02/21/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

21,

Alaska Stand takes its leave

This summer will be the Boardwalk’s first since 1933 without an Alaska Stand on a corner. The family is keeping the name, but is selling the property to Thrasher’s. — PAGE 12

County pauses on harbor zoning

The commissioners table their attempt to block US Wind’s use of two parcels in the West Ocean City harbor by changing the zoning. — PAGE 56

City Council pulls surprise rental stance

In a stunning change of direction, an Ocean City Council majority calls for a 31-night minimum stay for rentals in single-family home districts by 2027. — PAGE 3

PHOTO

Council opts for rental ban in residential areas by ’27

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) Acknowledging the city will need to take “baby steps” in their approach to short-term rentals, city officials this week directed staff to amend a proposed ordinance and develop regulations for a ban in singlefamily and mobile home districts by 2027.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council had before it the final reading of an ordinance that would establish a fivenight minimum length of stay for short-term rentals in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts. However, after a three-hour discussion, the council reversed course to some degree and voted 4-3 to have staff amend the ordinance and bring it back for another second reading.

As proposed, the city would establish a five-night minimum length of stay for short-term rentals in the R-1 and MH neighborhoods for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and implement a ban in those two districts beginning in 2027.

“We’re losing our sense of community, and we’re losing our R-1 neighborhoods and residents because of a commercial opportunity to run a business in the R-1 neighborhood, and that contradicts the comprehensive plan and that’s what’s happening,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week. “Doing nothing, or kicking the can down the road too far, really is a very poor option because this is going to continue to happen.”

In late January, the council agreed to move forward with a moratorium on the issuance of any new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 and MH districts and to set a five-night minimum length of stay for any existing rentals, beginning this season. That restriction, however, has been largely opposed by rental owners, many of whom came back before the council this week to make their final case against the length-of-stay ordinance.

Property owner David Marciniak argued that the council had failed to consider the financial impact the ordinance would have on existing shortterm renters. Under the five-night minimum, he said, one rental property would lose 12 of its 18 bookings, while a second property would lose 14 of its 17 bookings, and a third property would lose 13 if its 22 bookings. That change, he noted, equated to tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

“The last two years have been down here for the rental industry,” he said. “This is not the time to add additional financial burdens to owners. You’ve already implemented reforms on occupancy and a moratorium on rental licenses. If you feel that you have to make a change, then at least do it taking into consideration the im-

pact of property owners who rent.”

Marciniak, as well as several other rental owners, asked the council to consider a three-night minimum stay, particularly for the shoulder season, when weekend events are held. Resident Terry Miller also requested a task force be formed in an effort to reach some sort of compromise. She added that a recent petition garnered more than 200 signatures from yearround residents who opposed the rental restrictions.

“Walking around my neighborhood, I talked to five new residents … ,” she said. “None of them supported these restrictions. They said when they moved to a resort, of course they assumed there would be rentals.”

Lauren Bunting, president of the Coastal Association of Realtors, asked the council to reconsider a three-night minimum stay in the offseason, while Montego Bay resident Cathy Dorey asked that the MH district be excluded from the ordinance. She noted her family was trying to keep her parents’ home.

“Many families are in the position where they want to maintain these homes that they grew up in, that they spent their entire lives in, and they can’t afford to do it without having the ability to supplement and to rent,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that they’re renting full time and that they’re these big property, real estate investors.”

Resident Martin Branigan, a retiree to Ocean City, also encouraged the council to vote against the fivenight minimum stay. He noted that some rental owners used that income to pay mortgages and fund retirements.

“A lot of people, their dream is to live here, and if they can’t afford it then they have to rent, and not everybody who rents is looking to make a profit,” he said. “Not everybody is looking to do that … They’re making ends meet until they can make their dream come true of moving here full time.”

Several full-time residents, however, also came before the council this week to show their support for the rental restrictions. Teal Drive resident John Wright, along with other homeowners, argued the town code prohibited businesses in single-family neighborhoods. Resident Jeff McMahon noted a section of the code prohibited “tourist homes” in the R-1 district.

“Our council members didn’t create this problem, but so far have done nothing to rectify it,” Wright said. “They now have the opportunity to do the right thing and begin to enforce the R-1 zoning codes before our residential neighborhoods as we know them disappear completely.”

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Constant yield tax rates announced

for example, the tax rate should drop so that the revenue derived from the property tax stays the same.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) Worcester County and its municipalities received a first look at the constant yield tax rates that will guide budget discussions for the coming fiscal year.

Last week, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation notified the state’s counties and municipalities of the tax rate that would be needed to produce the same revenue as the year prior. Known as the constant yield tax rate, the figure is based on the new assessed value of taxable properties in a jurisdiction. Simply put, as assessments rise,

This appears to be the case for Worcester County and its municipalities, which saw net assessable real property bases rise in 2025.

In Ocean City, for example, this year’s assessable base increased from $10.8 billion to $12.1 billion. While resort properties were not reassessed for this year, increases from the most recent assessment are phased in over a three-year period.

As a result, the new constant yield tax rate is 39.58 cents per $100 dollars of assessed value, or a figure lower than the city’s actual tax rate of 44.26 cents.

It remains to be seen if Ocean City will adopt the constant yield tax rate or a different rate altogether. Prior to

2024, a jurisdiction could not set a tax rate that exceeded the constant yield tax rate without first advertising its intent to do so, according to the Department of Assessments and Taxation. Now, a jurisdiction cannot set a tax rate that exceeds the current taxable year’s real property tax rate without advertisement.

The good news is that primary residences are insulated by the Homestead Tax Credit, which limits the increase in taxable assessments each year to a fixed percentage. In Ocean City, for example, the Homestead cap is set at 0%.

In Worcester County, this year’s assessable base increased from $19.5 billion to $21.4 billion, resulting in a constant yield tax rate of 77.03 cents per $100 of assessed value, the state reports. That rate is lower than the

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City officials eye

Several Mallard Island residents also brought forward their own petition drive, seeking a 30-day minimum stay in residential neighborhoods.

Teal Drive resident Susan Wenzlaff also highlighted various short-term rental operations in her community.

“Why does a person pay almost $1 million for a house he doesn’t live in?

Apparently he rents it and makes money …,” she said. “What do we gain by allowing more short-term rentals in the R-1 neighborhood? Is it more jobs, employee housing, stability, community members? No, we spend dollars at the expense of more services, and the value of our heritage and community is zero.”

For his part, Caine Woods resident Dennis Dare argued short-term

rentals should be banned in singlefamily neighborhoods, which he said made up just 3% of the city.

“If it looks like a duck, walks like a

duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck,” he said. “If it has to pay sales taxes, if it has to pay room tax, if it has to obtain a business rental license, if it has to file IRS taxes, and if it has to obtain a noise permit, it’s a business. And businesses are not allowed in singlefamily neighborhoods.”

Mallard Island resident Jim Mathias also shared his support for protecting Ocean City’s residential neighborhoods. He asked the council to consider stronger rental restrictions, including a 30-day minimum length of stay.

stay for short-term rentals. However, he said he has since changed his mind.

“After seeing all the public comments from our residents, I do believe these are businesses,” he said.

Councilman Jake Mitrecic agreed, noting that one short-term rental property in the R-1 district brought in $78,000 in income in one year. However, he did not vote for the amendment, arguing the MH district should not be included in the ordinance.

“Respectfully, we don’t have to be all things to all people,” he said. “A gentleman asked who comes on vacation for 30 days? I can’t say who does, but I know who comes here and lives for 52 years.”

Following public testimony, the council majority – Council President Matt James and Councilmen Tony DeLuca, Larry Yates and Will Savage – voted to amend the length-of-stay ordinance. Taking a phased-in approach, the majority sought to continue with a five-night minimum stay through the 2025 and 2026 rental seasons in the R-1 and MH districts and to eliminate all short-term rentals in those neighborhoods beginning in 2027.

Savage told community members he had “sticker shock” when the city’s planning commission first brought forward a recommendation to implement a 31-day minimum length of

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“Historically, they are mixed-use neighborhoods, and have existed that way since their inception …,” he said. “I live in Montego Bay. There are rentals there, but it seems to have a much better balance than what we’re finding in the R-1s.”

James, Yates and DeLuca supported Savage’s motion, with DeLuca stating he wanted the city to take “baby steps” in implementing the short-term rental regulations. Councilman John Gehrig, however, continued to advocate for a one-booking-per-week restriction, while Councilwoman Carol Proctor advocated for a three-night minimum stay.

A second reading on the amended ordinance will come before the council again at a future meeting.

“Time to put it on the market,” one rental owner said following Tuesday’s vote.

The council on Tuesday also supported a motion to have staff develop language that would allow a rental license to be renewed or issued if a property with existing rentals on the books over the next year is sold.

“Someone who owns a rental agency and is a real estate broker said they have many homes that have rentals on the books for this upcoming season, and he is concerned some may have a desire to sell, and his company will be responsible for ensuring the renter gets a place to rent,” James said. “With how the [moratorium] is currently written, it will not allow for the new owner to assume or apply for and obtain a rental license on the property … It’s going to cause a problem for a handful of properties, if I had to guess.”

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Rental owners and resort residents are pictured above at this week’s City Council meeting, during which a council majority voted to phase in a short-

Thrasher’s will replace Alaska Stand on 9th

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) The closure of the Alaska Stand, a Boardwalk staple since the 1930s, will make way for another Thrasher’s French Fries location.

This week, Alaska Stand owners Jodi and Dennis Renner announced the sale of their family’s 9th Street location.

While it is the end of a chapter for the iconic Boardwalk business, the Renners say it also marks the beginning of another.

“The Alaska Stand’s storyline will come to a close at this time,” a statement from the Alaska Stand reads. “We are thrilled to share that we have entered into an agreement with another Ocean City icon – Thrasher’s Fries –they will take the helm at this beloved corner and will be the new face of 9th St!”

Les Morris, general manager for Thrasher’s French Fries, confirmed the news this week, adding that the company will move its satellite location at 8th Street to the Alaska Stand building on 9th. The new location will be open in time for the 2025 season.

“We wanted this location, and it became available,” he said. “So we jumped on it.”

In 1933, Jodi Renner’s great-grandfather, Benjamin Givarz, opened the original Alaska Stand at the corner of Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk.

Known for its frozen Alaska – a block of ice cream on a stick, dipped in chocolate – the eatery would soon expand its menu options to include hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, milkshakes and other treats.

“My great-grandfather came from overseas with all his kids,” Renner said. “That’s what he ended up purchasing with his money and supported his family with.”

A second Alaska Stand location opened on 9th Street in 1968. And soon, other generations of the Givarz family joined the business, with Renner’s grandfather, Jerry Givarz, taking over the Wicomico Street location, and Renner’s uncle, Robert Givarz, taking over the 9th Street location.

In 1991, the family sold its Wicomico Street location, but continued operations on 9th Street. When Robert Givarz died in 2017, the Renners took over the business.

“We have owned and operated it since my uncle passed away,” Jodi Renner said.

While the family no longer owns the 9th Street location, she noted that they continue to own the Alaska Stand business. She encouraged the public to follow the Alaska Stand’s accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for updates on its future.

“Our minds are considering other

options with the business itself …,” she said. “Stay tuned.”

While it is the end of an era for the Alaska Stand, Renner said she is happy to see Thrasher’s take its place this season.

“This transition marks the beginning of a new and exciting page in the history of 9th Street,” a statement from the Alaska Stand reads. “While this change brings a new face to this location on the boardwalk at 9th Street, the spirit of The

Alaska Stand, and the memories created here will forever remain a part of the fabric of this incredible community.

“To all of you who have supported The Alaska Stand over the years, thank you. You have shared your summers, your stories, and your smiles with us, and we carry those moments in our hearts. While the physical corner may change hands, the legacy we have built together lives on, woven into the vibrant history of Ocean City, Maryland.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

In the end of an era, The Alaska Stand is closing its 9th Street location. Thrasher’s is slated to take over the storefront.

Ocean City union airs concern with leaders on socials

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

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(Feb. 21, 2025) Ongoing maintenance issues at a newly opened fire station prompted Ocean City’s fire union to share grievances on social media this week, but the city reports efforts are underway to address those concerns.

On Tuesday evening, the Ocean City Firefighter-Paramedics Association, or IAFF Local 4269, took to Facebook to list various maintenance issues at the new Station 3, including a lack of heating in the living quarters last week, tripping hazards on the floor of the engine bays, and a faulty exit door.

Ryan Whittington, the union’s president, did not respond to interview requests this week. However, City Manager Terry McGean said city staff are aware of the issues and are working to address them.

“Regarding the Fire House, Fire Command and Public Works have been in close communication about all issues regarding the new Fire Station,” he said in a statement this week. “The Station was designed and constructed as a state of the art facility with no expense spared for the safety of our men and women firefighter/EMTs and paramedics. With any new construction there will be problems that come to light after the building opens that need to be addressed.”

In a Facebook post shared Monday, the union reported that firefighters last week “were forced to operate out of the Taj Mahal of fire stations — Ocean City’s $12 million facility on 65th Street — without heat in the living quarters.”

The union said the issue was reported to management, which replied they had not been advised of the request.

“Should we really have to ask for basic necessities as we risk our lives for our community?” the post reads. “Monday, the heat is intermittent at best.”

The post also detailed other issues within the station, including an exit door that did not readily open, and tripping hazards from extension cords, which are being used “due to an unresolved electrical issue for over 100 days,” the union reports.

“Ocean City Firefighters and tax payers deserve better,” the post reads.

In a statement provided Tuesday, McGean noted the department was awaiting repair parts and crews were scheduled to arrive at the station that day to work on the heating system.

“We have been withholding final payment to the contractor until these issues are resolved so it is not costing the taxpayer a single dime,” he said.

He also detailed the reasons for the

Issues at OC fire station revealed

electrical cords used within the station.

“The overhead electrical cords are in and they are code compliant, some apparatus are causing the ground fault interrupter circuit breakers on the cords to trip,” he explained. “It is an issue with the certain specific equipment on the apparatus, not the building. Troubleshooting the issue has taken time.”

McGean added the city’s master electrician has met with the fire department’s operational staff to address the issue.

“This inspection and dialogistic found that there was a fault in the circuit in a rear compartment receptacle where the hydraulic rescue equipment was located,” he said. “Adjustments were made to the engine assigned to the Midtown Firehouse and it has resolved the immediate electrical problem. We will be troubleshooting all remaining equipment over the coming days.”

In addition to the Facebook post shared on Monday, it appears other issues have been raised within the department. An internal email supplied to the OC Today-Dispatch shows ultrasound units had to be removed from the department’s ambulances, as they were not in compliance.

“At this time, we do not have an active contract with Butterfly [the device’s maker], and it will be a few weeks before a new agreement is in place,” the email reads. “What started as what I thought would be a quick investigation into the lack of notifications, turned into much more. We have no active contract with Butterfly, which means we have no cloud storage or the ability to send or review cases. As a result, the ultrasound units have been placed in out-of-service equipment storage at station 3 until our new subscription is secured.”

McGean responded this week by

stating the ultrasound units’ software subscription was not renewed, as the department’s contact person, Chief Rick Koch, had passed away.

“As soon as the issue was discovered, the new software license was funded and ordered,” he explained. “There are significant changes to the software which require training certification for the system administrators including our licensing physician prior to putting the equipment back in service. That training will occur over the next two weeks with the units back in service the first week in March.”

This week’s discourse comes months after the union filed a formal grievance against command staff, claiming the fire department had failed to provide employees with the proper uniforms and safety equipment needed to do their job. The department’s fire chief, Richie Bowers, acknowledged at the time that employees were not property outfitted, but command staff had plans to purchase and distribute the necessary equipment.

“We are working to make sure that everybody has everything,” he told council members last November.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Maintenance issues were reported at Ocean City’s new 65th Street fire station, pictured, prompting union members to go to social media.

Hopes dim for Girls Sports Act as companion bill dies

Carozza presents legislation to prohibit biological males competing on girls teams

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) A pending bill in the Maryland Senate would outlaw anyone born as a boy from playing on girls’ sports teams, but the odds of it becoming law are slim based on lawmakers’ chilly response to a companion bill in the House.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (District 38, Worcester) is sponsoring a bill that would permit only biological females to play high school sports on girls-only teams. A hearing for the bill, the Fairness in Girls Sports Act, is set for March 5 in the Senate’s Education, Energy and Environment Committee.

It’s the second year Carozza has sponsored such a measure. Last year in testimony, she explained to her state Senate colleagues that the legislation is needed to help female students complete on an even playing field.

been displaced,” she said in her 2024 testimony. “My story and the story of thousands of Maryland women who played competitive sports in high school and earned a college athletic scholarship underscore the need for this legislation. Women fought too long and too hard to earn equal athletic opportunities.”

Carozza added that 26 states have passed similar legislation, called the “Save Women’s Sports Act.” Alaska and Georgia have enacted identical measures through non-legislative means. Governors in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania vetoed the bills, while the Ohio legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto to pass the bill into law.

‘This bill protects the hardearned opportunities for girls to compete in organized high school sports fairly.’

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza

“This bill protects the hard-earned opportunities for girls to compete in organized high school sports fairly, and to earn athletic awards and scholarships, just as I did as a student athlete,” she testified in 2024.

Stating that male and female students are to be associated with their sex at birth, Senate Bill 588 says the government may not investigate complaints or take “adverse action” for maintaining separate sports for females.

It applies to varsity, junior varsity, and intramural athletes playing for public high schools, as well as private schools competing against public school teams. The legislation does not impact teams or sports that are designated as mixed, meaning that the bill does not prohibit girls from trying out for boys’ teams, Carozza said.

Text of the bill also says students who are “deprived of an athletic opportunity” may bring a civil lawsuit against a school. Students who face retaliation for reporting a “violation” also may bring a civil action, the bill says.

Carozza played varsity high school tennis for four years at Stephen Decatur High School, which she says allowed her to compete for an athletic scholarship at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

“Had one of the boys from the boys’ tennis team at my high school decided to play for my girls’ high school tennis team, I would have

However, here in Maryland, where companion bills from both the House and Senate get reconciled into a final piece of legislation, Carozza’s proposal is not likely to see daylight. That’s because a companion bill in the Maryland House of Delegates died in committee. Primary sponsor Del. Kathy Szeliga (District 7A, Baltimore) called her proposal for House Bill 156 “an apolitical issue.”

“By allowing males into female sports, we’re actually discriminating against biological girls,” she told the House Ways and Means Committee in testimony Jan. 29. “This is why Title IX was created. Never did I think I would be fighting to get back the rights given to women and girls almost 53 years ago. Speaking up shouldn’t be hard, but it is. Women must be assured that they are competing safely against other girls.”

Lower Shore representative Wayne Hartman (District 38C, Worcester) is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. He said the committee’s party-line vote, where 13 Democrats opposed the bill and six Republicans wanted it, resulted in the “unfavorable” status that killed the bill.

“They’re trying to send a message with that vote that the majority part is very strong in their opinion of not supporting this legislation,” Hartman said in an interview Monday. “It’s one of those things, the topic can become very divisive within our committee. To me, it just makes sense, not only for fairness but for safety reasons as well.”

Under the new administration of President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel on Feb. 11 urged record-keeping sports associations like the NCAA to “restore to female athletes the records, titles, awards, and recognitions misappropriated by biological males competing in female categories.”

Council OK’s zoning map change

New zoning designation for Phillips Plaza shopping site

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) City officials this week adopted changes to the zoning map, which will allow a portion of the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center to be rezoned for future redevelopment.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted to amend the city’s zoning district map, effectively rezoning the easterly half of 2100 Philadelphia Avenue, better known as the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center, from R-3 residential to LC-1 local commercial.

In October, attorney Hugh Cropper came before the Ocean City Planning Commission to seek a rezoning of the easterly half of the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center, which cur-

rently serves as a parking lot, from R3 to LC-1, the same zoning designation found on the western half of the property. He said his client, Mike Ramadan, was looking to double the size of the current shopping center, with additional employee housing and offices above.

Opining that the city had made a mistake in its zoning designation, the commission last fall agreed to support the applicant’s request and forward a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council. However, when the request was brought before the council in November, it was remanded back to the planning commission, as the majority of council members disagreed with the commission’s finding. They took the position that a rezoning could be granted based on a substantial

change in the surrounding neighborhood.

To that end, the planning commission reviewed the council’s argument at its Dec. 17 meeting. There, resort planners issued yet another favorable recommendation, this time concluding that the rezoning was supported by a change in the neighborhood.

“In allowing this change, and bringing in more retail the developer wants to propose, brings services back to the neighborhood,” Commissioner Janet Hough said at the time. “That’s my feeling.”

On Jan. 21, the council voted to approve the rezoning, adopt the planning commission’s findings of fact, and advance a zoning map amendment. And on Tuesday, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the zoning map amendment on second reading.

Sewer main break leads to shellfish harvest restriction

Sewage spills into Manklin Creek following malfunction

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) Shellfish harvesting restrictions remain in effect until March 1 in Manklin Creek following a sewer main malfunction.

The 10-inch sewer main break near the corner of Ocean Parkway and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines caused approximately 1,200 gallons of sewage to spill into an adjacent marsh that drains into Manklin Creek.

According to a press release issued by Worcester County Public Information Officer Kim Moses, Worcester County Public Works identified and repaired the break on Feb. 7. Before the situation was handled, the fracture allowed around 1,200 gallons of sewage to find its way into a nearby marsh, one that drains into Manklin Creek.

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued an emergency closure of the waterway on Feb. 8. The restrictions will be lifted on March 1.

“The county immediately notified the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), which issued a public notice temporarily restricting shellfish harvesting in Manklin Creek,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said in the press release.

While there are no oyster bed leases in Manklin Creek, the press release urged in its Feb. 12 issuance that anyone who may have oyster floats or cages in the body of water should not consume any shellfish from the creek for the next 21 days.

Worcester County Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said in the announcement that the weekslong closing will give the waterway time to return to normal, safe conditions.

“Closure restrictions are based on providing 14 days to dilute out any bacteria and 21 days to strain out potential viruses, such as Norovirus,” he said.

The shellfish harvesting restrictions will be lifted on Saturday, March 1.

Bill aims to extend condo reserves

Local lawmaker seeks delay for a mandate that could raise costs for homeowners

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Fed. 21, 2025) Condominium associations could get another two more years to come up with statemandated cash reserves under proposed legislation from a Lower Shore delegate in Annapolis.

It’s the second year that Del. Wayne Hartman (D-38C, Worcester) has sponsored a bill to extend the payment window for reserve studies. His House Bill 1215 is scheduled for a Feb. 28 hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee.

In response to the 2021 collapse of a Florida high rise condo building that killed 98 people, Maryland lawmakers in 2022 mandated condos, cooperatives, and homeowner’s associations complete a review of how much money they’d need for financial upkeep of common areas, called a reserve study.

But the law has sent condo associations scrambling to find money, sometimes in five- or six-figure amounts for their buildings, according to Michele Nadeau, president of

the Delmarva Community Managers Association.

“The three years is really a tight time frame to get people up to speed. It’s almost impossible for people who haven’t had a reserve study in 30 years to say they now need a million dollars and there’s only 16 condos. I think five years is a realistic figure. Three years is not enough for people who were not doing this regularly,” she said.

She said older and smaller condo buildings especially have been hit with sticker shock because, before 2022, they’d never had a reserve study, instead asking unit owners to pay a special assessment when needed. Reserve studies are supposed to be conducted by a third-party building auditing firm, the law says.

Nadeau added that there appears to be no enforcement unless someone complains to the state Attorney General’s Office.

“It got pushed really fast and that’s where this three-year part came in. I don’t think it was very well thoughtout. I don’t disagree with the purpose of it, but they rolled it out very fast and didn’t get enough things ironed out. There’s still a lot of confusion on the bill, basically,” she said.

What the law does say is that condo associations must identify

common elements that might need repair, determine their useful life, and start saving for future repairs. Common elements that might need replacing could include a roof, a boiler or furnace, elevators, window replacement, or even lobby furniture and exercise equipment.

The law only applies to HOAs with responsibility under its declaration for maintaining and repairing common areas, and it only applies where all common area assets total at least $10,000.

While some condo buildings set a percentage limits on how high annual fees and assessments can go, the law gives HOA boards the authority to increase an assessment to cover the reserve funding amount required, despite any provisions in their condo docs.

Bill sponsor Hartman says asking condo associations to start raising big money is only adding to the list of out-of-pocket expenses Maryland homeowners are now facing, like rising insurance premiums.

“Our property owners are getting hit with three increasing expenses, and substantially: the condo fee, the insurance, and the property taxes,” Hartman said. “We really need to find relief for them, or else it could have a further impact on the market.”

SPEAKER WELCOMED

Troy Foxwell, First Vice President of the Delaware Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), recently spoke to members of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) about the SAR’s plans for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Its activities will not only educate the public, but recognize, honor, and celebrate the events and heroes of the period surrounding the American Revolution. Accompanying Foxwell was his wife Carolyn Foxwell, Vice Regent of Delaware DAR, who provided additional information on some DAR initiatives with respect to America 250 celebrations. Regent Sharon Moak, left, is pictured also.

Criminal charges possible in bookkeeper embezzlement

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) A lawsuit against a local couple accused of stealing $1.5 million from a resort business has been placed on hold as both federal and state prosecutors consider criminal charges.

On Jan. 31, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge issued a 180-day stay in the civil suit against Ronald and Tammy Barcus, a Berlin couple accused of embezzling money from Resort Homes, LLC, by forging unauthorized checks and hiding the transactions. The couple’s attorney, Steve Rakow, said the case will be paused as criminal prosecution is considered.

“This is being done because there are discovery issues in the civil case that could impact the criminal case, if brought,” Rakow said in a statement last week. “While we’ve reached out to the feds for an update on a timeline for possible indictment, the [assistant United States Attorney] has refused to provide any information regarding the ongoing investigation.”

On Oct. 24, Resort Homes, LLC, filed a civil suit against Tammy Barcus, the company’s bookkeeper, and her husband, Ron Barcus, the company’s tile and marble subcontractor, alleging the couple defrauded the business out of $1.5 million over the course of several years by writing unauthorized payments to Ron Barcus and concealing the transactions as payments to other companies.

Resort Homes alleges Ron Barcus had endorsed the falsified checks and deposited them into the couple’s bank accounts. The company claims the

fraudulent payments to Ron Barcus totaled more than $200,000 per year.

“Given Defendant Ronald Barcus was paid about $75,000.00 per year on average by Plaintiff, and Defendant Tammy Barcus was paid about $50,000 per year on average by Plaintiff, Defendants have roughly tripled their annual income from Plaintiff through their fraudulent actions and conspiracy,” the complaint reads.

After discovering accounting discrepancies, the company notified Maryland State Police, which began an investigation. The lawsuit also reports Tammy Barcus had confessed to the fraudulent activity.

“When Defendant returned to Plaintiff’s office on Monday October 21, 2024, Plaintiff confronted Defendant Tammy Barcus about the fraudulent scheme, and Defendant Tammy Barcus admitted to the fraud,” the complaint reads. “When Plaintiff’s member Darryl Greer asked Defendant Tammy Barcus if she planned on paying back the misappropriated funds, Defendant Tammy Barcus stated that she had spent all the funds and only had a few thousand dollars in her bank accounts, and refused to pay back any stolen funds, despite owning multiple vehicles, a new boat, and real property. The entire account and admission was recorded by Trooper Stacey of the Maryland State Police.”

Since last fall, the civil case has worked its way through the court system, with Judge Beau Oglesby most recently denying the defendants’ motion for a protective order. And on Jan. 17, both the plaintiff and the de-

See JUDGE Page 22

Sheriff still mum on OCES lockdown cause

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) Authorities say they’re still trying to determine the cause of the “unverified threat” heard last week over a school radio that led to a lockdown of Ocean City Elementary School.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said the Feb. 11 incident, which locked down teachers and students for about an hour, is still being looked into by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. Detectives are trying to get to the source of the midday radio broadcast and are interviewing people who were in the building at the time, Crisafulli said.

The undefined verbal threat heard over a school walkie-talkie sparked an immediate police response including dozens of officers from several

law enforcement agencies. Police set up a perimeter around the West Ocean City campus as anxious parents queued outside in cars.

The sheriff said the school during lockdown was methodically searched by multiple police officers, and the teachers and students huddled inside “all reacted the exact way we’d want them to act in an emergency.”

“I thank the Lord this was not a real situation, as far as someone being there with a weapon,” he said.

Crisafulli declined to comment on the nature of what was heard over school walkie-talkies but said he’s “hoping soon to bring it to closure.”

“We know there’s a lot of community concern. We share the sentiment. This office will always make school safety our top priority and it always will be,” the sheriff said.

Worcester County elected officials did meet with the sheriff’s office behind closed doors ahead of a scheduled County Commissioners meeting early Tuesday to discuss the incident.

“Someone heard something allegedly on the radio that, of course, triggered the whole operation,” said Ted Elder, president of the county’s Board of Commissioners.

“One thing I can say is, what we

Continued from Page 21

fendants filed a joint request to stay the case, which was granted on Jan. 31.

“Due to pending criminal actions against one or both Defendants related to the claims in this case, the parties both desire this case be stayed in the interest of justice and judicial efficiency,” the motion reads. “The parties request that all pending motions (including Defendants’ pending motion for a protective order), discovery, conferences, and the trial be stayed until any party files to reopen this case.”

learned is, there was a great response, not only from law enforcement, but also the training the school had as far as a lockdown. That part of it went great,” Elder added. “The investigation is ongoing and hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of it.”

When reached Tuesday, school board President Todd Ferrante said he has yet not been briefed on what happened.

“I think we’d all like an answer as to what happened,” he said. “We’re all looking forward to learning what caused the incident or how it happened. So, we’re going to let law enforcement do their investigation and hopefully we’ll get some answers.”

Ferrante also lauded police and school staff for an “outstanding” response to a terrifying situation, one that some parents worried could have been an active shooter.

“It’s the thing that’s on your mind that you hope never happens in the school system,” he said. “There’s a lot of sick individuals out there who are mentally unwell who want to attack schools. Everyone took a sigh of relief when there was nothing happening. But, not knowing that, we had to take all precautions. It was an unfortunate situation for everyone involved.”

Rakow said last week that the stay was a result of discovery issues in the civil case that could impact the criminal case. When asked about those issues, Rakow responded, “I can’t comment on the specifics, but the civil attorneys requested discovery from my clients – in the form of requests for admissions, interrogatories, and document production. Standard in civil cases, but can be used against my clients in any criminal case.”

W. Hank Fisher, attorney for Resort Homes, LLC, declined to comment.

BRIAN SHANE PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Parents meet with Worcester County Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor and Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli in the immediate aftermath of a lockdown on Feb. 11 at the West Ocean City school. Authorities say they’re still looking into the “verbal threat” that triggered a police response.

Panitch named 2024 OCPD Officer of the Year

Police department holds yearly awards ceremony for personnel, volunteers

(Feb. 21, 2025) The Ocean City Police Department hosted its annual Officer of the Year Ceremony at the Ashore last weekend.

Nearly 150 guests gathered to recognize OCPD personnel and volunteers for their accomplishments in 2024 and named Police Officer First Class (PFC) Benjamin Panitch as the Ocean City Police Department Officer of the Year.

Three community members, Larry Yates, Megan Alvarado and Greg Shockley, played a crucial role in the Officer of the Year selection process. They met with the nominees, including PFC Panitch, PFC Hailie Brumley, PFC Yovanny Ramirez, DFC [redacted due to assignment], Corporal Jacob Fetterolf, and Corporal Ryan Flanagan, and their input was instrumental in choosing the Officer of the Year. We thank them for their valuable contribution.

PFC Benjamin Panitch has been an integral member of the Ocean City Police Department since 2019, beginning his service as a 911 dispatcher before becoming a full-time officer in 2020. As part of the Traffic

Safety Unit, he has led or played a key role in major collision reconstruction investigations. In 2024, his outstanding performance included 62 arrests, 122 reportable investigations, 533 traffic citations, and 297 traffic warnings.

Beyond traffic enforcement, Panitch serves as an FAA UAS Pilot, leads First Amendment education for boardwalk performers, plays an active role in recruitment, and serves as a Neighborhood Watch liaison. His exceptional investigative work and dedication to public safety have earned him the respect of his peers and the community, making him the well-deserving recipient of the Ocean City Police Department’s Officer of the Year award.

Volunteers of the OCPD Auxiliary Unit were also recognized for their contribution of 2,105.25 volunteer hours in 2024. Since the Unit’s inception in 1999, auxiliary officers have volunteered over 68,000 hours, which translates to a cost saving of over $2 million for the taxpayers of Ocean City. The Auxiliary Officer of the Year award went to Anthony “Tony” Pinkovsky this year.

Pinkovsky’s journey in the auxiliary officer program since 2019 is a remarkable testament to dedication and passion. What sets him apart is

not just his commitment but his profound love for the department. Each summer, he steps up as a seasonal public safety officer, and in the offseason, he continues to give his time and talents as an auxiliary officer.

The Commendation Board carefully selects individuals who have exceeded the call of duty each year. The following individuals were honored for their remarkable dedication, courage, and commitment to excel-

lence.

• Bronze Star: Sergeant (Sgt.) Douglas Smith, Corporal (Cpl.) John Spicer, PFC Likeke Arlington, and PFC Timothy Chaykosky

• Meritorious Service: Sgt. Nathan Kutz

• Lifesaving Award: PFC Anthony Helias, PFC William Mossop, PFC Justin Koser (x2), and Seasonal Officer Finley Cole

Pictured, from left, at the recent Officer of the Year Ceremony at the Ashore were Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Officer of the Year PFC Benjamin Panitch, Delegate Wayne Hartman and Interim Chief Michael Colbert.

Retired Berlin officer dies in ‘line of duty’ incident in W.Va.

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) A retired Berlin police officer died Monday night responding to a structure fire in West Virginia. J.D. Lawson was 54.

Lawson’s passing a “line of duty death.”

Fatal Rt. 113 crash under investigation, police report

Impairment believed to be factor in accident that killed Pocomoke resident

After his retirement from the Berlin Police Department in 2023 as a lieutenant, Lawson returned to his hometown of War, W.Va. During his time with Berlin, Lawson was also an active member with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company for nearly 20 years.

According to a press release from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal, Lawson, 54, died responding to a structure fire in McDowell County, W.Va.

Around 7:25 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, McDowell County 911 received a report of a structure fire in the 12000 block of Marshall Highway in Jolo, W.Va. The War Volunteer Fire Department responded along with the Bradshaw Volunteer Fire Department and Raysal Volunteer Fire Department.

On to the way to fight the fire, Lawson, a deputy chief with the War Volunteer Fire Department, became ill, according to the press release. The fire apparatus driver immediately turned the truck around and started driving in the direction of Welch Community Hospital. The team met up with an EMS unit and transferred Lawson to that unit.

The ambulance continued to Welch Community Hospital with Lawson, who became unconscious, and CPR efforts were initiated by the attending EMS crew. Lawson was later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy has been ordered. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office is considering

At the fire scene, a Bradshaw volunteer firefighter collapsed with difficulty breathing and smoke inhalation. That firefighter, Gary M. Coleman, 51, from Jolo, W.Va., was transported to a landing zone where he was flown to CAMC General Division in Charleston. Coleman was treated and released. The structure that was on fire was Coleman’s residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

After completing his law enforcement career in Berlin two years ago, Lawson returned to West Virginia to work as a heavy equipment operator and continued his public service career with the War Volunteer Fire Company.

In April 2024, Lawson was featured in this newspaper’s weekly OCVFC Spotlight article. Lawson said he was grateful for “the opportunity to mold new and old members of the OCVFC into a proud team with the skills, ability, and knowledge to safely and efficiently provide fire and rescue services to the residents and visitors to the Town of Ocean City.”

In a Facebook post Tuesday, the Ocean City Fire Department wrote, “Captain Lawson’s legacy in our department extends far beyond the numerous projects and initiatives he championed throughout Ocean City. His true impact lives on through the countless firefighters he mentored and taught over his years of service. As an instructor and leader, he shaped the skills and values of generations of Ocean City firefighters who continue to serve our community today.

“Those who had the privilege of working alongside him, particularly his brothers from the legendary NEDHC crew, knew him as more than just a captain - they knew him as a friend, mentor, and dedicated firefighter who embodied the true spirit of the fire service.”

(Feb. 21, 2025) Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning in southern Worcester County.

Forest Eugene Crippen III, 34, of Pocomoke City, was the front passenger of a Honda Accord traveling on Route 113. He was pronounced deceased on the scene by Pocomoke City emergency medical services personnel.

The driver, identified as Yakia Shree Brittingham, 35, of Berlin, was transported by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for treatment of her injuries.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the area of southbound Route 113, south of Blades Road for a report of a single-vehicle crash.

According to a preliminary investigation, the Honda was traveling south when for unknown reasons, traveled off the roadway, subsequently striking a tree. Police believe that impairment may have been a factor in this crash.

Route. 113 was closed for the crash investigation but reopened Sunday morning. Assistance on scene was provided by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Department, Pocomoke City Emergency Medical Services, and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation. Once their investigation is complete, they will submit their findings to the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, who will decide whether charges will be filed in this case. The crash investigation remains active and ongoing.

Several OCPD officers recognized

Continued from Page 23

• Excellent Performance: Lt. Joseph Lotito, Sgt. Joseph Bushnell, Sgt. Nicholas Forsyth, Sgt. Nathan Kutz, Sgt. Kyle Murray, Cpl. Benjamin Berry, Cpl. David Whitmer, PFC Devin Bartrom, PFC Anthony Calabrese, PFC Joshua Glaub, PFC Amy Gutowski, PFC Emma Hamilton-Blackford (x3), PFC Sean Mills, DFC Edward Newcomb, PFC Benjamin Panitch (x3), PFC Benjamin Panitch (x3), PFC Corey Pavinski,

PFC Daniel Richardson (x2), PFC Jessica Wieber, Crime Scene Technician Kaleigh Kelly and Maryland State Police Trooper Brandon Stacey (with the Berlin Barrack)

• Unit Citation: Animal Control Unit- Animal Control Officer (ACO) Barbara Wisniewski and ACO Connor Wisniewski

• Certificate of Outstanding Service: Scott Davidson and Christopher Greenwood. In 2024, the department celebrated 32 promotions. The following officers were promoted within the last year, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to their new roles: Captain Dennis Eade, Lt. Jeffrey Johns, Lt. Michael Kelly, Lt. Joseph Lotito, Sgt. Michael Kirkland, Sgt. Nathan Kutz, Sgt. Christopher Snyder, Cpl. Danielle Braniff, Cpl. Danielle Braniff, Cpl. Corey Gemerek, Cpl. Harry Miller, Cpl. Kory Moerschel, Cpl. David Whitmer, PFC Anthony Calabrese, PFC Nicolas Centeio, PFC Timothy Chaykosky, PFC Joshua Glaub, PFC Emma Hamilton-Blackford, PFC Dylan Harlos, PFC Ja-Quez Harrell, PFC Nolan Kilchenstein, PFC Jonette Miller, PFC Sean Mills, PFC Austin Mora, PFC William Mossop, PFC Redacted due to assignment, PFC Ryan Osowiecki, PFC Corey Pavinski, and PFC Thomas Stoltzfus, Custody Officer Anna Hoffnagle, Custody Officer Jessica Lagas, and Executive Administrative Assistant Mikayla Shemansky.

J.D. Lawson

Annual Trade Expo next weekend

(Feb. 21, 2025) The countdown is underway for the biggest hospitality event in the mid-Atlantic. Now in its 51st year, the Annual Ocean City Trade Expo will occur on March 2-3 at the Ocean City Convention Center.

Hosted by the Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA), this year’s expo will feature the largest number of exhibit booths in its history.

“Over the past 51 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to create a tradeshow that provides an affordable platform for both small and large vendors to connect with hospitality industry owners and managers, showcasing their products and services,” said OCHMRA Executive Director Susan Jones.

The event gives industry attendees the chance to sip, sample, and shop over two exciting days, all while offering end-

less opportunities to network face-toface with peers. This key networking time fosters idea-sharing with likeminded professionals who understand your drive.

Expo attendees can also take advantage of exclusive “Show Specials” from exhibitors. Two exhibit halls on the lower level will showcase the latest industry trends and new products, while educational sessions will take place on the second level.

The OCHMRA has partnered with the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) to fuel attendees’ creative hunger for learning through its Solutions Showcase Sessions. These workshops will offer valuable business lessons and best practices. Participants will dive into insightful discussions, expand their knowledge with thought-provoking keynotes, and walk away with actionable takeaways.

Here is a glimpse of the upcoming sessions:

Keynote Speaker: Jason Brooks will present “Leading with The Right Mindset: Managing vs Leading vs Coaching.” Learn the art of using the right approach in situations to help yield the ultimate results in conversations, challenges, and team development; knowing which mindset and methodology is appropriate for the given situation is the key to success! Mr. Brooks authored “Every Leader Needs Followers10 Ways to transform Managers into Hospitality Leaders.” Recognizing the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, the author and OCHMRA have pledged 50% of all books sold between now and March 9 to go to the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund. This fund was created by the North Caroline Restaurant & Lodging Association Foundation.

Lodging Market Review & Forecast: Utilizing an STR custom trend report, join CAS Advisors as they provide a synopsis of the national lodging market, followed by a more indepth analysis of the Ocean City submarket. Trends in occupancy, ADR and RevPAR will be discussed, as well as current factors that could affect those metrics.

US Travel Association National Landscape Overview: Essential to our economy, indispensable to our communities, irreplaceable as an industry, join US Travel Association to hear the latest on the nationwide travel landscape.

The following sessions are scheduled for the stage:

Ask The Experts:

Allergens 101 and What’s New in Food Code: Join Chef Robert McKeon CDM, CFPP for an in-depth exploration of allergens and he walks you through all there is to know with new food codes, essential knowledge for your staff! Chef McKeon is a ServSafe author and contributor, with 30-plus years in food service, 18-plus years in management, certified dietary manager, top senior ServSafe instructor, dietary manager of the year and certified food protection professional.

ROI Savings of Proactive Maintenance: Valcourt Building Services, a national waterproofing, cleaning, & restoration company with the upmost regard for safety and quality specializing in building envelope construction, lends it’s professional experience servicing 4000-plus properties annually throughout the region for an interactive Q&A session. We will discuss common challenges, and solutions like regular inspections and proactive maintenance planning to help more accurately identify upcoming expenses, increase time to accrue funding and approve budgeting, minimize compounding costs of deferred repairs, and mitigate loss of operational revenue & customer inconvenience to ultimately maximize

for

on every building.

Hospitality sessions planned Berlin Liquor S

Behind the Brand:

We Make Cool Stuff From Grass: Meet Genera, an American manufacturer of compostable molded fiber packaging, made from grasses grown in the US. Learn about their high-quality products that help brands achieve sustainability goals, deliver on consumer preferences, and strengthen the circular economy. Offering a wide range of stock foodservice packaging, with customization available. Hear how they support the environment, American jobs, farmers and landowners.

Fallen Pine Oysters Beer/Wine

Pairing: Join Fallen Pine Oysters and the Maryland Department of Agriculture & Seafood as they provide education on choosing oysters for raw bars and explore beer and wine pairings!

ZenJoy: Join the conversation and learn all the new beverage trends! Made in Towson, Maryland, ZenJoy is an adaptogenic tea made for stress and anxiety relief.

Sobar Secure: Shake up your beverage menu with mocktails! Sobar Secure shares the latest trends and how to create a mocktail money-maker on your menu!

To learn more details and times for the sessions, visit the Daily Schedule on OceanCityTradeExpo.com.

A fresh addition to this year’s Expo is the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Annual Awards Gala, which will

honor winners from across the state. RAM is also bringing back its live culinary competition where the winner qualifies for the World Food Championships. Four chefs will be competing on the Dockside Hall Culinary Stage. The Maryland Department of Agriculture & Seafood, J.J. McDonnell, and McCormick for Chefs are supplying products for the competition. The culinary action kicks off on Monday at 10 a.m.

It is important to note that The Expo is not open to the public, therefore to walk the show floor you must be a buyer or guest in the hospitality industry including employment with a hotel, motel, restaurant, catering company, concession stand, bed and breakfast, condo/property management company, cafeteria, nursing home, school/college, hospital, church, or ice cream store, as examples.

Expo management reserves the right to determine if your registration fits “guest” parameters.

Expo hours are Sunday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After Feb. 27, on-site registration is $25 per person with proof of being in the industry such as a business card, business license, or letter from an employer on company letterhead.

Pay stubs are not accepted as proof. For complete Expo information check out www.oceancitytradeexpo.com or call 410-289-6733.

by Steve Green

AThe Adventures of Fatherhood

new weekly segment in this space could simply be transcriptions of conversations with my son Beckett, 16. In the moment, these conversations can be irritating. After a few minutes and the benefit of hindsight, these simple chats are viewed with humor.

For instance, here are a few recaps of recent talks (for lack of a better phrase).

Me: You are keeping an eye on your time, right?

Beckett: Yes.

Me: What time is it?

Beckett: Not time to go.

Me: But I am leaving with Carson for school and Mom is the shower. You need to be at school in 15 minutes and you haven’t showered.

Beckett: I know.

Me: You do?

Beckett: I know.

Me: What’s the weather outside?

Beckett: I know.

Me: Grunt

Beckett: Wait, what did you say? I was doing something.

Me: Yeah, you were ignoring me. What was on your phone was more important.

Beckett: No, I wasn’t.

And then I cut the conversation short, irritating the boy.

Beckett: Well, you don’t have to be rude about it.

I have learned in recent years there are times when conversations are just not possible because his head is not right. It’s why I often dip my toe in to see what’s going on with him. The pre-conversations go like this:

Me: Let me know when you have a few minutes to talk, it’s no big deal and no rush.

Beckett: Okay.

Beckett: Wait, what’s it about?

Me: Nothing huge, I can see you are on your phone. Just come downstairs when done.

Beckett: Wait, just tell me what it’s about. Me: It’s about tomorrow and our schedule. Just want to run through it all.

Beckett: Oh it’s about tomorrow, just tell me in the morning.

Me: Cool, we will talk about it at 6 tomorrow morning.

Beckett: Ok. (Couple minutes go by)

Wait, what’s tomorrow again?

Me: Sunday.

Here’s how a chat went recently before a soccer game.

Me at 5 p.m.: Okay we are leaving at 5:45 for your game at 6:30, right?

Beckett: Sure

Me at 5:30 p.m.: (From downstairs) you getting ready?

Me at 5:40: What’s happening? (No answer because he’s in the shower)

Me: Why are you showering before an indoor soccer game? And why are you sitting in the shower?

Beckett: Why are you stalking me? And because (female names deleted) are coming to watch the game.

Me: Oh, that’s a good reason. Well, we should have left five minutes ago.

Beckett: I know I will be ready.

Me: When?

Five minutes later he comes down without out his jersey and shin guards and the same color socks that are clearly not a pair.

Another example had to do with when is the appropriate time for a teenager to go to bed when he doesn’t have school tomorrow.

Me (at 11 p.m.): It’s pretty late.

Beckett: For someone your age maybe?

Me: That’s entirely too chippy.

Beckett: What’s chippy mean?

Me: Unnecessarily rude.

Beckett: I didn’t mean it that way.

Me: It’s fine, you don’t have school tomorrow.

Beckett: Yeah it’s whatever.

Me: Yeah it’s whatever.

Beckett: Good night, I love you.

Me: I love you, too, don’t stay up too late.

Beckett: I’m facetiming here soon.

Me: With who?

Beckett: Oh everyone.

Me: Oh, well tell everyone hello then, but don’t stay up too late.

Beckett: You got it.

A column, “You Will Always Love Your Children, But You May Not Always Like Them,” I found on Scary Mommy.com about teens hits the mark in my opinion. Though I think Pam and I generally do most parenting things right, there are times when I feel like we are bit tough on Beckett. It doesn’t help he has grown quite adept at challenging us and seems to really enjoy arguing with us over mundane things. Pam calls it his need for a dopamine rush. I call it something altogether different, lovingly.

The column read, “I remember the first time I fell in love with each of my children. I also remember the first time I fell out of like with each of them.

“My staunch, fierce, mama bear love for my children has never wavered since their births. And in the early years of motherhood, I assumed that that love would carry us through everything, that the overwhelming adoration I had for my babies meant that nothing they could do would ever change my feelings for them. “But as it turns out, “love” and “like” are two different feelings. While love is immutable and constant, like is a bit more of a fickle beast. Just because the former is always there, that doesn’t mean that the latter automatically follows. … Just to be clear, I do like my children in general. I like them as human beings. They’re good people, my people. But they have definitely gone through phases where I simply didn’t enjoy being around them very much. …

“It might sound terrible to say that I don’t always like my children, but it’s true. I do always love them — with every fiber of my being. But love and like are not the same thing, and one does not always lead to the other. You will always love your children, but you may not always like them, and that’s okay.”

(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.)

St. Pat’s Parade & Festival returns to resort March 15

(Feb. 21, 2025) Ocean City will be aglow in green as the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish American Club, returns Saturday, March 15, and is sure to be bigger and better than ever.

The event, which began in 1980, has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s parade in Maryland and is the seasonal kick-off for many local businesses. Over the years, the DIAC — a 501(c)(3) social organization — has donated more than $590,000 from parade proceeds to scholarships for local high school students and to other charities and organizations. The DIAC is especially proud to have made a $50,000 donation to the Macky and Pam Stansell House at Coastal Hospice.

Pipe and drum bands will bring the sounds of Ireland to the streets of Ocean City, along with high school marching bands and festively decorated floats sponsored by local businesses, groups and organizations. Leading the parade will be John Fager as this year’s grand marshal. John has been one of the DIAC’s biggest supporters from its beginnings, and Fager’s Island Restaurant and Nightclub has been a parade sponsor for more than 30 years. John has played a significant role in the event’s success.

The procession begins at noon on Coastal Highway at 57th Street and marches south to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the viewing bleachers and judges’ stand will be located. Trophies will be awarded for best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit, best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges’ choice award and best overall entry in the parade.

In addition to the celebration on the parade route, the 45th Street Shopping Center will be transformed into a spirited Irish festival complete with live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, along with Irish dancers, Irish apparel, baskets of cheer, souvenirs and a variety of food and beer. Spectators can enjoy the free-admission festival beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.

To avoid traffic delays, spectators are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 57th Street south to 45th Street.

Mike Bradley will serve as parade emcee on the judges’ stand. The parade will be live-streamed by UnScene Productions and hosted by Bill Baker and Melanie Pursel; details of the stream will be shared on the DIAC Facebook page.

The DIAC was founded in 1980, and its first membership drive resulted in 75 members. Today, there

John Fager named grand marshal for this year’s parade

are close to 300 members. The club is open to anyone who is Irish, of Irish descent or just likes things Irish.

There is no rain date for the parade or festival. For more information, visit http://www.delmarvairish.org or contact Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.

John Fager of Fager’s Island fame was born in Baltimore in the year of who knows when. Ocean City was the highlight of his family’s adventures. They left home in the pitch dark and took the ferry across the Chesapeake Bay to the Eastern Shore and drove home the same day with wet bathing suits tied to the rear-view mirrors. John worked every summer here from the age of 16 through college — telescope pictures, beach stands, bus boy at Phillips Crab House.

In the mid-1960s, John and his best friend Maynard opened the Purple Moose Saloon on the boardwalk. It was a big hit and the rest is history. John has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Restaurateur of the Year award and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Restaurant Association of Maryland.

John and his wife Michelle met in Ocean City and have celebrated 27 years together. They serve and contribute to such great causes as the Atlantic General Hospital, Worcester Prep, Rackliffe House Restoration Trust, Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, Seaside Christian Academy and Worcester County Humane Society.

“What an honor to be invited to be the grand marshal at Ocean City’s biggest event of the year,” John said. “My gratitude to all who make that happen.”

John Fager

314 FRANK VENUE, SUITE 405 (N AV LIN A

CORP), BER

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH BOAT SHOW PREPARATIONS

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club volunteers were hard at work getting the Annual Seaside Boat Show ready for last weekend. Pictured are Larry Campbell, Cindy Malament, Gary Thumser, Bill Smith, Mitch Francis and Kevin O’Rourke.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH DAR

RECOGNIZES MEMBER

Member Carol Wanzer of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was presented with a rose and certificate of appreciation for her outstanding service since joining the chapter in 2012. Wanzer, an Army veteran of Cherokee descent, served multiple terms as recording secretary and treasurer as well as chairing the chapter’s National Defense and American Indians committees. Wanzer is relocating to the Annapolis area and will be missed. She is pictured with Regent Sharon Moak.

FILM FESTIVAL POSTER

The Art League of Ocean City held a kick-off party on Feb. 15 for the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival coming to the Ocean City area on March 6-9. Artist Ian Postley of Bishopville, who has designed the poster for every year of the festival, revealed the official 2025 poster design at the event.

NEW OPTIMIST MEMBERS

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recognized seven new members who have already been busy participating in the many programs sponsored by the Optimists. Pictured, from left, are Kevin O’Rouke, Candy Thumser, Gary Thumser, Optimist President Christina Dolomount-Brown, Karen Porter, Donna Smith, Mitch Francis, Alexis Mumford and Membership Chairman Roger Pacella. All prospective new members are welcomed at the club’s monthly meetings that take place the first Tuesday of each month.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

Fried onion rings with chipotle mayo

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) The exploration of scientific principles, acknowledgment of personal preferences, and ingenuity are the underlying philosophies of cooking.

The proposal of “why” salivates one’s inner being with exploration and satisfies the urge to exceed conventionalism. It is then and only then one understands the true meaning of a chef.

Details and their finer counterparts are crucial for the success of a dish.

First and foremost, one should consider the type of onion that should be used. Red onions are strong in flavor and should be avoided. Sweet and yellow onions are the next consideration. Sweet seems to be the overall choice, but I prefer yellow. In other words, it is up to the individual cook.

Next, taste is key for superlative fried onion rings. Season your flour and taste the onions after cooking for adjustments. There are only a few chances to incorporate flavor, so don’t let any pass you by.

Texture is imperative for successful onion rings; the surface can range from a cake-like consistency to a coating that barely covers the actual onion. Let us start with the dry components of the batter.

Pancake batter, tempura, flour, cornmeal, and panko are possibilities. Trust me, I have tried them all and have found that a combination of flour, panko, and baking powder are the trinity for excellence.

Batters also need a wet constituent to activate and add adherence to the combination for frying. Buttermilk, milk, water, eggs, and beer are all possibilities. Milk and eggs are standard but the addition of beer is a winning combination. The carbon dioxide in beer ensures crispness and airiness that is essential for onion rings.

The type of oil is a crucial ingredient when making onion rings. Canola oil is my only choice when frying.

When frying the onion rings, make sure you do not overcrowd the pan, or the temperature of the oil will drop causing the rings to become soggy.

When the onion rings are cooked, place them on a cooling rack that is underlined with paper towels. The air is the final stage for crisping. Placing fried foods on a plate lined with paper towels is the worse thing you can do. They sit on a soggy towel which nullifies your efforts.

In closing, onion rings are making a comeback. The frozen side has been reinvented and is now served with an array of sauces. They are so easy to make and add a refreshing twist to one’s menu. Fried onion rings with

chipotle mayo will get rave reviews.

Chipotle Mayo

1 ¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ stone-ground mustard

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon prepared horseradish

2 to 3 teaspoons adobe sauce

(taken from 7 ounce can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)

1. Using a medium size bowl, combine ingredients until fully mixed. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Fried Onion Rings

2 large sweet onions, peeled

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon baking powder

4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for garnishing

3 tablespoons garlic powder

3 teaspoons oregano

3 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoons stone ground mustard

4 eggs

½ cup milk

½ cup beer (preferably lager or pilsner) canola oil for frying coarse ground black pepper to taste

1. Slice the onions into 1-4-inch rings. Do not worry if they are not unison. Variation can be a good thing.

2. In a pie plate, whisk flour, panko, baking powder, salt, garlic powder,

oregano, paprika, and black pepper.

3. In a medium bowl whisk, eggs, milk, and beer until thoroughly incorporated.

4. Using a fryer or cast-iron skillet, fill enough oil to cover the rings. Heat should be medium-high heat or 375 degrees.

5. Fry onion rings until golden brown and then place on a cooling rack that is underlined with paper towels. Add a dusting of kosher salt and pepper, and serve immediately with chipotle mayo.

Secret Ingredient – Tears

Delicious tears! The heart’s own dew. - Letitia Elizabeth Landon

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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 21: Dueling Pianos

Saturday, February 22: Lennon La Ricci & The Leftovers

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

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

Friday, February 21: Monkee Paw

Wednesday, February 26: Cup Of Joe

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, February 21: TBA Saturday, February 22: Fuzzbox Piranha

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, February 21: Lost Figures & DJ RobCee Saturday, February 22: The Roadducks & DJ Groove

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Friday, February 21: TBA

Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, February 21

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

CUP OF JOE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, February 26

CARLEY TWIGG Seacrets: Saturday, February 22

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 22

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, February 22

KITTYBACK

Purple Moose: Saturday, February 22

FULL CIRCLE DUO

Seacrets: Saturday, February 22

ROGUE CITIZENS

Harborside: Saturday, February 22

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Friday, February 21

Harborside: Sunday, February 23

Who’s Where When

Saturday, February 22:

Rogue Citizens & 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 22:

Black Dog Alley

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Styler

Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee

PURPLE MOOSE

410-289-6953

Talbot St. & Boardwalk

Saturday, February 22: Kittyback

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, February 21:

Opposite Directions & DJ Connair

Saturday, February 22: Carley Twigg, Pistol

Whipped, Full Cirlce Duo, DJ Cruz, DJ C-Miller & South Penn Dixie

Thursday, February 27: John McNutt Duo

THE ROADDUCKS

Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 22

BLACK DOG ALLEY

Pickles Pub: Saturday, February 22

MONKEE PAW

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, February 21

LENNON LA RICCI & THE LEFTOVERS

Coins Pub: Saturday, February 22

Bounds proud of fire service bond

By Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company member Billy Bounds, whose firefighting legacy spans three generations and exemplifies the true meaning of fire service brotherhood.

A graduate of Snow Hill High School, Bounds holds a college degree in Emergency Management and Public Administration. His journey in the fire service began in 1986 as a volunteer, transitioning to a career firefighter in 1988. Following in the footsteps of both his grandfathers, father, and uncles, Bounds never considered any other path.

“I never wanted to be anything other than a firefighter,” he reflects.

Bounds first joined OCVFC as an active member in 2000, and after taking a few years off, rejoined in 2023. Throughout his tenure, he has served in various capacities including Lieutenant, Chaplain, and Rookie School Instructor. Since 1998, he has also been sharing his knowledge and experience as an instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI).

Among the significant incidents that shaped his career, Bounds recalls the Beachcomber fire as his first experience with fatalities and the Hoopers Crab House Fire as a memorable all-day oper-

ation. These experiences reinforced the strong bonds within the department.

“While I have received my share of awards and moved up through the ranks, the things I consider my greatest accomplishments are training and mentoring young firefighters and watching them grow and be successful in the fire service. I take it very seriously that I need to pass along to younger members what others have taught me,” he said.

Bounds met his wife through OCVFC, where she remains an active member, and his daughter has continued the family tradition by joining the cadets, where she currently serves as president.

Additionally, both his grandfathers, his father, and uncles all served.

Several mentors have played crucial roles in his development.

“Delbert Baker was given the task of keeping an eye on me when I was a young firefighter, and I looked up to him as a mentor. Roger Steger Sr. gave me my first opportunity as an officer in Ocean City, and David Cropper always took time to show me something new and helped me practice my rescue skills,” he said.

For Bounds, the most rewarding aspect of his service goes beyond the emergency calls. “The most rewarding part of being a firefighter in Ocean City is having a group of brothers that will always be

there in good times and after a bad call. I am very fortunate that I get to spend my fire department life with my wife and daughter as well as my fire department family,” he said. “There is a bond in the fire service that is unexplainable, and I am fortunate to have this in my life.”

We thank Billy for his decades of service and for exemplifying the values that make the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company strong.

For membership information or to learn more, visit ocvfc.com.

CROSSWORD

Bill Bounds is pictured with daughter, Kirby, an OCVFC cadet.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, impulsiveness may cause friction with loved ones this week, so avoid rushing into decisions. Keep an open mind when others come to you with their thoughts.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, expect some clarity regarding a recent financial decision this week. You’ll get the answers you need about budgeting and other investments you’ve been mulling over.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

This week you may be tempted to overcommit to social endeavors, Gemini. Keep your boundaries in check, especially if you are having difficulty telling other people, “no.”

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, much of your to-do list this week will focus on your home life. Take a break from the hustle and spend time bringing order and balance to spaces in your home.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Your words carry a lot of weight right now, Leo. Be very careful about the opinions you offer and the stories you share. By the weekend you may be called upon for some advice.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, if you have been thinking about making some sweeping financial decisions, now is the time to take action. Putting things off for another day can wreck long-term plans.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Sometimes you have to give yourself a pat on the back when others are not offering the feedback you need, Libra. You are doing a great job and learning along the way.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You often keep your cards close to the vest, Scorpio. Others may be surprised to learn a project you have been working on for some time has come to fruition.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Personal ambitions are at the forefront of your mind, Sagittarius. However, you may be placing too much importance on financial matters rather than the other rewards from hard work.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

You are doing quite well in your professional life right now, Capricorn. But in terms of home life, there are definitely some areas that can use improvement. Focus on those things.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you could be feeling a strong urge to declutter personal spaces, such as the garage, closets or even your home office. Find the time to start sorting through belongings.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

All it may take is a simple conversation to clear up some persistent misconceptions, Pisces. Figure out when to schedule that talk and afterwards you will feel better.

MAYOR VISITS BERLIN

left, and Kim Jankowski, right, stand with their classes and Tyndall and Executive Assistant to the Mayor Sara Gorfinkel, second from right.

The fourth-grade classes at Worcester Prep hosted Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall to discuss the annual Maryland Municipal League’s “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” essay contest. Above, teachers Hannah Purnell,

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

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.

lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

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.

■ 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.

■ 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

■ 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 PINES

FENWICK ISLAND

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. 21

FANDOM FRIDAY: VAMPIRES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Drop in anytime during the day for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 6-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OCEAN PINES LIBRARY!

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. The Ocean Pines Library turns 25 this week-

end. Come help celebrate by enjoying music and a sweet treat. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘JUST AS I AM’ BY CICELY TYSON

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

Sat., Feb. 22

LOVE ON TAP AT SEACRETS - SHORE

CRAFT BEER FEST

Seacrets, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 1-5

p.m. Featuring all-you-care-to-drink with 12 local breweries and live music. Cost is $40 general admission and $65 for VIP. Tickets: https://shorecraftbeer.ticketspice.com/l ove-on-tap-seacrets-2025. 410-703-

1970

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE - SCAVENGER HUNT

Event held throughout Ocean City and West Ocean City, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Complete a puzzle, then turn it in at Ocean 13 by 6 p.m. for a chance to win prizes. Participating locations: https://chamber.oceancity.org/events/d etails/like-water-for-chocolate-scavenger-hunt-42230. 443-664-3052

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleyville United Methodist, 11716

Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Buffet includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

HEART HEALTHY FAIR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9 a.m.noon. Get to know your heart health with a variety of free screenings and education. No RSVP is required. Alyce Marzola, 410-641-9268

GERMANTOWN SCHOOL HOSTS TALK WITH GENERAL BIRCKHEAD

Stephen Decatur High School, 9913

Seahawk Road, Berlin, 11 a.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. Hear Snow Hill native, MD Adjutant General Janeen Birckhead share her story of advancement in the military. Registration recommended: germantownschool@gmail.com or 410641-0638.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Friendship Church, 10537 Friendship Road, Berlin, 4-7 p.m. Includes salad, spaghetti w/meat sauce, garlic bread, dessert and beverage. Eat in or carry out. Cost is $15. Friendship Church of Berlin Men’s Group.

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.

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

Continued on Page 38

Sun., Feb. 23

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. 24

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Conversation, 9:30 a.m. Guest speaker, Angela Gibbs, M.D., will discuss “Taking Care of Ourselves During Stressful Times.” www.dwcmd.org

STORY TIME: BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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

FIBER ARTS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Bring your own fiber art project (crochet, knitting, etc.) and join in for a casual meet up to work on projects. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H.”Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Those newly diagnosed, in treatment or in remission are welcomed. Friends and family members are encouraged to participate. 410641-2626

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

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

MAGIC MONDAY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Magic the Gathering meet-up, fourth Monday of each month. Teens and adults only. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169 Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin,

5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410459-9100

Tues., Feb. 25

STORY TIME: COUNTDOWN TO COUNTING

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

SENSORY STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, 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

ARTSCAPE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 6 p.m. A casual meetup for artists of all levels to share techniques and explore different mediums. Basic painting and sketching supplies available for use, or bring your own supplies. 410-957-0878

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. 410-

289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

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. 26

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

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COFFEE & CRAFTS - BOOK PAGE FLOWERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Turn old book pages into literary blossoms. Limit 30. First come, first served. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. The goal of the support group is to provide participants with hope for the future. Gail Mansell, 410-641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

Thurs., Feb. 27

STORY TIME: SNAKES ON THE JOB

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages

0-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: IF YOU GIVE A PIG A PARTY 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

LET’S MAKE … TOTE BAGS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Handsewn totes are perfect size for spur-ofthe-moment shopping. All materials provided. Register: 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

LET’S TALK MOVIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Join the monthly movie club, where they discuss timeless classics and newer box office hits. This month’s topic is the 2023 musical remake, “The Color Purple.” 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come and find your next great read. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

QUIT SMOKING & VAPING CLASS

Gudelsky Family Medical Center, 10614 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, 56 p.m. Participants receive one-on-one support, group support, weekly prizes and quit resources. Register: 410-6321100, Ext. 1103 or www.worcesterhealth.org.

OCVFC LADIES AUXILIARY - CA$H BINGO Ocean Downs Casino (Event Room), 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Featuring $100, $200 and $500 games; door prizes; 50/50; and chance auction. Food available. Tickets cost $35 in advance. Tickets: Joanne Wagner, 443-235-1222.

DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-8 p.m. Meeting begins at 6 p.m. https://demclubwcmd.org

Crossword answers from page 34

Maintenance

KITE LOFT MANAGER

SEASONAL RENTAL

RENTAL

Personnel Person Needed for condo in OC.

Full time, year-round. Light duty, family atmosphere. Please call SeaTime Condo, 135th St. for application, 410-250-2262.

SPEEDWORLD Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

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

If you are looking for a yearround job that is Fun, Adventurous and Rewarding then look no further. The Kite Loft is seeking an outstanding, outgoing, optimistic individual to work in a high volume, fun retail environment as a Store Manager. Prior Retail Management experience required. Must be able to work weekends and nights. Excellent salary and rewards to the successful. Please email your resume to: info@kiteloft.com

HELP WANTED

Year-round, full time, RENTAL AGENT for established local company. Must work weekends and have own transportation. Looking for someone that wants a career with opportunity to do sales on the side. Call for details. Resort Rentals/ OCVacations, 410-524-0295

DEPENDABLE CAREGIVER needed for disabled Senior. Light housework, hours & salary negotiable. Driver’s Lic. and Ref’s. Req. Fenwick, DE area. 814-201-2601, leave message

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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

CRAFTERS WANTED

Spaces are filling up!

Ocean Pines Craft Club 47th Annual Craft Fair August 2, 2025 For info contact: J.wolnick63@gmail.com

Efficiency condo with pool available Mid-May - MidSept. $8500. A/C, parking, 2 people occupancy. Resort Rentals/ OCVacations, 410-524-0295

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL

$1700 per month, $1700 sec. dep. required. 1BR, Furnished Condo, 59th Street, Ocean City, MD. All utilities included. Excellent credit and employment references. No pets, no smoking. Seasonal pool.

2 Blocks from ocean. Available now. Interested persons please email davis.kathy459@gmail.com

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

2BR, 2 BA CONDO w/Boat Slip DOWNTOWN OC Yearly or Seasonal (5/23/25-9/1/25) 410-733-0748

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

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.

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

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

MISC./OTHER

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

MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

FOR SALE

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

VEHICLES WANTED

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

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

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

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 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

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

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

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

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. RFP Documents for the Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Concessions may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procure-

ment-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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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 31st day of JULY, 2025

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

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

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

unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

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

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, 2025.

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

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

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

Donald Cashore Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: February 06, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGARET COLLINS WESTFALL Estate No. 20500 Notice is given that ROBIN HESSELINK whose address is 8360 OLD TOWN DR., TAMPA, FL 33647-3334; DOUGLAS WESTFALL JR., whose address is 162 INTREPID LN., BERLIN, MD 21811-2773 were on JANUARY 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARGARET COLLINS WESTFALL who died on DECEMBER 20, 2024 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present

the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

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

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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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

FY 2026 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

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

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

Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance

One (1) ADA 8/2 Cutaway Bus

TOTAL

$916,000

$110,000

Three (3) Heavy Duty 60’ Articulating Buses $3,180,000 TOTAL $4,206,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LAURA MAE PERRY Estate No. 20511 Notice is given that JAMES D. HARRISON whose address is 796 SW HABITAT LN., PALM CITY, FL 34990-1529 was on JANUARY 31, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAURA MAE PERRY who died on JANUARY 24, 2025 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 31st day of JULY, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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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 represen-

tative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 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 OCD-2/13/3t

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

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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

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

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD

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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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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 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.

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

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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 OCD-2/13/3t

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL

24-11

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 24-11 (Zoning – Private, noncommercial storage buildings) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on February 4, 2025.

A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

§ ZS 1-201(c)(34). (Adds a special exception use for private, noncommercial buildings for the storage of personal property.)

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-2/20/3t

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

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20528 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VINCENT A. ERCOLINO

Notice is given that Vincent A. Ercolino Sr., 211 Broad St., Berlin, MD 21811-1017, was on February 11, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Vincent A. Ercolino who died on June 14, 2016, without a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Vincent A. Ercolino Sr. 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 20, 2025

OCD-2/20/1t

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF: WILLIAM J. MCGRAW ESTATE NO. 20531

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Brian M. Spern, Esq., 3701 Old Court RoadSuite 24, Baltimore, MD 21208 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on March 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529

Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Publication Date: February 20, 2025

OCD-2/20/2t

COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20532

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit Court of Prince William County, Virginia appointed Judith Keebler Sentz, 4377 Spillway Ln., Dumfries, VA 22025-1604 as the Executor of the Estate of Irvin Henry Sentz III who died on November 14, 2023 domiciled in Virginia, America. The Maryland resident agent for

service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr. whose address is 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

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

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

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

Judith Keebler Sentz 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 20, 2025

OCD-2/20/3t

Regan J. R. Smith Esq. Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison LLP

3509 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20533

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GIULIA PAPA

AKA: JULIA PAPA

Notice is given that Yolanda Fiore, 1005 Wilmington Ln., Ocean City, MD 21842-3975, was on February 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Giulia Papa 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 14th 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.

Yolanda Fiore 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 20, 2025

OCD-2/20/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20513

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT J. SCHULTZ

AKA: ROBERT JOHN SCHULTZ

Notice is given that Kenneth Schultz, 1312 Summerhill Dr., Malvern PA 19355-8715, was on February 10, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert J. Schultz who died on December 04, 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 10th 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.

Kenneth Schultz 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 20, 2025

OCD-2/20/3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF SNOW HILL REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for ENGINEERING

SERVICES

The Town of Snow Hill is requesting a statement of qualifications from licensed engineering firms to provide professional on-call engineering services to the Town. These services will include comprehensive planning, reviews, consultation and collaboration with the Town government, its staff and others covering the full gamut of infrastructure activities involving water, wastewater, street construction, stormwater management, sidewalk construction, design of recreational facilities and more.

Duties will also cover frequent and timely communication with Town leadership and staff and serving as our agent with multiple State and Federal agencies, contractors and other parties involved with any projects of the Town where engineering consultation and administration is required.

You will need to be familiar with and have experience with the MINIMUM FUNDING PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES (A/E) CONTRACT ISSUED BY THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (MDE). A copy of that and any other detailed documents and specific submission requirements can be requested by contacting Administrative Coordinator Kandice Ringenary by email at adminco@snowhillmd.com. For a complete description of this RFQ, please visit the Town’s website at www.snowhillmd.gov.

Some of the projects may be funded by the Maryland State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) through the Maryland Department of the Environment and consequently Good Faith Efforts for the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) would be required for these projects.

Sealed paper submissions are due by Friday, March 28, 2025 at 4:00pm at the Snow Hill Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, to the attention of Rick Pollitt, Town Manager. Electronic submissions are not allowed and late submittals will not be accepted. Please submit not less than five (5) copies of your proposal.

The Town of Snow Hill encourages submittals from minority and women-owned companies and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of,

or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs or activities

OCD-2/20/1t

KHURRAM RIAZ

429 W. Market Street

Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v.

RMB HOLDINGS LLC PO Box 485

Salisbury, MD 21803 Defendant, And

AEGIS FUNDING CORPORATION

P.O. Box 84308

Baton Rouge, LA 70884 Defendant And

WORCESTER COUNTY

Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HA VE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke, Tax Account# 01-020293, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000041

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-02093, Property description 40' X 80' 508 Bonneville Avenue Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 5033/568, Assessed to RMB HOLDINGS LLC, owned by RMH BOLDINGS LLC. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is, thereupon this 13th of February, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 15th 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 title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

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

Art League impact study released

well as the results of a recent impact study conducted by Diriker’s firm, StratACUMEN.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 21, 2025) A recent impact study shows the Art League of Ocean City contributed $7 million to the local economy and has supported 177 jobs.

Art League Executive Director Rina Thaler and consultant Memo Diriker presented the Mayor and City Council this week with an annual report, as

Diriker told officials Tuesday the study revealed the Art League attracted more than 19,000 visitors, hosted 70 visits, exhibited 2,300 artworks and accumulated 5,700 volunteer hours, all in 2024.

In total, the Art League reported $7 million in economic impact, $2.5 million in direct fiscal impact and $2 million in direct spending.

“In addition to these impacts, the Art League has three special events

that have additional impact on our community,” Diriker said. “One of them, the biggest one, is the film festival. Annually, the film festival has a total impact of $1.25 million on top of the $7 million we mentioned … The two other special events are the film challenge and the plein air festival.”

Diriker also noted the Art League contributed to the city’s tourism effort and engaged the community through its various programs. He noted that for each dollar invested in the Art League, the city received $100 in return.

“When I find something like that in the stock market, I’m buying it,” he joked.

Thaler told officials this week the full report would be posted on the Art League website, ocart.org.

For her part, Thaler added that the city had “made a good investment” in the arts and the community. She noted that this month, the Art League will be welcoming its 200,000th visitor to the Center for the Arts, located on 94th Street bayside.

“I don’t think that anybody in this room … expected the Art League to flourish the way it has, but it’s just a great testament to our community,” she said. “It’s a place where kids come to start out. Nobody starts out their career at MoMA or Juilliard. They start out in places like the Art League of Ocean City.”

ESTATE MARKETPLACE

HOME FEATURES

•

Report details fire, smoke damage coverage, options

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles area fires, the National Association of REALTORS® released a report providing details on fire and smoke damage insurance coverage. The report provides valuable details on what to look for in your homeowners insurance policy.

NAR’s report: Depending on where you live, your property may have varying degrees of risk of sustaining damage from a wildfire. Even if you aren’t in a high-risk area, you should fully understand your insurance coverage in the event of a fire. Here’s what you need to know:

Does my homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage?

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers the structure of your home, other structures on your property (like a detached garage or shed), and your personal belongings in the event of fire damage. This includes fires caused by candles, grease, electrical malfunctions (e.g., faulty

wiring), wildfires, and lightning. However, a standard policy may not cover all fire damage, including damage caused by nuclear hazards, arson, poor maintenance, or regular wear and tear. Please contact your insurance agent if you have questions.

What if my policy doesn’t cover fire damage, or I cannot obtain coverage due to wildfires?

Similar to flood insurance, some private insurance companies may exclude or not provide insurance coverage in high-risk areas. It is important to shop around as some insurers may have more risk tolerance than others. For example, some insurers may be “non-admitted,” meaning it is not licensed by the state but can still legally provide coverage, including for “difference in conditions” to help address any coverage gaps. These “surplus lines” brokers specialize in risks that admitted carriers will not cover. However, while offering specialized coverage, these companies are subject to different regulations and don’t participate in state insurance guaranty funds which protect against insolvency, so it’s important to ask ques-

Berlin a semifinalist for national recognition

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) Due to its commitment to diversity, community engagement, and historic preservation, Berlin Main Street has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award and will be recognized at the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia on April 7.

Berlin was named a semifinalist for the honor through its status as an accredited Main Street America Program. Main Street America leads a movement dedicated to “reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through place-based economic development and community preservation,” according to its website.

The organization supports communities throughout the United States via its Main Street Approach. This method prioritizes economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization to strengthen a commercial district and its economy.

Work within the economic vitality area includes financial tools to assist new and existing businesses. The design aims to enhance the physical aspects of a commercial district that set

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Property owner options available

Continued from Page 52

tions and read the fine print. To find a surplus lines broker, you may contact your state insurance department or your current insurance agent who may be able to refer you to a surplus lines broker who specializes in your specific needs.

What do I do if my home is deemed ineligible for fire damage coverage?

Some insurance companies may not cover damage caused by a fire if they consider your area to be too high-risk based on fire maps or risk scores. If your insurance company deems your home to be in a high-risk area, there are some things you can do to help manage the costs. This includes contacting an insurance professional to discuss your insurance cost and needs, gathering and comparing quotes from multiple insurers, including surplus lines, and obtaining a wildfire-prepared certification from an organization like the Institute for Building & Home Safety. You may also contact your state insurance commissioner who regulates the insurance companies in your state and may have additional information about fire insurance and risk maps. – Lauren Bunting is the Broker for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Md.

it apart. Promotion looks to showcase a downtown’s unique characteristics, and the organization involves creating partnerships and community engagement.

“Our highly collaborative team works across a broad range of disciplines, including economic development, historic preservation, urban planning, finance, and public affairs,” the Main Street America website says.

“We have a proven track record in helping a diverse range of communities through direct technical assistance, advocacy support, research tools, professional development programs, thought leadership, and capacity-building programs.”

Main Street leaders are also given access to grants, educational services, and resource opportunities through Main Street America’s partnerships

with corporations and government entities to support local economies.

Main Street America sponsors the Great American Main Street Award, which is reserved for municipalities registered in the program that demonstrate innovative community transformation, engagement, and the creation of arts and culture scenes.

The finalist announcement by Main Street America said that Berlin was selected as an award semifinalist because of the town’s welcoming and thriving spirit, particularly for its support of underrepresented business owners and fostering a neighborhood of inclusion and equity.

“Berlin Main Street’s accomplishments include increasing business opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, championing preservation and adaptive reuse

projects, and nurturing a volunteer base and board of directors that reflects the community’s diversity — from age and heritage to perspectives and interests,” the Main Street America press release reads. According to the national organization, Berlin Main Street embraces diversity in many approaches. These methods include celebrating Blackowned businesses year-round, hosting a flag-raising event to observe LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June, and paving the path for youth engagement as volunteers and committee liaisons. Berlin’s creation of a “thriving designated arts and entertainment district” and the town’s nearly two dozen annual events solidified its spot as one of the eight Great American Main Street Award semifinalists.

Berlin eyes Main Street accolade

Continued from Page 53

Of the over 200 Main Street Programs throughout the United States, only 112 have been acknowledged as “GAMSA-winning communities” since the award’s establishment in 1995. This year’s selection of finalists has lived up to the program’s standards, creating thriving communities and advancing the areas’ quality of life.

“Collectively, the 2025 GAMSA semifinalists have generated over $695 million in local reinvestment, helped open 975 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 7,190 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,568 historic buildings, and leveraged 333,050 volunteer hours,” the announcement noted.

Each year, eligible communities submit their applications to be considered for the award. The jury, comprised of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation, chooses the winners and semifinalists, keeping in mind the “strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the program’s official website states.

This year’s list of semifinalists, in addition to Berlin, includes Denison Main Street in Denison, Texas; Easton Main Street Initiative in Easton, Pennsylvania; Main Street Farmington in Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan; Jefferson Matters in Jefferson, Iowa; Raton MainStreet/Arts & Culture District in Raton, New Mexico; Vicksburg Main Street Program in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Downtown Wytheville Inc. in Wytheville, Virginia.

HEART ART

Students in Buckingham Elementary School’s After-School Art Club, taught by Carol Rydel and financially supported by the Art League of Ocean City and the Worcester County Arts Council, are shown making heart art in time for the February holiday.

County delays West OC zoning code change

Officials table proposal to block offshore wind project, citing new legal concerns

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) Worcester County officials this week stopped short of tweaking the zoning code in order to

prevent an offshore wind developer from legally operating as a public utility in the West Ocean City fishing harbor.

The county’s Board of Commissioners at its Feb. 18 meeting considered a bill that would make immediate zoning changes to the Commercial Marine District, where the harbor lies. One section of text

would be changed to prohibit any “portside infrastructure or associated facilities that are intended to support offshore energy production.” Another bans “public utility structure” as a permitted use.

The zoning zinger aims to stymie developer US Wind, who plans to build an operations and maintenance facility at the mouth of the harbor

that would service a planned 114-turbine wind farm located about 11 miles offshore.

Faced with legal uncertainty, however, the commissioners instead decided to table the vote following a public hearing for further deliberation and legal review.

“I don’t know that we need to

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Tom Prevas, attorney for US Wind, addresses the Worcester County Commissioners during the Feb. 18 public hearing.

Zoning modification to halt offshore wind plan tabled

move forward with this today,” said Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City), who moved to postpone the vote for a future meeting.

“I’m telling you right now that this is, to me, to protect our commercial fishing harbor moving forward.”

Most of the 16 people who spoke at the bill hearing Tuesday were supportive of the county’s counterpunch in its ongoing slugfest against US Wind. They included Jim Motsko, founder of the famous White Marlin Open fishing tournament, as well as several representatives from the fishing and marina community.

“The people I hear from are fully enthusiastic about what you’re contemplating with this action here,” said Ron Sloan, on behalf of the Glen Riddle community in Berlin. He urged the commissioners to “stop what we consider an egregious effort to desecrate our environment for corporate profit.”

Opponents, however, called it a procedural violation that blatantly ignores traditional re-zoning protocols and may even be unconstitutional.

“The law is unconstitutional under various clauses … and it is being undertaken for the purpose of denying rights provided under the Constitution and with intent to harm US Wind,” wrote Tom Prevas, attorney for developer US Wind, in a 24-page letter delivered to county officials last week. “If the County enacts this Text Amendment, US Wind will sue to preserve its interests and seek damages,”

Prevas added that the county instead should “re-engage” with US Wind and state environmental officials toward a memorandum of understanding, which he called “the appropriate and effective tool for addressing any disruption to commercial fishing resources at the Harbor,” the letter states.

In response, Commissioners’ President Ted Elder pulled from the liner of his blazer and held aloft a pocketsized copy of the U.S. Constitution, which he carries with him. “I could not find anything in the Constitution that says anything what we’re doing is unconstitutional,” he said. “Our inheritance that we pass down to our posterity. That boils right to it. We need to protect what

we have from outside forces coming in. It’s just big money looking for more big money,” Elder added, to a smattering of applause.

US Wind’s planned operations and maintenance facility would be built upon what are now two longstanding commercial fish houses, Southern Connection Seafood and Martin’s Fish House.

The owners of Southern Connection, Pat and April Reese, appeared at the public hearing. They argued that a re-zoning not only circumvents the county’s comprehensive plan but would devalue their land and violate their property rights.

“From our perspective, the issue is this is a downzoning of our property that’s not going through the proper procedure. The notion they’re going to take away permitted uses from my clients’ property is ridiculous. That is a taking without compensation,” said attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the Reese family, at the hearing.

Even if US Wind buys their property, the Reeses intend to remain in the commercial seafood business in the West Ocean City harbor, Cropper added.

The zoning proposal is one of several efforts by Worcester County to monkey-wrench US Wind and to protect the commercial fishing industry in the West Ocean City harbor.

County leaders recently approved a $100,000 expenditure towards an anti-wind public relations campaign. They also are pursuing eminent domain as an option, which would see the county acquire the fish house properties by edict, rather than allow a private sale to US Wind, according to County Administrator Weston Young.

“There’s a threat of the harbor becoming industrialized, and there’s a threat to the commercial fishing industry, and that’s our main focus. It’s more pro-commercial fishing that it is anti-wind,” Young said in an interview.

It’s unclear at this time what the future holds for offshore wind. President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 signed an Executive Order that puts a pause on all pending domestic offshore wind projects. Trump stated publicly that he opposes offshore wind as being “an environmental disaster” and propped up by subsidies.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Postmarked Aug. 2, 1927, this postcard illustrates how much Ocean City has changed over the last 95 years.

The Boardwalk was raised far above the beach in those days and on hot days bathers would seek shade under it. Some would plan a picnic lunch under the Boardwalk with the smell of creosote, damp wood and wet sand a luncheon companion.

The beach was narrow and waves reached almost to the Boardwalk on high tide. When storms rolled up the coast, the beach would literally disappear. The beach would remain narrow until the creation of the Inlet in 1933 and the construction of the north jetty allowed sand to build up on the south end of town.

The view above looks north from N. 1st Street. The tower in the background marked the site of the Plimhimmon Hotel while the tower in the foreground belonged to the Rideau. Neither of these historic hotels exist today. The suits worn by the bathers were typical of that era.

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

Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Hearing live music on the streets of Berlin

Lines outside local restaurants

A nice stretch of blue sky days

A lost dog reunited with its family

When a home remodeling project is all done

Trying and liking a new restaurant

Facebook memories of my kids

Comeback athlete stories

Generous charitable acts

Resolving a complicated issue

Adults with silly nicknames

County bolsters vehicle insurance coverage

Officials upgrade protection as accidents involving cars owned by the county spike

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) A rising trend of costly car crashes in Worcester County-owned vehicles has prompted officials to upgrade their auto insurance policy to include comprehensive and collision coverage.

Without this coverage, the county bears the full financial burden of repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by accidents, weather events, or deer strikes, according to Human Resources Director Stacey Norton.

“This out-of-pocket expense can be substantial as we have seen with recent vehicles that were totaled,” she wrote in a Feb. 9 internal memo.

“Due to our trend of accidents, spending the extra money on the additional coverage will offset the costs of repairing and/or replacing vehicles.”

In the last five fiscal years, insurance claims for county vehicles have been rising: there were 10 in 2021, 13 in 2021, 17 in 2022, 19 in 2023, and 27 last year, according to data provided by Norton. From 2021 to 2024, the county’s vehicle insurance claims spiked 170%.

Those wrecks have cost the county between $71,000 to $88,000 a year

in premiums. And, being self-insured, it means the county must pay for its own claims unless there is another involved party who pays.

One memorable incident from last summer saw a Roads Division truck on a stone delivery slip off a narrow roadway into a soft shoulder. It cost $260,000 to replace that vehicle, Norton said, which also doubled as a winter snowplow.

For the 2025 fiscal year, which started July 1, there have been 16 vehicle claims: 3 deer strikes, 2 times where debris damaged a vehicle, 2 times where a vehicle struck a fixed object, 2 times striking another vehicle, and 7 times where another car struck a county vehicle.

costs.

The department with the most crashes so far this year has been the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, with 8 total. Most have been deer strikes, and none have been the fault of the deputy behind the wheel, officials said.

Overall, this long look at insurance upgrades started last fall, prompted by serious wreck: a sheriff’s deputy traveling on Racetrack Road on was struck head-on by a panel van on Nov. 8

‘Due to our trend of accidents, spending the extra money on the additional coverage will offset the costs of repairing and/or replacing vehicles.’ Human Resources Director Stacey Norton

Adding collision to their policy will cover accidents, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage is for noncollision events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, Norton said.

With comprehensive collision insurance, the county pays the deductible, which ends up being less costly than replacing a totaled vehicle. In this year alone, the county has spent about $88,000 on policy premiums, $61,000 on repairs, and $84,000 in vehicle replacement

icy, according to sheriff’s deputy Lt. Chris Larmore. He said the new coverage will allow the sheriff’s office to start budgeting for the inevitable cost of car repairs.

“Now all we pay is the deductible,” he said. “In the long run, this is going to save the county a lot of money.”

Nobody was hurt and the deputy was not at fault, but it cost a lot to replace the mangled SUV. Insurance only covered the $50,000 vehicle replacement cost – but not the extra $25,000 for the police package of lights, sirens, and radio upgrades, which the county had to pay for.

Another accident happened after a sheriff’s SUV hit a deer, causing about $25,000 in damage. With just liability coverage, the county had to pay every cent out of pocket for repairs.

Those financial losses led to a conversation about a new insurance pol-

Notably, five out of 10 brand-new sheriff’s vehicles purchased in 2023 have been involved in collisions. The sheriff’s office has about 100 total vehicles in its fleet. Agency wide, sheriff’s deputies put on about two million miles worth of patrolling annually, in and out of state, according to Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.

“When you’re on the road that much, of course you’re greatly increasing the changes for collision and deer strikes. We’re fortunate that we haven’t had any major crashes with injury or losing someone,” he said.

The County Commissioners approved the coverage upgrade at their Feb. 18 meeting. It will cost an estimated $46,148 in additional policy premiums for this fiscal year and another $136,450 in fiscal 2026, according to Norton. The county’s insurance provider is the nonprofit Local Government Insurance Trust, or LGIT.

Opinions

Council majority makes tough call

No one in the audience saw it coming Monday night, when a four-member City Council majority agreed to regulate shortterm rentals out of business in R1 Residential and MH Mobile Home zoning districts.

The majority’s vote came after members’ stunning pronouncement that the Ocean City Planning Commission was right in December when it called for a 31-night minimum length of stay in these districts.

Assuming the majority holds and the minimum length of stay requirement in these neighborhoods clears a second reading, this ban on short-term rentals in single-family home neighborhoods would not go into effect until 2027.

Nevertheless, it’s been 11 years since former Mallard Island resident Dr. Geoff Robbins advised the council that it needed to protect single-family residential neighborhoods from shortterm rental ventures and eight years since the city’s revised Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2017, put that in writing.

But it wasn’t until Monday night that four of seven council members agreed that short-term rentals are indeed a commercial activity, which has no place in R1 and MH districts.

Unfortunately, some short-term rental owners are using that income to help pay the mortgage until they can move in permanently. But others are straight out investors, and that is the pivot point on which the council majority turned.

After hearing owners talk about how much income they would lose if short-term rental restrictions were enacted, the council majority had to concur with former Councilman Dennis Dare, who said, to paraphrase, it if looks like a business, acts like a business, then it’s a business.

In looking to maintain the character of these single-family neighborhoods, the majority accepted that it can’t protect the personal finances of everyone. But what it can do is attempt to preserve traditional neighborhoods by limiting the incursion of those who invest in rentals without investing in the best interests of the community.

PUBLIC EYE

You don’t stink,

I’m sorry, I didn’t know. But apparently, I stink. No one has said so to my stinky face, but I must assume if the rest of humanity stinks, then it’s extremely unlikely that I would be the sole stinkless individual roaming the planet.

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By Stewart Dobson

Further, if I was the only person who didn’t stink, I probably would be ostracized by the global population of those who do.

“Psst. He doesn’t stink. Pass it on.”

“Yeah, let’s get him!”

Maybe I’m being a little ridiculous, but it occurs to me that the rising popularity of “total body deodorant” is either indicative of a societal problem I didn’t know we had or it’s just another marketing gimmick.

Admittedly, it could be that we do have an planetary odor problem but that the Centers for Disease Control is forbidden to report it.

Question: Are people who don’t stink allowed to use the same bathroom as those who do?

Anyway, the flood of total body deodorant commercials on television clearly suggests that either we truly are musty all over or the companies that produce these products are trying to convince us that we are suffering through a crisis of personal pungency, which demands that we spray on a good top coat and undercoat before we leave the house.

Honestly, I don’t get it. I was sniffing my knee caps recently just to be sure they did not offend were I to wear shorts in the months ahead, and I detected no knee cap fumes whatsoever. Ditto the elbows and knuckles.

really

The ankles? Maybe a little misting here and there wouldn’t hurt.

But here’s the thing: if you think you smell from head to toe, you might want stop congratulating yourself on your frugal use of water and take a shower.

I’m just saying, because the fact is, according to experts in the skin business (no, not that skin business) we do not stink all over.

It’s more of a problem in specific areas such as, to be as purposely vague, North America and South America, if you know what I mean.

Still, a little body wash here and there (as opposed to soap, which has been replaced by body wash, body bars, beauty bars, gels and cleansers) and you’re good to go.

Or you could just stuff a dryer sheet in your pants and call it a day if you’re that worried about it.

But here’s the thing: I have no idea who’s buying this stuff when actual physical encounters are becoming more rare.

The way I hear it, many younger people have never actually met their friends in person, and only know them from the screens on their smart phones. Why would they need total body protection unless Apple’s coming out with an iPhone Scratch-and-Sniff Edition?

Look, I know most of what I’m saying is dumb and outlandish and that I’m just standing on my soap body wash box shouting about a fad that, like all fads, is destined to fade.

Besides, anyone who does stink all over has two better options: see a dermatologist or cut down on the garlic, whichever is quicker. Personally, it doesn’t matter to me. I have those little pine tree car fresheners stuffed everywhere.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Some drama unfolded this week when the IAFF Local 4269, Ocean City Career Firefighter Paramedics Association took to Facebook for an airing of grievances over the new $12 million fire station, questioning the city’s leadership and commitment to public safety. This is not the first time the union has expressed concerns, as last year it alleged the city was not adhering to terms of the collective bargaining agreement by providing essential safety equipment and appropriate uniforms.

This week’s first post, “No Heat, No Fixes, No Accountability,” reported, “Last week, firefighters were forced to operate out of the Taj Mahal of fire stations … without heat in the living quarters.” Another post, “No Ultrasound. No Accountability. No Excuse,” read, “We are disappointed and frustrated that our fire department's leadership has failed to keep critical, lifesaving equipment in service. Our ultrasounds have been removed from all ambulancesthis is NOT OK.”

The Ocean City Fire Department responded online with its side, addressing the union’s beef with counter points. The post read in part, “The Fire House, Fire Command, and Public Works have been in close communication about all issues regarding the new Fire Station. The Station was designed and constructed as a state-of-the-art facility with no expense spared for the safety of our men and women firefighters/EMTs and paramedics.”

The story in the paper summarizes the current situation in more detail, but it’s what will come next that will be most interesting. It’s likely all the specific issues will be handled soon, but the same cannot be said for the ill feelings naturally circulating because of the union’s public roast of the city. Time will tell what, if any, consequences will come. ***

County parents received a notification this week requesting their input for the leadership profile for the school system’s next superintendent. The evaluation was split into three categories – skills and experience, strengths and challenges. The effort is worth the time for those inclined.

During a recent discussion about the superintendent search, Maryland Association Board of Directors Executive Director Milton Nagel outlined the process for the school board. Included in the discussion was advice if the school board must be unanimous on the next superintendent. Without unanimity, Nagel advised hiring an interim superintendent for one year would be the best practice. “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. They need full support,” Nagel said.

This is advice the school board should ignore. All seven board members do not have to unanimously support a single candidate. In fact, in previous executive hiring situations I have been involved in, I can’t recall any selection being unanimous. It’s a situation where the majority rules, and the goal is to have multiple excellent candidates, making the decision difficult. A unanimous vote should be the goal, but the chosen candidate does not need to be made aware he or she did not have all the votes either. The job offer is made and that’s that. ***

Ocean City and its anti-offshore wind colleagues seem to have an ally in President Trump. A letter from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan on Feb. 13 appears to be attempting to capitalize on Trump’s disdain for offshore wind.

On. Feb. 13, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan sent a four-page letter to President Trump asking for “an immediate moratorium on any Federal activity allowing the construction of offshore wind farms in the Maryland Lease Area. During this moratorium period, the agencies of the federal government with appropriate jurisdiction should fully study and examine all impacts that these wind turbines will have on local tourism economies … necessary steps should be taken to eliminate or at least change the location of the Maryland Lease Area such that the turbines are not visible from the shoreline and the concerns of citizens, businesses and fishermen are satisfied.”

Trump’s Executive Order last month could well be viewed as accomplishing exactly what Ocean City is seeking, but it’s the fact the current offshore wind farm is already in a leased area that’s in dispute. Ocean City is seeking a more definitive approach to include the current project, which is deep into its approvals.

Trump’s order reads, “Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects.” The order furthers, “Nothing in this withdrawal affects rights under existing leases in the withdrawn areas. With respect to such existing leases, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General as needed, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases, identifying any legal bases for such removal, and submit a report with recommendations to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.”

Half-day professional days to return to WCPS calendar

Approved 2025-26 school year offers Sept. 2 start, two weeks of Winter Break

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education approved its 2025-2026 school year calendar, using a half-day structure for the heavily debated professional development sessions.

Worcester County Public School Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs said she and her team conducted surveys to gather community input on next year’s school system calendar.

The final poll, which ran for two weeks and ended on Feb. 7, yielded 2,021 responses, primarily parents and employees. To handle professional development days, the survey participants preferred to reintroduce the Wednesday half-days instead of piloting the proposed alternating full days.

Per the 2025-2026 calendar, students will be dismissed early for staff professional development on Wednesday, Oct. 1, Wednesday, Nov. 5, Wednesday, Feb. 4 and Wednesday, March 4. A county-wide professional development day will be held on Friday, Nov. 7. Schools will be closed for students on that date.

The calendar approval comes after a presentation late last year that would have introduced a new way for the school system to handle professional development.

At the board’s December meeting, Sterrs presented two calendar options, both incorporating a possible new program that would see two full-day professional development sessions staggered between schools.

For instance, Option A opted to close high schools and elementary schools for students on Sept. 17 and Feb. 4 for staff professional development, while special, middle and intermediate schools would remain open. On Nov. 12 and March 4, special, middle and intermediate

schools would close for professional development while the high schools and elementary schools carry on as usual. Option B proposed the same system, with a slight deviation in dates. The second calendar suggested full-day professional development closures for high and elementary schools on Sept. 17 and Feb. 4 and professional development for special, middle, and intermediate school staff on Oct. 8 and March 4. These professional development days in both proposed schedules fell on a Wednesday.

The proposed alternating structure proved controversial at the time despite its creation to address parents’ childcare concerns and encourage staff participation.

Board member Elena McComas asked at the December meeting if the committee that creates the calendars had considered how families and parents would feel about closing high schools on days when middle schools remained open and vice versa.

Annette Wallace, WCPS chief operating and academic officer, noted that this decision was made with challenges surrounding childcare in mind. Under the model, high school students would be available to babysit for elementary kids because they would be off on the same days, while middle school students are more likely to stay home alone.

Board member Katie Addis had similar concerns, arguing the proposed model would be a “big change” for families.

The calendar committee returned the decision to the stakeholders and included it in their questionnaire.

Of the survey respondents, 57% voted for half-day professional development. As a result, the superintendent’s recommended calendar for next year reflected this preference.

“To get specific feedback about a potential shift on how we handle professional development, we asked that question outright,” Sterrs said. “The overall results indicated a preference for

BOAT SHOW

An elevated view shows some of the

during the

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

boat displays

Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club’s annual Seaside Boat Show, held at the Ocean City convention center last weekend.

School board eyes $10M spending increase

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed fiscal year 2026 school system budget totaling $145,221,039.

Worcester County Public Schools

Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert presented the spending plan at the body’s Feb. 18 meeting. He maintained the increased total figure, approximately $12 million more than last year’s approved operating budget of $132,335,748, accounts for employee salary raises, an elevation in health insurance costs, bus contractor rate increases and previous budget cut restorations.

Worcester County is deemed the wealthiest Maryland district under the state’s property tax formula, so the majority of the school system’s funding comes from the local government. If the Worcester County Commissioners agree to fund the FY26 budget, they will be responsible for covering around $115 million of the board’s approved $145.2 million. Last year, the commissioners provided around $105.4 million to the educational system.

Board member Katie Addis said that while this is the “best-proposed budget” since her tenure on the board, she is concerned about asking the commissioners for $115 million, a $10 million

jump from what was approved in FY25.

“This year, it looks to be a 9.69% increase in the overall budget that we are asking the county to fund,” Addis said. “My main question is, have we had conversations with our county commissioners to determine whether or not that big of an increase will be feasible?”

Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante is hopeful the school system will receive a good chunk of their ask. He maintained that conversations were had with the commissioners, and while they did not offer their approval and only two local government representatives were present at these discussions, “they did not seem to take issue [with the budget] at the time.”

“As far as the developing and the passing of the budget, it’s our job as a board of education to develop this budget so we make sure we’re fulfilling the needs of the students and the community in Worcester County,” Ferrante noted. “We feel that this budget does that. It’s up to the county to decide whether or not they want to fund our budget. If they decide they don’t want to fund it, then we’ll have to figure out ways to do with less, but that doesn’t mean we desire to.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor added that if the county cuts something, his team has discussed how they will proceed and is prepared for that possibility.

“Are [the commissioners] going to cut something? That’s possible, and we have talked about options should that occur,” Taylor said. “We have not come up with anything concrete, but we have looked at options, and we have spelled out where each amount of money is going, so when they cut it, they’ll have an opportunity to be specific about what they don’t want to fund. And then we’ll have to go back and do some heavy lifting. I feel very confident based on meetings and work sessions and all the fine-tuning we have done.”

The FY26 school system budget looks to restore previous cuts. This includes $315,000 for summer and afterschool salaries, $56,361 for field trip student transportation, and $36,123 for student transportation for summer and afterschool sessions.

The budget document breaks down how the funds are dispersed among the different categories.

Of the proposed budget total, 39.63% is allocated for instructional salaries and wages, 2.49% is for textbooks and instructional supplies, 10.15% is for special education, 5.61% is for student transportation, 23.36% is for fixed charges, 6.95% is for instructional support services, 6.86% for operation of plant, 1.02% for maintenance of plant, 0.16% for capital planning, 1.61% for administration, 1.05% for health services, 0.31% for student personnel services and 0.80% for

EXPERIENCE

other instructional costs.

The Worcester County Board of Education unanimously approved the budget, which will be presented to the Worcester County Commissioners in early March.

In addition to the proposed budget, the board also approved the addition of non-recurring costs for the implementation of Zonar, or GPS, software into all school system buses.

Tolbert said the state has a process that “allows certain additional expenditures funded by our local government to be considered a non-recurring cost and to be excluded from the annual maintenance of effort funding formula in future years.”

The FY26 proposed budget includes a request to purchase and install Zonar on all buses next year for a total firstyear cost of $65,118, including a onetime implementation cost of $42,098.

Tolbert said he and his team are “recommending that this one-time implementation cost be considered non-recurring in FY26.”

The board agreed to consider the implementation fee non-recurring. The Worcester County Commissioners are next to review the inquiry and offer their approval or disapproval. If the local government accepts the request, it will be submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education for a final blessing.

half days. Among the different stakeholder groups, this trend holds with both teachers and staff indicating a preference for half days.”

Parents also liked the half days over the alternating full days.

Other highlights of the 2025-2026 academic calendar include a Sept. 2 first

day of school; a Wednesday through Friday Thanksgiving closure; a full twoweek winter break beginning on Monday, Dec. 22; a spring break from April 3 to April 6; and a tentative last day of school on June 11.

Should inclement weather days be used, the final day of the school year could be stretched to June 16.

9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival set for March 6-9

(Feb. 21, 2025) With more than 100 films presented at the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival March 6-9, 2025, many have a special interest to Delmarva.

“A Cappella Joy” directed by Candace Lee Spielman, is a 27-minute film telling the story of the Delmarva Chorus, a nonprofit chapter of the Sweet Adelines International located in Ocean Pines, Md., and celebrating their joy of music and love for each other.

“Drifting,” a nine-minute short directed by Samantha Aben of Baltimore, stars two childhood friends who reunite at a divey roller rink. One of the stars is the OC Film Festival’s creative director, B.L. Strang-Moya, a native of Ocean Pines.

“Ocean vs. Bay” is a 13-minute short film directed by Marlon Wallace where two young men argue over which part of the resort is better – the oceanside or the bayside.

Grouped into blocks are short films from the 2024 Ocean City Film Challenge and winners of the Easton Academy Art Museum’s 2024 video race. These include “Shoreside News” directed by Myah Stokes, a puppetry film of a woman obsessed with Fisher’s Popcorn; “The Boardwalk” directed by Erik Espinosa about an old man who picks up trash on the Boardwalk; and “Ocean

City Summer Heat Drones On” directed by Thomas Taylor of PAC14 about drones hovering over the beach town.

Also of local interest are films from the Ocean City Historical Film Challenge, sponsored by the Town of Ocean City, being screened for the first time. The challenge encouraged filmmakers to story tell and capture Ocean City’s 150-year legacy. Films include “The Conner Stories,” directed by Don Lehman, featuring brother and sister Bob and Barbara Conner who were born and raised at Conner’s Inn on 10th St.; “Tales from the Dock: The Legacy of Hooper’s Crab House” directed by Maurice Waters about the familyowned establishment; and “The Henry Hotel” directed by Marlon Wallace about Charles Henry who established the segregated hotel, now an Ocean City landmark.

Passes are now on sale for the festival – a production of the Art League of Ocean City – at OCMDfilmfestival.com. 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 avail-

able to view at OCMDFilmFestival.com, where passes are available for purchase.

Prices are $125 for a four-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 ninth 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 Street, and the Performing Arts Center.

The films have not been rated, and some feature adult content. Viewer discretion is advised.

More information is available at OCMDFilmFestival.com or by calling 410-524-9433.

Student art contest at Art League

Deadline of March 1 for contest entries, cash prizes available for winners

(Feb. 21, 2025) The Art League of Ocean City invites students in middle and high school in Worcester County to enter their original artwork and be eligible to win cash prizes.

The Shirley Hall Youth Art Show will hang in the galleries of the Ocean City Center for the Arts from March 7-9, 2025. The show coincides with National Youth Art Month and the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival.

Entries will be accepted in-person at the Arts Center, 502 94th St. bayside, from Sunday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, March 1 during regular

Face masks at TidalHealth

In response to a significant increase respiratory cases across the region, TidalHealth has announced that it is returning to temporary masking practices in its hospitals in Salisbury and Seaford, the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute in Salisbury and Ocean Pines, the Allen Cancer Center in Seaford, and at TidalHealth McCready Pavilion in Crisfield.

As a temporary proactive measure, surgical ear loop masks, which will be provided to those without one, are temporarily required for team members, patients and visitors in all patient rooms and patient-facing areas.

As case volumes of these respiratory illnesses continue to rise, similar to trends seen across Maryland and Delaware, TidalHealth is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of its community and team members by taking steps to minimize transmission of these illnesses.

“We have seen a rise in respiratory illness cases at our facilities, and like many other hospitals on Delmarva, we must take this precautionary step to protect everyone,” said Dr. Trudy Hall, Chief Medical Officer at TidalHealth. “The safety of our patients and visitors remains our top priority, and we are taking these measures out of an abundance of caution to help limit the spread of these viruses.”

TidalHealth is asking all individuals entering its facilities — including patients, visitors, and staff — to wear masks while in inpatient and outpatient visitor and patient-facing situations, including when entering patient rooms, effective immediately. Masks are not currently required for general movement around TidalHealth facilities. In addition, the healthcare system will continue to follow guidance from local and national health author-

Arts Center hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more than 33 continuous years, the Art League has presented an annual youth art show for Worcester County students. Originally sponsored by the Women’s Club of Ocean City and coordinated by member Shirley Hall, a former Art League president, the Art League continued to coordinate the show after the Women’s Club disbanded, believing it central to its mission. When Shirley Hall passed away in 2006, the Art League renamed the show in her honor.

The show is open to all middle and high school students in Worcester County, including public, private, and

homeschool students. Artwork must be original, and all two-dimensional art is eligible: paintings, drawings, photographs, mixed media, etchings, and more.

The artwork must have been created in the past year. Artwork must be matted or framed and ready to hang.

Questions should be directed to Kacie Neeb, gallery coordinator, at the Art League, kacie@artleagueofoceancity.org.

The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors.

ities to monitor this evolving situation.

“We understand that the return to masking may cause some inconvenience, but these precautions are essential to ensure that our healthcare system continues to provide the best care for those who need it most,” said Dr. Hall. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding as we navigate this public health concern together.”

Marines capture Iwo Jima, raise famed flag

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

This week 80 years ago, Whaleyville native Benjamin Franklin (“Stoney”) Jackson was about to celebrate his 19th birthday on the sunny sands of Iwo Jima. Stoney’s older brother, Wilbur, was a United States Army Air Force fighter pilot, and had advised Stoney that when he was old enough to serve his country, he should join the United States Marine Corps, rather than the Army, because the Army might send him somewhere cold, like Italy.

So, following his older brother’s advice, he joined the United States Marine Corps, which assigned him to the 3rd Marine Division.

Iwo Jima is a trapezoidal shaped volcanic island which encompasses an area of 8 square miles and is located 750 miles south of Tokyo. Its highest point, and most prominent feature, is Mt. Suribachi, which is 528 feet high and located on the southern part of the island. In 1943, the island had a population of 1,018.

In June 1944, Lt. Gen. Tadamichi

Kuribayashi was assigned to command the defense of Iwo Jima. Gen. Kuribayashi was a 7th generation Samurai. From 1928 to 1930 he was deputy military attaché to the Japanese Embassy in Washington and later served as the military attaché in Canada.

Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, he told his family that, “America is the last country in the world Japan should fight.” After receiving his orders to command the defenses of Iwo Jima, he told his wife that it was unlikely even his ashes would return from the island!

Learning from past island defenses, Gen. Kuribayashi decided that, because of the overwhelming firepower of the U.S. Navy, and complete American dominance of the air, the beach landings would not be contested and that the defense of Iwo Jima would be fought by men in caves.

Therefore, his men constructed 11 miles of tunnels, 5,000 caves and pillboxes. So, from the time Gen. Kuribayashi arrived on Iwo Jima on June 19, 1944, the 22,000 men under his command dug. On Feb. 19, 1945, the digging ended when Marines from the V Amphibious Corps, commanded by Harry Schmidt, landed on Iwo Jima at 8:59 a.m.

This landing had been preceded by

three days of naval bombardment, including the huge guns of six battleships, as well as bombs from B-24 Liberators, and napalm and rockets from carrierbased fighters – which is the reason General Kuribayashi chose not to defend the beaches. Although loud and terrifying, it had not been particularly lethal to the defenders, because they were protected in their caves.

The three Marine divisions which comprised the V Corps were the 3rd, 4th, and 5th, commanded by MajorGens. Graves B. Erskine, Clifton B. Cates and Keller E. Rockey. The 4th and 5th Divisions landed first. One notable member of the 5th Marine Division was Maryland’s future long-time comptroller, Louis L. Goldstein. By the end of the day, Mount Suribachi was isolated and 30,000 Marines were ashore, outnumbering the 22,000 Japanese defenders.

Even though Mount Suribachi was isolated, it was not eliminated. It was honeycombed with caves and tunnels, which were occupied by the island’s defenders. Although Mount Suribachi’s caves and tunnels were full of Japanese defenders, few of them exposed themselves on the surface.

It followed then that on Feb. 23, 1945, Lt. Col. Chandler Johnson sent a 40-man detachment to capture the mountain and gave them a flag to raise if they were successful. At about 10:20 a.m., a 54-by-28-inch flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi. The first photo of this flag was taken by Staff Sgt. Louis R. Lowry, a photographer with Leatherneck Magazine.

Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal came ashore shortly after the first flag-rasing and stated that he wanted the flag. When Col. Johnson learned of this, he responded, “To hell with that!” and dispatched Lt. Alfred T. Tuttle to

get another flag. As the lieutenant was leaving, Johnson said, “And make it a bigger one.” The one he found was much larger – 96 inches by 56 inches. Col. Johnson sent another patrol back up the mountain with the larger flag. Also, climbing the mountain was A.P. photographer Joe Rosenthal, who as the larger flag was being raised, snapped the most famous photograph in American history, for which he won a Pulitzer Prize. Later that afternoon, Stoney Jackson arrived on the island with the 3rd Division.

Stoney celebrated his 19th birthday on the sunny sands of Iwo Jima, on March 5, 1945. Six days later he was wounded in the shoulder and evacuated to Guam the next day. The fighting in the north ground on for another two weeks. Finally, on the evening of March 25, 300 of the enemy attacked near Airfield #2. All were ultimately killed.

There is some evidence that Gen. Kuribayashi led the assault, although

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Stoney Jackson

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his body was never identified, and as he predicted, his remains did not return home. If, indeed, he did lead the assault, he was the highest-ranking Japanese officer to lead such an assault.

Japanese soldiers Yamakage Kufuku and Matsudo Linsoki finally surrendered on Jan. 6, 1949.

Only 216 Japanese soldiers, many of whom were actually Koreans, survived the battle. American casualties exceeded 26,000, including 6,800 dead. It was the only Marine battle where American casualties exceeded those of the enemy. Twenty-seven Medals of Honor — 14 posthumously — were presented for this battle, with 22 going to Marines and five to sailors. This represented 28% of the Medals of Honor presented to Marines in WWII. Of the Marines that fought on Iwo Jima, Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz said, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” This is inscribed on the Marine Corps War Memorial located outside of Arlington Cemetery. The memorial recreates in bronze the scene captured by Joe Rosenthal’s camera.

Depicted are Marines Staff Sgt. Michael Strank of Czechoslovakia; Cpl. Harlem Block of Texas; PFC Rene Gagnon of New Hampshire; PFC Ara Haye, a Native American from Arizona; PFC Franklin Sousley of Kentucky; and Navy Corpsman, Pharmacist Mate Second Class John

Bradley, raising the American Flag over Mt. Suribachi.

With the horrific cost for such a flyspeck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a reason was needed for such a sacrifice. The after-the-fact reason created by the military, was that it would serve as an emergency landing place for the bombers that were in trouble on their way back to base. Unfortunately, for all of those brave men, who were casualties, if such a landing place was truly needed, it could have been found on any of the many unoccupied and undefended nearby islands.

And what of Stoney? He returned to Whaleyville, worked his farm, did some carpentry, and a lot of hunting and fishing with his buddy, Bob Wimbrow, who served aboard the cruiser USS Brooklyn. Stoney, and his stepson, Thomas John "T.J." Harkins, Jr., returned to Iwo Jima, which is again in Japanese hands, on the 50th anniversary of the battle. Stoney passed away on, Aug. 19, 2016, at the age of 90.

Next week: Spring Awakening Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Md., 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

OBITUARY

CHARLES THEODORE PURNELL, JR. Ocean City

Charles Theodore Purnell, Jr., age 77, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.

Born in Breman, Germany, he was the son of Irmgard Stockman Heinecke and the late Charles Theodore Purnell, Sr.

Ted was the kindest of souls, loved animals, boating, fishing and his family. He lived life on his terms, especially on Sundays with his beloved Ravens.

Ted served during the Vietnam War, in the US Navy, as a Seaman First Class, and upon discharge returned to Ocean City where he worked in the HVAC

trade. He was helpful to others and took great pride in his many friendships. He was always contagiously happy and his laugh would never fail to make one smile.

He is survived by his mother Irmgard Stockman Heinecke, brothers, Clay Stamp, Bill Stamp, and Ralph Stamp, and sisters, Cindy Stamp and Susan Krutsick.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda D. Purnell Stamp Wilson and Marta K. Purnell Stamp O’Connor. Cremation followed his death. Honoring Ted’s wishes, no formal services are planned. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home and donations may be made to Coastal Hospice.

C. Purnell, Jr.

Sports & Recreation

BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPS

Royals blow out Worcester to secure conference crown

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) The Mallards boys’ basketball team lost Monday in the ESIAC Championship game, 69-33, to the Royals of Delmarva Christian. In the first quarter, the Royals came out fighting with 20 points to the Mallards’ nine.

The Royals poured on the defense in the second quarter, holding the Mallards to only three points while they broke through with 15. At half, the score was 35-12 with Delmarva Christian in command.

The Royals continued their dominant play in the third and fourth quarters, powered by their defense, which forced 32 Mallard turnovers on the game.

Head Coach Eddie Rohe said he had higher hopes for the Mallards in the championship game but appreciated the way his team played hard until the final whistle.

”I am disappointed we lost by what we did,” he said. “My guys have their heads up and they played their rear ends off this year and I am very proud of them. They finished it with dignity and respect. They’re the reason we do this; they are just great kids with great heads on their shoulders, and we’ll be back next year. I told them to remember this. I said you remember what they’re doing right now and we’re going to get back here next year and do it again.”

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior Owen West scored nine points in his last high school game.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior big man Ben Anthony collects a rebound in the paint during the ESIAC Championship game on Monday at Delmarva Christian. SUBMITTED

For the second straight year, Stephen Decatur’s Unified Strength and Conditioning team was crowned state champions in two divisions after Tuesday’s Interscholastic Unified Sports Strength & Conditioning meet in Snow Hill. High schools from across the shore competed with approximately 200 student-athletes, 30 coaches and 50 volunteers on hand. Special needs athletes paired up with typical athletes to compete in bench press, deadlift, flexed arm hang, indoor cycling, jump rope, PT series, shuttle run, standing long jump and race walk relay. Team members are pictured above with their medals and Head Coaches Lindsay Owens and Shannon Bone and Coach Hunter Powell.

Decatur wins Bayside South division with 15th straight

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(Feb. 21, 2025) Stephen Decatur High School went undefeated (15-0) in the Bayside South this season with all eyes on next week’s Bayside Championship game.

Decatur won its 19th game of the season (against three losses) over Snow Hill on Tuesday, 63-58, in front of a sold-out crowd.

Davin Chandler dropped 30 points in the victory. After the game, Chandler said, “I just put in the work during the off season, I’m just out here to have fun, put in a great effort for my teammates and just have fun with it. I feel great, last year they beat us once. We beat them this season. De-

catur is undefeated this season in the Bayside South. It is just a blessing.”

The game started off with a brisk pace and several ties before Decatur gained a 15-10 margin entering the second quarter.

Snow Hill stepped it up on both offense and defense during the second quarter, each scoring 13 points, giving a Decatur a five-point lead at half.

The Eagles came back with 21 points in the third quarter and held the Seahawks to 16, creating a 44-44 tie entering the final frame. The crowd was on their feet supporting their teams. Chandler scored five baskets in the fourth quarter to lead Decatur to the 63-58 win.

Tonight was like a family reunion for Seahawk Coach BJ Johnson, who reflected on the game.

“Anytime we play Snow Hill it is a rivalry. That’s my younger brother coaching (Shawn Johnson) and that’s my son (#10 Dai ‘on Johnson) over there on the bench,” he said. “We grew up being competitors in the household , so I didn’t expect anything less. I don’t care what kind of team we put on the floor; this game here is always going down to the wire. We just put on a great show for the

crowd tonight. I can’t be happier for my kids; they are just awesome - best group of kids that I’ve ever coached.” Johnson added, “We had a couple of challenges early in the year, but these kids are resilient, they’re just special. I know we have a lot more basketball to play but they’re going into the conference championship undefeated. This is amazing for us, a real accomplishment.”

The Wicomico Civic Center will host the Bayside Championship on Tuesday.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Caleb Loring goes up for one of his five baskets during Tuesday night’s game against Snow Hill.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Seahawk guard Davin Chandler scored 30 points against Snow Hill, moving him closer to the 2,000point mark for his high school career.