3/3/2023 Ocean City Today

OCDC director Irwin to retire

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) When a younger Glenn Irwin trekked up from South Florida in the year 2000 with hopes of becoming the first director of the Ocean City Development Corporation, it was his professionalism, knowledge and experience that tipped the scales in his favor.

“His professional attitude. He knew where to look for money from the state and the county and

he had the foresight to go out and find the grants. And that’s what we were looking for,” then-OCDC Board President Buck Mann said of Irwin, who is ending his long tenure as head of the downtown organization at the end of this month.

“He showed all of the signs of that’s what we were looking for, and boy has he proved it,” Mann said.

The news of Irwin’s retirement plans began circulating publicly last week after the OCDC’s annual presentation to the Worcester County Commissioners. Within the report, Irwin and current board

Capital improvement plan pending for FY24 in OC as sports complex, Balt. Ave. funds nixed – Page 7

Close vote advances fire station

Council splits 4-3 to OK constructing new 65th St. facility for nearly $10M

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Construction of a newer, bigger midtown Ocean City fire station could begin as early as next month after the project cleared a familiar hurdle with the City Council.

“I can tell you this station is needed, it’s not wanted,” Fire Chief Richard Bowers said at a work session Tuesday of the new Fire Station 3 planned for construction in front of the public safety building on 65th Street.

Council members voted 4-3, with Council President Matt James and Councilmen John Gehrig and Peter Buas opposed, to approve a maximum price contract with Delmarva Veteran Builders for more than $9.8 million for the project.

With the approval, City Manager

Over 23 years, downtown program grew into major influence in resort

MALLOY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY Ocean City Development Corporation Executive Director Glenn Irwin stands in front of a 55-bed employee housing building at 104 Dorchester Street that OCDC helped bring to fruition.

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

The question is whether these creatures are penned up to protect the public from them or vice versa? They’re in temporary storage in the corner of a 19th Street lot while their home, a new Nick’s Jurassic Golf, is constructed. The mini golf course is moving from a block over.

Irwin to step down March 31 from OCDC leadership post

Continued from Page 1

President Kevin Gibbs touted the successes of the nonprofit, which incorporated in February 2000 and welcomed Irwin in June of that year.

While recalling the members of the original 15-member board, Irwin described them as “a who’s who of Ocean City,” with big names such as Granville Trimper of Trimper’s Rides, Macky’s Bayside owner Macky Stansell and real estate company owner Terry Hough joining Mann,, who still serves as founder and chief executive officer of Mann Properties.

“So, it had a really good initial board,” Irwin said. “And it’s continued to have very good boards and presidents.”

But while the group was public and powerful, it was Irwin who did the legwork that steered the organization through its years of success.

Starting out as a one-man show, Irwin had a knack for finding money to get things done, Mann said. And over the years the efforts paid off as funds became available to give Irwin a small staff, create numerous public art and renovation programs, and move the organization to a dual purpose downtown building. The renovated house on Dorchester Street today contains the OCDC offices on the bottom floor with seasonal Beach Patrol housing above.

According to the information presented to the commissioners last week, through renovations programs spearheaded by Irwin and his staff, 270 buildings have been revitalized and renovated downtown. The work includes everything from facade improvements to green building initia-

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tives and have resulted in improved aesthetics and higher property values.

“He found in working through the state there was money available for extra renovation projects that we could grant individuals that were going to be a certain amount of work,” Mann said of the programs “And that took off like gangbusters. So many places were rehabbed, painted and spruced up, and it was just incredible.”

Irwin told the commissioners that the resort has renovated more exteriors through OCDC’s facade program than the city of Baltimore, which he considers a big accomplishment.

Besides encouraging building façade upgrades, OCDC also issues grants to help property owners replace fences, lights and roofs, and complete other renovations.

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MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY Ocean City Development Corporation Executive Director Glenn Irwin in front of the organization’s office on Dorchester Street.

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New station will replace 74th Street facility

Terry McGean said groundbreaking can begin “quickly,” or as early as next month, and should take 12 months to complete.

The project carries a total ultimate $10.6 million price tag and will be funded with bonds issued last year.

In the same 4-3 majority that approved the contract Tuesday, council members voted in November to allocate $10.5 million for the project.

The 23,500 square-foot building will replace the smaller station at 74th Street. In summarizing the current station’s age, size and setup, Bowers called the working and living conditions“deplorable” for the paid and volunteer firefighters who use it. He also told the council that having a bigger station with more storage and living space would be an obvious benefit, and added that response time to midtown streets is also expected to improve.

And while Councilmen Will Savage, a volunteer firefighter, Tony DeLuca and Frank Knight and Councilwoman Carol Proctor agreed that the project needs to be funded now, the rest of the group was skeptical.

James, who is also a member of the volunteer company, has expressed concerns about the project

after the price more than doubled from initial estimates last year. He suggested nixing the new station plans in exchange for renovating the old one and focusing on staff.

James said Bowers’ reports that the firefighters experience operational challenges, face human resources issues and are exposed to health and safety threats at the existing station were “a little misleading.” He said he spoke to members of the International Association of Firefighters and did not get the same

feedback.

“You’ve got a very active union and I’m of the opinion that if the people that work in these stations were uncomfortable or felt that they are not being taken care of that we’d know about it,” James said.

He added that he confirmed there were no formal human resources complaints and addressed Bowers’ statement about the response times. While James said the move to 65th Street may improve accessibility to several midtown blocks, he pointed out that the nearby intersection with the Route 90 bridge is one of the busiest in the city and expressed concerns about slowed response times to dense northern neighborhoods in the peak of summer.

And the icing on top, the cost of the new building is higher than renovating the old one.

“I think 11 million is a lot of money for this building,” James said, rounding up the $10.6 million figure. “I think it is a want, I don’t think it’s a need.”

McGean ran the numbers and other details on renovating the old station versus building a new one and determined that they could probably save a few million dollars for a set of concessions that he ultimately did not recommend.

“In my opinion, if you go that route you are throwing good money after bad,” McGean said of renovation. “You’re spending 6 to 7 million dollars for a fire station that you’re not going to be able to expand, still doesn’t have adequate storage, still doesn’t have adequate decontamination areas, and is half the size of what we can build at 65th Street.”

James also expressed concerns about staffing within the department, which has been an issue for a while. He said any extra money should be used to ensure that the roster is filled instead of using it to pay for a new fire station.

Councilman John Gehrig was skeptical about that as well, and voted against the contract for the new

station after expressing a desire to hold off and ensure staffing needs are met.

“Ultimately, I’m not inclined to renovate,” Gehrig said during Tuesday’s discussion. “At the same time, I don’t feel good about voting for this today when I don’t know what we’re doing with staffing when staffing is the number one priority.”

Buas said he did not make the same correlation between staffing and infrastructure, but still thought the cost of the new building came in too high.

McGean said he has been working with members of the department and looking at budget numbers and believes he can provide eight to 12 fulltime firefighters in the fiscal 2024 budget.

“I think this year we can do eight. I fully expect assessments to be up in FY 25,” he said. “ … My goal would be this year we’re going to take some money out of fund balance to spend for some one-time equipment costs and things like that and in FY 25 with assessments that’s how I believe it’s affordable.”

Under ideal circumstances, he said, he would bring on 12 positions, as that is the number needed to cover the needs if part-time employees remain at the current level.

Bowers also said the department could receive as much as a million dollars this year, and for years to come, from a federal Medicaid reimbursement program that could help offset some of the department’s costs.

Also on Tuesday, Ryan Whittington, the president of the IAFF, asked council members to look into creating a committee to discuss department issues such as the new fire station and staffing to ensure needs are met and everyone communicates properly.

“We have a committee for parking, we have a committee for bikes, we have a committee for everything except your fire department and public safety,” Whittington said. “I’ve asked

A rendering shows the look of a new Ocean City Fire Station 3 planned for 65th Street. Council members voted in a slim majority on Feb. 28 to approve a contract to begin construction on the project, which will replace the old, waning station on 74th Street.

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Irwin ‘semi-retiring’ after building up OCDC

Continued from Page 3

Public art is a big part of OCDC’s mission as well.

While the building improvements are focused on downtown from the inlet to 17th Street, the organization’s artistic contributions are everywhere.

Irwin said the group’s first project, the white marlin sculpture at the end of the Route 50 bridge on North Division Street, was completed in 2002, and everything else took off from there. Today, art can be found at the convention center on 40th Street, an eagle sculpture sits close to the edge of the Delaware line in north Ocean City, and a dolphin statue is on display near the Route 90 bridge.

“We say we’re downtown but public art kind of goes all over,” Irwin said. “We work closely with the Art League of Ocean City too.”

Under Irwin’s purview, OCDC has also helped develop and plan multiple small employee housing projects downtown, including a proposed multi-purpose building for the Ocean City Police Department that includes storage, housing and public space.

The organization is working as well on finding a solution to parking problems across the city, with a potential plan to implement a Fee In Lieu of Parking, or FILOP, program presented at a City Council work session this week.

And it was all under Irwin’s guidance and efforts, which colleagues and officials say will be difficult to follow.

“Everybody you talk to … the biggest thing they say is, ‘You’re not going to be able to replace him. He’s hard to replace,” Mann said.

Mayor Rick Meehan, who worked closely with Irwin during his tenure, said in an email that Irwin has been “a tremendous asset” to both OCDC and the town as a whole.

“As the first, and to-date, only executive director of OCDC, he helped to build that organization by building relationships and establishing credibility within the community,” Meehan said. “He has been an outstanding spokesperson for the organization and his greatest asset has been his ability to bring people together, find common ground and make decisions and recommendations that have improved the downtown area.”

Meehan added that Irwin goes “goes above and beyond” in his position.

“He has the respect of the [mayor

and City Council] and the entire Ocean City community,” Meehan said. “On top of all of that he is just a great guy.”

County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who also sat on the original OCDC board, said last week that he met Irwin his first night in Ocean City back in 2000.

“I think I remember him saying he was only going to be here for a couple of years … four years, and he’d only guarantee us four years and here he is, so many years later,” Mitrecic said. “He’s still active and still doing a great job and I just want to thank you personally for the Town of Ocean City and for the county for what you’ve done and how you’ve served and helped redevelop Ocean City and make it a better place. And you can always put that in your hat that you made Ocean City a better place.”

Gibbs had similar comments about Irwin’s work, which he has witnessed not only as president of the board but as a resident.

“You ride your bike or go into the town … you look a little bit and you realize the environment of the town you’re in and it’s because of this guy behind the scenes,” Gibbs said of Irwin. “We’re going to miss him.”

Irwin contended that OCDC has its “fingerprints on everything downtown,” whether it’s obvious or not.

“Anything happening downtown, including the Boardwalk, we’re involved,” he said.

And although Irwin is hanging up the hat he has worn for nearly 23 years on March 31, he is not going far.

“I live in Ocean City. I’m semi-retiring, only because if I don’t work doing something I’ll go crazy … I’ll find something, volunteer work, maybe work part-time somewhere,” Irwin said of his plans. “If I continue to work at OCDC on a part-time basis is to be determined. But I won’t be working full time.”

Gibbs also said he expects Irwin to have some kind of hand in the community after he leaves OCDC, because “you can’t take Ocean City out of his blood.”

Irwin said a new director has been chosen from another part of the region, but he did not name the individual because the details of the contract are not yet finalized. Irwin expects the new person to come on board while he’s still working so he can help with the transition.

Irwin added that OCDC has been “a great place to work” and he believes he is leaving the organization in a good place that will be easy for the new director to pick up and run with.

“I think leaving the OCDC, I think it’s in a very good position.” Irwin said. “The ultimate strength of leadership with the board, our relationship with the city and county, and financially we’re pretty good too, I think.”

FY24 capital projects list reduced

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) While the details are not yet finalized, the removal of funds for land acquisition for a planned sports complex and upgrades to Baltimore Avenue will significantly reduce the amount of money Ocean City officials hope to obtain from the bond market in fiscal 2024.

At a work session Tuesday, council members were supposed to approve the final capital improvement plan for the coming budget year, but the

vote was held off with the request to remove the two expensive projects.

“I prefer to pull the sports complex and Baltimore Avenue out,” Council President Matt James said of the respective $8.1 and $18 million line items.

City Engineer Paul Mauser presented the the total proposed fiscal 2024 capital improvement plan, which council members and staff helped formulate by ranking the 49 big-money projects in order of importance.

The total came out to more than

IAFF pres. pushes for fire committee

$65.4 million, with the most critical projects determined to be street paving, convention center upgrades, golf course flood remediation, and renovations to public bathrooms and the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

At a work session on Feb. 14, the majority of council members determined that an $18 million allocation for Baltimore Avenue in fiscal 2024, which was set to come from the sale of municipal bonds, was no longer a need right now and opted to put the project on pause.

Continued from Page 4

for it over and over again to help with these types of issues so when we leave here you have updates of what the fire department is doing, on the progress of new building, updates on staffing.”

After the vote on the contract, Buas suggested that officials look into Whittington’s request by creating a committee, adding a public safety and fire element to the Police Commission meetings, or creating some other similar solution.

Baltimore Avenue, sports complex not funded in FY24

Mauser’s numbers presented Tuesday did not reflect that change, though, and still included $18 million to come from bonds in fiscal 2024, with the remainder of the estimated $44 million total project cost set for funding in fiscal 2028.

The planned burying of utility lines and widening of sidewalks from North Division to 15th streets along the busy downtown corridor has been in the works for years and jumped significantly in price since its inception. The change caused the maority of the council to shy away from funding it at this time, deeming it a “want and not a need.”

Councilman Peter Buas, who was one of the council members in the minority who wanted to keep the project a top priority and bond it this year, declared his position again before Tuesday’s discussion on the overall plan.

He said the street is in “disarray” and chastised his fellow council members for not making the upgrades a priority.

“How are we supposed to convince our partners to invest in us if we refuse to invest in ourselves? How are we going to convince the state to eventually fund a new bridge when it will dump directly into a road that looks the way it does currently?,” Buas asked. “How are we supposed to convince our visitors that we are a first-class resort when we refuse to take a swing on a project that would dramatically improve the interest of our town? And how are we supposed to convince our business partners to invest in their facades when we refuse to create an environment that will encourage commerce on that corridor?”

The comments had no impact on the decision to remove the project from the upcoming bond issue, which

Mauser said he will correct when he brings the final numbers back for approval at a future work session.

Mauser also agreed to remove the $8.1 million allocation in the fiscal 2024 bond issue for land acquisition for a planned sports complex off of Route 50 near Stephen Decatur High School.

James pointed out that the project, which calls for both indoor and outdoor sports facilities on nearly 100 acres, is not far enough along to fund now, and should not be included in this year’s CIP.

The project has hit snags at the county level with the majority of the commissioners nixing all efforts toward development at the beginning of the year. City officials have not changed their position on wanting the project and are floating plans to go it alone.

According to a state study, the project carries a total price tag of $166.9 million. Estimates show that land acquisition is set to cost $8.1 million, with the outdoor facility priced at $67.6 million and the indoor facility costing $91.2 million. The city’s projections assume that 80 percent of the money will come from the state, with the resort to be on the hook for a 20 percent match with room tax or other grants or sponsorships.

With the change James requested, Mauser said he will list both the sports complex and Baltimore Avenue projects under the fiscal 2025 bond issue as placeholders.

The shift changed the total bond amount to less than $8.7 million, a far cry from the nearly $34.8 million originally proposed.

The revised capital improvement plan willbe reduced now to a total more than $30 million, which is more than half of what it would have been with the sports complex and Baltimore Avenue expenses included.

Continued from Page 7

MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Cars drive along Baltimore Avenue near Fourth Street downtown. Planned upgrades from North Division to 15th streets that will bury utility lines and widen sidewalks were taken out of the city’s fiscal 2024 capital improvement plan after council members opted to put the project on pause due to a significant jump in costs.

Time To Update

A rendering shows the look of a planned Hyatt West hotel on 16th Street and Baltimore Avenue. The project advanced this week with approvals for parking, variance and landscaping details.

Hyatt Place West still advancing

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) With the addition of satellite parking and approval of other details, a new Hyatt Hotel in downtown Ocean City is still advancing toward construction.

At a meeting last week, members of the resort’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved landscaping, variances and more to build out a parking lot on the corner of Baltimore Avenue

and 15th Street for both the Hyatt East and West projects nearby. They also voted, after some discussion, to alter landscaping requirements on the Hyatt West property, where a 63room hotel is set for construction.

The projects were initially approved for construction together on 16th Street in 2014. Following several extensions, Hyatt East was constructed in 2018 with 105 rooms. Now, the Hyatt West is nearly ready

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for groundbreaking, with the planning commission approving a site plan in September and the BZA approvals last week.

The satellite lot will have 42 spaces and provide parking for both buildings. The spaces are allowed to be 8–foot-3 inches by 18 feet, instead of the 9-by-20 feet the code requires. The lot was also granted several variances and will undergo landscaping

See APPROVALS Page 12

Restaurant plans advance at BW Lankford Hotel site

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Planned renovations to the historic Lankford Hotel on the Ocean City Boardwalk have taken a turn, and now include a restaurant and tiki bar in place of an all-retail bottom floor.

At a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting last week, members granted a request to the owner of the property that stretches between Eighth and Ninth streets along Atlantic Avenue to waive parking spaces to change one of the first floor uses from retail to restaurant.

Constructed in the 1920s, the family-run Lankford Hotel operated for decades with both lodging and retail from its oceanfront Boardwalk location. The owners listed the 41,000 square-foot property for sale in 2018 and sold it to a developer who submitted plans in 2020 to raze the orig-

inal structure and replace it with a new 76-room, two-suite hotel.

After two years with no construction, those plans expired and were replaced with a new project. The latest plans call for 40 hotel rooms above 2,750 square feet of indoor restaurant and outdoor bar space, as well as retail shops, for a total 7,455 square feet of commercial space.

Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said the restaurant is set to move into the space currently Salty Yarn shop currently occupies on the Boardwalk. With the change to a restaurant use, Gordy explained that the code requires more parking and that the applicants asked for a waiver of 16 spaces. Staff members recommended waiving 14 of the requested spaces, which members of the BZA unanimously approved.

Danelle Amos, the general man-

See BZA’ Page 12

RENDERING COURTESY JOSEPH G. THOMPSON ARCHITECT

A rendering shows the proposed look of the restaurant and hotel set to replace the historic Lankford Hotel between Eight and Ninth streets on the Boardwalk downtown.

Data sought for proposed OC small vehicle rental ban

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) A push to ban the rental of all small mobility devices in Ocean City is still in the works as officials await data to determine if an existing business owner needs to hand over his license to continue the practice.

At a work session Tuesday, City Council members agreed to collect incident data, including details on the types of devices and owners, for all small displacement vehicles for the 2023 season.

The info collected will allow council members to determine if the owner of Cycle City, the one business in town that presently rents scooters, mopeds and the like, can keep doing so if a rental ban goes into effect.

The decision came on the heels of a request Councilman Will Savage made in January to institute the ban in the name of safety and quality of life. Savage and other council members contended that small mobile vehicles, including electric scooters, scoot coupes, electric bicycles, mopeds, hoverboards and onewheels, are dangerous when driven by inexperienced drivers renting them on vacation and wreak havoc in residential neighborhoods.

Savage suggested banning the rental of them in city limits, and requiring any business owner with a rental license to quit the practice within three years of April 1.

While two businesses technically hold licenses to rent the vehicles, Cycle City is the only one currently doing it. In response to the potential ban, the owner asked for a compromise so he could continue to operate his summer business.

City Manager Terry McGean said Tuesday that he and several staff members, as well as Savage, Council-

BZA waives some required parking

Continued from Page 11

ager for the new hotelier, contended that the spaces will not be needed because of the restaurant’s location on the Boardwalk, where there will be a lot of pedestrians.

“With this project, one of the things I wanted to point out is it’s going to be a lot of Boardwalk traffic,” she said. “It’s not a destination, it’s not a chain.”

The next step for the project is approval of a site plan, which will be presented to the planning commission.

woman Carol Proctor and Council President Matt James, met with the Cycle City owner, Elias Zacharopoulos, and his attorney and came up with a series of conditions to allow him to continue his rental business.

They included Zacharopoulos agreeing not to expand his inventory or number of licenses, restricting overnight rentals, maintaining a book of complaints and incidents, and limiting group sizes and ages.

McGean also presented data that showed there were 165 small displacement vehicle accidents recorded since 2018, 42 of which were confirmed rentals, with the status of the remainder unknown. Within the same time period, there were 96 collisions involving bicycles.

Based on recommendations from the meeting, council members agreed to freeze the issuance of new licenses or expand existing ones for the rental of small displacement vehicles, and not authorize e-bike or e-scooter rentals along with collecting data for the 2023 season.

While it may seem like the council’s vote puts a hold on passage of the working ordinance, officials pointed out that business owners would have had three years to stop renting the vehicles anyway based on the proposed language.

Savage added that he is not confident that the data will show small vehicle rentals are safe, but pointed out that the Cycle City owner would have the ability to continue his rental business for the next three summers regardless of the council’s action now.

There was also a recommendation to revisit the rental of e-bikes and escooters in the fall, but Councilman Tony DeLuca asked for that to be stricken. He pointed out that officials had already determined that those types of vehicles, which currently are not permitted to be rented, would not be considered for the compromise.

Approvals given to hotel on

16th

Continued from Page 10

changes to accommodate a request from the applicant.

With the Hyatt West site plan approval on Sept. 20, members of the resort’s planning commission included a condition that the developer find four parking spaces needed to meet their code requirements. Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said last week that the developers are still working on finding the spaces.

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Randy’s Crew debuts this weekend

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Wayne Littleton’s retirement is staying uneventful for three whole days.

Wednesday was the beginning of retirement for the former Believe In Tomorrow program coordinator and fundraiser but already this Saturday, he has an event called Sports Day at the Beach planned at the Westside Route 50 shopping center in West Ocean City.

People can buy, sell and trade sports cards, supplies, autographs and other memorabilia for a $5 entry fee — $2 for those under 10 years old. The event includes a silent auction, raffles and mystery boxes.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

And if that weren’t enough, the next

day on Sunday, Littleton will be at Pit & Pub on 28th Street for the first Randy’s Crew fundraiser to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society and Town Cats, a local organization dedicated to the welfare of homeless cats.

The event will be an all-you-can-eat buffet. Like the card show the day before, it will include attractions like a silent auction, raffles and mystery boxes.

The price for admission at the door is $15. The event will take place from 14 p.m.

Though Littleton heaps praise on the Believe in Tomorrow program and looks back fondly at his time at the respite house, he said one of the hardest parts of the job was having to turn away families.

If someone came in the hour of need but they weren’t caring for a child with some form of cancer or other lifethreatening illness, there was nothing Believe in Tomorrow could do for them.

“My plan (in retirement) is to continue being helpful,” Littleton said. “I think too many people fall between the cracks and don’t fit in the different charities in the area.”

As a result, Littleton came up with the idea of starting Randy’s Crew, a more generalized fundraising endeavor that he named after his 14-year-old dog, which was rescued out of Arkansas.

Littleton is also hoping to raise

money for students at Buckingham Elementary School to get free ice cream — a privilege currently reserved only for students who can afford to not be on the WCPS meal plan program.

“I hope to find these little things (here and there) that we can accomplish,” Littleton said.

For more information on this weekend’s events or Randy’s Crew, contact Wayne Littleton at 443-978-0680 or email him at littletonwayne@yahoo.com.

Over $600K in scholarships available to local students

(March 3, 2023) More than $600,000 in scholarships are available for area students through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

The foundation, which awarded scholarships to over 400 students last year, has recently opened applications on its website. Many of the scholarships have an April 1, deadline, and

details are available within each application.

“Scholarships are an investment in our future leaders and create an incredible impact in our local community,” said Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “The foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships, each with their own unique See AWARDS Page 16

PHOTO COURTESY WAYNE LITTLETON

Wayne Littleton named his new fundraising organization, Randy’s Crew, after his 14-year-old dog, Randy.

PHOTO COURTESY WAYNE LITTLETON Wayne Littleton recently formed a new fundraising organization named Randy’s Crew, after his dog, Randy. The pup is pictured with Littleton’s granddaughters, Avery, 8, and Nori Mae, 6.

OCDC floats ‘Fee In Lieu Of Parking’ program for resort

By Mallory Panuska

Writer

(March 3, 2023) A voluntary fee program managed by an authority could be coming to Ocean City as officials tackle one of the resort’s most pressing longtime problems for the umpteenth time — lack of parking.

For years, resort officials have floated plans, studies and more to solve the issue, however little has advanced beyond the talking stage.

Piggybacking on some of that, members of the Ocean City Development Corporation recently hired a consultant to look into potential solutions based on modern needs and projections. The company they hired, Walker Consultants, recommended implementation of a Fee In Lieu of Parking, or FILOP, program. Their recommendation came with a road map to make it happen, and at a City Council work session Tuesday, organization representatives presented the details.

“I want to emphasize that we are not here today to provide all the answers,” OCDC member Joe Wilson said during the presentation. “We

have begun exploration of the topic and the OCDC board has provided unanimous support for the town to form a parking committee to explore it further.”

Council members voted to approve the formation of a parking committee that would consist of the mayor, one or two council members, community development representatives, and members of the business and real estate communities.

The committee will research the FILOP concept and make recommendations for how to proceed.

According to the presentation, Fee In Lieu of Parking is a voluntary program in which property owners would pay the city a sum of cash instead of providing some or all of the code-required parking when developing projects. The fees collected would go into a fund set to pay for public parking through construction of a garage or other type of public project.

OCDC member Dennis Dare, who is also a former councilman and city manager, said the FILOP concept is not new, and that a similar plan was

See PARKING Page 16

Lois James d.d.s.

Staff

Vehicles fill up Ocean City’s inlet parking lot on the Fourth of July. With parking problems at top of mind, members of the Ocean City Development Corporation recently hired a consultant to look into solutions and convinced council members to create a parking committee to look into a Fee in Lieu of Parking, or FILOP, program.

Parking committee to address plans, details

Continued from Page 15

presented to the mayor and council nearly three decades ago. While the idea gained some traction over the years, it did not come to fruition.

“It never seems to have been followed though with,” Dare said.

Walker’s recent research showed that the spaces in a FILOP program can either be shared, meaning they would be available for use by all members of the general public, or reserved for exclusive use.

In Ocean City, four locations were identified for potential parking structures: the lots on Fourth and Worcester streets downtown, the convention center on 40th Street, and the 100th Street parking lot uptown.

Each spot would serve a different need based on its location, according to the research.

The plans also showed that abovegrade, structured, multi-level parking garages could be built on the sites, with or without rooftop amenities to support special events and gatherings. The presentation included details of developing more off-site surface lots on properties around town as well.

During the presentation, Dare showed examples of parking structures that the consultants presented in comparable tourist destinations. The photos he showed were of nontraditional, aesthetically pleasing structures achieved with unique architecture and colorful lighting in places such as Florida and Colorado.

“They don’t have to look like a concrete box,” Dare said.

In terms of cost, the surface lot is the most expensive per space at an estimated $67,500, mostly due to the

cost of the land. However, the annual cost per space is lowest at $150. A regular above-grade surface lot is estimated to cost $50,300 per space and carries an $890 annual cost per space. The above-garage surface lot with rooftop access is the most pricey, with a projected $58,800 total price tag and $920 annual cost per space.

If a parking project comes to fruition, it will be paid for with money from the FILOP program, however a structure does not need to be built right away.

“You don’t need to have a garage to start the program,” Wilson said.

Consultants envision that the initial committee could create a parking authority or department to manage the details, which would include code changes, financing and certain aspects of management.

Wilson said the FILOP plan has support of local business and property owners, as well as representatcies from other organizations. He contended that the project is needed now more than ever with an influx of events and development projects.

Councilman Tony DeLuca, who made the motion to form the parking committee, said he has “many questions” about the concept and presentation, which he said was the catalyst for advocating to form the group.

The only other public comment came from Councilman Peter Buas, who suggested that more than one council member sit on the new parking committee.

Continued from Page 14

criteria, and the foundation’s expertise in scholarship management allows us to help our donors grow these opportunities.”

The foundation, which holds more than 200 scholarship funds, has steadily increased the number of scholarships available each year. It has also seen an expansion in areas of scholarship focus, as well as scholarships for non-traditional students.

“While many scholarships are for high school seniors, we are seeing an increased interest in scholarships for non-traditional students and trade schools,” Joseph said. “For instance, the Naleppa Family Healthcare Scholarship focuses on students who have already been accepted into a healthcare education program, such as a two-year nursing program, whereas the Beattie Healthcare Careers Scholarship is for students who have already begun their undergraduate study in a healthcare field.”

Some scholarships are based on the student’s prospective area of study, like The Richard and Patricia Hazel Minority Scholarship which is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education, STEM, or nursing.

Other scholarships available at the foundation may have criteria based on what school a student went to, athletic activities, church affiliations, or civic involvement.

“Scholarship funds at CFES are a valuable resource for people who want to help local students,” Joseph said.

“They are created by individuals, families, or businesses that are passionate about encouraging an area of study, memorializing a loved one, or simply extending a helping hand, so there is a little something for everyone.”

For a full list of scholarships, criteria, and applications, visit CFES.org/scholarships.

Worcester delegation united against tip elimination bill

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Del. Wayne Hartman and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza made it clear this week that they stand with the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association against the minimum wage bill that would give restaurant servers $15 per hour by 2025.

“I’m against it,” Hartman said. “If this legislation would pass, first of all, I think most servers would tell you they could make better than minimum wage, so I think it would hurt most workers.”

“Those owners can’t start paying those employees $15 an hour. That’ll reflect in menu prices. It’ll change the whole way we’d reward a server for going to a restaurant. I think it would be hurtful to the industry as a whole.”

Carozza, meanwhile, is working against the bill by reaching out to local businesses to let them know they can testify for the bill hearing in the Senate, which is tomorrow, Friday.

“Payment of Minimum Wage Tipped Employees would (harm) both employees and employers in the hospitality industry,” Carozza said in a statement.

Restaurant operators currently pay tipped employees a base hourly wage to which the tip amount the employee receives is added. If this combined wage is not equal to the required hourly minimum wage, the restaurant operator is required by law to make up the difference.

In other developments, Hartman on Monday was preparing for two bill hearings that occurred this week — HB599 which provides a tax credit for public safety officers and HB741 which reduces the corporate income tax in Maryland from 8.25 percent to 6.25 percent over the next several years.

HB599 would enable legislation that doesn’t do anything per se, Hartman said. It costs the state and county nothing. But the bill does allow counties to create their own definition of public safety officers.

“They can include whoever they want in this group and give them a tax credit,” Hartman said. “If the county is having a particularly hard time recruiting fire and EMS (personnel) they can list them as public safety officers and give them that tax credit.”

“It’s crazy in a way that it gives the county complete flexibility in defining (‘public safety officer’) but also it gives the county the power to … take away the cap of $2,500 and allows them to create a cap they feel is either desired or needed.”

HB741 will help Maryland compete in the Mid-Atlantic region for new businesses, Hartman said.

“If we want to be serious about attracting businesses to Maryland, this is something we need to do,” Hartman said. “These companies look at the corporate tax rate before figuring out where to go.”

Hartman pointed out that the tax rate is 6 percent in Virginia, 6.5 percent in West Virginia and Pennsylvania is in the process of reducing its rate from 8.99 percent to 4.99 percent.

Hartman added that the fiscal note for the bill left something to be desired.

“The fiscal note was short in showing the benefits brought to Maryland by having employers reinvest in existing businesses, expanding employees and revenue of who we attract to Maryland. Those companies are creating jobs. Those people who are earning salaries are paying tax on it. It’s just a constant compounding of the benefit.”

“I feel that the fiscal note was shortsighted and we’re out of line when we look at our neighbors as far as our corporate tax rate.”

On Monday, Gov. Wes Moore presented his bill for an overall $15 minimum wage, something that Hartman sees as potentially harmful for some workers.

“To me, moving the minimum wage to $15 per hour, first of all, most companies are already there,” he said. “My problem is it takes opportunity from our youth and other people. The people trying to earn a living wage deserve to earn $15. But (teenagers) at places like farms, I think an employer will think twice about hiring a 14- or 15-year-old at $15 an hour when they can get someone who is older and experienced. It takes away an opportunity for our youth to learn to work and interact with people. So many skills will be lost taking away these opportunities to youth.”

Over in the Senate, Moore testified in support of the SERVE Act — which would establish a program in which high school graduates would be paid for one year of service to their community before they begin college.

The bill establishes the Service Year Option Program, which would exist within the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, itself a new department created by Moore in the first executive order of his term.

“Executive orders always create a natural tension between the executive and legislative branches of government at the state and federal level,” Carozza said in a statement. “I’ve seen it both as a member of the executive and as a legislator. Both Sen. Gallion as a Republican and Sen. Augustine as a Democrat stood up to request that the legislative branch remain involved in the setup of a new department.”

PHOTO COURTESY MARY BETH CAROZZA

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan came to Annapolis to testify in support of Senate Bill 135, which establishes an Ocean City promoter’s license for liquor. He is pictured with Sen. Mary Beth Carozza.

Public weighs in on Route 90 changes to ease traffic

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Ocean Pines residents who want to get to the beach club on a nice summer day know how congested Route 90 can get. Eastbound traffic queues can extend nearly six miles on Fridays approaching Ocean City, and more than 7.5 miles Saturdays during peak times.

That’s only to be expected when this two-lane spur off Route 50 is the only route into midtown Ocean City, and one of just three that connect the resort and its hundreds of thousands of weekly visitors to the mainland.

That’s why the State Highway Administration (SHA) is evaluating improvements along the Route 90 corridor between Route 50 and Coastal Highway. As part of this effort, SHA initiated the Route 90 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study. The results of this study were released on Feb. 23.

“The MD 90 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study helps us explore strategies to improve service for all those who use MD 90, from vacationers and local residents to business travelers and emergency responders,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld.

As part of the study, the SHA conducted an online survey of the public to prioritize projects for the corridor

that could be considered in planning and design efforts related to traffic operations, capacity, safety, pedestrian and bicyclist accessibility and emergency evacuation.

The survey included proposals for additional lanes, intersection improvements and new bridges over the St. Martin River and the Assawoman Bay.

A total of 386 people responded to the survey, with 85 percent of the respondents saying they would use Route 90 more often if congestion was reduced.

Ninety percent of those surveyed agreed that improvements were needed along Route 90, and more than half of respondents thought that improvements were needed most along the highway at the Assawoman Bay Bridge, followed by the St. Martin River Bridge (47 percent), the intersection with St. Martin’s Neck Road (46 percent) and Route 589 to St. Martin River (44 percent).

The road, which has a 55 mph speed limit, is a primary evacuation route for Ocean City during a severe weather event or emergency.

“It is our mission to protect and enhance Maryland communities, we know mobility, accessibility, safety and reliability are vital components. This study will help us and our community partners chart a course of action,” said Wiedefeld.

The goals of the project include ac-

See PROPOSALS Page 22

Concept 2 adds two additional outside lanes, one in each direction along Route 90. Concept 3 would widen Route 90 to provide a four-lane divided roadway. A new two-lane roadway would be constructed on the north side or south side of the existing roadway with an open median.

Proposals could ease traffic on Rt. 90 for summer travel

Continued from Page 20

commodating existing and future traffic needs, including access for bicycles and pedestrians; improving the level of safety on this well-traveled roadway; improving accessibility during evacuation events; and improving flooding resilience and adaptation.

The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors passed a motion on Nov. 19, 2022 to email the department of transportation and the Worcester County Commissioners its endorsement of the efforts by the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition regarding the proposed Route 90 Project, according to board President Doug Parks.

Six concepts were developed and evaluated: one no-build concept and five build concepts. Concepts two and three meet all of the goals for the project.

Concept two includes a divided four-lane stretch from Route 113 to Coastal Highway, retaining the existing median barrier, and a new fourlane bridge to the north or south of the existing bridge. Approximately 39 percent of respondents liked this concept.

Concept three includes a divided four lanes from Route 113 to Coastal Highway with a grass median; a new

two-lane roadway north of the existing road for westbound lanes, with the existing road becoming eastbound lanes and a new four-lane bridge to the north or south of the existing bridge.

“The MD 90 study provides us with the information we need to accurately access this vital corridor and summarize recommendations to help us prioritize projects,” said State Highway Administration Administrator Tim Smith.

Already, $15 million has been programmed to advance preliminary design and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) activities along the Route 90 corridor.

To address traffic congestion in the near term, a project to provide an additional eastbound lane on Route 90 could be advanced as an independent project.

The preliminary design and corridor studies would contribute towards the development of a long-term strategy for the highway.

The State Highway Administration anticipates moving forward with preliminary design and evaluations for potential corridor solutions beginning this spring. To see the full report, visit the MDOT SHA website under the project portal page.

Jack Hastings gave 24 years as OCVFC deputy fire marshal

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(March 3, 2023) This week in our “Volunteer Spotlight” we recognize Gold Badge Member Charles Jackson “Jack” Hastings.

Jack’s brother, former Assistant Chief Mike Hastings, was the 1st OCVFC member recognized in our “Volunteer Spotlight.”

Jack joined the OCVFC Cadet Program in 1962 and then joined the volunteer fire company as an active member in 1965.

He saw his involvement in the fire company as an “opportunity to serve the community.”

Jack retired after 20 years from Acme Markets in 1983 and then spent several years working as a carpenter.

He retired in 2012 after serving 24 years as a deputy fire marshal in the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office.

Firefighter Hastings functioned in numerous roles during his 40 years of active service to the fire company. He served as both a lieutenant and captain (Snorkel 711) as well as an en-

gineer. Administratively, Jack served on the board of directors, including two years as treasurer and was president of the volunteer fire company in 1999.

He currently serves as a Gold Badge Life Member and in the past several years has been very involved in organizing the annual dinner for our Gold Badge members.

Hastings responded it was very difficult for him to select the most significant event to occur during his years in the fire service, however, he stated he had been “moved” by the many incidents causing loss of property and/or injury or loss of life to residents and visitors of Ocean City.

Jack cites his greatest accomplishment in the fire service was working in the OC Fire Marshal’s Office to protect life and property of Ocean City residents and visitors.

We thank Past President Hastings for his many years of service and commitment to the safety of his neighbors and the visitors to our community.

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

Women’s Club of OP giving out scholarships to students

(March 3, 2023) The Women’s Club of Ocean Pines will be awarding scholarships in June to promising students who are full-time residents of Ocean Pines.

These students must graduate from high school in good standing with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and plan to attend an accredited institution for further education.

These awards may be used by the

recipient to help defray post-high school expenses at any approved degree, certificate-granting college or university, technical or vocational school.

The WCOP Scholarship committee will consider the applicant’s needs, goals, citizenship, community service, extra-curricular activities and motivation.

The club adheres to a non-discrimSee SCHOLARSHIPS Page 24

Jack Hastings

Assault

Chacarra Townsend, of Horntown, Virginia, was charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment following an incident that sent one person to TidalHealth in Salisbury.

On Feb. 23, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Stockton Road in Pocomoke for a reported stabbing. Townsend was later identified as the suspect and captured. The victim was treated and released the same day.

Handgun

Anthone Nathaniel Gillis, of Baltimore, was charged seven times, including having a loaded handgun in a vehicle, knowingly altering a firearm ID number and manual removal of a serial number. Just before 8 p.m. on

Feb. 24, Ocean City police stopped Gillis, who was driving south on Coastal Highway in the vicinity of 112th Street, because his 2015 Honda Civic’s headlights and taillights were not on.

The officer reported that a strong odor of marijuana drifted from the car and that all its occupants were ordered to exit. Upon search of the vehicle, an officer located a loaded revolver in the glove box.

Replica gun

Eran Kristopher Boyd-Brown, of Wilmington, Delaware, was charged twice for possession of a replica gun. At 12:51 a.m. on Feb. 25, Ocean City police responded to Late Night Liquors, Beer and Wine on 66th Street for reports of a disorderly group. A male had allegedly attempted to buy alcohol without identi-

fication and he and a second male refused to leave.

An officer observed that an odor of marijuana was emanating from a red 2012 Chevrolet Equinox in the parking lot. Two more male occupants were seated in the vehicle, one of which handed the officer a bag containing marijuana.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers found another bag containing marijuana, a spent .22 caliber chisel casing and two airsoft guns.

Assault

John George Schultheis, of Ocean City, was charged with first- and second-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure. On Feb. 23 at 6:31 p.m., Ocean City Police officers responded to a residence in the 12800 block of Assawoman Drive on the report of an

assault that had already occurred.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Schultheis’s roommate, who said the pair had been arguing about rent. The roommate also said Schultheis was intoxicated and produced a knife. The fight was broken up by a third party, who allegedly took Schultheis on a car ride immediately afterward in an attempt to calm him.

Police said they saw two scrape marks on the roommate’s hand. Schultheis was later picked up by officers on 127th Street and placed under arrest.

Hit-and-run

John Nathan Joshua Bahorik, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, was charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident with property damage and failure to notify the property owner of the accident after allegedly striking two pillars in the parking lot of the Sandy Pause III at 3 Baltimore Avenue.

A third party there told police a “heavily intoxicated” woman walking along Baltimore Avenue fell multiple times into the road and at one point fell face-first into a concrete pillar in the parking lot, according to a police report.

Worried for the woman’s safety, the third party said he asked if she needed help. Then, a white Kia sedan allegedly driven by Bahorik turned into the parking lot. The third party said the vehicle struck multiple concrete pillars in the parking lot before the woman entered the car and the pair left. Police saw damage marks on two separate concrete pillars in the parking lot.

The vehicle was later found unattended in the parking lot of the Americana Hotel at 913 Atlantic Avenue. Officers observed a small paint scrape on the passenger side of the front bumper of the vehicle as well as “older” scratches and scrapes. Upon identifying Bahorik as the owner of the vehicle, officers determined he was staying in one of the rooms at the hotel and placed him under arrest.

Scholarships for Pines residents

Continued from Page 23

ination policy on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin or family status.

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

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

New hours

All branches of the Worcester County Library will open at 9 a.m. (Monday through Saturday) effective Monday, March 6.

Closing times vary by location. For a complete list of branches and library hours, visit WorcesterLibrary.org/branches.

Also, check out Facebook: Worcester County Maryland Library, Instagram: worcesterlibrarymd,

The mission of the Worcester County Library is to promote reading, thinking, learning, and the enjoyment of the arts.

Dean’s List

Ben Forbes was named to the dean’s list at Miami University for the 2022-23 fall semester.

Miami University students who are ranked in the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within their division for the fall semester were recognized for their academic performance.

Forbes, from Berlin, is earning a B.S. in Business and Finance.

Kai McGovern was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of Vermont.

McGovern is from Berlin and is majoring in Forestry.

To be named to the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.

The University of Tampa honored 2,044 students who were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester, including Madison Van Orden, of Berlin, majoring in Accounting BS and Kennedy Duke, of Ocean City, majoring in Accounting BS.

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.

Ridge Watson, of Berlin, was honored for academic achievement by being named to the dean’s list at Delaware Valley University for the fall semester.

Ashley Laws of Berlin, and Cooper Richins of Ocean Pines, were included

on Furman University’s dean’s list for the fall semester.

The Greenville, South Carolina school’s dean’s list is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point system.

Gavin Hentschel, of Berlin, earned a spot on The Citadel’s dean’s list for the fall semester.

The dean’s list for the Charleston, South Carolina school is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.

Abbie Baker and Noah Fisher, both of Berlin, and Brittyn Leonard of Ocean City, were named to the Dean’s List at Frostburg State University in recognition of outstanding academic achievement for the fall semester.

To be eligible, a student must undertake a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a cumulative semester grade point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.

Graduates

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated more than 7,600 students worldwide in the fall. Students from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and 18 countries earned UMGC degrees including Worcester County residents Josephine Sidleck (Bachelor of Science in Psychology) and Gavin Joseph Dembeck (Bachelor of Science in Marketing), both of Ocean City, and Sherry Weller of Bishopville (Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management).

The University of Tampa hosted a commencement ceremony in December to honor the 985 degree-seeking candidates at the university’s 155th commencement.

Among the graduates were Ocean City residents Kennedy Duke of (Accounting BS degree), Irvin Ebaugh (Film and Media Arts BA degree) and Alyssa Moran (Allied Health BS degree).

Jack Fager, of Bishopville, was among the more than 600 students

Screening available March 7 at Pines community center

(March 3, 2023) Residents living in and around the Ocean Pines area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening on March 7.

The Ocean Pines Community Center, at 239 Ocean Parkway, will host this event.

Screenings can check for: the level of plaque buildup in arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease,

stroke and overall vascular health; HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels; diabetes risk; and kidney and thyroid function.

Screenings are affordable and convenient. Free parking is also available. Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with attendees to create a package that is right for them based on age and risk factors.

Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

who graduated from the University of Mississippi in December. Fager, who majored in Entrepreneurship, received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in the School of Business Administration.

Raffle winners

The Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club announce the raffle winners from the 40th annual Seaside Boat Show, held last weekend at the Ocean City convention center.

Just over 15,200 visitors attended the three-day show, which benefits and supports local youth and programs in the area.

The winner of the pontoon boat and motor donated as a door prize by North Bay Marina was Rob Storm of Pennsylvania.

Charles Nock of Stockton, Maryland, won a 4hp Mercury motor do-

nated by Goldsborough’s Marine.

The winners of the scholarship lottery were: First prize, $8,800, Robin Haines, Thurmont, Maryland; second, $750, Carole Spurrier, Berlin; third, $500, Jim Bradshaw (no address listed).

Officers

Worcester County NAACP Branch #7029 held its 2023-2024 elections with Josh Nordstrom, NAACP member, officiating.

Ivory Smith, president; Dr. Roxie Dennis-Acholonu, vice president; Christine Clark, treasurer; and Linda Hilliard, secretary were elected.

Executive board officers include: Larry Ryan, Environmental Justice; Dr. Jacques Conaway, Health Committee chair; and Ernest Leatherbury, Criminal Justice chair.

Visit Worcester County NAACP Facebook page for information.

ALOC to host First Friday March 3

(March 3, 2023) A group art show opening on First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts explores the theme of “What makes people smile about Ocean City” in a variety of art forms and media.

The public is welcome to the free First Friday open house on March 3, from 57 p.m. at 502 94th Street, bayside.

PKS Investments is sponsoring refreshments, and Coins Pub and Papi’s Tacos are sponsoring complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

The Sisson Galleria hosts the group show, presenting images of the people, scenery and iconic places that inspire locals and visitors about Ocean City.

The Thaler Gallery features an allphotography group show by the Tidewater Camera Club.

Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Easton, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to exploring all aspects of photography and photographic technique.

Members share their knowledge through fellowship and friendly competition and strive to promote interest and participation in the field of photography.

More information about the club is available at www.tidewatercameraclub.org.

Studio E artist Ralph Baden is a graduate of the Corcoran School of Art and a resident of East New Market, Maryland. He will be exhibiting a group of paintings based on a book he wrote and illus-

trated, “The Revolution in Evolution from Garrett County, Maryland,” about the effects of climate change on selfaware animals and the repercussions.

Mel Royster of Millville, Delaware, is the Spotlight Gallery artist for March.

A self-taught artist and retired Army veteran who has been drawing since childhood, he made lunch money by drawing pictures of his classmates in grade school in North Carolina.

Royster will be showing portraits of celebrities and other famous faces, including sports stars.

Jeweler Carol Lehmann of Felton, Delaware, is the artisan for March.

Her copper enameled jewelry primarily uses reclaimed copper, such as pre1980 pennies and found pieces, in combination with contemporary sgraffito and traditional cloisonné techniques.

Bold colors create surface design and texture and make wearable art.

Artwork by Worcester County middle and high school students will also be on display at the Arts Center through the weekend as part of the annual Shirley Hall Youth Art Show.

Betsy Hall Harrison, Shirley Hall’s daughter, will judge the show and award $250 in prize money on behalf of her family members.

The First Friday event welcomes filmmakers and moviegoers of the seventh annual Ocean City Film Festival happen-

ing this weekend.

A “Filmmaker Fair” at the Arts Center will display a wall of movie posters from the festival, and filmmakers will be present to discuss their films. Film Festival passes will be on sale during First Friday.

The art of Emil Markulis of Lanham, Maryland, continues to hang in the Art Center’s Staircase Gallery.

The Art League’s satellite galleries are also continuing their exhibitions.

Fiber artist Dale Ashera-Davis of Berlin, shows her work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Hwy. Don Hartman of Ocean Pines, continues his show entitled, “On Vacation with the Boys and Girls,” in the Princess Royale lobby, 9100 Coastal Hwy.

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th Street is open daily until 4 p.m., and admission is always free. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects.

Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Take a few deep breaths before forging ahead with a plan that you have in mind, Aries. You might need to think things through a little more in the days to come.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, when a new opportunity arises, you may feel like a fish out of water until you get into a routine. After that learning period, things will come more easily.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, do not wait around for change to come. Sometimes you have to get the ball rolling yourself. Put plans in motion and figure out who will join you.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, right now is a big waiting game, and that could have you feeling a bit frustrated. If you are ready for action, take on a hobby or something else to stay busy.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you may get wind that others are talking about you when you are not around. Remember that all publicity is good publicity. You’re on their minds and that’s important.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, after a few tumultuous months, you finally get into a groove and forge a new path for yourself. You may be surprised by what comes your way.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may joke about something that someone else takes very seriously, Libra. Be careful with your words to avoid offending someone you care about.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

You may have a lot of ideas, Scorpio, but it is essential to figure out funding if those plans are to be put in motion. This includes home improvements.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, it’s time to embrace your love of culture, as you need to start pushing the creative side rather than the analytical one. Visit a museum when time permits.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Opportunity awaits if you know where to look, Capricorn. A new business venture could be right around the corner. Start thinking of ways to get involved.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, big project is finished and you could not be happier. That pressure may have been weighing you down and now you have more free time.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, your own mind could be your only obstacle this week. Clear this mental hurdle and enjoy the challenges ahead.

NOW PLAYING

BEACH BANDITS

Coins: Sat., March 4, 7 p.m.

COINS

28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City

410-289-3100 / www.coinspuboc.com

March 4: Beach Bandits, 7 p.m.

PICKLE’S PUB

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

March 3: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

March 4: Dunehounds, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

March 5: Higher Education, 5-9 p.m.; Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

March 6: Karaoke w/Wood, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

March 7: Beats by Wax, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

March 8: Beats by Deojee, 9:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

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

SEACRETS

49th Street and the Bay, Ocean City

410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com

March 3: Element K Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; The Beverless, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

March 4: Late Last Night, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Dear Zoe, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Thur., March 9, 5-9 p.m.

March 5: Ocean City Film Festival 2023, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

March 9: Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; MD Coastal Bays Trivia Night, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; DJ Connair, 9 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.

PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922 / pizzatugos.com

March 3: Tonight’s Crush, 9 p.m. to midnight

Ocean City Film Festival to take place this weekend

(March 3, 2023) The seventh annual Ocean City Film Festival premieres March 2-5 with four days of independent movies both local and from around the world shown at several Ocean City locations.

Films will be screened at venues including Flagship Cinemas, Fox Gold Coast Theater, Seacrets Morley Hall, Nick’s, Ocean Downs Casino, and the Residence Inn by Marriott.

Social gatherings and after parties will be held at some of the venues as well.

The festival will screen films produced by independent filmmakers that were submitted for judging and selection. Several feature-length films are showing, plus short films grouped into blocks by interest, including Veterans, Black History, Resilient Women, and more.

Festival goers are welcome at Q&A sessions, coffee get-togethers, and daily after-parties.

Admission to festival is available by

OP event to benefit foundation

purchasing a one-day pass good for that particular day or a four-day pass allowing admission into all of the events of the festival, with the exception of the John Waters’ performance on Saturday at 8 p.m. in The Ballroom at Ocean Downs Casino.

Tickets and passes and complete information is available at OCMDFilmFestival.com.

Walk-in passes are also available at the door of each venue for cash only at showtimes.

The festival is offering discount codes for single- and multiple-day passes to essential members of the community including first responders, military members, students, and Art League members. Enter discount code “ThankYou2023” when purchasing tickets.

The Film Festival is an initiative of the nonprofit Art League that produces the festival annually along with broad support from the Town of Ocean City, Ocean Downs Casino, The State of Maryland Film Office, and the Ocean

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside

The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Visit Captain’s Table for seafood, steaks, lobster specials and martinis. Open for breakfast and dinner everyday. Happy hour; seven days a week, 4 to 6 p.m. Breakfast; Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday through Sunday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dinner; Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

■ COASTAL SALT

1601 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com

New American restaurant with reel eats & high spirits. Local seafood and Chef’s specials. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner overlooking the beautiful ocean view from the boardwalk. Open Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. Pet friendly, patio with heaters. The best staff, creative eats with plenty of free parking.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2 to 5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine with a Caribbean flare from a selection of house specialty entrees such as burgers, seafood, and pastas! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring specialty rums; Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour drink specials and $10 eats, Everyday, 3 to 6 p.m.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaraunt.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Fresh seafood, award-winning raw bar, certified angus beef and home to the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island! Open all March, Thursday through Sunday; Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $8 appetizers, $5 crushes, $5 house wine and $4 bottle beers! Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT

15th Street @ Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-861, PapisTacoJoint.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Try the new Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy build your own street taco’s with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsas. Serving foods such as little cravings, Papi’s trio guacamole, Queso Fundido and choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in, or order online for your carryout and delivery by Door Dash. Catering is available.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-289-4891, www.picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open daily. Serving food until 1 a.m. Free parking across the street. Daily food and drink specials. Live entertainment 6 nights

(March 3, 2023) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation will host an event on March 10 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club to benefit its educational outreach programs.

The outreach programs sponsor annual field trips to the memorial for all fifth-grade students in Worcester County.

The foundation recently released a video about the memorial, its mission, and the educational program for students viewable online at: https://youtu.be/ W_SbPKZDcYc. Each student also receives an activity booklet to take home, encouraging further discussions.

“We feel this is one of the most important things that the foundation does, and that all children should realize the sacrifices that veterans have made to protect our freedoms,” Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie

City community.

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

a week. Lots of pool tables. Liquor store attached. Game room. 30+ drafts on tap. Dine in or carry out.

■ 32 PALM

Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410-289-2525, www.32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

32 Palm’s inviting decor fuses the perfect atmosphere with Eastern Shore favorites for an exceptional dining experience! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a unique selection of bourbons. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Don’t miss our on Happy hour, Every day, 3 to 6 p.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFE

6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-6445639, www.longboardcafe.net

Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surfthemed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Dine-in and curbside pick-up.

■ MARLIN MOON

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

Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon offers a great selection of entrees, small plates, appetizers, and creatively crafted cocktails. Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 1-6 p.m., featuring $10 appetizers, drink specials, and specialty oysters. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner, 4-10 p.m.

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

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

Gilmore said.

Entertainer Tony Pace, previously named as the event headliner, announced last week that he would not be able to participate.

“It is with profound sadness that circumstances have forced me to withdraw from participating in the March 10 Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation fundraiser,” he said. “It is my hope and prayer that you all continue to support their cause, despite my absence.” Gilmore said another act, which she described as a “top-notch entertainer from Atlantic City,” would fill in for Pace.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and a buffet dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The show will start at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $70, and a cash bar will be provided. Checks may be sent to WCVMF, P.O. Box 1576, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811.

Tickets are limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. Single tickets are available, or tables of 10 can be purchased. For more information call Sharyn O’Hare at 410-603-4777 or sharynop@gmail.com.

www.carouselhotel.com

Enjoy one of four restaurants in the Carousel. Serving breakfast; The Bistro, Saturday through Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m. proudly serving Starbuck’s brand. Reef 118 Restaurant, Saturday through Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m. buffet or A la carte. Serving Dinner; Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Bistro, Friday, 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reef 118 Restaurant, Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the Bamboo Lounge, Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11403 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-880-6258

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Serving daily small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, fried rice, entrees and desserts. Also, Nori’s premium rolls, nigiri and sashimi, hand-roll combos. Full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Inside dining and take out, 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery via Door Dash online.

■ SOPHIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT PIZZERIA

Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11405 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-723-5188

$$ | Kids’ menu

Appetizers, salads, subs, soup of the day. Specialty pizzas, calzones and low-carb alternatives, Italian entrées. A la carte fresh vegetables, homemade desserts. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. Call for take-out or delivery by Door Dash and Uber Eats.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro

12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com

$$ | Beer | Premium Sake

Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

■ PIZZA TUGOS

9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com

$$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m.

MCBP to host trivia March 9

(March 3, 2023) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) will host an evening of trivia at Seacrets’ Morley Hall on 49th Street, March 9, from 5:30-8 p.m.

The event will feature trivia questions focused on Maryland and the coastal bays, with teams of singles, couples, and multiple people welcome to participate.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and trivia will begin promptly at 6 p.m. To prepare for the event, participants can check out MCBP’s social media posts, publications, and creature features.

Attendees can also participate in a

CROSSWORD

bucket raffle by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win gift baskets and gift cards from local businesses.

The raffle winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m., and participants do not need to be present to win.

Businesses who want to donate to the raffle can reach out to MCBP at cjoiner@mdcoastalbays.org.

Participants must be 21 years or over to attend the event, and no preregistration is required.

For more information, visit the MCBP website or contact lwist@mdcoastalbays.org.

Marc Roberge, Jon Lampley to perform in OC March 10

(March 3, 2023) Marc Roberge, lead singer of the popular Maryland band O.A.R., will be joined by Jon Lampley during the March 10 performance at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.

Lampley is an established multi-instrumentalist, best known for his soulful playing on the trumpet and sousaphone.

Along with being a touring member of O.A.R., Lampley holds down the trumpet/tuba chair in Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band for the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

A talented vocalist and songwriter, Lampley has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Billy

Joel.

Lampley and Roberge will kick off the St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Ocean City, performing various songs and covers from O.A.R. at the 40th Street venue.

“We can’t think of a better way to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day weekend than an intimate show with Marc and Jon,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. “Whether you’re planning a date night, family night or starting your St. Patrick’s Day weekend early, Marc and friends will be an evening in Ocean City you won’t want to miss.”

Visit https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com for more information.

Ticket prices range from $59-$65.

WP Mallard Robotics Club participates in FIRST event

(March 3, 2023) The Worcester Prep Mallard Robotics Club made its debut in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Chesapeake Qualifier on Jan. 29, held at Norfolk State University.

The FIRST Tech Challenge Power Play, sponsored by Raytheon Technologies, challenged the team to design, build, test and program an autonomous and driver-operated robot required to perform a series of tasks.

Students were also judged on teamwork, problem-solving skills, Q and A with judges, the team manual, and their ability to form alliances

with other teams to complete each course.

The Norfolk Qualifier, comprised of over 200 students from D.C., Maryland and Virginia, provides participants access to education, career opportunities and connections to over $50 million in exclusive scholarships.

This qualifier allowed the Mallard Robotics Club to experience competition and engage in real-time problem-solving in a collaborative environment.

The students built a one-of-a-kind robot featured during the meet and finished in the top 20, which is outstanding considering this was their first competition.

The Mallard Robotics Club made its debut in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Chesapeake Qualifier on Jan. 29, held at Norfolk State University. Pictured are members of the Worcester Prep Mallards Robotics Club participating in the FIRST Robotics Chesapeake Qualifier, from left, Vanesska Hall, Tyler Netting, Allen Zhang, Lydia Schwartz, Travis Netting and Jackson Fernley.

Fri., March 3

7TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Showcasing more than 70 independent films in multiple genres at various Ocean City locations, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. For list of films, parties, Q&As and events: OCMDFilmFestival.com. 410-524-9433

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Time just for you and your teeny tiny. Stay after to socialize with other families. For children younger than 2 years and their caregivers. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road. The sanctuary will be open from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome to come and pray for the world and our nation. 410-641-5433

HOBBIES CLUB: SCRAPBOOKING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Preserve your memories with this new hobby. Bring in your favorite photos and get help with the rest. For ages 6 years and older. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE FIRST FRIDAY ART OPENING

Ocean City Center for the Arts - Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. The show explores the theme of “What makes people smile about Ocean City.” Satellite openings at the Coffee Beanery, 94th Street and Princess Royale lobby, 91st Street. OCart.org, 410-524-9433

REPUBLICAN WOMEN OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEET & GREET HAPPY HOUR

Fager’s Island, 201 60th St., Ocean City, 5-7 p.m. Come meet and socialize with other Republicans and bring a friend. All are welcome. Cash bar.

Sat., March 4

7TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Showcasing more than 70 independent films in multiple genres at various Ocean City locations, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. For list of films, parties, Q&As and events: OCMDFilmFestival.com. 410-524-9433

SPORTS DAY AT THE BEACH - SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA SHOW

Westside Rt. 50 Shopping Center (next to Hooper’s Crab House), 12913 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Buy, sell and trade. Silent auction, raffles, 50/50, mystery boxes. Admission donation: $5 for adults, $2 for those 9 years and younger. To purchase table space: 443-978-0680, littletonwayne@yahoo.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Ocean Pines Community Center - Assateague Room, 235 Ocean Parkway, 811 a.m. Cost is $9, children under 4 years eat free. Tickets available from any local Kiwanian or pay at the door. Take out available. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

TINKER TIME: LEPRECHAUN TRAPS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in anytime to build a leprechaun trap. Supplies provided. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY HELP

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10 a.m.noon. Need help in finding your roots? The Local History Librarian will be on hand to help. By appointment only: 410632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their works. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop ins welcome. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FRIED CHICKEN BUFFET

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36540 Mount Pleasant Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Vegetables, beverages and dessert included. Cost is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children and free to those 5 years and younger. Carry outs and bake table available. 410-835-8340

PROJECT T(W)EEN: VIDEO GAME DAY: OLD SCHOOL V. NEW SCHOOL Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Come join the group for a battle of the systems. From Nintendo 64 to the Nintendo Switch, which will you like best. For ages 11 years and older. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

‘UNTOLD STORIES - CHRONICLING OUR DELMARVA HISTORY’ OPENING RECEPTION

Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 1-4 p.m. Patrick Henry presents a curated cross-section of his historical photographs. Dating from the late 19th into the 20th century. germantownschool@gmail.com, 443-235-9803, 410641-6038

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., March 5

7TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL Showcasing more than 70 independent films in multiple genres at various Ocean City locations, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For list of films, parties, Q&As and events: OCMDFilmFestival.com. 410-524-9433

RANDY’S CREW BLUES & BBQ FUNDRAISER

28th St. Pit-N’-Pub, 2706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 1-4 p.m. All-you-caneat buffet including pork BBQ, ribs, fried chicken and more. Cost is $15 at the door. Plus happy hour prices, mystery boxes, silent auction, raffles and more. Wayne Littleton, 443-978-0680

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., March 6

STORY TIME ‘WEATHER’

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories about different types of weather. For ages 2-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The discussion will focus on “The Garden of Forking Paths” by Jorge Luis Borges. This group meets twice a month to discuss classic and modern selections. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

UNCOOKING CLUB

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m, No cooking required. Bring your favorite recipe to share with the group. The class will focus on appetizers and snacks. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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.

Tues., March 7

STORY TIME ‘DR. SEUSS’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger plays. Take-

home activity included. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: DOCTORS AND DENTISTS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

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

MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring any questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 2 years and younger. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MUSIC FROM THE ACADEMY AWARDS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Notes on the Beach plays some of the music written for the movie industry, featuring winners and nominees of the Oscar. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ANIME & MANGA CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3 p.m. Introducing the new anime and manga club. Monthly themes will include trivia games, Japanese snacks and art exploration. For ages 13-16 years. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ACT SIP AND SCIENCE SERIES - DISCOVERING DIFFERENT USES OF FUNGI FOR CLEAN WATER

Assateague Coastal Trust, 10959 Worcester Highway, Berlin, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Matthew Harhai, owner/mushroom master of Goat Plum Tree Farm will lead the workshop. Light fare and wild spritzer drink provided. BYOB. Cost is $25. Debbi Dean, 443-856-9309, outreach@actforbays.org

SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6 p.m. All genres welcome. Present works in progress or talk through composition issues with other songwriters. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND SAFE BOATING COURSE

CELEBRATION

Worcester

CALENDAR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Classes to be held March 7, 8 and 9. Cost is $20. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-9354807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

Wed., March 8

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Held via Zoom on the first and second Wednesday of each month for non-surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatrics Center, 410-641-9568

OCEAN CITY AARP CHAPTER 1917 MEETING

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be from the

Register of Wills office in Snow Hill. New members welcome. Bob McCluskey, 410-250-0980

UPCYCLED CONTAINERS: SEED STARTING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Learn how to start seeds indoors for your own vegetable garden. Take home a few seed packets from the library’s Seed Library. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

POLLINATORS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. The Lower Shore Land Trust will talk to the group about the benefits of creating gardens that attract pollinators. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHARITY BINGO

The Sterling Tavern, 119 N. Main St., Berlin, 6 p.m. Theme is Gilligan’s Island. Bingo cards $2/5 games, prizes for each game and a 50/50 raffle. Support Assateague Coastal Trust. Debbi Dean, 443-856-9309, outreach@actforbays.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Thurs., March 9

OCEAN PINES GARDEN CLUB MEETING

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10 a.m. Maureen Kennedy, from “My Backyard,” will speak about hummingbirds and other backyard birds. Guests/new members welcome. Ann Shockley, 410-688-1975; Patti Lookner, 410-973-1243

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30

a.m. Join the group for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

INTERACTIVE PUPPET SHOW: THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Fun, interactive version of this adorable fable. Stick around after for a craft. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Meet new friends and play some chess. Bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT JOB FAIR

Worcester County Human Resources, 1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, 12-3 p.m. Meet professionals from Human Resources and other departments to discuss career options. Computers available onsite. For a complete list of job opportunities: https://worcesterhr.co.worcester.md.us/. 410-632-0090

TRIVIA WITH THE LIBRARY

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 2 p.m. Test your knowledge and win prizes. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH COLLAGES

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 3:30 p.m. Celebrate Women’s History Month by creating collages inspired by art from the ’90s. For ages 13-16 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SURVIVAL SPANISH: STUDENT EDITION: SPORTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4 p.m. Join Miss Morgan for this introductory Spanish program focusing on sports For ages

7-12 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ZUMBA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410-6410650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND AND COASTAL BAYS TRIVIA NIGHT

Seacrets - Morley Hall, 117 49th St., Ocean City, 5:30-8 p.m. To prepare for the event, participants can check out Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s social media posts, publications and creature features. There will also be a bucket raffle. lwist@mdcoastalbays.org

FREE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING

Ocean City Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Highway, 6:30 p.m. 2023 CERT classes will run each Thursday for seven weeks. Providing citizens with basic information for preparedness and techniques when dealing with emergencies. Register: 410-723-6616.

BEACH SINGLES-55 PLUS Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. Info: 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org

Crossword answers from page 29

Prep’s Lower School (PreK – Grade 5) celebrated Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, with parties, where students shared cards and treats with their classmates, or spent the time giving to a good cause. Worcester Prep’s fifth grade class, along with the help of homeroom moms, Jenna Hoch and Kim Kappes, spent their Valentine’s party building “Warrior Care Packages” by bundling infant blankets and books to be donated to Wyatt’s Warriors Foundation, created in honor of Wyatt Mercer Shipe who was born with congenital heart defects. The foundation was created in Wyatt’s memory to help families during a difficult time by providing comfort, support, education and encouragement. In doing so, “Warrior Care Packages” are provided to families who must leave local hospitals for infant care at larger specialized hospitals. For more information on Wyatt’s Warriors Foundation, visit www.wyattswarriors.org. Worcester Prep first graders participated in a nationwide Valentine’s Exchange again this year.

Work on the Beach in Ocean City, MD

Renting Umbrellas and Chairs to Beachgoers

• Now hiring students for over 80 positions

• Make friends & memories

• Earn valuable sales & customer service skills

• Energetic individuals wanted

• Hourly + commission + tips

Apply online at EightyFiveAndSunny.com/Employment

University of Maryland Extension seeks 4-H Program Assistant

This position works under the direction of the 4-H Educator to support the Worcester County 4-H Educator with various programming efforts including 4-H outreach within the after-school and in-school settings, as well as community outreach programs and club development. This position will work within the office, schools, community events and outside locations. High School Diploma or GED AND five years experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs.

All candidates MUST apply online. See the detailed position announcement at https://ejobs.umd.edu for position #128153.

Base salary of $37,418.

The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package, more information regarding employee benefits can be found by visiting https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits/. Apply by March 10, 2023. EOE

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

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

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

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

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

James Hospitality is gearing up for spring and looking for experienced personnel with exemplary customer service skills to staff its various hotels. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check. Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Property Managers

Front Desk Clerks

Housekeeping Supervisors

Room Inspectors

Room Attendants

Houseperson

Laundry

Maintenance

E-mail resumes to terry.luzius@jameshospitality.com or stop by and complete an application at our Executive Offices located at:

Coastal Palms Hotel, 12004 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842

James Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position reports to both the Head of Upper School and the Head or Middle School.

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

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

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

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

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

NOW HIRING!!

Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility

Up to $20/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com

ENGLISH TEACHER

Worcester Preparatory School is located in beautiful Berlin, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The school is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 5OO students in grades PK -12. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Upper School English Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.

This vibrant individual will have a strong education background and be capable of teaching the highest levels of high school English. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in English, successful classroom experience, and the ability to participate in other areas of school life are requirements for this position. Advanced Placement experience and advanced degree would be desirable. Interested candidates should mail or email resume with cover letter to: Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, 508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811 or lwatson@worcesterprep.org

ROOMMATES RENTALS COMMERCIAL

Seeking RoommateBayview Estates, Selbyville. 5.7 miles to beach. Includes utilities & internet. Shared kitchen, W/D, living room, outdoor space, POOL. VERY CLEAN. $850/month. 302-386-7818

ROOMMATE NEEDED

1BR. 94th St. Bayside. Nonsmoker. Must love dogs. $200/week plus utilities. Year round or Winter rental negotiable. Hot tub access. Text 410-726-5200, difficult to answer calls.

Fully Furnished Room for Rent Ocean Pines. All Utilities

Included. Full House Privileges. Year round or Seasonal. $600 per month 443-880-2317

RENTALS

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

YR Rental: 3BR/2.5BA Single Family House, Decatur Farm, Berlin, MD. No pets/no smoking. Call 443-856-7878

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

Industrial Warehouse Spaces: 4000 sq. ft., 2100 sq. ft. and 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18 ft. high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1600 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

DONATIONS

DONATIONS

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

www.baysideoc.com www.oceancitytoday.com

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MISC. FOR SALE

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Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-928-1656 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/mddc

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

WANTED TO BUY PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 844-5063622.

Service Directory ~ 410-723-6397

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

108 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

9 127th Street, #203

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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-23000009, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 9 127th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023

AT 9:00 AM

ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, more particularly designated and distinguished as Unit No. 203 in the Starfish V Building, STARFISH III, IV & V CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 470, folio 383, et seq., and subject to the Condominium Plats recorded therewith in Plat Book No. 48, folio 40, 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. The property is currently un-encumbered by any Mortgages. 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, 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 Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues 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. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney’s fee of $275.00 for review of any

motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. 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-3/2/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

6252 BASKET SWITCH RD. NEWARK, MD 21841

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated December 22, 2006, recorded in Liber 4842, Folio 91 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $199,998.81, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

MARCH 14, 2023 AT 4:05 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $18,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit.

All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. BIDDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO FOLLOW CDC GUIDANCE AND WEAR A COVER OVER BOTH NOSE AND MOUTH AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT THE AUCTION. (Matter No. 351124-3)

PLEASE CONSULT

WWW.ALEXCOOPER.COM FOR STATUS OF UPCOMING SALES

Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

January 22, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of August, 2023.

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

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

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

Ronald J. D’Annunzio 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 16, 2023

OCD-2/16/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Carrie M. Ward, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs.

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CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19572

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD A. D’ANNUNZIO

Notice is given that Ronald J. D’Annunzio, 3307 N. Whales Road, Norristown, PA 19403, was on February 07, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard A. D’Annunzio who died on

RUTH P. ROBERTSON THOMAS H. ROBERTSON (DESEASED) 44 Nottingham Lane Berlin, MD 21811

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

Case No. C-23-CV-22-000250

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 8th day of February, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 44 Nottingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 13th day of March, 2023, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper

printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 6th day of March, 2023.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $216,643.48.

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

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/16/3t

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

PO BOX 910

115 BROAD STREET

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19580

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF GEORGE D. ENGLAND

Notice is given that Kristina E. Muneses, 24 Greenmeadow Drive, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093, was on February 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George D. England who died on January 8, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of August, 2023.

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

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

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

Kristina E. Muneses 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 16, 2023

CHRISTOPHER T WOODLEY ESQ

WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GERTRUDE CAROLINE YAWORNICKY Estate No. 19583 Notice is given that CAROL YAWORNICKY WITHERS whose address is 20751 ROYAL PALACE SQUARE #423 STERLING, VA 20165 was on FEBRUARY 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERTRUDE CAROLINE YAWORNICKY who died on JANUARY 2, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of AUGUST, 2023.

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/16/3t

NOTICE

BID SOLICITATION

Sale of Surplus Property

Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County has declared surplus and now offers for sale the following described real properties: Economic Development Building – 100 Pearl Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 and Warehouse Facility – Prior Liquor Control Building – 5363 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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

County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

All offers and any other documents required as noted in this RFP and any addenda must be submitted to Nicholas Rice, Procurement Officer, 1 West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, MD 21863, by Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Late Bid Documents will not be accepted. Submit one (1) original and three (3) copies of completed Proposal Documents. Each copy of the proposal will be bound in a single volume. All copies of the Proposal submittal and any other documents required to be submitted with the Proposal will be enclosed in a sealed envelope. The envelope will be identified with the project name and the Proposer’s name and address. If the proposal is sent by mail, the sealed envelope will be enclosed in a separate mailing envelope with the notation “SEALED PROPOSAL ENCLOSED-Economic Development Building” or “SEALED PROPOSAL ENCLOSED-Warehouse Facility”, in the bottom left-hand corner of the sealed envelope

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

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-2/16/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19568

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LUBIN W. PILCHARD

Notice is given that Lubin Kyle Pilchard, 3852 Sirman Drive, Snow Hill, MD 21863, was on February 07, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lubin W. Pilchard who died on July 11, 2002, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of August, 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

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

Lubin Kyle Pilchard 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 16, 2023

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 19584

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT J. GRAY JR.

Notice is given that Deborah Parker, 252 Whistling Pine Road, Severna Park, MD 21146, was on February 09, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert J. Gray Jr. who died on December 30, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of August, 2023.

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

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

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

Deborah Parker 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 16, 2023

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DAMIAN L. HALSTAD

HOFFMAN, COMFORT, OFFUTT, SCOTT & HALSTAD, LLP

24 N. COURT STREET

WESTMINSTER, MD 21157

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ANDREW J. CALVERT Estate No. 19567 Notice is given that BRUCE CALVERT whose address is 9 PARK AVENUE, WESTMINISTER, MD 21157 was on FEBRUARY 07, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANDREW J. CALVERT who died on DECEMBER 22, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of AUGUST, 2023

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

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

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

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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CHARLES T. CAPUTE ESQ

MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC

100 N. WEST STREET

EASTON, MD 21601-2710

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM G B OCHSE Estate No. 19586 Notice is given that MARY C OCHSE whose address is P O BOX 551 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843 was on FEBRUARY 10, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM G B OCHSE who died on NOVEMBER 25, 2022 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in

the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of AUGUST, 2023.

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

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

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

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

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-2/16/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA for THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

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

6:30 p.m. Case No. 23-12, on the lands of William Young, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the right side yard setback from 20 feet to 6.2 feet (to encroach 13.8 feet) for a pole building in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1201(b)(5) & ZS 1-305 located at 1918 St. Lukes Road, Tax Map 36, Parcel 30, Tax District 7, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 23-13, on the application of T. Garvey Heiderman, on the lands of Village Greens Enterprises Limited, requesting a special exception to allow a food waste composting facility in the A-1 Agricultural District pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1201(c)(33) and ZS 1-329, located at 11923 St. Martins Neck Road, Tax Map 10, Parcel 280, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 23-15, on the application of Mark Cropper, on the lands of Gerald Campana requesting a modification to the minimum separation requirement of waterfront structures to an adjoining property

line from 6 feet to 4 feet (to encroach 2 feet), pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 2-102(e)(2), Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(3) and ZS 1-207(d)(6), located at 14 Driftwood Lane, Tax Map 16, Parcel 38, Section 1, Lot 309, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. The Re-advertisement of Case No. 23-3, on the lands of Mark Solito, requesting a variance to the left side yard setback from 10 feet to 8 feet (to encroach 2 feet) & a rear yard variance from 25 feet to 19.5 feet (to encroach 5.5 feet) for a proposed 2nd story deck in the R-1 Rural Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-205(b)(2) & ZS 1-305 located at 11464 Maid at Arms Lane, Tax Map 26, Parcel 1, Lot 48, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 23-6, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, on the lands of Box 64 B Selbyville, LLC requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Ordinance to exceed the allowable 100 feet tidal wetland crossing by 86 feet for a proposed 3’x 186’ walkway over tidal wetlands, pursuant to Natural Resources Code §§ NR 3-125(b)(1) and Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(n)(2), ZS 1-215(d)(4) and ZS 1-305(p)(3), located on the east side of Jarvis Road about 2,392 feet south of Bishopville Road, Tax Map 9, Parcel 350, Lot 2A, Tax District 5, Worcester County, Maryland.

OCD-2/23/2t

GARET PRESTIFILIPPO – (BZA

2648 23-09400005)

6:10 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-95(1)(a) requesting after-the-fact variances in the MH-Mobile Home zoning district, for a newly constructed singlefamily dwelling unit and HVAC units which encroaches into the required 5’ eastern side yard setback and the required 10’ western front yard setback along Oyster Lane. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 1119, Section 3A, of the Montego Bay Mobile Home Park Plat; further described as located on the southeast corner of Beachcomber Lane and Oyster Lane, and locally known as 211 Beachcomber Lane, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: LINDA & MICHAEL MARTIN – (BZA 2645 2309500001)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth Esq., Attorney OCD-2/23/2t

RONALD B. GREENE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF RONALD B. GREENE, ESQUIRE 219 BANJO LANE CENTREVILLE, MD 21617

NOTICE OF CREDITORS

OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO 19549

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

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

on:

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS court of YORK COUNTY, PA appointed DANIEL E CHAMPAGNE whose address is 97 CLOVER RUN ABBOTTSTOWN, PA 17301 PHILLIP A. CHAMPAGNE WHOSE ADDRESS IS 308 DORCHESTER DRIVE LITITZ, PA 17543 as the EXECUTORS of the Estate of NORMAND CHAMPAGNE AKA: who died on MAY 28, 2022 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RONALD B. GREENE, ESQ. who address is OFFICE OF RONALD B. GREENE, 219 BANJO LANE, CENTREVILLE, MD 21617 At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER

March 9, 2023

at 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers, of the Code, an appeal has been filed pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-94(2)(b) requesting a special parking exception of one (1) space for the addition of a new accessory room to be considered a bedroom per Code Section 110-933(a). The site of the appeal is described as Unit 9, Parcel 6196 of the Sea Village Plat, further described as located on the west side of Atlantic Avenue between 35th and 36th Streets, and known locally as 3513 Atlantic Avenue Unit 9, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: MICHAEL & MAR-

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

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

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

will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-2/23/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106, ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

At 2:00 p.m.

PW 23-005 A request has been submitted to install seven temporary mooring buoys a maximum channelward extension of 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 4501 COASTAL HWY Parcel # 7011 -4-0 -0113768957 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Aloft Hotel t/a Hotel at 45 LLC

APPLICANT: Kristina L. Watkowski

PW 23-022 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift on existing pilings a maximum channelward extension of 20’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 119 70TH ST UNIT B Parcel # 6636 -B, Slip M18 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Cape Properties LLC

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 23-023 A request has been submitted to install a 24’ pier extension to an existing 16’ pier for a total length of 40’; to install one boat lift with four associated pilings, maximum channelward extension of 40’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 417 14TH ST UNIT 63 Parcel # 3486 -63 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: James Orr

APPLICANT: Pristine Permitting, LLC

PW 23-024 A request has been submitted to remove an existing parallel platform, install 41’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead 18” channelward of existing bulkhead; to install a new 6’x30’ parallel platform and to install a 6’ pier extension to an existing 6’x25’ perpendicular pier for a total length of 36’. All construction a maximum channelward extension of 37’. The site of the proposed construction is

described as being located at 190

BEACHCOMBER LN Parcel # 8020A-1400B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Paul Wendell Jennings

Trust

APPLICANT: Ocean Services of DE, Inc.

PW 23-025 A request has been submitted to install a 200 square foot platform parallel with concrete bulkhead not to exceed 6’ channelward; and to permit an existing 400 square foot platform sitting area over water, maximum channelward extension of 16’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 4507 COASTAL HWY Parcel # 7015 - in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: S & S Properties

APPLICANT: Hidden Oak Farm, LLC

PW 23-026 A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement ~25 lf of deteriorated aluminum bulkhead using batter piles, maximum channelward +/-3’; construct a 4’x15’ pier extension, relocate existing boat lift to end of pier and install two PWC lifts with associated pilings, all work not to exceed 50’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 623 B BAYSHORE DR Parcel # 5276 -600B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: David Nguyen

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-027 A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement ~ 41lf of deteriorated aluminum bulkhead using batter piles, maximum channelward +/- 3’; construct a 6’x15’ pier extension for a total length of 50’; relocate existing boat lift to end of pier and install one new boat lift and two PWC lifts with associated pilings. All work not to exceed 50’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 623 A BAYSHORE DR Parcel # 5276 -600A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: David Nguyen

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-028 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated pilings a maximum 27’ channelward of existing bulkhead; to install one davit on the NW corner of the existing pier, maximum channelward 7’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 14117 CAINE STABLE RD Parcel # 7101A-10 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: William McFaul

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-029 A request has been submitted to construct a 3’ x 17.5’ pier and install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum of 17.5’ of channelward of existing bulkhead, not to exceed past existing mooring pile. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 718 BRADLEY RD SLIP F Parcel # 2575A-F in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Raymond Fiori, TR

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart &

Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-030 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 18’ pier extension, new pier total length 46’; relocate existing boat lift to end of pier, install one new boat lift and two PWC lifts with associated pilings a maximum 50’ channelward extension of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 122 CAPTAINS QUARTERS RD Parcel # 3701A-183 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Thaddeus Bittner

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-031 A request has been submitted to remove existing pier and construct a new 2.5’ x 16.5’ pier and install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum 16.5’ channelward. Improvements not to exceed existing mooring pile. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2820 PLOVER DR UNIT 16 Parcel # 4717 -16 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Alaina McFadden

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-032 A request has been submitted to install one PWC lift on an existing pole not to exceed 12’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 14102 LAUREL AVE Parcel # 0051B-14 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Karen Landes Scherr

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-033 A request has been submitted to construct a 3’ x 10’ pier extension for a total length of 30’; and install one boatlift with associated pilings a maximum of 34’ channelward of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 13501 HOLLY LN UNIT 6 Parcel # 9600A-6 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Frank Meekins

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-034 A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement ~25 lf of deteriorated bulkhead using batter piles, maximum +/- 3’ channelward; construct a 4’ x 15’ pier extension and move existing boatlifts and floating dock to end of pier, total work not to exceed 50’ channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 625 B BAYSHORE DR Parcel # 5276 -601B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: John Frederick Leskowits

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

PW 23-035 A request has been submitted to repair with vinyl replacement ~ 25 lf of deteriorated aluminum bulkhead using batter piles, not to exceed +/- 3’; Construct a 4’ x 15’ pier extension and install one boatlift and two PWC lifts with associated pilings a maximum of 50’ channelward extension of existing bulkhead. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 625 A BAYSHORE

DR Parcel # 5276 -601A in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Joseph Spencer

APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.

OCD-2/23/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "A" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Kenny Nguyen, 12522 Ocean Reef Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Thu Tam Thi Pham, 12522 Ocean Reef Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: O.C. Beer & Wine, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: OC Beer & Wine 8201 Coastal Highway Units 2 & 3 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 15, 2014 @ 1:10 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Lawrence Noccolino, 104 215th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Maverickk, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Squarz Pizza and Restaurant

12825 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Squarz Pizza, LLC

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 15, 2014 @ 1:25 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Kristine Grigoryan, 11635 Maid At Arms Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: Ocean Lanes, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Ocean Lanes 115 72nd Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Ocean Lanes, Inc.

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

March 15, 2014

@ 1:35 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Stefanie L. Franklin, 11896 Man O War Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Daniel Benjamin Levin, 232 Winifred Way, Lewes, Delaware 19958

For: Macky's Bayside MD, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill

5311 Coastal Highway

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Tio Gringo's, Inc.

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

March 15, 2014

@ 1:45 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a "B" B-W-L 7 Day license and Request to Designate as multiple license #1 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Francesco Fidanza, 2230 Route 17M, Middletown, New York 10942; Kevin Eugene Decker, 10308 Quarter Deck Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: 12849 Ocean Gateway, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

TIA: Lankford Hotel Restaurant

8th Street & Boardwalk

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 15, 2014

@ 2:00 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "D" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Norman Shawn A. Maness, 12612 Whisper Trace Dr., Ocean City, MD 21842; Spiros P. Buas, 13064 Riggin Ridge Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: Park Place DB, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Park Place Hotel

208 North Baltimore Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

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

March 15, 2014

@ 2:10 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

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

For: Windward OC, LLC

For the premises known as and located at: TIA: Saltwater 75 115 75th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application in the Board Room, Room 1102 in the Government Center, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 15, 2014

@ 2:25 P.M.

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

OCD-3/2/2t

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD, STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19599 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KARL R. ESMARK

Notice is given that Elizabeth M. Esmark, 2803 Webb Road, LaFayette, NY 13084, was on February 22, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karl R. Esmark who died on December 18, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of August, 2023.

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

(1) Six months from the date of

the decedent’s death; or

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

Elizabeth M. Esmark

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: March 02, 2023

OCD-3/2/3t

Sealed Proposals Documents are due no later than Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. shall be sent to Procurement Office, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD, 21842. Completed Proposal Documents will be opened, read into record and then remanded to staff for further review on, Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 9:00 AM located at 214 65th Street, Procurement Conference room, Ocean City, MD 21842 and must note the name of the solicitation (NSP Pavilion Replacement) on the outside of the package.

Late Bid Document will not be accepted.

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

OCD-3/2/1t

Rosenburg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814

301-907-8000

Maurice.obrian@rosenburg-assoc.com

Diane S. Rosenberg

Mark D. Meyer

Maurice O’Brien

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814

v.

Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

NSP Pavilion Replacement

Mayor & City Council Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced vendors to provide site construction for the NSP Pavilion Replacement and for said work to be in conformity with the Proposal Documents.

Bid Documents for the NSP Pavilion Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Scott Wagner, at swagner@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Webb at dwebb@oceancitymd.gov by calling 410-723-6643 during normal business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/ ) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 9 am, located at North Side Park Recreation Center, 200 125th Street, Ocean City, MD, 21842 – West Gym conference room for any questions concerning the Proposals Documents. The last day for questions will be on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 3pm. The Addendum will be posted by close of business on Tuesday March 21, 2023.

Substitute Trustees

Plaintiff(s)

Paul J. Dipino, Sr.

Marlene T. Dipino

14104 Dukes Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842

Defendant(s)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-22-000195

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 27th day of February, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of 14104 Dukes Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 3rd day of April, 2023, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in a weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 27th day of March, 2023. The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $394,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court

True Copy

Worcester County, MD

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD OCD-3/2/3t

Covid impacts on Realtor industry

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(March 3, 2023) The covid-19 pandemic kicked adaptations into overdrive, so the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently provided a report called Adopt to Adapt, with insight into changes that were made during the pandemic across the real estate industry that are here to stay.

The pandemic changed consumer home preferences and homebuying activity hit an all-time high in late 2020 into 2021.

To keep up with market activity along

with health guidelines, Realtors and Realtor associations utilized new technology, adjusted their workspaces, and fine-tuned their marketing strategies.

A summary of the agents and brokers portion of the report is listed below:

• Members identified e-documents as the most impactful tool during the pandemic that they continue to use at 44 percent.

• Thirty-nine percent of agents and brokers adjusted their marketing strategy during the pandemic, primarily incorporating new tech tools.

• With the adoption of hybrid meetings, 22 percent say that more agents are attending.

• Twenty percent say that the adoption of hybrid meetings has expanded

the diversity and involvement of those who attend.

• Sixty-seven percent of agents and brokers’ brokerages made adjustments to their office space; primarily adding virtual meeting technology and reducing in-person meetings and trainings.

• Members identified low interest rates as having had the most positive influence on buyers during the pandemic at 61 percent.

• Eighty-nine percent of agents and brokers had worked with at least one buyer who had been outbid on a property; the typical outbid buyer had been outbid three times.

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

Worcester job fairs in March, April

(March 3, 2023) Worcester

County Human Resources will host job fairs in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill from noon to 3 p.m. on March 9 and April 13.

Meet with professionals from human resources and other departments to discuss career options.

Computers will be available for job seekers to complete and submit applications onsite.

Those seeking rewarding work in a welcoming, team-centered environment are invited to attend.

Worcester County Government offers full benefits for full-time employees, career advancement

opportunities, and membership in the Maryland State Retirement System.

For a complete list of job opportunities, visit https://worcesterhr.co. worcester.md.us/.

For more information, contact Human Resources Specialist Ann Hankins at 410-632-0090.

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Beer aficionados have new place to call home in OC

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) The Other One Brewing Company will open its doors in Ocean City Friday and introduce local beer aficionados to someone they already know: master brewer Nate Todd, whose last home was at the now closed Backshore Brewing Company.

When Backshore closed, Todd wanted residents and tourists in the area to have a place to go to enjoy quality, locally made beer. So he launched The Other One Brewing Company.

“The Other One” is a favorite song by the Grateful Dead, a band Todd loves. He picked that name to reflect that love and his history.

“I was always the guy behind the guy. The one that put in the most effort, the other one,” said Todd. “So, it seemed appropriate to name my brewery The Other One.”

Todd will be brewing all of his beers on site. Patrons will be able to see the process through the large picture window behind the bar, where the four fermenters and the brite tank are all housed.

He’ll have eight beers on tap, specialty cocktails and a selection of wines picked out by his wife, Gina Todd, including Josh, Prosecco and Kim Crawford.

He’ll also serve non-alcoholic drinks and a limited food menu, including flatbread pizzas and nacho platters, made right there on site.

The tap room vibe is rustic boutique: big couches to hang out and relax with friends, bar seating and some tables to seat 30.

A few big screen televisions will feature the surfing channel, movies, the pet channel and Fuel TV.

Board games and table size ring

tosses are at every table.

Todd is running his business in an environmentally conscious fashion.

He used wood pallets to decorate the ceiling of the bar. He takes the spent grain from the brewing process home to make dog treats, pretzels and bread. Sometimes, he uses it as mulch in his garden.

He will have a regularly rotating tap list of eight brews. Patrons can count on quaffing his Bayside Blond.

He will launch a limited run of It’s Paddy Time! for St. Patrick’s Day, a silky dry Irish stout. He is also making a coffee porter using coffee from his next door neighbor, Jay’s Cafe.

He gets dried orange peels from the local shop Bulk More for his Jack Straw wheat beer, which gives it a citrus aroma along with a bittersweet finish.

“I would love to talk to other businesses to create other signature flavors from the area,” Todd said.

The Other One is on the first floor of the Embers Center on 24th Street.

The Ember’s Center includes BluCrab House, Surf’s Up Arcade, Embers Mini Golf, and Jay’s Cafe. It will also feature a new Embers Restaurant, the original having been demolished to create the Embers Center. Embers will open its doors again this spring.

The brewery shares an outdoor patio with BluCrab. Todd says there will be parties on the patio on Fridays this summer from 1-3 p.m. with entertainment.

Todd says patrons can expect good tunes, happy faces and a welcoming atmosphere at the grand opening at noon this Friday.

“This is a place you’ll have to come back to, like Cheers,” Todd said. “It will be your new favorite chill spot when you come to Ocean City.”

Smoke test of sanitary sewer system to take place in WOC

(March 3, 2023) Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater Division will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system from March 1-10, between Center Drive and Golf Course Road.

This study will involve opening and entering manholes in the streets and public utility easements to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system.

A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. It leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plant or animal life.

The smoke is visible and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor that should last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in homes and buildings are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter these facilities in the

See SANITARY Page 43

Presented free as a courtesy to Licensed REALTORS® who are regular Ocean City Today & Bayside

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Nate Todd will brew beer on site at The Other One Brewing Co., the only brewery on the island. Doors will open on Friday, March 3. The brewery is one of many venues at the Embers Center on the 24th Street bayside block of Ocean City.

Board of ed. denounces sex education bill

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) The Worcester County Board of Education followed the County Commissioners’ example on Feb. 21 by unanimously denouncing the Health Education Framework bill currently in discussion in the Maryland General Assembly.

The board took in a presentation from WCPS coordinator for instruction Tamara Mills and Annette Wallace, WCPS chief safety and academic officer for grades 9 through 12, after allowing parents and others to offer their opinions on the bill that seeks to codify the framework.

In her presentation, Mills broke down the state of sexual health among Worcester teenagers today and addressed what the bill, HB119, actually does.

Central and southern Worcester County areas have some of the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea and, in 2019, the rate of chlamydia was five times higher in those ages 15 to 24 than the rate for all ages, according data Mills presented from the Maryland Department of Health and the CDC.

According to the data, 40 percent of high school students and 7.3 percent of middle school students have reported having sexual intercourse, 9.9 percent of sexually active high school students have had sex with four or more people in their lives, 23.8 percent reported using alcohol or drugs prior to sex, 45.3 percent reported not using a condom and 11.6 percent reported using no form of birth control at all.

Altogether, 11.9 percent of county students identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

“This is really about children’s health and safety,” Mills said.

Mills also addressed the popular concern that the curriculum starts indepth sex education too early, explaining that Worcester County has “always” begun teaching sexual health in fifth grade and, while the framework allows beginning as early

as fourth grade, the county intends to stay with fifth grade.

Mills cited a CDC study that shows 1 in 5 new HIV cases in 2020 were in people ages 13 to 24. She juxtaposed that number with the stats about middle school sexual activity and the lack of condom use in Worcester County.

The commissioners and board seem resolved in their rebuke of the legislation but the public opinion in the county appears to be more varied with regard to a comprehensive overhaul of health education.

During public comments before Mills’s presentation, 15 of the 17 speakers spoke about HB119.

Speakers who were against the bill in its current iteration still outnumbered those who were for it, but multiple people came forward to tout the research that went into the framework.

Margo Gill, a mother of five children in the county’s school system and a family medicine doctor for Atlantic General Hospital, spoke about the stated intent of the physicians and health education teachers who formulated the framework to address disease prevention and risk.

“(It is) definitions only,” Gill said

Sanitary sewer system tested

Continued from Page 42

following instances:

• Vents connected to a building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.

• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.

• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under buildings are damaged, defec-

tive, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

The smoke test can reveal the presence, if any, of sewer gas, which can be dangerous and a health risk to occupants. In the event that smoke enters your home or business, contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or by contacting WWW at 410-641-5251, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4p.m.

of the subject matter in the framework that many criticized as obscene.

Gill listed several statistics that back the legislation, including that state data indicates that Hispanic and Black students in Worcester County experience childbirth more often than their white counterparts. The rate of sexually transmitted diseases is “steadily increasing” in Worcester County she said.

“I cannot tell you the number of people less than 18 who do not understand their bodies and options and how to protect themselves,” she said. “But those are the kids with access (to healthcare). There are hundreds, if not thousands, of kids in schools who do not have reliable health care access or prevention education or testing. If we take apart or remove comprehensive health education, we are discriminating against those who are more and already susceptible to harm and marginalization.”

Parent Christine Hulslander offered an old adage.

“The time for the map is before you enter the woods,” she said. “Knowing what territory lies ahead is a part of being prepared, informed and knowledgeable.”

She didn’t deny that the material could be described as “smut,” as Commissioner Jim Bunting put it last week, but guessed that the majority of the people in the room at the board meeting had engaged in many of the sexual acts listed in the framework.

“By providing information to our children with age-appropriate content, we are providing a map for the territory ahead,” Hulslander said. “These are things they will experience.”

Still, plenty of opposition — from multiple points — exists to the legislation.

Grant Helvey, who ran for a

Worcester County Commissioner seat last year, told the board that he hopes they find the legislation, its authors and supporters “wrongful, selfrighteous, arrogant and insulting” while urging any board members who support the bill to name themselves so that “those who entrust you with the authority may judge you and your capability to continue in service.”

“What is the price that you as a trusted school board member place on the rights of families to lead the future generations to become virtuous citizens?” Helvey asked. “What will be the consequence of saying no to tyrants who support the bill? What enforceable powers do they hold over each of you?”

Parent Dianna Harris pointed out that math and English proficiency statistics — still ultimately lacking in her estimation despite being among the best in the state — show that there is already too much on students’ plates.

“I long to understand why, when our students are struggling to add, read and write, this state and this board of education would even entertain expanding the curricula to have students be able to define oral, anal, vaginal and (solo) sex.”

Other opponents made arguments such as the framework robs parents of their right to teach their own kids, that the law should be rewritten to offer the curriculum on an opt-in basis since communication with parents is sometimes unreliable and that the framework is justification for a quid pro quo that would bring prayer back to school.

After the presentation, it was immediately clear that the board would not be supporting the bill. Multiple board members even went so far as to

Tamara Mills

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Despite explanations from school officials that the health education framework specifically addresses sexual health issues in Worcester County, the WCPS Board of Education — and plenty of parents — denounced the bill for what they feel is harmful and unnecessarily graphic material.

Giant inflatable brain and lungs show impact of drugs

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(March 3,2023) Worcester County Public Schools and Worcester Goes Purple hosted a week-long series of health events featuring the MEGA Brain and MEGA Lungs at area schools to raise awareness among county middle and high school students about substance abuse.

The inflatable MEGA brain and MEGA lungs provide students and staff the opportunity to see how drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping affect the brain and lungs.

“We know that vaping and substance abuse is a huge problem in our community. Vaping is very common, it’s a problem. Students are not allowed to vape on school property, but they are definitely doing it off school property,” said Michelle Fluty, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) advisor and health and PE teacher at Stephen Decatur High School. “Hopefully this will motivate those using substances to quit.”

She also hopes that those who are not using will choose to stay away from vaping and other substance abuse once they understand the dangers.

Fluty said substance abuse is a topic the students at the high school

are learning about in health class and those taking psychology are learning about the brain.

“We hope kids will talk to their parents and bring them back tonight to see the exhibit,” said Debbie Smullen, Worcester Goes Purple event coordinator.

According to the 2018 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 47.6 percent of students in the 12th grade have used electronic vapor products and 29.5 percent are currently using. A total of 7.4 percent use daily.

The study also looked at middle school students and found that 12.5 percent of sixth graders had used an electronic vapor product, with 2.4 percent saying they currently use.

“Vaping is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. It’s not just vapor, with vaping, oil goes into your lungs,” said Smullen.

“Some parents think of vaping as a lesser of two evils, but it is not,” added Tamara Mills, coordinator of instruction for Worcester County Public Schools.

The study also found that 43 percent of 12th graders have used marijuana, with nearly 25 percent saying they currently use one or more times during the past 30 days.

See STUDENTS Page 45

BOE denounces health ed. bill

Continued from Page 43

explain that the only reason it didn’t cosign the letter from the county commissioners opposing the bill is that the letter was drafted and sent before the board had a chance to meet.

School board member Jon Andes said that the board’s decision is in line with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) belief that curriculums should be set by local school boards.

“We have been working through

(MABE) to oppose HB119 for all the many reasons that were said today,” Andres said. “We need as much flexibility as we possibly can implement the curriculum that makes sense for our students. What might work in Howard County or Baltimore County or Baltimore City may not work in Worcester County in delivering instruction.”

HB119 has yet to cross chambers and is awaiting its second reading, as is its twin bill SB0199.

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Students at Stephen Decatur High School learn about the impacts of substance abuse from speaker Jenalie Raphelt, a paramedic and director of events for Medical Inflatables, with the help of a larger-than-life inflatable brain and lungs. The interactive display traveled to multiple schools throughout the county this week.

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) The Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education discussed the following during its Feb. 21 meeting:

Calendar

The board officially adopted the 2023-24 school system calendar. The first day of school is Sept. 4, the Monday after Labor Day, and the last day is scheduled to be Wednesday, June 12.

Christmas break will start with an early dismissal on Thursday, Dec. 21 and students will come back on Jan. 3.

Spring break will begin with an early dismissal on Wednesday, March 27 and students will return on Tuesday, April 2. The schedule accommodates three makeup days if inclement weather or other emergencies necessitate.

According to the proposal from Superintendent Lou Taylor, the school system will not close beyond the three makeup days and will instead transition to virtual learning for any

additional days needed.

There are 10 standalone holidays throughout the school year where schools are closed overall or for students only, including Friday, Oct. 20 for the Maryland State Education Association convention in Ocean City and Tuesday, April 23 for the Presidential Primary.

Behavior intervention

Ocean City Elementary School gave a presentation on its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program and how it has enhanced the student experience at the school.

The program included using the word “values” over “rules” that reflect the school’s four points that are vital to its culture — respecting oneself, respecting others, respecting learning and respecting the environment. Each value has a corresponding guideline for conduct at arrival and dismissal, hallways and transitions, bathrooms and the cafeteria.

The program adds mindful moments and a value matrix to the old code of conduct. Value matrices rank

Continued on Page 48

Students learn effects of drugs

Continued from Page 44

Only 2.4 percent of sixth graders said they had tried marijuana.

Nearly 15 percent of 12th graders surveyed said they had taken prescription pain medication without a doctor’s prescription. For sixth graders, that number was 6 percent.

Nearly 24 percent of 12th graders had been offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property. New survey data will be available in about a month, according to Mills.

After the presentations, Fluty talked to some of her classes to determine how impactful the event was for them. “The students thought it was relatable, the stories the paramedics

shared were relatable. They shared stories about teenagers who had overdosed on painkillers. The speakers really talked to them and with them and not at them,” she said.

“They said they learned some new things about the effects of vaping and things they had not heard before.”

The Mega Brain and Mega Lungs was also displayed at Snow Hill Middle School, Snow Hill High School, Pocomoke Middle School and on Friday, will be at Pocomoke High School.

Funding for the display was provided by Worcester Goes Purple with a grant from the Maryland Operation Opioid Command Center.

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PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The 2023-2024 Worcester County Public School Year will see students in class from Tuesday, Sept. 4 until Wednesday, June 12, weather permitting.

GUEST INSTRUCTOR

Members of Ocean City

American Legion Post 166 received instruction at the January meeting on how to use the Post’s Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) from Jordan Braniff, 3rd assistant fire chief of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. Braniff also is a nurse practitioner in the TidalHealth System.

DONATION

Cheryl Brown, center, accepts a $2,000 check from the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club in support of the Kindness 365 program at Stephen Decatur Middle School. She is

FEATURED ARTIST

D’Shon McCarthy of Salisbury was the Studio E artist for February at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. A Salisbury University graduate, the artist combines traditional figures with her own personal symbols in her paintings.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

There are active student leadership clubs in five Worcester County schools from elementary through high level supported by the parent Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City. Each club receives $500 a year. On Feb. 7, the check presentation was made at Berlin Intermediate School. Pictured, from left, are BIS Assistant Principal Dr. David M. Gell, Builders Club Teacher Advisors Donna Krajewski and Jane Slotter, Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing, Kiwanis Club Advisor to the BIS Builders Club Sue Wineke and BIS Principal Dr. Amy Gallagher.

WELCOME

Margaret Mudron, president, and Jennifer Bodnar, secretary/treasurer of the Ocean City Berlin Rotary Club, visited Jessica Grimes’ kindergarten class at Buckingham Elementary School and presented the class with cookies, a book and popsicles. The Club “adopted” the class this school year.

GUEST SPEAKER

Rosenfeld's

pictured with Club member Roger Pacella and Vice President George Solyak, right.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

Jewish Deli owner Warren Rosenfeld, right, was the guest speaker during the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City’s Jan 25 weekly meeting. He is pictured with Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing.

NEW MEMBERS

At a recent Ocean City Lioness Lions Club meeting, two new members were installed by Past District Governor Norman Cathell. Pictured are Cathell, sponsor Susan Mohler, Barbara Wasiakowski, Michelle Lewis, sponsor Faye Cathell and President Bev Topfer. The Lioness Lions Club is a community service organization that supports those who are in need in this area and internationally as well as giving several scholarships to local students. They meet at the Lions Den in West Ocean City on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Call 410-289-7060 for more information.

DONATION

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City on Feb. 8, presented a $1,000 donation to 4STEPS local Therapeutic Riding Program. Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing is pictured with 4STEPS Founder and Director Sandy Winter.

INSTALLATION

The Worcester County Garden Club’s 2023-2025 officers were recently installed during a meeting and luncheon in the Clubhouse at the Ocean City Golf Club. Pictured, in front is Worcester County Garden Club President Suzy Young, and in back, from left, Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District 1 Jeanne Bernard, First Vice President Joan LaHayne, Second Vice President Jan King, Recording Secretary Mary Ellen Jefferson, Corresponding Secretary Rebecca Galyon, Treasurer Martha Bennett, and Membership Ellen Howse.

RING CEREMONY

The annual Junior Ring Ceremony took place at Worcester Preparatory School on Feb. 8. It is tradition that seniors present the juniors with their rings along with a few insightful comments as to why the recipient is special to them. Senior Caitlyn Hoen presented her brother, Baylor, with his class ring. They are joined by their father, Chris, a 1990 WPS graduate.

LOCAL PAGE

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38) is pictured with William Kozma, a Senate Page and a senior of Stephen Decatur High School, on the Senate floor.

BOWEN HONORED

The Worcester County Commissioners present a retirement commendation to Plant Operator III Bernard Bowen to honor him for 24 years of dedicated service to the Water and Wastewater Division of Worcester County Public Works. During his career, Bowen performed the mechanical maintenance, operation, and inspection of the county’s water treatment works, wastewater treatment plants, and wastewater collection and pumping systems. His expertise and experience have been instrumental in the overall management of the Water and Wastewater Division. Pictured with Bowen, front left, is Chief Plant Operator Dominic Ross; and in back, commissioners Caryn Abbott, Jim Bunting, Joe Mitrecic, Chip Bertino, Ted Elder and Diana Purnell.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J. LANDIS, SR.

Bills in state legislature on sex ed and tipping

Dear Editor,

I am writing again to inform your readers of some pending legislation in Maryland which may be of concern. Over 1,200 bills have been filed in MD this year, most of which are at best questionable.

I wrote previously about HB119/SB199 - “Primary and Secondary Education - Health Education Framework - Established” which would require all counties in Maryland to create an “age-appropriate” curriculum that is consistent with the Comprehensive Health Education Framework.

Our county commissioners and school board, thankfully, are in unanimous opposition to this legislation, but delegates and senators in other parts of the state need to hear from their constituents also. Perhaps your readers might reach out to friends and family in central and southern Maryland to make sure they are aware of the legislation and ask them to let their legislators know how they feel about requiring 7th grade students to “identify solo, vaginal, anal, and oral sex along with possible outcomes of each.”

In addition, the Framework requires that students in kindergarten through 2nd grade “recognize” and “identify a range of ways people identify and express their gender.”

Another bill of concern is SB0460/HB0283 “Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Gender Affirming Treatment (Trans Health Equity Act).” This legislation would require that all recipients of the program be provided gender-affirming treatment if medically necessary, including transgender, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit and other gender diverse individuals.

The bill does not exclude children or teens under 21 years of age from puberty blockers, cross sex hormones or surgery to remove breasts of reproductive organs for Sexual Dysphoria or Sexual Identity.

I have to ask - on what planet would people consider a 16- or 17year-old qualified to make a life-altering, permanent decision to amputate breasts or organs or take puberty blockers, which would permanently alter their bodies?

I can’t believe that a majority of Maryland voters would agree with this, but, of course, they have to know about it. So, again, perhaps your

WCPS BOARD OF EDUCATION BRIEFS

Continued from Page 45

students relatively instead of establishing an absolute, chronological pecking order.

Within the program, 352 students were recognized as “star citizens” in the 2021-22 school year, and so far 254 students have earned the recognition this school year.

Virtual days

The Maryland State Department of

readers can make sure family and friends in other parts of the state are aware of this legislation.

Legislation to support (in light of recent laws and proposed bills as above restricting parents’ knowledge, guidance or consent for minor children to make decisions for their mental or physical care of their identity) would be SB0566/HB0666”Family Law - Fundamental Parental Rights.”

This legislation would establish that a parent has the fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, care and welfare of the parent’s child, and prohibit the state or a political subdivision from infringing on these fundamental parental rights unless the state or political subdivision can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that this infringement is necessary to achieve a

Education is allowing local education agencies to repurpose eight days as virtual learning. The days to be considered include, but are not limited to, inclement weather days, staff professional learning days and high school graduation days.

No more than three of the eight days may be used as asynchronous learning days. There will be at least four hours of synchronous learning for all students on each synchronous learning day.

compelling government interest and is narrowly tailored.

Wasn’t it just a few years ago that we had a nationwide problem with young people eating laundry detergent pods, i.e. the “Tide Pod Challenge”?

Finally, there is SB0803 “Labor and Employment - Payment of Minimum Wage - Tipped Employees” which would completely change the restaurant industry and which has been shown, in states where similar legislation has been enacted, the drastically reduce the income of tipped employees.

The full text and status of these bills can be read at mgaleg.maryland.gov. You can also get the contact information for the sponsoring Delegates and Senators.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Irwin built OCDC with perseverance

When the Ocean City Council created the Ocean City Development Corporation 23 years ago, its purpose and operational approach were not well-defined.

After years of false starts and trying to find a way to reinvigorate the resort’s voter-poor but economically critical downtown sector, local government recruited a group of influential businesspeople and entrepreneurs to see what ideas they might have.

It soon became apparent, however, that this new organization’s members, independently successful as they were, expected to function as a real board of directors in pursuit of real answers. Meanwhile, elected officials wanted more of an advisory board that wouldn’t tug on the short and politically safe leash it was given.

Then two things happened that changed all that. Members of the OCDC’s first board of directors threatened to quit if they weren’t given a reasonable level of autonomy and then they hired Glenn Irwin as the corporation’s first director.

Irwin’s professionalism and low-key demeanor didn’t just carry the day, it carried the OCDC to a level no one could have imagine at that time. Although he clearly knew what he was doing, he did it in such a nonthreatening manner that even critics of downtown improvement came to accept that his mission really was about improving Ocean City overall.

The one attribute that never gets mentioned as Irwin relinquishes his leadership role at the end of the month is his ability to walk through a room full of egos without stepping on one.

Considering that many of the OCDC’s board members over the years succeeded by following their own instincts and doing things their own way, Irwin’s ability to draw them in around the same campfire without sparking any great controversy was remarkable.

Never mind the grant money and initiatives that Irwin has produced in 23 years, the defining characteristics of his OCDC leadership have been personality, patience, perseverance and professionalism. That’s what made the program the success that it is and why it will continue to be under his successor.

Ocean City Today

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

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

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

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

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

Hoffman

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

Kelly

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS MANAGER .... Nancy MacCubbin

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

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

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

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

Last week was National Invasive Species Awareness Week, which is either an attempt by Hallmark to get you buy a card for the space alien next door or a government effort to make people aware of snakehead fish, blue catfish and spotted lanternflies, all of which are here and shouldn’t be.

I understand the need for such an advisory, although I do think it falls short in some respects.

By Stewart Dobson

know anything for a fact? I’m not as sure as I used to be after reading about Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s claims that he has photo evidence of an elflike creature. I am not kidding about this.

“Everything is mystical,” he wrote on Twitter and included a picture of a shrouded creature with glowing eyes perched in a tree. He said it was an “aluxe” — a Mexican elf of sorts whose existence was discovered by the Mayans, or so they say.

Copyright 2023

People, for instance, can be an invasive species in certain circumstances. The difference is we tend to look the other way when that happens.

The National Geographic Society, for instance, defines “invasive species” as “an organism that is not indigenous, or native, to a particular area.” And yet, we don’ hear one word about people who moved here from Towson.

Just kidding. The mayor is from Towson, so ...

Moving on, what you also don’t hear or see in all the information being spread about invasive species is any reference to Lizard People. Why? I say it’s because they’re the ones running the government.

After all, wouldn’t you think if real humans were in charge that we’d be getting better results? Me either.

This would also explain how some members of Congress get away with some crazy things — you catch them, think you have them by the tail and then it just falls off, allowing them to skitter away to continue to do what they do.

But here’s the big question — do we really

Personally, I avoid things with glowing eyes, especially in bars, but I also avoid people who admit publicly that they have seen such things.

My first thought upon reading this story was that this guy is nuts. I mean it’s one thing to see something with eyes that glow, but it’s another thing altogether to tell everyone in writing when you’re the head of state.

There’s just no such thing as a say- it-andforget-it account of having seen a bizarre creature when you’re the president. No, you have to keep the story going.

“I’m happy to report that our newest national security measure, which is thousands of elf-like creatures with glowing eyes, is having a positive effect.”

Were that to happen in this country, I’m not sure in this political environment whether the president’s approval rating would go up or down.

In 2013, Foreign Policy magazine reported on a poll that said 4 percent of Americans believed our government was being controlled by reptilians from outer space, i.e., Lizard People.

They could be right, they could be wrong. We’ll have to catch a few and see if their tails fall off to know for sure.

Free emergency response training program offered

(March 3, 2023) Citizens can help protect their families and others by enrolling in the Community Emergency Response Team training course planned to begin Thursday, March 9, at the Ocean City Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Highway.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is designed to help citizens help themselves and their families in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately following a disaster, CERT is a free training course that aims to provide citizens with basic information for preparedness and techniques when dealing with emergencies.

This training covers basic skills including CPR/AED, first aid, recognizing natural and manmade hazards in our local communities, disaster preparedness such as emergency plans and disaster supply kits, hazardous material emergencies and basic fire sup-

Boat safety course offered by OC Coast Guard Auxiliary

pression.

This CERT Basic Training course is being offered by the Ocean City Emergency Services Department.

This course is also part of the Town of Ocean City University program.

Citizens who complete this CERT training course, a 16-week general studies program through OC University as well as the Citizens Police Academy, can earn a Ph.D. certificate from the Town of Ocean City.

The spring 2023 CERT basic class will begin Thursday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. and will run each Thursday evening for seven weeks, ending on Thursday, April 27.

There will be a Class Training Skills Day on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and running until all stations have been completed. This will replace the class for Thursday, April 13.

To register for this training or to obtain additional information, please contact Emergency Management at 410-723-6616.

(March 3, 2023) The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Safe Boating Course at the Ocean Pines Library, March 7-9 from 6-9 p.m.

Certified instructors from the Ocean City Coast Guard Auxiliary will present this comprehensive class to all boaters. All the required material is covered along with time for questions.

The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state.

Those attending the class, and

passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate which is NASBLA approved and valid in all states.

A fee of $20 covers the cost of the three-day course and materials. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-9354807, or email CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

The library is located at 11107 Cathell Rd., Berlin, Maryland 21811. Checks should be made payable to: USGCAUX 12-05 and mailed to: USCGAUX 12-05, P.O. Box 1682, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Payment via PayPAL is also accepted.

Ocean Pines Players bring

‘Four Old Broads’ to stage

(March 3, 2023) Riding the wave of a sold-out hit performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” last November, the Ocean Pines Players is poised to get audience members rolling in the aisles with laughter with its upcoming show.

The next production, “Four Old Broads” by Leslie Kimbell and directed by Ed Guinan, is a hysterical mystery. Only a few weeks into rehearsal, the cast itself is still laughing from the quips and hijinks of these ladies.

A mystery unfolds with laughter as the denizens of Magnolia Place Assisted Living try to outsmart the evil Nurse Jones and make it to the Sassy Seniors Caribbean Cruise.

Performances are March 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, in Ocean City.

Tickets are available at https://oceanpinesplayers.org. All tickets are reserved seating.

The 2022-2023 season is somewhat of a comeback for the Players.

Like many community groups, the recent pandemic limited any face-toface rehearsals and canceled more than one event.

Recovery has been slow but steadfast, and the current board of directors and roster of new members are energized and focused with a threeyear strategic plan.

Ocean Pines Players is a local allvolunteer 501-(c)(3) charitable organization. For general information about the group, visit oceanpinesplayers.org or follow oceanpinesplayers on Facebook.

“Four Old Broads” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., www.concordtheatricals.com.

Wor. teachers receive free membership to Arts Council

(March 3, 2023) The Worcester County Arts Council Board of Directors unanimously agreed on Feb. 15 to provide Worcester County Public Schools art, music, and theater teachers with one-year complimentary membership to the Worcester County Arts Council.

The Arts in Education program, sponsored by the arts council, emphasizes lifelong learning and supporting local arts programs and art educators are one of the council’s priorities.

“The impact of arts education is undeniable, and we applaud and appreciate our local arts teachers for inspiring and guiding our youth to become more expressive, forward-thinking, and cre-

ative,” Anna Mullis, WCAC’s executive director said.

Teachers will receive monthly newsletters and announcements, invitations to receptions and the annual arts celebration, discounts on purchases at the WCAC’s gallery, and the council’s support in strengthening the arts in Worcester County.

“We are grateful for the support and collaborative partnership that we have with the arts council. They truly help enrich our community and have arts education as a priority. This is an exciting initiative,” said Tamara Mills, Worcester County Public Schools Fine and Performing Arts coordinator.

Peanut butter and strawberry jam cupcakes

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(March 3, 2023) Who does not love peanut butter and jelly?

The unassuming mixture is so simple to make and yet the most minute details determine perfection.

Should the bread be toasted or remain soft will never be resolved.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter is an eternal debate where emotions can get the best of both parties.

The difference between jelly and jam is monumental, and can ruin even the best of friendships.

Then there are those who are not content with layers of distinction and decide to mix the peanut butter and jelly until complete emulsion is achieved. Peanut butter and jelly enthusiasts would consider this an act of treason.

When there is so much controversy over the proper way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, does one know the history of this particular dish.

Fascination comes from the most trivial facts. It is time to learn the real scoop, and spread the knowledge.

The sandwich as we know it was popularized by the Earl of Sandwich.

He had a substantial gambling problem and during a particularly long binge of playing cards, asked his cook to bring him a slice of beef in between two slices of bread so he would not have to get up from the table.

Eventually, the new dish became so popular that it took on Earl’s name.

But how did the pairing of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich come about?

This is not a simple answer since PB&J has three essential ingredients - peanut butter, jelly and bread.

According to Who Invented the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, the invention of pre-sliced bread was a major factor.

In the early 1900s, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented a bread slicer, but bakers were not interested because they thought the average consumer would want their bread pre-sliced.

He perfected his design, promoted as “the greatest thing since sliced bread,” and reintroduced his invention.

The rest is history as sliced bread revolutionized how America eats.

Jelly is the next topic for discussion.

In 1917, Paul Welch secured a patent for pureeing grapes and turning them into jelly.

He developed and promoted Grapelade, which instantly became

popular with American troops in World War l.

The last component of the sandwich is peanut butter.

The article, Who Invented the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, states that contrary to popular belief, peanut butter was not invented by Dr. George Washington Carver.

Dr. carver was credited with advancing the peanut crop in the South and publishing his “300 Uses for Peanuts.”

Peanut butter was actually created by St. Louis physician, Dr. Ambrose Straub, who made a peanut butter blend for his older patients who had trouble swallowing.

John Harvey Kellogg was the first to patent a process for manufacturing peanut butter and in doing so perfected the spread.

Peanut butter was featured at the St. Louis World Fair where it became so popular, grocery stores started ordering it.

World War II heightened its demand due to its affordable price, high-protein content, and long shelflife which made it portable during long marches.

Grapelade was added and thus started America’s obsession with PB&J sandwiches.

If you like peanut butter and jelly, how about sinking your teeth into a peanut butter and strawberry jam cupcake.

The cupcake is made from a yellow cake mix with the addition of creamy peanut butter. Then, a dollop of strawberry jam is inserted in the center. Store bought icing is piped on the top for a more sophisticated look.

Filling the cupcake is straightforward.

Simply insert an apple corer in the top of the cupcake and pull it out. Fill the cupcake with strawberry jam. Either replace the scrap piece of cupcake to fill the hole or leave it open and frost the cupcake.

If grape jelly is your heart’s desire, replace the strawberry jam with grape jelly and use vanilla icing with a touch of purple gel food coloring.

If one adores the art of entertaining, a piping kit is a must in one’s repertoire of goodies. Piping takes your dish to another level of sophistication and adds to the overall beautification.

I have been teaching children’s cooking classes for 15 years and piping exercises are a huge hit.

Piping kits are inexpensive and can be purchased online. Amazon is probably your best bet for price and selection.

Peanut butter and strawberry jam cupcakes are a yummy way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Easy, tasty and fun, what more can a parent ask for? Enjoy!

Cupcakes

1 box favorite yellow cake mix

1 ¼ cups water

¾ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups strawberry jam

24 paper baking cups

Strawberry Frosting

1 container whipped strawberry frosting

1 container whipped vanilla frosting piping bag kit

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place paper baking cups in each of the 24 muffin cups.

2. In a large bowl, beat cupcake ingredients (except for the jam) with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Wash and dry large bowl.

3. Bake 20 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooked. Allow cupcakes to cool before icing them.

4. Filling the cupcakes (optional): using an apple corer, insert into the top of the cupcakes to remove a small section. Fill with jam. Either place the removed cupcake section back in its place or discard it.

5. In a large mixing bowl, mix strawberry and vanilla frosting with an electric mixer until well blended.

6. Using a piping bag, frost the cupcakes and have fun. Try different tips to see what creative cupcakes you can come up with.

* Strawberry frosting has a very intense pink color which I find not pleasing to the eye. So, I mix one con-

tainer of strawberry and one container of vanilla frosting, which tones down the intense pink color. This step is optional.

Secret Ingredient – Cupcakes. “A balanced diet is to keep a cupcake in each hand.” – Unknown

Battle of Bismarck Sea goes to Allies in WWII

By Sam Ghaleb Contributing Writer

(March 3, 2023) Eighty years ago, today, Allied and Japanese forces were fighting The Battle of the Bismarck Sea. The Bismarck Sea lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is located northeast of the island of New Guinea and south of the Bismarck Archipelago. It has coastlines in districts of the Islands Region, Momase Region, and Papua Region.

Aircraft of the U.S. Fifth Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) attacked a Japanese convoy carrying troops to Lae, New Guinea. The battle was a disaster for the Japanese. Out of 6,900 troops who were badly needed in New Guinea, only about 1,200 made it to Lae. Another 2,700 were saved by destroyers and submarines and returned to Rabaul, on the island of New Britain, 370 miles from New Guinea. About 2,890 Japanese soldiers and sailors were killed.

With defeat looming in the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Japanese high command began making efforts in December 1942 to reinforce their position in New Guinea. Seeking to shift around 105,000 men from China and Japan, the first convoys reached Wewak, New Guinea, in January and February 1943,

delivering men from the 20th and 41st Infantry Divisions, commanded by Jusei Aoki and Heisuke Abe.

This successful movement was an embarrassment to Maj. Gen. George Kenney, commander of the Fifth Air Force and Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, who had vowed to cut off the island from re-supply.

Assessing the failures of his command during the first two months of 1943, Gen. Kenney revised tactics and embarked on a rapid training program to ensure better success against maritime targets.

As the Allies set to work, Vice Adm. Gunichi Mikawa began making plans to shift the 51st Infantry Division from Rabaul, New Britain, to Lae, New Guinea. On Feb. 28, the convoy, consisting of eight transports and eight destroyers assembled at Rabaul. For additional protection, 100 fighters were to provide cover. To lead the convoy, Mikawa selected Rear Adm. Masatomi Kimura.

The convoy departed Rabaul on Jan. 5, and sailed the shortest route, south to Lae. It was halfway to its goal

before it was first spotted by Allied air patrols the morning of Jan. 6. From that point, Allied reconnaissance aircraft demonstrated remarkable persistence and tenacity.

In total, 37 separate missions monitored and tracked the convoy. Single planes used rain squalls and clouds to conceal their presence and dodge enemy Ki-43 “Oscar” fighters. Some reconnaissance planes were jumped by as many as nine Oscars but managed to fight off their attackers and escape. Others shot down six enemy fighters and probably destroyed an additional four during these engagements.

U.S. reconnaissance planes spotted 16 Japanese ships en route to Lae and Salamaua, in New Guinea, on March 1. The next day, the Allies launched another series of ragged and uncoordinated attacks. In all, 13 missions, of one to 20 planes each, went out. They were a hodgepodge of available aircraft, fighters and bombers: A-20, B17, B-24, B-25, B-26, Beaufighter, P-38, P-40.

Although 78 percent of the airplanes reached their primary targets, Allied air power sank only one transport and drove another, Myoko Maru, up on the beach where it was later destroyed. The majority of ships in the Japanese convoy made it to Lae and unloaded their cargo.

Tracked through the night by Australian PBY Catalinas, they came within range of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Milne Bay around 3:25 a.m. Though launching a flight of Bristol Beaufort torpedo bombers, only two of the RAAF aircraft located the convoy and neither scored a hit.

Later in the morning, the convoy came into the range of the bulk of Kenney’s aircraft. While 90 aircraft were assigned to striking Kimura, 22 RAAF Douglas Bostons were ordered to attack Lae through the day to reduce the Japanese air threat. Around 10 a.m. the first in series of closely coordinated aerial attacks began.

Bombing from around 7,000 feet, B-17s succeeded in breaking up Kimura’s formation, reducing the effectiveness of the Japanese anti-aircraft fire. These were followed by B-25 Mitchells bombing from between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. These attacks drew the bulk of the Japanese fire leaving an opening for low-altitude strikes.

Approaching the Japanese ships, the Bristol Beaufighters of No. 30 Squadron RAAF were mistaken by the Japanese for Bristol Beauforts. Believing the aircraft to be torpedo planes, the Japanese turned toward them to present a smaller profile.

This maneuver allowed the Australians to inflict maximum damage as the Beaufighters strafed the ships with their 20 mm cannons. Stunned by this attack, the Japanese were next hit by

modified B-25s flying at low-altitude.

Strafing the Japanese ships, they also made “skip bombing” attacks in which bombs were bounced along the surface of the water into the sides of enemy vessels. With the convoy in flames, a final attack was made by a flight of American A-20 Havocs. In short order, Kimura’s ships had been reduced to burning hulks. Attacks continued through the afternoon to ensure their final destruction.

While the battle raged around the convoy, P-38 Lightnings provided cover from Japanese fighters and claimed 20 kills against three losses. The next day, the Japanese mounted a retaliatory raid against the Allied base at Buna, New Guinea, but inflicted little damage.

For several days after the battle, Allied aircraft returned to the scene and attacked survivors in the water. Such attacks were viewed as necessary and were partially in retribution for the Japanese practice of strafing Allied airmen while they descended in their parachutes.

Yet the Allied victory at the Battle of the Bismarck Sea was far from inevitable and might not have occurred at all were it not for a humiliating failure Allied air forces suffered just a few months earlier.

In January, a Japanese convoy of five transports and five destroyers successfully delivered the main body of the 20th Division — almost 10,000 men — to forces fighting in Wewak, on the north coast of New Guinea. This was particularly embarrassing for Maj. Gen. Kenney, who had vowed to cut off and isolate the enemy forces fighting in New Guinea.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur called the Allied victory in the Bismarck Sea, “...one of the most complete and annihilating combats of all time.” The three-day battle on March 2–4, 1943, simply stunned the Japanese military and changed the course of the Pacific War

“Japan’s defeat there was unbelievable,” one of the destroyer skippers, Capt. Tameichi Hara, said. “Never was there such a debacle.” Thereafter, the war in New Guinea, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands was a losing fight for Japan. Vice Adm. Mikawa, the commander of the Japanese Eighth Fleet at Rabaul, said shortly afterward, “It is certain that the success obtained by the American air force in this battle dealt a fatal blow to the South Pacific.”

The success of Allied air power convinced the Japanese that even strongly escorted convoys could not operate without air superiority. Unable to reinforce and resupply troops in the region, the Japanese were permanently put on the defensive, opening the way for successful Allied campaigns in the South West Pacific Theater of Operations.

Next week: Battle of Medenine

Major General George Kenney

OPVFD visit with neighbors to talk fire safety

By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department hit the streets this week to talk to neighbors on Moby Dick Drive and Seafarer Lane after the deadly fire took the life of the home’s sole occupant at the time, 62-year-old Timothy Cooper.

“We are here to answer questions. We want to help the neighbors understand what happened with the fire. We also want to make sure that every house has a working smoke detector,” OPVFD Chief Steve Grunewald said.

“The [Feb. 21] fire is still under investigation by the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s office,” he said. “But we believe the fire originated in the laundry room, possibly the dryer.” Smoke alarms were present in the house.

“Dryer maintenance is important. Check your lint traps and make sure your flue is free of lint once a month,” Grunewald advised residents.

He also reminded residents not to park next to a fire hydrant. In the event of an emergency, it can add minutes to work around a vehicle to access water.

“It’s also important to make sure

Job and resource fair hosted by OP chamber Mar. 18

(March 3, 2023) The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will conduct a seasonal job and resource fair on Saturday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Princess Royale Ocean Front Resort at 9100 Coastal Hwy. in Ocean City.

Spaces are available for $150 for chamber partners and $200 for nonmember businesses, although the fee for businesses that join the chamber upon registering for the fair would be $250, with $100 going toward a down payment toward your first year’s dues. Businesses that do join through this process will be sent the partnership application and invoice for the balance.

Along with hundreds of seasonal employment opportunities, the fair will feature resources available in Ocean City such as housing assistance, transportation information, legal aid providers, safety information, urgent care facilities and other information.

Employers may reserve space at the fair via the internet link, https://business.oceanpineschamber.org/events/d etails/2023-ocean-city-seasonal-joband-resource-fair-14875. A flyer at the reservation web site can be distributed to potential employees to help spread the word.

Information about the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, its dues and benefits can be found at https://business.oceanpineschamber.org/member/newmemberapp.

you have a planned way out of your home,” added Grunewald.

The fire department was on the site of the fire within three minutes of receiving the call. “We got water on the fire in less than five minutes,” Grunewald said. “We don’t know when the fire started compared to when we got the call. We kept it to the house of origin and pulled a line to protect the neighbor’s house. This is what we train for.”

“With all of these trees, we were very lucky. The fire department did an amazing job. Their quick response saved the houses around it,” said neighbor Marylou Kogan. Members of the OPVFD were handing out a fire safety checklist for homeowners as they went door to door in the neighborhood.

Three board members, Doug Parks, Rick Farr and Monica Rakowski joined the department representatives. “We want to make sure the fire department has all the resources it needs to be successful,” Farr said.

“We are here to show support for the community and for the fire department,” said Parks. “Our surveys always show that safety is a top priority for the community.”

The fact sheet provided by the fire department included tips for caring for your clothes dryer.

Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.

Do not use the dryer without a lint filter. Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.

Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.

Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.

Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryer fires are re-

sponsible for seven deaths, 344 civilian injuries, and $233 million in property damage annually.

The OPVFD also encourages people to have smoke alarms on every level of their home and inside and outside sleeping areas.

“Thankfully every house we visited had working detectors, however we handed out approximately 10 detectors to neighbors who met us while we were walking,” said Joe Enste, OPVFD public information officer.

$1,445.

CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Worcester County Fire Marshal Matt Owens, Firefighter Rob Eicher and Captain Mike Mather canvass the Ocean Pines neighborhood of the deadly fire at 116 Seafarer Lane to talk with neighbors about fire safety.

Decatur swimmers perform well at states

Several Seahawks earn awards, spots on podium for placing eighth or better

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(March 3, 2023) Several Stephen Decatur swimmers earned spots on the podium for finishing eighth or better in their individual events and relay races during last Saturday’s MPSSAA 3A-2A-1A state championship meet at the University of Maryland Eppley Recreation Center.

“They did phenomenal. We had the greatest time improvements of the season at this meet,” said Decatur Coach Kristina Watts. “Many of the times our swimmers got were best times ever for them. Our swimmers finished in higher places than they were seeded going into the meet.”

Eight boys and seven girls competed for Decatur. The girls’ team came in fifth place overall out of 26 schools represented that scored points, and the boys’ squad finished in eighth out of 25 schools.

“The best part about the meet was how our swimmers supported each other. This meet can create a lot of pressure, but our swimmers were in high spirits and having fun together

and it showed in their results,” Watts said. “The boys’ competition was very tough. The girls’ competition was lighter than in the past. Even so, both our girls’ and boys’ teams placed higher overall in the state than last year.”

The top three finishers in each event received medals, while fourth- through eighth-place winners were presented ribbons. The top 16 in each event scored points for their team.

1:46.06, respectively.

Senior captain Natalie Canham finished in fifth place in the 100-yard butterfly (1:02.73) and 10th in the 200-yard IM (2:24.91).

Junior Trista Harner came in sixth in the 100-yard freestyle (56.71 seconds) and tied for sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (25.60 seconds).

‘This meet can create a lot of pressure, but our swimmers were in high spirits and having fun together and it showed in their results’

Coach Kristina Watts

Senior captain Gavin Stearn recorded the best finish for Decatur, placing second in the 100-yard freestyle event (48.52 seconds).

He came in eighth place in the 200-yard freestyle race (1:49.90).

Junior captain Daniel Karcheuski took fifth in the 100-yard butterfly (52.83 seconds) and sixth in the 200yard IM (2:03.67).

The boys also swam in the 200yard freestyle and 200-yard medley relay races with sophomore Gavin Conaway and junior Mason Castanares. They placed eighth in both events with times of 1:34.69 and

Senior captain Kayden Hamby placed ninth in the 100-yard butterfly (1:06.91) and 13th in the 50-yard freestyle (26.82 seconds).

Freshman Emily Henley finished in 11th place in both the 100-yard backstroke (1:08.04) and the 500yard freestyle (5:59.17).

Sophomore Kaolin Riser came in 15th in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:15.60).

Canham, Hamby, Harner and sophomore Vienna Williams took fourth in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:45.40).

Riser, Canham, Hamby and Harner finished in sixth in the 200yard medley relay race (1:59.03).

Williams, Riser, Henley and senior captain Katelyn Pizlo placed 14th in

the 400-yard freestyle relay race (4:14.50).

“Overall, I’m very proud of the work my swimmers put in this season and their results at states show it all,” Watts said.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams had a successful season, recording 6-1-1 and 6-2 records, respectively.

The boys’ team, which went from only six participants last season to 14 on the roster this year – captured the Bayside Conference championship title, while the girls’ squad came in third.

Both teams finished in second place at the 3A-2A-1A East Region meet.

“I think we did great. We have an improvement in numbers, we have a better team this year than any of my other three years. It’s been good,” Stearn said of the season prior to the state meet.

Added Karcheuski, “I think this was probably our best season since I’ve been here.”

“We had way more boys than we did last year, it’s more people to compete with, more people to practice with, more people to celebrate with, so it’s fun,” he continued. “I’ll be back next year and I’m excited for that. I’m

PHOTOS COURTESY KRISTINA WATTS

Several Stephen Decatur swimmers earned spots on the podium for finishing eighth or better during last Saturday’s MPSSAA 3A-2A-1A state championship meet at the University of Maryland Eppley Recreation Center. Pictured, from left are, senior captain Gavin Stearn, junior captain Daniel Karcheuski, senior captain Natalie Canham and junior Trista Harner.

Decatur wrestlers excel at 2A-1A E. Regional tourney

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(March 3, 2023) Fourteen Stephen Decatur wrestlers – 10 boys and four girls – will compete in the MPSSAA 2A-1A state championship meet this weekend at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

They advanced to the championship for placing in the top four in their weight class during the 2A-1A East Region competition, held last Saturday at Queen Anne’s High School.

“They wrestled well. They kept doing what they’ve been doing all year,” said Decatur Coach Josh August. “It’s tough when you go up against guys you haven’t seen before. Some brackets were really stacked. They exceeded our expectations, and we had a few champs too. It was a good weekend.”

Five Seahawks won their weight class divisions.

Freshman Elijah Collick (42-2) came in first place at 106 pounds. Junior Reid Caimi (39-6) was victorious in the 126-pound division.

Senior captain Logan Intrieri (431) became champion in the 132pound weight class, and junior captain Gavin Solito (44-1) won the 152-pound division.

Junior Parker Intrieri (34-9) outperformed his competition at 170 pounds.

Junior Kole Kohut (30-9) came in second place in the 195-pound division.

Watts proud of swimmers’ hard work

Continued from Page 54

just really happy with the season.”

The program will graduate two boys and six girls, several of whom were key contributors.

Senior Evan Haworth (27-2) and sophomore Nate McDaniel (23-17) placed third at 160 and 182 pounds, respectively.

Sophomore Juan Hinojosa (33-10) and senior ZJ Lyons (19-18) took fourth at 113 and 145 pounds, respectively.

Sophomore Aaron August (33-11) came in fifth in the 120-pound division and is an alternate for states.

“At 120 pounds there were six kids ranked in the state in our region, 113 had a lot of good guys, 132 was tough. One fifty-two wasn’t as stacked, but at states it will be one of the toughest,” Coach August said.

Four Lady Seahawks will be joining their teammates at states.

Seniors Madeline Reed (9-2, 110 pounds) and Jenna Danner (10-3, 115), and sophomores Azariyah Johnson (12-0, 170) and Chaniah Bernier (5-3, 235) won their regional divisions.

Sophomore Rachel Plata (8-6) finished in third place at 120 pounds and will be an alternate in her division at states.

“It was good for the girls to be able to show off what they’ve been doing. We have three first-year wrestlers,” August said. “It’s good to get exposure.”

The Decatur wrestlers were working on making some adjustments and individual skills and strategy this week leading up to the state competition, as well as having fun, August said.

“There’s undefeated guys in almost

“I think we’ve done really well this year. We’ve dropped time, but we’ve also really come together as a group,” Canham said.

Despite graduating talented swim-

mers, a number of underclassmen were successful this year.

“I look forward to seeing the underclassmen step up and fill in the large roles our seniors held,” Watts said.

PHOTOS COURTESY KRISTINA WATTS

Eight boys and seven girls competed for Stephen Decatur during last Saturday’s MPSSAA 3A-2A-1A state championship meet at the University of Maryland Eppley Recreation Center.

Ten boys and four girls to compete for SD at states

Continued from Page 55

every bracket, so you’ve got to be on your game at states,” he said. “You’ve got to make weight and show up and wrestle your six minutes.”

The girls’ competition runs Thursday and Saturday, while the boys will wrestle Friday and Saturday.

“States is fun. It’s totally different than any tournament,” August said. “It’s in an arena, there’s eight mats going at once … it’s a big deal. Just to make it is an accomplishment.

“They just need to do what they’ve been doing all year. They’ve been working hard,” he continued. “I want everyone to do well, especially the seniors. I want them to go there and reach their goals. Hopefully, a handful place and a couple win. Some kids have been wrestling since elementary school, so I’d like to see them do well.”

Decatur wins reg. semifinal game

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(March 3, 2023) The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team battled until the final whistle and the Seahawks’ efforts paid off as they earned a 60-53 victory over the Oxon Hill Clippers in the 3A South Region II semifinals on Tuesday in Berlin.

“They fought, they played with grit. They were determined not to lose this game,” said Decatur Coach BJ Johnson. “Oxon Hill is a really good team. They made a run but we sustained, and these kids just never gave up.”

With every basket the Seahawks made and with each defensive stop, the large crowd cheered for the home team.

“It was a great playoff atmosphere. My kids, I can’t be more proud of these guys,” Johnson said. “We got off to a rocky start – a little adversity in the beginning of the year and then we just came together – and they bought in and they deserve everything they get.”

Top-seeded Decatur led 16-11 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, the Berlin squad held a 34-28 advantage.

Fourth-seeded Oxon Hill chipped away at Decatur’s lead in the third

quarter, outscoring the home team, 19-14. But after three, the Seahawks were ahead, 48-47.

Decatur scored 12 points in the final quarter and held Oxon Hill to six, to advance to Thursday’s regional championship.

“I just love these kids so much because they fight for one another, they care about one another, they put each other before themselves,” Johnson said. “You just couldn’t ask for a better team. They’re deserving of every-

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN DECATUR WRESTLING FACEBOOK

Fourteen Stephen Decatur wrestlers will compete in the MPSSAA 2A-1A state championship meet this weekend at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. They advanced to states for placing in the top four in their weight class during the 2A-1A East Region competition, held last Saturday at Queen Anne’s High School.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN

Stephen Decatur sophomore Davin Chandler goes up for a shot during Tuesday’s 3A South Region II semifinals against Oxon Hill in Berlin. He led Decatur with 26 points in the 60-53 win.

SD Seahawks fought and played with grit, coach says

Continued from Page 56

thing and they played like it tonight. Here and there we had some mishaps, but they never stopped playing and that’s all you can ask for.”

Sophomore Davin Chandler led Decatur with 26 points. He also had eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.

Junior captain Jayden Hudson chipped in with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Junior captain Brycen Coleman contributed with seven points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see this thing materialize with this group of

kids who care about their academics, who care about each other,” Johnson said. “It’s just awesome. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Decatur was scheduled to face the No. 2 Northeast Eagles yesterday, Thursday, for the 3A South Region II championship in Berlin.

The winner will advance to the state quarterfinals – held Friday or Saturday – against either Great Mills or St. Charles, who were also scheduled to go head-to-head yesterday.

Lady Seahawks fall in 3A South Region II semifinals

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(March 3, 2023) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team lost, 39-31, to the Crofton Cardinals in the 3A South Region II semifinals on Monday in Berlin, ending its season.

“They didn’t quit. They kept fighting, they played through injury, they kept playing hard,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “They gave it all they had.”

Third-seeded Crofton led 9-6 at the end of the first quarter. Secondseeded Decatur outscored its opponent, 11-6, in the second quarter to pull ahead, 17-15, going into halftime.

The Cardinals edged out the Lady Seahawks in the third quarter, 12-9, to take a 27-26 lead. They added 12 points in the final quarter to Decatur’s five.

“It was more of the same going down the stretch of what we’ve seen. A few players clicking … It was a difficult shooting night,” Kurtz said. “As a team we shot below 20 percent from the field. We just couldn’t make shots.”

Senior captain Mayah Garner was the Berlin squad’s top producer with 24 points, 10 rebounds and one steal.

Sophomore Sam Boger had three points, six rebounds and four assists.

“Defensively, we played good. There’s a lot of ability there, a lot of team athleticism, we just failed to score the ball,” Kurtz said. “[Senior captain] Jes [Beck] out [with injury] had a major effect.”

Decatur finished the season with a 17-5 overall record.

“It was a major learning experience as far as lessons of what to do and what not to do,” Kurtz said. “The identity of our team was different this year from the very beginning of the season.”

This year, the coaching staff added tougher competition to the regular season, because playing against stronger opponents will make a team better.

“We elevated the season schedule to prepare for the postseason,” he added.

Decatur went 15-0 during regularseason competition before losing its first game on Feb. 2, 56-51, to Cape Henlopen. That was also when the team lost Beck with a knee injury.

The team will graduate three players – Beck, Garner and Shelby Rosemond.

“My teams have had a lot of success the past couple years … They were three big contributors. They will definitely be missed,” Kurtz said. “They helped build the program, they trusted in the vision and did everything they could to carry it out. All three battled it out and fought for each other every night.”

While graduating the three senior captains will be a big loss, several underclassmen did contribute this season.

“It will be interesting to see what the immediate future looks like,” Kurtz said. “It will be interesting to see the leaps and bounds these girls make if they fully commit. How hard they work for success will determine where this program goes.”

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Stephen Decatur sophomore Trybe Wise shoots around an Oxon Hill player during Tuesday’s 3A South Region II semifinals in Berlin. Decatur won, 60-53.

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

(Top) Stephen Decatur senior captain Shelby Rosemond looks to take a shot during Monday’s 3A South Region II semifinals against Crofton in Berlin. (Below) Senior captain Mayah Garner was Decatur’s top producer with 24 points and 10 rebounds in the 39-31 loss.

BJ Johnson