 1952. He attended Loyola Blakefield High School and graduated in 1970. He received his

OBITUARIES

Continued from Page 90

A memorial service will be held at Berlin American Legion Post #123 Boggs Disharoon at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Parkway Church of God, Salisbury, Md.

CLAIRE TALBOTT DEICKMAN

Berlin Claire Talbott Deickman, age 90, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in Berlin.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late James Talbott and Evelyn Alborino Talbott.

If you were blessed to know Claire she was “Full of Life”. Her smile lit up the room. Her best days were spent on her deck sunning and watching her grandchildren fish, crab and feed the ducks. She also enjoyed playing Yahtzee and Uno with them.

She and her husband were active members of St Peters Lutheran church in Ocean City. She loved volunteering at Atlantic General Hospital where she was a founding member. Cooking and having family over for gatherings was her favorite. She will always be in our hearts. The heavens are rejoicing.

She is survived by two sons, Robert P. Deickman (Stacy), and Jeb Deickman; a daughter, Paige Warrington; seven grandchildren, Ryan Warrington, Luke Warrington, Cole Warrington, Carly Deickman, Chase Deickman, Asa Deickman, and Kendra Deickman; and a great grandchild, Wesley Warrington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert D. Deickman, and a brother, Jim Talbott.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

bachelor’s degree from Villanova University in 1974. Tommy opened The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland in 1977. “Old timers” will fondly remember it as the little white cottage on 82nd Street.

Tommy’s vision of expanding The Hobbit became a reality when he built the second restaurant on 81st Street and the Bay, opening in 1983. He operated in that location for 22 years. He planned and designed the third and current iteration of The Hobbit, which opened in 2008. The last nearly 50 years of The Hobbit Restaurant have given Tommy and his family some of the most wonderful memories of their lives.

Tommy was a visionary. His determination, passion, creativity and relentless attention to detail were hallmarks of his success – not just with the restaurant, but in every aspect of his life. He was an integral part of the community in Ocean City, where he and MJ raised their three boys. He spent years coaching basketball, beginning with the Ocean City Rec League, followed by middle school and high school basketball at Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, Maryland. Coaching his sons and their friends over the years at WPS was incredibly special to him. Tommy was instrumental in starting the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC), fondly known as the

“Crabcake Conference.” His basketball legacy can be found in the many banners that now decorate the Worcester Prep Gymnasium.

Tommy had an enormous impact on the lives of many. He had a sincere and genuine interest in people and their life experiences. He quietly helped and encouraged many friends, family members, and coworkers to achieve their dreams. Tommy lit up any room he was in. He was a storyteller, and his big and vibrant personality and infectious laugh were loved and adored by all who knew him. When he wasn’t at the restaurant or with his family, Tommy would often be on the golf course, and most certainly figuring out how to adjust a bet in his favor.

Tommy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jo (MJ), and their children Michael (Jill), Matthew (Jenna), and Garvey (Brianna). Tommy is also survived by his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha, Maggie, Katherine, Jack, Annie, and Lucas; his brother Fred (Sue); sister Donna (Harry); nephews Christopher and Jeffrey; and niece Jenny. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Dorothy (Dot) Heiderman, in-laws Gene and Donna Mae Garvey, nephew Andrew Heiderman, and brother-in-law Mark Bohn-

ing. Tommy was a close friend and confidante to MJ’s siblings, Mark, David, Bruce and Maureen. Nothing made Tommy prouder than his family, and especially his loving wife Mary Jo of 42 years. Tommy, affectionately known as “Diz” to his grandchildren, was the true leader of the family. His legacy will be honored today and each day forward.

A funeral service will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church at 985 Third Street S, Naples, Florida, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A reception and a toast to Tommy and his life will take place from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bleu Provence located at 1234 8th Street S Naples, Fla. There will be a Celebration of Life for Tommy on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City from 3-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his honor can be made to "Tommy Heiderman Worcester Prep Athletic Fund,” at CFES.org/donate or mailed to Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave. Ste. 401, Salisbury, Md. 21804. Note the "Tommy Heiderman Worcester Prep Athletic Fund" in the comment section online or check. This fund will benefit Worcester Prep Athletics, and specifically the basketball program. Contributions will go towards funding and growing the program.

$1,595.

Claire Deickman

T. Heiderman

Prep’s swim team wins first conference title

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Feb. 15, 2025) Two years after the program began, Worcester Prep has scored a conference championship in swimming with the boys team taking home top honors.

The unofficial first season for the Worcester Prep swim team was 2022-2023.

“We only had the inaugural ESIAC championship meet that year to kick start interest for the conference, no other meets,” said Coach Kristina Watts, who has been a swim coach for 16 years including the last three at Worcester Prep. Last year the boys team placed second in the ESIAC championship meet.

This year’s team consisted of eight boys and three girls.

“Our success this year is thanks to the increase in boys on the team from last year,” said Watts. “Last year we only had four boys so we were not able to enter the maximum number of events in the meets. Now this year with eight we are able to have two boys in each event and a relay in each event which allowed us to score double the points.”

According to Watts, the girls team had one less swimmer than last season and is not large enough to compete in meets.

“We have some girls who will be on the team next year that will make a huge improvement for the girls’

team,” Watts said.

Two of those boys, Jude Damouni and John Parker, were quad winners at this year’s ESIAC Conference last Wednesday at the Sussex Academy’s pool in Georgetown, Del. Damouni placed first in the boys 200-yeard individual medley and the boys 100yard freestyle.

“I felt phenomenal,” Damouni, a junior said. “I put in a lot of hard work this season and it just feels great that it paid off. I have another year and I’m going to come back and do it again.”

Honored at the meet was Senior Will Wells, a founding member of the team when a sophomore. Wells came in second in the boys 100-yard back-

stroke and fourth in the boys 200 individual medley.

“I did ok. I put myself in the backstroke which I shouldn’t have done but I knew everybody else could win or come pretty close and I knew I had some kind of a chance at the backstroke to win,” said Wells.

Also placing first were Parker in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100yard butterfly; Gabriella Damouni in the girls 50-yard freestyle and 100yard butterfly; Noah Tsao in the boys 50-yard freestyle; and Jack Wells in the boys 500-yard freestyle.

The relay team of Damouni, Tsao, J. Wells and Parker won the boys 200-yard medley relay and the boys 400-yard freestyle relay.

BAYSIDE STREAKING

Though Tuesday’s game against Bennett was scratched by snow, Stephen Decatur’s boys basketball stayed unbeaten in the Bayside South last Saturday, defeating Wi-Hi for the second time this season, 65-51. Decatur has a conference record of 13-0 and 16-3 overall on the season. Far left,

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR- WALLS

Worcester Prep swim team coach Kristina Watts is pictured above left with members of the boys team that won first place in last Saturday’s ESIAC championship meet. Above right, junior Jude Damouni is pictured with his ESIAC Player of the Year award.

senior Judah Carmack slams home a dunk to get the crowd on its feet last Saturday. Left, senior Noah Tucker looks to finish despite being fouled by a defender.

PHOTOS

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC

STATE CHAMPIONS RECOGNIZED

The Worcester County Commissioners recently recognized the outstanding accomplishments of four high school teams that dominated the field in their respective fall sports to bring home state championships. Recognized were the Stephen Decatuar varsity football team, above, for winning its second consecutive MPSSAA Class 2A State Championship, and the Decatur Unified Tennis team, below, for winning the Maryland State Tennis Championship. Also celebrated were the Pocomoke High School’s field hockey team for winning the Class 1A Field Hockey Championship and the Pocomoke Boys 4x100 Meter Relay Team for winning the 2024 1A State Championship.

TODAY-DISPATCH

FILET MIGNON OSCAR

Filet Mignon topped with jumbo lump crab Imperial topped with hollandaise sauce served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.

FILET MIGNON AND

with roasted potatoes and asparagus.

served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.

served with potatoes and corn on the cob.

Valentine’s Weekend

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